IN-DEPTH: California State Budget Coverage

SACRAMENTO, CA (AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown is proposing to slash funding for most areas of California state government and maintain a series of tax increases for five years to close a huge budget deficit.

The Democratic governor on Monday released his first budget proposal since winning election last fall. He called for $12.5 billion in spending cuts, including reductions in welfare, social services, health care for the poor and higher education.

Among programs cut: Medi-Cal would lose $1.7 billion and require patient co-payments and limit doctor visits.

The Cal-Works program would be trimmed by $1.5 billion. Lifetime benefits would be reduced from five to four years. 

SACRAMENTO, CA - Sacramento County sheriff's detectives have released store security camera photos of a suspected serial robber they hope someone will come forward and identify.

Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos said the man is believed to have most recently robbed a Union 76 station near Watt Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard on Jan 10. His targets have been gas stations and convenience stores, usually in the early evening.

In each case, Ramos says the robber has picked up merchandise, brought it to the store counter and pulled a black semi-automatic handgun on the clerk or assaulted the clerk when the register is opened. The robber demands cash, gets it and leaves.

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, which means that Sacramento State's Financial Aid Office is striving to help students who qualify for financial assistance.  The University will hold activities in the library quad throughout the month to promote aid awareness.

Students should apply now before the March 2 priority deadline. Applications received after that date risk losing out because high demand may deplete available funds.  Students may come to the department in Lassen Hall to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms for 2011-2012. They may also attend workshops for one-on-one assistance in filling out the forms.

The free sessions are conducted in Mendocino Hall, Room 2007 on:

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m.