What should be the priority of the Trustees?
Land Development deals or the Education of Students?
Click here to read about their latest international land deals.

Los Angeles Trade Tech College has been part of southern California for over 50 years. Gerald Wayne Perttula will end the neglect of LATTC, by making students' needs a top priority. Isn't instruction that leads to a job, and self reliance, a benefit to everyone?

A rapid transit station runs on the north edge of campus, making it convenient for commuting students to leave their car at home. But the automobile is still popular. 

This is a technical drawing of the "Harris Plan" intended to relieve student parking problems at LATTC.

The student parking lot can be clearly seen here. A multi-level student parking lot for LATTC ("Harris Plan") has been promised since 1989. The Child Development Center can be seen on the right of the parking lot. A previous parking plan indicated the CDC would be moved to dislocate other classes, on another part of the campus. Instead of short-changing everyone, is it possible to allow everyone to mutually benefit?

The passage of Bond measures A and AA is honored with this sign, placed on LATTC property. After 2 years, there has been no significant construction, making the text of the sign painfully ironic. Keep in mind, $20 million is being spent on the administration building at 770 Wilshire. I suggest the priorities of the Trustees are absolutely wrong. Students should come first!

The 2-story "Harris Plan" parking structure was to be placed on the property in the lower left of this picture. An elevated walkway would allow students to safely walk into Building K. Notice there is no crosswalk connecting the small student parking lot and the main campus.

LATTC student Carlos R. Ochoa III stands next to the computerized "Vertical Machining Center", one of the cutting-edge technologies in the Machine Shop. Vocational Classes are the first programs to be downsized, even when state budgets are holding steady.

In the early 1940's, the site now named LATTC, trained men and women to fabricate the aluminum "skins" for the aerospace industry. Despite the continuing need for Computer Automated Design and Manufacturing, administrations have cut vocational classes. More student internships with local businesses could subsidize and revive shrinking programs.

LATTC instructor Steven T. Shibuya holds an engraved aluminum disk (the LATTC Logo), created on the computerized "Vertical Machining Center" (background). This "mini-factory" creates customized parts needed for the Robotics Class. Mr. Shibuya coaches a team from King Drew School (Willowbrook) in a robotics competition, sponsored by a consortium of businesses and public organizations. 

A permanent home for the LATTC Computer Lab in the Manufacturing Department is currently under review. Better communication is needed between all stakeholders to reach a pragmatic and mutually-beneficial conclusion. 

Carlos R. Ochoa III checks the "Job Wall" that features employment opportunities for LATTC Manufacturing Department students. Mandatory academic assessments may delay or terminate a student's Enrollment into the Machine Shop classes. 

A student in the "Computers and Numerical Control" class holds the latest entry in the "First-Inspired-Recognition-for-Science-and Technology" Robotics Competition. Inventor Dean Kamen and assorted interests from the private and public sector sponsor the event.

Building K at LATTC holds classes in Business and Science. This is the most recent building constructed on campus which dates from 1972. 

LATTC instructor Steven T. Shibuya (far left, kneeling) with his students, showing the 2003 Trophy his team won in the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics competition. Gerald Wayne Perttula, candidate for LACC Board Trustee, is on right.

This mechanical drawing was created by a student drawing an object in "three views". A physical 3-D model of this same object can be created using special computer software and machining hardware. Most vocational programs have high capital and maintenance costs. 

More to come on this issue; be sure to vote on March 8th 2005 for Gerlad Wayne Perttula