Belmont Site

Hats off to John Sepich for presenting some facts about the new Belmont Learning Complex (Commentary, July 29). It is unfortunate that little has been presented previously in the media and that the construction has become a political football.

From my own professional experience I know that the LAUSD engineers and architects are well trained and quite conservative. They are known to hire and consult with noted engineers and designers in each phase of the design process. By selecting only qualified contractors most projects are completed on time and close to budget.

Belmont is a big, tough project with a lot of problems. Set aside the politics and name-calling and let the professionals finish their job.

JERRY KOVACS

Geotechnical Engineer (Ret.)

Westlake Village

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Sepich quoted me out of context. I had prefaced my remarks about not wanting to work at Belmont or send my grandchildren there with the comment, “Unless I receive information that assures me the site is safe and toxic-free.”

Sepich’s logic is skewed; he certainly knows that there is a giant step between exposure to toxins and/or carcinogens for children being taken to the La Brea Tar Pits or the public library once or twice a year, even monthly, for an hour or two, and being mandated to be in school for six hours, five days a week.

VALERIE FIELDS

Member, Board of Education

LAUSD