Morning report: the cover is removed on our public pensions

 Some notes from the news in our community this morning:

 * Make sure to check out the story in today's Californian that shows that more than  174 city and county employees are pulling in more than $100,000 a year in public pensions. Former county Fire Chief Dennis Thompson tops the chart with a pension of $223,547 a year. Former city Police Chief Bill Rector's pension is $160,557.

 * Sad to hear that a recent graduate of Garces High School, Dominic Phillip Cornejo, lost his battle with cancer. He was 19 and a product of the Catholic education system, including Garces and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A Rosary service is set for Friday at 7 p.m. and a Mass will be held this Saturday at 10 a.m., both at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Columbus Street.

  * The City of Shafter has long been known for its progressive policies and now it's tackling the complex issue of raising the educational standards for its children. Read Lois Henry's column on this innovative program.