Deukmejian Gets Bill Severing Appeal Court From Old Courthouse

The Assembly on Thursday sent to Gov. George Deukmejian a bill that ends the troubled relationship between the old Orange County Courthouse and the state’s 4th District Court of Appeal.

The Legislature created the branch appellate court for Orange County but also required the justices to be housed in the old courthouse.

While the justices were waiting for the historic landmark to undergo rehabilitation to meet earthquake standards, their workload and space requirements grew beyond what was available in the old structure.

That suited the justices just fine. They were never fond of the old courthouse anyway, and county supervisors would like to use the building for Municipal and Superior courts and a museum.

Alterations Limited

Thursday’s final floor passage involved the Assembly concurring in Senate amendments that allow the old courthouse to be used for any county purpose--not just court functions--”provided that no alteration shall be made to the property which unduly reduces the property’s historic integrity.”

The legislation, introduced by Assemblyman Ross Johnson (R-La Habra), relieves the county of any obligation to repay state funds used in the rehabilitation project.

According to the legislative analyst’s office, the bill will save the state $1.1 million previously appropriated for alterations needed to make the old courthouse ready for occupancy by appellate justices.

The amount of state funds already spent on the rehabilitation project was not immediately available.

The $3-million restoration has been funded mostly with money from the county Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department. A rededication ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 12, 86 years to the day after the building was dedicated in 1901.