Debra Bowen enters race to succeed Rep. Jane Harman

The California secretary of state joins L.A. Councilwoman Janice Hahn and others in seeking to represent the heavily Democratic district that stretches from Venice into San Pedro.

Obama's budget would trim funds to California

The president's plan would give less energy assistance for poor households and less money for reducing neighborhood blight and beach pollution. But the House's new GOP majority wants to cut much deeper.

State Senate vacancies in South Bay and High Desert on Tuesday's ballot

The two Senate races, in the 17th District and the 28th District, are the first to be run under California's new election rules, which call for a runoff of the top two vote-getters if no candidate wins a majority.

Brown considers an activist for state Supreme Court appointment

Thomas A. Saenz is among six believed to be on Brown's short list to replace Justice Carlos R. Moreno, who is stepping down.

Del Mar officials and Fair Board joust over fairgrounds

Both want control over the facility. Then-Gov. Schwarzenegger had listed it for sale, but Gov. Brown is not so sure.

Coliseum official who worked for rave producer also hired a lobbyist

In addition to being an administrator for the Coliseum Commission and a consultant to the producer of the Electric Daisy Carnival rave, Todd DeStefano hired a lobbyist to persuade the City Council to allow the controversial events to continue.

Beware of Sacramento's crash tax

Visitors to the state capital will soon be billed for the cost of dispatching city firefighters or paramedics to the scene of accidents if the out-of-towner is deemed at fault.

28th Senate District race more a sprint than marathon

Eight candidates are vying to fill the seat vacated by the death of Sen. Jenny Oropeza. But the campaign period is only 43 days.

Support for fast-tracked bio-cremation bill dissolves under scientific scrutiny, but a revival is brewing

In an example of how little examination some bills receive, it took a legislative intern to point out serious concerns about a bio-cremation bill that was sailing through the Legislature. Now with some concerns being addressed, the proposal is getting a second look.

California taxpayers bought anti-smoking ad that aired during Super Bowl

Proceeds of a cigarette tax approved in 1988 must be spent on anti-smoking efforts. So $14.5 million dedicated to a TV campaign, including a Super Bowl ad in two markets, is off-limits for lawmakers trying to balance California's budget.

South L.A. council candidates face off in debate

Forescee Hogan-Rowles accuses Councilman Bernard C. Parks of neglecting his district and criticizes his simultaneous pay and pension. He challenges her knowledge of the district and the city's budget crisis.

Jerry Brown courts business leaders to get behind his fiscal plans

The governor hopes they will pressure GOP legislators to support his plan to place on the June ballot a tax extension he sees as vital to the state's economic survival.

Rep. Jane Harman to resign Tuesday to allow for June special election

The Venice Democrat, who is accepting a job with a Washington think tank, says she will not endorse a candidate because her new policy-shaping job 'takes me into the nonpartisan world.'

Give Brown points for killing ill-advised state property sale deal

Gov. Jerry Brown showed smarts in backing away from his predecessor's plan to sell state buildings. He should show further wisdom and renege on his promise to bring a tax hike to voters.

Jerry Brown cancels sale of state properties planned to help address California's budget crisis

Governor says his predecessor's plan, aimed at easing California's budget crisis, would have cost taxpayers far more in the long run.

Several candidates consider running for Rep. Jane Harman's open seat

L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn has already set up a campaign staff and website. Secretary of State Debra Bowen is thinking of running in the Democratic stronghold. And four others, including two Republicans, have expressed interest.

Audit finds California courts' computer project far over budget and urges suspension

Cost of the effort to update and link court computers in all California counties has skyrocketed from $260 million to up to $1.9 billion, the report finds. The Judicial Council defends the program, but some judges say it should be halted.

Leiweke says taxpayer funds won't be used for NFL stadium in L.A.

'We're going to do the right thing,' the AEG chief tells residents skeptical about financing plans for the $1-billion facility proposed for downtown L.A.

In court, Bell councilman says Robert Rizzo ran the city

Lorenzo Velez, the only Bell City Council member not charged with corruption, is aggressively questioned by defense attorneys seeking to discredit his claims of ignorance.

Prompted by Bell scandal, bills would give California more power to probe fiscal abuse

One proposal would expand the state controller's power to audit how local tax, fee and bond money is spent. Another would let the state target local agencies deemed at high risk of waste or fraud.

Relatives tell engineer's employer of effects of Chatsworth Metrolink crash

A congressman seeking to raise the liability cap of $200 million on such accidents arranged the private meeting in Simi Valley, home to many victims in the 2008 Chatsworth Metrolink crash that killed 25.