Far West

The California Health Facilities Financing Authority approved on Tuesday the sale of $1.9 billion of bonds to help Kaiser Foundation build six new hospitals, expand a current one, and construct a specialty medical office.

The Council of Development Finance Agencies and the California Association for Local Economic Development said in a statement Thursday the goal of the new group will be to bring new resources, tools and partners to help grow local economic development in the state.

Despite his entitlement reform proposals intended to serve as a bargaining chip with Republicans, President Obama's 2014 budget is dead on arrival primarily due to a provision to raise $580 billion in new tax revenues as made clear during two key congressional hearings Thursday.

The beleaguered Orange County Transportation Authority garnered another round of criticism recently — this time from a San Francisco nonprofit recommending that the tollway agency postpone an extension to its toll road until state authorities can review the operation.

Democrats in the Oregon Senate have proposed a bill has been proposed by that would reform the state's public employees pension system.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell elected in November 2012 has announced his nominations for budget director and deputy director.

All 42 voters in Vernon, Calif. turned out to support an election to decide three tax measures city leaders say is needed to close an $8 million budget gap, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

An ongoing feud between San Diego Mayor Bob Filner and the city's hotel owners over the release of tourism marketing funds resumed Tuesday — little more than a week after an agreement was reached, according to a report from the Voice of San Diego.

State Controller John Chiang said Wednesday that state revenues in March came in $395 million, or 7.2%, above estimates in the governor's proposed budget.

Standard & Poor's said in a report Monday that Stockton's eligibility for bankruptcy will likely have an impact on local governments in distress.