Spending in L.A. mayor's race breaks records

By Saturday, the expenditures had exceeded $33 million, with outside money playing a dominant role heading into Tuesday's election. The biggest single donor is Working Californians, a pro-Greuel "super PAC."

Mayor candidates on transportation: innovation vs. tried and true

L.A. mayor candidates Garcetti and Greuel have similar track records on city transportation problems, but there are a few notable differences.

Do we love L.A.? We don't always vote like it

The weather should be nice (what else?) for Tuesday's municipal election, so roll out of bed and start humming Randy Newman. Maybe we'll hit 25% turnout.

USC made its offer to neuroscientists a no-brainer

The school's 'all hands on deck' effort to lure Arthur Toga and Paul Thompson from UCLA included money and the prospect of new collaborations, as well as less tangible personal perks.

Garcetti's lead over Greuel at 7 percentage points in mayoral race

Latest survey also shows 11% of likely voters still undecided, meaning the dynamics of the race could still shift before Tuesday's runoff.

Analyst disputes Brown's budget outlook as too glum

Legislature's advisor sees $3 billion more in revenue, which could hamper the governor's bid to curb spending.

Greuel cites high-profile role as an executive at DreamWorks SKG

The candidate's position at DreamWorks was about more than making movies — she was a go-between for the studio to the political, governmental and civic worlds.

L.A. mayor's race result may be unknown for weeks after election

Mail-in ballots, the apparent tightness of the race and the peculiarities of the City Clerk's counting procedures open the possibility of a delayed outcome.

In L.A. council race, rivals still battling over failed sales tax hike

In multiple mailers sent to voters in the 13th council district, candidate John Choi contends that rival Mitch O'Farrell backed laying off '500 cops.' Farrell counters: 'That's a lie.'

California bills on firearms, violence clear hurdles

Legislation passed by the Senate includes a measure requiring gun owners to keep firearms locked up if they live with someone prohibited by law from using guns.

Billboard companies playing big role in L.A. city election

The firms, which want new rules allowing them to install more digital billboards, are donating thousands of dollars worth of signs to promote city candidates.

In new era, Brown has the clout to corral Legislature

As budget-negotiating season opens, the governor is preaching 'prudence, not exuberance,' and he holds the strongest hand.

Lawmakers test Brown's no-tax resolve with calls to hike levies

Democrats who control the Legislature have proposed about 20 tax and fee measures affecting such things as soda, cigarettes, plastic bags and bullets.

Jerry Brown urges UC to stress graduating students in 4 years

The California governor addresses UC regents. He recently proposed giving UC and Cal State more money if they boost graduation rates 10% by 2017.

Gov. Jerry Brown unveils cautious budget for deficit-free state

The governor says California's financial condition remains unstable despite a surge in revenue. Only schools will get a substantial boost beyond his January budget.

Veterans home-loan bond money going untapped

More than $1.1 billion in bonds approved by voters for the purpose remain unsold. Agencies that help vets say the money is desperately needed for other services that the current program is not allowed to pay for.

Lax oversight allows felons to counsel addicts, report finds

An inquiry by the Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes, a nonpartisan group, finds that 23 sex offenders have been allowed to work as counselors since 2005.

Feuer touts his ability to work cooperatively

But while former colleagues on the L.A. City Council and Assembly describe him as driven and intelligent, they say his style can be abrasive.

Healthcare puts Jerry Brown, Capitol Democrats on different sides

The Democrats who control the Legislature want to make it easier to obtain public insurance than Brown does and send more money to doctors, hospitals and counties than the governor wants to part with.

O.C. supervisors deny $20,000 increase for grand jury

One official calls the panel 'incompetent' after it issued reports charging local government was corrupt and covered up sexual harassment.

Assembly OKs bill allowing transgender students in sports

Students would be able to be on teams and use bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity rather than their sex.

Coliseum hid reports of financial woes, records show

The reports confirm financial irregularities, an official's use of a personal Visa card to gain travel points and questionable reimbursements.