California voters still support Jerry Brown's call for tax hikes

But skepticism about how lawmakers would use the money could derail the governor's plan, and winning over independents is key, poll finds.

Cities to battle California in court for redevelopment money

Many municipal projects are in question because of a legal dispute over what should become of hundreds of millions of dollars in property tax revenue that used to go to redevelopment.

6 candidates vie to succeed Cooley as L.A. County D.A.

The June 5 election will be the first since 1964 in which an incumbent hasn't been on the ballot. If a candidate doesn't garner 50% of the vote the top vote-getters will meet in a November runoff.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein outpaces challengers in fundraising

The longtime California senator is in a race with 23 underfunded rivals. One of them will be her single opponent on the November ballot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

California relies on oil firms to probe worker's death

State says Chevron and TRC Operating Co. have the equipment and technology to provide a clearer picture of what happened. Labor union is upset.

L.A. City Council OKs $7.2-billion budget

Spending plan expands library hours and increases money for pothole repairs while eliminating 400 vacant jobs, but it delays action on layoffs.

A totally Californian poet laureate

Juan Felipe Herrera, 63, is the son of migrant farmworkers and plugged in to modern culture. He'd like to make the entire state a democratic, virtual poetry workshop.

Graduating collegians cope with student debt in a weak economy

Students and graduates from several Southland campuses talk of their loans and how paying them off figures into their plans. For some, the path seems secure; for others, uncertainty is the only certainty.

Helping an indigent parent access social service benefits

Services for older adults and their families can be found through the federal government's Eldercare Locator. Also consider hiring a geriatric care manager, who can conduct an evaluation, review options and make recommendations.

New fight takes shape over term limits

Prop. 28 would allow legislators to serve 12 years in one house, rather than 14 between the Assembly and Senate. Backers say the move would give lawmakers more experience.

U.S. reaches historic demographic tipping point

Children born to Latino, Asian, African American and mixed-race parents now constitute a majority of all births, the Census Bureau reports.

State Senate OKs bill to limit power of Southland water district

The legislation would bar the Central Basin Municipal Water District from storing groundwater in southeast Los Angeles County, leaving that job to another agency.

A little Brown wizardry needed to fix budget

The governor's policies have been mostly solid, but he hasn't exercised his full political muscle to get state finances in order.