The California Rehabilitation Center in Norco (CRC) is toxic and must be closed. 

CRC prison in Norco, Riverside County, is a symptom of a wider problem. California has spent our tax dollars on toxic prisons like CRC instead of investing in the critical economic, environmental, and health care needs facing Riverside County and other communities. Out-of-control prison spending has directly contributed to our state’s ballooning deficit, projected to reach as much as $73 billion. And yet, Newsom has yet to prioritize more prison closures.   

The time for action is now! Governor Newsom must commit to closing at least five more state prisons, starting with the urgent closure of CRC Norco.

THE CASE FOR CLOSURE

Far from being a “rehabilitation center,” CRC Norco has earned the reputation of being a toxic prison due to its history of horrendous and unsafe conditions. Marked for closure in 2012 by then-Governor Jerry Brown, the state allocated $810 million to construct prison housing elsewhere. However, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) opted to keep CRC operational anyway, supposedly to ‘alleviate overcrowding’ in other state prisons.

Conversations with the families of incarcerated people and responses to surveys sent inside the prison describe deplorable conditions and treatment, including, rodent and cockroach infestations, unsafe drinking water, overcrowding, high temperatures, violence caused by staff, and unreliable program access: 

• “It is my belief that this place has outlived its useful life, and due to the lack of structural integrity, this place should be closed. A lot of the buildings that we are housed in are in dire need of extensive repairs. None of the walls or the ceilings are insulated. The plumbing is (at best) very outdated. There is asbestos all over this place, and that in itself is a health hazard. The staff are advised not to drink the water here!” - James D, Incarcerated in CRC
• "Without air conditioning, summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees F, with only 5 fans for 100 people." - Anonymous, Incarcerated in CRC
• "Built in the early 1900s, the dorms are overcrowded with 50 double bunks and the toilets constantly break down." - Anonymous, Incarcerated in CRC
• "CDCR's promotion and instigation of violence, antipathy and retaliation as methods of control has worsened my PTSD. I lost access to all programs upon arrival, facing discrimination and systematic punishment beyond my sentence." - Matthew Witecki, Incarcerated in CRC
• “Lack of program access is the number one challenge I have faced inside CRC Norco.” - Anonymous, Incarcerated in CRC 

Myth of Success: Norco is often portrayed as a “resource rich” prison, but this label misrepresents the daily reality of those incarcerated within its walls who report serious obstacles to accessing programs. CRC “leads the state in degrees awarded in prisons” due to the perseverance of the incarcerated population despite their environment, not because of it. While increasing education opportunities at state prisons is positive, declaring CRC or any other prison “rehabilitative” based on educational programs alone misses the bigger picture. It’s time to close CRC—not remodel or “reimagine” it. All California prisons, including CRC, face systemic issues that cannot be solved by superficial reforms or new buildings.

Broad Consensus: While there is no ‘wrong’ state prison to close, the call to shutter CRC has existing community support. Prison closure is part of the city’s official legislative platform and has been supported by local lawmakers. In 2021, the coalition Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB) named CRC Norco as the top state prison to close based on a survey of more than 2000 incarcerated people.  

Heeding Community Voices: With numerous Norco residents and the wider community voicing a desire for CRC’s closure, politicians have a chance to demonstrate their responsiveness to public sentiment. Past proposals by local lawmakers have called for prison closure coupled with reinvestment strategies aimed at revitalizing the area. Across the nation, closed prisons have been successfully repurposed into vibrant spaces like office buildings, movie theaters, and campgrounds. 

Economic and Community Revitalization: A proposed $1.1 billion is earmarked for CRC's infrastructure repairs. Instead of wasting more money on crumbling prison buildings, these funds could be redirected towards significant economic development initiatives and social services in Norco and neighboring communities. Prison closure will attract new business and create economic opportunities across Riverside County. 

Fiscal Responsibility and Savings: Prison closure will reduce long-term spending as we face a projected deficit of as much as $73 billion. The state’s own nonpartisan budget analysts have advised California to close more prisons, which are projected to have 20,000 empty beds in the next few years. Closing 10 state prisons, as CURB recommends, would save California at least $1.5 Billion annually, and billions more in infrastructure repairs. 

Public Safety: Recent California prison closures in Tracy (DVI) and Susanville (CCC) have been very safe. Closing a prison doesn’t increase crime rates. In fact, prison closure can enhance public safety when resources are redirected towards rehabilitation, education, and community-based programs. Prioritizing funds for mental health services, job training, and housing initiatives over prisons will benefit all Californians.

Take a stand with us by signing the petition, endorsing the call to close more prisons.

Sign the petition today to close Norco and cut prison spending!

We, the undersigned residents, advocates, and community members, urge Governor Newsom to close at least five more state prisons, starting with CRC Norco. Prioritize strong, safe communities by investing in Norco's people, not its prison. 

ACT NOW 

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• TAKE ACTION on prison closures and community reinvestment using this toolkit!
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