California mandates testing every eighth-grader in algebra — ready or not

Every California eighth-grader will be tested in algebra — ready or not — under a policy approved Wednesday that could make the state the first in the nation to require an upper-level math class before high school.

The state Board of Education voted for the change under pressure from federal officials and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who broke months of silence by siding this week with advocates who want algebra to become mandatory in eighth grade within three years.

Proponents say the new policy will push school districts to ensure that eighth-graders are ready for the demands of algebra. Critics say the anticipated three-year time frame is unrealistic. The new mandate, they contend, overlooks the real need to help school districts better prepare students. . .

L.A.’s proposed anti-gang tax taking its hits

Even as a new dispute developed Wednesday over a proposed parcel tax to fund anti-gang programs in Los Angeles, City Councilwoman Janice Hahn said she would remove a quietly inserted provision that would have allowed the tax to be increased every year.

The controversy erupted after a draft of the measure, which has been championed by Hahn, included an allowance for the City Council to boost the tax amount every year to reflect the cost of inflation.

The provision sparked an outcry from taxpayer advocates and others who said it raised concerns over the final cost to taxpayers with no accounting for where or how the money would be spent.

“We should have a truth-in-advertising law for these measures,” Councilman Dennis Zine said. “In all the debate, there has not been one word said about raising the parcel tax every year. It’s going to cost $3 a month for the first year, but what will it be down the line? How much will we end up paying for these programs . . .

Anti-Illegal Immigration Sign Drawing Criticism

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ― A local man is drawing criticism after driving around town with an anti-illegal immigration sign mounted on a trailer.

The sign reads “Build the wall, deport them all,” and Davi Rodriguez says it’s part of an attempt to educate residents on illegal immigration.

Davi drives the sign up and down the streets of Sacramento where day laborers wait for work, sometimes videotaping the reactions and uploading them to YouTube. Workers we talked to say they feel harassed, and they’re losing jobs. . .

Davi Rodriguez will be on the show at 4:00