California controller seeks more power, staff to examine city finances

The controller's office has received more than 50 tips about potential financial irregularities and other alleged misconduct in municipal agencies, suggesting that scandal-plagued Bell is not unique.

Fresh face in Bell is a break from the past

Council candidate Mario Rivas, the recycling coordinator in Huntington Park, is a former Marine who drives a Prius and a Segway and has solar panels on his home.

Prop. 8 opponents ask California high court to reject federal court's request for ruling

The request involves initiative supporters' right to defend a ballot measure when state officials refuse to do so.

L.A. County labor federation endorses little-known election challenger to Parks

Group backs Forescee Hogan-Rowles — a former mayoral appointee to the DWP board — over L.A. Councilman Bernard C. Parks, a fiscal conservative who heads the city's budget committee and has often been at odds with labor unions.

Bell scandal inspires reformist legislative proposals

California lawmakers introduce bills to combat pay and pension abuse by city officials in the wake of the Bell scandal.

Gunfire shatters a new sense of calm

As Los Angeles grows safer, high-profile shootings can reinforce long-held perceptions of danger.

Home-building industry falls short in environmental efforts, report finds

Also, Congress pares tax credits for energy-saving home renovations, the mortgage industry shrinks, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are more likely to foreclose than modify home loans.

The budget perils of mixing government and politics

Gov. Jerry Brown and Republican legislators have backed themselves into corners over tax increases.

Tug-of-war over parole for convicted killers arises from twist in California law

The state's parole board decides on inmates' release dates, but a governor can overrule it. About 250 people claim Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger put politics ahead of law when he blocked their parole.

Chinese American mayors overcoming Bay Area's history of discrimination

San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan have long battled poverty, discrimination and fear in the Bay Area. Now, they have opened doors to new political influence.

California cities race to shield funds from state

As Jerry Brown seeks to kill redevelopment agencies, officials move to protect the groups' money. They see a raid by Sacramento, while the state says the funds are needed to protect vital services.

California taxpayers' money wasted, misused, state auditor finds

Gov. Jerry Brown is alerted to hundreds of thousands of dollars in waste and fraud, complicating his plan to persuade voters to extend expiring tax increases.

Polls illuminate Brown's path

His plan to balance the budget with taxes and cuts in roughly equal measure could win voter support.

State Senate elections may be settled in first round of balloting

Voters last year passed a system in which the top two vote-getters regardless of party will advance to a special runoff. But races in the 17th and 28th Senate districts aren't expected to test the new process.

Community colleges seek ways to deal with unstable students

Santa Monica College is among those working with an online training program to learn how to help those in trouble.

A new-old mission for Feinstein

She was the principal sponsor of the gun control law that died in 2004. Even after the rampage in Tucson, going back to that standard may be difficult.

Schwarzenegger was inconsistent on clemency

The former governor reduced the prison sentence of a political ally's son but reversed the parole board's decision to free dozens of inmates involved in similar crimes.

Lawmakers getting new cars despite push to pare California's vehicle fleet

Legislators have spent at least $259,000 in taxpayer funds on new SUVs and other vehicles for themselves in the last year despite a push by the new governor and the last one to cut California's fleet amid the state's financial crisis.

Jerry Brown seeks to eliminate firms' ability to choose between California tax formulas

The choice, which just took effect, gives companies an incentive to create new jobs outside California, a state analyst says. Eliminating the provision would bring in $1 billion annually, a report says.

Brown budget plan draws flak from right, left

Anti-tax activists call for state pension reform and warn GOP lawmakers not to put tax extensions before voters. Some Democrats lament cuts.

An older, bolder Jerry Brown deserves kudos for his budget plan

Gov. Jerry Brown is showing a willingness to take big risks in his share-the-pain plan to close the budget gap.

Gov. Jerry Brown's budget plan a 'good starting point,' nonpartisan analyst says

The spending plan is called 'more straightforward,' with several 'bold ideas' for tackling California's chronic deficits. It calls for an extension of tax hikes and steep reductions in public services.