SLV Sheriff’s Center moves in with Cal Fire

The San Lorenzo Valley Sheriff’s Service Center is moving to a new address in Felton to save money during a cash-strapped time for county government.
The service center, which opened in 1999 on the corner of East Zayante Road and Graham Hill Road in Felton, will move into the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection office at 6049 Highway 9 in Felton.
The sheriff’s office will pay no rent at its new home.
“We’re saving close to half a deputy’s (salary) per year,” Lt. Bob Payne said.
The sheriff’s office will cut a chunk from its monthly budget by making the move to the slightly smaller Cal Fire facility, SLV Service Center Sgt. Jim Ross said.
“Give us the extra body any day. We’re going to adjust to the smaller space,” Ross said.
The new space for the sheriff’s office in the Cal Fire facility is smaller than the office on Graham Hill Road.
“It really affects the day shift more than the night shift when a volunteer is there,” Ross said.
The Graham Hill office had a lobby with a room where volunteers manned the front counter, a Sergeant’s office, and plenty of parking in front.
On Highway 9, deputies will park along the road or in the parking lot on Gushee Street and volunteers will be separated from deputies, who will write reports in the back.
Ross understands the savings for the agency are more important than the size of his team’s office.
“It was a tough move, but the service to the public isn’t going to change,” he said.
Also, being in the same office with Cal Fire will benefit both agencies as they work together to battle fires or other disasters.
The office space opened up when Cal Fire opened its McDermott Station in Bonny Doon.
“I’ve already had the opportunity to exchange with Cal Fire on a couple of occasions,” Ross said. “It’s nice to have them right there.”
At a glance
• WHAT: SLV Sheriff’s Service Center Open House
• WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 12
• WHERE: 6049 Highway 9 in Felton (Cal Fire headquarters)
• INFO: 454-2414