A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Borrego Springs at 4:53 p.m. and jolted San Diego, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The temblor is the latest in a string of powerful quakes to hit Southern California since the 7.2-magnitude quake on Easter Sunday.

The focus of San Diego County's OxyContin task force is expanding to include all prescription drugs. The county's prescription drug-related deaths rose 67 percent from 2005 to 2009.

Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in California would sharply drive down prices for the drug, causing more people to use pot while possibly undercutting the tax windfall that supporters have touted, according to a study published Wednesday.

Scientists at San Diego-based Scripps Research Institute have identified genetic material that protects against cocaine addiction.

A draft of an environmental impact report has been released on a proposed expansion of the I-5 freeway from La Jolla to Oceanside. The project would displace some people in North County.

A 206-acre area offshore from Coronado was designated today by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a "naval danger zone" off-limits to boaters when a small arms range is in use at Naval Air Station North Island.

San Diego Gas and Electric has proposed a new pricing system for residential electricity customers. A consumers advocacy group likes the idea but also has some concerns.

The U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its year with a host of major decisions. We'll talk about rulings that range from terrorism to text messages. And discuss the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan.

California's two-year-old law to protect egg-laying hens has been extended to out-of-state egg suppliers who hope to sell their products in the state's grocery stores.

San Diego Architecture Foundation's ongoing interview series with San Diego architects returns this Thursday with architect and developer Jonathan Segal in the hot seat.

The U.S. Supreme Court has just extended to all the states its 2008 ruling that the right to bear arms is an individual right. What does this mean to local guns laws in California? We'll hear from pro and anti-gun advocates.

The parents of slain California teen Chelsea King are leaving northern San Diego County. Brent and Kelly King and their 13-year-old son, Tyler, will leave their Poway home on Thursday and move back to Naperville, a Chicago suburb where they lived for a decade.

What are the hurdles to changing to new types of fuel and energy? Who should bear the costs for finding and developing alternative energy sources? As part of our monthly series on ethics in science and technology, we'll explore the benefits and costs for society of alternative energy sources.

The San Diego Housing Commission will take over the city's homeless shelters and programs, following a unanimous decision made by the City Council last week. We speak to the Housing Commission's president and CEO about the organization's role in providing local homeless services.

The dispute over minimum wage paychecks for state workers is headed to court again. The Schwarzenegger administration is suing the State Controller, again, over the issue of minimum wage paychecks for state workers

It’s a dead heat in the race for Governor. At least, that’s the finding of the latest Field Poll. The survey finds Democratic Attorney General Jerry Brown has a statistically insignificant one-point lead over Republican candidate Meg Whitman. Forty-four percent of likely voters favor Brown; 43 percent favor Whitman.

The San Diego County Registrar of Voters has certified last month's primary election results. But one local race remains undecided.

An energy company has asked a state agency to renew a water discharge permit for the South Bay Power Plant in Chula Vista.