Mission College Expansion Efforts

Unfortunately, your news reports covering the expansion efforts of Mission College did not investigate the five-year continuous effort to utilize the $4.7 million in state funds (“College Chief Takes Blame for Forfeiture of $4.7 Million,” Nov. 22).

The primary problem regarding this issue has been a lack of understanding of the complexity of the project. The original project to purchase 17 acres of land at the end of Eldridge Avenue in Sylmar (approximately 1/2 mile from Mission College) resulted in the inability of the Los Angeles Community College District and the owner to reach an agreement.

The only recourse the college had was to approach the county in an attempt to acquire property adjacent to its boundaries. The only option the county felt was available was El Cariso Golf Course. At this time the project moved from a simple purchase of land to a project requiring the relocation of a golf course, the design of a golf course, the rebuilding of a wash channel and consideration of the needs of environmentalists, open space requirements, owners of the Pacoima wash property, users of the wash such as hang gliders, equestrians, Little League, Graffiti Busters, as well as considering the needs of the homeowners who would be adjacent to the potential golf course.

During the next five years, the hiring of three consultants, the submission to the county of two formal proposals, and several preliminary proposals and several thousands of hours of staff time, the college and the county were unable to develop a project that would benefit the college, the County Department of Park and Recreation, and the community.

The attempt to bring all of these concerns and parties together with a funding allocation of $4.7 million to accomplish the relocation of the golf course turned out to be futile. As a result, the college was unable to complete the project.

The college is developing a plan for building on campus, which we feel has a good chance of recapturing the funds that will be returned to the state. The college is experiencing its most optimistic period. Its enrollment has grown 40% in full-time equivalent students over four years. It is projected that it will have a second year of a balanced budget, a condition enjoyed by only two other colleges in the district. It has developed various new and exciting programs for the students and has one of the most technologically advanced learning resource centers in the state.

Since I have been at Mission College, we have worked diligently to develop facilities and programs that will lead the students of this area into the 21st century. My commitment to the community, students, faculty and board of trustees as the president of Mission College is to continue this effort to prepare our students to meet the challenges of the third millennium.

WILLIAM E. NORLUND, President, Mission College, Sylmar