Editorial

How could there have been any doubts about reopening the Shalimar

Learning Center? If there was ever a question that a tutoring program is

needed in the Shalimar neighborhood, the children are the answer.

Six years ago, the Shalimar Learning Center first gave its students a

push toward academic excellence. Since then, several of the center’s

children have graduated from the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and

become the first in their families to go to college.

And when the center temporarily closed down -- its future uncertain at

the time -- the students said their grades suffered, both immediately and

drastically.

With the teen program back and the rest of the center expected to be

up and running Tuesday, many students are flocking back.

They say the center has worked, keeping them off the streets, in

classes and on track to success. One teen said he was sure he would have

joined a gang if not for the Shalimar Learning Center.

The city’s crime statistics are also evidence the program has worked

in the Shalimar neighborhood, which is marked as a recognized gang area

by authorities. According to Costa Mesa Police Department figures,

gang-related crime has gone down 60% in the past year.

For what they’ve done for the children of the community, thanks to

those at Shalimar.

But it is inexcusable that the center’s operators for a while lost

focus and forgot that the children are more important than egos and

schedules.

It’s a shame the students could have suffered the loss of the center

because adults were immature. There is no reason to assign blame --

pointing fingers would only prolong the process of reestablishing the

tutoring program in the community.

The Shalimar officials should simply learn a lesson from the

situation.

Because, after all, there is no doubt: Education is priceless.