Posted by: thepinetree on 11/18/2013 02:55 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 11/18/2013 05:37 PM
Expires: 01/01/2018 12:00 AM
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The New $45 Million Calaveras County Court Complex Dedicated Today. Courts Open To The Public November 25th
San Andreas, CA....At noon today the judicial leadership from the Calaveras County Superior Court, the Judicial Council of the State of California and the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), along with local elected and appointed officials, dedicated the newly constructed Calaveras County Courthouse, The push for the facility started 30 years ago when Judge Douglas V. Mewhinney saw hardened criminals in unsafe conditions with the general public in the operation of the court. Some operational changes have enhanced the safety over the years but structural deficiencies in the current court building have had Judge Mewhinney and others remark that we have been lucky to have not had a serious safety incident. The new courthouse will open to the public on Monday, November 25, 2013....
Additional Photos Above and Video Below...
The dedication ceremony marked the completion of more than five years of planning, design, and construction of a state-of-the-art courthouse. The new two-story structure will greatly improve the public’s access to justice through such features as: a self-help center, a dedicated jury assembly room, improved access to clerk services, and enhanced security and life safety, bringing all services under one roof.
“We are looking forward to sharing the new facilities with the public. The innovative design of the building will allow us to provide an enhanced level of service to all court users.” commented Hugh Swift, Court Executive Officer. “The building provides improved security, safety and accessibility for court staff, judges, the public and members of the legal community”.
According to Presiding Judge John E. Martin, the project was a cooperative effort, which involved the Court, the local legal community, the County and the AOC. As Judge Martin noted, “I think it is important to recognize the commitment of everyone who participated in the planning, design and construction this building. The results of their hard work can be seen in the quality of the finished product. The new courthouse is not only architecturally beautiful, it is functional, secure and built to serve the citizens of Calaveras County for many years to come. “
The ceremony included remarks by Judge Martin, retired Judge Douglas V. Mewhinney, Merita Callaway, Chair of the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors; and Harry E. Hull, Jr., Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District.
The courthouse was designed by the DLR Group and built by McCarthy Building Company. The new courthouse features an expansive entrance plaza, a two-story glass lobby and great hall, and natural light throughout the building. The facility’s sustainability features, such as a solar array on the roof and a green rooftop terrace, qualify the project for a LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
More information about the project is on the California Courts website at www.courts.ca.gov/facilities-calaveras.htm.
Members of the public needing accommodation due to a disability, such as an assistive listening system or a sign language interpreter, are requested to contact Ms. Karen Camper at 209-754-6143 at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
Members of the media wishing to attend the ceremony should contact Mr. Hugh Swift at 209-754-6142 for directions, parking information, and other background information.
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