On this day in 2016, Measure E, a bond that gave College of the Canyons $230,000,000 for construction upgrades, was passed by the Santa Clarita Community College District.

By the mid 2010s, enrollment at College of the Canyons was skyrocketing, with many students waitlisted due to limited classrooms and labs.

There was an urgent need for new facilities to train future nurses, emergency technicians, firefighters, police officers, and more.

College of the Canyons already had a fantastic track record with graduates, and supporters of the bill looked forward to an even higher and successful graduation rate.

“Our college has demonstrated a consistent ability to plan for the future, leverage state and local resources for maximum impact, and provide the facilities and programs our community needs,” said Anna Frutos-Sanchez, a resident and business leader who attended board meetings and argued in support of the bill. “This bond is a crucial next step in ensuring College of the Canyons is equipped and ready to deliver the education and training students and workers need to excel in 21st-century careers.”

During peak hours at the time, College of the Canyons was also consistently reaching parking capacity, meaning students had to circle the lots and hope to find a spot and make it to class on time (I would know; I was there).

Measure E was designed to give the community college a much-needed financial boost, and it passed with 58% of the vote.

In the nine years since, both the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses have received massive upgrades, including parking garages, new learning facilities, and more opportunities for incoming students.

For yesterday’s Today in SCV History, click here.