Child-care fees to increase

A vote to increase child-care fees was approved by the Board of Trustees in a meeting Tuesday, April 22 at the LAC.The increase, which would start this Fall and covers fees through 2011, would cut the budget deficit to $63,000, down from the $675,000 loss the program now faces. In addition to the fee increase, the board approved a license extension for PCC's child development center on include infant and toddler care.

Fees will rise from $65 in the Fall to $85 in Summer 2011 for 4-day-a-week care.

The board also discussed ongoing preparation for the upcoming parking structure to be built at the LAC. Trustees approved a traffic study with city officials to decide on a final spot to build the structure. Trustee Doug Otto said the planning committee is still considering various locales for the new structure, including next to the Verizon building on Clark Avenue.

The board heard a private update on a plan to purchase four small pieces of land.

College Vice President Ann-Marie Gabel confirmed the property, which now houses a muffler shop, motel and a church, would be used to supplement the PCC, at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and May Avenue.

A presentation focusing on LBCC's Transfer Success Program was shown, highlighting a new initiative being proposed by Ruben Page. The program, named the LBCC Transfer Academy, plans to take 100 students and place them in a program that tracks and targets students' progress toward transferring. While the program is still in its planning stages, Page said students in the program will be guaranteed counseling appointments, transfer workshops and would gain priority for university tours for various schools. Trustee Roberto Uranga expressed his desire to see higher transfer rates.