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| DID YOU KNOW? |
Since 2004, the L.A. Community College District’s e7 Interns program has placed 270 students with internships in professional industries, including architecture, engineering; construction management, business and legal services, drafting and graphics, and computer technology.
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| EVENT NEWS |
March 14, 2007
LACCD Sustainability Collaborative Brown Bag Lunch
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: 770 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90017 (Corner of Flower St. & Wilshire)
"US Environmental Protection Agency Partnerships and Opportunities"
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April 12, 2007
Sixth Annual Municipal Green Building Conference and Expo:
Countdown to Green
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Gas Company's Energy Resource Center: 9240 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA
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April 18, 2007
LACCD Sustainability Collaborative Brown Bag Lunch
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: 770 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90017 (Corner of Flower St. & Wilshire
Subject: TBD
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May 23, 2007
LACCD Sustainability Collaborative Brown Bag Lunch
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: 770 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90017 (Corner of Flower St. & Wilshire
Subject: TBD
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New Construction Activities Kick Off New Year |
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Take a New Look at What's Coming in 2007!
Los Angeles Mission College
 Mission College celebrated their latest construction milestone with a ground breaking ceremony for their new $9.1 million Child Development Center. The event took place on Monday, February 26 at 1 p.m. at the northeast corner of the campus. The new Child Development Center will provide much-needed services to the surrounding communities in the San Fernando Valley. Upon completion, the two-level complex will include classrooms for children and educational observation space for students at Mission College. We’ll have more details and photos in the March issue of the newsletter.
The $2 million- Campus Wide Infrastructure - Fire Life Safety Security project is currently at the Department of the State Architect (DSA) awaiting approval (DSA approval is needed before construction can move forward). The scope of the work will include upgrading all existing fire alarm systems located within the Campus Center, Campus Services, LRC, Collaborative Studies, I/A Building and Annex as well as in the new Parking Structure A.
In addition, intrusion systems, CCTV, panic, access control and emergency call stations will be added throughout the campus. All systems installed will meet or exceed current standards and have been designed to accommodate the campus's expansion plans.
The campus's new Health, PE and Fitness Center is also currently in DSA for review. The facility's plans include five classrooms; three multi-purpose rooms; shower and locker facilities including one for staff; two gymnasiums; a jogging track; offices, storage rooms and other miscellaneous rooms. Funding for this project has been provided using both Proposition A/AA bond and state funding.
 Parking Structure "A" Photo Voltaic System – The Parking Structure has certainly been the most visible project in recent months. But just as exciting as the additional parking this facility will provide, is that the roof will be home to a powerful solar power system, This $1.4 -$1.5 million project consists of installation of a Photovoltaic (PV) farm on the roof of Parking Structure A, made up of 1,128 photo voltaic modules, each with a nominal rating of 175 watts, complete with associated structural system for mounting and securing the modules to the existing steel structure on the roof of the Parking Structure. The project includes all related electrical equipment, wiring, conduits, electrical protection and interconnection, spare parts and spare modules, metering and instrumentation, testing, demonstration, and warranty as further identified in the Plans and Specifications. The project is currently in bid phase.
Improvements to Mission’s technology backbone are also coming soon. Bids are due this coming March for the $2.3 million Campus Wide IT Project. The project consists of five existing Campus Buildings in need of varying needs of cable upgrading to meet current and future standards of IP telephony and data systems, among other things. In addition, there may be a need for additional power outlets which will be added in existing buildings to support current and future voice and data technology requirements.
Students at Mission will soon have access to a state-of-the-art Biology Lab and improved classrooms. Bids are being accepted for the $791,000 Instructional Building - Classroom Conversion to Biology Lab: The first part will take two existing lecture classrooms located within the Instructional Building and convert them into a biology laboratory and a preparation room. The second part will take two lecture classrooms located within the Instructional Building and consolidate them into a single lecture hall. The scope of work includes demolishing partition walls, upgrading inadequate light fixtures, consolidating and upgrading electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, relocating exiting doors and mechanical units, new interior finishes, and new laboratory casework, storage, equipment, and plumbing fixtures.
Los Angeles City College
 The oasis of learning in the heart of Hollywood is currently experiencing a surge in construction activity. The new $17 million Martin Luther King Jr. Library, located on the northeast side of campus, is currently under construction. The college The celebrated the groundbreaking of this 64,000 sq. ft facility at a ceremony at the site on December 13, 2006 with 90% of the building's foundation complete. The building is expected to be completed early next year.
A Notice to Proceed (NTP) was issued on December 11, 2006 for the campus' new $14.8 million Child Development Center. The new building will boast of 3-1 story frame building and a 1-2 story wood frame building. Efforts were taken to alleviate some of the parking pressure caused by this project by opening a temporary parking lot. Expect to see news of the CDC’s official groundbreaking soon.
Plans for the college's $13.3 million Central Plant is current in bid with the contractor in the process of securing a "B" permit to commence work. The plant will be expanded to house a new chiller with a new cooling tower. Additionally, a Thermal Energy Shortage (TES) will be installed to permit a more efficient operation and provide opportunities to utilize off-peak rates.
Construction is continuing on the $52.2 million Parking Structure for Health and Fitness Center and Athletic Field Relocation/Maintenance Facility on the southwest corner of campus. The project consists of two levels of covered parking totaling 978 spaces. The structure will feature a new athletic field on the top level, and will include a baseball practice field, soccer field and an eight lane running track. The structure will also include a 12,000 sq. ft. maintenance facility and a shipping and receiving dock.
Also, a bid has gone out for the new $55.5 million Science and Technology Building. The three-story project will provide laboratories, lecture halls, storage rooms, and offices for the administrative needs of faculty and staff.
Additionally, various buildings around campus are also scheduled to be renovated/modernized. Franklin Hall for example, is a 4-story building whose $17.6 million renovation plans are at this time in the design phase. Plans for this project include adding a storefront feature and infilling exterior walls. Plans will also include the demolition/renovation of the interior, revise classrooms/labs and offices and replace existing plumbing fixtures and mechanical equipment. Plans are currently in the design phase with construction for the project set to begin in the middle of next year.
Similarly, the $9.2 million renovation plans for City College's Jefferson Hall are currently in the design phase include improvements to classrooms/labs and offices in addition to electrical work. Activity is scheduled to begin for this project by the middle of next year with completion estimated in June 2009.
Renovation plans for the two-story Holmes Hall are scheduled to go to DSA for review in June. The $5.4 million plan includes renovation of the two-story building which will include the installation of a new electrical sub-station, new outside air system with CO2 monitoring, new doors, frames and hardware set. It will also involve modifying existing fan coil units to reduce noise levels and improve air distribution, upgrading the network and A/V capacity in addition to bringing the building to American Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Lastly, two new Education Buildings are in the Design phase. The two $22 million 2-story buildings will be located adjacent to each other and will contain 19 general classrooms, a bookless library, a student lounge and bookstore. Additionally, the plans also include restrooms, lecture classrooms, chemistry, science labs, study space, offices and a wellness and fitness area.
Pierce College
 The Brahmas are building! Following on a groundbreaking event that featured the ceremonial planting of a rare Australian pine by the Australian Consul-general in Los Angeles, the second phase of Pierce’s Botanical Garden is currently under construction. Aspects of the project underway include landscaping and irrigation, some hardscape, installation of three shady structures, placement of boulders, concrete walkways, seat walls and benches in addition to potting of Australian native plants. Estimated completion of the project is March 2007.
Bidding is expected to take place soon for a new Student Services building. DSA approval was received last month for the $18 million, 49,775 sq. ft. building. The project is a three-story U-shaped building facing onto a courtyard. The buildings will house the Career/Transfer Center, Admissions and Records, Matriculation & Assessment, Financial Aid among others. The building will also accommodate a computer lab (1 room with 34 work stations and 1 room with 8 work stations) in addition to Conference Rooms and an Exam Room. The building has been designed in Mission style to remain consistent with the college's current architectural style. The bid for this building is scheduled to go out in June 2007.
Progress is also being made on the $46 million LEED™-certified Center for Sciences project. The 100,000 sq. ft. project is a two-story courtyard building will house the department of life sciences, chemistry, physics (including planetary science), nursing, and office space for staff and faculty.. The 9,000 sq. ft. secondary building will be a single-story structure to house the veterinary tech facilities. The project is currently in DSA, with approval expected very soon.
The college's new LEED™-certified Child Development Center is also awaiting DSA back check. The design team has picked up DSA's comments and commissioning review comments and constructability review comments. Goal is to have the building stamped out of DSA in May 2007.
The construction contract for the Campus Center (Old Bookstore) has been approved by Board of Trustees. The contractor has signed the contractor and a Notice to Proceed (NTP) will be issued immediately upon enrollment into the Contractor Controlled Insurance Policy (OCIP), an insurance policy is naming all construction participants for coverage on all general liability and/or workers ' compensation risks on a given project. The estimated occupancy date for this project is December 2007.
The Campus Wide Utilities - Early Release Package; Brahma Dr. El Rancho Rd. and demolition of 20 temporary structures project is scheduled to be rebid. Officials expect bidding to open in March with an estimated cost of $11.5 million - $13 million. The project consists of demolition of eleven temporary structures, removal & disposal of four trailers, including necessary hazardous remediation and replacement/realignment of two existing Campus roadways, Brahma Drive and El Rancho Drive. Plans also include construction of new storm drain, sanitary sewer, domestic water, irrigation water, natural gas and electrical utility lines.
Also, the realignment and reconstruction of a portion of the existing Brahma Drive includes associated sidewalks, street lighting, underground utilities, striping and signage. Realignment and reconstruction of Faculty Office Road to connect to realigned Brahma Drive, plus associated striping and signage. Removal and replacement of existing El Rancho Drive, including associated sidewalks, street lighting, underground utilities, new accessible parking, striping and signage.
The Central Plant project is currently waiting for approval. The $6 million project includes an addition to the existing Main central Plant Building to house new mechanical equipment. The estimated completion date for this project is May 2008.
East Los Angeles College
 East Los Angeles College just celebrated the dedication of its newly renovated baseball facilities, and improvements are now proceeding in many other areas of the Monterey Park campus. Plans for the new $27.5 million Parking Structure have been submitted to DSA for approval. The project will have 1,881 parking spaces, and has an estimated completion date of December 2008.
Plans to modernize the existing E1 building, which will serve as a one-stop shop for all student services, is going to bid with the Entry Plaza building and Administrative Building G1 projects as one construction contract. The project is currently in DSA awaiting approval. Completion of the $12.4 million project is set for August 2008.
Additionally, modernization plans for the $7.2 million Administrative Building G1 and the $2.3 million Entry Plaza project are also currently awaiting approval from DSA. The Administrative Building will house the entire administration department and the Entry Plaza project aims to redesign the main entry point to the campus. The completion of these projects is slated for August 2008.
The $23 million Utility Infrastructure and Traffic Improvements project is also waiting for DSA approval. The project will provide the entire campus with an upgrade of all utilities systems to accommodate future campus growth. The project is expected to be completed in October 2008.
The project to turn the Women’s Softball Field into a regulation size field is currently at DSA awaiting approval. The estimated cost for the renovation is $1.1 million and is scheduled to begin next year.
The bid for the $2.2 million Physical Plant Building renovation was accepted and work will begin within the next month. The project is multi-funded, partially using campus general funds and partially using Proposition A/AA bond funds.
Keeping score: The existing scoreboard structure for Weingart Stadium will be renovated and repaired. Plans include installation of a new LED color screen monitor/scoreboard and a new speaker system. Costs for the renovations are estimated at $1.3 million with construction set to commence very soon.
Temporary facilities that will house student services and administration departments are scheduled to be installed within the coming months. In total 22 modulars and one restroom facility will be leased for 36 months to serve as swing space during modernization work to buildings E1 and G1.
Making room for the arts: Buildings R2, S2, U2, T4, T5, & U5 will be demolished in preparation for construction activities for the future Performing and Fine Arts Project. The $600,000 project will be going to bid in the coming weeks.
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Los Angeles Valley College's Construction Program is 'Steel on Top'
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Completion of Steel Framing for the New Allied Health and Science Center Celebrated with "Topping Out" Ceremony
On Wednesday, January 31, Los Angeles Valley College students, faculty and  staff along with officials from the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) cheered on as construction workers hoisted the last steel beam into place on the campus' new $46 million Allied Health and Science Center. The beam was decorated with the signatures of the crew and practically everyone who had a part in planning and constructing the building.
"The progress of this building has been quite spectacular and we are that much closer to being able to train a new generation of science and health workers," said Dr. Tyree Wieder, president of Los Angeles Valley College. "This event gives those people who have put a lot of time, love and energy into the building the opportunity to sign their name on that top beam."
The ceremony marks the latest milestone for the College's construction program. The three-story 98,000 sq. ft. building will house computer and teaching labs that will serve the Health Science, Biological Science, Chemistry/Physics and Earth Science/Anthropology departments.
"This is about our students," said Mona Field, member of the LACCD Board of Trustees, "I look forward to being here; when it is totally finished and equipped and we can take a tour and see the beautiful work and wonderful educational process our students will experience."
The Allied Health and Science Center will also include state-of-the-art environmentally friendly features such as a rooftop photovoltaic (solar energy) system, which will generate 10 percent of the building's electricity saving the campus money on energy costs. It will also include recycled building materials and drought-tolerant landscaping. The Center is scheduled to be completed in April 2008.
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Small Business Sees Success in Bidding on Los Angeles Community College District Construction Projects
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Small Glendale-business is awarded a $2 million contract to provide construction services at Pierce College in Woodland Hills
For one small business in Glendale, bidding on projects to help the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) rebuild and modernize its nine college campuses has been a real success story. The LACCD announced recently that its Board of Trustees awarded Kahromic Contracting Inc., a small and minority-owned business based in Glendale, Calif. a $2,380,000 contract to provide construction services at Pierce College to renovate its Campus Center. Since January 2004, Kahromic has received more than $6.7 million in contracts on LACCD construction-related projects.
"We’re very pleased when a previous contractor comes back to LACCD for more business,” said Kelly G. Candaele, member of the LACCD's Board of Trustees. "This contract shows the importance we place on making sure that small and local businesses are part of this historic process to modernize the Los Angeles Community Colleges. We are not only accomplishing our main goal of providing better campuses for our students and college communities, but also giving back by keeping contract dollars local."
The construction contract awarded to Kahromic is the result of formal competitive bidding, and is funded by the LACCD's Proposition A/AA Bond program, the $2.2 billion bond measures overwhelmingly approved by Los Angeles voters in 2001 and 2003. A portion of the contract is also funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Colleges’ Board of Trustees authorized the construction contract on January 24. Kahromic Contracting will provide general construction services for Pierce College's Campus Center to renovate the former book store space. The project consists of structural renovations, HAZMAT abatement, upgrades to the building's fire resistance, disabled accessibility, toilet rooms, data and communications systems, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Since the Proposition A/AA Bond Program's inception in 2001, the LACCD has contracted 85 percent of the construction program's work to local and small businesses. Currently, Kahromic Contracting is providing construction services for the renovation of the Heldman Learning Resource Center at West Los Angeles College in Culver City, Calif. Kahromic was awarded that contract by the LACCD's Board of Trustees on December 13, 2006.
"The Los Angeles Community College District's construction projects from the Proposition A/AA Bond Program have provided my company and workers with great opportunities where we can tangibly see our work making a difference in the community," said Vartkes Tomassian, president of Kahromic Contracting, Inc.
The Los Angeles Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the country and has embarked on a $2.2 billion construction and modernization program at its nine colleges. Companies interested in participating in this program are encouraged to contact Donetta Pickett at DPickettAssoc@aol.com, and to visit www.PropositionA.org and click on “Doing Business with Us.”
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The Student Voice: Los Angeles Valley College's Tish Oseguera Values the Nursing Program: Healing Hearts and Giving Hope
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[With this issue, we start a new regular feature, The Student Voice, which will give student perspectives to the Prop. A./AA program, and what the investments in and improvements to the LACCD’s nine campuses mean to them.]
 A local nursing program is not just teaching its students how to heal and care for people during times of crisis. It is serving as a catalyst for change and giving them hope for a better future. Los Angeles Valley College's Tish Oseguera, a married mother of two from Mission Hills, found comfort and support in the college's nursing program during a difficult period in her own life.
"In efforts to fulfill my lifelong dream to help the sick and injured, I enrolled in Los Angeles Valley College straight out of high school," said Oseguera. However, her dreams were derailed after her relationship with her then-husband became abusive. She turned to a professor for guidance. "When I talked to one of my professors at Valley she listened to me and gave me some great advice,” recalled Oseguera. “I finally grew the courage to leave my husband." She never looked back.
She has since remarried and returned to Valley College. "I was very blessed to have met an amazing man who gave me the opportunity to quit work and go back to school to continue pursuing my dream," said Oseguera. She then transferred to the University of Southern California and has since returned to Valley College's nursing program to continue her education. She plans to graduate in 2008 and become a Registered Nurse Practitioner.
"Nursing is a challenging field that is constantly changing," said Oseguera." Because [Valley College's] new [Allied Health and Science] building will house the same state-of-the-art equipment that hospitals use, we will all become better nurses. The Prop.A/AA program will help us keep our focus on helping and healing the sick."
"Valley College has one of the best nursing programs around and if you are willing to learn; they are always willing to help you," added Oseguera. When asked if what advice she would give students enrolling in college she says, "I would tell them to focus on school, sacrifice now and it will pay off in the end."
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| Los Angeles Community College District Awards More Than $23 Million in Local Construction Contracts to Build New Child Development Center and Gymnasium |
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Contracts will bring two new buildings to Los Angeles Mission and Valley Colleges, funded in part by the voter-approved $2.2 billion Proposition A/AA Bond program
The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) announced at its February 26th board meeting that its Board of Trustees awarded local businesses $23,500,000 in construction contracts recently for a child development center at Los Angeles Mission College and a new gym at Valley College. Each contract is the result of formal competitive bidding and will receive funding from the Proposition A/AA Bond program.
“These local businesses are playing a vital role in helping build first-class educational facilities for our students,” said Warren Furutani, member of the LACCD Board of Trustees. "Plus, the new child development center and gym will benefit kids and students alike. The modernization efforts underway on the campuses of the L.A. Community Colleges will directly impact the next generation of students, providing them with the educational resources they deserve."
LACCD’s Board of Trustees authorized the following construction contracts on February 7, 2007:
Los Angeles Mission College: EMMA Corporation, a local business in Los Angeles, will receive $9,100,000 to construct a new Child Development Center. The project will provide a two-story, 27,000 sq. ft. facility that will also house classrooms and office space. Amador Whittle Architects, Inc. of Moorpark, Calif. designed the new facility; Gateway Science & Engineering will oversee construction on the building as college project manager at Mission College. This project has also received $4,483,000 in funding from the State Capital Outlay Program.
Los Angeles Valley College: The Trustees authorized a contract with Woodcliff Corporation, a local business based in Los Angeles, to provide construction services for the Gym Complex renovation project for $14,400,000. Woodcliff will renovate two existing buildings on campus, the North and South Gymnasiums, and a 5,000 sq. ft. new addition to the North Gymnasium for the Disabled Student Program Services exercise room. Construction on the project will also include the addition of a new pool complex, which will have one eight-lane, 50-meter competition pool; one six-lane, 25-yard training pool; one three-foot-deep warm-up pool; and one pool equipment building. Accessibility improvements will also be made to complexes, adding ramps and railings.
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| Photo of the Month: Los Angeles Valley College Topping Off Ceremony Marks Construction Milestone |
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Members of Los Angeles Valley College's faculty and staff sign the last steel beam for the new Allied Health and Science Center before it is hoisted into place.
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