ASCC Cabinet and Senate members expressed concern over a plan that would remodel Falcon Square during their respective meetings on Oct. 23 and 25.
The Cerritos College Transformation Committee is looking into the possibilities of reconstructing Falcon Square and tearing down the Burnight Center Theatre and relocating it toward the southeast end of the campus.
In addition to the move of the Burnight Theatre and the Amphitheater, Falcon Square itself would also lose the area in which student activities such as Club Information Day and Night, Hoe Down Days and the College Mega Fair are held.
After the conclusion of the Cabinet meeting (Oct. 23), members expressed that the idea of Falcon Square being moved to an isolated area would take away the contact that the Student Activities Office has with the students.
“That area of Falcon Square is where (some) students hang out,” Riley Schitz, commissioner of daytime activities, said, “(It’s) also where students study and have a place to read.”
She added that if the area, known as “The Hill,” where the BE building currently stands is removed the well-liked atmosphere would not be the same for the next 10 to 15 years.
Ashley Armendariz, commissioner of public relations, agreed.
She said that as she looked over the proposed area of moving the Burnight Theatre, the relocation of the Student Activities Office, and other areas, she realized that it will never be the same.
Not only is the Transformation Committee looking into the building themselves, but also the area on the north side of Alondra Boulevard where there is an area of grass and trees.
That area itself will be space of a expansion of parking space.
ASCC Senator Jaime Sandoval questioned and expressed concern over the area.
Holly Bogdanovich, director of student activities, said that if the Committee thought of replanting the trees that even if the college was able to get over trees for the area, it would be too expensive.
Sandoval brought the focus of the discussion to the Senate (Oct. 25) and said that he hopes other senators would provide input into what the Committee’s proposed master plan is.
As for further discussion about the master plan, ASCC Vice President Alex Armendariz said that although he realizes that there could be changes to Falcon Square, those senators that wish to find out more should speak to him or ASCC President Joe Cobarrubio.
Both men, along with Bogdanovich and Cerritos College President Dr. Noelia Vela, have met and discussed the master plan with the Committee.
ASCC Senator Minority Leader Amisha said that at first she was not concerned with the possibility of the remodeling of Falcon Square, “but after hearing Armendariz speak about the issue, I do have concerns.
“Although, at this point I have no real knowledge of what the campus might look like if the remodeling of Falcon Square does happen, I am open to hearing a presentation about the master plan,” she said.
Other ASCC Senators could not be reached for comment.
