State news briefs

ABOUT 1,000 ACRES BURNED IN SEQUOIA FIRE: SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST (AP) - Afternoon winds are being blamed for helping a wildfire burning in a remote area of the Sequoia National Forest nearly double in size.

Voters turn against California bullet train

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A new poll finds California voters are experiencing buyers' remorse over a proposed $68 billion bullet train project, as the number of lawsuits against the rail system grows.

State news briefs

STUDENTS PROTEST ADMISSIONS POLICIES AT UCLA: LOS ANGELES (AP) - About two dozen demonstrators are occupying the admissions office at the University of California, Los Angeles to protest the number of black, Latino and native American students admitted.

Burning rocks had elevated phosphate levels

SAN CLEMENTE (AP) - Additional testing has confirmed beach rocks that spontaneously combusted in a Southern California woman's pocket contained elevated levels of phosphorus, an official said Friday. The source of the substance is still unclear, but an expert says it probably was manmade. Results from an independent lab matched those obtained by the Orange County Public Health ...

Alameda avoids legal woes, allows gun shows with tight rules on county property

Sacramento deputies face charges of selling dozens of weapons illegally

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Family: Rollover survivor found alive is alert

SAN JOSE (AP) - Loved ones said this week that they are delighted that a Northern California motorist found unconscious is alive and awake after spending a week in the woods when his truck overturned near a busy freeway. Michael Sanchez Jr. is increasingly alert but he still can't talk, his sister Priscilla Sanchez told the San Jose Mercury News (http://bit.ly/KEbQtg) on ...

Energy rules increasing cost of new Central Valley housing

It’s Big Tobacco vs Lance Armstrong

Bay Area briefs

City college may close some campuses SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Budget woes may force San Francisco City College to close or combine some of its campuses. City College, one of the nation's largest community colleges with 90,000 full- and part-time students, is facing a $14 million budget shortfall. The college has a $200 million operating budget. Board of Trustees ...

State news briefs

STOCKTON OFFICIAL SEEKS BANKRUPTCY AUTHORITY: STOCKTON (AP) - Stockton's city manager is requesting the authority to declare bankruptcy if the city is unable to reach a deal with its creditors by next month.

California approves new energy efficiency rules for homes, businesses starting in 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California officials on Thursday approved energy efficiency standards for new homes and commercial buildings that officials are describing as the toughest in the nation. Members of the California Energy Commission voted unanimously in favor of amended standards that will require improved windows, more efficient air conditioning and lighting systems, and other features intended to reduce energy consumption. <p ...

Panel cuts pay of governor, lawmakers

At the State Capitol

BILL WOULD END CAR IMPOUNDS FOR UNLICENSED DRIVERS: Illegal immigrants will no longer have to fear losing their vehicles during routine traffic stops if a bill passed by the Assembly becomes law.

California voters not hot for legalizing pot

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Legalizing marijuana is gaining traction in many places but apparently not in California, the state where the idea first took root. Half of California voters surveyed say they oppose broad legalization, while 46 support it, according to a University of Southern California Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll released Thursday. The survey found opinions have not measurably changed since 2010, ...

Solar plane leaves NorCal on start of cross-country trip

California prison crowding plan still falls short

State news briefs

SAN BERNARDINO BANKRUPTCY SPARKS RECALL EFFORT: SAN BERNARDINO . (AP) - San Bernardino's bankruptcy has sparked a recall campaign against the mayor, city attorney and the entire City Council.

Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman dies at 49

Fire forces evacuation of CSU campus, homes in Camarillo area west of LA

New '3 Strikes' law varies by county

Bill gives parents control of networking sites

Bay Area briefs

OFFICIAL: SHINY DOG BOWL SPARKS CALIF. HOUSE FIRE: SANTA ROSA (AP) - A Northern California couple might be able to blame this one on the dog.

Bad news: Snowpack at 17%

State to say how it will cut prison crowding

Rail contractor gets additional $96M

Judge axes federal suit filed by LA over new Owens Lake dust control measures

Governor signs bill to speed up gun seizures

State news briefs

COMMERCIAL SALMON FISHING SEASON OPENS: SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Commercial salmon fishermen are heading to sea from San Francisco and other area ports in what is expected to be a strong fishing season.

Police doubt kidnapping try in Placerville linked to killing of girl in Valley Springs

PLACERVILLE (AP) - Investigators were trying Wednesday to determine if there's a link between a brazen kidnapping attempt involving a 15-month-old California girl and the killing of an 8-year-old girl in her home - though they acknowledged the likelihood is slim.