Proposal to Ease State’s Shortage of ClassroomsCan...

Proposal to Ease State’s Shortage of Classrooms

Can businesses alleviate the state’s classroom crunch? Some lawmakers think so.

Generous tax breaks have been proposed for companies that open public schools on company property.

Novato Democrat Kerry Mazzoni, chair of the Assembly’s Education Committee, has introduced legislation that would give businesses a $50,000 annual write-off for costs associated with establishing, constructing or expanding a public school on their premises.

The model for the Mazzoni bill (AB 56) can be found in scenic Sonoma County where, in 1992, Hewlett-Packard spent $500,000 to create a public school on its property, leasing space to the Santa Rosa School District for $1 a year. The K-3 school serves 120 students--80% of them children of Hewlett-Packard employees.

The school has boosted employee morale and productivity and has proved a potent recruiting tool, company spokesman Jeff Webber said.

Mazzoni introduced similar legislation last year, but it died in the Senate. Prospects are better this session as the governor’s class-size reduction program has sent school districts throughout the state scrambling for classroom space.

HOT BILLS

Banks, restaurants and boutiques that have set up shop in the downtown historic district of Orange are hoping that a proposed inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places could be a boon to their businesses.

Busloads of business and property owners are expected to descend upon Occidental College today when the State Historical Resources Commission meets to consider whether Old Towne Orange should be included in the register.

Old Towne Orange would become the largest historic district in California to receive the special designation.

Districts listed in the register typically experience an increase in tourism and see an immediate jump in property values by 15%.

The meeting takes place at the following time and location:

10:30 a.m. today

Herrick Memorial Chapel and Interfaith Center

Occidental College

1600 Campus Drive

Eagle Rock

CALENDAR

* Computer Crimes (AB 231)

Would add a host of technology terms and computer crimes to the state’s penal code, giving prosecutors more tools to go after those who pirate computer software. The bill is sponsored by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Author: Mike Honda (D-Santa Clara)

* HMO Mergers (SB 330)

Would require the state Department of Corporations to consider consumer protection and fair competition when approving health-care mergers. The bill is a response to two pending mergers between FHP International Corp. and PacifiCare Health Systems Inc., and between Foundation Health Corp. and Health Systems International. The bill, supported by consumer groups, could derail or delay the mergers if approved. The bill is opposed by the California Assn. of HMOs. Author: Sen. Herschel Rosenthal (D-North Hollywood)

* Health-Care Liability (AB 250)

Would remove the $250,000 cap on jury awards to victims of medical malpractice if the physician or health-care provider was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or had three or more disciplinary actions administered by the state Medical Board. This bill has the support of consumer attorneys, seniors and children’s advocates. Opposition is expected from the California Medical Assn. and health insurers. Author: Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica)

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