Can the Ballot Pamphlet Be Trusted?

California voters don't like government, but they love to participate in making legislation. There are just two measures on next week's ballot, explained in the official ballot pamphlet, but at such length that there's also an easy, "quick-reference pull-out guide" that voters can take to the polls. Is it reliable? One of the opposing arguments to Proposition 81, which provides for $600 million in library bonds, says ---a no vote forces free-spending politicians to cut welfare for illegal aliens to pay for our libraries." It turns out that Prop 81 wouldn't do that at all. The official voters' guide will help you save time, but providing accurate information is quite another matter? We learn how misleading statements get official approval.

• Making News: Mayor Villaraigosa Lobbies for School Control in Sacramento
  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has staked his political reputation on his effort to take control of the LA Unified School District, but the state legislature is proving reluctant to make the changes he needs. Today he went to Sacramento for a full press lobbying effort. Harrison Shepherd, who talked to him for the Daily News, says that taking over LAUSD may be easier said than done.
• Reporter's Notebook: Camp Pendleton Reels at Iraq Execution Allegations
  Marines from Camp Pendleton are among those under investigation for killing unarmed civilians six months ago in Iraq. Tony Perry is San Diego Bureau Chief for the LA Times and he's been talking to people at the massive Marine base.

• California Voters' Guide

  Prop 81: Reading and Literacy Improvement, Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act

  Prop 82: Preschool Education; Tax on Incomes over $400,000 (Indiv); $800,000 (Couples)

  Greene's article on ---anything-goes' approach to official voters' guide

  PPIC on voters' uncertainty over primary

  Perry's article on Camp Pendleton's involvement in Iraq execution-style killings