Prop. R would fund new vision

Voters in the Southwestern Community College District will have a big decision to make on Nov. 4.

Maybe their biggest ever.

Backers insist Proposition R, a $389 million bond measure, is crucial to modernize and expand the college in a community that has experienced explosive growth in the last 40 years. If passed, the 30-year bond will fund building projects in five segments. About 83 percent of the funds would go to modernize the Chula Vista campus. Other funds would go to increase services at satellite campuses in San Ysidro, National City and Otay Mesa.

John Wilson, senior director of business operations and facilities planning, said the renovation is important for the college to remain current for future enrollments.

Computers and high technology are a primary concern.

"Our technology is literally falling apart," said Wilson. "We're in trouble."

SWC is expected to more than double in enrollment by 2020, up to 50,000 students, according to the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. The 30-year plan, supported by the bond, will help the college deal with this new growth, Wilson said.

Immediate tasks listed by SWC's Educational and Facilities Master Plan include retrofitting for earthquake and fire safety, as well as removal of lead-based paint and asbestos. Bringing the college up to Americans with Disabilities Act standards is also a priority.

Dan Hom, a consultant for the "Yes on Prop R" campaign and a member of Friends of SWC, said he wants to see the college take care of itself for the future.

"I think it's a travesty that south of the 94, there's really only one public institution of higher education in the whole region," said Hom. "It's cruddy."

New higher education centers in eastern and western Chula Vista are a part of the plan. Administrators and the board also agreed that SWC should establish a foothold on a new four-year university park that may be built in the South Bay. San Diego State University is currently discussing such a concept with Chula Vista councilpersons.

An eastern SWC center would likely be located on the university's campus park. SWC's western center would likely be dedicated to job training such as cosmetology and culinary arts, Wilson said.

If the measure is not approved, Wilson said the projects involving safety and ADA would still be addressed, but funds would come from SWC's general fund, meaning less money for academics and other SWC expenses.

Hom said it is imperative that voters support SWC and vote in favor of Prop. R.

"We cannot rely on the state anymore," he said. "We have to take care of ourselves."

He also said that SWC is one of the lowest funded community colleges in California, even though it is one of the fastest growing.

Of the 26 projects listed in the master plan, the most ambitious is the empty lot located on the corner of Otay Lakes Road and East "H" Street. Under the plan it will become a new center for school administrators as well as an Instructional Partnership Building that may include classes in conjunction with Alliant, UCSD, National University and University of Phoenix. Unlike a plan floated eight years ago, the corner lot will be strictly academic and will not have any commercial elements.

General repair of buildings district-wide is the second most expensive project on the bond, projected at $54 million.

No argument against Prop. R was filed for the ballot.

In order to ensure the bond funds are managed properly, an oversight committee of community members and college representatives will be formed if the bond is approved.

In 2000 voters of the district approved Proposition AA, an $89 million bond that helped fund the Otay Mesa Higher Education Center and repairs on the main campus.