Hewlett-Packard probe roils California U.S. Senate race

SEC and others are investigating whether company executives paid bribes to win a lucrative foreign contract while under the leadership of GOP candidate Carly Fiorina.

Back on the trail, Jerry Brown visits South L.A. pulpits

In appearances over the weekend, the Democrat quotes from the Gospel of Luke and Proverbs, drops Latin terms and takes jabs at Meg Whitman, his likely opponent in the governor's race.

Plugging in a monopoly

PG & E is the sole contributor to -- and the main beneficiary of -- Prop. 16.

Foes of California's global warming law pour money into a campaign to delay it

Opponents of the law, largely oil firms and conservative activists, miss a signature-gathering target date for putting an initiative on the November ballot, but get a cash infusion to keep trying.

Diverse opinions and a plan of action at youth summit

Teen leaders from across California gather to define their priorities -- education, budget reform, immigration, social equality -- and make plans to do something about it.

California Democrats close convention with eye on tough races ahead

The party, which has dominated most state elections for a generation, is facing stiff challenges from wealthy Republicans and strong GOP momentum across the nation.

Hollywood wonders if Arnold Schwarzenegger will be back

His time as California governor is winding down. He still has acting to fall back on.

Jerry Brown calls for debate with GOP rivals

The candidate for governor issues the challenge at the California Democratic convention as the party looks to counter the national GOP tide.

Getting to the bottom of the GOP's visit to the wild side

At Voyeur, where the RNC dropped $2,000, there are women with ropes and plastic wrap, but there's no nudity.

710 Freeway project redoes chunks of new concrete divider

Caltrans says that the $26-million barrier, which it finished in 2008, was necessary then, and that replacing chunks of it is necessary now. Assemblyman Hector de la Torre isn't so sure.

Oops, they did it, with spin

Political candidates are taking swift ownership of their blunders in an effort to regroup and refocus before mishaps go viral. In an age when campaign bloopers pop right onto YouTube, speed is key.

Unions criticize California bill aimed at improving the policing of healthcare workers

The Service Employees International Union and others say the legislation, which would overhaul the system for disciplining workers accused of misconduct, does little to improve patient safety.

Villaraigosa endorses Kamala Harris in race for attorney general

In backing Harris, San Francisco's district attorney, the mayor snubbed two of her rivals from Los Angeles, including fellow Democrat Rocky Delgadillo.

Jerry Brown, how about some specifics on how you'd fix the state?

The Democratic former governor has so far been relying on his experience as a selling point for voting for him. But he's going to have to do better than that.

Assembly and state Senate races will be decided in runoff

Democrat Mike Gatto will face Republican Sunder Ramani in the race to replace former Assemblyman Paul Krekorian in Glendale. In Riverside County, three candidates vie for Sen. John Benoit's old seat.

University president says documents relating to Palin speech were stolen

Cal State Stanislaus is investigating how part of a draft contract with the former Alaska governor, who is slated to speak there June 25, came to be in students' hands.

Activist who challenges Obama's citizenship is booted from Tax Day Tea Party

After candidates complain to organizers, Orly Taitz's speaking engagement is withdrawn. Taitz has been a leading voice in the discredited 'birther' movement.

Southern California special elections winnow legislative races

Mike Gatto has narrow Democratic lead in the 43rd Assembly District; Bill Emmerson is ahead in the 37th Senate District. Runoffs are likely.

Boxer tops potential challengers in fundraising

GOP rivals Fiorina, Campbell and DeVore lag significantly behind the incumbent.

Runoffs to be held June 8 for 2 California legislative seats

Democrat Gatto will face GOP's Ramani in the 43rd Assembly District. GOP's Emmerson will face Democrat Blake and Monica of the American Independent Party in the 37th Senate District.

San Diego assemblyman proposes tougher penalties for sex crimes

At emotional press conference attended by the parents of slain 17-year-old Chelsea King, Republican Nathan Fletcher calls for longer sentences for those convicted of sexual assaults against minors.

A leading voice in the Catholic Church

As a bishop in Colorado and Texas, Jose Gomez did not hesitate to use his pulpit as a platform for both social justice and raw politics -- causing, on occasion, considerable strife.