Occupy movement is largely secular

Some left-leaning religious groups see it as a kindred spirit, but there has been little coalescence despite a national history of progressive religious activism.

Assemblywoman Hayashi facing shoplifting charge

Mary Hayashi of Hayward has pleaded not guilty to a felony grand theft charge stemming from an incident at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco. Her office says it was 'a mistake and a misunderstanding.'

Gov. Jerry Brown risks backlash on pension plan

The governor's proposed retirement system overhaul sets the stage for battles with fellow Democrats and his biggest supporters, public employee unions.

The retirement system overhaul at a glance

Questions and answers about Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed changes to the state's retirement system

Gov. Jerry Brown to unveil 12-point pension overhaul

Brown will propose benefits for new state workers that combine elements of traditional pensions with a 401(k)-style savings plan. He says the state can no longer afford its current retirement system.

California high court rejects challenges to redistricting

The legal challenges were brought by Republicans seeking to overturn congressional and state Senate voting district maps drawn by a citizens commission.

California leads nation in escalation of college costs

California's public universities enacted the highest average tuition increase, 21%, of any state, the College Board finds. Steep state funding cuts to higher ed were significant factors in pushing up tuition and fees nationwide.

Ballot tampering alleged in San Francisco mayoral election

Some of interim Mayor Ed Lee's supporters are accused of marking and taking possession of voters' absentee ballots. The supporters have said they were just doing outreach and education.

L.A.-area Tunisians vote in first national elections since ruler's ouster

Tunisia's landmark election for a constituent assembly that will write a new constitution takes place Sunday, but balloting is being held at voting centers outside the country, including in L.A.

Vernon council reforms low-rent housing rules

The move comes in response to criticism that the current system stifles open elections. The housing commission will have the power to set rents based on an independent valuation.

Fundraising signals hot political races in June

Redistricting and a new primary election system combine to change the state's political landscape and may produce the most expensive House race ever.

California Medical Assn. calls for legalization of marijuana

The doctor group questions the medical value of pot and acknowledges some health risk from its use but urges it be regulated like alcohol. A law enforcement official harshly criticizes the new stance.

Bill would remove penalty for tapping 401(k) to avoid foreclosure

The proposed legislation would amend the tax code to allow homeowners who have 401(k) retirement plans to pull out money to save their houses from foreclosure without the usual tax penalties.

Gov. Jerry Brown charts his own path

Those looking for a pattern in the governor's decision-making should remember that he's a nonconformist first and foremost.

Brown bans open carrying of handguns

Governor cites police support in signing bill that puts California at odds with relaxed measures sweeping the U.S. 2nd Amendment activists predict a surge in concealed-weapons permits.

Brown vetoes bill to warn women of breast tissue

SB 791 sought to require medical providers to notify women if they have dense breast tissue. Sen. Joe Simitian said he may bring the bill back next year in a different form.

Gov. Jerry Brown is giving unions most of what they seek

In Jerry Brown's first legislative session in nearly three decades, no group won more than organized labor.

UC reaches labor deal with its largest union

AFSCME Local 3299 represents more than 20,000 employees. The union and university had been locked in a dispute over pension and pay raises for nearly a year.

The untapped power of the Legislature

A rich Bay Area investor wants to see more quality in Sacramento. It's not about politics; it's about courageous lawmakers.

Chinese American food purveyors object to law banning shark fins

New legislation that outlaws the main ingredient in shark fin soup unfairly deprives customers of a centuries-old delicacy, California restaurant owners say. The Assemblyman who introduced the bill grew up eating the soup but called the finning of sharks a brutal practice.

Brown signs California Dream Act

The law grants illegal immigrants access to state aid at public universities and colleges. It is one of 50 education-related bills weighed by the governor.

Brown clearing more than 140 bills ahead of deadline

The governor approves bills barring minors from tanning beds and requiring health insurers to cover therapy for autism. He has not yet announced his decision on an open carry bill or to extend tax credits for film production.