These were the top stories for the week of Feb. 7 – 13, 2011.

 San Diego Stuck State With Schools’ Big Bill

In the chaotic moments before the downtown redevelopment deal passed, documents show that San Diego leaders opted to force the state to pay a multi-million-dollar tab for school funding, to the benefit of downtown.

 School Workers Can Lose Jobs But Keep Salaries

An unusual rule lets some San Diego Unified workers keep earning the same wages for a year or more after switching to a lower job.

 Fact Check: Strippergate? What Strippergate?

Statement: “In 13 of the 15 cities, all but Phoenix and San Diego, at least one member has faced an indictment or investigation for a serious offense in the past decade while in office or soon after leaving office,” according to a Feb. 2 report by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Determination: False.

 Four Lessons from the Walmart Debacle

Walmart has a new self-image we have to deal with and don’t get on labor’s bad side.

 San Diego Explained: Nuñez Controversy

On the latest edition of San Diego Explained, I break down the Esteban Nuñez controversy.

 Test Scores Soar Here, But the Grades Aren’t So Easy

Kearny School of International Business practices tough love with its grades, which could help prepare kids for college. But grading differs so greatly from school to school, it could also handicap them in the college race.

 January Chartfest: Home Prices Drop Again

San Diego home prices underwent the second sizable drop in as many months, but demand picked up in the new year.

 Biggest Budget Losers: Librarians, Teachers for Gifted Kids

This is what schools decided when they got to decide for themselves.

 You Can Get Into College, But Maybe Not Out

For every three students in the region who enter a community college, only one gets a degree or credential or transfers to a university.

 Graphic: The Downtown Money Tree

See how CCDC, the downtown redevelopment agency, plans to spend its millions.

Contact Grant Barrett, engagement editor for voiceofsandiego.org: grant@voiceofsandiego.org or (619) 550-5666 or @grantbarrett on Twitter.

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