Pension reform among issues still facing lawmakers in their final week

SACRAMENTO (AP) - California lawmakers head into their final deadline rush this week with some of the most pressing legislative matters still to be resolved, or even publicly revealed.

State news briefs

CHP SAYS WOMAN JUMPED OFF BRIDGE TO ESCAPE POLICE

Red flag warnings issued as crews battle wildfires

REDDING (AP) - The thousands of firefighters making progress against a series of wildfires across California were facing new challenges as strong winds raised concerns that some of the fires could jump containment lines, fire officials said Sunday.

State news briefs

AMMO STORE SIGNS REMOVED AT HIGH SCHOOL: SHINGLE SPRINGS (AP) - A Northern California school district has ordered removal of an ammunition store sign on a campus football stadium scoreboard.

Jerry Nelson, Count of 'Sesame Street,' dies at 78

Bill would protect illegals committing minor infractions from deportation

Lawyer in Bieber case fights anti-paparazzi law

Tennis ref's attorney: arrest, charges 'unfounded'

49ers, NFL sued by fans attacked during SF 49ers game by Oakland Raiders fans

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Two San Francisco 49ers fans who were attacked during a preseason home game against the rival Oakland Raiders have sued the team, parking lot security firm and National Football League. Daniel Long and Gabriel Navarrette, both 26, claim the defendants failed to create a safe environment for fans attending the game on Aug. 20, 2011, at Candlestick Park. ...

Residents relax as fire threat abates

Bay Area briefs

Burglars foiled by kids hiding in closet FREMONT (AP) - Police say three men who broke into a Fremont house were nabbed after kids hiding in an upstairs closet called 911. Police arrested 18-year-old Kenneth Denson; 25-year-old Demarkus Benavides and 18-year-old Marvin Matthews Friday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime, first-degree robbery and other charges. Fremont police ...

California news briefs

2 killed, 6 hurt as LA crash mixes water, power

2 women charged in cat hoarding case

$320M Medi-Cal settlement reached with HMO

LOS ANGELES (AP) - California and federal officials have announced a $320 million settlement over allegations a Long Beach-based health plan received overpayments from Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. U.S. attorney spokesman Thom Mrozek says SCAN Health Plan, a health maintenance organization, submitted payments on Aug. 10 to state and federal authorities to resolve an investigation. The settlement is the largest obtained ...

Environmental reforms quashed for the year

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.

Vulnerable inmates ordered out of 2 Central Valley prisons

Nesting swallows could delay Petaluma bridge work

State news briefs

SANTA CLARA THREATENS AMBULANCE TERMINATION: SAN JOSE. (AP) - Santa Clara County officials are threatening to terminate the contract of an ambulance company that they say has repeatedly responded too slowly to emergencies.

Killer on the loose: Valley Springs on lockdown

Lawmakers consider moratorium on oil fracking in San Joaquin Valley

3 divers killed over weekend abalone diving off California

SF Bay Bridge has bolts similar to banned bolts

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The new eastern span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge has more than 1,200 bolts made from galvanized steel that is virtually identical to a high-strength alloy that a nationwide group of transportation officials banned for use on bridges because the bolts can crack, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Sunday.

Fatal stabbing of girl, 8, prompts manhunt

VALLEY SPRINGS (AP) - Residents of a rural Northern California county were being told Sunday to keep their doors locked and report anyone considered suspicious as authorities continued the search for the killer of an 8-year-old girl.

Some are overlooked in overhaul

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Carlos Gonzalez has lived nearly all his 29 years in a country he considers home but now finds himself on the wrong side of the border - and the wrong side of a proposed overhaul of the U.S. immigration system that would grant legal status to millions of people.

California weighs first state ban on lead ammo

SACRAMENTO (AP) - In November, one of the oldest condors in Central California died from lead poisoning after being found with tiny bullet fragments and a .22-caliber slug in his gullet that he apparently swallowed with a mouthful of meat.

Rolling Stones rock small LA club

LOS ANGELES (AP) - For one night only, the Rolling Stones were an up-and-coming band again.

OC officials keep inmate alive they want to ultimately execute

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A man charged with raping and killing a woman 30 years ago is being kept alive in Orange County with dialysis treatments until officials can win permission to execute him.

Bills aim to protect privacy in drone age

SACRAMENTO (AP) - California lawmakers are attempting to stay ahead of science fiction-style technology as increasingly nimble unmanned aircraft are considered for use in tracking fleeing suspects and monitoring crowded public spaces.