Features

State Briefs

Friday October 11, 2002

Fishermen caught 

MOSS LANDING — Three fishermen were fined almost $25,000 for illegally catching sablefish. 

Thao Van Phan of Moss Landing was fined nearly $10,000. Bao Tran Quoc Dang of Moss Landing and Dung Van Ngyen of Los Angeles were fined $7,500 each. 

Investigators with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration say the men told regulators a haul of sablefish was caught on three boats, but was hauled in by one of the boats. 

The incident occurred in September 2001, but the men were not charged until July. 

Authorities say the men filed false catch reports with the state Department of Fish and Game. 

 

California teachers stay home 

SACRAMENTO — Higher pay and incentive programs make California an attractive place for teachers, state officials said Thursday. 

A report by the Commission of Teacher Credentialing and the Employment Development Department found that 84 percent of California teachers are still in the classroom after four years compared to 67 percent nationally. 

“At the heart of our landmark school reform is putting a qualified teacher in every classroom,” Gov. Gray Davis said. “It’s nice to know that compared to other states, California is still at the head of the class.” 

State officials have attributed the higher retention rates to incentive programs, including teacher tax credits, as well as grants and bonuses for teachers in low-performing schools. 

“The programs are paying off, and they are paying off with big dividends,” said state Secretary of Education Kerry Mazzoni, adding that the retention rate “really outpaces the rest of the nation.” 

State officials have said California will face a teacher shortage of 195,000 during the next decade. However, the state may revise that estimate due to the higher retention rates. 

The state has also become more reliant on alternative credentialing programs that make it easier for teachers to get into the classroom. Around 40,000 teachers in California have emergency credentials.