Bay Area briefs

MAN SHOT WHILE DEFENDING FAMILY IDENTIFIED: SAN LEANDRO (AP) - Authorities have identified a Northern California man who was shot and killed while defending his mother-in-law from thieves.

Broken rods on new Bay Bridge span checked

OAKLAND (AP) - State transportation officials in California are investigating why nearly three dozen threaded steel rods on the new eastern span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge snapped when workers tightened the fittings. The rods - up to 16 feet long and as thick as a man's thigh - connect the bridge deck to the concrete cap that sits on top ...

Alameda County gets $1.5 million grant to reduce rape kit backlog

Ruling next week in Stockton bankruptcy

SACRAMENTO (AP) - A judge said Wednesday he would not issue a ruling in the Stockton bankruptcy case until next week. The announcement came as closing arguments began in the case that could lead to Stockton becoming the most populous U.S. city to enter bankruptcy. Lawyers for the city have said Stockton has cut its budget and services ...

State news briefs

SANTA PAULA POLICE FIND COUNTERFEIT MONEY IN TRASH: SANTA PAULA, Calif. (AP) - Counterfeit money found burning inside a Ventura County trash container has been turned over to the Secret Service for investigation.

Authorities: Neighbor claims battery by Justin Bieber

CALABASAS (AP) - Deputies were investigating claims made Tuesday by a neighbor that Justin Bieber attacked and threatened him during an argument in suburban Los Angeles, authorities said. No one was arrested and few details were immediately available. A representative of Bieber, Melissa Victor, did not immediately return a request for comment. Online schedules ...

PG&E reports progress on safety recommendations in aftermath of explosion

Petraeus making his first speech at USC dinner since leaving CIA

Giffords' husband pulls dog off sea lion on SoCal beach

Budget cuts hobble community colleges

Man allegedly tried to smuggle phone to Manson

CORCORAN (AP) - A follower of Charles Manson has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle a cell phone inside a California prison where the mass murderer is housed, authorities said Tuesday. Craig Carlisle Hammond, 63, was arrested Sunday for investigation of conspiracy, possession of an illegal communication device and attempting to bring a cell phone into a prison, said Terry Thornton, ...

Golden Gate Bridge goes to digital toll system

Wal-Mart tests in-store lockers for online orders

Study: Health care law to increase costs in Calif.

Black LAPD officer wins $1.2 M discrimination suit

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.

Monster suing SF over energy drinks