West News

In February, the Harbor Occupation Center officially opened its Southern California Dry Cleaning School for the purpose of giving instruction to those interested in entering the drycleaning trade, as well as providing current cleaners with the proper education to keep on top of their field.

The school, located at 740 N. Pacific Ave. in San Pedro, CA, is a joint effort of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Greater Los Angeles Dry Cleaners Association and the California Cleaners Association.

A complete curriculum has already been planned by instructor Carolyn Varian, who brings over 20 years of experience to the school.

“Our curriculum is geared not only to the person just entering the industry, but to the plant owner and his (or her) employees who want to keep their knowledge current and their skills honed,” Varian said.

From Monday through Friday, classes meet between 8 a.m .and 2:45 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Saturday courses are more directed toward professionals who wish to attend courses on specific topics, such as spotting, bleaching, tagging, computer and cash registers, environmental regulations and more.

“We are urging everyone to take the safety course because anyone who wants to do hands-on class work must have completed that module,” Varian added. “It is a basic course for any plant owner or employee. It is also an advantage for everyone entering the industry to take the entire course being offered, because now, banks are requiring education before they issue small business loans.”

Those who graduate from the school become a CCA 5-Star cleaner.

The Southern California Dry Cleaning School has a maximum class size of 25 students. The current session, which began in early February, will resume through June 24. The fee for the four-and-a-half month semester is $25 per person.

For more information, contact school instructor Carolyn Varian at (818) 968-8801 or the school at (310) 547-5551, ext. 231. The official web site for the Harbor Occupation Center is located at www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Harbor_OC.

Cleaners who need to update their certification to comply with the required course on the Air Toxic Control Measure will have a few chances in the upcoming months.

Two California Air Resources Board courses are planned on Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to about 1 p.m. by the San Diego Dry Cleaners Association.

The courses will take place at the Inn Suites Hotel at 2223 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego, CA.

First-time certifiers must pay $150 per person; those who are seeking re-certification pay $100 each.

Class size is limited so early registration is recommended. Students should bring a Tiff Meter and a picture I.D. to class. A book is provided for those obtaining their certification for the first time. Returning students should bring their old certificate and book to class.

For more information, call (619) 296-2101.