Longtime Anschutz rival challenges plans for a Los Angeles stadium

Anschutz and Billy Bob Barnett are also battling over competing entertainment complexes in Texas. The rivalry could affect events in L.A.

California voters see some bright spots in grim budget

Nearly half think the process went more smoothly this year, and the vehicle tax increase wins strong support, poll finds. But threatened education cuts are decried.

Californians would rather ease penalties than pay more for prisons

Poll shows a change in attitudes as California seeks ways to comply with court-ordered cuts to its prison population. Soured economy is a key factor.

Study upends term-limit theory

A report by the Center for Governmental Studies finds that rather than encourage 'citizen legislators,' term-limited officials are always campaigning for their next job.

Prisoners' hunger strike in its third week

The inmates are protesting lengthy stays in isolation cells. Prison officials say 49 inmates who have lost at least 10 pounds each are 'being monitored closely.'

Gov. Jerry Brown, Legislature require rural homeowners to pay fire fee

The bill mandates a $150 annual fee for fire-prevention services from homeowners living in wildfire-prone areas. They are also debating the revival of proposed land-use restrictions.

Los Angeles schools to revamp their ban on social promotion

One approach to ensuring that children are academically ready for promotion would be to provide extra help for students in key grades.

Federal court upholds Lancaster council's prayer policy

The city invites religious leaders to deliver an invocation to open council meetings, without restricting references to specific beliefs. Opponents say it is divisive and biased toward Christians.

California criminal database poorly maintained

The information tells police and potential employers of a person's past offenses, but nearly half the arrest records don't say if a conviction ensued. State workers chase paper records trying to fill gaps.

New state law requires textbooks to include gays' achievements

'History should be honest,' Gov. Jerry Brown says in signing the state law, which had sparked hot debate among legislators.

Regents approve UC tuition hike

The 9.6% hike comes on the heels of an 8% boost, both set to take effect this fall. Students decried the increase as too large and too late for this school year.

Plastic bag bans upheld by California Supreme Court

The justices unanimously rule that local governments may impose such prohibitions without always needing an environmental impact report.

Janice Hahn savors victory as she looks forward to 2012

The L.A. councilwoman's victory over Craig Huey in the 36th Congressional District this week is a prelude to next year's post-redistricting election.

Students ask regents to reject proposed UC tuition hike

At the regents meeting in San Francisco, several students said families had not been given enough time to come up with the $1,068 increase planned for the fall.

Prison doctor gets paid for doing little or nothing

A California surgeon has mostly been locked out of his job: on paid leave, fired or fighting his termination. When he does work, it's reviewing records. He made $777,000 last year, including back pay.

Cal State trustees raise tuition 12%

Board votes 13 to 2 in favor of the fee hike, saying 'the overriding importance is to keep doors open.' Meanwhile, Gov. Jerry Brown criticizes board for approving San Diego State president's $400,000 salary.

Janice Hahn leads Craig Huey in early election returns

Voter turnout just tops 23% in the special election to represent California's 36th Congressional District.

Redistricting panel cancels second draft of legislative maps

Citizens commission charged with drawing legislative districts says the move will allow it to focus on the final draft, but interest groups say the action limits their chance for feedback.

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.