Sought-after Cameron Woods finally feeling the real estate crash

The Van Nuys enclave, ever popular with location scouts, was always an easy sell. Until now.

Park closures just don't pencil out

The governor's plan to shut parks to save $22 million won't make a dent in the projected deficit and doesn't account for the effect shutting them would have on communities.

A light show for the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th birthday

Remotely operated mirrors on Sunday began reflecting light around the San Francisco Bay from atop the Golden Gate Bridge's towers.

For old soldiers at monthly Concord meeting, a recall of duty

WWII vets gather at a Denny's to share stories about their service. They call themselves the Third Thursday Lunch Bunch, and the decades haven't dimmed their memories.

California's egg-farm law prompts a push for national standards

In a rare alliance, the Humane Society and egg ranchers lobby for federal legislation on the treatment of chickens that would override California's Proposition 2.

In Mexicali, a haven for broken lives

The once-grand El Hotel Centenario is now the decrepit El Hotel del Migrante Deportado — the Hotel of the Deported Migrant. It hosts a procession of lost souls.

Swing district in Ventura County may create opening for independent candidate

In a district with nearly even Republican and Democratic registration, there may be no Democrat on the November ballot in the contest to succeed Rep. Elton Gallegly, complicating Democrats' hopes of regaining a majority.

Bay Area crowds see battleship Iowa off on final voyage

The World War II vessel passes beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, which is marking its 75th birthday, on its way to San Pedro, where it will become a museum.

For Marine's widow, Memorial Day has extra meaning

Staff Sgt. Joseph Fankhauser was killed in Afghanistan last month when he stepped on an improvised explosive device. 'We live with death' in Explosive Ordnance Disposal, his wife, Heather, says.

Guest worker idea stuck in web of politics

California growers warn of a labor shortage unless a system is implemented to temporarily allow pickers into the United States legally.

Senior Comedy Afternoons aim to tickle creaky funny bones

A Fountain Valley woman got the idea for the senior-geared events after taking her mother, now 92, to a standard improv show. She hated it.

Many hospitals, doctors offer cash discount for medical bills

The lowest price is usually available only if patients don't use their health insurance. In one case, blood tests that cost an insured patient $415 would have been $95 in cash.

At Clifton's Cafeteria, someone left a light on. For 77 years.

During renovations of the Broadway eatery, a neon lamp that was switched on during the Great Depression is found behind a partition. The owner estimates it's generated more than $17,000 in electric bills.

Scientists observe 'tragic experiment' of tsunami debris

Material swept across the Pacific after Japan's 2011 earthquake offers an opportunity to track items originating from a single point at a single time. Debris has begun washing up on the West Coast.

Prosecution of false accuser in rape case seen as difficult

The woman was a teen when she said a football star assaulted her at a Long Beach high school. Legal experts said it could also be hard for the school district to recover money from a settlement it made.

Theme parks' entry prices jump

With added rides and rising crowds, Disney and others are lifting fees to new heights.

State auditor's office subpoenas Vernon financial records

The office, which rarely uses its subpoena power, is conducting a probe of contracts, bond issuances, salaries and other financial matters in Vernon.

Former L.A. County appraiser is arraigned

Scott Schenter is charged with unlawfully lowering property values by $172 million, allegedly to secure campaign contributions from the owners for Assessor John Noguez. He pleads not guilty.

Man confessed in 2 Orange County slayings, transcript says

Actor accused of killing two friends in a plot to frame one for the slaying of the other confessed to police when arrested, according to a grand jury transcript.

Hollywood philanthropist throws a lifeline to L.A. Unified

Megan Chernin's group has already sponsored a breakfast program for 200,000 and screened 'Bully.' Its goal is to get wealthy Angelenos to rally around public schools.

A cop and bull story

A Fresno motorcycle officer who knows the ropes chases down a runaway animal and lassos it as authorities seek to put two schools on lockdown.

CHP shifting to SUVs for patrol cruisers

Officials say they plan to start phasing in a 'Police Interceptor' version of the Ford Explorer this fall because traditional sedans available were too small. A third of the fleet is replaced each year.

San Francisco announces Coit Tower overhaul fund

San Francisco leaders announce creation of a $1.7-million fund to upgrade the iconic concrete tower built in 1933 and to repair its severely damaged famous frescoes.

West Hollywood to defend councilman if he is charged over expenses

The district attorney's office is investigating John Duran, who charged more than $7,000 in meals to his city credit card over three years. Duran says all the meals were related to city business.

Angeles National Forest land burned in Station fire reopens

Forest Service announces reopening of 41,000 acres closed since the massive 2009 Station fire.

Friends mourn photographer, 101, killed by driver, 91, in Burbank

Otto Jensen, also a former Olympic boxer and long-distance runner, was known as much for his youthful vigor as for his decades of picture-taking. He died Tuesday.

Metro to run Westside subway extension under Beverly Hills High

City and school officials in Beverly Hills have warned that construction could disrupt or damage the school. Metro officials rebut that assertion.

Water quality at L.A. County beaches improves

Heal the Bay credits the gains to a drier winter and construction of more facilities to capture, treat and divert tainted storm water. But the county still has seven of the state's top 10 most polluted beaches.

Gov. Jerry Brown seeks to cap wildfire liabilities in California

Proposal to limit the money the government can recover for fighting fires and restoring land is supported by governor's contributors. He says there is no link.

Michael Heizer's calling is set in stone

The creator of the 'Levitated Mass' sculpture at LACMA, whose centerpiece is a 340-ton boulder, Michael Heizer is no stranger to exploring the complexities of giant stone.

Cal State Chancellor Charles B. Reed to retire

The administrator is ending 14 years as head of the 23-campus system, an era of cuts, rising costs, protests over presidents' salaries and clashes with unions.

Proprietors of same liquor store killed eight years apart

The first slaying in Hawaiian Gardens was committed in a botched robbery, but this week's killing remains a mystery. One theory is that the victim was targeted over gambling debts.

Go, stop, order, chaos: the rhythm of Los Angeles

A search for the city's rhythm is inspired by L.A. poets' musings on the unique feel of the movement of people and time here.

Utility regulators more than double California's solar power goal

The state Public Utilities Commission raises the maximum total capacity for all rooftop solar systems in an electric bill-slashing program to about 5,200 megawatts from 2,400 megawatts.

California seeks discipline for Bell's auditing firm

Meyer Hoffman McCann, which is accused of rubber-stamping city audits, could be fined $1 million and lose its license to practice in the state.

Judge OKs extradition of accused arsonist Harry Burkhart's mother

The attorney for Harry Burkhart opposed sending Dorothee Burkhart back to Germany to face fraud charges because she is a crucial witness in his client's case.

California gas prices to set record for Memorial Day weekend

The state's average gasoline price, though down 5.5 cents from a week earlier, is still higher than during Memorial Day weekend 2008. Analysts say this summer's outlook is difficult to predict.

Internet phone service bill advances in California Senate

A state Senate committee approves SB 1161, a bill to ban regulation of Internet phone service, after changes are proposed to uphold some consumer protections.

A 10-year nightmare over rape conviction is over

Brian Banks spent years in prison, branded a rapist. Then his accuser provided the key to getting his conviction dismissed.

Caltech's day of mind games, amusements and crossbows

Caught in the cycle of poverty

Choices, challenges and chaos keep undermining a woman's attempt to escape the struggles her mother and grandmother faced. She wants to provide a better life for her children but seems not to know how.

Leaders of cash-strapped Coliseum complex claim luxury suite

The taxpayer-owned venue is in financial ruins, but four commissioners kept a private, catered area at the Sports Arena from public sale, so they had prime views of Bruce Springsteen singing about blue-collar struggles.

L.A. OKs ban on plastic bags at checkout

Council also imposes a 10-cent fee on paper totes. The law will be phased in over the next 16 months.

Mother shocked by daughter's alleged murder plot against her

Angelica Aquirre of Hesperia says she recently became tougher with her rebellious daughter. Then the 13-year-old plotted to kill her, police say.

Jury orders death penalty for killer of Jamiel Shaw II

Pedro Espinoza shot Shaw, a high school football star whom he mistook for a rival gang member, in 2008.

Secret files detail clergy abuse at Santa Barbara boarding school

After court battle, papers are released regarding accusations of sexual abuse of children at the Franciscans' St. Anthony Seminary.

Mountain lion killed in Santa Monica was probably seeking a home

The male cougar shot and killed by Santa Monica police on Tuesday was 3, the age that the big cats go in search of their own territory.

L.A. Unified to settle harassment claim against Cortines

The district will pay $200,000 plus benefits worth up to $300,000 in return for Scot Graham's resignation. The ex-superintendent denies harassment but admits 'adult behavior.'

Swept up in parking ticket mania

As L.A. boosts fines for blocking street sweepers, renters playing 'musical cars' bear most of burden.

13 candidates turn up the heat in inland congressional race

Ten Republicans, two Democrats and one independent — at 13, the most in any state congressional race — are vying to represent California's 8th District.

'Super PAC' money pours into Inland Empire congressional race

Outside groups are spending big bucks in the 31st Congressional District race to support Republicans Gary Miller and Bob Dutton and Democrat Pete Aguilar.

Breach prompts California to change how it moves sensitive data

The personal information of more than 700,000 people was jeopardized. Packages of payroll data will now be shipped by courier rather than put in the mail.

Controversial O.C. politician loses local GOP leadership post

Villa Park Councilwoman Deborah Pauly is removed as first vice chair of the county's Republican Party. She sparked outrage last year over her protest outside an Islamic charity event.

MTA pact with Japanese firm complies with rules, U.S. says

Federal Transit Administration rejects assertions by labor, activists and competitors that the deal to build rail cars violates 'Buy America' requirements.

2 newspapers sue to get officers' names in UC Davis pepper spraying

The action by the Los Angeles Times and Sacramento Bee demands that the University of California Board of Regents release names redacted from a task force report.

Authorities believe missing Northern California girl is dead

Santa Clara County sheriff announces the arrest of a suspect in Sierra LaMar's slaying. She says there is 'direct' evidence the Morgan Hill girl, 15, is dead.

Group that backed downtown stadium criticizes environmental report

The Natural Resources Defense Council says the document on the proposed football stadium failed to fully analyze traffic-related health risks.

Reagan blood sample vial for sale, controversy included

The auction of a tube that held blood taken after President Reagan was shot in 1981 draws interest from collectors of celebrity relics and opposition from the Reagan presidential foundation.

L.A. Unified can apply for federal Race to the Top funds

For the first time, the U.S. Department of Education will let districts bypass state officials. L.A. Unified wants funds to alter the teacher evaluation process.

Orange County again declines to officially recognize Harvey Milk Day

Supervisors ignore speakers' calls to issue a proclamation honoring the slain gay rights advocate. Activists began a letter, postcard and phone campaign about two months ago.

Supervisors admit lingering problems at foster care office

The L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services facility, cited by a whistle-blower nearly a year ago, remains a 'dumping ground' for troubled children, Gloria Molina says.

USC slaying suspects portrayed themselves as party boys

Belying their Facebook images, Javier Bolden, 19, and Bryan Barnes, 20, are charged in the killings of two Chinese grad students, as well as in shootings at two parties.