CHULA VISTA, Calif. - The fall semester began Monday for thousands of students at Southwestern College, which is undergoing some administrative and physical changes.
Monday marked the beginning of the city of Chula Vista's first parking district across the street from the school. For decades, students have parked for free in the neighborhood, but residents petitioned the city for the parking district and won last year.
Now, residents have to purchase a $20 annual parking permit to park on the streets. Students must pay to park on campus if they drive to school, which could cost more than $100 a year.
At the same time, construction continues on Southwestern College's infamous corner lot at the intersection of H Street and Otay Lakes Road. A future health and wellness facility should be completed by fall 2018.
Monday was also the first day under Interim President Robert Deegan. The former community college president will run the college until the board selects a permanent replacement.
"My goal here is to assist the college, help it move forward during this time of transition and leadership," said Deegan.
More than 18,000 students are registered for classes at Southwestern College this year.
