The Napa County Department of Corrections will transfer 60 inmates to Solano County jail facilities while the Napa County jail's cells and dorms damaged during the earthquake are assessed for necessary repairs, Napa County Department of Corrections officials said.
The inmate transfers will begin immediately, according to Lenard Vare, DOC director.
"Non-structural damage sustained from the earthquake has created safety concerns and requires the movement of inmates from certain areas of the facility in order for the county to properly assess necessary repairs," Vare said.
The Napa County Department of corrections received a Napa County Superior Court order Thursday to transfer the inmates to Solano County.
The Hall of Justice and Napa County jail were inspected after the 6.0-magnitude earthquake on Aug. 24 and were determined to be structurally sound, Vare said. The use of the building was restricted for correctional purposes pending the non-structural repairs, Vare said.
"Inmate movement is necessary for the ongoing safety of inmates and staff, and only a portion of the inmates will be affected by the move," Vare said.
The jail is closed to the public, inmates are receiving video visitation, and the jail is still accepting new bookings, Vare said. Family members with questions about the inmate transfer may call (707) 299-1555.
Local
The Napa County Historic Courthouse was damaged in the earthquake and remains closed. The civil and family clerks' offices' services and courthouse proceedings were transferred to the Criminal Courts Building at 1111 Third St. in downtown Napa. Courtroom proceedings in Juvenile Hall are proceeding as scheduled.
Napa County officials estimate the South Napa earthquake caused $400 million in damage. President Barack Obama declared a major disaster in California, making disaster aid available to the earthquake-affected areas.
The President's declaration in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency makes federal funding available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and some private nonprofit organizations on a coast-sharing basis for emergency work and repair and replacement of facilities in Napa and Solano counties, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services said.
