California Legislature releases members' spending records

The action comes after growing political and legal pressure. The reports, which Assembly leaders had previously said were protected from public disclosure, are posted on the Assembly and Senate websites.

Assembly speaker pushes ahead with Vernon disincorporation plan

Despite a loss of support in the California Senate this week, John A. Pérez plans to bring his bills up for a vote. Sen. Kevin de Leon is instead calling for governmental reforms in the troubled city.

Jerry Brown unveils jobs plan to spur hiring in California

The governor wants to change the tax code to draw more revenue from firms that employ the bulk of workers outside the state while creating new breaks for firms that hire or buy equipment in California.

Shark fin ban clears key California Senate committee

Progress of bill to ban shark fin is being watched by environmentalists, who are for it, and some Chinese Americans who consider it discriminatory.

Vernon OKs reforms in effort to avoid disincorporation

City Council seeks to address criticism by expanding housing, adding Civil Service job protections for city workers and vowing to hold elections to fill vacant council seats.

George Skelton: Let's have action on jobs

As lawmakers prepare to shut down, lots of issues are taking them away from the most pressing problem: putting people back to work.

BART officials craft policy for cutting cellphone service

A policy being developed by Bay Area transit officials would allow BART to cut cellphone service in its stations only under extreme circumstances.

California panel reaffirms carbon trading program

The California Air Resources Board approves a revised analysis ordered by a judge. Opponents plan another challenge to the long-delayed program to trade emissions permits.

San Diego officials urge vigilance as 9/11 anniversary nears

Authorities warn residents to be alert for signs of terrorism and to report suspicious behavior.

California mental hospitals are dangerous, legislators told

Violence is an increasing problem, as reflected by a patient's slaying of a psychiatric technician, witnesses say. More than 90% of current patients have been arrested or convicted of crimes.

Advocates push public aid for undocumented college students

Activists prod a California Senate panel to allow a floor vote on AB 131, which would give the undocumented access to $40 million in Cal Grants, community college fee waivers and other aid.

Lax land oversight cost California millions

An audit finds officials have failed to keep leases current for the use of public property.

Legislators feel the heat at South L.A. jobs summit

There's a disconnect between rich and poor, Republicans and Democrats, and especially between politicians and angry voters.

Villaraigosa's bold jabs at Gov. Brown and property tax

California Senate OKs measure to limit mobile billboards

The legislation, which would close a loophole in a 2010 law, would allow cities to restrict parking of sign-bearing trailers.

Celebrating new voting districts

Despite complaints and Republicans' threats of a challenge, almost anything would be better than having legislators once more design the districts to protect themselves, their pals and the status quo.

Lawmakers' dispute jeopardizes Bell-inspired disclosure bill

A measure that would require many state officials to disclose their compensation and perks is hung up by a dispute between Sen. Lou Correa and Assembly Speaker John Pérez over a bill to dissolve another scandal-plagued city: Vernon.

Gov. Jerry Brown appoints jobs czar

California's new jobs czar, former Bank of America and GMAC executive Michael Rossi, will serve as a liaison for businesses, labor and Gov. Jerry Brown's administration.

Villaraigosa targets Prop. 13 in Sacramento address

The L.A. mayor challenges Gov. Brown and lawmakers to remove business property owners from some provisions of the law, which he says has become a 'corporate tax giveaway.'

L.A. County officials say crime would rise under prison plan

Yaroslavsky and Antonovich say proposed transition of inmates from state prison to county lockups would also add to fiscal burdens.

Bruised by budget battle, Jerry Brown curbs ambitions

California's governor plans to spend the rest of 2011 as a fiscal caretaker, implementing and defending a spending plan that faces court challenges as revenue plummets.

University of California announces raises for non-union workers

Plan seeks to fend off faculty hiring raids while also mollifying critics of high executive pay.