Sonar dispute. The California Coastal Commission is due to rule today on whether a proposed Navy training program poses an unreasonable risk to marine wildlife off the Southern California coast. Environmentalists say increased sonar activity and underwater explosions could harm sea creatures, including endangered mammals like the blue whale. The fight is the latest chapter in a long-running dispute between environmentalists and the Navy over the affects of sonar and underwater detonations. O.C. Register
‘No Guns’ list. The state Senate has approved a bill authorizing $24 million to get guns out the hands of people who are legally prohibited from owning them. The state Department of Justice says the roughly 19,000 people in that category collectively own more than 35,000 hand guns and assault rifles. Californians can be barred from owning guns because of criminal convictions, restraining orders or mental illness. The bill passed the Senate unanimously despite objections from gun rights groups. Sacramento Bee
Olympian task. Los Angeles wants to join London as the only city to host the Olympic Games three times. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has notified the U.S. Olympic Committee that L.A. intends to make a bid for the 2024 Summer Games. It’s not clear if the International Olympic Committee will name an American city as a finalist for the 2024 games. If they do, Los Angeles is expected to have competition from Dallas, San Francisco and Boston. L.A. previously hosted the Summer Games in 1932 and 1984. L.A. Times
Fishy finances. Fish and Wildlife officials are acknowledging that millions of dollars intended to for wildlife preservation was spent on other needs over the past decade. The money, which was generated by land leases, was supposed to go to California’s Wildlife Restoration Fund. Instead, it was used for office operations, routine bills and gift cards for official use. L.A. Times
Redevelopment fight. California’s controller says the bankrupt city of San Bernardino failed to transfer more than $500 million in state redevelopment funds. The report by State Controller John Chiang says San Bernardino illegally moved nearly $110 million to a nonprofit under the city’s control and is holding onto another $420.5 million. City officials insist they’ve done nothing wrong. Press Enterprise