A Sacramento judge ruled Thursday that Jose Hernandez, who flew in the shuttle Discovery three years ago, can use the ballot designation of "astronaut" in his current congressional bid.

Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin on Monday warned that the city is in "severe financial stress" that demands immediate action and presented a 10-year plan calling for more concessions from city workers.

Former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson and two other Republicans on Monday said they would seek the 23rd Assembly District seat, which was thrown open last week when first-term Republican Linda Halderman unexpectedly said she wouldn't seek reelection.

Dinuba native Cruz Bustamante, who rose through the political ranks to become Assembly speaker and then lieutenant governor, has decided against a run for Congress.

Richard Valle, citing unwavering support from friends, family and constituents, announced Saturday that he will seek re-election even as he faces prosecution on sexual assault charges.

Cruz Bustamante, the Dinuba Democrat who rose to the second-highest position in state government, is eyeing a return to politics -- as a congressman.

Paul Caprioglio will officially announce his candidacy for the Fresno City Council District 4 seat this afternoon at Cary Park.

Ashley Swearengin announced Thursday that she will seek a second term as Fresno's mayor, saying the city is well on its way toward a dramatic turnaround, but much work remains.

The state Capitol's smallest piece of legislative real estate is now home to Fresno Republican Assembly member Linda Halderman.

In a significant budget victory for Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday the state can eliminate the local agencies that subsidize construction in blighted areas. Fresno city officials warned the ruling could undercut efforts to revitalize deteriorating neighborhoods.

A statewide citizens commission charged with the once-a-decade redrawing of California's congressional, Assembly and state Senate districts on Friday proposed a radical overhaul of the region's political landscape.

Real estate broker Larry Fortune announced his candidacy for the District 2 Fresno County supervisor seat Wednesday.

With Fresno city planners working to redraw district lines based on the 2010 census, some City Council members feel it is time to fix District 7.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday signed legislation in Fresno that will extend and enlarge a popular program that gives tax credits to first-time homebuyers.

The Fresno City Council on Wednesday got its first look at a new state law regulating how Californians water their yards.

WASHINGTON -- Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, now begins the hardest congressional year imaginable.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein has just complicated Sen. Barbara Boxer's search for San Joaquin Valley voters.

A San Diego County Assembly member has returned more than $78,000 in campaign donations from the Fresno County Republican Party -- contributions that had sparked controversy and prompted a state investigation.

PORTERVILLE -- Seven candidates are running for three spots on a City Council that is expected to face decisions that will significantly affect Porterville's future.

Fresno mayoral candidates singled out air quality, crime and jobs as top issues facing the city in coming years during a debate Monday night sponsored by Valley Public Television.

Two distinct views divide the political turf in the race for the District 2 seat on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

Pinedale residents concerned that the city of Fresno is dragging its feet in making improvements to their neighborhood received pledges to speed up the process Monday night from two City Council candidates.

Ninety-Three Years of Waiting

A new mayor might not be the only change at City Hall next January.

Fresno's next mayor will inherit a challenge -- how to balance the budget and preserve police, fire and other services when city revenues are shrinking.

Officials hope a $500,000 fund created by the Fresno City Council last week will spark new affordable housing projects for families whose income falls below the average for the area.

SACRAMENTO -- California sued the federal government Thursday to force a decision on the state's request to enforce tough new rules aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

WASHINGTON -- Oil and gas producers working in the Gulf of Mexico would pay to help restore the San Joaquin River under a bill that encountered new difficulties Wednesday amid growing debate.

SACRAMENTO -- Law enforcement groups and Republican lawmakers announced Monday an anti-gang ballot initiative that would lead to the biggest sentencing changes since the controversial "Three Strikes" law was enacted more than a decade ago.