Musick Jail Concerns Listed by Bergeson

Supervisor Marian Bergeson on Monday released four pages of detailed questions and concerns about a county proposal to convert the James A. Musick Branch Jail in Irvine from a low-security ranch into a larger detention center capable of housing maximum-security inmates.

Bergeson announced last week that she will oppose certification of a recently completed environmental impact report, which concluded that the jail expansion would not pose a safety risk to nearby residents.

Sheriff Brad Gates said the expanded jail is needed to ease overcrowding at other detention facilities that results in the early releases of thousands of inmates each year.

In a memo to county planners, Bergeson suggested that officials consider such alternatives to the Musick project as expanding the main jail in Santa Ana or turning to a private operator.

She raised concerns about releasing maximum-security inmates at the Irvine jail, which is close to a residential area, and about the effects of an expansion on local property values.

The Orange County Planning Commission will review the environmental impact report next week. Supervisors will take a final vote in November.