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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Brown signs laws on cyber-bullying, in-home care providers

California schools will now be allowed to suspend students for bullying classmates on social networking sites. Another law tightens rules on felons serving as in-home care providers for the elderly and disabled.

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.

GOP transportation bill could boost funds for L.A. transit system

Mayor Villaraigosa thanks GOP Rep. John Mica for boosting funds for a loan program that could make money available for L.A. The proposal is criticized for underfunding other programs.

Candidates in 36th Congressional District clash in radio face-off

Democrat Janice Hahn and Republican Craig Huey have a spirited debate before Tuesday's election in their only meeting of the campaign.

Assembly Speaker John Pérez wins small victory in disbanding Vernon

A Senate committee approves a companion measure to the disincorporation bill, providing protections to businesses.

Assembly passes bill to require contributions of gays in textbooks

The bill, SB 48, would require history classes and textbooks to include contributions of gays, lesbians and transgender Americans. Gov. Brown has 12 days to sign it or veto it.

California pays more than 1,400 workers in excess of $200,000

Many are prison doctors, dentists or nurses. Total compensation can be pushed higher by payouts for unused vacation and sick time. Last year, a prison doctor collected $777,423 and a dentist got $599,403.

Prickly allies for Jerry Brown

Capitol Journal: Tensions between Jerry Brown and legislative Democrats continue a tradition in Sacramento as American as the Fourth of July. In some eras, the fireworks were more explosive.

Jerry Brown is working without a net

As the governor takes his tax message to voters, he will need an unusual coalition of business leaders and Democrats.

Verbal fireworks at L.A. school board meeting

After four board members are sworn in for four-year terms, Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte calls out her colleagues for playing politics.