Cal State Budget Includes Funds for New Campus

LONG BEACH — Taking another critical step toward transforming a shuttered mental hospital in Camarillo into a college campus, Cal State University trustees Wednesday approved a budget that includes $6.5 million for the conversion project.

In approving a $2.8-billion spending plan for fiscal 1998-99, the trustees reconfirmed their commitment to expanding educational opportunities in Ventura County, with an eye toward ultimately launching a full-fledged, four-year university at the old state hospital property.

“Every step of this process is critical,” said trustee Jim Considine after Wednesday morning’s unanimous budget vote. “If we don’t have budget funding, we can’t do much up there. We will continue to do our part until the budget is signed to make sure everything stays on track.”

The Cal State University system’s entire spending package now goes to the desk of Gov. Pete Wilson, who will issue his own budget proposal in January for consideration by the Legislature.

If funding for the Ventura County campus survives months of budget hearings and makes it into the final budget document, Cal State planners will receive $6.5 million to operate the campus at Camarillo State Hospital and turn a number of its Spanish-style buildings into classrooms and administrative offices.

“It’s very satisfying to have this happen, and it’s all part of a very satisfying process,” said Handel Evans, president of the developing Ventura County campus. “There are a number of steps yet to go, but the important thing is that we have the right ladder in place to get us there.”