It would seem that we are getting more and more people becoming lodged at, leaving , or, just passing through Avenal and the trend is likely to continue. My thinking was there should be thread specific to Avenal where people can post questions with regard to visiting, mail, Quarterly Packages, whatever. Also perhaps a place to post ride-sharing info and the likes, without getting lost in the many other threads that are out there.

If you want to post yard rumors (3 yard is gonna be moved to Folsom is going around on that yard) or, you just want to update (like one part of 3 yard got a 200 gallon hot water heater to serve 300 inmates who BTW have not had hot water for 2 months) It should go here.

Hopefully, the Avenal people already here will contribute and be able to answer questions for the "newbies" AND, when our loved ones get out, possibly they can become contributing members as well.

Post on folks!

Nanoguy

Great idea, my husband has been at Avenal for 3 months now, I have had question on visiting, mail and now on this Valley Fever he is suppose to have. Would love to read other posts on Avenal.

Most of the guys that are sick, are having the cold/flu stuff which comes with the change of seasons in desert areas, which includes allergies. I am told there is a "Medical Officer" we could call at the prison which I intend to do tomorrow. I have alos submitted a form to become an IFC member which meets the first Friday of the month.

For example, one of the 3 yards just got a 200 gallon water heater on Friday. No, it hasn't been installed yet, that's a union job, so, those 300 inmates will still be without hot water as they have been for the last few months. Once they have hot water, some of the cold/flu should go away.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Great Idea I'll be more than happy to help out anyway I can. We have been at Avenal for 3 years now going on starting the 4th ...

You can call and ask for the Lead MTA anytime and they will connect you with them, you might get the secretary though or else the answering machine but they are good about calling back at least that is my experience with them.

They also still have the air conditioners on and of a nite it is very cold yet during the day hot and muggy. They aren't opening up the yards like they are suppose to due to many 'issues' going on within the yards so everyone is stuck inside and they can't get away from passing it around so much without some 'fresh' air

PS. Sacremento has NOT been down yet and there is NO PLAN to move the guys to Folsom as of now. What they have decided is to freeze all of 4 yards move to other yards and making 4 a SNY also.
4 yard was to be completely moved out and turned into SNY by Oct 1st.

The new top fencing is there at the prison and they are 'suppose' to be in the process of putting it on top of the patio's so we can now have those back open again as well. We will wait and see how long that takes lol .......... especially since the new fencing has been there since July lol

Just got word today my husband does have Valley Fever, blood tests confirm that. So they put in a place knowing that with his medical history he would be very at risk for something like this. He is not on medicine for it but will have to be on it for 3 months maybe 6, he does feel better, but for awhile he really thought he was going to die. They also moved him from his dorm to another and he feels much better no pressure from that lady co anymore.

I know he says lots of guys are sick with colds and flu, and what ever else, and it is cold in there. I am going to send him some sweats and thermals and hope for the best.

Sweats and thermals can only come in the form of a Quarterly Package, right? That's what you mean?

Yes, only in quarterly packages!

Glad you hubby got moved.

OH quick piece of advice...On the outside of your enevelopes write STAMPS if your including them. Seems many are losing their stamps they are being sent and the enevelopes are NOT being stamped with the red stamper that they are in there from the beginning so mark them yourself please.

Also do the same with like paper, enevelopes and money orders as well ... that way your guy knows you put them in there when you sent it and also allows the mailroom to know you put them in there and to make sure your guy gets them.

I was asked to post this because it is happening more often than not lately ...

If you send pens and pencils, write that on the outside of the envelope and, with stamps, I usually place a post-it note with the inmate name and CDC number so if the stamps happen to drop on the floor, they know who the stamps belong to.(A little tip provided to me by a CO at the Q.)

If anybody is planning to visit October 8 &9, just FYI, they are having the Avenal Sand Drags then. Never seen them so I don't know if there will be traffic or not. I did notice they are actually putting in a stoplight on the main street of town.

Hello, everyone , Im new , at this , I just registered today. My Son has been at Avenal on the 2 yard, for 17 months , and still has 24 months left. This is first and hopefully last trip , to any of CDC,s Accomodations. My question is , as of present does anyone know the current lockdown status , for Avenal, , I haven't recieved any phone calls , in over a month, or any letters. , 2. Does anyone have knowledge of what a person chances are , of getting approved to visit, if they are a 3 time felon. and a x parolee. that has been out of the system since 1995. On the visiting form they want arrest dates, and your lifes history, of arrests. How strict are they on , a person remembering all that. 3. Also , I read mention of, if a visitor, has implants , they have to go thru all this drama , and get Doctors reports, etc. , Does that include if a person has had neck surgery, and has titanium plates . And one more question. , 4 Can an inmate max out , and discharge thier # , and walk out , with no parole supervison???????? I know that you used to be able to . Thanks for listening , hope you all can help?.......

Thanks for the information, I' m not attending but my brother is so I'll let him know about it... probably traffic and congestion that little town's police department can't handle more than one car at a time on the roads now :haha: :haha: I swear 2 of the deputies look like Barnie Fife from the Andy Griffin Show :ha: :ha:

Greetings and welcome East Side. We are all new at this in one way or another. We all hope and pray your son doesn't put in for a return tour. The LD status changes daily. On Friday after 10am you can call the State Visiting line (800-374-8474) for visiting status, otherwise, you might try calling his counselor at the prison (559-386-0587) who may, or may not be able to help you out. I am guessing he has called you from there before, so, your phone line's not blocked. Sometimes the phone lines are very long, or, the phones get shut off for whatever reason.
You don't mention how often you write him.Havre you written him asking to call, or write? Does he need stamps or enevelopes or both? Call the mail room and ask for Ms. Andrews, the Supervisor who should be able to help out there.
As far as visiting forms, my own opinion is fill it out in full and submit it. If you were approved while your son was in RC then that approval would carry over. It's a kind of "who ever is approving" that day kind of thing as I have experienced. With a past record, if you get approved, you can also probably expect a search when you go to visit.
I think for the titanium plate, a doctor's note is all that is required. You can find out more by calling visiting (559-386-0587 ext.5400) and asking about that.
I have no idea about fulfilling the time and getting out without parole, sorry. Hope I have been a little help at least.
Thanks for being here.Hello, everyone , Im new , at this , I just registered today. My Son has been at Avenal on the 2 yard, for 17 months , and still has 24 months left. This is first and hopefully last trip , to any of CDC,s Accomodations. My question is , as of present does anyone know the current lockdown status , for Avenal, , I haven't recieved any phone calls , in over a month, or any letters. , 2. Does anyone have knowledge of what a person chances are , of getting approved to visit, if they are a 3 time felon. and a x parolee. that has been out of the system since 1995. On the visiting form they want arrest dates, and your lifes history, of arrests. How strict are they on , a person remembering all that. 3. Also , I read mention of, if a visitor, has implants , they have to go thru all this drama , and get Doctors reports, etc. , Does that include if a person has had neck surgery, and has titanium plates . And one more question. , 4 Can an inmate max out , and discharge thier # , and walk out , with no parole supervison???????? I know that you used to be able to . Thanks for listening , hope you all can help?.......

My daughter has titanium rods in her spine and she doesn't set anything off ... I don't know about a whole plate though. But either way a doctor's excuse will be great to have with you incase of a problem.

I talked to my man today and he said that he heard they are going to triple bunk all the dorms. Anyone else heard this? How can they possibly fit all those guys in that small of space? He already waits to use the bathroom, shower, brush his teeth.....

Then he said that the sickness is getting worse not better. He said guys have started to cough up blood!

Found out today that Sacremento is due to come down to Avenal the first week in November to 'check things out' ..well I'm not holding my breath but we will just all have to wait and see ... I'll keep you informed of what I find out.

The TRIPLE bunking happened yesterday in the 310,330, and 350 yards. The bunks are 6 feet 6 inches tall from floor up. Water heater is there but can't be replaced until some new piping is done. Got 50 new guys in from reception yesterday, expecting more today. Taking the 3 yard population from 1300 to 1500 soon. Word is, that Avenal currently has 7200 inmates and is upposed to end up with 10,000 soon. This is not good.

My husband called and told me about those triple bunks..he is on 330 and he said that is so cramped and the tension is already starting because of such tight quarters.

Anyone have to deal with rude counselors at Avenal and know who to complain to?

Eastside,
I have 2 titanium plates in my head and I've never set anything off going thru metal detectors at the court of jail....so you should be fine on that!!! Good luck with visiting and your approval!

I've put a call into the Ombudsman's office regarding the triple bunks. I doubt it will change anything but maybe I can at least get some sort of explanation. He said it's terrible, you can't even walk in there.

i have a lot of avenal questions - if anyone can help, please PM me. thanks :D

I've put a call into the Ombudsman's office regarding the triple bunks. I doubt it will change anything but maybe I can at least get some sort of explanation. He said it's terrible, you can't even walk in there.

Let us know what you hear about this because my husband said it is like a foot between the bunks and it is so cramped and you can't walk and it is only bringing major tension to the situation...

This is 15 to a cell...What is the legal limit???

Can anyone tell me where to get music cd's, I checked barnes an noble and they have them. Does nayone know how many you can send at one time, and how many they can have at all times? And does this have to be a pecial purchase or can I just send them?

I too have been trying to find out about sending music in...not sure which companies are allowed, except, www.walkenhorts.com . They have a music catalog you can download and even print the order forms. Go to "catalogs". They sell both cassette and cd's....and I think this is a special purchase...

I will be visiting Avenal for the first time next weekend (Oct. 1st), my boyfriend was just transfered there a couple months ago, anyone want to tell me what I can expect? I'd sure appreciate it alot! : )

You don't have to send in CD's with the quarterly packages, they can be sent in at any time from the list of providers
Barnes & Noble
B. Dalton
for cd's it list Music by mail, I talked to Steve about it and well he doesn't care for their selection much... I also called music by mail and for them you have to send in 2.00 for the catalog which I refuse to do because 1) they would make a fortune off of us sending our loved ones music...2) they refuse to provide free catalogs to the inmates as well so screw them ...money is too precious for the guys to have to pay for a catalog for us to spend money with them BUT that is just my opinion. Oh they can get 10 is what I was told back in the day and that is what I send ...
Triple bunking is for the SNY yard only which sucks because it's only happening because Sacramento isn't coming down to make a final decision about turning 4 yard into a SNY yard untl November...4 yard was to be completely done by October 1st and it turned into SNY yard but Sacramento said HOLD ON don't do it... and now you have a mess in there on 3 yard with the triple bunking... *(I said that without talking to my friend as to why it is happening but I'll clarify tomorrow and let you know if that is correct or not although I'm sure it is)
I'm sorry you ladies are having to deal with all of this but I'll try to help in any way I can...
Terri

Just a short update. Although I didn't go to visit this weekend, I got word that one of the units on 3 yard finally has warm water for showers. They actually installed the hot water heater Friday. Since they are "creating" an SNY out of 3 yard, they're kinda building it from the ground up. Still triple bunking but hey. At least they have something they haven't had in the last few months....hot water.
This thread is intended, like the title says, for "All things Avenal" so we don't (hopefully) get 3 or 4 different threads started that get filled with duplicate posts and/or meaningless posts. It is intended for quality posts, not necessarily quantity.
The next time I go for a visit, I plan to take some PTO flyers that I will make up and leave them on the windshields of cars in the visitors parking lot....With 8,000 inmates, you would expect alot more family/friends looking for support such as PTO unless they just don't know.

Hi all, what I found out is that they are only triple bunking the corners of the dorms, that if they do all the bunks that way in each dorm it is a violation of the fire code (don't ask me I am just delivering what I was told)

Nanoguy becareful putting things about PTO on the windshield, last person that did it lost visiting rights for a year, they consider it soliciting on THEIR property, and trust me several of their CO's read this site and they have guys sit in van's or cars or trucks keeping an eye on the parking lot all day long. I would hate for you to lose your visiting rights.

I can tell you that they are triple bunking more than the corners. My man is not in a corner and he is triple bunked, the whole dorm is. The Ombudsman's office said that it's tempary, but he has now idea just how long tempary is.

This was a Great Idea...We've been at Avenal almost 5 years. My husband is due to be released November 4th. Does anybody know the proceedures...any resrictions on what I can send for his dress outs?

Bec Marie,
Like I said I was just saying what I was told by a CO that works on another yard so I dunno...

Kayemdee,
CONGRATS on you guys getting away from that place :D :D I have no idea on the dress outs since I have a long time yet to do it, but I know with my friend that was released there in April we sent him black pants and dress shoes and a dress shirt but I have no idea on any of the rules I just helped buy the stuff ...sorry I can't be of more help.
Terri

Does anyone know if they are gonna bring in more toilets to yard 3 with more inmates? My husband said there is already a line to use the toilet. Is this sanitary and legal?

Steves Girl

I'm really sorry, I re-read what I wrote and now can see how it probably seemed pretty snotty toward you. That was not at all how it was intended. I really appreciate all of your information!

I am just frustrated by the whole thing. Again, I'm sorry. What I wrote came out wrong.

Bec

Call R&R at the prison, 1-559-386-0587 (hit 0 and ask the operator for R&R) they will be able to tell you what is acceptable for clothing, as well as the procedure to pick him up.

Thank You

Bec Marie,
No worries, I understand your frustration trust me on that one lol ... what I meant by the corners is the dorms like 310, 330 and 350 those corner dorms and yes all the bunks are tripled they are adding 148 more inmates to that yard. :angry: :angry:
I guess I should have explained it better so I apoligize for that as well...
About more toilets I doubt they do, when they were without water on 3 yard 2 years ago they brought water in to flush but no showers for the guys all bed bath type things only IF you had your own supply of water... they wouldn't bring in porta-potty's at all cause they could be 'turned over' and so forth ... typical lame excuses...
I'm really sorry all of you are going through this mess, Sacremento needs to get off the asses and get down there and see how miserable all the guys are and how nasty it is ...
Not only longer lines for bathrooms, but meal times, linen swapping, medical it is just making everything HARDER.... but then again the more cramped it is the more tempers flare and things happen so more job security ...
Please remind your loved ones that no matter what try to stay calm so they don't put them on lockdown cause they don't have a problem doing it at all ...
I know it's terrible hard and I really feel for the guys as we went through it once last year but luckily Steve wasn't tripled bunked it was just in the gym and they added over 500 inmates to the gym that time :angry:

O.K...No visits this weekend for Blacks or Whites on 2 Yard only. Everyone else is o.k.

Its true they are now putting in bunks 3 high, which is crazy because the person on the bottom and middle has no room to sit, they said it;s kind of like being a submarine. If you have seen any of the old movies you will know what I am talking about. This is at Avenal.

I too heard that it is miserable with these triple bunks on yard 3 and on top of that..the stress level has gone up....causing tension and because of this tension, they had to change the yards to split times so they are given less yard and less space...

Hopefully they will place these extra guys on yard 4 when it opens up. Does anyone know if yard 4 is going to be a level 2?

I just heard that they are starting to use 3 tier bunks in all the dorms. This is inhumane to make these men live this way.

Bluft,
4 yard is already level 2 (I could be VERY WRONG but I think Avenal is all Level 2 UNLESS the inmate has been there long enough and is now a Level 1 which I know several that are Level 1's) but they aren't changing it over to SNY until after Sacremento comes down in November. They moved most of 3 yard to 4 yard and they 'say' they don't have the stuff to make 4 yard into a SNY yard as of yet due to Sacremento putting a "HOLD" on it...
PLUS there is no place to move the guys on 4 yard to other yards right now. seems like everytime one inmate leaves from other yards 2 come in to take his place. In May they had over 500 inmates triple bunked in the gym and they had to find some placement for them within the prison also.

YES, they are triple bunked in the corner dorms right now, for how long no one is sure but they are telling the guys it is temporary. Corner dorms are 310,330 & 350 I'm not sure if there is another one or not I can't remember sorry ...
They are adding 148 new inmates to that yard

I THINK IT IS HORRIBLE to do that due to the size of the YARD!!!! Those men deserve to be treated better than that in my opinion but they don't listen to me at all.

I'll know more after conversations this week with all that I speak to. I'll let you know ASAP ...on any and all changes that they are aware of ...

Does anyone know how to send in reading glasses to an inmate...he told me to put Attn: Medical Facility 3 because he is on yard 3. Has anyone else sent reading glasses in before?

Hello,
I been a member for a while but this is my first time writing. Thanks to all for the helpful information. I have had several annoying issues with Avenal, but I normally brush it off, because of course I feel i am at there mercy when I am visiting my ex. I have not been able to visit my ex for several weeks and this was the only weekend I could go visit because my schedule has been very busy and will be for a very long time. I even had to cancel some appointments so I could visit this weekend. Well, I did not have an appointment, so I waited the 3 hours to visit, went through the entire process, take a number, wait in line, register, wait in the next line, go thru the detectors, wait in the waiting room, then I finally arrived in the visiting room, hand the lady my i.d. and she tells me the guard wants to talk to me, and I would have to go all the way back to the office. Totally embarressed, I walk back all the way back and the guard who called me back, said I failed to place my handicap placard in the windshield and it took her an hour to find my vehicle in the computer system, (dmv list my vechicle and my name as a registered placard driver) and instead of giving me a $270.00 ticket, she was just going to suspend my visit for the day. I told her I had a placard and I just failed to display it and I would go back and hang it. But since It took her an hour to find me (what I made her work?) I lost my visit. I would have rather taken the ticket, I could have sent a copy and it would have been dismissed, but I had no option. Now I am ready to complain with this issue, the vending machine issue, the medical assistance my ex needs that has been denied. I just need the right avenue, if anyone could help please post the info. If you feel its not worth pursuing, please tell me! again, Thanks to all. God Bless!

i am new to this pto so i am so gald i found a thread for avenal my husband is going to be transfered into there sometime this month from donovan
so i need to know about the visiting process i know at donovan they have a car line that starts around 2 am does avenal and also what is the dress code there
any help will mean alot to me

First off....the vendors.Just about everybody and their brother is aware of the problems with the vending machines. This includes prison staff right up to the warden's office.
The vendors have a contract and the prison has notified them in writing of noticed deficienceies and problems. It takes time, but, it is being dealt with.
Now for visiting:
Alrighty then....First things first. Have you been approved for visiting? This entails him sending you a visiting form that he's signed, you fill out all your information and send it back. The form is submitted and usually takes like, 6 weeks to be approved. Visiting will let him know when you are approved and he lets you know or, you can call visiting directly from time to time to find out.
Once you are approved, you can start to visit. Will they be contact visits? Let's assume they are. Visiting days are Saturday and Sunday and 5 major holidays....Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Visiting times are 8am-3pm. In order to visit, it's usually good to make an appointment. To do this, you need to call the visitor's appointment line at 1-559-386-0256, between 10am-1pm on Monday, Tuesday, or Friday. If the line is busy, keep trying. Visits fill up fast.
Now, let's say you can't get an appointment. Well, if you are having contact visits you can have a "walk-in" appointment. Appointments are handled in the Visitor's Center from 8am to 10am, then, people line up, take a number and visitors without appointments are then processed (sometimes slowly, sometimes fast) until about 1 pm.
Every Friday, after 10 am, the statewide visiting hotline is updated which usually lets you know the visiting status for that weekend. The number is 1-800-374-8474. Then press 1,4,2...(I think) Call this line before you go in case there's no visiting on his yard.
You can also call the Visitors Center. Main prison number is 1-559-386-0587...I think Visiting is ext.5400.This is different than the appointment line. They have nothing to do with appointments there.
When you get to the parking lot, make sure you park in an UNMARKED space in the lot. Don't try to park close to the buildings in the VIP spaces..you'll get a ticket.
When you go into the building, you will need to fill out a visitor form, and, give them your driver's license. Then, you'll go through a metal detector, if they deem that you are dressed appropriately. That means, you can't be looking like a "hottie". Skirts can't be more than 2 inches above the knee. No layered tops, no low cut tops, No logo shirts. Slacks and a conservative top would be good. I usually go in black shorts and a gray shirt.
No green, khaki, blue jeans, cargo=military style pants. No orange, green, blue, khaki colored shirts. White, black, and gray are best. This is so the staff can tell the difference between civilians and staff should a problem break out.
No underwire bras.
It's always good to bring an extra change of clothes in case the COs don't like what you're wearing and you have to change. I have seen some women who just don't "get it" and had to change 6 times in one day before they would let her in.
If you want more info on clothing, like shoes etc., call visiting on a Saturday or Sunday morning.
The only items you are allowed to bring in are,(1) Valid I.D.--driver's license, (2) ONE car key only by itself on a key ring (usually the door/trunk key so leave the ignition key in the trunk, and (3) $30 in cash for vending machines. Bring it in a clear see through bag, like a baggie. You will want mostly change, like quarters and maybe 10-12 in 1 dollar bills. Inmates are not allowed to touch the money.
When you go through the metal detector, they will stamp your right hand with an ultraviolet ink stamp and you will proceed into a waiting room to wait to be escorted in groups to the visiting room.
Once you get to the visiting room, you will hand your visiting slip and I.D. to the desk officer and they will assign you a table to sit at. It is a good idea to let them know you are a first time visitor and ask them what their protocols are. If you have to go to the bathroom, you have to sign out and sign back in. Inmates are not allowed to touch the vending machines or microwaves. They can point to what they want and YOU must make the purchase for them.
The visiting room is an open "cafeteria" style setting with low tables, probably 18 inches high, with metal high back chairs. You will go to your assigned table and wait for your guy to get there.
You are allowed to hug him when he arrives and hug him when he leaves, and you can hold hands. That's it. Some get away with a bit more but, if caught, you could get the visit terminated.
After your visit, he will be "stripped out", strip searched before going back to his yard.
Remember, they also have the right to search you if they suspect anything (usually a "pat down"). You are on State property.
As for cheap hotels, the closest city is Coalinga, which is about 15 miles before you get to the prison. Since it's out in the middle of nowhere, they kind of have you over a barrel. I would check Motel 6 and look online for other hotels/motels in the area.
Further south, about 15 miles is Kettleman City and they have an In and Out burger there, along with hotels and motels as well.
Hope this has been helpful and good luck and God Bless.

Avenal State Prison currently allows visiting on the holidays as designated by Title 15:

New Year's Day
Independence Day
Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day.

These are the only days you get extra visiting with...

PS. Remember if you are over 250 miles you have a right to visit the entire time, if the visiting room fills up and that you are asked to give up your table you can use chairs along the walls.

PSS. If you would like pictures taken you will need to purchase your picture ducats when you enter the visiting center where the processing is at, they do NOT sell them on the yards visiting rooms. They are 2.00$ each and there is a quarter machine to make change next to them.

Anyone go to visiting this past weekend??? Just curious how the vending machines were this weekend ....
Friend of mine has offered to take over AVENAL (should the contract be voided out since they aren't living up to their end) and he knows his stuff and won't charge us a fortune...

I am freaking out. I have just read through this whole thread and I am losing it. Whats this "valley fever" ? How can they just let these guys live like this? Paul is at NKSP and I thought that was bad! He is supposed to be transferred to Avenal anytime now, hopefully later than sooner. I am telling him to appeal the transfer. He has already got time added for unavoidable incidents and walked away from a thousand he could. This is so inhumane.

From what I understand the 'valley fever' has flu like symptoms but flu medicine doesn't cure it, they have to like ride it out although I also read where some are getting antibiotics ... but basically I understand it's pretty much under control now and not many still have it.
I could be wrong but I haven't heard of any new cases lately ...

Greetings and welcome East Side. We are all new at this in one way or another. We all hope and pray your son doesn't put in for a return tour. The LD status changes daily. On Friday after 10am you can call the State Visiting line (800-374-8474) for visiting status, otherwise, you might try calling his counselor at the prison (559-386-0587) who may, or may not be able to help you out. I am guessing he has called you from there before, so, your phone line's not blocked. Sometimes the phone lines are very long, or, the phones get shut off for whatever reason.
You don't mention how often you write him.Havre you written him asking to call, or write? Does he need stamps or enevelopes or both? Call the mail room and ask for Ms. Andrews, the Supervisor who should be able to help out there.
As far as visiting forms, my own opinion is fill it out in full and submit it. If you were approved while your son was in RC then that approval would carry over. It's a kind of "who ever is approving" that day kind of thing as I have experienced. With a past record, if you get approved, you can also probably expect a search when you go to visit.
I think for the titanium plate, a doctor's note is all that is required. You can find out more by calling visiting (559-386-0587 ext.5400) and asking about that.
I have no idea about fulfilling the time and getting out without parole, sorry. Hope I have been a little help at least.
Thanks for being here.
Thanks for the info, Nanoguy , it did help , My visiting form isn't approved yet , Last weekend , his Grandfather ,and Brother, had a appt. when they got there , they said 2 was locked down , no visits. Then lastnight my son finally called and said he went to the hole for 5 days, he didnt get into any details , but said they moved him from 2 to 4, he was mad about it.too. , to switch the subject, My son was really sick with a rash , and joint aches, and said he felt really weak, and that his whole body ached , with fever and chills, but that was about , 4 months ago. NE ways , they prescribed him this pill that finally did the trick , he said whatever it was is gone.
The name of it was Aclavar. If any of you want to mention it , to your Man . My son said he was off work for awhile with it . So do any of you have any info , on what 4 yard is like compared to 2. Thanks for listening .

From what I understand the 'valley fever' has flu like symptoms but flu medicine doesn't cure it, they have to like ride it out although I also read where some are getting antibiotics ... but basically I understand it's pretty much under control now and not many still have it.
I could be wrong but I haven't heard of any new cases lately ...

Thanks ladies. Thats a good thing that they have got it somewhat under control, and Pauls a pretty healty strong guy, does'nt get sick very easy, hope that means something. They took Pauls DNA at NKSP so I guess he is close to being transferred. He has wanted out of NKSP for months and was/is looking forward to the transfer! I feel so bad that he is looking forward to it when where he is going is worse and even more crowded than NKSP. I did'nt want him going to Avenal blind so I have wrote him this last week and explained to him what I have been reading and know about it. I don't know if my mail will reach him in time. Looks like I will be an official member of the Avenal club, unless they change up on us and transfer him somewhere else, but I got it from Ken Hurdle that it would be Avenal. What is the ombudsman there like, Domingo? By the way, I am Christina, nice to meet you all.:)

Well 4 yard has a lot of people on medications selected dorms I should say, a lot of workers are there also ... it isn't nearly as bad as what 3 yard has become lately with the triple bunking.
There are no triple bunks on 4 yard. They get all their yard time, getting their packages is easier, meal times go smoothly. Do you which part of yard 4 he is on? like 410, 420,430 or which one? PM it to me if you like and I can give you more information, Each dorm is different is why I am asking.

I also know about yard 1 and 5 so I have most of them covered lol ... just kidding but I have friends on all yards and get excellent details on things from them all ... :)

As an FYI...No visiting on 530 yard and maybe all 5 yards this weekend.

I have contacted the state fire marshall asking about the triple bunking thing and also the over crowding. That can't possibly be legal and it has to jeopardize our guys safety.

I have contacted the state fire marshall asking about the triple bunking thing and also the over crowding. That can't possibly be legal and it has to jeopardize our guys safety.

I'm so glad you did that cause others have contacted CDC and they are the ones that did this. Also there is always a long line to use the toilets too. My husband siad, all there is is long lines for everything now!!!!

Ya just beat me to the punch on that one...And OSHA won't handle the Health & Safety Code violations so, we'll have to look elsewhere for that.

Ya just beat me to the punch on that one...And OSHA won't handle the Health & Safety Code violations so, we'll have to look elsewhere for that.

What did OSHA say? I am waiting on the response from the SFM, should be tomorrow hopefully. I have been reading up a ;ittle on the fire codes, don't know enough yet to comment either way yet. But ya, the CDCR is not going to be doing anything anytime soon so we definitely need to look for other options. If enough of us start bringing this to the SFM attention, we have a better chance at getting action. I will keep on going at different angles until someone acts.

How do we contact SFM? Maybe we should all call and if they get alot of calls regarding the same issue, that might get their attention.

http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/images/spacer.gif OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
1131 " S " Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
PO Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460
Tel. (916) 445-8200
Fax. (916) 445-8509
http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/images/spacer.gif
Chief Ruben Grijalva

Kings County Environmental Health Services
Keith Winkler, Director
330 Campus Drive
Hanford, CA 93230
Phone: (559) -584-1411
Fax: (559) -584-6040
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Friday

http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/images/spacer.gif OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
1131 " S " Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
PO Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460
Tel. (916) 445-8200
Fax. (916) 445-8509
http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/images/spacer.gif
Chief Ruben Grijalva

Now this is working together! I just came here to post the above before I headed off to bed and ya beat me to it, right on...:thumbsup:

Out of curiosity I went looking for info on valley fever and here's a link if anyone else is interested.

http://www.valley-fever.org/

Can cause serious long term health problems, lead to meningitis and death if left untreated. Kinda scary stuff.

Out of curiosity I went looking for info on valley fever and here's a link if anyone else is interested.

http://www.valley-fever.org/

Can cause serious long term health problems, lead to meningitis and death if left untreated. Kinda scary stuff.


Also the link is to a "First Gov" website and it does have a "contact us" option which I of course used to ask if they could substantiate that inmates at ASP were indeed being infected with valley fever. And if they were, are they being given appropriate medical treatment.

I also contacted the Center for Disease Control with the same questions. After reading what complications valley fever can have I think it is essential to try and make certain our loved ones are receiving the appropriate medical care.
http://www.cdc.gov/netinfo.htm

Attagirl! As for the overcrowding issue, when you contact the health authorities, it is important to note that the housing units used to hold 100 cells with 2 prisoners per cell, which were ripped out in favor of the now infamous "triple bunking" using the same amount of liveable space for 350 inmates instead of 200. In the past, some cases argued and were upheld that inmates should have no less than 48 square feet of "living space" each and that didn't count space outside their immediate living area.
I dunno, it's hard to find accurate info but I'll keep looking for something solid to use.

Just wanted to let all of you that need or want to get ahold of me it is easier to PM me.

Hi my husband is at Avenal and he does have "valley fever". Thye called him in last week to talk to him and they seened to know alot about "me". The wanted to know if i was a doctor or nurse. I am not but I do work in the health care field and I know many doctors who know about valley fever. Thye have given me lots of info on it. I sent some to my husband last week. He has a immune system that is not so good after a 1999 brain tumor and chemo and radation.

Its interesting to note that wher Avenal is is and area well known to have vally fever and from August to Nov seems to be the time is really gets bad. So I e mailed everyone I could in our local govermant and the cdc and anyone elase that I though would listen,, and its seems someone did. They talked with him for over an hour asking all kinds of questions. I hope this is a good thing. He said they seemed to be upset or maybe a little sacared, if that possible about all this.

I feel that knowing he had problems already that they sent him to a place where he was sure to get it, so I feel that it is there fault. They take them away, take away all there freedom and then get them sick with something like this that my husband will have to deal with the rest of his life.

[quote=zunigan]Hi my husband is at Avenal and he does have "valley fever". Thye called him in last week to talk to him and they seened to know alot about "me". The wanted to know if i was a doctor or nurse. I am not but I do work in the health care field and I know many doctors who know about valley fever. Thye have given me lots of info on it. I sent some to my husband last week. He has a immune system that is not so good after a 1999 brain tumor and chemo and radation.

Its interesting to note that wher Avenal is is and area well known to have vally fever and from August to Nov seems to be the time is really gets bad. So I e mailed everyone I could in our local govermant and the cdc and anyone elase that I though would listen,, and its seems someone did. They talked with him for over an hour asking all kinds of questions. I hope this is a good thing. He said they seemed to be upset or maybe a little sacared, if that possible about all this.

Good for you getting their attention. Who did you email and contact so that we can also let them know we are aware of this situation. The more people they realize are informed, the less likely they will be to pul any BS and give half a**ed medical care to these guys. I have been contacting news papers, news stations, officials...anyone or place I think will check it out and be up their butts about it. I am so sorry that you're husband is sick in there, much less at all. I will keep him, the both of you in my prayers and, let us know who you contacted so we can as well ok?

I got a reply from the State Fire Marshalls Office. Am waiting to hear from Mr. Paez now.



Thank you for your inquiry. I am forwarding your email to Ernie Paez, Supervising Deputy State Fire Marshal, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Fire and Life Safety, South Region, for handling. He or his staff will be in contact with you regarding this issue. The phone number for the South region of the Fire and Life Safety is ((626) 305-1908.

Penny Nichols
SFM - CAIRS Program Coordinator
penny.nichols@fire.ca.gov
(916) 445-8435
FAX: (916) 445-8459

Ernie Paez's email: ernie.paez@fire.ca.gov

Ernie Paez's email: ernie.paez@fire.ca.gov


Thank you so much! Have you been in contact with him? Anything I information I should know to be more prepared for interaction with him?????

I emailed him this evening. I am not sure what to expect, but I asked for him to direct me in the right direction if he isn't the one to talk to...I will post what he tells me!!!

I emailed him this evening. I am not sure what to expect, but I asked for him to direct me in the right direction if he isn't the one to talk to...I will post what he tells me!!!


Excellent! I am also anxious to see what he says to you. My email was forwarded to him so I will also let you know what I get. TY!

Excellent! I am also anxious to see what he says to you. My email was forwarded to him so I will also let you know what I get. TY!

I got a reply that he is forwarding it to the deputy of that area!

I got a reply that he is forwarding it to the deputy of that area!

This what I got:

Please contact me directly at the number below or you can send me a formal letter at the address below with more information in regards to your concerns.

Ernie Paez
Supervising Deputy
Fire & Life Safety Division-South
602 E. Huntington Dr., Suite A
Monrovia CA., 91016
(626)305-1908

That sounds promising. What was your complaint or concern?

That sounds promising. What was your complaint or concern?


I spoke to Mr.Paez this afternoon. He in talking mentioned that he had recieved another complaint (you'res) re: the overpopulation issue at Avenal and that he had forwarded you're complaint to a deputy fire marshall specific to that area (GOOD WORK!:thumbsup:). This is what he told me in a nutshell. That generally, any complaints must be in writing (so you got it done w/o that:D ). Be as specific as possible, citing a prison and the conditions that you believe warrant them looking into that prison. They, by law HAVE to follow up on any written requests. They also have to forward any complaints to the specific prison as well and notify them that they will be coming to do an inspection. Kinda sh*tty, cause this gives them time to "fix" things", but also I thought what and how are they gong to shuffle so many men w/o it being obvious they have done so? It also will send the message to the prison that someone (us) is paying attention. So I am writing a letter tonight to Mr. Paez re the overcrowding at Avenal and HDSP reception which is at 683.0% capacity.
Re: the triple bunking: He said that is not neccessarily against state fire code. A prison does however have to file permits for this and show that they do have the appropriate amount of fire exits, sprinklers, and fire alarms (ask you're loved one if they have these things!) for the area they are implementing triple bunking in. The going over design capacity is against fire code, from what I understood. He also said a prison rights activist group has contacted him re these issues, they made an error in their addressing these issues though, they were concerned with all California prisons, which Mr.Paez said is to broad and area for them to take up issue with. Targeting specific prisons will be more effective. Sorry to ramble. It also sounded to me like he is concerned that he had recieved 2 complaints about the same prison. I suggest that everyone write him, must be on paper and snail mailed, the addy is above.

As for the toilets and hotwater issues. I did ask what agency I needed to contact re: toilets and such, (for clarification) and he said that was the health department's jurisdiction.

This is going to cause some movement ladies/guys....cause and effect.

Well, that is all positive!!!:thumbsup: Thanks for all the info.
I too mentioned the toilets and also the cooling/heating system. I will ask my husband to give me more specific info on the exits and all that. He has told me that the ventilation isn't good with all the inmates and they would have never made it thru the hottest part of summer with all of them.

Next stop: Health Department!

Hello Ladies,
I am kind of new to the Avenal thread but not real new. It's very interesting & good that you all are taking these steps w/ the issues at the prisong. My fiance' was just transferred there I havent heard a lot of wrong from him yet as we have only talked 1 an 1/2 times if you know what I mean. Anyway you ladies are on the ball I too would like to help in anyway I possibly can. Keep up the good work,
GOD bless & i'll definately keep this in my prayers...

Hello Ladies,
I am kind of new to the Avenal thread but not real new. It's very interesting & good that you all are taking these steps w/ the issues at the prisong. My fiance' was just transferred there I havent heard a lot of wrong from him yet as we have only talked 1 an 1/2 times if you know what I mean. Anyway you ladies are on the ball I too would like to help in anyway I possibly can. Keep up the good work,
GOD bless & i'll definately keep this in my prayers...


If you want to write the Ernie Paez regarding the overcrowding that would help tremendously. The more persons that make a complaint the more attention the issue will receive.

It would appear as though Avenal had a "Fire Inspection" yesterday, which amounted to nothing more than a fire officer, a suit, and one other person walking into the center of the "pods", looking around, conversing amongst themselves then leaving. There was no inspection of living spaces at all (you know, like "maximum occupancy of this area is...")
It may have been a local "pre-inspection" visit just in case Admin got wind of an impending State inspection, so, Admin is awaiting the State Fire Marshall or his representative and should be ready to answer all their questions...Those of you contacting Ernie may want to e-mail or write and ask about this and see if he knows about it.

I e mailed Ken Hurdle @cdcr.ca.gov and let him know my concerns about the triple bunking and also health concerns at Avenal. I recieved an e mail this morning telling me that they know about it, and that since so many inmates are sent to prisons they must use all available space to house them. He also said he would forward my concerns about the health issues there to the Ombudsman Ralyn Conner, and that I could call her at 916-324-6123.

I think if we all keep emailing and calling these people at least they will know what we are concerned about and someone may do something. I do know that they did call my husband in to talk to him about me e mailing and calling and complaing about his heatlh care, so someone must have called them. I think the more we do this the sicker they will get of us and so something>!!!!

Rumor has it that they are getting ready to "flip" 4 Yard to an SNY finally and this may help alleviate some of the triple bunking.

That is the rumor my husband has been hearing about yard 4 too. I hope that happens very soon since they keep bringing in more inmates.

and about the fire inspection, thanks for letting us know that there was some kind of half-a** inspection. I did ask my husband about sprinklers, exits and alarms..he said, no sprinklers but he thinks they have a fire hose, and they only have 4 exits for 360 inmates and they never perform fire-drills.

You might also want to e-mail the Ombudsman for Avenal, Mr. Domingo Uribe.
domingo.uribe@cdcr.ca.gov

Good work, its a step in the right direction. I feel that if we keep applying pressure such as this, its going to eventually get to Hickman and the Govenor that citizens are'nt in the dark re: the conditions and they are going to have to act. No amount of shuffling is going to make adequate room for the bodies in the system and thats the bottom line. They can only keep it quiet for so long and I think its coming to the end of the line. I certainly will be following up with Mr. Paez as well as contacting Mr. Uride. Thanks for letting us know about the inspection! Yay!!!!!

You might also want to e-mail the Ombudsman for Avenal, Mr. Domingo Uribe.
domingo.uribe@cdcr.ca.gov

Thanks for that email...I just sent my concerns his way!!!

I got an auto reply..Mr. Domingo is no longer who we contact...
contact:
Ken.Hurdle@corr.ca.gov

Yes, I just called Mr. Hurdle's number and he is out "in the field" this whole week, but says he will check messages and get back to us. He is the HEAD Ombudsman, so my question is,"who is the new Ombudsman for Avenal?" I know Mr. Uribe was handling about 9 different institutions. As for an e-mail address for Mr. Hurdle, you might want to try: ken.hurdle@cdcr.ca.gov
That's it for now.....:)

O.K....I received e-mail back from Mr. Hurdle, who is head of the Ombudsman Office and as of now, ALL questions for Avenal Ombudsman should be directed to him and he will assign Ombudspeople as necessary on a staff available basis. My guess is Lonnie Jackson is gonna start getting alot of it, and, whoever has a spare moment. Might not be a bad idea to have all the other PTO members with questions send them to him also.

Heres what I got regarding the valley fever issue:

Subject: Re: Valley fever at Avenal State Prison

Ms. Cornman,

Thank you for your inquiry. This department, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, is not an enforcement department and has no jurisdiction over the state prisons and therefore, is not the proper department to handle your inquiry. However, I have looked into where your inquiry should be directed and here is what I came up with.

1. You can call the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at (916) 322-2544 and ask for the "Officer of the Day", who should be able to answer your inquiry.

2. You can call the county health officer of Kings County to see if they will handle your inquiry. County health officers are responsible for health problems and outbreaks in their counties. Unfortunately, I was unable to find out if they have any authority or jurisdiction over state prisons but you can call them to ask about this. The number for Dr. Michael MacLean (Health Officer of Kings County where Avenal is located) is (559) 582-3211, ext. 2876. I called that number and had to leave a voicemail but haven't heard back from that health dept. yet. If I find out any more information from them, I will send it to you. In the meantime, you should call yourself since you may have better luck than me reaching them.

3. The Dept. of Health Services of the state of California has an Infectious Disease Section, which may handle your inquiry. They said that they don't get involved unless the county health officer is contacted first. The number for that section is (510) 620-3434.

I hope you will find this information useful.

William Ngai, M.D., M.P.H.
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology Branch
1515 Clay Street, 16th Floor
Oakland, California 94612
Phone (510) 622-3221
Fax (510) 622-3218

I will be contacting the county health officer next it appears, lol.

Heres what I got regarding the valley fever issue:

Subject: Re: Valley fever at Avenal State Prison

Ms. Cornman,

Thank you for your inquiry. This department, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, is not an enforcement department and has no jurisdiction over the state prisons and therefore, is not the proper department to handle your inquiry. However, I have looked into where your inquiry should be directed and here is what I came up with.

1. You can call the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at (916) 322-2544 and ask for the "Officer of the Day", who should be able to answer your inquiry.

2. You can call the county health officer of Kings County to see if they will handle your inquiry. County health officers are responsible for health problems and outbreaks in their counties. Unfortunately, I was unable to find out if they have any authority or jurisdiction over state prisons but you can call them to ask about this. The number for Dr. Michael MacLean (Health Officer of Kings County where Avenal is located) is (559) 582-3211, ext. 2876. I called that number and had to leave a voicemail but haven't heard back from that health dept. yet. If I find out any more information from them, I will send it to you. In the meantime, you should call yourself since you may have better luck than me reaching them.

3. The Dept. of Health Services of the state of California has an Infectious Disease Section, which may handle your inquiry. They said that they don't get involved unless the county health officer is contacted first. The number for that section is (510) 620-3434.

I hope you will find this information useful.

William Ngai, M.D., M.P.H.
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology Branch
1515 Clay Street, 16th Floor
Oakland, California 94612
Phone (510) 622-3221
Fax (510) 622-3218

I will be contacting the county health officer next it appears, lol.

I just got a follow up from Mr. Ngai


Subject: Re: Valley fever at Avenal State Prison

Ms. Cornman,

You're welcome. I was just going to send this followup. The health dept. (county health officer's dept.) at Kings County called back and said that they do have jurisdiction over state prisons but when there's an infectious disease outbreak, they may work in conjunction with the prison on it. Therefore, you may want to try the Kings County Health Officer's number I sent you. Good luck.

Excellent.

Oh riiiiiiggghhhttt....We can see where this is gonna go...."Hi. Mrs. Powers. We have a report of Valley Fever in one of your yards. Anything to that?" "No. We take very stringent precautions and follow up immediately. It's handled by our medical staff (who takes 35 days to get to someone for a sinus infection which has since cleared up, or 5 weeks to get an inmate surgery on a broken wrist which they have to re-break in surgery, then, 2 weeks later, pull the same inmate for an EKG because they forgot to do it BEFORE surgery) and they have not reported anything like this to me."
"Oh. O.k....Just checking. Good-bye."
That's gonna be the size of it. The town has 15,000 people in it and 7,200 of those are inmates. There is a large CCPOA (COs) group who basically dictate who gets elected to county office there.

Please call before heading out to visit I just heard that some yards are on lockdown, I don't know which ones just that some were ... hope it isn't any of ya'll's

Oh riiiiiiggghhhttt....We can see where this is gonna go...."Hi. Mrs. Powers. We have a report of Valley Fever in one of your yards. Anything to that?" "No. We take very stringent precautions and follow up immediately. It's handled by our medical staff (who takes 35 days to get to someone for a sinus infection which has since cleared up, or 5 weeks to get an inmate surgery on a broken wrist which they have to re-break in surgery, then, 2 weeks later, pull the same inmate for an EKG because they forgot to do it BEFORE surgery) and they have not reported anything like this to me."
"Oh. O.k....Just checking. Good-bye."
That's gonna be the size of it. The town has 15,000 people in it and 7,200 of those are inmates. There is a large CCPOA (COs) group who basically dictate who gets elected to county office there.


Are you saying it will do no good to contact the Kings county health department??? Or the information officer??? I wanst even going to waste my time on calling the prison itself though.

No, I'm not saying that. It would just be better if it wasn't a "local" thing because of all the heavy influence the prison has. Just gonna take a hammering from a position of strength to make sure they are motivated to do something. If I get a chance, I'll look into who would inspect, how they got that job, and see if they wanna keep it. You know, who's their boss, and on up the chain, etc.
As an aside. There is NO visiting on 5 yard once again for this weekend. All other yards are on normal visiting program.

No, I'm not saying that. It would just be better if it wasn't a "local" thing because of all the heavy influence the prison has. Just gonna take a hammering from a position of strength to make sure they are motivated to do something. If I get a chance, I'll look into who would inspect, how they got that job, and see if they wanna keep it. You know, who's their boss, and on up the chain, etc.
As an aside. There is NO visiting on 5 yard once again for this weekend. All other yards are on normal visiting program.


Ya, I had that feeling too. I am still looking for a contact above the Kings county health department that will take this up. Wow, you are a plethera of info! I like it!!!! I am sooo not awake yet, I cannot remember if I posted that I did call/left message with the health dept. or not, lol. I did that yesterday so wont hear back till Monday at the earliest. You are awesome!

Thanks...just trying to do some leg work....If you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, it just means somebody's been there before you. We should try to be "the light" for those that follow behind.
Rumor has it....(and we all know rumors may or may not be credible) that the whole prison is on modified lock down with an emergency ID count yesterday. Apparently, someone tried to escape. Also, inmates have to sign up for phone calls/times so the COs know when they are going to be turning on the phones.

Thanks...just trying to do some leg work....If you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, it just means somebody's been there before you. We should try to be "the light" for those that follow behind.
Rumor has it....(and we all know rumors may or may not be credible) that the whole prison is on modified lock down with an emergency ID count yesterday. Apparently, someone tried to escape. Also, inmates have to sign up for phone calls/times so the COs know when they are going to be turning on the phones.


What a great way to look at it! Gotcha on the rumor thingy. TY for sharing the rumored info though :thumbsup: .

Go figure.......I was paying bills today and lo and behold, my phone bill. Turns out the MCI calls are only $5.30 each for 15 minute collect calls, and here I've been paying PCO $7.40 each....Time to stop that right away.

I just received a phone call from the Kings county health department, from a Joanne Taylor, RN. She asked what my concerns were regarding and I of course told her that many inmates are ill and that we are being told that it is valley fever. I also explained to her that some are or have become so sick that they were coughing up blood. I also mentioned that due to the overcrowding at Avenal, I was concerned about the overall sanitary conditions, ie toilet facilities. She said that they would be following up with the prison and I asked that she please get back to me and let me know what their conclusions were.

Yay! Responses!!! We love responses. I hope they really do look into it and actually go and check out the situation.

I received a callback from Mrs.Taylor and it appears that the Kings county health department has no jurusdiction over any healthcare issues involving the CDCR (wish they would have had the story straight from the gate!). I did mention to her that I had also contacted the CDC and she said thats great because.......the CDC has been involved with a valley fever issue at a Kern county prison (she would not tell me which one). Apparently they took over all health care aspects at the prison regarding inmates w/ valley fever. Gee...I wonder why?

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Judge Henderson just turn all medical of the CDC into someone else's hands?

Thanks for saying that, it reminded me that I actually mentioned that the prison healthcare system had been turned over to the federal government and Mrs. Taylor tells me "No". Which we all no is incorrect.

As well as a Co...Figueroa having just died from complications of Valley Fever. He worked at Pleasant Valley.

As well as a Co...Figueroa having just died from complications of Valley Fever. He worked at Pleasant Valley.


OH LOVELY! Wow, you would think this would make the damn news wouldnt you! TY!

I heard from Paul, he is in the gym and they arent triple bunking the men, but the triple bunks are there just not utilizing the middle/coffin I guess.

Has anyone heard that they may be moving some of the inmates at Avenal? My husband is on yard 3 and he says everyone is talking about them moving them to somewhere in Sacramento? Where is there a sny up there.? Avenal is 4 hours away for me, now if they go to Sacramento thats an 8 hour or more drive. Does any one know if this should happen, would I then be able to visit, since I would have to go so far to see him. They denied my visitation in June saying I did not fill out the form right. Now I have to wait until Jan to re apply.

I'll ask my husband if he has heard these rumors too...for some reason I remember him saying something about Old Folsom or New Folsom...does anyone know if either of those has an sny yard?
And I think you would still have to send in a visiting application...I would just to be on the safe side.

It's Old Folsom.....But apparently, they aren't moving anyone until they "flip" 4 yard to SNY also. In the meantime, the entire prison remains on Lockdown/modified lockdown. Yes, that means the mail is getting backed up, as welll as the quarterly packages, etc. Only people with necessary jobs are being allowed to go to work. The last 2 weeks the problems were coming from 5 Yard and now it appears 6 Yard is carrying on. It will be interesting to hear the visiting line on Friday.

It's Old Folsom.....But apparently, they aren't moving anyone until they "flip" 4 yard to SNY also. In the meantime, the entire prison remains on Lockdown/modified lockdown. Yes, that means the mail is getting backed up, as welll as the quarterly packages, etc. Only people with necessary jobs are being allowed to go to work. The last 2 weeks the problems were coming from 5 Yard and now it appears 6 Yard is carrying on. It will be interesting to hear the visiting line on Friday.


So they are not getting their mail??? Or is it just super slow?? I still have not heard from the CDC. I had emailed them and if I don't hear back today, I will call instead.

I got a reply from Ken Hurdle, the Ombudman..he said :

I will have someone from the office review your issue and get back
with you by the middle of next week. I currently do not have an ombudman
assigned to Avenal so we will have to work this into our current schedule.

And about the mail...my husband has been getting his mail really, really slow...and I have been getting his letters postmarked, days and days after he put them out to be mailed...so, they get mail, but it really is "snail mail" these days!!!

TY! I got a letter from Paul postmarked 10/14 and received it 10/17 but it was only a short one pager so I don't know if that has anything to do w/it.

Well just a quick update on the vendor issues, I received emails from a few "higher" ups and I know they had a meeting yesterday with the vendors. Hopefully things are going to get back to the way they are "suppose" to be, we will fine out this weekend I guess.

Also I read about some having problems with mail, I'm fortunate I haven't had that problem at all, I get them in every 4 days as normal. Also received a 7 page letter from one of my friends on 3 yard also within the 4 days period.

Well just a quick update on the vendor issues, I received emails from a few "higher" ups and I know they had a meeting yesterday with the vendors. Hopefully things are going to get back to the way they are "suppose" to be, we will fine out this weekend I guess.

Also I read about some having problems with mail, I'm fortunate I haven't had that problem at all, I get them in every 4 days as normal. Also received a 7 page letter from one of my friends on 3 yard also within the 4 days period.




Well thats good. I am still mad at the mailman today though! LOL.

I don't blame you on being mad at him either ...

I'm was just called and told that the Prison is going back on normal program, no more modified program and it will be in about 2 hours when it is done.
I'm not sure about 5 yard though that was on lockdown ...sorry can't help anymore than that

I don't blame you on being mad at him either ...


Hopefully tomorrow he will show me some love! LOL! Glad to hear that they are going back to reg program...so you can have you're visits normal right?? I dont visit, but I feel badly for all of you when you are missing you'res.

Does anyone here have any friends or family that have recently transfered from San Quentin to Avenal in the past 8 months? Thank you.

Sorry....No transfer from the Q here....As an aside, programs are back to normal. As far as the mail being backed up, my son just got my letter yesterday(Oct.19), dated Oct. 11. The QP are backed up and stacked up. R&R is so backed up, they're trying to back up the mail room with the packages. Hopefully this will be alleviated soon.

All visiting is on for the weekend, no lockdowns as of right now :)

I have contaced NBC news in LosAngeles re: the valley fever issue at Avenal and other central CA prisons and I received an email back saying she would forward my info to investigators. It may be helpful if others contact her with their concerns as well.

Wendy.Harris@nbcuni.com

http://www.cdc.gov/netinfo.htm

Emergency Response 1-800-232-4636

CONTACT US
If you have not found the information you need from either the Health Topics page noted above, or from the preceding categories of Frequently Asked Questions, please call us at 1-800-311-3435, or send us your inquiry by clicking here:


Info about valley fever from dhs/cdc
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/disb/pdf/Valleyfever%208-02.pdf

Avenal Yard 5 is on lock down for third weekend in a row.

Not surprised. 5 Yard was responsible for 2 emergency counts and modified LD for the entire rest of the prison for 2 weeks. Finally, this past week, LD was lifted, then 6 Yard started acting up. The State 800 number was only updated through Thursday for visiting, so, it is always good to call the Visiting Center on the days of your visits to make sure visits are good to go.
Of course, to read what "The Kid" writes, all the troubles of the world eminate from 3 Yard which is at 275% capacity, with triple bunking, and out of the 6 yards there, holds approximately 22% of the entire population. But hey! At least he can spell, and knows the difference between "your" and "you're" and probably knows that curriculum is not spelled cirriculum. But he would be the anomaly amongst COs.

Not surprised. 5 Yard was responsible for 2 emergency counts and modified LD for the entire rest of the prison for 2 weeks. Finally, this past week, LD was lifted, then 6 Yard started acting up. The State 800 number was only updated through Thursday for visiting, so, it is always good to call the Visiting Center on the days of your visits to make sure visits are good to go.
Of course, to read what "The Kid" writes, all the troubles of the world eminate from 3 Yard which is at 275% capacity, with triple bunking, and out of the 6 yards there, holds approximately 22% of the entire population. But hey! At least he can spell, and knows the difference between "your" and "you're" and probably knows that curriculum is not spelled cirriculum. But he would be the anomaly amongst COs.


:haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha:

Pauls in the gym. Does anyone know what the conditions are like in there??? Or anything else I need/should know about it??? I got only one short letter from him since he has been there and he said he liked it better than NKSP, that a buddy from NKSP was there and he already had a radio he could listen to and had shorts:p .The small things mean so much eh?

The entire time we have been to Avenal, 5 yard has always had their problems, but it has gotten a lot worse with them turning 3 yard into SNY, only because many of the ones that were having problems were seperated by the yards then... I guess what I'm trying to say is 5 yard had for example a large population of Africian Americans and then on 3 yard was the skin heads well with turning 3 into SNY the skin heads were placed on 5 yard with the Africian American... thus major problems.
NOW I AM NOT SAYING THAT THOSE TWO RACES ARE CAUSING THE PROBLEM AT ALL........ I'M SAYING FOR EXAMPLE!!!!!

I hope that makes sense of what I am trying to say, I am NOT blaming anyone for anything just giving examples of what is going on.

The entire time we have been to Avenal, 5 yard has always had their problems, but it has gotten a lot worse with them turning 3 yard into SNY, only because many of the ones that were having problems were seperated by the yards then... I guess what I'm trying to say is 5 yard had for example a large population of Africian Americans and then on 3 yard was the skin heads well with turning 3 into SNY the skin heads were placed on 5 yard with the Africian American... thus major problems.
NOW I AM NOT SAYING THAT THOSE TWO RACES ARE CAUSING THE PROBLEM AT ALL........ I'M SAYING FOR EXAMPLE!!!!!

I hope that makes sense of what I am trying to say, I am NOT blaming anyone for anything just giving examples of what is going on.

I think I understand what you are getting at....that they are putting warring cliques in the same yard?

Yeah. We can thank the Federal Government for that, with their not allowing segregation of prisoners in California anymore......Dolts!

Yeah. We can thank the Federal Government for that, with their not allowing segregation of prisoners in California anymore......Dolts!

Just another example of the sheer genius of our government:rolleyes:

Contacting the warden is,um,shall we say, near impossible?......The prison phone number is 1-559-386-0587, hit 0, ask for the warden's office. More than likely, you will get Lt. Valdez, her admin assistant. Kathy Mendoza-Powers is like the weather lady.......She decides whether she will do, or contact, anything/anyone. There is a 100% chance of whether everyday, it's just whatever she decides. You can try e-mail: kathy.mendoza-powers@cdcr.ca.gov........Chances are, Lt. Valdez will get that too.
P.S.--Steve's Girl I hope your cold gets better.

I tried emailing Lt. Valdez twice...it came back to me as undeliveredable..so, either his mailbox is full or he isn't the assistant anymore!:eek:
Talk about frustrating.

Has anyone gotten a reply back from the fire and safety or health department? Guys are getting sick over and over again on yard 3...I'm not sure who to complain to anymore. :eek::eek::eek:

Ok, first, the assistant warden is not available. Now, I just got my letter back in the mail from the WardenKathy Mendoza-Powers and the envelope reads:

Return to Sender
Temporarily Unavailable
Unable to Forward

Who is running the prison?

I tried emailing Lt. Valdez twice...it came back to me as undeliveredable..so, either his mailbox is full or he isn't the assistant anymore!:eek:
Talk about frustrating.

Has anyone gotten a reply back from the fire and safety or health department? Guys are getting sick over and over again on yard 3...I'm not sure who to complain to anymore. :eek::eek::eek:

I am still working on contacting the CDC infectious diseases dept.. I have called and left a message and nobody has returned my call. I am going to try again here in a minute. Haven't hear back from the SFM, I did send out a formal request/complaint by snail mail last week and they are required by law to respond to it so I will let you know on those.

Nanoguy,
thanks, not much better but getting there.

Mendoza-Powers IS the ACTING warden!! Again, depends if she decides to show up or not it's been that way everytime she is in charge there. Too bad we didn't keep the Warden we had a year ago, but he was ran off somehow. he would talk to you and listen.... oh wait there is my answer HE LISTENED!! Duh!!!!!

One of these years we MIGHT get a Warden that will stay and not just collect the paycheck and be a 'yes' to anyone who needs something well yes to all but the inmates in her own prison OR the CO's that work in her OWN prison, They keep getting conflicting things daily with rule changes and so forth... they can't win for losing either just as our loved ones.

Don't be surprised if you don't hear back from anyone regarding this, if you do it will probably be the form letter we received two years ago saying they do not get involved with Correctional Facilities, they have their own internal policies to handle situations. (or something like that)

This is what I received in response from my emails to the CDC :

the addy is dbmdnet@cdc.gov



----- Original Message -----
From: DBMD Information
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2005 9:22 AM
To:
Subject: 2005-735, Valley fever or Coccidioidomycosis

Ms. -- We have given this information to our specialist in Mycotic Diseases. CDC's role is to assist city, county, and state health departments with outbreak investigations. We appreciate your concern.


Thank you for your inquiry.
Internet Response Team
Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases
National Center for Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

You might e-mail them back and ask who, specifically, at State they co-ordinate with on these matters then, go to them.
just a thought.

You might e-mail them back and ask who, specifically, at State they co-ordinate with on these matters then, go to them.
just a thought.

Done.:D

Attagirl......Everybody else, don't be shy. If there is just one little thing you can do to help out here, I say GO FOR IT! You may have seen the article regarding Chino being over crowded in reception at 225%, how's about somebody checking mainline at Avenal or the SNY at 350% of capacity?

Attagirl......Everybody else, don't be shy. If there is just one little thing you can do to help out here, I say GO FOR IT! You may have seen the article regarding Chino being over crowded in reception at 225%, how's about somebody checking mainline at Avenal or the SNY at 350% of capacity?

No sh*t thats exactly what I was thinking...and they think thats news worthy?? And HDSP reception is at 650.0+ capacity. No, thats not a typo, :eek: its been this way for weeks. I have'nt heard back from the CDC, but I did ask them who specifically in the state of CA they would be working with and how I might contact them.

I think I might have posted this before, but two weeks ago I did get a call from the CDC about my husband. He has "valley Fever" and they talked to me for about 30 minutes. Asked all kinds of questions about him, where he was from, what his medical history was. Why I felt that by sending him to Avenal he was more at rish for getting this condition. The did mail me information on it, and what to have him ask his doctor?? Is that what they are there!!! Any way I also recieved a letter from the Kings County Health depatment, but they stated that they do not get involved in any prison issues. This was in regards to the Valley Fever and the triple bunking, and hot water issues.

I just keep e mailing everyone, I think it makes them crazy.

Was there any contact info on the literature they sent you? Maybe you could post it here?

Was there any contact info on the literature they sent you? Maybe you could post it here?

Ya, that would be good to have. Maybe if more people brought this to their attention, they would be compelled to take action? I wonder why the RN at the Kings County Health Dept told me the CDC had been involved at a Kern County prison for the valley fever issue? Maybe she was confused? Maybe not??? Hmmmmmmm? Stilllllll waiting to hear back from the CDC on that info yesterday. If I don't hear from them by noon, I will call direct again.

I e-mailed Ken Hurdle 2 days ago, then again this morning and he finally responded that he's out in the field collecting information...I'll let you know more when I can.

you might want to ask about the stamps, I was told that those were not allowed and if they were sent in, they would not give to the inmate.

Who told you that? Somebody is scammin you. Stamps are allowed. Problem is, sometimes the stamps fall out of the envelopes and they don't know who the stamps belong to. Whenever I send stamps to either Corcoran or Avenal, I always put a post-it note on the stamps with the inmate's name and CDC# so if they DO fall on the floor, the mail room knows who they belong to. That was a little tip I got from the COs at San Quentin.

I e-mailed Ken Hurdle 2 days ago, then again this morning and he finally responded that he's out in the field collecting information...I'll let you know more when I can.

Good deal!

Just a reminder for all who may be going to visit this weekend, call the State visiting line, 1-800-374-8474 to check for updates and then call the prison visiting center on your way to verify visiting. I'll post tomorrow after visiting if there's any change.

Weekend updates are done Friday after 2pm....So call then (for Avenal).

Yard 5 still on lockdown :( for Avenal friend found out earlier when calling for appointment.

Yard 5 still on lockdown :( for Avenal friend found out earlier when calling for appointment.


Sorry to all who will miss visits....again.:mad:

This is I believe the 4th week in a row, the only thing they found to 'link' to a 'escape attempt' was a bend in the fence no bigger than a baseball size. :rolleyes: yeah right like someone was trying with all the dang wired fencing around that place :rolleyes:

My boyfriend Steve Marquez as some of you know is at Avenal, and a r.o. prevents us to have any contact and so I have been trying to contact the warden and also the d.a. out of fresno where the r.o. was issued, I have yet to make any break thru, any advice, please help. I really miss my man so much, thank you Donna

What's an RO?

Has anyone heard about the brown water coming out of the taps there? My husband said they even announce it over the loud speaker "We have brown water, today!" Yet, they won't supply them with bottled water...however, they can buy some bottled water.

Bluft,
4 yard is already level 2 (I could be VERY WRONG but I think Avenal is all Level 2 UNLESS the inmate has been there long enough and is now a Level 1 which I know several that are Level 1's) but they aren't changing it over to SNY until after Sacremento comes down in November. They moved most of 3 yard to 4 yard and they 'say' they don't have the stuff to make 4 yard into a SNY yard as of yet due to Sacremento putting a "HOLD" on it...
PLUS there is no place to move the guys on 4 yard to other yards right now. seems like everytime one inmate leaves from other yards 2 come in to take his place. In May they had over 500 inmates triple bunked in the gym and they had to find some placement for them within the prison also.

YES, they are triple bunked in the corner dorms right now, for how long no one is sure but they are telling the guys it is temporary. Corner dorms are 310,330 & 350 I'm not sure if there is another one or not I can't remember sorry ...
They are adding 148 new inmates to that yard

I THINK IT IS HORRIBLE to do that due to the size of the YARD!!!! Those men deserve to be treated better than that in my opinion but they don't listen to me at all.

I'll know more after conversations this week with all that I speak to. I'll let you know ASAP ...on any and all changes that they are aware of ...
How do I put the 2024 club on my posts?

I sent you a private message ...

About the brown water, No, I haven't heard about it but I will check it out later today ok? They normally announce when they are working on the water and the guys have to use things to collect water prior to it happening.
I'll let you know what I find out ASAP.

Alrighty then. I just arrived home from my visit at Avenal with my son and many of the others who were able to acknowledge me or say hi.....I must tell you all and this has struck me as soooooo dramatic. You know how when you look into your guys eyes, or your friends eyes, and you see that little puppy dog look of heartfelt sincereity? Well, I want to tell you, to a man, they ALL have that look in their eyes when they say "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO" to me.....The "to me" part, INCLUDES all of you! They know that I just do a small part but, they also know (because I tell them) how gregarious you all are being on their behalf and their appreciation and fondness for any small thing you are doing is overwhelming.
They all believe that nobody can really know how terrible it is there but, they appreciate my knowledge and understanding of the system works. I include you all (not by name but by tasks) and they are so appreciative. They don't know you but, they have love, respect, admiration for you. You all give them hope. All I can say now, is press on. Perhaps if we can get ALL the storm clouds to gather at the right time, something wonderful could happen....If we can co-ordinate the Senator's office with the newspaper and tv, as well as the Ombudsman and now (after today, I will be approaching some new entities to get involved)the Office of Inspector General and State's Attorney General, as well as the CDC to check not only the "Valley Fever" aspect but also the rumored outbreak of staph infection on the 3 Yard gym, we may be able to get the slightest thing going. I pray you will all continue your efforts, or even renew them. If I could only bottle up the amount of TRUE sincereity that was presented to me today, I would share it with all of you and we would be golden for life.
Thank you.

What's an RO?

A restraining order. And a TRO is a temporary R.O.

Alrighty then. I just arrived home from my visit at Avenal with my son and many of the others who were able to acknowledge me or say hi.....I must tell you all and this has struck me as soooooo dramatic. You know how when you look into your guys eyes, or your friends eyes, and you see that little puppy dog look of heartfelt sincereity? Well, I want to tell you, to a man, they ALL have that look in their eyes when they say "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO" to me.....The "to me" part, INCLUDES all of you! They know that I just do a small part but, they also know (because I tell them) how gregarious you all are being on their behalf and their appreciation and fondness for any small thing you are doing is overwhelming.
They all believe that nobody can really know how terrible it is there but, they appreciate my knowledge and understanding of the system works. I include you all (not by name but by tasks) and they are so appreciative. They don't know you but, they have love, respect, admiration for you. You all give them hope. All I can say now, is press on. Perhaps if we can get ALL the storm clouds to gather at the right time, something wonderful could happen....If we can co-ordinate the Senator's office with the newspaper and tv, as well as the Ombudsman and now (after today, I will be approaching some new entities to get involved)the Office of Inspector General and State's Attorney General, as well as the CDC to check not only the "Valley Fever" aspect but also the rumored outbreak of staph infection on the 3 Yard gym, we may be able to get the slightest thing going. I pray you will all continue your efforts, or even renew them. If I could only bottle up the amount of TRUE sincereity that was presented to me today, I would share it with all of you and we would be golden for life.
Thank you.

Wow! Thats a whole lot of emotion you just stirred up! I feel honored to be able to help them! We all just need to keep chipping away and plugging ahead. Whatever you need help with or where you feel we need to focus our efforts, you just let me know and I am on it. I tried to call the CDC again yesterday and never received all call back. Hopefully Monday I will get an answer to my question on who exactly they work w/ in the state of CA, and the contact info. I am already focusing on my next angle in trying to elicit a worthy response from them and I surely am open to any and all suggestions. Nanoguy, I just want to say thanks for all you do and the effort you are also putting into this, its so much appreciated and wellllll thanks! I have never been very good at mushy stuff:p

By the way....OH GREAT! Pauls in the gym!!!

That would be something you could talk to the CDC about as well...Also, you're absolutely welcome. All that I do,(which isn't THAT much) I do for all. The greatest good for the greatest number. Yes, my son is one of the inmates but, I do not ask for special favors for him. My approach is that what's good for one, is good for all.
Also, on the brown water, I hadn't heard that one but, I have other items I've been told about which I cannot post here right now. I will follow up on these myself and give results when I know.....Now, if we could just get the State Fire Marshall to take a stand, along with the CDC, the senator, the news, the Ombudsman, the OIG and the State's Attorney General, I'd say that would be a pretty rainy day at AvenHell....

That would be something you could talk to the CDC about as well...Also, you're absolutely welcome. All that I do,(which isn't THAT much) I do for all. The greatest good for the greatest number. Yes, my son is one of the inmates but, I do not ask for special favors for him. My approach is that what's good for one, is good for all.
Also, on the brown water, I hadn't heard that one but, I have other items I've been told about which I cannot post here right now. I will follow up on these myself and give results when I know.....Now, if we could just get the State Fire Marshall to take a stand, along with the CDC, the senator, the news, the Ombudsman, the OIG and the State's Attorney General, I'd say that would be a pretty rainy day at AvenHell....

I am still waiting on a written response to my complaint from the fire marshall also, should be this week. AvenHell, havent heard that one. Very accurately describes it.

Those were some very nice words of encouragement Nanoguy.

I haven't heard back from the Fire Marshall or the Ombudsman either....I'll be following up on all those this week.

I hope you all have a Happy Halloween and don't forget to change your clocks.

Anyone have info for nksp?

Like what?
Reception or Mainline?

Alrighty then. I just arrived home from my visit at Avenal with my son and many of the others who were able to acknowledge me or say hi.....I must tell you all and this has struck me as soooooo dramatic. You know how when you look into your guys eyes, or your friends eyes, and you see that little puppy dog look of heartfelt sincereity? Well, I want to tell you, to a man, they ALL have that look in their eyes when they say "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO" to me.....The "to me" part, INCLUDES all of you! They know that I just do a small part but, they also know (because I tell them) how gregarious you all are being on their behalf and their appreciation and fondness for any small thing you are doing is overwhelming.
They all believe that nobody can really know how terrible it is there but, they appreciate my knowledge and understanding of the system works. I include you all (not by name but by tasks) and they are so appreciative. They don't know you but, they have love, respect, admiration for you. You all give them hope. All I can say now, is press on. Perhaps if we can get ALL the storm clouds to gather at the right time, something wonderful could happen....If we can co-ordinate the Senator's office with the newspaper and tv, as well as the Ombudsman and now (after today, I will be approaching some new entities to get involved)the Office of Inspector General and State's Attorney General, as well as the CDC to check not only the "Valley Fever" aspect but also the rumored outbreak of staph infection on the 3 Yard gym, we may be able to get the slightest thing going. I pray you will all continue your efforts, or even renew them. If I could only bottle up the amount of TRUE sincereity that was presented to me today, I would share it with all of you and we would be golden for life.
Thank you.

VERY WELL SAID!!:clap: :clap: :clap:

AND IT'S TRUE FOR MY FRIEND IN AVENAL. HE IS TRULY AMAZED THAT YOU ALL OUT HERE TALK AND KEEP ME INFORMED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN THERE. IT GIVES HIM A FEELING OF CONNECTEDNESS TO THE "OUTS" AND EVEN THO, I CAN'T SEE THE LOOK IN HIS EYES, I CAN HEAR THE TONE OF HIS VOICE AND IT IS ONE OF JOYFUL HOPE AND HEARTFELT, HUMBLE APPRECIATION. HE ASKS ME OVER AND OVER AGAIN IF I'VE GONE ON THE WEB TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT'S GOING ON AND HE REALLY KNOWS THAT WHILE I CARE, OTHERS DO TO. I HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO HIM, IT WAS A FLUKE THAT I MET HIM, SO HE IS LEARNING ALOT! ABOUT HOW VAST THE "GOODNESS" AND CARING IN THIS WORLD CAN BE. :thumbsup: YOU KNOW THE FACT THAT YOU ARE ALL OUT HERE "FIGHTING" FOR THEIR DIGNITY GIVES THEM A SENSE OF POWER THAT THEY HAVE LOST IN THEIR LIVES ALSO AND THAT IS WORTH MORE THAN MILLIONS ($$$) WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR SELF ESTEEM.

I'M SORRY THAT I AM NOT ABLE TO DO MORE MYSELF :o BUT I THANK YOU FOR HIS SAKE FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!!

BlueHorseBeach...Thank you for your input. There are others who are working with the "system" to help the inmates, and that is the Inmate Family Council. They usually meet once a month and work "with" the admin and within the system...Good hearted and good intentioned people, it's just that admin has a bit more control over issues raised there. I am amazed there aren't other groups of people like us here, doing somethings for their fellas inside other state prisons. Maybe it goes in cycles, I don't know, but, we the loved ones of AvenHellians are pressing on and all are welcome. Maybe through what we do, others will pick up the torch for their own.God Bless.

BlueHorseBeach...Thank you for your input. There are others who are working with the "system" to help the inmates, and that is the Inmate Family Council. They usually meet once a month and work "with" the admin and within the system...Good hearted and good intentioned people, it's just that admin has a bit more control over issues raised there. I am amazed there aren't other groups of people like us here, doing somethings for their fellas inside other state prisons. Maybe it goes in cycles, I don't know, but, we the loved ones of AvenHellians are pressing on and all are welcome. Maybe through what we do, others will pick up the torch for their own.God Bless.


You always get me choked up!!!:p

What is this Inmate Family Council and how do we get involved?
Actually where is it located? I'm in Southern Cali...

meets 1st Friday of every month. You have to get an application from the Visiting Center, fill it out, submit it and wait for approval. There is usually 1 rep from each yard.
There can also be alternates. Guests are NOT allowed at the meetings. I am still waiting for approval.....The retired AW had "issues" with me...But, I think that has been cleared up...I hope...

Just a bit of information for you all. The Attorney General was mentioned in an earlier post and I thought that I would share that the Attorney General was at CSATF (II) this week and guess what? CDC had 8 men housed in a cell meant for 6 and low and behold, the prison is moving the GP inmates off of the SAP yard and returning the buildings to all SAP inmates with 6 men in a cell. Why? Got me.

Reaching out today.

Yes...I e-mailed the Ombudsman and await his reply. Included were items that may require the services of the SAG and the OIG. When I hear back, I'll let you know.

Just a bit of information for you all. The Attorney General was mentioned in an earlier post and I thought that I would share that the Attorney General was at CSATF (II) this week and guess what? CDC had 8 men housed in a cell meant for 6 and low and behold, the prison is moving the GP inmates off of the SAP yard and returning the buildings to all SAP inmates with 6 men in a cell. Why? Got me.


Oh this is good!

I am getting no answer to my messages from the CDC! Any suggestions????

I have also followed up on the SFM and am also waiting a response.

Usually takes Mr. Hurdle (head Ombudsman) 2 days to get back to me. If I don't hear from him tomorrow, I will head directly to SAG (State Attorney General) and OIG (Office of Inspector General).
In the meantime, try calling CDC and ask who handles Staphlococcus and Valley Fever outbreaks in California. I left a message on somebody's voice mail today but it was after their hours.

Usually takes Mr. Hurdle (head Ombudsman) 2 days to get back to me. If I don't hear from him tomorrow, I will head directly to SAG (State Attorney General) and OIG (Office of Inspector General).
In the meantime, try calling CDC and ask who handles Staphlococcus and Valley Fever outbreaks in California. I left a message on somebody's voice mail today but it was after their hours.

Ya thats all I get a voice mail, even during business hours.