California lawmakers are expected to vote this week on SB 624, which could demote serpentine from its lofty place as California's state rock. This is a spectacularly silly decision based on shoddy scientific evidence, and here's why. According to biologist David Lowry: more ›

Whether you knew it or not (or even cared), California has an official state rock. It's called serpentine and it contains a mineral -- chrysotile asbestos -- that's not so good for your health. Now State Senator Gloria Romero of Los Angeles wants the title to be stripped, according to the Sacramento Bee. "California should not designate a rock known to be toxic to the health of its residents as the state's official rock," reads her legislation. SB 624, which will be heard in an Assembly Committee on Monday, would leave the state without an official rock. But as the Bee notes, there are plenty of other official whatchamacallits, such as the state grass (purple needlegrass) and the official state fossil (the saber-toothed cat). more ›

East Los Angeles has made one step further in its goal of becoming an incorporated city after a critical bill was passed by a 7-2 vote yesterday by the California Senate Appropriations Committee. more ›

After Rosemead City Councilman John Nunez lost a his re-election bid in early 2009, he claimed and eventually collected $11,250 in unemployment benefits, paid by the city, despite objections. When news broke, it ruffled many politicians the wrong way prompting them into action. more ›

A new state law allowing parents to reform schools themselves that went into effect last week is already being used in L.A.'s Sunlund-Tujunga neighborhood, finds the Daily News. Mount Gleason Middle School could see all its teachers and administration fired and have it turned over to a charter operator, if a majority of parents sign a petition. "Parents are the ones who pay taxes, they are the consumers and they cannot wait for manana," said state Sen. Gloria Romero of L.A., who authored the reform bill. Although Gleason has been ID's has an extremely under-performing school, officials are concerned organized parents at good schools could use the law as well in a "witch hunt" manner. more ›

Although the city of Walnut has settled with the developers of the proposed NFL stadium, the project has yet to get the green light. A lawsuit by a citizen's group is still active and a vote by the Senate, which is expected to pass, should be voted on this week. And now one Walnut councilman is speaking out, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. more ›

Next year could be the year that East L.A. gets on the map. more ›

President-elect Barack Obama has asked local congresswoman Hilda Solis, the Democrat who represents the 32nd District, which includes parts of Los Angeles, East LA and the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Irwindale, Monterey Park, Rosemead, South El Monte, and West Covina. Now speculation has begun regarding who will take her place. more ›