Prisons

Illustration of a woman wearing an prison uniform on a laptop labeled "C.D.C.R."; she's surrounded by a pile of textbooks, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation seal, a search input, a browser window with a lock on it, a crossed-out Wifi symbol and a silhouette of a person in a graduation uniform holding up a diploma

高等教育

California inmates can take college classes, but often with no internet and limited tech

Even in California, where prison access to technology and research resources is better than average, students regularly face dead ends.

经过

塔拉·加西亚·马修森

• 8 月 7, 2025

The California Rehabilitation Center, CRC Men's jail in Norco in 2012. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

正义

California names the 5th state prison to close because of falling inmate population

Gov. Gavin Newsom has moved to close five state prisons because of California's falling incarcerated population. The next one in line is in Riverside County.

经过

Adam Ashton

• 8 月 5, 2025

A mural painted on the side of a beige concrete building shows two hands cradling a bright, glowing yellow flower with petals scattering outward. Below the image, text reads “THE HEART OF THE WORLD.” The building is part of a prison complex, with barbed wire fencing and a uniformed guard visible in the background, emphasizing the contrast between the harsh environment and the warmth of the artwork.

正义

How San Quentin prisoners reached around the world to create ‘a piece of freedom’

California committed more than $200 million toward refashioning San Quentin as a hub for rehabilitation. Prisoners followed suit with their own plans to beautify the place with world-class murals.

经过

乔·加西亚

• 8 月 5, 2025

Illustration of several panels; the main panel is of Nathan Gould, a man in his fifties wearing a light blue inmate uniform; the other panels show a vertical prison window, a closeup of an open Bible, Nathan sitting cross-legged while reading the Bible, a hand holding a gavel, and clouds in the sky

正义

He confessed to a killing at 21. Is it time for California to give him a second chance?

California made it easier for young people convicted of serious crimes to get a second chance, except for those sentenced to life without parole. New legislation could change that.

经过

乔·加西亚

• 7 月 29, 2025

A firefighter in red protective gear and a helmet uses a drip torch to ignite dry brush during a controlled burn, as large flames consume vegetation on a hillside. Smoke fills the air under a hazy sky. The figure carries a heavy backpack and stands on a dirt path at the fire's edge.

California’s inmate firefighters deserve decent pay and a chance at a heroic career

California has used incarcerated firefighters since 1915 to battle wildfires. But we don't pay them, protect them or treat them like heroes. Lawmakers could change that.

By Andony Corleto • 7 月 23, 2025

A group of protesters stands behind a red-and-white barricade holding signs that read “ICE out of LA!” and “Education not deportation.” Many participants wear face coverings, sunglasses, and masks. The protest appears to be taking place outdoors in a city setting with palm trees and buildings in the background.

正义

Before LA immigration raids, California prisons tried to help ICE deport its top targets

The Trump administration faults California's sanctuary state law for allowing what it describes as violent criminals to remain in the country. However, that law does not protect people convicted of serious crimes.

经过

温迪·弗莱

和

Byrhonda Lyons

• 7 月 3, 2025

People wearing orange jumpsuits and brown hat stand in line and look towards their right while surrounded by other people in a legislative room.

正义

In a first, California moves toward paying incarcerated firefighters minimum wage

California sent incarcerated firefighters to battle blazes in Los Angeles this year. It's moving toward paying them minimum wage for their work in emergencies.

经过

凯拉·米哈洛维奇

• 7 月 2, 2025

A group of people participate in a demonstration on a city sidewalk. One person at the front holds a red sign that reads "#Disability Rights" and has a prosthetic leg. Another person nearby holds a sign that says "#Save our JOBS!" Several others walk behind them, some wearing shirts with “PRIDE Industries” logos. The scene is active, with people walking and conversing in the background.

We overcame disabilities, addictions and trauma. Now we’re fighting to save our jobs

Sixty workers with disabilities and challenges may lose their cleaning jobs by month's end because the state wants prisoners to do the work.

By Ameer Habeeb • 6 月 23, 2025

Guard towers outside of Kern Valley State Prison on Nov. 15, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

正义

Hunger strike begins as California prisons hand down biggest restrictions since COVID

More than 20 California prisons shut off outside communication for their incarcerated populations under expansive restrictions that took effect this month. Some prisoners commenced a hunger strike in protest.

经过

凯拉·米哈洛维奇

• 6 月 19, 2025

A close-up view of a tan uniform as a "California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation" patch is being stitched on by a sewing machine, with a hand holding the fabric in place. The patch features the California state seal and the word “Eureka.”

正义

California prison union strikes $600 million contract with Newsom that includes furloughs

Some of the perks in a new contract for California prison guards are delayed as Gov. Gavin Newsom seeks concessions from public employee unions to manage the state's deficit.

经过

杜赞奇

• 6 月 17, 2025