Yes, it's either raise tuition or close schools. I am surprised this issue has been put off for so long. Ultimately, I think we're going to see a lot of both, tuition increases AND various branch campus closures.

Why do none of the four suggest what they would cut instead?

Because too many are convinced "there is nothing left to cut", as Ananya Roy states up front. That is their rallying cry, however it simply is not true. Everyone wants a magic wand to pass over California to fix its ills, however far too many problems are rooted in political decisions made before Cali was even made a state. One way or another, a lot of people will be sacrificed before California gets turned back around. As it is, I recall reading last month that almost 1000 people a day are leaving, based on DMV records of returned drivers licenses from other states.

California now spends three times as much per inmate as they do per student in higher education.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWBa20tygk0