Local News

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has ordered CAL FIRE to increase staffing for what's predicted to be a nasty wildfire season. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Long-term research shows drug use is actually down among young people nationwide. The topic is back in the spotlight after this week bust at San Diego State University. KPBS Reporter Andrew Phelps has more.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says California must increase tax incentives to movie and television studios as a way to keep them from moving their productions out of state.

California is mobilizing its firefighters as the summer wildfire threat escalates. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is asking the CAL FIRE agency to prepare now for potential wildfires.

 State Senator Jeff Denham Discusses Recall Campaign

Republican State Senator Jeff Denham says it's a big weight off his shoulders that the Senate Democratic Leader is dropping the campaign to recall him from office.

 State Republicans Seek to Streamline Government

As state lawmakers head into budget season, Republicans are pushing a few ideas they say will streamline government processes.

The state's plan to expand prisons is facing another lawsuit. The group called "Californians United for a Responsible Budget" is challenging the state's authority to finance prison projects using "lease revenue bonds". Those do not have to be approved by voters.

Republican State Senator Jeff Denham says it's a big weight off his shoulders that the Senate Democratic Leader is dropping the campaign to recall him from office. Senate President Pro-Tem Don Perata made the announcement Wednesday that he was backing off to encourage goodwill during the upcoming budget talks. Denham says the recall has been a distraction.

 Number of SDSU Student Arrests Under Scrutiny

The number of arrests made in connection with a drug sting at San Diego State University is now under some scrutiny. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.

 Group Says Solar Power Could Meet U.S. Energy Needs

An environmental group says California could generate enough energy from solar power plants to meet current electricity needs. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

 Officials Reconsidering Policy that Bans Aerial Firefighting at Night

Officials at the California agency that coordinates fire projection in San Diego's back country are reconsidering their long standing policy that bans aerial fire fighting at night. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Students arrested in an undercover sting operation at San Diego State University are now at the mercy of the court system, where officials say those charged with the most serious cocaine offenses could face sentences of up to 10 years.

 SD's New School Chief Moves Forward With Plans

San Diego School Superintendent Terry Grier has been on the job for about two months now. He steps in at one of the most financially difficult times for the district. He sat down with most of the city's media outlets this week to talk about his big plans. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis has this report.

A suburban housewife arrested in San Diego 32 years after she escaped a Detroit prison is on her way back to Michigan to serve out her sentence on drug charges.

Narcotics detectives say a street gang has set up shop in a luxury apartment building next to Cal State San Marcos to sell drugs to students.

 Group Opposes Using Bond Funds for Prison Expansion

A group that opposes prison expansion is suing to block California's plans to add thousands of prison and jail beds. Jenny O'Mara reports from Sacramento.

California-based Kaiser Permanente has launched what it calls the world's largest privately-funded electronic health records system. Kaiser says the medical history of more than eight-and-a-half million members in nine states is now stored electronically. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

 Feinstein's Support for Clinton's Presidential Bid Wavering

California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein gave indications today that her support for Hillary Clinton's presidential bid may be wavering. That's after last night's primary results in Indianaand North Carolina, where Clinton did not score a resounding victory. From Washington Todd Zwillich has more.

 San Diego's Small Schools May Close Due to Budget Crisis

San Diego school superintendent Terry Grier says the district may have to close a number of small schools as a result of an $80 million loss in state education funding. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

 Groups Want Public Hearing on San Onofre Toll Road

A controversial plan to build a toll road through San Onofre State Beach Park is in the hands of the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Environmental groups want a public hearing in California before the Commerce Secretary makes a decision. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.