Free Online Income Tax Filing - IRS Link

Don’t pay a penny for filing your 2014 tax return. Just click the link to the IRS.

Bay Area Groups Expect Ruling Blocking Immigration Actions to be Overturned

“We have every confidence the higher courts will overturn this decision," one Bay Area group says.

Obama Lands In Bay Area, Will Attend Cybersecurity Conference At Stanford

The president will stay overnight in SF, then visit Palo Alto on Friday for the conference and a business roundtable.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom Announces Run for Governor

The former San Francisco mayor says he's creating a committee to run for California Governor in 2018.

President Obama Planning Trip To Bay Area Next Week

Cybersecurity policy will be on the agenda, along with a fundraiser.

Good Idea? Calif. Legislators Move to Make Vaccines Mandatory Without Exemption

Two state legislators promised to introduce mandatory vaccines as Feinstein and Boxer urge the state to kill the personal belief exemption.

Gov. Brown Announces Partnership to Provide Money for Solar

Money will be used to do energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in low income housing.

Developmental Disabilities Advocates Call For $500 Million In Increased State Funding

Social workers want cuts made during the 2008 recession be restored in Gov. Brown's budget.

Attorney General Kamala Harris Announces Run For U.S. Senate

This news comes less than a week after Sen. Barbara Boxer said she is not seeking a fifth term.

Sen. Boxer Will Not Seek Fifth Term

The four-term, Democratic senator began her political career when first elected to the Marin County Board of Supervisors in 1976.

No More Plastic Bags, Rubbers for Prisoners and Paid Sick Time: 10 New Calif. Laws in 2015

Here are 10 of the new statewide laws that are going into effect this year.

New Law Improves Process For California Ballot Initiatives

Our state loves "measures," having voted on 360 since 1912. This update makes process more "voter friendly."

Gov. Brown Appoints New Head Of CPUC

The previous CPUC president is not seeking reappointment amid allegations of corruption and inappropriate communications with PG&E.

Leondra Kruger Confirmed To CA State Supreme Court Post

She will be the youngest and only African-American on the bench, and labeled “exceptionally well qualified.”

CA Senator Introduces Bill Banning New Artificial Turf Made With Recycled Tires; Concern Raised the Surfaces May Harm Kids

Turf may save water, but is it safe? Or are the chemical compounds causing cancer and other illnesses?

Burning Holiday Gift Wrap Produces Toxic Smoke

Waste less with creative alternatives.

DMV Gears Up for Issuing Licenses to Undocumented Drivers

Hint: If your driver's license expires in January--get it renewed now.

A $13 Minimum Wage in California?

Legislation introduced in Sacramento would substantially increase paychecks.

'Holiday Season Telephone Townhall' To Offer Tax Tips

The townhall call will be on Dec. 1 at 10 a.m.

State Attorney General Warns of Scams in Wake of New Immigration Policy

California Attorney General Kamala Harris offers tips on how to avoid con artists.

Gov. Brown Nominates U.S. Justice Department Official To California Supreme Court

If confirmed to the high court, Kruger would be one of four women and the only African-American serving on the panel.

DMV Moving Ahead with Undocumented Driver Licenses

The licenses must be available by Jan. 1, 2015.

Block Indian Casinos? Drug-Test Doctors? Web Site Helps Voters Navigate Ballots

The nonprofit, nonpartisan "California Choices" is useful tool for weighing state measures and candidates for Nov. 4 election

STANFORD: Democrats, Republicans Worlds Apart

Political animosity exceeds racial hostility, new research shows. And Americans' political biases spill over into their social lives.

State Adds 7,500 Preschool Slots For Low-Income Families

These spaces will partially reinstate cuts that were made during the recession when California eliminated 100,000 subsidized slots.

Distinguishing Toy Guns From Real Weapons: Gov. Brown Signs Bill

Legislation co-drafted by state senator from Sonoma County where a boy carrying an Airsoft gun was fatally shot by deputy.

'Audrie's Law' Toughening Juvenile Sex Crime Statutes Signed by Gov. Brown

The law is named after teen victim Audrie Pott, who committed suicide in 2012 after being sexually assaulted at a party in Saratoga.

In Less Than 8 Hours: Opponents of Statewide Plastic-Bag Ban Vow Repeal

California was first "ban" state when Gov. Brown signed a bill this a.m. Now signatures being gathered for ballot initiative to overturn.

See Ya, Plastic Bags! Ban Goes Statewide

Gov. Brown signed bill today banning single-use plastic bags starting next year.

Brown Signs Bill to Fight Human Trafficking

Brown also signed six other bills that he said are aimed at better protecting victims of human trafficking.

'Native American Day' Is California's Newest State Holiday

AB 1973 Signed into Law by Governor Brown.

New License Plate Will Fund Mammograms

The Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness plate will fund the “Every Woman Counts” program. DMV now to develop the new tags.

New Law Protects Against Sexual Harassment

It plugs a hole in existing law that left unpaid interns and volunteers vulnerable

Bid to Split California into 6 States Fails to Qualify for Ballot

Venture capitalist Tim Draper isn't ready to give up, though

SC County Farm Bureau Endorses Jimmy Dutra for Watsonville City Council

"Jimmy will bring fresh ideas..."

'Yes Means Yes' Bill Headed to Governor's Desk

The governor has until Sept. 30 to veto the bill or sign it.

Bill to Reduce Cell Phone Robberies Signed into Law

The 'Cell Phone Kill Switch Bill' is meant to keep help keep smartphone owners from being mugged or robbed for their phones.

From Patch Reader: Every Picture Tells a Story

Assemblyman Luis Alejo drinking on taxpayer time?

Gov. Brown Signs Bill Allowing Dogs in Outdoor Restaurants

"Bone-appétit," says Assemblymember Yamada, sponsor of the bill which becomes law in January.

What Medicare Does (and Doesn't) Cover

Part A? Part B? Do you know the difference and details?