Sacramento lawmakers may not be punished for late budget

Fine print in a ballot measure voters passed last fall may contain a loophole allowing them to keep their pay and perks even if they make no more progress on passing a final spending plan.

Schwarzenegger says he's putting Hollywood comeback on hold

Days afer acknowledging that he fathered a child outside of marriage, the former governor says he'll be devoting time to his personal life, according to his entertainment advisors.

Bill targets anti-fraud requirement in home aid program

Sponsors in the Legislature say aspects of measures imposed two years ago are too cumbersome and expensive to administer. Republicans say malfeasance in the program justifies the requirements.

Budget analyst is critical of Jerry Brown's tax referendum push

The nonpartisan legislative analyst says a vote on taxes would create instability for schools and spook Wall Street investors.

Debra Bowen concedes in 36th Congressional District race

With most ballots counted, Debra Bowen still trailed Republican Craig Huey, who will face Democratic Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn in a July runoff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was unfaithful to Californians

The former governor's unsound fiscal policies weakened the state.

UC tuition might jump 32% if tax proposal fails, official says

UC President Mark G. Yudof tells regents that this fall's 8% tuition increase may be dwarfed by an additional 32% midyear hike if Gov. Jerry Brown's plan for tax extensions is not approved.

Candidates in runoff to fill Jane Harman's seat in Congress won't be known before Friday

Janice Hahn, Craig Huey could meet in the runoff. But Secretary of State Debra Bowen, who trails Republican Huey by just 206 votes, is raising money for a potential recount.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's plans terminated? Not likely

Few strategists believe that the disclosure about his out-of-wedlock child will permanently derail Arnold Schwarzenegger's political or entertainment pursuits.

Maria Shriver on Schwarzenegger's paternity admission: 'Painful and heartbreaking'

Maria Shriver releases a statement about husband Arnold Schwarzenegger's admission that he fathered an out-of-wedlock child with a household staff member.

California's revenue surge might stymie efforts to stabilize finances

The $6.6-billion of unanticipated revenue may relieve some of the pressure caused by California's huge deficit, perhaps weakening Gov. Jerry Brown's argument for tax extensions.

Janice Hahn, Craig Huey appear headed for Congress seat runoff

In a seemingly major upset, L.A. Councilwoman Hahn, a Democrat, and Huey, a Republican businessman, led the race to replace Jane Harman in Congress. California Secretary of State Debra Bowen, a Democrat who was considered a front-runner, finished third.

Schwarzenegger fathered a child with longtime member of household staff

Schwarzenegger's wife, Maria Shriver, moved out of their Brentwood mansion earlier this year after the former governor acknowledged the child was his. The staff member worked for the family for 20 years, retiring in January.

Brown releases revised budget plan with $6.6-billion windfall

Increased revenue from taxes on the wealthy would be used for schools and business tax credits. Brown says some tax hikes are still needed to wipe out the state's red ink, but GOP lawmakers disagree.

Election to fill Jane Harman's post is Tuesday

Los Angeles voters will also be electing a board member for the L.A. Unified School and L.A. Community College districts.

Good GOP bills held hostage in budget stalemate

Practical proposals on parks, pensions and welfare fail as Democrats refuse to pass Republican measures without a budget deal.

Gov. Jerry Brown not giving up on tax hikes to help California budget

The governor is expected to ask lawmakers to approve some tax hikes first and seek voter approval later.

Election to fill Jane Harman's post is Tuesday

Los Angeles voters will also be electing a board member for the L.A. Unified School and L.A. Community College districts.

Are we facing the end of the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage?

Many housing proponents say the government's move to dismantle Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac means the most popular home loan will be more expensive. But how much more is a matter of debate.

Darrell Steinberg throws a tax pitch

California Senate leader threatens local levies if GOP won't back Gov. Jerry Brown.

Lawsuit seeks to overturn reduction in Esteban Nuñez sentence

The San Diego County D.A. says Schwarzenegger erred in failing to notify prosecutors and family members beforehand about his decision. The son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez was convicted in a stabbing death.

Performance-based teacher layoff bill dies in committee

California legislation calling for the creation of teacher ratings for use in layoff decisions instead of seniority fails to win enough votes to move forward.