California inmate’s wife wins $5.6 million in strip search settlement

A California woman who was sexually assaulted during a physical exam while trying to visit her incarcerated husband has been awarded $5.6 million in a settlement with the Department of Corrections and the hospital that oversaw the exam, her lawyer announced Monday. Cristina Cardenas, 45, He told the New York Times She was “traumatized” when […]

Newsom signs bill to resume harsh penalties for smash-and-grab robberies in California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed a bill that restores tough criminal penalties for those involved in the grand theft schemes and burglary sprees that continue to vex voters across the state. Under the new law, prosecutors will be required to impose tougher penalties on anyone who damages or destroys property worth more than […]

Berkeley businesses sue California city for not removing homeless encampments

Several businesses, including wineries and breweries, are suing the city of Berkeley, California, alleging that the city has hurt their profits by failing to remove a homeless camp nearby. The lawsuit was filed this week in Alameda County against the city of Berkeley by eight businesses, including Covenant Winery, Emily Winston of Vojczyk Bagels and […]

California commission considering phone subsidies for illegal immigrants

Illegal immigrants in California may soon be able to get subsidized cell phone bills under a new proposal. The state's Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to vote on September 26 on whether to expand California Lifeline, a subsidy program for low-income state residents, to people without Social Security numbers. “When undocumented Californians find themselves in […]

Millions of fossils recovered beneath a California school

Millions of prehistoric marine fossils have been discovered beneath a California high school over the course of several years of construction. Artifacts found at San Pedro High School included parts of a 9-million-year-old whale, megalodon teeth, a sabre-toothed cat and other fish. Prehistoric fossils discovered at San Pedro High School construction site. A.B.C. “We found […]