Belmont Learning Complex Controversy

Re “Latinos Have Waited Long Enough for the Belmont Complex,” Commentary, Feb. 24:

As an LAUSD teacher and United Teachers of Los Angeles member, I was saddened but not surprised by how Frank del Olmo and some Latino leaders have now apparently turned against their friend and ally, UTLA. Many of us have long thought it is a mistake for the UTLA to use teachers’ money, and to take political stands in the name of teachers, on any issues except labor issues affecting teachers in the LAUSD. Nevertheless, throwing caution to the wind, we of UTLA, always a friend to Latino activists and their issues in Los Angeles, decided to formally oppose Proposition 227 and later funded lawsuits to overturn Proposition 227 on behalf of parents who wished their children to resume being taught to read, write and compute in Spanish.

Now that the UTLA is speaking up in the context of Belmont about legitimate teacher labor issues presented by some charter schools, do UTLA’s onetime Latino activist friends and allies support us, or at least remain neutral? No. Some of them, including Del Olmo, actually turn on us, publicly criticizing and opposing us. This is a perfect illustration of the old cliche: No good deed goes unpunished. Hopefully, we of UTLA have learned our lesson.

Or-Li Wallace

North Hollywood

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As I understand it, the Belmont Learning Complex was abandoned because of worries of environmental contamination and various illnesses caused by the contamination. Now the Alliance for a Better Community and Del Olmo are pushing the LAUSD to complete the learning complex and open it. Will the ABC and Del Olmo assume the potential financial liability for illnesses coming from the ground contamination? Just wondering.

Jim Goodenough

Canoga Park