Legislature Votes On Drought PackageFebruary 27, 201411:34 A.M.--(AP) -- Both houses of the California Legislature approved a $687 million drought-relief plan Thursday. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
$687 Million Drought Legislation PassesFebruary 27, 2014 | Amy Quinton | Katie OrrHundreds of millions of dollars are set to flow for emergency drought relief in California. The legislature Thursday passed a package of bills that will fund water projects and provide immediate assistance to the driest parts of the state. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Unexpected Public Health Concerns Dog California Health ExpertsFebruary 27, 2014 | Max PringleA recent string of unanticipated public health developments in California has state health officials looking for answers. Some of the illnesses were thought to have disappeared decades ago. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
New Attempt To Overhaul Teacher Dismissal ProcessFebruary 26, 2014 | Katie OrrThere have been several attempts over the years to reform California’s teacher dismissal process. All have been unsuccessful. But that’s not stopping one lawmaker from trying again. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
California Bill Would Offer Tax Breaks to Shelter Pet AdoptersFebruary 26, 2014 | Max PringlePeople who adopt shelter pets would get a state tax refund up to $100 under a bill in the California legislature. Supporters of the measure say it would help save animal lives, save public money and offset adoption fees. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Convicted State Senator Takes Leave Of AbsenceFebruary 25, 2014California State Senator Rod Wright (D-Los Angeles) is taking a voluntary leave of absence as he works to overturn a jury conviction for voter fraud and perjury. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Corruption Still Hurts, Even if Legislation Not PassedFebruary 25, 2014 | Katie OrrCalifornia State Senator Ron Calderon is facing up to 400 years in prison on public corruption charges. Neither of the bills he’s accused of accepting bribes to promote actually made it through the legislature. But, that may not ultimately matter. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
New Report Recommends California Overhaul Funding For School TransportationFebruary 25, 2014 | Max PringleAn independent audit recommends that California overhaul its school transportation funding system. The Legislative Analyst’s Office report says the school transportation funding rate is decades old. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Capitol Roundup: Transgender Referendum, Glove Law, Fake Service DogsFebruary 24, 2014 | Ben AdlerA referendum effort on California's new transgender student rights law fails to qualify; a new law requiring the use of gloves by bartenders and chefs is drawing complaints; and guide dog advocates are criticizing the use of fake service dogs. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Democrats Give Calderon One Week to Leave or Face SuspensionFebruary 24, 2014 | Katie OrrDemocrats in the California Senate are giving Senator Ron Calderon one week to either resign or take a leave of absence. If he does not respond, he will be suspended. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.