COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:Improvements abound from Measure C

In November 2002, Coast Community College District voters approved Measure C, a $370-million general obligation bond measure to fund facilities improvements at the district’s three colleges — Coastline, Golden West and Orange Coast. To date, more than $200 million has been spent on construction projects. As the chairwoman of the Measure C Citizens’ Oversight Committee, I am proud to represent our community in ensuring that funds allocated to campus projects are used to benefit students and our communities.

As promised, the district has adhered to the requirements of Proposition 39 and none of the bond funds pay for administrator salaries or operating expenses. Financial and performance audits are conducted and the Measure C Citizens’ Oversight Committee reviews all expenditures quarterly.

At Golden West College, a new computer lab, a spacious new student center with wireless computer connections with plenty of room for study groups, student programming and events is done. The athletic track was resurfaced and repairs made to the Cosmetology Facility and Student Success Center. Structural repairs to falling concrete have made the campus safer. Golden West also has many projects under construction, including a major renovation of the swimming pool and locker room facilities. Other major projects underway include a new Health Science Center and improved Learning Resource Center.

At Orange Coast College last summer the campus celebrated the opening of Watson Hall. In 2004, OCC added 500 more student parking spaces, upgraded utilities and infrastructure, including underground lines for storm water, fire prevention and reclaimed water. Orange Coast College officials also remodeled 50-year-old LeBard Stadium, making it accessible for disabled fans, and installed a state-of-the-art artificial surface called FieldTurf. Orange Coast also completed a new artificial-surface soccer facility north of the stadium. A new state-of-the-art fitness center and the Early Childhood Education Lab classroom addition are all completed. Also open is the new Doyle Arts Pavilion and Student Café, which received a $2.2-million contribution from Orange Coast College’s foundation. Construction is underway on a new Library and Learning Resource Center and renovation to the Robert B. More Theatre Arts and Music Complex.

Orange Coast’s School of Sailing and Seamanship saw upgrades to the seawall. In Westminster, Coastline Community College opened its newest learning center. The Le-Jao Center is home to state-of-the-art classrooms and science labs as well as the Student Success Center, which provides tutoring, basic skills, and curriculum support. All campuses are positioning their sites for the future. They continue to upgrade classrooms, labs and utilities. Throughout the district, Measure C has funded technology infrastructure improvements, and a new technology enterprise program.

Most importantly, each campus continues to work toward the goals set within their master plans and strives to ensure that each dollar of Measure C funding is spent in support of their overall mission to provide quality, affordable and accessible education to all Californians. District and campus administrators, working together with campus groups, continue to assess and evaluate each project to ensure a positive impact on students and added value to the greater community. Most all of the projects will result in overall utility and long-term maintenance cost savings. Given the overall improvement to the facilities, it is likely employee performance will improve.

In 2002, the Coast Community College District asked voters to help them build for the future and, in exchange, district officials would provide the residents with access to high-quality educational opportunities. I am happy to say, they are keeping that promise and more. On behalf of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee, I invite you to learn more about Measure C and its benefits by visiting www.cccd.edu/measurec or by contacting the Coast Community College District at (714) 438-4600.