Bay Area briefs

Occupy the Farm protesters won't face charges ALBANY (AP) - The last two of nine protesters arrested last month during an occupation of UC Berkeley land will also not face charges. Alameda County prosecutors said on Tuesday they have decided not to file charges against the two women, who were arrested on suspicion of trespassing. Prosecutors have previously said ...

Disney California unveils $1B theme park redo

ANAHEIM (AP) - Disney is done with its do-over of Disney California Adventure. Wednesday marks the end of a five-year, $1 billion-plus overhaul to correct problems at the park. The venue, which was supposed to turn the Disneyland Resort into a multiple-day destination like Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., had become a source of embarrassment for the company almost from the moment it opened in 2001. Visitors grumbled that it had little connection to ...

‘Gone With the Wind’" actress Ann Rutherford dies

Genetically modified foods may get label in California if voters approve

1 in 4 on LA's Skid Row carry hepatitis C

Ex-Indian officer who shot, killed his family was living in US illegally

Democrats continue talks amid protests over $225M in cuts for disabled program

$2 million lottery winner arrested

LINDA (AP) - Yuba County sheriff's deputies say a 30-year-old Linda man who won a $2 million lottery jackpot in February has been arrested for investigation of receiving stolen property. Lt. Damon Gil tells the Marysville Appeal-Democrat (that John Ross Jr. was arrested for allegedly helping a Hayward woman hide and repair a stolen car. Ross posted bail ...

State news briefs

SALINAS THIEF ASSAULTS, ROBS AND SHOOTS DEPOSITOR: SALINAS (AP) - Salinas police say a man headed for a Northridge Mall bank to make a deposit had to be treated at a hospital after being robbed and shot in the leg.

Dispute over Thomas Kinkade's will heads to court

SAN JOSE (AP) - Thomas Kinkade's widow and girlfriend took their dispute over the late painter's estate to court on Tuesday as handwritten notes allegedly written by Kinkade that could be central to the clash were made public for the first time. Amy Pinto-Walsh was living with Kinkade and found his body when the 54-year-old accidentally overdosed on alcohol and Valium in ...

Guard says he was fired from bar over police call

SANTA ANA (AP) - A false police report by a bar manager triggered events leading to a deadly confrontation between officers and a homeless man in Orange County, a former bouncer alleged in a lawsuit. The bouncer, Michael Reeves, claimed he was wrongly fired from Fullerton's Slidebar Rock-n-Roll Kitchen after speaking out about the manager who called police July 5 and claimed ...

Bay Area briefs

Odor forces flight back to Oakland airport OAKLAND (AP) - Officials say a Southwest Airlines plane returned to Oakland International Airport just after takeoff after a smell was reported in the cabin and a flight attendant felt sick. Crew members alerted the airport around 7:22 a.m. Tuesday - about ten minutes after the flight left for Burbank - that they were turning around. ...

State news briefs

FOOD LABELING, 3-STRIKES JOIN CROWDED NOV. BALLOT: SACRAMENTO (AP) - California's secretary of state has certified two more initiatives for the November election, when voters will have to decide at least eight ballot measures.

DesertXpress Vegas-California rail project renamed

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Developers planning high-speed rail service between Las Vegas and Southern California announced Monday they are giving the project a new name. DesertXpress Enterprises is rebranding the project XpressWest to reflect its goal of a larger rail network across the western U.S. The privately held company wants to build a high-speed line between Las Vegas ...

Gang member accused in attack that killed 4

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.

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