It was Christmas in July for the Guadalupe Dunes Center on Tuesday evening when Redevelopment Agency Chairman John Sabedra presented the center with an oversized check for $200,000.

"I'll try and get it into the ATM," said Dunes Center Executive Director Gillian Andrews.

The RDA's contribution is so far the largest gift the Dunes Center has received as it moves slowly toward its goal of $3 million to finance construction of a new administrative building and visitor center, expected for completion in December of 2005 and 2006 respectively.

The center has raised $1.07 million, and continues to aggressively pursue funds from all sources.

"We've got a breadth of support," said Andrews, "from industry, government, corporations and private foundations."

The center is also putting on its own events aimed at drumming up support, including a hike through the dunes led by KCET television personality Huell Howser in October.

Improvements to the Dunes Center will not only benefit Andrews and her organization but Guadalupe and the broader community as well, she said.

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"If you go to any of our great national treasures, you've got a gateway community in front," she said. "I see a potential for economic growth, not to exploit the dunes in any way, but when you look at the people who visit open spaces, they come with a high degree of disposable income."

Using computer modeling provided by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, Andrews estimated that approximately 50,000 people can be expected to visit the Dunes Center annually once construction has been completed. Andrews hopes to make Guadalupe a destination spot for people traveling along the California coast to established attractions such as Hearst Castle.

"People are universally excited to find a wilderness area right on the California coast," she said of the 22,000-acre facility.

"And one of our messages is that it isn't just sand."

Stan Oklobdzija can be reached at 739-2159 or at soklobdzija@santamariatimes.com.

July 28, 2005