California on 'verge of system failure’

Golden State, like many others, is nearly bankrupt and desperately needs a bailout



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Barrie McKenna
Los Angeles — Globe and Mail Update
Published on Friday, Jun. 18, 2010 6:01PM EDT
Last updated on Friday, Jun. 18, 2010 8:21PM EDT

Arnella Sims has seen a lot in her 34 years as a Los Angeles County court reporter, but nothing like this.

Case files piling up by the thousands, phones ringing off the hook, forced midweek courthouse closings and occasional brawls as frustrated citizens queue for hours to pay parking fines.

“People think we’re becoming a Third World country,â€