The Belmont Learning Complex (BLC) was established in an effort to relieve overcrowding in schools west of Downtown Los Angeles, as well as to provide a neighborhood school for students who were bused long distances (primarily to the San Fernando Valley). In September and November 1998, State Senator Tom Hayden chaired hearings of the Senate Natural Resources Committee into the issue of toxic pollution in urban schools, focusing attention on what had become widely known as the "Belmont fiasco." The State Joint Legislative Audit Committee also held hearings and presented reports about misuse of funds, disregard for student safety and health, and other persistent problems in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Tom Hayden Belmont Learning Complex Investigation Collection contains State Senator Tom Hayden's papers regarding the funding, construction, health and safety concerns, and investigations related to the Los Angeles Unified School District's Belmont Learning Center. It includes correspondence, memoranda, news articles, reports, architectural diagrams, and construction documents, as well as audio and video tapes of hearings and meetings of state and local entities.

Tom Hayden served in the California State Assembly from 1982-1992, and as a State Senator from 1992-2000. In September and November 1998 he chaired hearings of the Senate Natural Resources Committee regarding the issue of toxic pollution in urban schools, focusing attention on what had become widely known as the "Belmont fiasco." In his official capacity as hearings chair, Hayden collected documents regarding the funding, construction, health and safety concerns, and investigations related to Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) Belmont Learning Center, and other school sites with problems related to on-site toxins.

19.66 linear feet

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The collection is open for research use.