Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation raising the legal age to smoke in California from 18 to 21 years. The exception is active-duty military personnel who may smoke at age 18. On Wednesday, May 4, Brown signed five new bills that all affect smoking within the state and become effective June 9. Other bills address regulation…

Twelve is how many propositions will be on the November ballot and three other possibilities were withdrawn Thursday. Besides U.S. senator, offices such as governor, lieutenant governor, state senator, assembly member, sheriff, school district and perhaps local offices, 12 measures, which range from bond approval to eliminating California in favor of three states, will lengthen…

On the recommendation of Cal Fire/Riverside County Deputy Fire Chief Glenn Patterson, the Board of Supervisors, at its June 21 meeting, approved the closure of seven potentially fire hazard areas. The closures will remain in effect until further notice in the following areas: • Avery Canyon (Gibbel Road east of State Street in Hemet) •…