The construction company USS Cal Builders is currently replacing UC High’s baseball and softball fields that are located on the upper northeast section of the campus.

“The field improvement is connected to Proposition S funding which is for ‘athletic facilities upgrades,’” said Vice Principal Michael Paredes.

“The new fields are not done yet. We anticipate that the sod will be placed on the softball field in the next week or two; in time for the season. The baseball field is nearly complete, with the sod needing to set for a few more weeks,” said Paredes.

According to Paredes, the construction work started towards the end of the 2013-2014 school year. The practice field is currently done.

Paredes said, “The cost of the grass on the upper field alone was nearly 750,000 dollars.” Custodial Supervisor Mark Harrington added, “The price tag for the upper fields, including the grass field, softball, baseball, and roadway is approximately 4.7 million dollars.”

Proposition S is what is funding all of the construction. “In an effort to provide a quality school in every neighborhood, the district is using Proposition S and Proposition Z funds to repair, renovate and revitalize district schools” (sandiegounified.org).

Harrington said that none of the fields had been renovated since the school opened in 1981.

The construction company USS Cal Builders was established in 1984. They have headquarters in San Diego, San Francisco, and Stanton. According to their website, “Since its inception, USS Cal Builders has successfully completed over a billion dollars of publicly funded and privately owned projects. With more than 300 highly qualified and seasoned professionals, some possessing over 30 years of construction experience, USS Cal Builders brings to its clients the highest level of professionalism, expertise and quality products and services” (usscalbuilders.com).

According to Paredes, the baseball, softball, and large field beyond the baseball fields will all have real grass. Paredes added that a turf field is more expensive but keeping a grass field in order is more expensive.

Sophomore Cassidy McCarthy said, “I’m really stoked about the new fields, because I’ll be able to do something I love — softball, for the next three years.”

“Improvements are being made to the basketball and tennis courts as well as the shot put and discus area on the south side of the football field. We are also getting improvements made to the front of the football stadium/concession area and a new concession area is being placed close to the baseball and softball fields,” said Paredes.