Man charged with shooting protected elephant seal on California beach

A 30-year-old-man was charged Tuesday with shooting and killing a protected northern elephant seal on a California beach, federal prosecutors said.

California COVID-19 case numbers are improving but don't expect rush to reopen

"We've been watching for two to three weeks, steady declines in our hospital numbers as well as our ICU numbers," said Dr. Mark Ghaly, noting a 19% decline in hospitalizations, and an 18% drop in ICU COVID-19 patients compared to two weeks ago.

California OKs school return for students with special needs or are homeless

The new guidelines appear to be the broadest attempt to deal with students, including older ones, who are more likely to struggle with at-home, digital learning, either because they lack the technology and a safe space to learn or because they are on special education plans or need other targeted support.

Los Angeles Rams, Chargers to play NFL season without fans in attendance 'until further notice'

The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers will play home games at the brand new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood for the 2020 NFL season, but without fans in attendance until further notice. 

Air traffic controllers sued by helicopter company in fatal Kobe Bryant crash

The company that operated the helicopter that crashed in Calabasas in January, killing Laker legend Kobe Bryant and eight others, is fighting back against lawsuits over the tragedy, filing a suit of its own contending air-traffic controllers are to blame for the crash.

Girls make treats, cards for firefighters battling California wildfires

"If we didn't have to worry about this coronavirus I'd give you a big hug," one of the firefighters said. "How about an air high five."

Tiburon police accused of racial profiling town’s Black-owned business owners

"The officer should have knocked, introduced himself, and explained he was patrolling Main Street," said Hawi Awash. "But instead it was more like, 'Who are you? And prove yourself.'"

Ancient redwoods survive wildfire at California’s oldest state park

“But the forest is not gone,” Laura McLendon said. “It will regrow. Every old-growth redwood I’ve ever seen, in Big Basin and other parks, has fire scars on them. They’ve been through multiple fires, possibly worse than this.”

Dozens of USC students test positive for COVID-19

USC health officials reported an "alarming" spike of 43 coronavirus cases confirmed in off-campus housing facilities, along with 100 students in quarantine due to possible exposure to COVID-19.

'Kobe Bryant Day': Celebrating Mamba's legacy in Los Angeles, Orange County and worldwide

Monday marks "Kobe Bryant Day," in the city of Los Angeles and in Orange County. While the special day has been made official in parts of Southern California, there are numerous ways to celebrate the NBA great and Los Angeles icon during Mamba Week from your living room, throughout the City of Angels, and beyond. 

BLM street painting to become permanent along Hollywood's Walk of Fame

The Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services will close Hollywood Boulevard from Highland Avenue to Orange Drive for five days starting Monday to install a permanent street mural commemorating the June 14 All Black Lives Matter March.

70-year-old man found dead; wildfires rage through Northern California

The Santa Cruz fire is one of three “complexes,” or groups of fires, burning on all sides of the San Francisco Bay Area. All were started by lightning.

Uber, Lyft drivers to resume working as independent contractors

An appeals court has allowed ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft to continue treating their drivers as independent contractors while an appeal works its way through the court.

Dramatic photos: Rare lightning show streaks across Northern California skies

Already on Monday, a second round of lightning strikes was already hitting areas including Sonoma, Rohnert Park and the San Mateo County coastline.

The home front: Stories from nurses in the fight against COVID-19

For the nurses across the globe, home is fraught with uncertainty. Are they exposing their partners and children? Should they quit their jobs to keep their families safe?

California's Golden State Killer faces life prison sentence for rape and murder

The 74-year-old is the elusive Golden State Killer, who pleaded guilty in June and is set to be sentenced on Friday after three days of testimony from his victims and survivors.

California’s Death Valley hits 130 degrees, could be among hottest ever

The National Weather Service tweeted Sunday that the temperature in Death Valley on Sunday hit 130 degrees, which, if confirmed, would be the hottest temperature officially verified since July 1913 in Death Valley.