The Senator Reports

September 24th, 2009

Race to the Top – Informational Hearing
By Senator Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad)

Last week marked the first informational hearing (held in San Diego) on the “Race to the Top” Education Reforms and federal money (potentially a half of a billion dollars or more for California) that is being competitively offered to states. As a co-author of this bi-partisan bill that would make California eligible for the federal grant, I deeply appreciated the opinions of local educators on these potential reforms. Facing a 30% statewide dropout rate, these improvements could ultimately help California schools to function better than they do now.
I believe that our efforts to help California schools should not be punitive or focused solely on evaluating one area of effectiveness. While we look for ways to improve all areas of our education system, it’s most important to make all of the changes we can to help ensure that our education system operates in a manner that best enables students’ success.

Senator Mark Wyland represents the people of the 38th Senate District, which includes cities in north San Diego County and the south Orange County cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Senator Mark Wyland
1910 Palomar Point Way, Suite 105
Carlsbad, California 92008
760.931.2455 Office
email: senator.wyland@sen.ca.gov

North County Fishing and Ocean Recreation at Risk
By Assemblyman Martin Garrick

Next month, a state panel is set to release new rules regarding fishing and recreation off the North County coast that may restrict public access. I am extremely troubled by the potential economic impact these restrictions could have.

The Marine Life Protection Act, passed in 1999, is responsible for the new changes and seeks to implement a more consistent network of marine reserves throughout the state. Currently, a board that includes fishermen, divers, environmentalists, and scientists are meeting to discuss proposals that will either restrict fishing and recreation entirely or severely limit them. Areas that being considered for these restrictions include, Del Mar, Oceanside, Encinitas, and La Jolla.

Restricting access could have a devastating impact on these cities and erode the quality of life we have all come to enjoy in North County. For example, Del Mar Beach attracts two million visitors a year and is one of the primary economic engines for the community.

Assemblyman Martin Garrick serves the communities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Vista, and portions of San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside as the Assemblyman for the 74th District.