Elevator at county center refuses to work

A malfunctioning elevator at the Ventura County Government Center means visitors will have to climb the stairs to visit inmates at the pre-trial detention facility.

The elevator broke down late last month and was not expected to be fixed for several weeks, according to a statement prepared by Capt. Jerry Hernandez of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

Visiting schedules will remain unchanged. Visitors will have to climb a stairwell with either 46 or 78 steps depending on the location of the inmate. Arrangements will be made for visitors with disabilities.

Other options, such as video visiting and prescheduled visitation, will be announced during the repair period. A public information telephone number will also be announced.