Difficult negotiations between the cities of Lake Forest and Irvine, the County Supervisors and Sheriff Mike Carona had culminated in a well-conceived deal back in February. The proposal would allow for expansion of the jail population from 1,200 inmates to about 4,600. The move would alleviate some of the overcrowding at the Orange County Jail. But for some reason, the Orange County Supervisors have not voted to move on expansion. KNX wonders what's behind the paralysis.
Orange County is under a federal court order to reduce overcrowding.
There are three lawsuits which would be resolved by the agreement to expand the jail. And if residents are concerned about inmates escaping from the prison, they should be more concerned about inmates walking out the front door with reduced sentences. Seven months is plenty of time to solve any logistical problems. It is inexcusable to keep the project locked up like this. KNX wants those Supervisors who oppose the expansion to explain their opposition.