Medical marijuana advocates argued this week before the California Supreme Court that cities do not have the power to ban pot dispensaries, saying that it undermines the 1996 voter-approved state law allowing cannabis for medical use. Opponents say the law's language is vague. The case has sweeping ramifications for local governments across the state and in the Bay Area, where dozens of cities have enacted dispensary bans.

Community members, elected officials, executives and civic leaders convene in San Jose for this year's State of The Valley Conference, Silicon Valley's annual "town meeting," to assess the outlook for the region. Meanwhile, the annual Silicon Valley Index shows jobs, income and IPOs are all on the rise, yet the gap between rich and poor is widening, particularly among some minority groups.

California is closer to becoming the first state in the nation to declare great white sharks an endangered species. The Fish and Game Commission voted Wednesday to designate the predator as a candidate for the list, with the final decision pending a year-long review.