Democrats vie for union endorsements

At SEIU video-conference forums across the state, candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general criticize state employee furloughs and tout their pro-labor backgrounds.

UC could oversee prison health

A proposal by the Schwarzenegger administration to overhaul the troubled medical care system for inmates could save $12 billion over a decade, officials say. But it would also cost jobs.

Senators announce framework for bipartisan immigration bill

Charles Schumer, a Democrat, and Lindsey Graham, a Republican, propose increasing resources for border enforcement and legalizing millions of illegal immigrants. President Obama praises the proposal.

Flags raised over sponsor of Democratic golf fundraiser

An association of cable companies that opposes Internet legislation before the California Legislature is footing the bill for an event at Torrey Pines in La Jolla.

Advisory panel would consider increasing regulation of California's porn industry

After hearing from industry workers, a board of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health votes to form an advisory group. Increased regulation would include mandating the use of condoms.

Attorney general candidate wants to list South Dakota job title on ballot

Republican John Eastman has chosen to list his job as 'assistant attorney general' without specifying where. His opponents cry foul.

Whitman's promise of a blind trust for her assets may be impossible to achieve quickly

The billionaire GOP candidate has vast holdings spread across hedge funds and venture capital groups. The investments may bind her in long-term contracts that she can't break.

Whitman shows her chops

The Republican gubernatorial candidate in California isn't dodging the media anymore. She proves to be articulate and quick on her feet.

Jerry Brown urges unions to go on the offensive

Being drastically outspent by the GOP front-runner for governor, the attorney general calls on labor leaders to join the fray: 'We'll leave [the attacks] to . . . the Democratic Party and others.'

Schwarzenegger to veto Democrats' public transit cuts

The rejection by the California governor, the second in two weeks, kills the Democrats' $4-billion deficit-reduction package.

Meg Whitman shifts her focus to Jerry Brown

The day after her debate with GOP challenger Steve Poizner, she accuses the likely Democratic nominee of failing to provide specific proposals. His campaign says she isn't her party's nominee yet.

Group of 29 governors seeks renewable-power standard

Schwarzenegger and others say a U.S. guideline would help spur job growth and economic development. They also say the current fragmented system is pushing investments abroad.

Velvet gloves in debate by California's GOP candidates in governor's race

Steve Poizner and Meg Whitman skip lightly over solutions to state's finances.

Stimulus funds may go to Oregon firm

State Sen. Alex Padilla is asking why energy panel may hire out-of-state company.

DWP rates may rise between 8% and 28% to pay for mayor's green initiatives

The hike would pay for more aggressive conservation programs and a solar plan designed to create 16,000 jobs as well as cover the fluctuating price of coal and natural gas.

Schwarzenegger won't sign tax relief bill for some homeowners and green energy firms

The governor made the decision at the urging of a business coalition, who opposed the bill because it would increase penalties on those who abuse tax credits.

Superior Court judge sides with Prop. 15 supporters in voter-manual dispute

Judge strikes language in argument against Prop. 15 that declares it would 'raise your taxes,' saying it doesn't apply to general public; measure would alter secretary of state campaign financing.

'Ayatollah' Willie Brown wants a more moderate Legislature

Reform measures probably will be on both ballots this year. Voters seem to be ready. Even Brown likes one.

Democrats and Republicans target incumbents in House races

Both parties, hoping for pickups in November, are focusing their energies on the June 8 primary, including two open congressional seats.

GOP candidates try to tap voters' anti-government mood

At the party's state convention, speeches target the growing 'tea party' sentiments against taxes, debt and welfare. 'We are now members of the Had Enough party,' Senate hopeful Carly Fiorina said.