Calif. lawmakers fail to pass budget -- by 1 vote SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California lawmakers were stymied Monday in their frustrating search for one more vote to approve a $42 billion budget-balancing plan state leaders say is needed to stave off fiscal disaster. California lawmakers fail to pass budget LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - California lawmakers narrowly failed to pass a $40 billion budget on Sunday, casting doubt on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's ability to prevent the nation's most populous state from sinking into the abyss. Ex-cop charged with murder in Calif. shooting OAKLAND, Calif. - A former transit police officer has been charged with murder for the fatal shooting of an unarmed and allegedly restrained black man in a racially charged case that has outraged residents and community leaders and set off violent protests.