Palomar College officials are shown at a ceremonial groundbreaking for the College\u2019s North Education Center in Fallbrook on Friday, October 13. Pictured with Superintendent\/President Dr. Joi Lin Blake, center, are members of the Governing Board. From left are Trustee Mark Evilsizer and Vice President Paul McNamara, Dr. Blake, Trustee Nina Deerfield and Secretary Dr. John Halc\u00f3n.<\/p>\n
Dr. Blake officiated at the event, which included a Luise\u00f1o traditional prayer and singing by the Cahuilla Bird Singers. Featured speakers were McNamara and Dr. Jack Kahn, Assistant Superintendent\/Vice President, Instructional Services.<\/p>\n
A ceremonial groundbreaking with commemorative photographs took place and guests enjoyed refreshments following the program.<\/p>\n
The District purchased the approximately 80-acre property located in the general area of I-15 and Hwy 76 (on Horse Ranch Creek Road) in June 2007.\u00a0 The North Education Center is planned to be built in phases. The first phase, called the Interim Village, will consist of a complex of 18 modular buildings. Included will be: two Science labs, one computer lab, one large lecture classroom, six standard lecture classrooms, Library\/Learning Resource Center, staff and student lounges, administration, and restrooms.<\/p>\n
Initial construction will also include access roads with two entrances off of Horse Ranch Creek Road, as well as surface parking for 307 vehicles, lighting and landscaping.<\/p>\n
Mass grading required for building out the entire property is currently underway.\u00a0 It is estimated that this scope of work will require the moving of approximately 751,733 cubic yards of earth.\u00a0 The site is considered a \u201cbalanced site\u201d meaning no earth is either exported or imported.\u00a0 All the earth moved stays on the property.<\/p>\n
The site purchase and improvements are being funded with Proposition M general obligation bond funds. This $694 million bond was approved by District voters in November 2006.<\/p>\n
Classes are scheduled to be offered at the North Education Center starting in summer 2018.<\/p>\n
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Media contacts:\u00a0 Melinda Finn, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150 x2365
\nLaura Gropen, Director, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150 x2152<\/p>\n
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