Topic: Bakersfield

US air pollution hits 10-year low, report finds

A report by the American Lung Association finds that air pollution has fallen to its lowest levels since the group began collecting data in 2000. The ALA credits the Clean Air Act. 

Mysterious explosion and daylight fireball in Nevada, California skies (+video)

A loud explosion and a streak of light occurred over roughly a 600-mile line across Nevada and California. It was probably a meteor, say astronomers.

Ann Romney flap: Will it help Mitt Romney score points with women?

Hilary Rosen's criticism of Ann Romney may rally stay-at-home-moms behind Mitt Romney. But it likely won't shrink the gender gap, which now gives President Obama a big edge.

As gas prices soar, Californians test life above the $4-a-gallon mark

Gas prices that have already surged beyond $4 a gallon are forcing California consumers and business-owners to cut back and try to make do with less.

America's most literate cities: Washington, D.C. takes the top spot

Seattle comes in at number two on the new list released by Central Connecticut State University, while Bakersfield, Calif. is ranked as the least literate city in America.

Charles Napier remembered for facial expressions in tough guy roles

Charles Napier was a veteran character actor in movies and television. A former basketball player and Army veteran, Charles Napier was a Kentucky native.

Culinary schools: Are some not worth the dough?

Culinary schools reach pending settlement with dissatisfied students, who complained culinary schools lured them in with false promises.

Social Security numbers used in license scam

Social Security numbers plus altered passports used in plot to get California driver's licences for 200 illegal immigrants. Police arrest two, saying Social Security IDs came from Northern Marianas.

Gold mine reopens in California desert

Gold mining jobs are coming to Mojave, Calif. Run-up in gold, silver prices causes Golden Queen Mining to restart operation.

What to do in Southern California gardens in early May

If you garden in Southern California, here's a suggested to-list list for early May.

March in the Southern California garden

From San Diego to the central coast area of California, here's what to do in your garden this week.

Southern California gardening: What to do in February

Here are the things to do in Southern California gardens this month, from pruning roses to starting seeds.

Grapevine closed by snow: playtime near L.A., but tough work on I-5

The California Highway Patrol works hard to reopen the Grapevine closed by the winter weather, even as arts students outside Los Angeles frolic in the snow, highly unusual at that low altitude.

Soggy California braces for deluge, as more storms take aim

More storms are steering toward California, which is already deluged. Warnings of flash floods and mudslides are in place in some communities, as worries rise about additional flooding.

Foreclosures up especially in cities

Foreclosures in the US have increased over the summer and have become particularly serious in metropolitan areas.

Foreclosures ease in cities hit hardest by housing crisis

Foreclosures declined in all top 10 metros, according to a new report.

Tehachapi fire burns 20,000 acres, is 25 percent contained

The Tehachapi fire is actually two separate blazes that had burned as many as 40 homes by mid-day Wednesday.

Roy Ashburn: Where do gay Republicans fit among conservatives?

Roy Ashburn, a Republican state senator in California, said Monday that he is gay. The disclosure raises new questions about gay Republicans’ place within the conservative movement.

SeaWorld 'killer whale' incident gives parents pause

The 'killer whale' accident at SeaWorld Orlando has some parents questioning the value of bringing children to zoos and animal parks.

Which airports have the least delays?

Airport delays are down. Thanks to the recession, fewer people are flying. But weather and location also play a part in which airports have the most on-time flights.

California wants $4.7 billion in high-speed rail stimulus

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has applied for more than half the $8 billion allotted for high-speed rail. State officials say California's plan is the most shovel-ready.

What can we learn from the death of the world's first printed blog?

The worst air in the US? It's not in L.A.

Pollution levels and topography have helped make smog 'a way of life' in Bakersfield, Calif.