Rich Pedroncelli

The state's independent budget analyst said Friday that California will take in $3.2 billion more than Gov. Jerry Brown estimated, providing Democratic lawmakers an argument to funnel more money into state programs and setting up a spending showdown with the administration.

More: California budget  

PLEASANT HILL -- A group of local Boy Scout leaders and parents on Friday urged the national organization to "keep sexuality and politics" out of Scouting by maintaining the ban on openly gay members.  

Doug Duran

As the Powerball jackpot soared to a record $600 million on Friday -- and likely to rocket even higher before Saturday's drawing -- thousands of Bay Area hopefuls streamed into liquor stores, gas stations and other venues to buy into the game on the slim prospect of changing their lives.