Plan Revived for Tourist Facility Near Jail

Come to Pitchess and stay for the weekend: Golf. Tennis. Jail.

If Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich has his way, the Pitchess Detention Center near Castaic would become a neighbor to the county’s newest business and entertainment complex, including a hotel, golf course and conference center.

Antonovich, who represents the area, said the idea of placing a tourist facility within walking distance of thousands of frequently riotous prisoners isn’t as odd as it sounds.

The idea of building a golf course and hotel on the 2,800 acres the county owns around the jail is actually more than 20 years old and originated during the term of one of Antonovich’s predecessors, former Supervisor Warren M. Dorn.

The plan languished until weeks ago when Dorn dropped by Antonovich’s office and suggested that it be relaunched, officials said.

On Monday, Antonovich delayed action on plans to seek proposals from developers until the supervisor’s meeting Jan. 14. In the interim, he said, his staff will fine-tune the plan.

Dorn suggested--and Antonovich agrees--that if the plan passes muster, the golf course should be named for comedian and golf enthusiast Bob Hope.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the plan, Antonovich said, and any money raised through the venture would probably be divided between the Sheriff’s Department and the county’s general fund.