Chevron refinery fire highlights pollution concerns; one of state’s 10 worst emitters

California official replaced after killing Idaho mountain lion

Lawmakers order audit of state parks funds

New call for conservation as Southern Cal bakes

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Southern California Edison is ramping up the number of crews available to respond to possible power outages as sweltering temperatures send electricity use climbing. The company said Wednesday that high electricity use - particularly from air conditioners - is straining distribution equipment, but no power outages have been reported. Local officials have been preparing ...

Critics blast state retirement plan for private workers that could cost billions

Romney equates California to Greece

Official: Budget cuts to blame for fire's spread

SACRAMENTO . (AP) - A Sacramento fire official said budget cuts are in part to blame for the spread of a fire in a city neighborhood. Assistant Chief Niko King told the Sacramento Bee the temporary closure of the fire station closest to Wednesday morning's blaze in the Oak Park neighborhood delayed the arrival of an engine with a hose and water. ...

Lawmakers demand audit of mental health initiative to see if voters’ will is being ignored

Temperatures soaring in Southern California

LOS ANGELES (AP) - After weeks of mild summertime temperatures, Southern Californians are sweltering in a heat wave expected to last for days and potentially test an electrical grid lacking one major power plant. Temperatures topped 100 degrees Tuesday in many valley and inland areas but moderated closer to the coast, where beach cities had readings in the high 70s or low ...

NASA gives a peek of rover's Mars journey

Get ready to be burned by higher gas prices

Police: Woman stole baby after faking being pregnant

9th Circuit sides with feds in wiretap ruling

State news briefs

LA BANS SKATEBOARD "BOMBING" AFTER 2 DEATHS: LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles officials voted Tuesday to respond to two teen deaths by banning skateboard "bombing," where skaters zoom down steep hills at up to 40 mph.

Young men of color in trouble costs California billions of dollars

Bolts on Bay Bridge that haven't failed may go

OAKLAND (AP) - Long seismic safety bolts on the new eastern span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge that haven't failed may have to be replaced nonetheless, a regional transportation official said Wednesday.

State news briefs

GROCER TRIES TO PROFIT OFF BOTCHED BURGLARY: REDDING (AP) - A Northern California grocery store owner is trying to profit from a suspected thief's botched burglary attempt that was caught on video and went viral.

2 a.m. still last call for alcohol in California

Educators sued over English instruction