L.A. approves plans for teacher training center

The Los Angeles school board has voted to spend $35.9 million to turn an abandoned shopping center shell into a training and testing center for teachers. The space was to have been part of the so-called Belmont Learning Complex, plagued for years by delays, cost overruns and environmental concerns. The shopping center space would have been used as a potential money-generator with a market, retail shops and restaurants, affordable housing and a community center. Those plans fell apart seven years ago. The new concept is being touted as a long-run money saver that will allow the Los Angeles Unified School District to spend less on hotel conference space and leased offices. The school on the site is scheduled to open next fall under a new name, Vista Hermosa.

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