Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Schwarzenegger Details Plans For Reforming Troubled Districts/ Sarah Montes

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will be announcing his latest plans which hope to help 97 California school districts that have not being able to meet the requirements set forth by the No Child Left Behind law. Schwarzenegger wants California to be the first state in the nation to use the federal education law to turn around low performing districts.

The specific improvement plans for each of the 97 California school districts that have missed test targets for five years in a row will be released at an 11:15 a.m. press conference at Northwood Elementary School.

The specific improvement plans for each of the 97 California school districts will be released at a press conference set to begin at 11:15 a.m.

Link: http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/742251.html

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Immigrants Incarcerated at Lower Levels Than Natives/ Lisa Sweet

A new study from PPIC states that criminal activity among immigrant groups is lower than native born Americans. The study says that when comparing groups of incarcerated males U.S. and foreign-born and comparing lower levels of education are less likely to be in jail or prison.

This is also true of illegal immigrants and for both populations at national levels of incarceration as well. Some inferences that can be drawn from this study are that immigrants are indeed coming to this nation for work and a chance at prosperity.

Link: http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2008/02/immigrants_incl.html

Mr. Schwarzenegger Goes to Washington/ JoAnne Golden

Schwarzenegger just returned from lobbying in D.C. for mortgage relief, border security, and funding for roads and levees. Congress recently changed home mortgage limits to $729,500, and the governor hopes that it is a permanent increase. He also hopes that the National Guard will supplement the Border Patrol in preventing trafficking and illegal crossings of the border. The governor requested that National Guard emergency equipment be returned to California (currently in Iraq), so California may better prepare for any floods, fires, etc. He did realize, however, that getting money for infrastructure was not “sexy.

Link: http://www.mercurynews.com/politics/ci_8365584

Friday, February 22, 2008

Jessica's Law may raise risk of sex offenses/ Hagob Boyadjian

Jessica’s Law was implemented 15 months ago in an effort to restrict where paroled sex offenders may live and require that there location be electronically monitored on a daily basis. It forbids paroled sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of places that typically have children gather. These places are defined very vaguely in the law and some locations lack sufficient housing outside areas that are clearly off limits. Due to the ambiguity, enforcement is proving to be difficult and extremely costly. It is also leading many paroled sex offenders to become transients. In fact, it is estimated that there is a 44% increase in the number of paroled sex offenders becoming transients. Experts say that this increase may actually raise the risk of sex offenses.

The law also states that all sex offenders who leave prison with a single sex crime on their record must be evaluated by a mental health expert to determine whether they are a "sexually violent predator" and eligible for confinement in a mental hospital. This additional requirement by the law is estimated to have increased the cost to the state from 3M to 27M.

Gov. Schwarzenegger is welcoming the reports of the analyses conducted on Jessica’s Law and the risk of an increase in sex offenses in an effort to make the necessary adjustments to make Jessica’s Law much more effective.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-offenders22feb22,1,745143.story

Thursday, February 21, 2008

California Schools feel the Burn of Budget Cuts/Erica Quevedo

California’s budget crisis has reached new heights as Governor Schwarzenegger’s budget proposal could possibly cut $4.8 billion dollars in education funding. As school districts throughout California frenzy to trim their already slim budgets they are faced with the dim reality of firing teachers.

Rialto Unified School District, which faces a $23 million budget cut, voted last week to send over 300 notices to employees and teachers informing them that they may not have a job next year. While some districts like San Francisco who face a $40 million dollar budget cut have the luxury of looking hopefully towards accessing a “rainy day” fund, other districts like Long Beach Unified are forced to close down schools. If the San Francisco Board of Supervisors fail to pass the proposal to access the rainy day funds the 56,000 student district will be forced to lay off over 500 teachers and administrators. Meanwhile Long Beach Board of Education has voted to close Tucker Elementary school in efforts to save an estimated $1 million dollars; in consequence they are forced with relocating 400 students to neighboring MacArthur Elementary school.

Los Angeles Unified School District alone is potentially facing a $560 million dollar deficit for next year under this proposed budget; this would be the largest in the state. According to the LA Times, Chief Financial Officer Megan K. Reilly said the $460-million cut would be the equivalent of closing 22 high schools, firing 5,750 employees or instituting an 8% pay cut for all employees.

As School Districts throughout California feel the heat of budget cuts policy makers must scramble to address the unintended consequences and effects on education policy. The dangers of firing teachers and school employees potentially leads to increased class sizes, over crowdedness, less security and ultimately further burdens an already struggling education system.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-schools21feb21,0,3850513.story?page=1

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

L.A. County ballot design went unnoticed for six years/ Ayawo Awanyo

Los Angeles County adopted in March 2002 the ballot design in order to reduce election costs. This ballot used by nonpartisan voters generated tens of thousands uncounted votes in three elections between 2002 and 2006. However, for the February 5 presidential primary, an advocacy group named Courage Campaign decided to fix this issue. A day before the election, this organization warned County registrar-recorder about the defect of the ballot design. In addition, the ballot design constitutes a violation of a state law because it required additional step not required of others. However, a survey conducted after the February 5 presidential primary revealed that around 50,000 nonpartisan votes were not counted. This might adversely affect Senator Barack Obama than Senator Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary.

Link: www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-vote18feb18,1,497763.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

CalPERS Looking to Diversify/ Greg Gaudino

The California Public Employees Retirement System has voted to adopt a trend-setting forest investment policy that requires certified sustainable forest management. This policy will direct $2.4 billion in CalPERS investments toward environmentally friendly projects. I feel that this is important because CalPERS is easily one of the biggest players in the game when it comes to investing in California.

The author goes on to explain that many financial investors are looked at as a hedge against inflation. The author goes on to say that a sustainable forest will produce positive numbers in the long term and will perform well when other assets are affected by inflation.

I feel that this is big news because CalPERS has taken the control away from publicly traded companies that would force the forest companies to cut trees prematurely in order to meet short-term quarterly earnings goals.

Link: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/california/press/calpers21908.html

Wall Street says Schwarzenegger is overselling lottery idea/Karla Saia

With California facing a $14.5 billion budget shortfall, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has espoused privatizing the state’s lottery. He proposes leasing the lottery to the highest bidder, and has projected the windfall from the lease could reach as much as $37 billion, half of which may be paid up front.

However, several Wall Street investment banks have concluded that Schwarzenegger’s estimate might be wildly optimistic. While Lehman Brothers did valuate the CA lottery at as much as $37 billion over 40 years, other firms, such as Bear Stearns, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and others, value the lease anywhere between $7 and $29 billion, with as little as approximately $9 billion up front.

Further, legislators and citizens groups are worrying about the possibilities of having to relax state gambling laws, and that an increase in lottery ticket sales would fall disproportionately on Californians in lower-income brackets. Maximizing the lottery’s value would entail selling tickets through ATMs, cell phones, college campuses and at bus stations, thereby shifting the burden of the budget shortfall to those most financially vulnerable.

California, if it approves the plan, would be the first state to privatize its lottery.

Link: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20080219-1048-schwarzenegger-lottery.html

Oxnard Assemblyman Proposes Hate Crimes Bill for Schools/ Claudia Paredes

In reaction to a hate crime in Oxnard, Assemblyman Mike Eng is introducing a bill to establish a pilot program that will aim to prevent hate crimes in schools. He is asking from up to $150,000 to create a pilot program that would include diversity and sensitivity awareness and education in schools statewide. This bill also includes protocol for teachers and administrators to contact law enforcement when they become aware of student harassment that may result in a hate crime. Currently, there are laws in place where teachers and counselors can report sexual impropriety with youth, but there are no procedures for reporting possible violent hate crimes.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-hate19feb19,1,1017789.story?ctrack=3&cset=true

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Inmate education increase urged by report: Legislative Analyst’s Office says boosting classes saves money/ April Johnson

The California Legislative Analyst’s Office released a report this week stating that California would save a lot of money if more prisoners were enrolled in educational programs. Numerous studies are showing that when education increases, recidivism decreases and that the state could essentially save $14,000 per inmate if they returned to their community as a productive citizen.

The state is trying to turn things around, however, by making “new commitments” when it comes to prison educational programs. In 2006-07, the state spent $202 million on these programs but have since discovered that this funding needs to become more efficient. One problem is that these programs are vastly underutilized with only 40% of enrolled inmates attending class on a given day. What’s now being proposed is an incentive for departments to get more inmates enrolled in these programs by allocating a bigger share of the pie to those departments who get their enrollments up. Also being proposed is an increase in visitor hours for inmates enrolled in educational programs as well as getting these inmates into class even when their unit is in lockdown. The good news is that the Department of Corrections agrees with the findings of the LAO, with corrections spokesperson Oscar Hidalgo stating that his rehabilitation “strike team” is pushing to enroll 75% of its inmates into these programs.

Link: http://www.sacbee.com/capolitics/story/708274.html

Watts Comes Together To Fight School Violence/ Julia Gonzalez

Students at Markham Middle school located in Watts, CA., finally have something positive to look forward to at school—education sans violence. Markham is located in a violent neighborhood known for its seven notorious street gangs, and is bordered by four public housing projects. Recent campus violence-related statistics over the last year include: a suspension of 278 students due to attempted physical harm, 196 for defiance, 19 assaults against staff, 14 related to theft, 9 for sexual harassment, and 6 for possession of marijuana.

The absence of safety has recently drawn the ire of the community—namely former substitute teacher Michelle McGinnis, turned Prosecutor who decided that the time for reform was long overdue. Specifically, McGinnis has advocated that students desperately needed a program aimed at augmenting opportunities for children to be safe, and secure while studying on campus. This in turn, has yielded a robust community-based approach, armed with private donations has helped to pay for the first ever LAUSD on-campus Boys & Girls Club facility, for a new washer and dryer, for new school uniforms, and tennis shoes—a push to encourage students to engage in basketball during lunch instead of engaging in incessant fights.

While it is too early to postulate on the long-term benefits of the new program, proponents have pointed to the program’s early success as a cause for optimism—as arrests are already down 19%.

Link: : http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-markham11feb11,1,1844220.story?ctrack=3&cset=true

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

LAUSD Payroll Failure Shows Cracks in Bureaucracy/ Pete Peterson

The scope of the LAUSD payroll debacle continues to unfold. In the unpacking, a story of an incredible bureaucracy making terrible financial decisions takes shape. The District, which employs over 95,000 people has 1,150 different pay grades contributing to an extremely complex payroll system. After paying a consulting firm $55MM to install the software programs and train LAUSD employees, the system went on to overpay some employees a total of $53MM last year while underpaying others, and leaving some completely unpaid for months at a time.

In response to the crisis, the LAUSD has paid around $700K in legal fees to sue the consulting firm (Deloitte). The question now remains, can the District and its superintendent, David Brewer, be trusted to handle over $19B in bond funds to rehabilitate old, and build new school facilities?

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-rutten13feb13,0,6611148.column

Nunez Supports 50/50 Path to Fill Budget Gap/ Jackie Cubas

This week, speaking at a lunch meeting of the Sacramento Press Club, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez announced that he could support raising revenue to help the state’s projected $14.5 billion deficit. He said that a “fair compromise” to solving the state’s budget problem would be to solve half of the money crisis with revenue increases and the other half with spending cuts. The 50-50 approach was once employed by Gov. Pete Wilson when faced with a similar budget crisis in the early 1990s.

Núñez's budget comments have come at a time when lawmakers are trying to craft a plan to solve this year's budget deficit. Legislative committees are expected to disclose a strategy this week. Nunez, a Los Angeles Democrat, added that no agreement has been reached with Republicans.

When asked how to generate new revenue, Núñez mentioned the possibility of taxing oil companies for drilling, closing a tax loophole on yacht purchases, increasing taxes on million-dollar vacation homes, and possibly creating a split tax roll that generates more revenue from businesses. Núñez also resurrected the notion of leasing or selling the state lottery to a private investor. His proposal would be a selective tax on the wealthy as he said he opposes an across-the-board tax hike.

Link: http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/708613.html

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

LAPD Can’t Police Itself: Audit Charges Once Again/ Haley Ayraud

On February 12, a 34-page report by the Police Commission's inspector general raises questions about the department's ability to police itself, adding to the still-unresolved problems highlighted in prior reports. The audit that was filed with the civilian Police Commission’s office, included over 60 complaints where investigators failed to fully investigate citizens' complaints against allegedly abusive officers and often omitted or altered crucial information in ways that help exonerate various LAPD officers.

Connie Rice, a civil rights attorney who has played a leading role in LAPD reform, said that such problems would persist until the LAPD stopped cycling officers into internal affairs and back into the regular force. “You cannot ask police to investigate their buddies and friends," she said. "We've got the wrong paradigm for vigorously pursuing complaints.”

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-complaint12feb12,1,1264839.story

Monday, February 11, 2008

Possibility of Bond Money Being Given to Private Railroads/Megan McClendon

Schwarzenegger has proposed spending $170 million of bond money (Prop 1B) approved by voters on projects for 2 private railroads. The argument lies in the fact that voters believe the money would be allocated to improving road and traffic conditions and efficiency. The railroad claims the changes proposed would reduce cost and benefit the environment by improving efficiency while improving the flow of goods in CA. However, voters take issue with tax dollars being put solely into private companies.

Many people are arguing that private railroads should pay for their own work while voters and residents should get the benefit of the funds they approved. Also, there is some question as to motives being that railroads donated $142K in campaign contributions to Schwarzenegger’s committees and $200K to the Prop 1B campaign.

Proposals and objections to them will begin being addressed on 2-13-08 in San Francisco.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-merailfight11feb11,1,7893162.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

Friday, February 8, 2008

Let the Chips Fall Where They May/ Aimee Dewing

Following the robust turnout at the polls on Feb. 5th, Super Tuesday, Californians have approved a major expansion of Indian gaming for local tribes. PROPS 94, 95, 96, and 97 were each passed by 56 percent, and will allow four California tribes to expand their casinos to rival the largest in the country.

Gov. Schwarzenegger, who signed compacts with each of the four tribes on the ballot last year, said he felt “very good” about the proposition approvals. He projects the expansion of the Indian gaming industry could bring $500 million to the state, annually. While 57 tribes will now seek establishment and renegotiation of their compacts, the Morongo and Pechanga tribes can expand their casinos from 2,000 slot machines to 7,500.

Professor of Indian law at San Francisco State University, however, said he was concerned about, “the devil in the details in terms of what this means for the tribes and for the state.” And although this Golden State is no stranger to the promises of riches, as gambling now expands in California to impressive proportions, we shall see if the devil is indeed, in the details.

Link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/07/MN55UTEED.DTL&type=politics

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Stalag 13 and Prop 13?/ Pete Peterson

While news of increased voter participation continues to filter in following yesterday's "Super Tuesday" series of primaries, voter registration is way up for a demographic rarely considered for its civic engagement: prison inmates. In both Los Angeles and San Francisco County jails the number of prisoners voting by absentee ballot is considerably higher than either the 2006 or 2004 election cycles.

In LA County alone, at least 917 inmates had registered to vote. This compares with the 16 prisoners who registered in 2006 and 121 who did so in the last presidential election year: 2004. Much of the work in growing these registration figures is being carried out by the ACLU. County Sheriff's spokesman, Steve Whitmore said, "people have the legal right to vote if they [have not been convicted] and have no prior felony convictions. We look at it as part of the process, part of the inmate services we provide."

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-jailvote6feb06,1,7855213.story

Bratton Stands In for Villaraigosa / Laura Elena Ortuno

L.A. Police Chief William Bratton has taken the leading role in a high-stakes campaign to persuade voters to preserve a utility tax this week that would bolster the city's flagging revenues. Bratton’s position has demonstrated his growing power overshadowing that of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, specifically on this issue.

Campaign officials have stated that Bratton’s campaign was appealing to voters across party lines more than any other city official, including the mayor. Bratton’s reputation has greatly helped in the success of his campaign. This is the first time he has put himself at the forefront in the public eye.

Bratton is highly confident that Proposition S will pass. In the case that the proposition which accounts for about 6% of the city’s general fund does not pass, it will lead to significant cuts to city services.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bratton4feb04,1,6232869.story?ctrack=2&cset=true

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Frenzied 24 hours of campaigning in California/ Sarah Montes

In the final hours leading up to Super Tuesday, campaign efforts have increased dramatically in California. The high campaign activity is due to the closeness of the race. Bill Clinton has been all over the state in support of his wife Hillary. He held a town hall meeting with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom at the Ferry building in San Francisco last night. While Obama’s campaign a held a reunion of the surviving members of the Grateful Dead at an event titled "Deadheads for Obama." Which took place in the bay area. The GOP candidates were also really busy during the last 24 hours making last minute appearances in efforts to pick up delegates before Super Tuesday. The GOP race has also gotten tighter in California A Field Poll of state voters through Friday showed McCain leading by 8 points, but some of the latest polls suggest that his lead has been softening while Mitt Romney seems to be closing the gap.

Candidates have been doing all they can in efforts to get as many California votes as possible.

Link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2008/02/05/MNNFURV7R.DTL

Monday, February 4, 2008

Regional Fire Agencies Look at New Forms of Cooperation/ Joanne Golden

Three wildfire committees in San Diego County (Regional Fire Protection Committee (RFPC), San Diego Regional Fire Safety Forum, and Ad Hoc Committee on Fire Prevention and Recovery) have been brainstorming on ways to prepare for future wildfires. Funding remains an impediment, but committees expect that local support will provide them with the funds. Ultimately, the goal is to become less dependent on the state’s response agency, Cal Fire. One way that the RFPC expects to raise the revenue is through “a quarter-cent sales tax for fire protection is one of the funding options [County Supervisor] Roberts said the committee would consider. It would generate about $110 million a year.”

Link: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080203-9999-1m3fire.html

Friday, February 1, 2008

California Water Worries/ Lisa Sweet

As a result of higher temperatures supposed to have been caused by global warming, the snow pack in the Western mountainous regions is decreasing. Higher temperatures result in a higher rainfall over snow while melting the current snow pack without replacing it. The trend is expected to intensify through the decades which will have an adverse effect on the fragile balance of the California reservoir system leading to flooding in the winters and shortages in the summers.

In recent decades, the amount of precipitation as snow has steadily decreased by an average of 4.3% per decade as temperatures have climbed on average by 0.34% Celsius in winter months. Researchers and scientists point to greenhouse gases as the culprit of the temperature change. The data modeling suggests that gases are 35-60% responsible depending on which climate model is used. In order to prepare for future water worries water conservation and reservoir construction are suggested as part of the solution.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-sci-water1feb01,1,7686108.story