Bear in Petaluma tree comes down, wanders off

Authorities gave a large bear time and space to climb down a tree and eventually, after 15 hours, the animal left a Petaluma neighborhood on its own.   

California proposes new oil drilling ban near neighborhoods

California’s oil and gas regulator on Thursday proposed that the state ban new oil drilling within 3,200 feet of schools, homes and hospitals to protect public health in what would be the nation’s largest buffer zone between oil wells and communities.

Alisal Fire: Crews near full containment as residents go home

More than 1,600 firefighters were battling the blaze in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara on land and by air. They were able to stop its forward growth, and the blaze was 78% contained, federal officials said.

Class-action lawsuit filed in Huntington Beach oil spill

The first federal lawsuit linked to the 126,000 gallons of oil that spilled into the ocean off Huntington Beach is a proposed class-action suit that includes claims to recover damages for individuals and businesses damaged by the massive leak. The man who brought forward the lawsuit also alleges he has been, or will be, exposed to toxic oil contaminants.