California update

California to suffer housing shift, UCLA forecasters say
Demand will grow for urban rental units by the coast and shrink for single-family homes inland, resulting in fewer construction jobs and no boom for some areas hit hard by the housing bust.

Death penalty costs California $184 million a year, study says
A senior judge and law professor examine rising costs of the program. Without major reforms, they conclude, capital punishment will continue to exist mostly in theory while exacting an untenable cost.

Democrats pass austerity budget for California
Universities, courts and the poor would be among those losing funding in the new California budget. Officials admit the plan would not restore the state to fiscal health.

Second round of tuition hikes likely at UC and Cal State systems
The increase of at least 10% comes in response to deeper cuts to education in the new state budget. The opening of UC Riverside's new medical school will be delayed by a year. Student leaders express disappointment.

Capitol Journal: Proposition 25 proves its worth
But Republicans squander a chance to win pension, spending and regulatory reforms.