Use of Land for Schools

* Although very annoying, it comes as no surprise to read about the LAUSD subsidizing a tenant in the Santa Monica Mountains (“School District Can’t Use Site, Can’t Let It Go,” July 27). As an asset of the school district, the site should have been rented out at fair market value. This is just one more instance of total fiscal mismanagement bordering on the criminal.

When school starts, our children will once again be sent home with letters from their schools, booster clubs, etc. pleading for donations to buy basic materials, equipment and perhaps the salary for “extras” such as a school librarian. The letters imply that if you really care about your child you will donate generously. The money is there; it just needs to be properly managed.

KAREN POULSON

Los Angeles

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The article about Sullivan Canyon area residents opposing the sale of the LAUSD site brought up a pathetically funny point. One resident said, “We give riding lessons to 153 children from across Los Angeles County each year. . . . Every child who owns a pony in the area donates them to teach less fortunate kids how to ride.” It seems that to the rich folks living in the area, teaching 153 kids how to ride a pony is more important than teaching kids how read or use a computer.

RAYMOND TAM

Alhambra

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I am astounded by the regularity and degree to which government will choose the course that benefits business rather than basic community needs. “Industrial Park at Chinatown Site OKd by Planning Panel” (July 26) reveals another pathetic example of this tendency. Of course they OKd it. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce supports it; Mayor Richard Riordan supports it.

We have been told that schools aren’t being built because there is so little land available. Yet here is a very large parcel in an area that needs a high school. Where has the mayor’s purported concern for the condition of the school system gone? What kind of planning is this?

ROGER BOWERS

Los Angeles