Around fifty people from the community met Thursday evening to
discuss ideas for the programs and site design for Gavilan
College’s San Benito County satellite campus.
Hollister – Around fifty people from the community met Thursday evening to discuss ideas for the programs and site design for Gavilan College’s San Benito County satellite campus.
A “green” campus, a strong focus on technical programs, nursing and medical programs and a good reputation for transferring to four-year colleges were all popular ideas at the forum. At the community discussion, residents talked about the direction of the site’s curriculum as well as ideas for the design and layout of the campus.
Lissette Knight, a county planner, said she attended the meeting as a representative for the San Benito County Planning Department, but also as a Hollister resident.
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity to express (the community’s) concerns and ideas,” Knight said. “It’s good they tried to promote the public in this decision making process.”
Those in attendance brainstormed ideas for the college, and they were voted on using an electronic polling system.
The community’s use of the campus was a recurring theme – with people interested in a shared library, theater and amphitheater, as well as a nice open space to go walking.
People also expressed a desire to celebrate the county’s past – through agriculture programs and architecture that was reflective of historic Hollister – and look to its future with technology.
“It would be nice to see a program in sustainable agriculture,” said Kent Child, who serves on Gavilan’s Board of Trustees.
One man pointed out the importance of incorporating the greater community and greater Silicon Valley by providing job opportunities for the college’s attendees.
“Not everyone is cut out for a four-year college. I would like to see a program with a strong apprenticeship aspect,” he said.
The college plans to develop the San Benito site into a full campus in 20 to 30 years.
Although it was designed to discuss the future of San Benito County’s full-service campus of Gavilan, regardless of its location, there was much discussion over the planned location for the college.
The location was settled on in May, when the Gavilan board voted to purchase the 80-acre property on the corner of Fairview Road and Airline Highway.
This property is in the beginning stages of due diligence, as it is being examined for water, sewage, seismic and traffic issues.
Many expressed dissatisfaction at its distance from downtown, and others – who live close to the proposed location – were concerned what the college’s impact could have on their neighborhoods and traffic.
Another item of concern brought up was the lack of young people, who will be the most likely users of the college.
Some suggested that the Gavilan trustees go to the high schools and ask what those students think, while others said it would be a good idea to go even younger.
“The kids that are in high school now are never even going to see this campus,” said Hollister resident Ron Crates. “I’d like to see a survey all the way down to seventh grade.”
Alice Joy covers education and health for the Free Lance. Reach her at 831-637-
