A company that specializes in language learning is sizing up the old Cabrillo Hospital as a potential place where 400 students would live and learn English. Daniel Curran of EF International Language Schools confirmed last week the company is in negotiations with the owner of the building, which was occupied by Sharp Cabrillo Skilled Nursing Center until two years ago. “We think it’s a great neighborhood and a great place for us,” said Curran, who addressed members of the North Bay Community Planning Group on July 20. The school has outgrown its current location at the Scripps Ranch campus of Alliant International University, where nearly 500 students from 50 countries attend. Students at the Cabrillo site would be 16 years of age and older, and hail mostly from Europe, Asia and Latin America. Classes last from two weeks to nine months, Curran said. Board member Kurt Sullivan lives in Scripps Ranch and said Alliant was a good neighbor. “As someone who lives near it, it’s something very desirable, and I compliment you,” Sullivan said. An existing cafeteria and office space are among the reasons the 10-story building would make a good fit, Curran said. The second floor would likely be used for classrooms. Dorms would make up the top seven floors. An additional 100 or so students could be accommodated by living with host families, he said. Because so few of the students own cars, part of the parking lot could be turned into tennis or basketball courts, potentially shared with the community. “We like our students to mix. They’re here to learn about American culture,” Curran said. According to its website, EF International Language Schools is a privately-held company that operates 400 schools and offices in more than 50 countries. In other planning news • The northern edge of Sports Arena Boulevard is going to the dogs. The board voted unanimously in support of a conditional-use permit for Camp Run-a-mutt, a kennel described as a cage-free, park-like setting for some 60 dogs. The business plans to open this fall in a mini-mall at 4030 Sports Arena Blvd., using a 6,900-square-foot area that once housed a Cal Store and Baras Thrift Store. • The planning group will soon be short one member. Tony Lombardi, the board’s only residential member, is planning to move to the South Bay and will have to resign within two months or so, he said. “It’s been a privilege to serve with all of you,” Lombardi said.








