It's ugly on the campaign trail -- The Desert Sun

The tough campaigning already is underway, and the election isn't until next year. We're talking about the race to succeed Republican Jim Battin in the state Senate and the battle that will be waged by John Benoit and Russ Bogh to be the GOP candidate.

Valley's pressing issues addressed -- The Desert Sun

Politicians talked frankly about pressing issues Coachella Valley residents face at a luncheon Friday that drew nearly 500 people.

Casino tribes hit TV to defend new pacts -- P-E

With opponents still gathering signatures to overturn their new gambling compacts, four of California's most powerful Indian tribes on Friday launched a multimillion-dollar television campaign to sell the deals to the public.

Gang history holds Riverside neighborhood hostage -- P-E

The story of one of Riverside County's oldest and most violent gangs, East Side Riva, is intertwined with that of the close, working-class Riverside neighborhood where the gang took root.

Esperanza firefighters to be honored at state Firefighters Memorial -- The Desert Sun

The five-man U.S. Forest Service Engine 57 firefighting crew from Idyllwild killed in last October's Esperanza wildfire will be remembered at the California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony and Firefighter Procession in Sacramento on Sept. 29.

Death-penalty foes make Inland stops in march -- P-E

Two men marching from San Diego to Sacramento seeking to end California's death penalty came to Riverside County on Friday to address a rally and ask for prosecutors to stop filing for capital punishment.

Former Murrieta mayor pleads guilty to reduced disclosure charges -- P-E and The Californian

Former Murrieta Mayor and Councilman Jack van Haaster pleaded guilty Friday to reduced charges in connection with his failure to fully disclose his financial interests and his vote on a road project in which he had a conflict.

Attorney gives name in Murrieta suit -- The Californian

There may not be multiple "Murrietans for Smart Growth," as the nonprofit's name would suggest, but the attorney representing the group recently produced one, in response to a court order.

Trucks, trains targeted in agreement on cutting air pollution in Southern California -- P-E

State and Southern California air pollution officials announced Friday they will target pollution from trucks, locomotives and construction equipment in an attempt to meet a 2015 federal clean-air deadline.

Republican women set convention in Palm Springs -- P-E

Republican women are gathering next week in Palm Springs for the National Federation of Republican Women's convention.

Groundbreaking set Tuesday for Beaumont medical center -- P-E

Groundbreaking for a new health care center in the Pass is set for next week, and the opening is expected early in 2009.

Temecula-area farmers brace for water cuts -- P-E

Farmers who get water from the Rancho California Water District may have to scale back their irrigation plans as the district deals with an expected cut from one of its top suppliers.