Richard E. Arnason Justice Center

Background

The eastern region of Contra Costa County includes the communities of Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley. This region—which had been served by the outdated and undersized, four-courtroom Pittsburg-Delta Courthouse in the city of Pittsburg—needed expanded local court presence to meet court services demand.

This project was originally funded in the FY 2005–06 Budget Act. To accommodate three additional judgeships, the funding was increased in FY 2006–07 for the construction of a new seven-courtroom courthouse. The building received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) "Silver" certification by the United States Green Building Council.

Among its many features, the Richard E. Arnason Justice Center includes:

• Seven multipurpose, jury-capable courtrooms;
• Adequate public waiting areas at the Clerk’s Office and outside courtrooms;
• A single point of entry, permitting full security screening;
• A secure sallyport for in-custody transportation; and
• Separate circulation paths for the public, staff, and in-custody defendants.

In response to a solicitation for sites, the Judicial Council received offers in Pittsburg (adjacent to the former courthouse), Antioch, and Oakley. Taking important local considerations into account, including population, mass transit systems, highway growth, land development costs, and the proximity of court-related county agencies, the Judicial Council selected the Pittsburg location. The Public Works Board authorized site acquisition on September 14, 2007. Judicial leaders, court personnel, Judicial Council staff, and city and county representatives participated in a project advisory group throughout the project.

This project received significant recognition for its architectural design. Among its honors, it was featured in the Justice Facility Review 2010 of the American Institute for Architects, representing the best in justice design excellence, and showcased for exemplary design by the National Center for State Courts in its 2001–2010 Retrospective of Courthouse Design.

The court took occupancy of the building in November 2010.

CEQA

Final Negative Declaration for CEQA Compliance (February 8, 2006)

In compliance with the CEQA, the Judicial Council released a study for public review on February 9, 2007. After the close of the public comment period, the Judicial Council prepared a Final Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration (3,067 KB). The Judicial Council of California approved and adopted the CEQA document at its meeting on February 23, 2007.

Awards & Recognition