Another diminishing resource is a cause for concern in California—prison inmates who can help fight wildfires.

Three topics today: a pointless proposition that even its backers won't campaign for; another look at a past ballot measure; and some good news for beleaguered homeowners.

Foreclosures are sharply up in California, and worries about municipal bankruptcies are also rising.

Home prices in California are trending upward once again. But that has yet to translate into positive news for the state budget.