A day to celebrate high school sports in Los Angeles

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I have to say that the news conference Thursday morning at the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex, where it was announced that $1.4 million had been raised to save all coaching stipends in the City Section for next season, was quite inspirational. To hear the athletes and community leaders express their support tells so much about what Los Angeles is supposed to be about.

I just hope this doesn’t become a yearly ordeal. Clearly, the people who came forward with donations in a time of need are putting their trust in the Los Angeles Unified School District, which hasn’t always been a good thing.

But to hear those in charge understand the impact coaches can have offers hope for the future. Now, it’s up to the LAUSD to come up with a plan for continued corporate involvement.

Chivas USA is supporting soccer. Nike is providing funds for basketball. The Weingart Foundation is helping with football. The James L. Easton Sports Development Foundation is funding wrestling, tennis and lacrosse. The Lincy Foundation is funding volleyball and golf. The Dodgers are funding baseball and softball. The LA84 Foundation is funding track and field, cross country and swimming.

Everyone wants to help but these partnerships can’t be relied on year after year. It’s time for the district to make long-range plans so funding doesn’t become a yearly issue.

Here’s a video look at some of the speeches and moments from Thursday’s news conference.

-- Eric Sondheimer