In today's newscast:
Mismanagement of state program connected to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Lawmakers are alleging a California State Library program—which was created to distribute books to young children—spent a million dollars of taxpayer money without donating a single book.
Adam Echelman with our California Newsroom partner, CalMatters, reported that lawmakers say the state non-profit set up to support California’s part in the collaboration has little to show for its efforts.
Pasadena Senator Sasha Renée Pérez grilled California’s state librarian at a multi-hour hearing earlier this month.
"We still do not have any sort of numbers or accounting for the number of books that were ultimately purchased and given to children," said Pérez. "And that, to me, is really concerning."
Officials from the state’s nonprofit, the Strong Reader Partnership, pushed back saying the role of the group was to fundraise and secure participation from local a organization—not distribute books.
CalMatters says a state audit of the program is scheduled for the end of this year.
A youth-led community art showcase in Carmel
On Tuesday evening, a free art showcase celebrating mental health research will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sunset Center in Carmel.
AIM Youth Mental Health organized the event in partnership with the Carmel Sunset Rotary Club. There will be presentations by Carmel Mayor Dale Byrne and the Monterey County Office of Education.
