Renovations for Shop 9 are Halted Tuesday, November 30, 2010 By Jennifer Diaz Graphic art students will only be able to enjoy the new computers in the outdated shop 9 - Joanna Ruano Advertising     Super Shop 9 may not be getting the makeover they’ve been waiting for.     About three years ago, Venice High’s Graphic Arts program got a $3 million grant thanks to the Prop 1D California State Grant (Kindergarten-University public education Facilities Bond Act of 2006).     Last spring Graphic Arts teacher Artie Lindauer got some parents to call Steve Zimmer, the District 4 board member, and other LAUSD board members, to get the project to progress a little bit, after being put on hold, and work was to begin on July 1st of this year, but unfortunately, it’s been put on hold once again.     The project was supposed to renovate his shop and provide new equipment like a Heidelberg four-color press. The machine is quite big, so the project was supposed to reinforce the floors too. The project also consisted of upgrading the electrical systems, and replacing old furniture.     Mr. Lindauer recently mentioned that with the exception of the computers, most of the existing machinery is from the 70’s and 80’s, and they barely work, if they work at all.             On Nov. 3rd, Mr. Lindauer told his fifth period class that he had found out that the project was put on the deferred project list. Being put on this list is not good, and means that the project is likely going to get killed, he said.     The only way to save the project is to call or e-mail Steve Zimmer at (213) 241-6387 or steve.zimmer@lausd.net. You can also visit him at his office, which is across from the auditorium on Venice Boulevard     Mr. Lindauer has begun a lobby against the LAUSD Board of Education to get the board to proceed with the project and even gave out slips to his students for their parents to sign. He hopes they will pressure the board to start the project.     At a hearing on Nov.16th, the school board was to decide whether or not the project will be officially killed.     Mr. Lindauer urges the community to support the Venice High's graphic arts class by calling, e-mailing, or somehow contacting either LAUSD superintendent, Ramón Cortines at superintendent@lausd.net, or the Local District 3 Interim Superintendent, Gay Harvard, at (310) 914-2100 or at gay.harvard@lausd.net. You can even contact Venice High’s new principal, Dr. Mendoza at (310) 577-4300 or at ehm0819@lausd.net.     Mr. Lindauer said he has done all he can and would really appreciate the community’s help. The only thing left to do is to contact these people, and insist that they continue with this project that has been pending for three years, he said.

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