California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the closure of the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, marking the fifth state prison to close due to a decreasing inmate population. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) stated on Tuesday that the closure is planned for fall 2026, aligning with the state’s efforts to cut costs and manage resources effectively.
The prison, which currently houses approximately 2,766 inmates and employs nearly 1,200 staff, will be shut down as part of California’s response to a declining prison population. The inmate population has dropped significantly from over 173,000 in 2006 to about 91,000 today, the lowest since the late 1980s. The closure is expected to save the state around $150 million annually.
The facility, originally opened in 1928 as the Lake Norconian Club, a luxury hotel, was converted into a Naval hospital during World War II. In the 1980s, it became a correctional facility. Norco city officials have long advocated for the closure, hoping to repurpose the historic site for economic development.
The CDCR is committed to supporting the affected community and workforce with an economic resiliency plan. No inmates will be released early; instead, they will be transferred to other facilities. The department is also working to transfer staff to other positions within the state.
The closure is part of a broader trend, with previous closures in Tracy, Susanville, and Blythe. Despite these closures, the CDCR’s budget has increased due to staffing costs and expenses related to a 2011 court order on prison overcrowding.
Will Matthews, a spokesperson for Californians for Safety and Justice, expressed hope that savings from the closure would be redirected to community safety programs. However, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association criticized the decision, warning of potential negative impacts on safety and staffing.
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