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PREVIOUSLY

• Sun Valley Floral Farms Issues Layoff Notices to Entire Workforce in Arcata and Oxnard
• In Letter to Industry Colleagues, Sun Valley Floral Farms CEO Explains the Factors That Led to the Company’s Demise
• PLANT DISMANTLED: They’ll Be Auctioning Off All Sun Valley Floral Farms’ Infrastructure Next Month
• TOP 25 STORIES of 2024: Earthquakes, Foul Weather, Campus Occupations … and Leonardo DiCaprio!
• Former Sun Valley Property Fails to Sell at Auction This Morning
• OBITUARY: Michael Joseph Mangiantini, 1952-2025
• Foster Clean Power: New Solar Energy and Battery Storage Project Launched Near Arcata
• Hey, Are There Any Land Trusts or Something Along Those Lines That Would Want to Own the Old Sun Valley Floral Farms Land? Anyone? Because the Seller’s Agent Would Really Like to Talk With You

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Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

Cal Poly Humboldt announced today the acquisition of 191 acres of agricultural and industrial property on Foster Avenue in Arcata. The property, which includes a 418,320-square-foot industrial building, represents an investment in the University’s long-term growth as California’s newest polytechnic institution.

The property, part of the former Sun Valley Farms site, was purchased by the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation and leased to the University. There are no current plans to develop the 191-acre property.  

“This acquisition provides Cal Poly Humboldt with the space and flexibility we need to grow responsibly while stewarding important resources in our community,” said Steve Karp, Cal Poly Humboldt’s acting vice president for Advancement and executive director for the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation. “While we have no immediate development plans for this property, securing land for future generations of students is essential to fulfilling our polytechnic vision.”

The $5.05 million property currently has existing lease agreements with established agricultural tenants, including Driscoll’s Berries and Sierra Madre Mushrooms. The University will continue with the leases, preserving agricultural jobs and operations in Arcata.

Key features of the property include:

• 191 acres of land with flexible Agriculture, Commercial, and Industrial zoning
• 418,320-square-foot warehouse building 
• Ample water resources with 400 gallons-per-minute capacity from ground wells
• 600,000-gallon fire mitigation tank
• Established agricultural operations
• Proximity to Highway 101, Arcata-Eureka Airport, and Port of Humboldt Bay

“Cal Poly Humboldt remains committed to being a thoughtful neighbor and responsible steward of land in Humboldt County,” said Michael Fisher, acting vice president for Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer. “This property allows us to support existing agricultural operations while providing options for future growth as our polytechnic programs evolve.”

The acquisition expands upon two contiguous Foster Avenue properties. The first is the University’s 16-acre parcel purchased in 2022, planned as a transportation and mobility hub with shuttle service to support nearby student housing. Based on community input, the University is actively re-evaluating its plans. Another adjoining 26 acres purchased by the Foundation in 2024, was leased to the University and is partially being developed as an instructional farm.

Cal Poly Humboldt will work closely with the City of Arcata, neighboring property owners, and community stakeholders on any future uses of the newest Foster Avenue property, ensuring compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and local land-use policies.

The Foster Avenue properties complement Cal Poly Humboldt’s polytechnic transformation. With support from the state’s $458 million investment, the University built the Hinarr Hu Moulik student housing complex (964 beds), launched numerous new academic programs, and made significant infrastructure improvements.