Housing Project Gets New Computer Center

The first of seven federally funded computer learning centers scheduled to open in Los Angeles public housing projects this year was dedicated Thursday in a ceremony at the San Fernando Gardens complex in Pacoima.

A standing-room-only crowd in the community center of the 448-unit apartment complex listened as Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon and housing officials touted the center and encouraged residents to take advantage of its resources.

Equipped with six new personal computers with high-speed processors and CD-ROM drives, Internet access, a laser printer and a collection of software designed to develop job skills, the computer center is part of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s “Campus of Learners” program that was launched by HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros in 1995 to make residents of public housing more self-sufficient.

“The ultimate mission of the program is to transform public housing from places of economic and social isolation to make them more like campuses where residents can learn the skills needed to compete for jobs,” said George McQuade, public relations director for the city’s Housing Authority.

“My kids have been waiting for this day. It gives them something exciting to be a part of and it’s a new challenge for me,” said Dora Alarcon, a bookkeeping student at Mission College who lives in San Fernando Gardens with her four children.

Alarcon--no relation to the councilman--said she plans to enroll in courses on spreadsheets and other programs that will help qualify her for office work.

San Fernando Gardens residents previously had access to six used computers donated by Harvard-Westlake High School.

But Jack Ma, computer center coordinator, said the new equipment represents a huge improvement.

“Mostly the kids used the computers to play games, they were pretty limited,” said Ma.

“What we have now is the latest generation, the top of the line.

“Residents will be able to train on the same equipment used in workplaces everywhere.”