Energy rules increasing cost of new Central Valley housing

It’s Big Tobacco vs Lance Armstrong

Bay Area briefs

City college may close some campuses SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Budget woes may force San Francisco City College to close or combine some of its campuses. City College, one of the nation's largest community colleges with 90,000 full- and part-time students, is facing a $14 million budget shortfall. The college has a $200 million operating budget. Board of Trustees ...

State news briefs

STOCKTON OFFICIAL SEEKS BANKRUPTCY AUTHORITY: STOCKTON (AP) - Stockton's city manager is requesting the authority to declare bankruptcy if the city is unable to reach a deal with its creditors by next month.

California approves new energy efficiency rules for homes, businesses starting in 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California officials on Thursday approved energy efficiency standards for new homes and commercial buildings that officials are describing as the toughest in the nation. Members of the California Energy Commission voted unanimously in favor of amended standards that will require improved windows, more efficient air conditioning and lighting systems, and other features intended to reduce energy consumption. <p ...

Panel cuts pay of governor, lawmakers

At the State Capitol

BILL WOULD END CAR IMPOUNDS FOR UNLICENSED DRIVERS: Illegal immigrants will no longer have to fear losing their vehicles during routine traffic stops if a bill passed by the Assembly becomes law.

California voters not hot for legalizing pot

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Legalizing marijuana is gaining traction in many places but apparently not in California, the state where the idea first took root. Half of California voters surveyed say they oppose broad legalization, while 46 support it, according to a University of Southern California Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll released Thursday. The survey found opinions have not measurably changed since 2010, ...

Panel cuts pay of governor, lawmakers

Bay Area news briefs

Suspect killed during San Ramon robbery attempt

Border Patrol agents help boy hit by car in Mexico

JACUMBA (AP) - A 4-year-old boy injured in a car crash in Mexico was lifted over a fence to Border Patrol agents who performed life-saving measures, authorities said. The American boy was visiting relatives in Jacume, Mexico, a remote mountain village about 75 miles east of San Diego, when he was struck by a car Monday night, said Border Patrol spokesman Jerry ...

Ca. Nat. Guard worker gets 2½ years for $15M fraud

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A former manager for the California National Guard has been sentenced to 2&frac12; years in federal prison for arranging $15.2 million in bonuses and other payments to fellow guards who weren't eligible for them.

Raley’s workers move closer to strike as contract for some expires June 6

WEST SACRAMENTO . (AP) - Workers at one of Northern California's largest supermarket chains are moving closer to a possible strike after the supermarket declared an impasse in talks over a new contract. Local 5 of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents the majority of Raley's supermarkets' 7,750 unionized workers, has already authorized a strike. Local 8 of ...

Paper: Group sex for porn movie shot on state owned LA Coliseum football field

LOS ANGELES (AP) - As stadiums went quiet around the country the weekend after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, there was plenty of action on the field at historic Memorial Coliseum and little of it had to do with football. On Sept. 16, 2001, 40 minutes of group sex for a hardcore porn movie was filmed during a four-hour shoot under the ...

Bill creates state retirement for private workers

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