Governor signs dumping measure -- The Desert Sun

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a measure aimed at helping local governments recover costs associated with illegal dumping, Assemblyman John J. Benoit, the author of the bill, said Thursday.

Partisan gridlock on water worries officials in region -- P-E and The Californian

Leaders briefed about the state's water crisis said partisan gridlock in Sacramento must end to avoid major problems in the near future.

Rail traffic message readied -- P-E

Inland business leaders are welcoming a top state transportation official to the area today with a succinct message: We need money for railroad underpasses.

Inland leaders part ways over presidential endorsements -- P-E

The Inland region's top political players are throwing their support behind a number of presidential contenders this campaign season with little attention to traditional alliances.

DA in court to restrict members of East Side Riva gang of Riverside -- P-E

The Riverside County district attorney's office will return to court today seeking an injunction against members of a gang in the city of Riverside.

Agents told to pick up Jessica's Law violators -- P-E

Even as legal challenges to Jessica's Law continue, state officials say parole agents could start arresting sex offenders today who live too close to schools and parks.

Foreclosed homes wear pain of American dream lost -- P-E

Just before the bank took possession of a home in northwestern Riverside County, its former owners attacked the walls with paintball guns and smashed gaping holes in them.

No weapons found in high school lockdown -- The Desert Sun

A false report of a gunman on a high school campus Thursday led to a lockdown at four Palm Desert schools, shaking thousands of students in classrooms and dozens of worried parents outside.

Learn when your area of Riverside will get free Internet -- P-E

AT&T customers in Riverside can check a Web site to learn when they'll receive service during the company's citywide deployment of free wireless Internet access, a spokeswoman said Thursday.

Schools must do more, say Riverside trustee candidates -- P-E

Riverside schools must do more to keep high school students in class and learning -- including those not planning to attend college, school board candidates said at a public forum Thursday.

Two candidates reveal stance in Palm Springs mayoral race -- P-E

Downtown revitalization, preserving the city's natural beauty and public safety are key issues in the upcoming mayoral election.

Eight vie for two council seats in Palm Springs -- P-E

Burnishing the city's image, downtown revitalization and attracting green and high-tech industries are some of the issues City Council candidates hope voters will focus on next month at the polls.

Multi-species habitat plan approved by City Council -- The Desert Sun

The Coachella City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved participation in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.

Temecula change to save 107 billion gallons of water -- P-E

The city of Temecula and local schools will have to use untreated or recycled water for landscaping after a vote by the Rancho California Water District board Thursday.

Temecula sued by developer over failed project -- P-E

A Capistrano Beach developer who worked with Temecula officials in a failed endeavor to build a 32-acre education center has filed a $3.4 million claim against the city, which is now negotiating with a different developer.

Pechanga Parkway repairs high on Temecula resident's wish list -- P-E and The Californian

Efforts are underway to improve Pechanga Parkway on the city's south side and acquire land that could be used for a rock quarry, city officials said at a town hall meeting Thursday night.

Get behind hospital district proposal, union workers say -- P-E

A year ago they were on the opposite side of the hospital-district administration, campaigning against Measure I, a bond proposal that would have provided $485 million to boost the finances of Valley Health System.

Opinion: Water cop-out -- P-E

California needs a Legislature that can address crucial policy issues, not one that pursues partisan agendas while pushing every tough decision off onto voters.

Opinion: Cellular equipment at school works in cases of emergency -- The Desert Sun

On the heels of a Cleveland school shooting in which five people were injured, Palm Desert High School was put on lockdown Thursday morning after a student claimed seeing a former student of the school on or near the campus with a weapon.