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TAKE ACTION! Email Governor Newsom Today

“Do not be deceived. The relentless suffering unfolding at CRC is not a necessary part of the prison’s closure. These are choices being made by CDCR and CRC staff.” - Mathew Witecki, advocate currently imprisoned in CRC Norco

Join us in urging Governor Newsom to implement recommendations for releases and safe transfers throughout the closure process of the CRC.

The announced closure of CRC is a long-overdue step toward reducing California’s carceral footprint and shuttering toxic cages. At the same time, we are seeing in REAL TIME CDCR’s harmful and retaliatory transfer process carry out. We have received troubling reports of medical neglect, unnecessary internal shuffling causing overcrowding, programming disruptions impacting credit earning opportunities, and much more.

We urge the state to prioritize releases over transfers, and when transfers are unavoidable, to ensure they protect programming, credit-earning, family connections, and the dignity of those inside. These recommendations were crafted in collaboration with imprisoned comrades in CRC. Call and email Gov Newsom TODAY!

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Governor of California

Subject: Troubling updates from CRC Closure Process - Please Act Urgently

Message:

Dear Governor Newsom, My name is [Your Name], and I live in [City/County]. I appreciate your leadership in deciding to close the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco. CRC’s closure is a much-needed step toward reducing incarceration in our state. There have been some troubling developments with the CRC closure and transfer process that I want you to be aware of. Throughout the closure process people incarcerated inside CRC and their loved ones have shared reports of retaliation from guards, transfer of people in college programs to the ‘punishment dorm,’ removal of certain folks from programming impacting their access to credit earning opportunities, denials of medical care, transfers to facilities different than those they have been endorsed to go to, abrupt transfers for those pursuing GED programs, and harmful internal displacement due to yard emptying causing overcrowding. This is extremely concerning and fully preventable. As this closure moves forward, I urge you to make sure it reduces harm rather than creates more. Past prison closures have resulted in property loss, denial of hardship transfer requests, disruptions in programming, and more. This track record of negligence persists to this day. An advocate, Corey Allen, who underwent the closure process of CVSP stated: “You know CDCR says all the right things on their websites, and media rounds, but making sure we are kept at places that fit our programming needs is a joke. This has been nothing but an adverse transfer for me. “ Prison closures are an opportunity to reduce prison capacity and move towards a healthier, safer state. They should not burden and add trauma to the lives of incarcerated people and their loved ones. I urge you to: -Prioritize releases for people eligible under recent legislation, with individualized reentry plans that include housing, employment, and community support. -Provide choice and preparation time in line with Penal Code 2933.7. CDCR must provide adequate preparation time—rather than last-minute notices that are disruptive and traumatic—to allow people to prepare and inform their loved ones. -Keep people close to their families, as required under AB 1226, to maintain vital family connections. -Ensure continuation of programming, as required under Penal Code 2933.7. The state can do this by ensuring that 1) CDCR’s adherence to the non-transfer order for people currently finishing educational programs in CR and 2) Pathways for continuation of educational courses and programming at receiving facilities. For example, people participating in UC Riverside’s LIFTED program should have the option to transfer to a nearby facility, such as Chino Institution for Men, to continue courses. -Prevent harm during the closure, by preventing retaliation, ensuring proper medical care, maintaining programs throughout the closure process, mitigating internal shuffling when possible, and providing clear, transparent communication. Thank you.

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