An Amazing Turnout!

Neighbors turned out in a very spectacular number to learn more about the South Region High School #15 (SRHS 15) issue and how they could comment on the Initial Study.

Over 100 names were collected at the meeting that demonstrated to me that their are some pretty fantastic San Pedrans, just like the great members of Vista del Oro Neighbors Against Condos (VDONAC) demonstrated their strength and won a dramatic victory just one day earlier.

I was more than extremely impressed by the questions that came for a great number of folks very concerned about the proposed new campus at what we know as "Angel's Gate."

Every single question was dead on and every one could now be put as part of the comments to the Initial Study, that is going on.

I can't say whether I am more proud of the VDONAC folks or the group that met tonight. What I can freely admit with pride is, San Pedrans are very special and all of them deserve praise and honor for the issues they are tackling, AND the way they are tackling them!

The fight to keep SRHS 15 from being a too large campus at Angel's Gate is just beginning.

The group that met tonight learned what the history of the proposed project is, how they may be impacted by a new campus built at the site, how important it is that everyone create a set of comments to the Initial Study based on their own observations and their own experiences living where they do.

Some factors the group was more than very concerned about were:

Alma Street cannot support ANOTHER high school on it.

The importance of and the impact to the Point Fermin Outdoor Education Center.

The fact that the air quality at the proposed site has tested WORSE than the majority of the site of the existing high school.

The noise factor as it relates to the Alma canyon and the winds.

The glare from windows in 52 foot tall buildings.

The fact that the average student count per class, at the proposed campus is nowhere near the actual average student per classroom count now seen at San Pedro High School.

The attitude of bureaucrats at LAUSD, especially within the Facilities Services Division.

The fact that there is not one clear voice within LAUSD that explains all of the details in a way that isn't contradicted by others within LAUSD.

The fact that there may be money to build a new campus, but no money to maintain it.

The concept that any new campus would NOT lower class sizes at either campus.

I wish that tonight's meeting had been videotaped. had it been, more San Pedrans could have seen some of the best that is "San Pedro" and how the group thought about the students and thought and talked about alternatives to building a new large campus at Angel's Gate.

The folks who attended the meeting can now make even better comments to the Initial Study because they openly shared issues and experiences with others. They also shared with everyone their knowledge of the area, its history, is resources, and its beauty.

The good folks also know very well that they are starting a long, uphill battle.

Like the great folks living in Vista del Oro, the great neighbors and friends living in The Palisades know that they now have to fight to maintain the quality of life they have worked so hard to attain, and now have to work even harder, to keep.