With photos by Jim Chapman
Lassen County Superior Court Judge Donald Sokol will cut the ribbon and officially dedicate Susanville’s new courthouse today, in ceremonies to be held at noon in the court’s new Hall of Justice on Riverside Drive.
The $38.9 million dollar facility, which came in under budget, replaces three former facilities; the Historic Courthouse on Lassen Street, the Court Annex and the ‘Access to Justice’ self-help center.
All three locations, according to the state, had ‘significant’ operational, space, security, health and ADA accessibility problems.
The new Hall of Justice, with its three courtrooms and a hearing room, consolidates and replaces those older facilities. Funding for the new facility came out of 2002 legislation that allows court user fees to be applied to courthouse construction.
The 42,300 square-foot, two-story building was completed in May of this year and includes space for court clerks, holding areas and support space. It also offers enhanced an enhanced security system for public safety.
The building is situated on a 4.5 acre site on Riverside Drive, near River Street and just south of the U.S. Forest Service office.
Judge Sokol will be joined at the dais for the dedication by other local and state officials including Plumas County Judge and liaison to the State Judicial Council Ira R. Kaufman, and David M. Rubin, a San Diego County judge and President of the California Judges Association.
The two-hour dedication ceremony will start at noon and the public is invited.
