Santee school officials
say they're fiercely opposed to a county plan that would triple the size of a women's jail in the area. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
The Las Colinas Detention Facility
in Santee is located near several schools, a daycare center and a park. It takes up about 15 acres of land. But under a new proposal, the complex would triple in size, expanding to 45 acres.
But Santee school board president Dan Bartholomew says a bigger facility poses a safety threat for students -- who use walkways directly across from or adjacent to the facility.
Bartholomew:
We've had instances in the past with released prisoners, just being out on the streets once their time is up. And actually approaching the school and causing issues there, trying to communicate with kids there, talking through the fences, those types of things.
County supervisors
will make the final decision on whether the project takes place in Santee or elsewhere. Right now they're reviewing the first round of public feedback. A vote is expected in about a year.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
