After months of deepening gloom about California's public schools, last week a much brighter path appeared. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, saying the state's commitment to education should not waver even in a budget crisis, agreed to fully fund K-14 schools under formulas written into state law by a 1988 proposition. The $57.6 billion he seeks to spend means schools would be the only large sector of state government to have more money in 2008-09 than 2007-08.

Fee increases beginning this summer at the University of California and the California State University systems will sting. Because state taxpayers still bear the brunt of the universities' costs, however, undergraduate students can still get a university education worth millions over a lifetime for the price of a compact car. That's a bargain.

Temporary relief from dry-eye syndrome may be as close as your daily newspaper. This I learned from several readers who commented recently about stories that moved them to tears. Two lauded editors for running a story May 1 on Page A2 credited to The Associated Press and Newhouse News Service: “Opponents carry hitter around bases after home run.”