*Different polls, different results

You try figuring it out:

From Public Policy Institute of California:

Despite Californians' worries about the fiscal situation in higher education, 52 percent of residents are unwilling to pay higher taxes to maintain current funding, while 45 percent would do so. Likely voters are divided (49% yes, 49% no). Most Democrats (63%) would pay higher taxes, while most independents (55%) and Republicans (71%) would not.

From LAT/USC:

A strong majority of California voters is willing to pay higher taxes to boost funding for public schools even in a grim economy, a new poll has found. After three years of budget cuts that have battered schools with extensive teacher layoffs and deep cuts in art, music and other programs, 64% of those surveyed said they would shell out more for schools. The consensus was broad, crossing both genders and all races, ages, regions, income and educational levels.

*Well, sort different. The PPIC survey looks at higher education, while the LAT/USC survey focuses on public schools.