Councilman Bernard C. Parks blasts campaign mailer

An ad sent to voters by the Police Protective League claims the former police chief 'took 1,000 police officers off our streets.' Parks calls the ad an 'absolute lie.' The union is backing an opponent in the March 8 election.

To win support for tax extension, Democrats propose streamlining California regulations

A one-stop permitting process is planned as part of a measure seeking to build support from business for a tax extension that would help balance the state budget.

Council kills Villaraigosa's parking garage plan

Council members unanimously vote to drop the mayor's plan to lease out nine public parking garages to help fill city's budget gap.

California state employees take advantage of pension perk

State allows employees to increase retirement benefits by buying up to five fictitious years — known as 'air time' — to add to their public service. Financial advisors call it a great deal for retirees but bad for taxpayers.

Gov. Brown freezes statewide hiring

Before the announcement, he quietly drops a suit to lower California state workers' checks to the federal minimum wage during a budget impasse.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.