L.A. Times - California Politics

Tough times raining on L.A.'s parade

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

With jobs and services on the line in L.A. because of the recession, using municipal money for parades and memorials can seem frivolous.

Last week marked a passage of sorts, and not just for Michael Jackson.

Of 14 candidates, 3 stand out in race for L.A.'s 2nd Council District seat

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Other possible candidates to replace Wendy Greuel include neighborhood activists from Studio City, a North Hollywood candy maker and a Valley Village importer, among others.

Los Angeles voters showed a profound disinterest in the civic election in March when just 18% turned out, but there was a virtual stampede of candidates this week to run for the San Fernando Valley seat of former City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who won the race for city controller.

Critics target recipients of six-figure public pensions

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Organization posts the names and incomes of 5,100 retirees in California who receive annual pensions of $100,000 or more. A judge denied pensioners' request to block publication of such information.

Some Californians, angry that taxes have just gone up, IOUs are being issued and the state may be on its way over a cliff, find few things more infuriating than a big benefits package enjoyed by a government worker.

Election Central: Full coverage

Wed, 20 May 2009 10:14:42 -0700

It's business as usual in Sacramento, even as deficit grows

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Lawmakers who had focused on fundraising now turn to unrelated legislative measures. Some blame apparent public apathy amid a string of such financial calamities.

As the hours ticked away on a budget solution that was about to slip from the Legislature's grasp, some lawmakers urged their online supporters to action.

Illegal immigrants again in the budget spotlight