Vellanoweth: 'The Accident Was Unavoidable'- Roberto Vellanoweth, the political activist and former employee of the Governor's office that is facing charges of killing four people while driving drunk, took the stand today in his own defense.

Salmon Fishing No Longer Legal In Central Valley- Beginning today it's illegal to fish for salmon in the Central Valley.

Sacramento politics: Down ballot blues- The filing period to run for local elected office is open from July 14 to August 8. There are scores of elected offices in Sacramento County up for grabs. But many, many of those races won't be competitive.

Laguna Creek High School teacher wins solar energy grants from SMUD- Eric Johnson, a science teacher at Laguna Creek High School, was recently selected to receive an Energize Minds for Solar Design grant from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).  Johnson earned grants during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 selection processes.  He was presented with the grants at the EGUSD Board of Education meeting on June 24, 2008.

Lungren says energy, economy main issues for voters- In an editorial meeting with the staff of the Elk Grove Citizen on Tuesday, incumbent Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) shared his ideas - from the rising costs of energy to securing Folsom Dam - as he faces an election for California's third district in November. Lungren is being challenged by Democrat Bill Durston.

Wilton petition aims to stop growth- Shirley Jackson loves her bucolic town called Wilton, her birthplace 76 years ago. A Wilton school is named after her grandfather. She smiles at the open space and quietness of her town.

 Smoke-Related Health Statement- The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and Sacramento County Public Health Division are advising residents to take precautions and avoid voluntary outdoor activities as smoke from wildfires continues to remain at ground level in the Sacramento region.

Sacramento won't fine couple who let lawn die- Sacramento city officials on Wednesday admitted their code enforcement policies may not be drought-friendly, and said they won't fine the couple featured in Wednesday's Bee who let their front lawn die to save water.

District wants water use cut by up to 10%- More than a quarter-million residents in Granite Bay and northeastern Sacramento County have been asked to cut their water use between 5 percent and 10 percent.

Some city leaders in Sacramento County question need for anti-gang tax hike- Some city leaders in Sacramento County are questioning the need for a sales tax hike to fight gangs that was proposed by Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson in May.

Higher parking fees, fines begin- A citywide parking fee increase, approved by the City Council in March, took effect Tuesday, boosting per-hour cost by 25 cents.