With nearly two dozen parents and others standing behind her, community activist Martha Sanchez announced Monday the end of an eight-year battle to close a metal finishing plant that residents say has contaminated their South Los Angeles neighborhood, making their children and teachers sick.

The plant, the target of lawsuits, fines and repeated calls for its closure, is across the street from 28th Street Elementary School. Wearing matching yellow T-shirts, members of Alliance for Californians for Community Empowerment and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry took turns decrying the facility and celebrating its end.

No one was happier than Sanchez, who learned English and began pursuing a bachelor’s degree while leading the charge to shutter the plant and protect the health of her three children. She cried as she read the names of victims alleged to have died from the toxic substances.

“Most leaders who start fighting and trying to change something die before they see the results,” said Sanchez, who is close to a degree in negotiation and conflict resolution. “I thought that would happen to me as well

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