Candidates making up new names on ballots translated into Chinese

Currently, candidates of all ethnicities can use Chinese words of their choosing when translating their names for the ballot. Predictably, their choices are often flattering. A state senator's bill would restrict the practice.

California legislators risk voter backlash if they try to use no-pay loophole

California voters passed Proposition 25 to punish lawmakers if they fail to pass a budget by the June 15 deadline. And the budget must be balanced.

Owner of Pasadena's Las Encinas Hospital accused of applying lax standards at its Chicago facility

University of Illinois review finds inadequate staffing, sexual assaults among patients, mishandling of medication and poor patient oversight and blames 'corporate-level quality of care issues.'

Los Angeles teachers union seeks to block test of evaluation program

Los Angeles schools Supt. John Deasy appeared to have momentum in the effort to revise educator evaluations in the LAUSD, but the teachers union is digging in its heels.

L.A. County to pay nearly $5 million in deputy's SUV crash

The deputy was drunk when his sheriff's SUV collided with a smaller car, seriously injuring the other driver — who was high on methamphetamine and opiates.

Swimmers pool their determination for a good cause

At a Culver City fundraiser for underserved youths, more than 400 swimmers try to break a world record for distance swum in a single pool in a single day. The other goal: raising awareness about the importance of knowing how to swim.

Departing San Diego State president leaves a long, distinguished legacy

Retiring after an 'exceptional' 15 years as president, Stephen Weber presided over significant curriculum changes, boosted student achievement and fundraising, and strengthened ties to the city.

Fraudulent use of disabled parking placards explodes in last decade

With the state and municipalities in financial crisis, the California Department of Motor Vehicles is cracking down on placard fraud. The issue strikes at the nexus of parking angst, civic revenues and righteous indignation.

More state boards await the budget saw

Gov. Brown has proposed to close 37 state panels — his latest attempt to rein in more than 300 citizen groups created over the years to give average Californians some say in their government.

Pentagon weapons buyer quietly visits California to discuss bomber planes

Ashton Carter meets with Northrop, Boeing and Lockheed executives about the military's plans to build a fleet of radar-evading, long-range bombers.

Wide open spaces at L.A. County lockup

With budget cuts leading the Sheriff's Department to shed inmates in droves, a Castaic facility has just two offenders. Baca hopes Brown's plan to shift state prisoners to county jails will be a boon for his budget.

Community project gets dozens of Hollywood's homeless off the streets

A pilot program started by local volunteers, businesses and aid workers has provided housing and social services for 37 of the area's most vulnerable homeless, and 34 more will get housing soon.

Video by prison guards union links campaign donations to new contract

The union spent $7 million on last year's elections, and of the 107 candidates it endorsed, 104 were elected.

Torrance's crime map omits hundreds of violations

Unlike the LAPD and Sheriff's Department, Torrance's online crime map doesn't include rapes, shoplifting and other incidents police deem 'confidential.'

Seniors celebrate age in West Hollywood

Participants in the Age March in West Hollywood seek to highlight what older people have to offer and the many things they're capable of.

Burbank officials told to report individual employee bonuses

Ruling in Los Angeles County Superior Court says workplace privacy concerns are secondary to taxpayers' right to know how public funds are used.

Lien filed on former Glendale official's condo

A subcontractor for ADI, a company under federal investigation for alleged fraud, takes the action against ex-Councilman John Drayman over unpaid bills for remodeling work, records show.

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa kills Gold Card parking ticket service

L.A. transportation department is ordered to halt system a day after an audit criticized the program for lax oversight and potential misuse.

L.A. teachers union seeks to halt school district initiatives

Union opposes testing of a new teacher evaluation system and wants to thwart plans to hand over South Los Angeles campuses to a charter organization.

Camp Pendleton honors 125 Marines and sailors killed in the last year in Afghanistan

The ceremony continues a tradition of respect for the fallen, and is a reminder of the Marine Corps' history of battles won, losses suffered and heroes recognized.