11/10/2026
10/15/2026
09/21/2026
This project has prompted many thoughtful questions and conversations from our campus and community. We appreciate the ongoing engagement and welcome additional questions or feedback. Please direct any future inquiries to the Office of the President by email or by phone at 209-588-5115. This will allow us to expedite responses or provide timely referrals the appropriate project team members.
Preliminary utility location activity will be taking place on campus on 10/22. Please visit the YCCD Active Construction webpage or refer to your student and/or staff email for more information.
The planning process of large-scale projects such as the Hillside Stabilization Project often require adjustments as new information becomes available. This week the preliminary project schedule was released by the contractor, and due to delays in the delivery of project materials, construction is now anticipated to begin in December, during the week following final exams.
Although the delay was unexpected, with construction beginning after final exams we avoid disruptions to instruction during a critical academic time for students. We are currently awaiting further guidance from the contractor regarding any preparatory work that may be necessary prior to the start of construction.
The Hillside Stabilization Task Force has exemplified flexibility throughout this process. Its thoughtful planning and ongoing evaluation of strategies to preserve the integrity of instruction and campus operations throughout the project. We thank them for their thoughtful work as they continue to assess options weekly throughout the delay.
Progress continues on the Hillside Stabilization Project at Columbia College. The contractor, Njirich & Sons, was awarded a notice to proceed on October 5th by YCCD with an estimated completion date in early December. The site safety plan was also reviewed at a preconstruction meeting among the district, the college and the contractors, engineers and architectural firm. The contractors reiterated the importance of keeping instructional spaces open safely during the project.
The Hillside Stabilization Project reached an important milestone this week with the close of the contractor proposal period, and the Yosemite Community College District Facilities and Risk Management teams have begun reviewing submissions. More information regarding the selected contractor, project schedule, and next steps will be shared as it becomes available.
Based on anticipated construction methods, equipment is not expected to enter the Lower Arboretum. The current project design calls for a 50-foot setback between construction activities and the dolomitic limestone outcrop identified in the geotechnical report. The project team recognizes the importance of this area to campus stakeholders.
Both the District and the College are working closely with local tribal representatives and an appointed cultural monitor to help ensure that future construction or excavation activities protect any Indigenous cultural resources, should they be encountered.
Following heavy rains in January, a landslide northwest of the San Diego Reservoir near the Toyon, Sequoia, Redbud, and Sugar Pine areas caused instability along the hillside. Since that time, YCCD has conducted extensive geotechnical testing, surveying, and ongoing monitoring to assess site conditions and develop a stabilization plan that protects public safety while minimizing impacts to campus operations, instruction and the student experience. With safety and timely completion as guiding priorities, YCCD has scheduled a mandatory job walk of the site, and contractor proposals are due September 15th. Barring any unforeseen conditions, construction and stabilization work is expected to begin in October.
At this time, the District anticipates maintaining access to campus facilities throughout the project. Should unforeseen conditions arise that require temporary closures or changes to campus access, timely updates will be communicated to the campus community and the public. We understand the importance of maintaining a safe, accessible, and welcoming learning environment. Every effort is being made to complete this work efficiently while minimizing disruptions to instruction, student services, campus activities, and visitors.
Project updates will continue to be shared throughout the completion of the project. Once construction begins, milestones will be shared on the YCCD Active Construction webpage.