Council demands LAUSD analysis and city collaboration on Belmont Learning Complex; motion passes after contentious public hearing

The Los Angeles City Council voted to ask the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to prepare an open analysis of alternative uses for the Belmont property and to evaluate alternative sites for Belmont cluster students, and directed city staff to work aggressively with LAUSD on identifying potential sites.

Councilmember Mike Hernandez introduced a motion asking the district to conduct a fair, public analysis of alternatives to the unfinished Belmont Learning Complex rather than abandon the site without comparison to other options. Hernandez said the motion does not require the district to build at Belmont but asks for a transparent evaluation of the Belmont site and other potential locations. "We're asking that the school district promote a fair and open public dialogue by conducting an analysis of alternative uses of the Belmont property," Hernandez said.

The item drew an extensive public hearing with community speakers on both sides. Supporters of completing the Belmont complex — including parents, community advocates and representatives of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) — said overcrowding, long bus rides and safety problems at existing schools make a home high school for the Belmont cluster a necessity. Gloria Soto, president of the Belmont High School Community Advisory Council and vice chair of Parents for New Belmont Complex, said the group wants "a safe…