LA City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas faces 20 federal charges of conspiracy, bribery, mail, and wire fraud — all connected to an alleged scheme with Marilyn Louise Flynn, the former dean of USC’s School of Social Work. This is the latest in a history of scandals for the Trojans.

Along the Santa Barbara coastline, the Alisal Fire continues to burn and is a long way from being contained. Photographer Josh Edelson pivoted to covering California's biggest wildfires and breaking news — after focusing on corporate events and headshots.

KCRW also looks at how the recent OC oil spill might affect underwater sea creatures, and Evan Kleiman gives tips on making vegetarian “meatballs.”