Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris urges court to allow same-sex marriages during Prop. 8 appeal

Harris argues that the hold must be removed because the appeal of last year's ruling that overturned Proposition 8 is taking more time than expected.

Bicycle master plan is expected to be approved by the L.A. City Council

It's been a long ride, but bicycle riders' push for for new routes and services is paying off. The plan calls for 1,680 miles of interconnected bikeways.

Jerry Brown eases plan to shift prisoner responsibility

After law enforcement and municipalities protest, governor reconsiders proposal to shift responsibility for more prisoners and parolees to local governments in his effort to close California's budget gap.

Bell administrator testifies that she thought loans were legal

Lourdes Garcia says she didn't realize that loaning city money to colleagues and city workers — including herself — was illegal. She has limited immunity in the sweeping public corruption case.

Searching for brave Republicans

In refusing to be part of the solution, the party could hurt itself as well as California.

Obama, governors to meet as states face cutoff of funds

With stimulus money running out and Congress proposing new cuts, the nation's governors fear the effect on their states' fragile finances.

Lance Armstrong campaigns for tobacco tax initiative to fund cancer research

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will launch a campaign in support of the California Cancer Research Act, which would add a $1 tax to tobacco products.

Debt takes a huge chunk out of California's beleaguered budget

After a 10-year borrowing binge, the upcoming budget is expected to spend more on debt than public universities or state parks. Next year's repayments — $7.65 billion — could make up a quarter of the deficit.

Brown's budget plan backed by two Los Angeles-area business groups

The L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce and Valley Industry & Commerce Assn. support extension of taxes. No Republican lawmakers have backed it.

L.A.'s Measure L would boost library funding

Opponents fear Measure L would divert city spending away from police and fire services, but supporters contend that public libraries are also essential.

California Senate OKs renewable energy bill

Utilities in California would have to get a third of their power from renewable energy sources by 2020, up from a fifth. The bill is expected to pass in the Assembly.

Gov. Jerry Brown tells legislators he will push for a $25-billion cut in California's budget unless voters OK tax extension

Jerry Brown, testifying before the Legislature, says without more taxes he will insist on a budget that is balanced through spending cuts. He has said he does not want to borrow to close the gap.

The pension haves vs. the have-nots

The long-term erosion of private-sector workers' security fuels resentment over generous public payouts.

California GOP group takes hard-line stance against tax hikes

More than two-thirds of the Republicans in the Legislature form a 'taxpayer caucus' that pledges to block the governor's efforts to ask voters to extend for five years billions of dollars in taxes.

Congressional transit leaders meet with Villaraigosa in Westwood

In a rare joint House-Senate hearing, the L.A. mayor pushes for innovation in financing mass transit projects, including his own 30/10 plan. Lawmakers from both parties appear receptive to his ideas.

New state ethics watchdog may seek end to posting allegations of wrongdoing

Fair Political Practices Commission Chairwoman Ann Ravel says she shares politicians' concerns about the agency's practice of posting complaints on its website and may ask that complaints be kept off the site until they are substantiated.

Calabasas City Council race focuses on septic systems, gutter politics

Two outgoing council members support the controversial enforcement of Calabasas' laws on septic systems, but things got really heated when a mysterious poll was conducted in town.

Bullet train backers ask supporters to attend Fresno hearing

Backers of the high-speed-rail system have asked labor, contractors and builders to counter critics of the project at hearings headed by Rep. John Mica of Florida. Mica, who controls transportation funds, has been critical of the rail plan.

California's budget crisis a chance to rethink redevelopment funds

Should California continue to use redevelopment funds for such things as mermaid bars at a time when critical services and programs are being cut?

Federal officials travel to California to reach out to off-roaders

The U.S. Interior secretary and head of the BLM visit the Imperial Sand Dunes to reassure off-road enthusiasts that motorized recreation fits into a conservation and health initiative that is heavy on land preservation.

Bernard Parks faces a tough reelection campaign

City unions target the former police chief as he seeks his third term. They oppose his stands on layoffs, furloughs and benefit reductions.

The Week: Power shifts to California's north

Southern California has movie stars, but most statewide leaders are coming from the north.