Lee Mendelson, producer who brought “Charlie Brown Christmas” to TV,  dies on Christmas Day

Lee Mendelson, the producer who changed the face of the holidays when he brought “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to television in 1965 and wrote the lyrics to its signature song, “Christmas Time Is Here,” died on Christmas day, his son said.

Santa Anita Park begins winter racing season amid protest

Santa Anita Park's latest racing season has begun amid criticism by animal-rights activists about the deaths of 37 horses at the Arcadia track within the past year.

Man refuses to believe he gave multiple women STD in viral text exchange

A man confronted by a woman who said he exposed her to an STD refused to accept the claim in a text message exchange that has gone viral.

Father drowns trying to rescue girl swept to California bay

A father drowned after trying to rescue his 12-year-old daughter who was on a raft that was swept from a Northern California lagoon out to sea, authorities said.

California redwood tree falls, kills hiker at national park

"This is a very rare, and isolated event that may have occurred due to wet ground from recent winter storms," a park spokesman said.

Shark reportedly bites surfer off coast of Santa Barbara

A shark reportedly bit a surfer Saturday afternoon off Santa Rosa Island in a “truly terrifying situation,” the Coast Guard said.

Infant dies after crash involving on-duty California deputy

Officials are investigating after an infant died in a car collision involving a San Joaquin County Sheriff’s deputy.

Two horses die in first race at Los Alamitos Race Course

Two horses died after the first race at Los Alamitos Race Course Saturday, adding to the death toll in a year that has seen increased scrutiny of the sport in Southern California.

Anaheim police use GPS 'bait package' to catch porch pirate

A 34-year-old man was taken into custody for suspicion of stealing a bait package with a GPS locator Anaheim police planted on adoorstep, authorities said.