Community urges board to name Westmore track after coach Ron DiMaggio

Superintendent Presta presented a facility-naming recommendation on behalf of Westmore High School staff and community members to name the school's track for longtime coach Ron DiMaggio.

Presta told the board the nomination came from "staff, students, parents, and alumni" and that Westmore leadership and the district executive cabinet endorsed the idea; she asked trustees whether they would like staff to prepare a formal resolution for a subsequent meeting.

The meeting included a string of public comments in support. Lisonbee Torres, a Westmore alum (class of 1988), described how DiMaggio encouraged her to return to the team as a shy freshman and later helped her compete in college. Raymond Zhu said DiMaggio has been a constant presence for decades and called the coach a "Westmore institution." Several current and former athletes and parents described DiMaggioas a coach who avoids cutting anyone, who mentors students beyond athletics and who runs fundraising invitational meets that draw thousands of runners.

Caroline Sharon Barrett, a longtime colleague of DiMaggio's, said the coach"values hard work, character, and growth" and praised his tradition of recognizing effort across the roster. Other speakers said DiMaggiohas raised program standards while maintaining inclusion and volunteer-driven support.

Trustees signaled support for advancing the recommendation. Trustee Gallegos and others said the proposal appears consistent with the districtnaming policy and asked staff to return with a resolution for formal consideration and a vote.

Presta said the resolution will be brought back to the board at a future meeting for formal action; no final vote was taken on the naming at this session.