Los Angeles Times -- California, Southern California News

Sports facilities tripped up by one misstep after another

By Gale Holland and Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times

A washboard field. A cracked track. Six certified lanes, not the eight required for conference meets. And all this on the roof of a parking structure that had problems too. A new Los Angeles City College athletic venue seems 'cursed.'

Bell's voters have a real choice this time, thanks to the scandal

By Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times

On March 8 the city's voters will have something they haven't had in years: candidates not hand-picked by former City Administrator Robert Rizzo — 18 of them.

Girl, 13, says she fled home to avoid a forced marriage in Pakistan

By Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times

Authorities searching for Jessie Marie Bender, 13, of Hesperia found her Wednesday at an Apple Valley motel. She told them that her family had planned to take her to Pakistan, where they were going to marry her off.

Rosendahl raises new questions about downtown L.A. football stadium plan

By Seema Mehta and Rich Connell, Los Angeles Times

The Westside councilman asks city analysts reviewing the $1.4-billion proposal whether the facility would improve L.A.'s ability to attract major events and conventions.

L.A. Now
Southern California -- this just in

Seven suspected illegal immigrants rescued in mountains but an eighth dies in cold 03/03/2011, 5:36 p.m.
Swastika drawn on sidewalk in front of Wilshire Boulevard Temple 03/03/2011, 5:34 p.m.
Oops! Maria the goose is actually a Mario 03/03/2011, 5:19 p.m.
Councilman raises new questions about downtown L.A. football stadium plan 03/03/2011, 5:18 p.m.
Cook in O.C. jail charged with sexually assaulting 2 female inmates 03/03/2011, 5:08 p.m.
Mel Gibson case went to prosecutors with no recommendation on possible charges 03/03/2011, 5:03 p.m.
Affordable-housing advocates push plan to preserve tax money for redevelopment 03/03/2011, 4:52 p.m.
DWP slow to spend federal stimulus money, L.A. controller finds [Updated] 03/03/2011, 4:34 p.m.

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California Tales

Twenty years after the beating of Rodney King, the LAPD is a changed operation

More California News

Trips, tickets and golf for California lawmakers highlight laxity of ethics rules

By Patrick McGreevy and Michael J. Mishak, Los Angeles Times

Gifts that California legislators have received from lobbyists and others would be forbidden in states such as New York and Arizona. But a proposal by a San Luis Obispo senator would greatly limit the travel, meals, cigars and more.

Bell city clerk testifies Rizzo ordered her to doctor his employee contracts

By Corina Knoll, Los Angeles Times

The documents did not change his salary, but split up his pay so it was drawn from a variety of city agencies — making it harder to determine his full compensation.

Learning the power of art to uplift, inspire

By Hector Tobar

Students from a small continuation school in East L.A. interview 1968 student activists, then write and read plays about courage, idealism and youth.

Former Upland mayor indicted in extortion, bribery

By Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times

John Pomierski is accused of extorting money and campaign contributions from two businesses seeking city permits. A business associate who allegedly acted as a go-between is also charged.

L.A. drops charges against Westwood protesters who supported DREAM Act

By Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times

Demonstrators who stopped traffic near the Federal Building in Westwood — during a May protest in support of the DREAM Act — will not face charges in a case that was closely watched for its free speech implications.

DWP has been slow to spend millions in federal stimulus funds, L.A. audit finds

By Maeve Reston, Los Angeles Times

If the DWP doesn't meet deadlines for spending the stimulus funds, it could risk losing some of the money. Officials say they have streamlined their federal grant process.

Take a gander at this goose, because she's actually a he

By Bob Pool, Los Angeles Times

Maria the goose, who became a media sensation last month when photographed flying alongside an Echo Park Lake visitor's motor scooter, turns out to be Mario the gander. Experts at the L.A. Zoo make the discovery.

California accuses L.A. Coliseum of allowing teens to drink alcohol

By Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times

The alleged violations occurred last year during the Electric Daisy Carnival. The neighboring Sports Arena faces a separate accusation over its alcohol license.

Court dismisses two of eight charges against state Sen. Roderick Wright

By Jean Merl, Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors in the perjury and voting fraud case vowed to appeal. Wright's attorneys will again seek to have the entire case thrown out.

Mel Gibson case goes to prosecutors with no recommendation on charges

By Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times

Senior officials in the L.A. County district attorney's office will get a final briefing before deciding whether to prosecute the actor for domestic violence and his ex-girlfriend for extortion.

Former San Bernardino County welfare workers indicted in grand theft, fraud

Cook in O.C. jail charged with sexually assaulting 2 female inmates

Swastika drawn on sidewalk in front of Wilshire Boulevard Temple

Seven suspected illegal immigrants rescued in mountains but an eighth dies in cold

Charlie Sheen's wife must file police report if she wants criminal investigation

By Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times

Sheen's estranged wife, Brooke Mueller, alleged in court papers this week that the actor had threatened her repeatedly.

Paraplegic woman sentenced in fatal stabbing of high school basketball player

By Ann M. Simmons, Los Angeles Times

Treauna Turner was convicted in December of second-degree murder in the slaying of Yolanda Kennard, a student at Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, prosecutors said.

LAPD seeks felony charges against school police officer who faked shooting

Costa Mesa to lay off nearly half of city workforce, outsource services

White supremacist leader killed in Sacramento County

By Ann M. Simmons, Los Angeles Times

David Lynch, 40, was found shot to death in the bedroom of his home in the 5900 block of Merlindale Drive just before 4 a.m. Wednesday, according to police.