Company wants to tap Mojave's public lands for Southland water

Cadiz Inc. could realize $1 billion to $2 billion in revenue over the plan's 50-year life. Opponents say public resources are being used for private profit.

Brown stymied by same budget dysfunction that plagued predecessors

California's governor is stuck between Republicans who refuse tax hikes, Democrats who resist cuts and a tangle of special interests and voter-mandated requirements on where money can be spent.

Ready to blaze a trail for tax hike

Molly Munger says her plan to raise $10 billion a year through income taxes is a Band-Aid, but she's prepared to fight for children and schools.

Trutanich campaign knew personnel file was missing 3 years ago

L.A. city attorney, a candidate for D.A., had sought a probe into 'suspicious political activity' after saying the file from the D.A.'s office was missing.

Lawsuit takes aim at California's legal protections for teachers

A Bay Area nonprofit targets teacher tenure rules, seniority protections and the dismissal process. Foes say it wants to weaken public sector unions.

L.A. cyclists seek divine protection

The annual Blessing of the Bicycles at Good Samaritan Hospital seeks to call attention to cyclists' safety and the benefits of getting around Southern California on two wheels.

Los Angeles adopts 'responsible banking' ordinance

New ordinance requires banks doing business with the city to disclose information on loans and foreclosures but doesn't go far enough for some activists.

California bullet train chief seeks environmental exemptions

The chairman of the California High-Speed Rail Authority says in a state Senate hearing that he hopes the initial phase of the construction project through the Central Valley can avoid legal delays.

California presbytery defies church, backs minister in gay weddings

Northern California Presbyterian governing body makes history by rejecting church's official denunciation of minister who performed same-sex marriages.

Mailer with George Wallace image backs O.C. supervisor hopeful

The letter to American Independent Party members supports Villa Park Councilwoman Deborah Pauly's campaign. It was written by a man who says he was chairman of Wallace's bid for president in 1967.

Software made L.A. fire response times untrustworthy, report says

The report on emergency response times by a nationally recognized statistics expert calls on the LAFD to stop using the software until the problem is fixed.

Jerry Brown's plea to voters: 'Please increase taxes temporarily'

Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal for closing California's $16-billion funding gap includes 4-day state workweeks and Medi-Cal cuts. He warns that cuts will be even more severe if voters reject tax hikes on the November ballot.

L.A. Coliseum panel OKs deal to transfer control of venue to USC

The 8-to-1 vote would virtually end public stewardship of the 88-year-old stadium, which is teetering on the brink of financial ruin.

California offered piece of the action from Internet poker

Casino operators lobby hard for legalization by the state. Co-sponsors of a state legalization bill hope it could raise hundreds of millions for the budget-battered state.

New Trestles bridge opens

Much of the original, 1941 wooden structure near the famed San Diego County surf spot has been replaced — under budget and six months ahead of schedule — with reinforced concrete.

Retired supervisors describe violence by jail deputies

Former administrators testify about beatings, insubordination and off-duty misconduct, and accuse a top manager of failing to impose discipline.

Ex-detective accused of rape to blame attack on antidepressant

An attorney for Anthony Nicholas Orban, who is accused of raping a woman in San Bernardino County in 2010, argues that Orban was 'unconscious' and 'totally unaware of his actions' after taking Zoloft. If jurors agree, he could walk out a free man.

L.A. to tighten camping ban before City Hall park reopens

Council will vote Tuesday to prohibit tents, sleeping bags, bed rolls and hammocks in response to last year's Occupy Los Angeles protest.

L.A. County's 911 system burdened by non-emergency calls

Patients who summon paramedics for rides to clinics or to refill prescriptions are taking time and resources from patients with dire needs. Officials consider changes to make the system more adaptable.

Students at charter-run Locke do better than nearby peers

Locke students were more likely to graduate and to have taken courses needed for a state college, a study says. Still, overall achievement remains low.

A 'war on women' at L.A. City Hall?

They're targeted disproportionately by Mayor Villaraigosa's proposed layoffs, L.A. labor groups say.

FBI probes disappearance of nonprofits' money

Groups apparently lost about $1 million when the International Humanities Center, which handled their funds, abruptly closed its Woodland Hills office earlier this year.

June primary is key test for state's top-two election system

Candidates are campaigning earlier, spending more money and trying to broaden their appeal as only those who come in first and second will advance to the November ballot.

Cigarette tax is a lifesaver

Tobacco companies are taking aim at Proposition 29, which would raise cigarette taxes $1 a pack. But they're blowing smoke.

13 Los Angeles police officers recognized for heroism

At a ceremony in Hollywood, Police Chief Charlie Beck presented the officers and detectives with the LAPD's highest honors, the Medal of Valor and the Purple Heart.

Patient's broken neck went unnoticed

Report finds 'gross negligence' in a patient's care at Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk.

Parents of man slain by Pasadena police question autopsy report

An attorney for Kendrec McDade's family said a report showing bullets hit his arms and hip seem to contradict police assertions that no shots came from behind.

High-speed spending: Bullet train may need $3.5 million a day

California would have to pay $6 billion to complete a 130-mile segment by September 2017, a plan that requires 120 permits and buying 1,100 parcels of land.

A Mother's Day thank you for the care given a father in decline

He had become a child again, and she fed him, clothed him, cleaned him and soothed him, holding his hand until the end.

UC Santa Barbara gets $50-million gift from Oracle chairman

The donation from Jeffrey and Judy Henley is the biggest in UC Santa Barbara's history. It will support energy efficiency research and engineering programs.