Support for New High School

I am writing to express my deep concern about the future of the proposed Belmont Learning Center, a desperately needed new high school to be built just west of downtown.

In the recent debate concerning the development plans and financial matters tied to the Temple-Beaudry project, one component of which is the Belmont Learning Center, these matters have been given more attention than the stunning needs of this community (Feb. 8). In this critical time when the Board of Education is positioned to take a final vote on the approval of the disposition and development agreement for the Belmont Learning Center, our community cannot take a setback that could cost us the new school that we have anticipated for more than 15 years.

Our children have been traveling to faraway schools on buses for too long. The community resources in our local, urban area are slim. The byproducts of this lack of hope, which are continued poverty and high crime and violence, can be diminished with educational and community investment.

When the board considers the final approval for groundbreaking of this new high school, I hope to see all members voting yes--for education and for the future of this Westlake/Echo Park/Downtown Los Angeles community.

MARIA CASTORENA

Parent and Community

Representative, Rosemont Avenue

School, Los Angeles