The nine-college Los Angeles Community College District is in a unique situation. Despite a nationwide economic slump that is one of the worst in 50 years, the district has money to spend—and to build. LACCD, which serves more than 220,000 students throughout Los Angeles County, is in the middle of a $5.7-billion building program, funded by three bonds passed in the last eight years. The program, which began 2004 and is expected to be completed by 2014, is intended to modernize and add new facilities throughout the district. Image courtesy LACCD The East L.A. College Performing and Fine Arts Center,