Groups of San Diego County parents are uniting behind an education reform strategy that could earn California $700 million of federal stimulus grants.

Before you know it, you'll be up to your nose in wrapping paper and gift tags. To help you get a jump on the season's shopping, take a gander at our suggestions. We've kept your pocketbook in mind while hopefully leading you to the just-right, inspired gift.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pushed for the overhaul of the state's water system during a speech today in San Diego before the Association of California Water Agencies.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company signed a contract to buy and operate a wind-energy project that will produce enough electricity for about 100,000 California homes. The deal is with Iberdrola Renewables, a company that wants to build a wind project in San Diego County.

Stem cell researchers in San Diego are cheered by the approval of new cell lines for research. But the Obama administration has actually created some new regulatory headaches.

San Diego County officials Thursday urged residents in the unincorporated areas to prepare for the upcoming winter rainy season by stocking up on free sandbags to prevent soil erosion and mudslides on their properties.

If you've followed movie hype over the last few months, you would know that this holiday season isn't so much about Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, but more about the release of James Cameron's "Avatar."

San Diego County's fourth largest city has decided to ban hookah lounges. The Escondido City Council cited concerns over second-hand smoke as a reason to turn away such businesses.

An effort to help small contractors bid on city public works projects under $1 million was announced today by San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and Councilman Tony Young.

Comcast announced early Thursday that it will buy a controlling stake in NBC Universal in a deal valued at roughly $30 billion, setting up the Philadelphia-based cable company to achieve its ambition of becoming one of the nation's most powerful entertainment companies.

A discussion of the $11.14 billion general obligation bond proposal that would provide funding for California's aging water infrastructure and for projects and programs to address the ecosystem and water supply issues in California.

The holidays always bring some yuletide warhorses to the stage along with some exciting new fare. We'll find out what San Diego theaters are offering in December and start off with some tips for this weekend's December Nights.

Michael Specter believes we are living in a time where we fear science at least as much as we embrace it. In a fundamental shift in the way we approach the world in the 21st century, we view progress and discovery with antipathy, which harms the planet and threatens our lives.

How are U.S. immigration policies leading to an increase in deaths of people who cross the border illegally? We speak to filmmaker John Carlos Frey, and Dr. John Hunter about the risks undocumented immigrants face as they cross the border in search of opportunity in the United States.

Tis' the season for holiday theater and San Diego's stages are answering the call. There's also December Nights in Balboa Park, and start next week off with a little Morrissey and you can't go wrong. Here are some Culture Lust recommendations for your weekend.

At the Starbucks I frequent each morning, there are always two tip containers labeled with opposing topics (e.g., beach or lake, Yankees or Phillies). It’s a clever way to encourage tipping from patrons who can, at the same time, air their daily opinions. On November 20, the day “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” opened in theaters, the tip cups read “New Moon” and “Don’t Care.”

The San Diego District Attorney says California needs to revisit the statutes that govern medical marijuana. She gave her comments following the acquittal of a marijuana dispensary manager.

San Diego City Council held the first of three hearings yesterday on the mayor’s proposed budget cuts. In previous years councilmembers objected vociferously to many of the mayor’s proposals and has reversed some of them.

State law requires hospitals to provide uninsured patients with a price list upon request. A new study finds most California hospitals aren't complying with the law.

A year ago we brought you Border Battle, about two factions of Tijuana’s Arellano Felix Drug Cartel warring to control key drug smuggling routes to the U.S. That fight has calmed down, but the lieutenant who started it has a new enemy: Tijuana’s police. This morning, Border Battle continues with a profile of Tijuana’s police chief and his crusade that’s turned police officers into drug cartel targets.