California Budget Protest [Photo Story]

Governor Jerry Brown has proposed tough budget cuts in an effort to close California's $15.7 billion deficit, including to health and human services. Ongoing talks this week between Democratic leaders and Gov. Brown have continued as they seek consensus before the retooled budget goes for a floor vote this Friday.

Not one to be left out of the conversation, California's powerful union interests have organized mass protests against Gov. Brown's proposed cuts. Here's a look at scenes on the ground: