To date, the city of Santa Maria has rented more than $36,000 worth of public space to media outlets in town to cover the trial.

Funds raised will help compensate the city for the estimated $40,000 in overtime costs the Santa Maria Police Department will incur for officers patrolling the area around the courts complex, he said.

Across the courts complex on Miller Street, CNN has constructed a 7-foot platform near the office of worker’s compensation attorney Joe Gallas. The platform on Gallas’ lot did not require a permit.

Source: Santa Maria Times