Portantino accuses Democrats of reprisal for budget opposition

Assemblyman says his budget is being cut and his staff could be put on leave as punishment for voting against Democrats' spending plan. Legislative leaders say the move is purely fiscal.

Voters to choose Rep. Jane Harman's successor Tuesday

The race between Democrat Janice Hahn and Republican Craig Huey to represent the coastal 36th Congressional District has been contentious and hard-fought.

'South California' for 51st state?

Fed up with Sacramento, a Riverside County politician seeks to break 13 counties away to form a state called South California

Speaking the unspeakable in California politics

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa may push for Prop. 13 reform. It would be an uphill fight. But there has to be a way to protect longtime homeowners and make corporate property owners pay more.

Brown signs laws on cyber-bullying, in-home care providers

California schools will now be allowed to suspend students for bullying classmates on social networking sites. Another law tightens rules on felons serving as in-home care providers for the elderly and disabled.

Candidates in 36th Congressional District clash in radio face-off

Democrat Janice Hahn and Republican Craig Huey have a spirited debate before Tuesday's election in their only meeting of the campaign.

GOP transportation bill could boost funds for L.A. transit system

Mayor Villaraigosa thanks GOP Rep. John Mica for boosting funds for a loan program that could make money available for L.A. The proposal is criticized for underfunding other programs.

Assembly Speaker John Pérez wins small victory in disbanding Vernon

A Senate committee approves a companion measure to the disincorporation bill, providing protections to businesses.

California pays more than 1,400 workers in excess of $200,000

Many are prison doctors, dentists or nurses. Total compensation can be pushed higher by payouts for unused vacation and sick time. Last year, a prison doctor collected $777,423 and a dentist got $599,403.

Assembly passes bill to require contributions of gays in textbooks

The bill, SB 48, would require history classes and textbooks to include contributions of gays, lesbians and transgender Americans. Gov. Brown has 12 days to sign it or veto it.

Prickly allies for Jerry Brown

Capitol Journal: Tensions between Jerry Brown and legislative Democrats continue a tradition in Sacramento as American as the Fourth of July. In some eras, the fireworks were more explosive.

Jerry Brown is working without a net

As the governor takes his tax message to voters, he will need an unusual coalition of business leaders and Democrats.

Verbal fireworks at L.A. school board meeting

After four board members are sworn in for four-year terms, Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte calls out her colleagues for playing politics.

Gov. Jerry Brown signs 'honest but painful' budget

The $129-billion package slashes funds for state commissions and higher education while relying on a $4-billion windfall in revenue.

California given strict deadline to reduce prison population

There must be 37,000 fewer inmates by June 2013, starting with a reduction of 14,400 by the end of this year, three-judge panel says.

Federal judge rejects bid to seize Mongols' name and logo

Prosecutors had sought to strip the motorcycle gang of its identifiers as part of a 2008 criminal indictment. The judge says the government has no right to seize property from unindicted members of the gang.

Capitol Journal: Proposition 25 proves its worth

But Republicans squander a chance to win pension, spending and regulatory reforms.

Second round of tuition hikes likely at UC and Cal State systems

The increase of at least 10% comes in response to deeper cuts to education in the new state budget. The opening of UC Riverside's new medical school will be delayed by a year. Student leaders express disappointment.

Democrats pass austerity budget for California

Universities, courts and the poor would be among those losing funding in the new California budget. Officials admit the plan would not restore the state to fiscal health.

Battle over shark fin soup heats up in California

Environmental groups are pushing the California Legislature to ban the sale and possession of shark fins, causing an emotional split among Chinese Americans for whom shark fin soup is a traditional delicacy.

Gov. Jerry Brown vetoes farmworkers' bill

Despite intense pressure, Brown rejects measure making it easier for laborers to organize. The United Farm Workers vows to continue the campaign.

Brown, Democrats reach budget deal without taxes

Republicans decry the plan, which relies on a revenue windfall that, if it fails to pan out, will trigger big cuts.