California passes a budget that could be a federal template

Lawmakers approve a $96.3-billion spending plan that places the state at the leading edge of President Obama's healthcare overhaul. It also increases funding for schools and social services.

'Less liberal' is the new conservative in state Capitol

With Democrats in control, Republicans rely on Gov. Jerry Brown to be their budget voice.

Give credit to California voters

A triumphant Gov. Brown and legislative leaders savor an on-time, balanced budget. But two ballot measures helped considerably.

Brown retreats from conditions on university funding

The budget plan to be voted on Friday will no longer tie money to transfer enrollment numbers and other measures, which critics called rigid and unrealistic.

Anaheim council rejects ballot measure on district representation

In a boisterous session, council members request more study on efforts to better represent Anaheim's large Latino population. A proposal that would continue at-large elections is approved.

Iranian immigrants cheer for homeland in soccer-title quest

Putting their homeland's politics aside, Iranian Americans across Southern California gather where they can to watch a World Cup qualifying match on TV.

Snowden's leak of NSA secrets reveals deeper problem

Edward Snowden may have done the country a service by exposing the extent to which the government has scanned our phone calls, emails and data. And yet, many Americans are OK with that.

California budget accord balances restraint, social services

Lawmakers and Gov. Jerry Brown announce a $96.3-billion deal, with new spending on welfare grants, tuition aid and dental care for poor adults. But they agree to pare some outlays until next year.

Poll shows Californians favor legalizing same-sex marriage

Change in voters' attitudes is 'across the board' -- region, ethnicity, age, religion. The biggest shift is among seniors.

FBI raid highlights need for reform

No one knows why federal agents raided state Sen. Ron Calderon's office last week. But legal or illegal, money in politics is corrupting.

Which comes first: California's egg rule, or everyone else's?

A fight brews in Congress over an effort to stop California from rejecting eggs from states that don't follow its rules on treatment of hens.

De Leon subpoena follows Calderon raid

State senator, who says he's been told he's not a target of the federal investigation, and Calderon had been on opposite sides of a legislative effort.

Californians uneasy about fracking's safety, lack of oversight

More than 70% of voters favor banning or heavily regulating chemical injections into the ground to tap oil and natural gas, a USC Dornsife/L.A. Times poll finds.

Coliseum negotiations kept confidential, stadium official says

Government overseers entered into a secrecy agreement requested by USC on negotiations to surrender control of the venue to the university, stadium general manager testifies.

Calderon ties to water district may be part of FBI investigation

Sources say federal investigators asked about legislator Ronald S. Calderon's ties to the Central Basin Municipal Water District.

Survey shows growing support for online education in California

In new USC Dornsife/L.A. Times poll, 59% of respondents said increasing online classes at public universities will make education more affordable and accessible.

Bill Lockyer had the right stuff to be governor

Lockyer, California's treasurer, never lost an election in 46 years and he knew how to get things done. But the timing never worked out for him.

Compton voters elect Aja Brown as mayor in runoff election

Brown, a political newcomer, beats controversial former city leader Omar Bradley. Voters also appear to elect the first Latino representative to the City Council.

California state senator is targeted in FBI searches

Agents give no reason for raids on offices of Montebello Democrat Ron Calderon and the Latino Caucus.

Casino plan for Central Valley land spurs fight

A ruling allowing a tribe to build a casino on land it has not lived on for generations has divided Indian groups and touched off an intense battle in the Capitol.

Embattled board mulls prescription abuse solutions

Under threat of disbandment by the Legislature, the California medical board starts its search for a new executive director and considers proposals aimed at combating reckless prescribing by doctors.

Officials from L.A. urge delay in transferring some to managed care

Members of the L.A. congressional delegation raise concerns about whether patients who receive both Medicare and Medi-Cal would be able to keep services they need during the transition to new coverage.