After evaluating the viability of what has quickly become a costly after-school enrichment program, La Puente city officials have decided to slash the club from a second area location.

The City Council in December eliminated its STARS after-school program at one of its three active sites, the La Puente Community Center, because of its dismal participation rates and increasing operational costs.

In an effort to further reduce expenses, city officials recently voted to cut the program at its Hurley Elementary in Rowland Unified site once the school semester is over.

Officials said the move will allow for the money the city spends to run the program to be used elsewhere in the community.

The money that “we’re spending is for a very small population,” Mayor Dan Holloway said. “We can use that money for (recreational) programs to serve for the entire community, whether through the community center or special events we have for youth. ”

The program’s third and largest site, Fairgrove Academy in Hacienda La Puente Unified, will remain open until other cost-effective options are available.

Read more in Juliette Funes story STAR.