BCSO, judges launch pilot project similar to work-release programThe program allows participants an opportunity to avoid jail time by working weekends doing landscaping and cleanup work around the jail and other county properties. “The participants have a sense that they’re giving back to the community,” Judge Velia Meza said Wednesday. Meza, along with Judge Melissa Vara and the sheriff, launched the program last month. “We’ve already saved $16,000 in housing costs and another $4,000 in hourly wages we would have paid to landscaping companies,” he said. “I would also like to expand this out to help out some of the nonprofits or do more graffiti cleanups,” he said.