California Legislature OK's paid sick leave for coronavirus, vaccine appointments and more

The California Legislature on Thursday voted to expand paid sick leave for about 10.4 million workers, sending a bill to Gov. Gavin Newsom that mandates up to two weeks of paid time off for things like having coronavirus symptoms, scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine or caring for a child who is doing school at home.

Actor Armie Hammer accused of raping woman: 'I thought he was going to kill me'

The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a sexual assault investigation into Armie Hammer after an alleged victim came forward claiming the actor raped her and used manipulation tactics in order to control her. A representative for the actor said he denies the claim.

Man trying to steal catalytic converter crushed to death by car

A man was crushed to death by a vehicle while allegedly trying to steal its catalytic converter, Anaheim Police said Wednesday.

90% of California can dine indoors, go to movies, hit a gym

San Mateo County also became the first county in the San Francisco Bay Area allowing businesses there to open even more, including indoor bowling alleys and outdoor bars that do not serve meals. Businesses can reopen Wednesday, one year to the day after San Francisco Bay Area health officers implemented a regional stay-at-home order, the first in the U.S.

California ethnic studies debate: Whose stories get told?

This week, the State Board of Education is expected to approve the final draft, an 894-page tome whose own history illustrates the challenges of crafting an ethnic studies curriculum at a time of racial reckoning and national division.

2nd suspect from viral Uber video surrenders to face charges

A second suspect wanted from a widely seen video showing mistreatment of an Uber driver has surrendered to San Francisco police.

Protesters clash with police during Breonna Taylor rally in Hollywood; 11 arrested

Video from the scene Saturday showed protesters climbing onto a Los Angeles police car and helmeted officers taking up positions near Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street to contain about two dozen demonstrators.

Man sentenced to 212 years for killing his 2 autistic sons in staged accident to collect life insurance

A Hawthorne man was sentenced to 212 years in federal prison Thursday for intentionally driving his ex-wife and two autistic sons off a wharf at the Port of Los Angeles into the ocean – drowning the boys who were trapped in the car – to collect on accidental death insurance policies he had taken out on their lives.

Disney CEO anticipates reopening Disneyland by late April; 10K furloughed employees to return to work

Disney's CEO Bob Chapek said Tuesday that he is aiming to reopen its California theme parks with limited capacity by the end of April, and that thousands of furloughed employees will return to work.

Satellite images show kelp forest off California coast almost gone

In looking at satellite images of the Sonoma and Mendocino coast going back to 1985, researchers from the University of California, Santa Cruz found the kelp forest declined by an average of 95% since 2013.

Hospitalized victims of Imperial County crash identified as residents of Mexico, Guatemala 

Officials on Thursday released the names of the surviving victims who remain hospitalized in Southern California hospitals following a multi-fatal crash near the US-Mexico border in Imperial County earlier this week. In the horrific collision, a Ford Expedition carrying 25 passengers collided with a semi-truck, claiming the lives of 13 people.

Universal Studios Hollywood to reopen with outdoor dining, shopping experience

Theme park enthusiasts will officially be able to get a taste of Universal Studios Hollywood when it takes its first step toward reopening with an outdoor dining and shopping experience beginning March 12. 

California amusement parks face 'slow and difficult' recovery after year-long closure

This month marks one year since Disneyland indefinitely closed its gates due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now, California's amusement parks are on track to be the last to reopen across the United States. 

Incarcerated California woman, accomplice accused of stealing more than $100K in EDD benefits

Officials say the state has paid at least $11 billion in benefits to people whose identities it has been unable to verify, which they say is likely fraud. Of that, $810 million was tied to ineligible prisoners.