The Long Delayed Demolition Finally Proceeded at DMHU

The alumni and retirees kept asking me what held up the demolition of the old modular first for the DMHU (Deaf Multi-Handicapped Unit - the old name for today’s Alternative Curriculum Education) in the 1970s and then the Middle School in the 1990s. The campus museum was the last department to move out of the complex in 2022 for a new home in the former high school homemaking classroom. To dig around for some details, I learned that $7 million has been allocated for demolition and removal. Finally in early 2026, we got the green light from Sacramento to proceed with the demolition of the 55-year old modular buildings.

What held up the demolition of the DMHU complex were due to a number of chemicals on the site that require careful handling.

We remember what happened in 2015 when the construction crew found harmful pesticides, paint, lead and arsenic on the old gym site. The construction screeched to a halt for special procedures for removing 3,000 tons of tainted soil that took several weeks. The special excavation project cost $400,000.

Another contaminated site was also found outside the dining hall in the front. The ground analysis indicated that there was too much arsenic in the area. Another excavation project was also carried out. The area is now safe.

State law clearly prohibits the illegal disposal of hazardous waste in the environment, which can contaminate air, water and food and have serious consequences for human health and the environment.

Who would dump or bury the illegal chemicals on the ground? Sometimes, construction crews leave behind waste nearby. They don't want to pay for proper disposal. Farmers also choose to bury hazardous waste on their farmland. Remember, CSDR was once a farm to raise barley and orange trees. Residents sometimes drive to faraway sites for secret disposal to save on dump fees.

The modular buildings were constructed in the early 1970s. We are bound by law to follow the regulations for safe demolition of the old buildings. The anticipated date of completion is early Fall 2026.

Keith Townsend shared with me that Barbara Berker fell up to her knees in a floor hole. Since then, the DMHU staff started about the demolition way back to 1982.

The area will look significantly different when you come for the Homecoming Game in the fall.

We will build a new $1 million warehouse to receive non-food items such as computers, furnishings, athletic equipment, etc. Beside the future warehouse, there will be new $50 million playing fields for football, baseball, soccer and softball.

We take pride in our beautiful campus with the mixture of old and new buildings. We will stay a vibrant campus community for another 75 years.

Kevin Struxness, ‘76, MA

Editor, CSDR Old Times

22 May 2026