Los Angeles' redevelopment agency still alive after budget deal

The Los Angeles City Council passes an urgency ordinance that keeps its redevelopment agency intact by moving about $97 million in redevelopment funds to the county.

California voters may finally get on presidential candidates' radar

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill that could — if enough other states follow suit — lead to the guaranteed election of the candidate who gets the most popular votes. That would mean a lot more focus on California.

Pregnant California women show high levels of flame retardant

The levels of PBDEs in their blood were among the highest ever recorded, a UC San Francisco study says. PBDEs, mostly banned in California since 2004, are harmful to the liver, thyroid and nerve development.

Club Digital seeks to link Latinos and the Web

The program uses a mobile computer lab and a center in Pico-Union to offer basic lessons in an effort to increase access for Latinos, 30% of whom don't use the Internet.

California tax revenue plummets in July, raising fear of trigger cuts

July income was $539 million lower than expected, leading many to doubt the state budget's assumption of economic recovery and a $4-billion windfall. If revenues remain low, drastic education cuts will kick in.

Los Angeles OKs outlines of downtown football stadium deal

The unanimous City Council vote, after earlier skepticism by some members, gives city leaders a rare chance to seize on a major economic development after years of cutbacks.

California medical board fails to discipline 710 troubled doctors

Of the California doctors who escaped state discipline, 35% had more than one disciplinary action from another entity, according to the Public Citizen report.

Shaquille O'Neal kidnap case is dismissed

An L.A. County prosecutor says the alleged victim and star witness lacks credibility. The judge drops charges against seven Main Street Crip members accused in the case.

Ethnic coalition backs Knabe in face of redistricting plan

Latinos seek to revise county supervisor's district to create a Latino majority. But an ethnic coalition backs the lawmaker and calls on minorities not to turn against one another.

Ex-Villaraigosa appointee wants public to cover his legal fees

Sean Harrigan says the SEC probe cost him "significant" money. Los Angeles City Atty. Carmen Trutanich refuses to pay.

Former soldier takes a big step in quest to rebuild his life

Greg Valentini, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, moves into his own place as he fights to stay clean and attends college.

Crystal Cathedral creditors vow to sue if church blocks a sale

Court documents filed Tuesday also show that the Diocese of Orange and Chapman University have increased their offers for the Garden Grove property.

Fullerton death focuses attention on mental health

Federal, county and city authorities investigate the beating as Orange County supervisors look into implementing state's Laura's Law.

Newhall Ranch development clears a major hurdle

Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers agree on massive residential project. Next stop is at the Regional Water Quality Board.

San Diego lawyer pleads guilty in fraud case

Theresa Erickson was accused of being part of a 'baby-selling ring' in which she hired local women to be implanted with embryos in Ukraine. She then shopped the babies to couples seeking to adopt, charging them up to $150,000.

Couple called 'true heroes' for calmly aiding gravely wounded cop

A man administered first aid to San Diego Officer Jeremy Henwood, who had a gaping shotgun wound in his head, while his wife took down the gunman's vehicle information and radioed police.

D.A. sees no signs of 'intentional killing' by Fullerton police

Prosecutors are still probing whether officers used excessive force against a schizophrenic homeless man. The man's father says he suffered brain injuries from blunt force trauma and lack of oxygen.

In surprise, San Francisco's interim mayor enters race

Ed Lee, named to the post after Gavin Newsom became lieutenant governor, had said he wouldn't seek election. But on Monday, he filed papers to run, saying many residents and some officials persuaded him.

At Lake Tahoe, a scuba diver's body is recovered after 17 years

The well-preserved remains of Donald Christopher Windecker are discovered on an underwater shelf. Accompanied by a friend, he set out for a dive on July 10, 1994, and never returned.

Verdugo Hills parents and teachers foiled in naming new principal

Supt. John Deasy overrules Ramon Cortines, the former superintendent, and appoints an interim administrator.