LaMalfa questions decision to close California Correctional Center

Congressman Doug LaMalfa recently wrote Governor Newsom asking him to reconsider the closing of California Correctional Center in Susanville. The letter lists reasons why closing CCC is detrimental. The facility currently houses 2,000 inmates and provides about 1,000 local jobs along with training and staffing for 14 inmate firefighting camps in Northern California.

In April, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced the deactivation of California Correctional Center by June 30, 2022.

“This abrupt decision to close the prison in Susanville, should absolutely be reconsidered. The CCC houses inmates in a cost effective way, and helps increase our overall defenses during wildfire season by providing inmate firefighting crews. Closing this facility will have far reaching ramifications economically in the Susanville area. Now is not the time to be closing prisons and releasing more inmates who have not fully served their time. This is a lose-lose situation, less firefighting capabilities for the state, fewer beds to house convicted criminals and major economic harm for Lassen County. I urge Governor Newsom and the California Department of Corrections to reconsider this decision,” read a statement from LaMalfa.

Find the letter attached below.