Some of the stories we are following today in the KCRW newsroom:
CA unemployment drops. California’s unemployment rate is down – but it’s still third highest in the nation. The U.S. Department of Labor says California’s unemployment rate in September was 10.2 percent – compared to 10.6 percent in August. California has created 262,000 new jobs in the past 12 months. Only Nevada and Rhode Island have higher unemployment rates than California. San Jose Mercury News.
Teacher ratings. The Los Angeles Times is suing LAUSD to force the school district to release ratings for more than 10,000 math and English teachers. The ratings are based on how well students do on standardized tests. Up to now the district has refused, saying it could be an invasion of privacy. L.A. Times
ACLU sues Sheriff, again. The latest suit alleges that the L.A. Sheriff’s Department is illegally denying people bail for minor offenses after they’ve been identified as suspected illegal immigrants. A previous suit by the ACLU accuses Sheriff Lee Baca and his top commanders of ignoring a pattern of violence by deputies inside county jails. L.A. Times
Noguez plea. L.A. County Assessor John Noguez is due back in court Monday for a bail review hearing. Noguez pleaded not guilty yesterday to 24 felony charges, including bribery and misappropriation of public funds. He’s still in jail, unable so far to come up with $1.3 million-plus bail. L.A. Daily News
Newhall Ranch loss. A big victory for foes of the Newhall Ranch development planned along the L.A.-Ventura County border. A Superior Court Judge has ordered the California’s Department of Fish and Game to redo studies of the proposed 20-thousand home development. Developer Newhall Land and Farming Co. says it will appeal. Ventura County Star
Win for Hollywood hikers. An L.A. developer appears to have lost his bid to keep hikers off a popular trail cutting across his property in the Hollywood Hills. A judge issued a tentative ruling ordering Mohamed Hadid to stop interfering with public use of the Hastain Trail in Franklin Canyon. Hadid was sued after he put up barriers to keep the public off the property. L.A. Times
Movie museum. The Film Academy says it has raised $100 million to open the first major American museum dedicated to the silver screen. The museum will be located in the historic May. Co. building at Wilshire and Fairfax. It’s scheduled to open in 2016. The Hollywood Reporter
Prius rules. High gas prices are putting Californians in a Prius state of mind. The Toyota hybrid has passed Honda’s Civic and Accord to become the top selling car in the state. An industry group says California drivers bought 1.25 million new cars and trucks through September, up 26 percent from last year. Bloomberg News