Overview
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has announced a plan to close Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (Chuckawalla) by March 2025. This decision is a part of the CDCR’s response to budget cuts outlined in the 2022-23 State budget proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Goals and considerations motivating the proposed closure of Chuckawalla Valley State Prison would be better addressed through the closure of other California prisons. In particular, the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco would be a more fitting candidate.
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison is Blythe’s second-largest employer, providing 800 jobs to a population of 17,793 residents. If Chuckawalla were to close, the jobs and income spent in the community would be lost. The economic impact would be devastating.
In addition to better serving the State’s interests, closing CRC is also better aligned with the interests of Blythe residents who are – unlike nearly every other community – enthusiastic supporters of the prison in their community. This is in contrast to Norco residents, who have been advocating for the closure of the California Rehabilitation Center for years.