DATE:
January 28, 2025
09
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
GENERAL SERVICES - APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE TO LEASE SPACE FOR PUBLIC DEFENDER'S CENTRAL BRANCH (DISTRICT: 1)
Body
OVERVIEW
The San Diego County Public Defender (PD) has operated their Central Branch at 451 A Street (formerly 450 B Street), San Diego, since 2010. The existing lease for space totaling approximately 92,303 square feet expires on September 30, 2026.
In Fiscal Year 2022-23, PD added 90 positions increasing staffing in all branches with a large allocation of new staff assigned to the Central Branch. The current leased premises at 451 A Street cannot accommodate the additional staff and is no longer sufficient to meet departmental needs as currently configured. The Department of General Services conducted a space validation study that supports the need for approximately 113,638 square feet of space to support Central Branch operations.
Today's request is for approval in principle to search for expanded lease space for the Public Defender Central Branch. Upon successful negotiation of a lease agreement, staff will return to the Board to request approval of the transaction.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Find that the proposed approval in principle is not an approval of a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378 (b)(5) of the State CEQA guidelines.
2. Approve in principle the lease of approximately 113,638 square feet of space for the Public Defender Central Branch.
3. Authorize the Director, Department of General Services, to conduct a site search, negotiate a lease, and upon successful negotiations, return to the Board for approval of the lease agreement.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The Public Defender Central Branch office is lacking critical elements to support the community in its current location. A larger facility would benefit the community that has been traditionally underserved due to the lack ...
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