Which Way, L.A.?

Will Pre-School Education Improve California-s Future?

In next year's election, movie director Rob Reiner may propose pre-school education for every four-year old in California. Meanwhile, the Rand Corporation has published a report that says "high-quality" programs for all 4-year olds could return more than two and a half times what they'd cost the state. Benefits would include less special education, less juvenile crime and a better work force. What is "high quality" education for people who are so young? Do the same programs work for every child? How can the benefits be translated into economic terms? We look for at the possible costs and benefits with Lynn Karoly, a senior economist at Rand, early education advocate Pat Phipps and Lisa Snell of the libertarian Reason Public Policy Institute. Reporter's Notebook: The Race for LA Mayor, According to Steve Lopez During the primary campaign for Mayor of LA, one of the ritual events for each candidate was having lunch with Los Angeles columnist Steve Lopez. Now, just two contenders are left. The race has come down to a contest of personalities and personal attacks between Mayor Jim Hahn and Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa. Lopez says he'd like to have "a combination of the two."