Latino Activists Find Inspiration in 'Occupy' Movement
The Occupy Wall Street protests and their cry against financial inequality and greedy banks is taking hold in places as diverse as San Diego, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland and even Palo Alto. There seem to be few Latino faces among the demonstrators -- but their message is resonating with Latino organizers.
Alternative Energy Research Pushed by Military
The recent demise of California-based Solyndra gave a major black eye to the solar energy industry. But that's not the whole story. Silicon Valley companies specializing in solar panels, wind turbines and biofuels are getting a big boost from an unlikely source -- the U.S. Defense Department.
The Oakland Hills Fire: Lessons Learned and Losses Remembered
This month marks the 20th anniversary of one of the worst urban fires in history -- the one that roared through the hills of Oakland and Berkeley in 1991. Twenty-five people died, 150 were injured and more than 3,000 homes burned. Neighbors and firefighters want to avoid the conditions that led to that disaster.
Book Review: "The Barbarian Nurseries"
If you went only by "The Real Housewives of Orange County" or cable news pundits, you'd never know the deep complexity of life in Southern California. But Los Angeles Times columnist and author Hector Tobar captures that richness and more in his new novel, "The Barbarian Nurseries."
California Songs: El Vez's 'En El Barrio'
El Vez -- the Mexican Elvis from Southern California -- is much more than an impersonator. He's a character that's equal parts Presley swagger, wry comedian, glam-rock showman and Latino activist. That's particularly evident in "En El Barrio," his late-80s take on the Elvis tune "In The Ghetto."