Marin Independent Journal: A shrine to state spending

A startling rendering of the $346 million death row complex the state appears determined to build at San Quentin State Prison makes it clear that it will be a new Marin landmark.

It also will be a symbol of state lawmakers' stubborn and misguided refusal to take a hard look at a construction project that gets more costly each year.

The hulking four-story structure promises to show how little respect the state has for the shoreline- development standards California imposes on anyone else who wants to build on the bay.

There is no question that larger and more modern facilities are needed: but where to build a new death row and how much should it cost?

This story was originally published February 21, 2009 at 1:39 AM with the headline "Marin Independent Journal: A shrine to state spending."