CLEARLAKE — A new chapter in the history of Lake County education was marked Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony at Yuba College Clear Lake Campus (YCCC).
The event marked the beginning of a $19 million project that aims to bring new opportunities to area students.
The project consists of the construction of three buildings totaling 26,000 square feet and the renovation of existing facilities, some of which date back to 1975. The new facilities will include a library and student services in building A; culinary arts and multi-purpose room in building B; and biology and chemistry lecture and classrooms in building C.
“The center has been a long dream of the students of the Clear Lake Campus and the community,” Kay Adkins, Yuba College president said. “These will be the first permanent buildings at the campus.”
The project was made possible with the passage of Measure J in November 2006, combined with community support and partnerships. Adkins said the project began with the acquisition of three acres formerly owned by Konocti Unified School District (KUSD). She said she wanted to publicly thank the KUSD for its cooperation and specifically Superintendent Bill MacDougall for his support.
Speakers expressed gratitude. Ben Pearson, Yuba Community College District (YCCD), said the project will provide the district with the ability to teach students in way that will fulfill their learning abilities. “I want to thank the KUSD for letting us expand our footprint; the voters for passing Measure J; the administration and the faculty for working so hard on Measure J; and the students,” he said. “If it wasn”t for the students, we wouldn”t be here.”
YCCD Chancellor Douglas Houston said he was extremely proud to be coming into the district during this exciting time.
He said his heart lies in rural colleges and supporting their needs. “This unique partnership enables us to bring education to rural areas and rural communities,” he said, calling the project a great example of leadership.
YCCC Dean Bryon Bell said that Measure J passed with 58 percent support of the voters. He said locally, the measure”s success was the second highest throughout the college district. “It put us over the top and helped with all our campuses,” he said. “The completion of this project will be a huge accomplishment and benefit to this campus, no doubt. I believe it helps demonstrate our commitment to this community.”
Professor Harry Lyons was joined at the podium by science student Regina Amaral, who is taking pre-nursing courses.
She expressed great appreciation for the laboratory facilities that will be housed in Building C. “I was a teen parent and without this college I don”t know where I would be,” she said. “It means the world to me.”
