Pierce Puts Hold on Applications for Farm Land

The Los Angeles Community College District recently halted the process for accepting applications for a 25-year joint occupancy lease for the Pierce College Farm. The Foundation for Pierce College and the state 51st District Agricultural Association, which runs The Valley Fair, were competing for the long-term lease agreement, and were scheduled to submit their proposals by Sept. 4, the latest of three extensions that had been awarded. However, in a notice published Aug. 28, the community college district said it had made the decision to withdraw its request upon careful consideration by the district and Pierce College administration. “The College is appreciative of the interest and enthusiasm proposers have expressed in this project. However, the District and College believe that further consideration and analysis of various issues regarding the project is required before the College considers proposals for a long-term joint occupancy lease,” the notice read. Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh, Pierce College vice president, academic affairs, explained that the main factor behind the withdrawal had to do with a conflict over property lines described in the lease. Part of the original design of the College’s equestrian center, which has been going through extensive renovation, includes space that is now being farmed and that space, he said, ended up being included in the area described in the lease. Submitting proposals was put on hold until the college ensures that the equestrian instructional program will not be adversely impacted. “In the long term we want to make sure we don’t cut the instructional program,” Abu-Ghazaleh said. “We do intend to re-issue an RFP (request for proposal) once we’re clear what the new property lines will be.” For the past four years The Foundation for Pierce College has leased the property on the campus and created the Pierce Farm Center, running the farm market, growing produce, and operating a number of “agri-tainment” programs and services including the upcoming Halloween Harvest Festival. The Foundation’s lease is set to expire August of 2010. Dennis Washburn, executive director of the Foundation, expressed disappointment and frustration that the RFP was withdrawn, but said the Foundation will continue campaigning to renew their lease and remain prepared for when the process opens up again. “We are prepared to be as effective, responsible and competitive as we can be,” Washburn said. David Honda, with 51st District Agricultural Association, could not be reached for comment.