The bottom line: It's time to restore dental care for the poor

Whoever's budget projection is right, state politicians should bring back the coverage cut from Medi-Cal in 2009. It would be unconscionable not to.

New L.A. law on medical marijuana shops faces hazy future

Voters approved a measure that would keep only 135 dispensaries — those operating before a failed moratorium in 2007 — open. But challenges await the law.

Two veteran Sacramento lawmakers win L.A. City Council seats

State Sen. Curren Price and ex-Assemblyman Gil Cedillo both defeated foes with more local experience as council aides. A third council race is up in the air.

Democrats win California Assembly seat as GOP gains in Senate

Lorena Gonzalez wins a special election for the 80th Assembly District in the San Diego area, while GOP farmer Andy Vidak wins a Central Valley Senate seat.

Garcetti, Greuel locked in tight battle for L.A. mayor's post

The race was too close to call in early returns. They could face the prospect of waiting for a full count of vote-by-mail ballots.

Price, Cedillo leading in council races

Ex-Assemblywoman Cindy Montañez opens a wide margin over Nury Martinez while Mitch O'Farrell is ahead of John Choi.

Measure to limit medicinal pot shops in L.A. is leading

Voters faced three competing measures that featured similar language but would have benefited different groups of pot businesses. Proposition D took the early lead.

L.A. elections may be decided by older, white voters, poll shows

The survey of likely voters finds that non-Latino whites make up 32% of the city's population but are likely to total 51% of the vote. Latinos make up 44% of the population, but many are ineligible to vote.

L.A.'s Mid-Wilshire neighborhood could be election bellwether

The 2.8-square-mile area west of downtown has picked the mayor in every vote since 2001. This year, interviews suggest that it also shares the apathy and ambivalence of voters elsewhere in the city.

'Maldonado for governor' off to a bad start

The Republican who dares to consider going up against Brown will have to do better than his mistaken example of the problems with inmate realignment.

Spending in L.A. mayor's race breaks records

By Saturday, the expenditures had exceeded $33 million, with outside money playing a dominant role heading into Tuesday's election. The biggest single donor is Working Californians, a pro-Greuel "super PAC."

Mayor candidates on transportation: innovation vs. tried and true

L.A. mayor candidates Garcetti and Greuel have similar track records on city transportation problems, but there are a few notable differences.

Do we love L.A.? We don't always vote like it

The weather should be nice (what else?) for Tuesday's municipal election, so roll out of bed and start humming Randy Newman. Maybe we'll hit 25% turnout.

Garcetti wins race for L.A. mayor; Greuel concedes

Wendy Greuel called Eric Garcetti early Wednesday to concede the mayoral election. Garcetti will be the first elected Jewish mayor of the city.

USC made its offer to neuroscientists a no-brainer

The school's 'all hands on deck' effort to lure Arthur Toga and Paul Thompson from UCLA included money and the prospect of new collaborations, as well as less tangible personal perks.

Garcetti's lead over Greuel at 7 percentage points in mayoral race

Latest survey also shows 11% of likely voters still undecided, meaning the dynamics of the race could still shift before Tuesday's runoff.

Analyst disputes Brown's budget outlook as too glum

Legislature's advisor sees $3 billion more in revenue, which could hamper the governor's bid to curb spending.

Greuel cites high-profile role as an executive at DreamWorks SKG

The candidate's position at DreamWorks was about more than making movies — she was a go-between for the studio to the political, governmental and civic worlds.

L.A. mayor's race result may be unknown for weeks after election

Mail-in ballots, the apparent tightness of the race and the peculiarities of the City Clerk's counting procedures open the possibility of a delayed outcome.

California bills on firearms, violence clear hurdles

Legislation passed by the Senate includes a measure requiring gun owners to keep firearms locked up if they live with someone prohibited by law from using guns.

Steve Lopez: Labor unions the big loser in mayor's race

Commentary: Wendy Greuel did herself no favors by identifying with the union representing employees of the most hated agency in the city. The DWP.

Billboard companies playing big role in L.A. city election

The firms, which want new rules allowing them to install more digital billboards, are donating thousands of dollars worth of signs to promote city candidates.