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We need to build a new
courthouse in Long Beach. The current building is out-dated,
overcrowded, needs millions of dollars in seismic retrofit and
millions more in general maintenance. There is no doubt in my mind,
or anyone’s, that a new courthouse would be more cost efficient to
maintain and operate than the existing building.
So, the question is, “How do we build it?”
The answer, unfortunately, is not as easy as it seems. In order for
this effort to be successful, a multi-agency collaboration involving
the State of California, the County of Los Angeles and the City of
Long Beach will be necessary. These stakeholders must all must work
together toward the common goal of bringing a new courthouse to the
City of Long Beach.
I am heartened that the Press Telegram has taken such a keen
interest in supporting the effort to bring a new courthouse to the
City of Long Beach. I agree with your editorial on March 7 which
notes that in 2002 the State of California took over the
responsibility of the funds that are used to build new courthouses,
as well as the responsibility and authority to approve new court
construction.
While the State bears the responsibility to build a new courthouse,
the County is still held accountable for the maintenance. As a
result, since the State took over the court system, the County has
spent $1.2 million in repairs and will spend another $14 million
this fiscal year including the costs for seismic retrofit. These
expenditures are all necessary in order to maintain the health and
safety of those who work in the courthouse and the general public.
Unfortunately, the Long Beach Courthouse is not at the top of the
State’s list for new courthouses. We need the assistance of our
State representatives to demonstrate to Sacramento why one of the
largest cities in California needs a new courthouse now.
It is my sincere hope and desire to see a new courthouse built in
the City of Long Beach. If our various agencies can successfully
collaborate, I believe an innovative solution, such as a
public-private partnership, to build a new courthouse may be
possible.
Long Beach needs a new courthouse and we are all responsible for
making it happen.
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles
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