President Thomas Fallo cut the blue ribbon at the grand opening of the newly constructed Cafe Camino behind the Humanities Building last week.

“We want to introduce to the community and campus our brand new Humanities Mall project,” Fallo said.

Fallo presented a speech in front of Cafe Camino while people gathered around to welcome the new project.

“I like to thank all the construction and development people and all involved in helping to put this project together,” he said.

The $2.424 million project was originally thought of in 2002 when EC went out for its bond. The actual planning occurred a year ago in April 2009.

“We were successfully supported by our community and we’re very thankful for them,” Fallo said.

The name, Cafe Camino, has always been a part of the planning process.

“This was sort of an upper end of the cafe area,” he said. “Camino’s our name so Cafe Camino seem exactly right for it.”

The humanities mall project completes the Humanities Building project that opened in spring 2008.

“Cafe Camino is replacing and compromising the Munchees,” he said.

The project provides hardscape, landscaping and a food service venue in the area surrounded by the MCS Building, Humanities Building and the Schauerman Library.

“Expect a great place to meet, greet, study, get some food and drink and be part of the community and be part of the campus,” Fallo said.

“The Humanities Building and Cafe Camino replaced the college’s last original “barracks-type” structure, trucked up more than 60 years ago from Santa Ana Army Air Base in Orange County”, according to a press release, Ann Garten, director of Community Relations, said.

The “barracks-type” structure was the classrooms the army used as classroom in the 40s. They are kind of like bungalows.

“This is great. It is hard to find a spot on campus to sit down and eat and finally I can do that. It is real nice,” Tara Baskin, 22, criminal justice major,” said.

Opened Monday, April 26, Cafe Camino will serve hot and cold breakfast and lunch.

“We’re serving healthy choices for all to enjoy, such as teriyaki and salmon and other healthy choices, “Charles Siri, director of food and beverage, said.

“The Humanities Building and the Humanities Mall are designed to serve as the ‘front door’ to the campus from Crenshaw Boulevard,” according to the press release.