Ex-candidate's aide joins 64th Assembly race -- P-E

Brian Nestande, a consultant for Girard until she quit, is announcing today that he's joining the crowded Republican field for the district.

Water, health on 'to do' list -- P-E

California lawmakers will go into overtime to try to deal with two major issues left unresolved during this year's legislative session: water and health care.

Lawmakers in sticky situation -- The Desert Sun

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger faced a ticklish decision Tuesday about whether to allow Californians to vote on an advisory measure that urges President Bush to immediately withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.

Teen drivers have hang-ups about bill limiting cell phones -- P-E

State lawmakers last week sent a bill to Gov. Schwarzenegger to make it illegal for teenagers to use wireless devices -- to send text messages or talk -- behind the wheel except in emergencies.

Options for raising Riverside electric rates being considered -- P-E

Reliable sources of electricity remain a priority, the Riverside City Council agreed Tuesday as it asked the city's Board of Public Utilities to consider a variety of options for raising residential electric rates.

New law in Hemet gets stricter on adult businesses -- P-E

Amid applause from an appreciative crowd, the City Council approved Tuesday a new ordinance to more strictly regulate strip clubs, adult bookstores and other sex-oriented businesses that want to open in Hemet.

Further steps taken to slow spread of mollusk -- P-E

The region's largest urban water supplier will spend $5.9 million to build chlorination facilities at key reservoirs, including Diamond Valley Lake near Hemet, in an effort to stem the invasion of a tiny but destructive mollusk in the water supply of 18 million Southern Californians.

Mt. San Jacinto College trustees consider local bond for Banning campus -- P-E

A community group is urging Mt. San Jacinto College to consider a local bond to build an education center serving Banning and surrounding areas.

Councilman's trial in forgery case delayed -- P-E and The Californian

A Riverside County judge on Tuesday pushed back the jury trial for Murrieta Councilman Warnie Enochs to Oct. 17.

Park district officials to discuss vacant seat -- P-E

The Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District's board of directors may decide Thursday how they want to fill the board seat left vacant by the death of veteran director Jim Real.

Taxi company takes issue with free rides for troops -- The Desert Sun

A growing nonprofit "troop-transport" service is clashing with high desert taxi drivers who say they're losing thousands of dollars and can't compete.

Candidates for City Council, mayor air views in debate -- The Desert Sun

A Palm Springs City Council candidate debate hosted by the city's Chamber of Commerce, Palm Springs Economic Development Corp. and The Desert Sun was standing room-only Tuesday at City Hall.

Daughter of ex-mayor sues city [Murrieta] -- The Californian

The daughter of a former mayor sued the city Tuesday over its rejection earlier this year of the project -- her proposed day-care center and swim club -- that prompted her father's recall from office two years ago.

Flag 'thief' comes clean -- The Californian

For months, Christopher Herbers looked up at the flag flying over Tower Plaza, but rather than pride, felt shame.

Opinion: Safeguarding history -- P-E

So local governments need to be much more diligent about complying with SB 18, a 2004 state law that requires consultation with Indian tribes about possible development on sacred sites.

Opinion: Parking ordinance requires balance before being approved -- The Desert Sun

Cathedral City Council members are expected to pass an amendment to a parking ordinance tonight that will limit the amount of time recreational and commercial vehicles can be parked on city streets.

Local View: Riverside has a good neighbor in DHL -- P-E

This week DHL Express Inc. made another major contribution to the community of Riverside by changing its operations to reduce noise from March Field.

Local View: No Budget Standoffs -- P-E

This year's protracted budget negotiations finally concluded with the signing of a $145 billion spending plan on Aug. 24.