As California begins requiring homeowners to take steps to protect their properties from wildfires, a new state bill aims to offer cash for mitigation efforts, including clearing vegetation and installing fire-resistant roofing. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a proposed budget on Monday that would eliminate a nearly $1-billion financial gap by cutting more than 2,700 city positions — about 1,650 of them through layoffs. The Law Makers, Law Breakers and times that there oughta be a law. Despite California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s objections, Democratic state lawmakers on Thursday approved changes to a bill that removed tougher penalties for soliciting 16- or 17-year-olds for sex.