Inland senator stalled budget, clashed with attorney general to halt suits -- P-E

Early in this summer's budget standoff, Attorney General Jerry Brown learned that his main adversary in a dispute over global-warming lawsuits was a first-term state senator named Bob Dutton.

Riverside neighborhood questions timing of gang injunction -- P-E

Community activists and residents have questioned whether Riverside County's first-ever injunction targeting a gang is necessary and why District Attorney Rod Pacheco launched his effort now.

Bush proposes home-loan relief -- P-E

President Bush on Friday proposed solutions for homeowners facing rising interest rates on their mortgages that could cost them their homes.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department audit finds costly flaws -- P-E

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department lost almost $400,000 in two years because of inadequate financial oversight, according to an audit report heading to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

Riverside County supervisors to meet Tuesday to decide on how new sheriff will be chosen -- P-E and The Californian

Riverside County supervisors could begin interviewing candidates to replace Sheriff Bob Doyle as early as Sept. 17.

Gerald Ford stamps sell well at former president's Rancho Mirage post office -- P-E and The Desert Sun

Letter carrier and avid stamp collector Patti Cameron finished up her route Friday afternoon, headed for Gerald Ford's local post office, stood in line and bought some commemorative stamps.

Patient records indicate lax follow-through at county facility -- P-E

A man admitted last month to the county's inpatient mental health unit mingled with staff and patients for four days before a doctor ordered a chest X-ray to determine whether he was infected with contagious tuberculosis.

Judge reinstates recalled Menifee homeowners board members -- P-E

The recall of a Menifee homeowners board will stand but three ousted board members will serve until the board's next election in October, a judge ruled Friday.

Valley Health System lays off 17 at three hospitals -- P-E

A $2.3 million-per-month cash hemorrhage has prompted 17 layoffs at Valley Health System medical facilities in Hemet, Moreno Valley and Menifee.

Challengers sweep Elsinore Water District Board elections -- P-E

Customers of the Elsinore Water District will now be led by an almost entirely new slate of board members, as all three incumbents up for election lost their seats this week.

Opinion: Mortgage folly -- P-E

Foolhardy mortgage lenders and wide-eyed buyers are paying a steep price for the poor fiscal choices of the past two years.

Opinion: Cargo-fee fairness -- P-E

The Assembly needs to pass a container fee bill, regardless of objections from business or petty opposition from city politicians.