Sylmar : Scholarships Aid Neighbors of Dump

At Mission College, some students have parlayed trash into a college education.

Thirteen students at the two-year school recently received a total of $5,100 in scholarship money from the Lopez Canyon Community Amenities Trust Fund, established to benefit those who live next-door to the huge city-owned dump.

Former Los Angeles City Councilman Ernani Bernardi proposed setting up the $5-million trust fund in 1991 to mollify local residents after the council approved a five-year extension of the landfill.

Just before his retirement in 1991, he received council approval to set aside $1 million from the account as a scholarship endowment for Mission College.

Many Mission students reside in neighborhoods affected by noise, fumes, dust and other nuisances created by the landfill.

When Bernardi’s successor in the 7th District, Richard Alarcon, took office, he slashed the scholarship fund by 75% and changed the requirements slightly.

Students who receive the money now must perform a modest amount of community service in the area affected by the dump and are required to attend a workshop on the history of the landfill.

So far, scholarship funds have been distributed to at least 25 students in installments of up to $400 per semester, said Carlos Nava, dean of students at Mission College.

Applicants are reviewed by a residents’ advisory committee overseen by Alarcon, Nava said. To qualify for the scholarships, students must reside in specific communities located near the landfill.

Students also must take a minimum of nine credits (about three classes) per semester to qualify for funds, Nava said.