The ruling allows states or courts to design voting districts in order to protect racial minorities. But that may not be the case in California, where minority populations are not concentrated in hotly contested congressional district and might not be greatly affected by the decision.

A new ordinance allowing a religious blade inside Sacramento City Hall went into effect Tuesday, and members of the Sikh community who carry the article of faith packed the council chambers for the occasion. Some members of the Sikh community carry five religious items as a formal recognition of their religion. One of them is a kirpan, or a religious sword.

The California Supreme Court held yesterday that a dependency court may not terminate parental rights, at a permanency hearing held after the children at issue have been declared wards of the court, based solely on a finding that the minors are likely to be adopted.

(Subscription required) A third-generation judicial officer, Justice Donald R. Franson Jr. reflects on his path to the 5th District Court of Appeal, his father's influence, and a career rooted in Fresno's legal community.