Jail Expansion Not at Issue, 2 Sheriff Candidates Are Told
Keep your hands off the Theo Lacy Branch Jail, Supervisor William G. Steiner and Orange Mayor Joanne Coontz have warned the two candidates for sheriff.
Santa Ana Police Chief Paul M. Walters and Marshal Michael S. Carona support expanding the Theo Lacy jail in Orange in lieu of building a maximum-security facility at the James A. Musick Branch Jail near Irvine. Walters has said Theo Lacy could double in size; Carona wants a modest expansion.
Responding to news stories about their positions, Steiner and Coontz whipped off letters to both candidates this week reminding them that the expansion of Theo Lacy is overseen by a judge under the terms of a court-ordered settlement of a lawsuit against the city by the county.
“This agreement was approved by the city of Orange based upon the clear recognition that it would govern future expansion of the jail facility and that the county would look beyond Theo Lacy for any additional expansion needs,” the letter said.
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