Jan Perry hopes her plain talk will resonate with voters

The councilwoman, ousted from her coveted downtown district because of a political feud, acknowledges that her frankness carries risks.

In L.A. mayor's race, Greuel finds herself a leading target

A powerful union's support of the former DreamWorks executive comes with a risk: continually being on the defensive about whether she'll buckle to its demands.

California schools asked to put moratorium on controversial bonds

State's treasurer and schools chief ask districts to avoid capital appreciation bonds until governor and lawmakers can weigh proposals to restrict their use.

Help school districts by letting them raise their own tax revenue

To do so, the state Legislature would need to reduce the voter threshold needed for levying parcel taxes from two-thirds to 55%.

UC regents pledge to expand online education in next few years

The regents are under pressure from Gov. Jerry Brown to offer more online classes to provide wider access to college education and keep costs down.

California ethics commission is at a crossroads

The state's five-member Fair Political Practices Commission has three upcoming vacancies and is expecting a new executive director. Some of the panel's critics are hoping a tougher watchdog emerges.

Gov. Jerry Brown challenges UC, Cal State to make big changes

Brown wants more teaching, less research and more online courses to save money. He is hoping to enforce his will with the state's purse strings.

Analyst calls Brown's budget 'reasonable' but has some concerns

The legislative analyst is a bit less optimistic on how fast California's finances are improving. He says the budget plan doesn't address growing costs for teacher pensions and retiree healthcare.

Brown takes a page from Aristotle

The governor's education funding plan helps poor districts at the expense of better-off schools.

California's debt still a heavy cloud over state's future

Gov. Jerry Brown's new budget presented a plan to pay back nearly $28 billion owed, but various sources estimate the state's debt at hundreds of billions.

San Diego halts all actions against marijuana dispensaries

The policy change comes at the behest of the new Democratic mayor, who wants to create zoning rules to permit pot shops.

Legislator vows action on reckless prescribing of addictive pills

The leader of the California Senate says he would support legislation to give the Medical Board of California more investigators and broader authority.

L.A. mayoral candidates explain their approaches on housing

Garcetti vows to end homelessness. Perry points to affordable housing she has gotten built. Greuel focuses on ensuring accountability for the dollars spent on housing.

Homeowners and sellers escape 'fiscal cliff' with key benefits

The 'fiscal cliff' legislation, close to a total win for homeowners and sellers, revived 2 key tax benefits for housing that had expired more than a year ago.

Through new budget, Brown maps out sweeping change in California

The governor wants to overhaul how the state funds its nearly 10,000 public schools and may cut court and prison spending.

Brown scores by taking on feds and felons

Governor's stance on prisons shows his political prowess as he gets points for good politics and good policy.

Gov. Jerry Brown calls on feds to give up oversight of prisons

California governor seeks changes such as an end to inmate population caps, but advocates worry a lack of U.S. control will cut quality of care.

President Nixon gets the star treatment

Long Beach lawyer Paul J. Carter has created a map of places of interest to fans of the nation's 37th president, who was born 100 years ago this week.

California parks officials deliberately hid millions, report says

Fear of embarrassment and budget cuts led high officials to conceal the money, which remained hidden for years until it was exposed by a new staff member, according to attorney general's investigation.

Legislators vow to change law on rape by impersonation

The reversal of a conviction based on an 1870s state statute prompts the promise. The Assembly speaker says the issue will be a top priority.

A second medical marijuana initiative qualifies for L.A. ballot

The measure would allow any dispensary that meets certain requirements to remain. They would have to keep limited hours, conduct background checks and stay a specified distance from schools and parks.

Court voids rape conviction in impersonation ruling

Rape occurs only if the victim is married and the man is pretending to be her husband, appellate panel says. Court urges the Legislature to change the archaic law.