The State - News from March 7, 1986

The Assembly approved a bill to loan $4.4 million to two troubled community college districts in Oakland and Susanville, despite complaints that trustees have not taken responsibility for their mistakes. The legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Stan Statham (R-Redding), would make available $1.2 million to the Lassen Community College District in Susanville and $3.2 million to the Peralta Community College District in Oakland. The districts would have to repay the funds from their state aid over the next three years. The measure must still be approved by the state Senate. Lassen has had problems with an electric power cogeneration project that is not operating and producing revenue. Peralta’s enrollment has declined 26%. During debate over the bail-out bill, Assemblyman Charles Bader (R-Pomona) said Peralta “is collapsing from within” because of poor management by the trustees. He said there have been many thefts within the system.