Blue Line TeleVillage

“ ‘High-Tech Barn-Raising’ Shows Disparity of Schools” (March 6) correctly points out the lack of participation in NetDay by schools on the south and east sides of Los Angeles. However, it fails to mention that Compton is the location of an exciting and visionary demonstration project with implications far beyond those of NetDay.

The Blue Line TeleVillage is a demonstration project of the MTA located in the Compton Transit Center adjacent to the Compton stop of the Metro Blue Line. It is a public-transit-accessible access point not only to the Internet but also to electronic transactions and commerce of all sorts. Residents of South Los Angeles will find professional staff and technology for:

* A 12-station computer center for public access, computer literacy training, software classes, children’s classes and access to the Internet;

* A 14-seat distance education classroom that will double as a meeting room for local businesses and government officials who need to participate in video conferences;

* A two-workstation telework center that will provide office space for telecommuters who live in Compton but work elsewhere;

* A desktop video conferencing unit;

* Several transaction kiosks, including the first kiosk developed by the Los Angeles Public Housing Authority, an AIDS information kiosk and a bank automated teller machine;

* Video production equipment that will allow all programs and lectures to be taped for wider community consumption.

The Blue Line TeleVillage is a prototype development that could bring mobility and economic benefits to communities throughout the county.

Blue Line TeleVillage operations will begin April 1 and an open house will be held May 18. I invite all interested parties to visit.

SUPERVISOR YVONNE BRATHWAITE BURKE

Los Angeles County