San Diego County can build a toll-crossing into Mexico to ease congestion at existing crossings under a bill approved by the state Senate.

   The bill permits the San Diego Association of Governments to build and operate Highway 11 and a new federal Otay Mesa East Port of Entry. The project would be funded with bonds repaid by a toll on those crossing the international border.

   Sen. Denise Ducheny, a Democrat from San Diego, says the state needs a third border crossing because of long lines and delays at existing crossings.

   Although the crossing would be a public-private partnership, Ducheny says the state would own the highway.

   The measure passed 33-2 on Thursday without spoken opposition. It now goes to the Assembly.

Sheriff's deputies were searching Thursday for two men wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a teenager.

Authorities said the attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Village apartment complex on Viking Drive.

The 18-year-old victim was walking with a friend when they were approached by two men.

An argument arose and the teen was shot.

The victim's name was not released.

At least 17 vehicles were vandalized in Rocklin early Thursday, police said.

Authorities said the incidents took place along Rocklin Road from Sierra College Boulevard to Interstate 80, with most of the crimes cented in the parking lot of an apartment complex.

Police responded to a report of slashed truck tires just after midnight in the parking lot of the Denny's at 4460 Rocklin Road.

At 1:30 a.m., a resident of the Rocklin Manor Apartments at 5240 Rocklin Road called regarding a motorcycle that was knocked over and spray painted.

Throughout the early morning hours, officers and owners found more than a dozen additional vehicles that were vandalized with slashed tires and spray paint.

One witness reported spotting two people wearing dark clothing in the area during the night. One of the subjects was seen wearing a baseball cap.

Anyone with information may call the Rocklin Police Department at 916-625-5443.

California counties can issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples beginning June 17, the state said in a directive issued Wednesday.

The state Office of Vital Records said it chose June 17 because the state Supreme Court has until the close of business on June 16 to decide whether to grant a stay of its May 15 ruling legalizing gay marriage.

Gay rights advocates and some clerks initially thought couples would be able to wed as early as Saturday, June 14 -- exactly 30 days after the court's ruling, when its decisions typically take effect.

But a group opposed to gay marriage has asked the court to stay its decision until after the November election, when voters are likely to face a ballot initiative that would once again define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Passage of the initiative would overrule the Supreme Court.

Under the Supreme Court's regular rules of procedure, justices have until the end of the day on June 16 to rule on the stay request, according to the memo sent by e-mail to the state's 58 county clerks. Lawyers involved in the marriage case have said previously the court could grant itself an extra 60 days to consider the stay.

The guidelines from Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, also contained copies of new marriage forms that include lines for "Party A" and "Party B" instead of bridge and groom. The gender-neutral nomenclature was developed in consultation with county clerks, according to the letter.

"Effective June 17, 2008, only the enclosed new forms may be issued for the issuance of marriage licenses in California," the directive reads.

Two dead birds found in the Central Valley have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The Western scrub jay that was found in the Antelope area and examined by the district is the second bird that has tested positive for the virus in the area for 2008, the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District said.

An infected American crow was found near Herald in March.

However, the jay is the first infected bird found this year in an urban area, the district said.

"We saw a rise in the temperatures a few weeks ago, and mosquitoes are definitely out," district manager David Brown said. "It is extremely important that the public drain any standing water around their home and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. More people are out and about in the early morning and evening hours, so please dress appropriately or wear an effective mosquito repellent."

In addition, an American crow found in the Tracy area tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District said.

Send in the clowns -- just make sure they're not carrying balloons.

The California Senate has voted to ban helium-filled metallic balloons because they too frequently fly away and get tangled in electrical lines. That has caused hundreds of power outages in recent years and led to costly repairs for utilities.

Starting in 2010, anyone caught selling the popular party supplies faces a $100 fine under a bill the Senate approved Thursday and sent to the state Assembly.

Sen. Jack Scott, a Democrat from Altadena, says the balloons are a growing cause of outages when they break free and cause power lines to arc.

The balloons caused more than 200 power outages last year in Northern California, according to Pacific Gas and Electric Co., the region's major utility. Southern California Edison reported nearly 400 outages from balloons and kites in 2005.

An Elk Grove man who almost lost his life when a patrol car ran a red light and smashed into his vehicle filed a formal complaint against the Elk Grove Police Department.

Frank Fitzgerald, 61, told KCRA 3 Wednesday that not once since the accident has the police department or the city offered to help or explain how the crash happened.

"It's ridiculous, he almost died," said Susan Fitzgerald, Frank's wife.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Attorney General Jerry Brown and 19 members of Congress are supporting families that choose to home-school in a challenge to a state appeals court ruling.

The 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled in February that parents must hold teaching credentials to educate children at home.

Schwarzenegger and Brown filed a friend-of-the-court brief asking the appeals court to send the case back to a trial court to determine whether there are other ways for home schoolers to satisfy California's compulsory education laws.

They argue that the state has for many years given guardians who complete the proper paperwork the option of establishing their homes as private schools.

The congressional representatives -- Republicans from nine states -- also filed a brief Tuesday urging the court to reconsider its ruling.