A Rare Chance for Voters in the Middle of LA County

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LA County has a budget of 22 billion dollars: bigger than many states and some nations. It’s run by just 5 supervisors, who provide health care and other basic services for 11 million people. But despite complaints, the supervisors are seldom challenged once they’ve been elected. Just two people have held the 2nd district since 1952. Now Yvonne’ Burkes retirement means there will be change this year.

Drugs, Corruption and Violence South of the Border

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5,000 people have died in Mexican President Calderon’s crackdown on drug cartels, and the violence has spread to Mexico City. Some critics say Mexico is beginning to look like Colombia, but public opinion polls show 60% of the people are behind Calderon. Should the US provide military assistance or help build institutions that strengthen the rule of law? What is this country doing about the demand for drugs and American weapons that arm the cartels?

Will LA Finally Get Serious About Saving Water?

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During the drought of the 1990’s, LA banned car-washing in driveways, letting sprinklers flood into gutters and watering grass in mid-day. Rising demand and reductions in water supplies may make that a way of life, even before global warming. The City of LA also wants to keep billions of gallons of rainwater from flowing out to sea, and reclaim wastewater—like they do in Orange County.

Same-Sex Marriage is Legal in California

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The State Supreme Court decided today that discrimination against same-sex marriage creates “second class citizens” and that it will not deprive opposite-sex couples of any rights. Governor Schwarzenegger agrees but the court was split 4 to 3, and today’s ruling will mean political fireworks between now and November.

Image: SAN FRANCISCO - MAY 15: Same-sex couple Alice Heimsoth (R) and Christmas Leubrie react to a California Supreme Court decision to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage at the California Supreme Court. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News

Los Angeles Hospitals and the Homeless

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Hospitals that leave homeless people on the streets will be guilty of misdemeanors if the LA City Council has its way. But the hospitals say that could cost them the federal funding that helps them stay open, and the new law does not provide places for homeless people to go. On Reporter’s Notebook, taco trucks and the “magic” of hot grease.

Will California Voters Get Rid of Rent Control?

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There are just two ballot measure on California's June 3 ballot—Propositions 98 and 99, which both limit the government's right to seize private property under "eminent domain." One of them would also phase out rent control. Also, we talk with the new Speaker of the State Assembly.

Obama and Clinton in Los Angeles

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It’s more and more likely that Barack Obama will be the first black nominated for president by a major American party. Conversely, Hillary Clinton probably won’t be the first woman. On Reporter’s Notebook, holdouts for Clinton in Hollywood.

More Labor Troubles in Hollywood

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Just three months after the Writers’ strike, film and TV studios have broken off talks with the Screen Actors Guild. SAG and AFTRA used to negotiate together, but now AFTRA’s talking with the studios on its own which has led to talk of divide and conquer. Also tonight, sex abuse in the LA Unified School District.

Urban Oil in Southern California

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Oil is as much a part of Southern California history as sunshine and citrus groves. Downtown LA is pockmarked with oil wells capped before they ran dry. In Long Beach and Signal Hill, there were forests of derricks and they’re still pumping in Seal Beach, Santa Fe Springs and Beverly Hills. Tonight: is there an oil well coming near you?

Special Live Election Wrap-Up of the Indiana and North Carolina Primaries

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Should Californians Change the Initiative Process?

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Californians hate government—with one exception. They love the initiative process which has allowed them to vote up or down on new laws dealing with major issues. The best example is Prop 13, passed in 1978 to limit the skyrocketing tax on property. On Reporter’s Notebook, they’re tearing down the Ferris Wheel on the Santa Monica Pier.

Closing The Budget Deficit By Touching The Public’s Nerve

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The city of Los Angeles doesn't have enough money - we're $406 million dollars short to be exact, the largest budget deficit in city history. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has proposed a $7 billlion dollar budget that focuses on the city’s core needs. Also tonight, dock workers all along the west coast shut down ports on a one day walkout.

Clinical Depression in LA Schools

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It’s not just the depression all teenagers feel, it’s the fear of violence and the sense that school doesn’t offer a haven that leads to a sense of belonging. These are the findings of a new survey on mental health conducted by kids who talked with 6,000 other kids in 7 of LA’s toughest high schools.

Do California’s Freeways have a Future?

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The 10, the 210 and possibly the 110 won’t be free for long if Mayor Villaraigosa and the MTA have their way. You’ll have to pay fees to use car-pool lanes during rush hour with the hope of keeping speeds up to 45 miles an hour. Is it a great way to avoid gridlock and lower pollution—or a public gift of freedom to travel for those who can afford it while the middle class and the poor watch the traffic go by?

Wesley Snipes: Was He Punished for Being Famous?

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The tax rebates are going out today for those who paid Uncle Sam. But actor Wesley Snipes won’t get one. He was acquitted of tax fraud, but convicted of failing to file federal tax returns for 3 years running. Also tonight, the shark warnings have been taken down after Friday’s attack off San Diego.