Riordan steps down *

Former mayor Richard Riordan will leave his post as state Education Secretary on June 30, Gov. Schwarzenegger's office just announced.

With deep regret I have accepted Richard Riordan's resignation as my Secretary of Education. I am profoundly grateful for his service to California, and for leading my administration's efforts to strengthen our commitment to our public schools and the children they serve.

With Dick's help, we have been able to increase spending for education, encourage innovation in public schools, push for more local control, guarantee greater equality in school funding, and much more.

Dick is a dear friend and someone I have always admired for his achievements, his sincerity, and an adventurous spirit that is distinctly Californian...

Schwarzenegger said they first discussed Riordan leaving a month ago. (Actually, Riordan's statement says he submitted his resignation last month but agreed to stay on until a replacement was found.)

Thursday print stories: Friends tell the Times that Riordan was frustrated at not getting more done in Sacramento. "I would say that he has not been a player," said Barbara Kerr, president of the California Teachers Assn.