The city of Santa Clarita held a press conference Monday regarding the county of Los Angeles Board of Supervisor’s decision to make Camp Scott a permanent site for serious juvenile offenders.

“Today, the city of Santa Clarita has officially filed suit against the county of Los Angeles,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “The California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, lawsuit calls for the county to follow state law and ensure that proper review for the review of the Camp Scott Plan to be completed.”

On March 15, 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to approve Camp Scott as the permanent location for serious juvenile offenders. Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger was the lone dissenting vote.

Weste was joined by Mayor Pro-Tem Jason Gibbs; Councilwoman Marsha McLean; Councilman Bill Miranda; Councilman Cameron Smyth; City Manager Ken Striplin; Assistant City Manager Frank Oviedo; Tami Stephens, representing Congressman Mike Garcia; Kris Hough representing Senator Scott Wilk; and several members of the public.

“This is not a safe location for a high-security facility,” Weste continued. “As we’ve said since this plan has underhandedly been put into motion, Camp Scott is completely unsuitable for this use.”

Weste cited several environmental concerns including fire, flood and emergency evacuation procedures. The press conference ended with attendees chanting “No Prison Here, No Prison Here, No Prison Here”.

For more information and background, please visit the city of Santa Clarita’s website here.