EAST LOS ANGELES : School Targeted for Massive Cleanup

Hamasaki Elementary School, in the heart of two federal housing projects, will undergo a major cleanup--and its first paint job since it opened 66 years ago--when students, parents and volunteers converge next weekend.

The school, at 4865 E. 1st St., was targeted by the Colgate-Palmolive Co. for its Proyecto Mi Escuela program, which helps schools with large ethnic student populations refurbish their classrooms and playgrounds. The school of 528 students is 95% Latino.

Hamasaki will receive at least $10,000 set aside by the company from sales of its cleaning products in the area during the past month. The school will use the money to buy playground equipment and teaching materials, said principal Judith Holman.

“We were chosen because of our need,” Holman said. “Our school has not been painted since 1926 and our parents are really getting behind it.”

Some Colgate-Palmolive executives have also said they will come out for the weekend, roll up their sleeves and take part in the cleanup, said Evangelina Stockwell, assistant superintendent for the Los Angeles Unified School District. The company fronted $2,000 from that money for drapes for the auditorium and will provide the cleaning supplies.

Students will be cleaning on Friday and adults will finish on Saturday and Sunday. The work, starts Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. Information: (213) 263-3869.