TWO LOCAL RACES TIGHT

THE 9th DISTRICT: In a swing district in the Central Valley, the 9th Congressional District, Ivy League-educated law student Ricky Gill has established himself as a newcomer to watch in the GOP. He turns 25 this month - the minimum age to serve in the U.S. House- and has snagged endorsements from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Gill has raised ...

Political reforms translate into tight House races

New Border Patrol strategy targets repeat crossers

Biggest celebration set for May 27 along waterfront

Authorities find car sought in missing teen case

Bay Area briefs

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE 75TH ANNIVERSARY PAVILION OPENS: SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A pavilion marking the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary has opened to the public, providing a place for visitors to learn more about the history of the famous span.

Occupy protesters urged to leave UC Berkeley land

State news briefs

FIGHT AT TULARE CO. CEMETERY LEAVES TEEN DEAD: DINUBA (AP) - Authorities are searching for a group of people involved in a fight at a Tulare County cemetery that resulted in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy.

NRC chair: No timetable for Cal nuke plant restart

Court reverses order for VA system overhaul; says it is Congress’ concern

Calif. lawmaker proposes to girlfriend in Assembly

SACRAMENTO (AP) - Parliamentary procedure has given way to a parliamentary proposal in the California Assembly. First-term Democratic lawmaker Luis Alejo of Watsonville surprised his girlfriend during Monday's floor session when he took the microphone and proposed as his Assembly colleagues looked on. Karina Cervantez, a 32-year-old doctoral candidate in social psychology at UC Santa Cruz, said she ...

Industry raises millions to fight tobacco tax

Cal State trustees to revisit giving campus presidents 10% pay hikes

Suicide kit lady nailed for failing to file IRS taxes

Bay Area briefs

Sedan in NorCal missing teen case MORGAN HILL (AP) - Authorities say they're looking for a vehicle that they believe is connected to the abduction of a Northern California teenager who's been missing for nearly two months. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office on Monday released a photo of a 1990s red Volkwagen Jetta that's similar to a car linked to the disappearance ...

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.

Monster suing SF over energy drinks

Woman faces attempted murder charges for tainting OJ at Starbucks

Inmate-removal order over Valley Fever complicates Calif. prison plan

Bay Area briefs

NO BACKPACKS ALLOWED AT 2013 BAY TO BREAKERS IN SF: SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - No backpacks, large bags or containers will be allowed at this year's Bay to Breakers footrace in San Francisco as officials heighten security in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.