Frank Stoltze

California Governor Jerry Brown this week continues his campaign for Republican support of his tax hike proposal. The governor remains hopeful, even as time runs out to place his measure on the June ballot.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department sponsored a candlelight vigil Thursday night for Glenn Allen, who died last week while fighting a fire. His funeral takes place this morning, starting at 8:30 a.m.

Civil rights groups on Wednesday said they’ve sued the FBI for allegedly violating the First Amendment by spying on Orange County Muslims inside mosques. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze says the case focuses on the activities of a paid informant for the federal law enforcement agency.

The Los Angeles County Office of Independent Review Tuesday issued its report on the death of journalist Ruben Salazar, who was killed 40 years ago when a sheriff's deputy fired a tear gas canister into an East L.A. bar during anti-war demonstrations. It said there is no evidence that law enforcement targeted Salazar. Salazar’s daughter said the report doesn’t go far enough.

On March 8, Los Angeles city voters will decide whether to set aside more money for public libraries in the city’s charter. Last year, the mayor and City Council slashed spending on the library system to address a big budget deficit. That forced all 76 locations to close two days a week for the first time. The measure would reverse that, but may require deeper cuts elsewhere in the city.

Just two weeks are left before Los Angeles voters make their choices to fill seven City Council seats. A number of important issues will face the new City Council, including dealing with the projected $530 million budget deficit for next fiscal year and deciding on a new NFL stadium proposal.

When it comes to budget cuts, libraries are often at the top of the list. Due to budget cuts, libraries in Los Angeles have laid off a quarter of their staff. The upcoming election's Measure L seeks to allocate more money to libraries.

Some of the world’s best golfers return to Los Angeles today for the first round of the Northern Trust Open. KPCC’s resident golfer, Frank Stoltze, runs it down.

The Los Angeles City Council today is expected to address the city’s worsening budget crisis. Last week, the city administrative officer said a plan to privatize nine city-owned parking garages had fallen through because the Council had placed too many restrictions on the proposed contract. That’s opened up a more-than $50 million hole in L.A.'s already beleaguered budget. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says the deal can be saved. Most on the Council seem to disagree. In an interview with KPCC’s Frank Stoltze, Councilman Greig Smith – who sits on the budget committee – called the plan ill-fated from the start.

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen has entered the congressional race to replace South Bay Democrat Jane Harman. Harman’s resigning to run a think tank.

Desperate to close a budget deficit, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Monday urged the City Council to ignore the advice of the city administrative officer and push forward on plans to privatize city parking garages.

Among the seven city council races in Los Angeles, one stands out. The race for the 14th District features two men who once called each other friends. The race turned bitter for a time, but it appears more civil – for the moment.