Against the advice of the Times editorial board, Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have set some rules for private, for-profit trade schools. Previous regulations (which were fairly weak) expired a couple of months ago, and California already is getting a reputation as the place where bad operators open after they're shut down in other states.

Problems with trade schools over the years have included exaggerated claims that students could transfer credits to other schools and land lucrative jobs. In addition, a few schools have closed after students paid their money but before they received their training.

With SB 823 dead, it's all about the buyer being aware. Tough one, since ferreting out the good schools from the bad takes real reporting. Here's some advice Venice High School gave its students:

"Don't sign anything on your first visit to a school. And don't make a hasty decision because someone tells you there is limited space in the next class. This is a common sales ploy. Even if it's true, you'd be better off researching the school and waiting until the next semester than paying for the last seat in a class where you don't learn any real skills.

"Some application forms are binding contracts, so read them carefully before signing. Get a receipt for all payments and keep a copy of the application, contract, and all other documents."