LA Mayor Wants Outsiders to Run 'Failing' Schools

California dumps responsibility onto county, city

(NEWSER) - The good news for California is that its state prison system has a lot fewer prisoners and parolees to deal with. The bad news, according to the mayor and police chief of Los Angeles, is that crime on the streets is going to rise. The state last weekend shifted responsibility for thousands of parolees and inmates onto local jurisdictions, in part to cut costs and in part to comply with a Supreme Court order to improve prison overcrowding, reports the Wall Street Journal . More»

Embattled unions don't want evaluation based on test scores

(NEWSER) - Teachers union members are fuming over President Obama's desire to stay the course and evaluate educators based on student test scores, McClatchy reports. Obama is even threatening to withhold California stimulus money unless the state enshrines the student-teacher performance link into law. "It takes more than the ability to fill in bubbles to be considered an educated person," says one union chief. "We thought President Obama understood that." More»

(NEWSER) - The mayor of Los Angeles wants the city to follow Chicago’s lead and privatize parking meters and garages to stem the city's budget crisis, the LA Times reports. Antonio Villaraigosa says LA can pull in at least $80 million by leasing meters and six city garages to private companies. Critics, noting a backlash in Chicago after rates were quickly jacked up, aren't pleased. “This is fool’s gold,” one councilman said. “What a stupid idea.” More»

Easy victory paves way for possible 2010 governor bid

(NEWSER) - Antonio Villaraigosa cruised to a second term as mayor of Los Angeles, avoiding a run-off with his nearest rival. With 99% of precincts reporting the mayor had secured 55.5% of the vote, although turnout was low. After a tough first term and the exposure of an extramarital affair, Villaraigosa was banking on a strong showing to bolster a possible gubernatorial run in 2010. More»

Cars half empty on first workday after crash; LA mayor among passengers

(NEWSER) - Los Angeles' mayor joined commuters on half-empty trains today, saying they were still "the safest option for commuters” despite the Friday crash that killed 25. Stations were visibly quieter as Metrolink workers assured passengers the trains were safer than freeways, the Times reports. While many stayed home, one rider says, "I needed to connect with my train people to make sure they were OK." More»