Questions remain over state's second attempt in Race to the Top
Still smoldering over a disappointing showing in round one, California has decided to take one more stab at the hundreds of millions of dollars offered in the federal Race to the Top contest.
The state's new strategy involves showcasing school districts in LA, San Francisco, Long Beach, Sanger, Clovis and Fresno. But is that the right approach to overcome the doubts of the judges?
To be sure, there is political pressure for the state to continue to vie for the money. After appearing ambivalentover reapplying, federal officials lobbied state officials to continue. That included, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who, according to the LA Times, assured Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that the state's new strategy would get "due consideration". But to rise from its 27th out of 40 showing, massive improvements must be made.
Reviewers expressed serious doubts about the state's ability to implement the reforms. Tied to those
The state's new strategy involves showcasing school districts in LA, San Francisco, Long Beach, Sanger, Clovis and Fresno. But is that the right approach to overcome the doubts of the judges?
To be sure, there is political pressure for the state to continue to vie for the money. After appearing ambivalentover reapplying, federal officials lobbied state officials to continue. That included, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who, according to the LA Times, assured Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that the state's new strategy would get "due consideration". But to rise from its 27th out of 40 showing, massive improvements must be made.
Reviewers expressed serious doubts about the state's ability to implement the reforms. Tied to those
New CSU transparency websites list contracts, audits, financials
Several of the 23 California State University campuses have started posting information about their contracts with vendors, external audits and financial statements as part of an effort to comply with the governor's executive order on transparency.
But critics charge that the disclosures don't go far enough to open the universities' books to public scrutiny. Sen. Leland Yee, who together with other groups is suing CSU Stanislaus for details on Sarah Palin's speaking fee, told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat the reports were a far cry from transparency.
"Posting a few tax returns and other information that was already public is hardly complying with the Governor's
Prospect of comic on water board worries environmentalists
But critics charge that the disclosures don't go far enough to open the universities' books to public scrutiny. Sen. Leland Yee, who together with other groups is suing CSU Stanislaus for details on Sarah Palin's speaking fee, told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat the reports were a far cry from transparency.
"Posting a few tax returns and other information that was already public is hardly complying with the Governor's
Prospect of comic on water board worries environmentalists
Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, comic Paul Rodriguez emerged in the 1980s as an appealing crossover star, IMBd.com says.
“Sticking close to his Latino roots as the basis for his comedy,” as the entertainment website puts it, Rodriguezhas been featured in big-screen stand-up (“Original Latin Kings of Comedy”) and big-screen comedy (“Born in East L.A.,” “A Million to Juan”).
“Latinos are black, white, brown, beige – what does that say about our ancestors?” Rodriguez jokes. “We’ll sleep with anybody.”
But to some environmentalists, Rodriguez’s more recent role as front man for the “California Latino Water
“Sticking close to his Latino roots as the basis for his comedy,” as the entertainment website puts it, Rodriguezhas been featured in big-screen stand-up (“Original Latin Kings of Comedy”) and big-screen comedy (“Born in East L.A.,” “A Million to Juan”).
“Latinos are black, white, brown, beige – what does that say about our ancestors?” Rodriguez jokes. “We’ll sleep with anybody.”
But to some environmentalists, Rodriguez’s more recent role as front man for the “California Latino Water