Extreme Makeover for Ramona Sheriff's Substation

will soon step up to the standard of some other Sheriff's facilities in the county by expanding into the old Ramona Library. It will also keep its current space about 100 feet away at the County complex on Montecito Road.

The current substation will continue to operate 24/7, whereas the new facility in the former library will be the daytime administrative complex.

Work is already under way. Carpet has been stripped at the old library and a few new walls are being installed.

Among the changes planned for the two buildings are a staff workout room, bigger locker rooms, expanded offices and a larger inmate processing and evidence area, as well as a new kitchen and a training room.

"It's better than having staff so cramped up," said Lt. Julie Sutton, who oversees the substation where about 25 people work.

The old Ramona Library

Sutton's new office will be in the former children's section of the library, with a view of the courtyard.

The Senior Volunteer Patrol will have several desks in what was the computer area in the old library, and the former library front desk area will be enclosed as the substation's new reception area. The reception window from the current quarters will be transferred there.

A room which held shelves of books and computer desks will become Sheriff's staff offices. The old community room at the former library will become a training room.

The California Highway Patrol, which currently has a tiny office at the substation, will move into a space in that facility that is twice the size.

The renovation is expected to be completed in August, Sutton said.

The substation will continue to have two holding cells at the current facility.

The new is at 1301 Main Street, just a few blocks away.