‘Chessman’ explores crucial moment for Brown family, California death penalty
Buck Busfield is pondering the finer points of one of the most important phone calls in California political history. It was Feb. …
Sentenced to die? Depends on the county in California
As California voters weigh two ballot measures this fall to either abolish the death penalty or institute changes that aim to expedite …
In California’s Democrat-dominated Capitol, it’s Senate vs. Assembly
The semi-annual culling of bills went about as poorly as it could for state Sen. Connie Leyva. The Chino Democrat had four …
UC spent $158,000 on campaign to counter critical state audit
In the wake of a scathing state audit released in March, the University of California mounted a $158,000 publicity campaign to dispute …
Road to California tax checkoff paved by legislative connections
The seed for one California tax checkoff benefiting a well-connected charity was planted at a warehouse in Martinez. In March 2010, then-state …
Inside California lawmakers’ paid trips to Maui
WAILEA, HAWAII — It’s happy hour at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Just past four on Sunday afternoon, former state Sen. Rod Wright …
California Senate offers 24-hour rides for lawmakers too drunk to drive
California Senate officials earlier this year hired two part-time employees to provide late-night and early-morning rides for members while they are in …
State schools chief Tom Torlakson touts experience in tight re-election battle
Gov. Jerry Brown was late, and the children in the audience were not the only ones growing restless. In the back of …
State schools chief challenger Marshall Tuck wants to change Sacramento, if he can get there
Marshall Tuck is an optimist. He must be to talk so confidently about when – not if – he becomes California’s next …
University of California steps up out-of-state recruiting
Last spring, representatives from the University of California, Davis, made 20 trips to China to encourage admitted students to accept their offer …