CalWatchdog Morning Read – April 19, 2016[1]
The legend of Trash Island, plus ed funding, high-speed rail, law-enforcement opacity and hunting decision makers all under fire.
By CalWatchdog Staff
Good morning!
Apparently, there is no Texas-sized trash island floating in the Pacific Ocean that people could walk on, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
This may come as no surprise to some, but a CalWatchdog reporter had heard a few people over the last month talk about trash island, so we decided to look into it. And NOAA must get enough questions about it because staff posted another blog post on its website on Monday to dispel the myth.
However, microplastics — really small pieces of plastic that never completely broke down — are being carried by the currents to one large area, creating a dangerous habitat for the local wildlife. CalWatchdog[2] has more.
In other news:
– After a series of recent hearings and reports questioning the cost, schedule and scope of the high-speed rail project, the legislature is moving forward on a bill to strengthen oversight. The Los Angeles Times[3] has more.
– Three education reform groups are questioning the LCFF — a three-year-old comprehensive overhaul for how education funds are doled out in the state — complaining of a lack of transparency and little evidence to suggest it’s adequately reaching the struggling or most-in-need students it was designed to help. CalWatchdog[4] has more.
– In a really long, but really compelling story, the LA Weekly[5] looks at whether “misbehaving” law enforcement officers should continue to be shielded from public scrutiny.
– According to the Los Angeles Times[6], “The number of Californians who hunt has dwindled to less than 1% of the population, but some who still carry rifles outdoors complain the state commission overseeing them has become too cozy with the animal rights movement.”
Assembly:
– Full slate[7] of hearings.
Senate:
– Full slate[8] of hearings.
Gov. Brown:
– No public events scheduled.
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