Don't blame college administrators for tuition hikes. Blame Californians

Well, at least 52 percent of them, who, according to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, aren't willing to pay higher taxes so that funding can be maintained at current levels. Among likely voters, it's a 49-49 split. Most Democrats (63 percent) would pay higher taxes, while most Republicans (71 percent) would not. Here's the joke: Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed say public higher education in California is headed in the wrong direction. From the survey:

To maintain current funding for higher education, Californians favor admitting more out-of-state students who pay higher tuition, but support declines if that would mean fewer California admissions (20% yes, even if fewer in-state students, 32% yes, but not if fewer in-state students, 42% no). Support for out-of-state admissions at the expense of California admissions has declined slightly (26% 2010, 20% today).

As is common these days, people are talking passed one another. About 200 faculty and students are protesting near the main entrance of Cal State Dominguez Hills in response to a decision to withhold faculty raises negotiated for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 school years. Chancellor Charles Reed has said the system can't afford to pay the raises because of budget cuts - and there's no reason to doubt him. (LAT)