29 percent of freshman class on probation, Ventura County Star
University officials say most will adjust; it's worse at other schools.

Money for future teachers on tap for summer at CSUSM, North County Times
College students intent on becoming teachers may be able to get help paying the cost of earning their credentials this summer in a Cal State San Marcos program aimed at increasing diversity in the profession, officials said Monday.

Construction under way on Cal Poly blood center, Daily Bulletin
The American Red Cross Southern California Blood Services Region is building the $41.1 million facility which broke ground last summer at Cal Poly Pomona.

After devastating injury, cheerleader hopes to walk again, Oakland Tribune
A former cheerleading captain at American High School and a freshman cheerleader at San Jose State University, Rechelle was flung into the air during a "basket-toss" maneuver at a Jan. 7 practice. She doesn't remember much about what happened next.

Charitable giving down 7.6% at CSU campuses, San Diego Union-Tribune
California State University campuses have been plagued with budget shortfalls over the last three years, but at the same time attracted substantial grants and gifts. Until now.

Body, Head Found in Home, Los Angeles Times
Police called to check on Pasadena woman find her decapitated. Another death is linked in suspected domestic dispute. [Cal State L.A. professor]

Student/teacher romances: Off limits, Christian Science Monitor
When students and faculty at the nine University of California campuses returned to classrooms last fall, they faced a new rule governing their interactions.

Sierra College is asking voters to pay for repairs, Sacramento Bee
A $394 million bond also would fund new campus buildings.

Economy Hobbles Science Classes, Contra Costa Times
Science classes are so underfunded at California's community colleges that biology instructors at Diablo Valley College still use slides made in the 1950s. They have to reuse cadavers in anatomy and physiology. There aren't always enough microscopes for all the students.

Isla Vista Drinking, Crime Targeted, Los Angeles Times
In this college town of 20,000 people, beer consumption is estimated at more than 9,000 kegs a year — and that has some officials looking for ways to curb the raucous party scene that has made the area famous.

Schools submit to achievement audits to gauge performance, Ventura County Star
Santa Paula is the latest campus to volunteer for an achievement audit by the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office. This marks the third year the office has audited schools in attempt to help campuses improve

Scavenger hunt ignites racial debate at college, Daily Bulletin
Social club faces punishment for 'offensive' acts.

2-year colleges need Measure B, Oakland Tribune
Las Positas College in Livermore and Chabot College in Hayward seek to upgrade facilities.

Valley schools bank on bonds , Fresno Bee
Districts could gain funding from state, local measures.

Parents: Don't punish schools, Christian Science Monitor
Voicing opposition to the words "no child left behind" is like shunning apple pie, the Fourth of July, and baseball all in one day.

Scholarship, 'Whites Only,' Roils a Campus, New York Times
The scholarship, Mr. Mattera said, was intended as a parody of scholarships available only to minorities. It was conceived this summer, he said, after he learned the university had compiled a list of such scholarships.

Women Are Majority of College Students, New York Times/AP
Women comprise 58 percent of the nation's 13 million college undergraduates and, in 2002, earned more doctorates than men. They're a dominant force on college campuses -- until they receive a degree.

Academic Freedom Prevails, Panel Says, Los Angeles Times
U.S. universities resist punishing professors critical of the war on terror, forum concludes.

Editorial: Regrettably, No on Prop. 55, Los Angeles Times
School bonds have historically met with approval on this editorial page. It's unfair and counterproductive to squeeze children and hard-working teachers into depressing, dilapidated conditions and tell them to achieve. However, given the extraordinary turmoil in the state's finances, a temporary delay is the sad but prudent move.

Editorial: Yes on Schools' Measure R, Los Angeles Times
For the third time in recent years the Los Angeles Unified School District is asking voters for money for school construction.

Dan Walters: March primary is a failed experiment that should be junked, Sacramento Bee
For many decades, California held its primary election in June, a reasonable date that gave voters and candidates about the right amount of time for campaigning, both prior to the primary and afterward.

Editorial: Learning How to Cash In, Los Angeles Times
Here's some encouraging news for parents across the country. The latest American Freshman Survey has found that new college students are beginning to realize what life is all about: money.

School bond also on March ballot, Sacramento Bee
$12.3 billion proposition vies with state budget measures.

School officials counting on Prop. 55 passage, Oakland Tribune
About 100 statewide organizations have endorsed Proposition 55, including the Gray Panthers as well as the Painting and Decorating Contractors of California.

Nunez takes fighting background to politics, Daily Bulletin/AP
Fabian Nunez calls himself a lucky guy. The son of an immigrant gardener and maid was sworn in last week as speaker of the state Assembly, one of the most powerful political leadership positions in the nation's largest state.

NOTE: For additional political coverage, visit the Rough & Tumble website.

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