FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Commission OKs Relocation of School

The Planning Commission has approved the controversial relocation of Wintersburg Continuation School to the campus of Fountain Valley High School, despite the protests of nearly 50 parents concerned that the move will cause traffic and parking problems.

The continuation school, which will serve a maximum of 250 students with academic, behavioral or attendance problems, is scheduled to open in January, 1992.

The move is part of the Huntington Beach Union High School District’s efforts to raise revenue.

The district will be able to collect an estimated $1 million a year on a 60-year lease for the 15 acres Wintersburg currently occupies next to Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach.

Parents repeatedly interrupted this week’s meeting, shouting at the commission and district officials.

Concerns focused on the increased traffic that will contribute to an already congested area and the problem of students parking in the surrounding community.

Residents and parents are worried that the future opening of the Marriott Hotel and Residence Inn near the campus will worsen traffic in the area, which is already congested because of the high school and an FHP medical center.

Other parents worried that Wintersburg students would be a bad influence on the community.

“The close proximity of the two schools is not an ideal situation because children with problems exhibit negative behavior in front of an audience,” said Terry Patsel, an Anaheim teacher who lives near Fountain Valley High School.

Parent Sharon Gabster said she fears Wintersburg students may bring gangs and drugs into the area. “We’re forcing kids into an area where they’re not welcome,” she said.

Residents and parents said they will look for other ways to block the district from relocating Wintersburg to the Fountain Valley High School campus, including possible legal action against the district.

The commission voted 3 to 1 in favor of the Wintersburg relocation.

Commissioner John Briscoe dissented.