I would have put this in the Avenal thread already started but I need to be able to glance and see IF anyone answers.

How was visiting this past weekend, the part I am wondering about is the vendors, DID they keep things filled up and not run out?
Since that meeting that was held on the 18th of this month, many items were addressed and so I'm curious.
Please advise if they were better or not

Thanks in advance.
Terri

hello Steves girl, I like it when I scroll across your name cause my old man is also in Avenal and his name is Steve, he and I haven't seen or spoken to eachother, not by mail or any other way.
Yeah there is a r.o. from Fresno county, my man doesnt know anything about me or our daughter, I miss him soo much and so when I see your name it makes me feel good. take care.. Donna

Donna,
Aww thank you,
I hope you get to hear from him soon. Goodluck to you

Come on folks you want the vendors changed or at least filling in things if I don't know about it I can't help and trust me I can help on this matter. I'm made all the contacts and just need feedback so do tell please.
I won't use your names, I just need to know what yard you were on and how things were to let the proper people know

I've only visited Avenal twice, the first was Labor Day weekend and there was NO food or water on the holiday. The second time was last weekend and the food was pretty much nonexistent. They did come in and kind of fill it up but it didn't last. So I would say, there is still a huge issue with the vendors.

I know that the vendors didn't show up on Labor Day so any news on Thanksgiving Day? If there is anyone else I should be contacting please let me know.

Thanks,

Bec

Yard 5 did just all right this weekend. There were lots of visitors and not enough food. The vegetarian/medical diet people had a difficult time finding something to eat. There were only a few salads, avacados were $3 each and only a few mangos. The clocks were absent on Saturday but returned on Sunday. Everyone is complaining about no videos for the children. It made a big difference with visiting on 5yard. There were several rowdy children with little to do. The info this weekend on Avenal turning completely over to SNY was interesting. Rumor has it 1 & 2 yards will convert by July 06. Did anyone else hear anything?

The vending machines on 4 were in good shape. The coffee machine is still broken and apparently not easily fixed (the vendors tried) but it will dispense coffee as long as you have a cup to insert into the machine.
Happily, The clocks were fixed on Sunday and on Saturday they compensated by giving us 7 or 8 minutes beyond what the clocks said. I imagine we will have to continue to be vigilant or the clocks will end up being set ahead again.

Nobody seemed to know for sure what the visiting schedule on 4 will be like next weekend but I predict that it will be the same as this past weekend except that noone will have appointments.
On 3Yard when they were making the change over, they passed out separate visiting tickets to 3 visitors and then started letting us in with the 8 am appointments.

i never hear anything about anyone visiting or having a loved one on 2 yard (as i do), what's up w/ that?

Shar...Tag!...Your it!...Don't know of any other 2 Yard people here, but, if you can post anything about 2 Yard, then it will help the people that follow. I'll see what info I can get for you and post here also.

O.K...Tis the season....falalalalalala....I'm going to visit this weekend (3 Yard)...Also as a reminder, postage goes up to 39 cents starting January 8, 2006 so, if you're sending stamps, either make sure you add the 2 cent stamps or, just send the new 39 centers. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.....:)

I had no idea the postage was going up. Thank you for posting that!

Everyone have a wonderful visit this weekend and drive safe and Merry Christmas!!!

Just wanted to say that I hope everyone had wonderful visits this weekend and Merry Christmas.

Yes...There are those of us that did go visit on Saturday...What a day. There appeared to be some mixups for 4 Yard visiting (apparently people didn't call the state visiting line) and the Ladies of 4 Yard, quite a vocal and gregarious bunch, were having NONE O Dat! They had called the visitor line on Tuesday and were told one thing (that all visits were walk-ins) and so they were showing up for, and demanding, 8am visits.
Anyway, staff was extremely short, and, the visiting Sgt. finally got things straightened out for them and started processing them (5 at a time) along with the 3 Yard folks. All visits were late. The vending situation was terrible beyond 9:30am but, we made the best of our visit that we could. Hope everybody had some kind of contact with their loved ones this weekend. Just another day closer too!

Here's an idea of the vending status on 3 Yard Saturday.........
The conditions today rated an F minus. At least in Yard 3. They have gone from deplorable to abominable. Here it is Christmas Eve and people who arrived after 10 or so had NO food, PERIOD. Coke was sold out by 9am, if there was any to begin with. One machine had emptied out by 11:30am. At this time the COs were informed and they told us the vendors weren't coming in today. The other machine, full with food, was out of order. There was little selection of sodas: no Coke or Pepsi and limited juices. There was water in only one of the 2 water selections. The sodas were emptied by noon. Candy was bought out quickly, since there was no food, emptied and NOT refilled.
Surprise! The Vendors came in at 1:30 (after some of us volunteered to leave early because there was so much crowding and no food) to repair and fill the machines (not the candy machine). As you can imagine, people who had nothing to eat since their arrival, were lined up from the machines all the way to the patio doors, a great way to spend the last hour of a Christmas Eve visit with their loved one (their first hours were spent hungry).
Christmas meals, though skimpy, (and the same as Thanksgiving Day) were at least reasonably priced at 4.00. They did not look appetizing to us even at that price, (but we couldn't get them anyway). However, after the guys refilled, they went up to 5.50. I guess the original reasonable price was mismarked.

As for 4 Yard......
The Vending on 4Yard was better than 3Yard. The water ran out on Sunday at about 8:45 and only one of the food vending machines was working all weekend. On Saturday we didn't see the vendors at all, but they came sometime before we arrived on Sunday and left several good fresh salads! It was like a nice Christmas present. There were holiday ham dinners for $4. The vendors came again at about 10 and filled the working food machine. I guess they couldn't fix the other one. They came again at around 11 and filled the snack machine which had been virtually empty since Saturday around noon.

Hey!...Where did everyone go? Taking time off? Anyone going to visit this weekend? I would go, but, the "ex" and her new hubby are going to visit so, I'll steer clear. The buses keep rolling in, whether we like it or not (and out).
As I have said before, it would seem KVSP is a main beneficiary of the move outs. We'll see what the new year brings with the "right prisoner for right prison" mission statement that CDCR is implementing.

the "right prisoner for right prison" mission statement that CDCR is implementing.

That is too funny. That must mean that Avenal is such a good place cause the buses keep on coming in with the right prisoners. Maybe they will start hiring the right employees for the right prison next. I won't hold my breath though.

I still can't visit and don't really want to from all these posts of the crap everyone has to go thru just to see their loved one. I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year and great visits this coming weekend.

Nawwwww...It just means that Avenal will become a total SNY in the next year and that's where you'll go if you're SNI. Then, they'll evaluate where to put all the Level Is,IIs,etc...
In the meantime, the buses keep rolling in....and out......to KVSP

SNY can be level I now? My husband is level I and they told him he has to be level II to be SNY so they bumped him up..

:eek: I visited Avenal yard 3 this Sunday New Years day, let me tell you I was in by 10:15AM and those machines were "EMPTY!!!!" people as well as myself were trying to hurry and buy whatever was left. The Chips and candy machine was half full, but not working!, the only things coming out of that machine were the candy bars and those went fast. There seemed to be enough soda, I purchased 6 cokes at that time, but later the machine was out of just about everythings. They did come in about noon to fill the food machines, but they do not completly fill them??? so there was more food later, but again it went fast! The selection at noon was alittle better, but those prices for the food is outragouse!! for the amount of money they make off of us you would think they could upgrade the amount of food that is sold for one serving, I paid $4 for 2 tiny tamales, they were actually real good, but "TINY", I also purchased a small container of pozolle for $4 and it was 1/2 full, what a rip-off! Hopefully this situation will improve for 2006.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR:thumbsup:

Thanks for the input. I'm glad you at least got to visit and, I hope that went well. My ex-wife visited my son Sat. & Sun.....Had to go to the Friends Outside trailer on Saturday to change clothes....What a burn!

You know that is something I do not understand:confused: Avenal states they have a certain dress code, but from what I see not to many people follow it! I see women wearing jewelery, people wearing beige, tan and kacky,green and just this weekend some women was wearing grey:confused: I was told these colores were not ok to wear? I do see they make anyone wearing any kind of blue go change at the friends outside. I guess it depends on who catches what at the time of processing???
Yes my visit was nice, thanks for asking. Hope you can visit your son soon:)

Oh My God!!!! I can visit my husband! They finally fixed the visiting! I haven't seen him since March 20th, 2004. I am so nervous..this is like our first date. What do I wear....what can I wear......I'm afraid to visit with all these horror stories of the vending machines but it is our anniversary next weekend. I want to see him so bad.
Help! Any advice on what is allowed would be good. And what isthe town of Avenal like? Are their restaurants....is it scary....do tell....

Avenal is a small town, not much to see, unfortunatly there is only a few stores. No big stores that I know of? There is I think 1 motel that I hear is not a safe place to stay, the nearest Walmart is 45 minutes away, 20 minutes away is another small town called "Calingas", I think thats the correct name? anyway that town has a K-Mart and a few fast food places, other than that, it's not much :eek: When you enter the town on Kings way there is a laundrymate on the right that I use to make change for the vending machines if you ned to, NO ONE else will make change!!!:angry: they are very rude about it, trust me... As far as the dress code, your safest with just black and white, NO BLUE OF ANY KIND, NO ORANGE, I have been told NO GREY AND NO KACKY BEIGE AND GREEN...although I have seen people in alittle grey, beige and green, but it's a chance that they will send you away to change, oh ya, NO ARMY TYPE PRINTS LIKE CAMOFLAGE or ALL WHITE T-SHIRTS, NO GANG RELATED SWEATSHIRTS or JACKETS ECT... I hope I did not forget anything?
As far as what you can take is, NOTHING!!!! only your I.D, one key and a maximum of $30 in dollars per adult and quarters, have some dimes and nickels to because the vending machines act up and sometimes only take exact change:angry: I usually take in a small UNOPENED package of tissue, you will need to know a C.D.C# for who you are visiting, I have a small CLEAR purse I use to carry everything in, they like no jewlery and NO UNDERWIRE BRA!! try not to have any snaps or metal clips, zippers on your clothing or in your hair. If your taking in a baby, they have rules for that to, but I am unfamiliar with that, you will ned to call...And most Imprtant, you need to have been approved, sounds like you already are.
Well good luck and have a nice visit:thumbsup:

Buf--That which Purple has written is pretty much true. You are o.k. in basic black. I wear grey shirt and black shorts, but hey, I'm a guy.No logos, no tatoos showing, no skirts higher than 2 inches below the knees, no see through clothing, no layering of clothes. I usually take a plastic zip loc baggie of money, with an assortment of coins and 4 or 5 1$ bills. All the foods are like $3 each as a minimum. There are microwaves available to heat the food.
Since you are coming from SoCal, Kettleman City is on your way, which has a couple of motels and In-And-Out Burger, a sit down restaurant, some gas stations, McDonald's, and a couple of other fast food places.
About 15 miles beyond Avenal (North) is the city of Coalinga. They also have motels and fast food places, etc.
The city of Avenal has just recently put in their first traffic light on the main drag through town. There are gas stations with "mini-marts" there and not alot else to see.
Hope this helps and, good luck. Have a great visit. Nothing else matters other than you get to see Brian and just enjoy your time together. He will love it too.

Thank you both so much for all the info. I am coming with my uncle cause this whole prison visiting scares me. So, I'll let him know what he can wear..but my big concern is, you mentioned no visibal tatoos....I have 1 that will be just a tiny bit visibal on my leg cause I planned to wear my black capris....it is nothing bad, a disney scene actually...do you think this could be a problem?
My aunt will have my 1 year old in the car with her since the evil counselor decided to put a no minors restriction on my husband....is there a place for my aunt to hang out with my daughter? My uncle isn't gonna stay in visiting with me for very long so he can help entertain my daughter but for the hour or so, is there a place my aunt and daughter can go on the prison property?
I'm not too concerned with food, just something to drink while I'm there...I'm gonna be too excited to think about food. Hope to see some of you there this next weekend.

You know that is something I do not understand:confused: Avenal states they have a certain dress code, but from what I see not to many people follow it! I see women wearing jewelery, people wearing beige, tan and kacky,green and just this weekend some women was wearing grey:confused: I was told these colores were not ok to wear? I do see they make anyone wearing any kind of blue go change at the friends outside. I guess it depends on who catches what at the time of processing???
Yes my visit was nice, thanks for asking. Hope you can visit your son soon:)

I was wondering (depending on what time you get there) How long you are usually able to stay...should nothing weird happens?

Visiting hours are from 8am-3pm. If you have an appointment, you get in from 8am-10am. If you are a walk-in, they start taking them at around 10:15am. After processing and getting to the visiting room, your guy usually gets there after an hour from the time you first entered the visitor center.
Your visit could be cut short if there is severe overcrowding. They may ask you to give up your table and move to the chairs along the wall, then they may ask for volunteers to cut their visits short so other people can get in to visit, finally they will start asking people to leave so others may visit. They will ask people that have been there the longest to go first.
Will a band-aid cover the tatoo? That might work.
There is no place for the little one to play on the prison grounds itself. There may be a small play yard by the Friends Outside trailer but, I can't remember. It's a pretty barren place and area. there are some small parks in town though.

Bluft,
The Oasis trailer is located when you pull into the parking lot, you can have your aunt and uncle take the baby in there, there are recliners, toys and etc although it isn't the cleanest I've ever seen ...
When I visit my tatoo's always show, nothing has ever been said except did that hurt, what is it, can I see the rest of it and so forth, they seem to like them too lol ...
and as you can see from below, those are just a few of what I have lol.

Cool about the tattoo cause all my long pants fall into the not allowed colors and my tattoo can't be covered by a bandaid..it is my entire calf...and then there is one on my forearm....but according to the weather report, it will be cold and possibly raining that day, so I can wear my cardigan to hide that tattoo. We can wear a cardigan can't we? Oh, and I know we can't wear blue but what about purple?
I'll tell my aunt about the Oasis to take my daughter Chevelle to hang out for part of the time...Thanks all of you for the info. What about getting pics taken there? How much and are they both of us or just him? And do we get the prints that day?

Bluft,
Yes you can wear purple, I do all the time same as red also and black of course.
Picture ducats are $2.00 each and they are there when you first go in to get processed for visiting next to the change machines. They take all quarters also, you purchase them before going in thru the line at processing, you go in fill out a form on the table to the left, they provide pencils and pens, then I go buy my ducats, although I'm not sure what yard your husband is on but I know 3 yard and 4 yard didn't have camera's for a while so maybe someone that visits those yards can fill you in, no sense buying ducats if no camera's there.
I use a small make up clear bag for my change, tissues and glasses... the tissues do have to be in an un opened clear package also.
Oh the Oasis has video's also and there is a refridge there and stove and microwave, I don't know if the stove or microwave work but I know the refridge does, like I said they have recliners also.

Goodluck and enjoy your visit.

Bluft,
If you do not have an appointment, be sure to be there by 7:30AM to get a number. They start giving the numbers at that time and the later you are the longer the wait to get in. The day I went I arrived at 7AM and got my number at 7:30 and I was #21 in line to get in, they happened to start calling #'s early that day at 930A and I was actually in by 1015A. Not bad , It depends on how many people don't show for there appointments?
Good luck and have a wonderful visit, oh ya they were taking pictures in yard 3, but last week they were not? They are polaroids and they give them to you when they are done taking pictures :thumbsup:

Yes, I'm going to visit on yard 3. I just found out I can visit this Saturday, so I planned to call today for an appoinment. I can call the week of, for appointments can't I? I sure hope so. I am calling for both me and my uncle...I can call for both of us, right? And yes, we are both approved. I'm bringing our approval letters just in case. Do I need to bring our marriage license? Well. I'm bringing it just in case...I'm taking everything that could possibly be needed and keeping it in the car just in case.
Well, I am so excited. I probably won't sleep the night before the visit..I'll be like a little kid on Christmas Eve. :)

Are any of you visiting this weekend too? Hope to see you there.

Oh NO!!!! you have not called yet???? You will need to be there by 7:30AM as a walk in, you MUST call 2 weks in advance to schedule an appointment, no exceptions. "Been ther, done that:angry: it is so fraustrating!!! While you are there you can schedule your next appointment, it is alot easier. Yes I am visiting this wekend, but I am not sure if me and my new friend are going on Sat or Sun? We will be ride sharing together, I found her on this forum and she is great:) No you do not need your Important stuff, just I.D, your already in the computor...Have a great day:thumbsup: When you make your appointment you only make it for your husband once and you are able to take up to 5 visitors as long as they have been approved too...

Bluft,
you can call the week of the visit and get an appointment IF they are all not already filled up. You and your uncle are visiting the same person correct? If so only one appointment is needed, you both go in same time and put both names on the slip .....

I finally got thru this morning and got an appointment for this Sunday at 830. Yes, we are both visiting my husband. I was worried cause she asked if I wanted it for the following weekend. I'm so glad they still had openings for this weekend. This is a one time visiting thing. He will be home in 7 months and we just want to see each other once before he comes home...it is way too much of a hassle for me to get up there cause I can't drive that far cause I am legally blind in 1 eye and since my little one isn't allowed in...so we are gonna make the most of this visit! We have made it this far without seeing each other, so we know we can handle it. But this visit is gonna be so awesome!!!! I am so excited. I went to the bank today and got all my quarters, so I am ready! That is very cool that you met a ride share buddy on this forum. That is great! Is it the end of the week yet? I'm so ready to see my husband!

~Buffy
oh ya, how should I ask my doctor this Friday at my appointment that I need a letter from him stating I need to take my eye drops every few hours..I just don't know how to word it. I don't really want to say where I am going that I need this letter. I'll just go without my eyedrops if need be but any suggestions on how to say I need a letter and why.

Steve's mother has a note from her doctor as well for eye drops and she wasn't allowed to take them in either. So, I highly doubt you will be able to.
They said although the note say it, doesn't mean it's actually eye drops in the bottle, I know don't say it, another thing you can't do there :(
Sorry just telling you our experience, but I am allowed to take her in a wheelchair with the doctors statement ....

i have never seen anything that said you couldnt wear grey, why would that be, who else wears it?

I wear grey shirts at every visit. No logos, just plain grey.

I have another visiting question...
I have $30 in quarters but my husband said I should bring in some $1 bills also....
Do some machines only take bills? This is a yard 3 visiting question.

I always take in bills also, 30 in quarters and a few extra bills also, they take both coin and bills.... the bills I put in my pocket or bra

I was under the understanding that some of the inmates wear grey sweats? Maybe that was just for the other prison my husband was in? who knows...:confused: I talked to my hubby this evening, he say's almost everyone recieved alot of back dated mail today, some of his mail was from a month ago, we were wondering what happened to those letters since he did recieve his christmas cards and these letters with stamps and envelopes were mailed way before the cards??? Can't wait to see him on Saturday:D In regards to the mail, my hubby is in yard 3...He also said they just turned on the phones in 320 around 8:30PM, I guess they were off for awhile today?

Sorry I keep asking so many questions but..I was told there would be people outside of the building waiting for them to be called...how does this work? If there is abunch of people outside the building and I wait with them til I am called? Do they call by "time" of appointments or actual last name?

I am so afraid that the visit hasn't been cleared up, even though they said it did..nothing surprises me when it comes to CDC. I keep calling just to double check but the person who keeps answering the visiting dept. tells me they can give no info over the phone and she just hangs up on me. So, why do they even answer the phone if they can't give info?

My husband has grey sweats but he told me they can't wear any of their personal stuff in the visiting room. And he got all his christmas cards in time but he is still getting my letters from christmas time too. The mail is a mess.

let me try to clear a few things up.
Yes you can wear gray, the inmates do wear grey sweats INSIDE the yard, when visiting they wear ONLY PRISON ISSUED clothing. I have worn gray as have others, BUT it also depends on who is working visiting if it is allowed. Stay on the safe side don't wear it if your wondering.

People that have appointments line up outside of the doors waiting on them to start calling the appointment times ... there the CO will call out like 8:00am appointments he will say like Smith for Smith ...he will call out 20 names, then he will go 8:15am Jones for Jones... again 20 names.... that is how they do it ... when they call your name say Jones for Jones you enter and go to the table to the left fill out the form laying there with all the information. Then you either get back in line to go through the processing (this line inside the building) You can then buy photo ducats there to the right in a machine, they are 2.00 each and take only quarters!!
There are change machines also but sometimes it runs out so take your change with you in a clear bag, or baggie. If you take a package of tissues they MUST be clear packaged UNOPENED ... you may take in with you 10 pictures as well... they will check them... We always try to take 30.00 in change and then extra bills in our pockets, bra just in case ...you may take in your glasses that you need, you can also take in a small comb/brush as well in the clear plastic bag. I do wear jewerly but am very careful on what I wear, the sensors are set extremely low and everything makes them go off usually. Deinately no underwire bras,
When you are through the line and waiting they will say next you go up to the desk hand them your paper AND your ID, it must be a valid photo ID, they type some stuff on ... then tell you ok, you then go to another line where you wait to go through the sensor. At that time you will remove your shoes, jackets, coats, etc, when the CO says next you step up to him and place everything of yours on the brown tray provided. He will check your coat, jacket, sweater and hand it to the next CO, he will then check your pictures and change anything in the clear purse or baggie. He will tell you to step through the sensor and slide your belongings down to the other CO. The other CO will then hand you things and stamp your right hand, with what I don't know it's all ultraviolet stuff they read later on when leaving. The you recieve your ID and the paper back. Then he will push a button and you go through another door and sit down and wait for a CO to come and say 3 & 4 yard come with me. You get up and walk out to the electric fences. then through another one. If your visiting 3 yard it is to your left after you cross the road in the cross walk... follow it to the doors that enter visiting... the co then gets your ID and paper, they assign you a table to sit at, you can then go get things out of vending machines while the CO's call and they bring your man down... could be a bit but that is how it is done.

I hope this helps some. It's the best I can tell you ...GOODLUCK and ENJOY.

That helped me so much!!!! I am a detail person, and that is exactly what I needed.

Thanks so much.

That really helped me too. Thank you!!!

I have a couple more questions...ok, if I have to go to the bathroom while visiting..do I just get up and go or do I have to go tell a CO or what?

And my next question, can my husband see those in the visiting parking lot while he is being taken to visit me? Just curious if he will get a glimpse of our daughter.

When you go to the restroom, you go the co's desk, there is a sign out sheet you put your name, time out and if your male or female, then when you come in you put the time in and go back to your loved one.

No, your husband will not be able to see the visitor parking lot, those can only be seen from yard 4 when they are going back and forth sorry:(

Your welcome on the information. just ask if you need anything else.

Oh My GOD! It is Friday!!!!! I am gonna see my husband in 1 1/2 days!!!!!
Not in a court room, not behind glass....in person!!!!!
Just wanted to send out a scream of excitement!:yay:
I'm ok now.
I hope everyone else has a great visit too!!!!

~Buffy

I REALLY REALLY hope you enjoy your visit with your husband, I hope you can get some pictures to treasure since it's been a while for you...
SMILE and scream all you like YOU DESERVE it after all this time :)

Everybody is on normal visiting schedule except 4 Yard. Anybody who arrived Thursday or Friday into 4 Gym will not have visits. 4 Yard has split visits still.

Oh My GOD! It is Friday!!!!! I am gonna see my husband in 1 1/2 days!!!!!
Not in a court room, not behind glass....in person!!!!!
Just wanted to send out a scream of excitement!:yay:
I'm ok now.
I hope everyone else has a great visit too!!!!

~Buffy





Buffy...PLEASE..tell details. :) I am so happy for you. :)

I had the best day ever!!!! What a great anniversary present today was! Our daughter even had a great day in The Oasis. They were so generous to my aunt and daughter and just everything went perfect today!!!! No problems with the visit and we did get our pic taken! For anyone who hasn't visited yet, you are gonna love it!

but the machines on 2 yard were pretty full & when they got empty the vendors were back around 12 to fill up again, at least that part wasnt bad.

Oh ya, the food on yard 3 was ok this weekend...chicken sandwich made me sick to my stomach and everything was pretty much sold out by 11 but they restocked around 1230....selection sucked but I was so excited about my visit that was the least of my worries!

Unless you have an appointment this weekend (Jan.28 & 29) or next weekend, Feb 4 & 5, you're outta luck and will have to go as a "walk-in" at 10am since all the appointments are full. Call back on Monday Jan. 30 for appointments for Valentine's the 11 & 12th of February.

Visiting schedule for this weekend goes like this:
Saturday, Bldg. 450 (only) has visiting from 8am-3pm.
Sunday, 4Gym, 410, and 420 will have visiting from 8am-3pm (new arrivals on Thursday and Friday will not have visits)

Yard 2--All Northern Hispanics and Whites will not have visits.

All other facilities are on normal visiting schedule.

Did the visit thing on Saturday. It was a good one. There were 2 changes I immediately noticed on 3 Yard. (1) the patio doors were open bringing in fresh air and sunlight, (2) They had all but about 3 tables pushed out into the main area, thereby crowding everyone together. Iguess it was to handle the lines for the vending machines, I don't know, or, to keep everyone in sight of the desk so people couldn't do the kiss and giggle thing in the corners past the kids play area.
Vending was o.k. I got in about noon, and the vendors were there to refill the machines but, the lines were so long and people were buying multitudinous amounts of stuff, by the time I got there, there wasn't much left, except a bunch of tuna sandwiches and unfortunately, I am allergic to tuna. All in all it was a good visit. Got to chat with some other I/Ms while waiting for my son, and all I can say is I am glad your/our guys don't tell us EVERYTHING that goes on. I'm not talking about violence, rather, other kinds of abuse and stuff. When some of these guys get out, I am sure they will pursue "legal" issues that they have no chance of even trying to get done while inside. Sure, take it up with the warden....Who?.....Is there one there?
BTW, if you go to the "Green Team's" website, be careful as there are some dangerous cookies that try to get uploaded to your computer from a site, or certificate from "lz95....something". My anti-virus helps block it, just be aware.

i never hear anything about anyone visiting or having a loved one on 2 yard (as i do), what's up w/ that?

Hi Sharon...this is a little late going by the date of your post, but I have a loved one on yard 2 at Avenal...
I went there for the first time on Saturday - without an appointment - and was able to visit with him for
nearly 3 hours.
The notorious vending machine problem (running out of everything) is alive and well - aside from that
(and the 18 inch high tables...) it wasn't all that bad. First time I've had a contact visit in nearly 2 years. :)


Melly

I am going for the first time this coming up weekend and I don't have an appointment. Does anyone know about the photos?

I am going for the first time this coming up weekend and I don't have an appointment. Does anyone know about the photos?

I do! I do! :wave:I went to visit a few weeks ago and if someone didn't post how to take a picture on this site, I would have never known how...
Right when you enter the door when you first get there to sign up to visit, there is a machine on the right side, before the bathrooms, that doesn't tell you what it is but you put 4-quarters (no dollar bills) in and slide the money in and out pops this white cardboard thing with a card inside...take the cardboard piece off and put it in this box on top of the machine and keep the card that is inside. You will give it to the guy when he takes your picture...if going to yard 3...they took the pic near the vending machines and everyone starts lining up around 1245, so watch for the line to start and hurry up and get in that line!!!! You can ask the CO when and where pics are gonna be when you get to the actual visiting room and they can direct you to all that..but you have to get the "Ducat" for the picture before you leave that first area when you first get there.

Hope that was clear and accurate..someone correct me if I explained it wrong!

I hope you have a great visit!!!!

I do! I do! :wave:I went to visit a few weeks ago and if someone didn't post how to take a picture on this site, I would have never known how...
Right when you enter the door when you first get there to sign up to visit, there is a machine on the right side, before the bathrooms, that doesn't tell you what it is but you put 4-quarters (no dollar bills) in and slide the money in and out pops this white cardboard thing with a card inside...take the cardboard piece off and put it in this box on top of the machine and keep the card that is inside. You will give it to the guy when he takes your picture...if going to yard 3...they took the pic near the vending machines and everyone starts lining up around 1245, so watch for the line to start and hurry up and get in that line!!!! You can ask the CO when and where pics are gonna be when you get to the actual visiting room and they can direct you to all that..but you have to get the "Ducat" for the picture before you leave that first area when you first get there.

Hope that was clear and accurate..someone correct me if I explained it wrong!

I hope you have a great visit!!!!


When I read this, I said, "wow, I love you guys!" I am so nervous.

I am a little confused, I thought he wasn't able to get up (sounds silly) But when people start to line up for pics, they can right? Or is there some kind of separate line for them? I don't mean to sound silly, but I know everything is very "orderly" so I don't want to screw up or do something to have our visits terminated. OMG, I can't wait.

I tried calling this morning, bbut didn't get through to get appointments for the 18th of Feb. I understand you can ONLY make them 2 weeks in advance, right?

OK enough babbling....

Jas

I was able to make an appointment the week before I visited...this is not always the case...when you do get thru, ask if they have anything available that day....otherwise just show up for a walk-in. And most likely they are filing up fast cause of Valentine's Day.
And me and my husband were scared too when we got to visit about where does he go to the bathroom and how does everything work...I even started to walk up to him when he got there and we both looked at the CO's like, can we do that...
he can walk around..its like a day of them being normal...he can even hold money and use the vending machine and go to the microwave and stand in line with you for the pics...but they say and have posted everywhere...only a kiss and hug when you get there and when you leave...we got a few more than that but we really didn't want to press our limits. We even got to hold hands. Sounds lame but after 11 months, any contact was nice!
Oh, and he goes and stands at the door where he came in at to go to the bathroom...something about every 1/2 hour or something they let people go...just watch when you see the guard walking to the door and inmates going and standing over there....
and when your visit is over....he has to go to the CO table too cause they have his ID and he can't leave without it and your driver's license is there too....you leave it there when you visit.
And as everyone else has posted on here...get as much as you can from the vending machines when you get there cause it goes quick and by the time they fill it up...the rest of your visit is standing in line waiting to get something out of the machine....
And to think, I got all this from one visit there....
I too was nervous but it was really laid back once I got the visiting room.

Ok she is correct on where the photo ducats are at but they are 2.00 each 8 quarters next to the change machine, I suggest taking your own quarters though as it sometimes runs out.

Inmates are NOT allowed to touch the money do NOT ever let him get caught he will lose visitations and you could also.

You can hug and kiss at the beginning of the visit and at the end as well. You can walk around the room holding hands, also holding hands while sitting down also.

You can call Monday, Tuesdays and Friday's from 10am - 1pm for appoinments, today they opened up for the 18th & 19th as well. Once you in visiting they have books up at the co's desk you can sign up for the following two weeks of visiting as well. Then you won't have to call each time if you can sign up ;)

Machines do go empty they just can't keep them stocked well enough, the Vendors need help and they don't have it :( so get what you can BEFORE your loved one comes into the visiting room. Just a tip :)

Ok well if you need anything more let me know ...
Terri

THANKS THANKS AND THANKS

I can't say it enough. WOW. I was just reading and thinking about the things that we all take for granted...It really makes you pause and appreciate something as simple as looking up at the sky...

I think I am asking so many questions because I am nervous and don't want to be stressed by the time he comes out.

OH, are the tables assigned??? Or should one of us stay at the table? NO, he can not touch the money...got it. And for photos we line up around 12:45 or so, if I am finished with processing...check, got it.

I am planning to get there by 7:30 am to get a number..because I was told appointments for this weekend were full. - check LOL...I am terrible I know.

thanks everyone :)
Jas

okay, Melly, thanks for respondig I was beginning to feel like my man was the only one on 2 yard...I have only been to Avenal once, to me the atmosphere was kind of gloomy but I enjoyed laying my eyes on soulmate after a some months of no seeing him due to his transfer...thanks
Jas;
I'm going up this weekend too (tried to call you Sunday night, left you a msg). Maybe we'll meet, my appt is at 8:30am(sharon)...Are you staying in the area for the weekend or just going up for the day? PM me & let me know.

okay, Melly, thanks for respondig I was beginning to feel like my man was the only one on 2 yard...I have only been to Avenal once, to me the atmosphere was kind of gloomy but I enjoyed laying my eyes on soulmate after a some months of no seeing him due to his transfer...thanks
Jas;
I'm going up this weekend too (tried to call you Sunday night, left you a msg). Maybe we'll meet, my appt is at 8:30am(sharon)...Are you staying in the area for the weekend or just going up for the day? PM me & let me know.

I am so sorry, the phone was in my car :eek: during superbowl...I had money on it LOL

I am not sure. I will PM you now, I am up for a few

Tables are assigned for sure, and NO you don't have to stay at the table they are tiny tables though only like 18 inches off the ground right now, but you guys can get up and walk around and so forth not a problem no one is going to touch your stuff on your table.

One might assume that the conversion of 4 Yard is complete but, I can't be sure. All I know, is that ALL fqacilities are on Normal Visiting Schedule for this weekend, Feb.25 & 26.....:)

O.K....I went to visit yesterday (Saturday). I had called on Friday and got an 8am appointment. Lucky me!! Don't give up on calling. They added 3 slots per every 15 minutes so there were more appointments available.
Anyway, the visit was short (until 11am) which was voluntary because I then had to head to Corcoran. Believe me when I tell you the visiting at Corcoran (processing etc.) is getting worse than Avenal by far. There are so many SoCal people at Corcoran, there has been a large influx of visitors. They don't have scheduled appointments, except for the SHU (4A & 4B) so, it's ALL walk-ins. Around 1pm, visits started getting terminated so the waiting visitors could get in as it was getting close to quitting time. They were only terminating the earliest visitors and the visitors had to have at least 1 hour of visiting before they could be terminated. Just then (1pm ish) a riot broke out in the dining hall on 3 Yard. They had Yard recall and all visiting was stopped (bummer). Visiting staff did all they could to get visiting back online, and, with escorted visits, visiting was allowed again around 1:20pm. I was one of the last to get in about 1:40pm. Our visit was shortened, when at 2:25pm it was announced that all visiting was over. Oh well....sigh......Still, in that short time it was a good visit. Oh yeah. I arrived there at 12:15pm. I will say that staff did all they could to help everyone there get at least "some" visiting time, however, it may be time for Corcoran to institute a scheduling system like Avenal has so that people will not have to drive 4 or 5 hours in "hopes" of getting a visit. Personally, I know the risks of visiting the way I did and am willing to accept that however, not everyone is like me.....:)

Alrighty....Nobody panic!.....It would appear the State Visiting Information line (1-800-374-8474) is a bit screwed up for the weekend. In Avenal's slot, they have placed the visiting info for Ironwood for this week, and, left last week's Ironwood info in the Ironwood slot. Visiting should be normal for all yards this weekend (if you're going), I know 3 Yard is. If you have questions, call the prison (1-559-386-0587) hit 0 and ask about visiting, or, ask for visiting and they can tell you what's up.....
Erin go Buuurrrrpppp!
:)

Complaint Department.......thought I'd put it here, for all your Civil Rights violations complaints.........
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/split/index.html

I visited my husband this past weekend on Saturday and Sunday. He is on yard 5 and although it was packed no one was asked to leave. The vendors came in and re-stocked the machines. My only complaint was that the machine ran out of bottled water on Saturday and so there was no bottled water on Sunday. I had a wonderful visit and my husband is up for re-clasification in June because his points will drop so he will be level 1 and hopefully he'll be able to come back to Donovan here in San Diego which has a level 1 yard...I hope everyone else enjoyed their Easter!!!

CONGRATS on a great visit!!! I am going to look into this point thing a littel closer...hmmmm!

If people are going this weekend, maybe we can all meet up and get to know each other?

I know lots of people are going on the 29th and 30th too. Maybe meet that weekend.

Just a thought. Like meet at the phone booth or something. :thumbsup:

This is what I was told by my husband about points:
For every year you run a clean program (no 115's) you get 6 points taken off at your yearly re-classification meeting. So my husband has run a clean program and because he is getting 6 points taken off he will be at 18 points which is LEvel 1.

Sounds like a good idea although I wouldn't do it on prison property you don't want to draw any attention to yourself or your loved one and trust me they watch everything... I would suggest like Denny's at a selected time/date in Coalinga OR In/Out Burger in Kettleman again date / time

Last summer we did it at the pool at the motel 6 and those not staying there could bring a suit and change in my room and we all hung out in my room after we grilled out and stuff it was a nice evening and late one we all stayed up yakkin until like 1am LOL

I was told directly by my man's counselor at NKSP Reception, that if they are clean for the year, you can get 8 points taken off at your yearly classification meeting. That would drop my man to 15, which would move him to Level I, as well - and most likely transferred somewhere else, also.


This is what I was told by my husband about points:
For every year you run a clean program (no 115's) you get 6 points taken off at your yearly re-classification meeting. So my husband has run a clean program and because he is getting 6 points taken off he will be at 18 points which is LEvel 1.

I hope everyone gets the transfers they are wanting but and here is the down side, remember all the prisons are over crowded. Steve has been Level 1 now for 2 years and hasn't been transferred YET! He has been at only 1 point since last year. After his classification this year he will have 0 points !!!! YEAH for him!!!

about levels: in case any of you have a loved one on sny....I have had to learn this the hard way......there isn't a level 1 for SNY. However, if low enough points, they can get more priviledges like, night yard and 2 phone calls a day.

I have noticed about 7 new "visiting" threads in our section over the last week and just thought I'd post this. There are other threads that exist here in the Avenal section that are a good source of information and may in fact have answers to some, many, or none of newer people's questions. Since I'm not around as much anymore, it's easier for me to check in on one thread than a whole bunch of others....O.K....O.K....Yes, I am not a woman so, multi-tasking may be difficult for me...:)
Best wishes to y'all.
Nano Nano

I agree 100% Nanoguy .. we need to get all the visiting post BACK to this thread..... I'll see about merging them later tonight ... thanks!

Oh that's a good point, TerriB......wow - at 1 point only!! I think I was assuming that Avenal didn't have Level I....but obviously that's not the case. So mine could, effectively stay for his entire time...even after dropping to Level I......good to know.....

I hope everyone gets the transfers they are wanting but and here is the down side, remember all the prisons are over crowded. Steve has been Level 1 now for 2 years and hasn't been transferred YET! He has been at only 1 point since last year. After his classification this year he will have 0 points !!!! YEAH for him!!!

I love it, it is always nice to know who you are standing next to while you are waiting - I am thinking this is what you are talking about, right? It works better than standing there yelling "anyone know about PTO?" LOL Then we can get a feel of each other at that point. I am going up on the 29th and 30th.

Since I only visit Sat (usually) then head home, meeting to chit chat while we stand around works for me. I don't see anything out of place by that, we stand there and talk anyway. :) Happy visiting


If people are going this weekend, maybe we can all meet up and get to know each other?

I know lots of people are going on the 29th and 30th too. Maybe meet that weekend.

Just a thought. Like meet at the phone booth or something. :thumbsup:

Jas, are you going to visit Sat and Sun or just Sat? When you going to go up? I have my appts that weekend, but not sure if I am going since Im going this weekend.

I also have my appointments both days, this weekend (4-22 & 4-23) and the next weekend (4-29 & 4-30). Also not sure if I can do both.....but would love to say hi to you guys, wherever that might be.....I do understand TerriB's comments about not being "public" on the prison property but it would be nice to to chat while hanging out waiting for our appointments to be called......:)


Jas, are you going to visit Sat and Sun or just Sat? When you going to go up? I have my appts that weekend, but not sure if I am going since Im going this weekend.

Well I am not hard to miss. I will be over by the phone with the baby. This time I will have his carseat. Will probably be out there at 745, so we have a bit of time to chat before they call appts. From the lastest visits, I have noticed they call the appts ahead of their time due to all the no shows. See you this weekend. I am staying at Super 8 in Kettleman City, the employee rate was not available at Best Western.

Aww I wish I was going this weekend :( REALLY, I wish he was home...but I can dream

Maybe I am wrong, but I think what she meant is that they are so overcrowding they didnt move him, but I am not sure if Avenal is level I.

No, Avenal is LEVEL 2 only sorry for the confusion, the overcrowding is horrible and he hasn't been moved. and yes down to 0 points you would think if they get to 0 they would let them go but we all know CDC would go :eek:

That is really good to know that because of overcrowding he may not be moved. I'm so not surprised about that. I've been dealing with the system since my husband went in in 2004 and I've learned to hope for the best and be prepared for the worst! It's so crazy but you quickly learn that you have absolutely no control over anything...just have to grin and bear...pick yourself up...brush yourself of...u know...

I tried to get on early this morning but the board was down so, regarding visiting this weekend, all facilities are on normal visiting schedule, with the exception of Yard 230 which is in medical quarantine for 21 days (like chicken-pox). FYI.

Yep.....I was there yesterday to vist and other than slow processing (due to all the regular Visiting staff calling in - so unfamiliar staff working the Visitig processing) - everything was on as usual. Never got too crowded in the Visiting room for Yard 6 so we never got relocated from our table. The CO's were pretty relaxed this time and everyone seemed to have good visits. Just FYI....... :)



I tried to get on early this morning but the board was down so, regarding visiting this weekend, all facilities are on normal visiting schedule, with the exception of Yard 230 which is in medical quarantine for 21 days (like chicken-pox). FYI.

GREAT news that you had a nice visit.

Look for more and more of the 'regular' staff to be calling in also ;)

Uhhh....According to the state visiting line, there will be NO visiting for all of 2 Yard this weekend. You still might want to call ahead anyway. Otherwise, maybe the chicken pox has spread to other parts of 2 Yard.

So who's going this weekend??? Anyone? Anyone?? Seems that you wait all week for the next weekend to come so you can go back and visit.....Now - it's Friday - and I feel like I have to scramble to get everything ready <sigh> This whole visiting thing is such an ordeal - I gotta get a better handle on it!! LOL

I know girl...LOL, I have to laugh, ya know, I WROTE him a complete rundown of everything I have to do to prepare.


Was that mean????? well, I fealt like he should be reminded that we have it JUST as hard out here!!!

It's MORE than just waking up and hoping on the road.
I am not complaining just venting :) I am STILL in heaven when I get there!!!!

Jas

Bert knows everything I have to do, especially with Paxton, its a real trek for me to get ready. I gotta pack all my stuff, all his stuff, get him changed, fed and ready to go, then I gotta get ready and finally get on the road.

Bert knows everything I have to do, especially with Paxton, its a real trek for me to get ready. I gotta pack all my stuff, all his stuff, get him changed, fed and ready to go, then I gotta get ready and finally get on the road.


DANG!!! I don't feel so bad, I forgot about you AND the baby, and everything he needs...WOW!!!! GO STRONG WOMAN :) How about a STRONG WOMAN CLUB???

I know, huh?!! Packing up the baby AND yourself - and doing the whole drive and prep!! Yikes!! :eek: And does anyone else stress about getting these damn quarters together?? :slap: I don't know why this is a big part of my stress for the visit, but it is!! Silly, huh?? :o


DANG!!! I don't feel so bad, I forgot about you AND the baby, and everything he needs...WOW!!!! GO STRONG WOMAN :) How about a STRONG WOMAN CLUB???

i go to the bank and get $20 in quarters and $40 in 1's. Whatever I have left over I will use the next time I go... I went yesterday and got my change. Now if I can just decide to go or not. I am leaning towards going, you know, a little birthday present to myself, to see Bert.

hi ladies
I went this weekend...whew!! thank goodness the Saturday ordeal turned out okay & we were able to go back in on sat. I always wonder if I san any of you there...Oh well, until next month I guess.
Everyone be BLESSED!

sharon, you got back in sat? or did you mean sunday?

Well fortunately I had not planned to go on Saturday becase of other plans. I was glad to hear that visiting on Sunday was going on as planned, so I went. We had a very nice visit and it was actually very full in the visiting room, by the end of the day!! :thumbsup:



hi ladies
I went this weekend...whew!! thank goodness the Saturday ordeal turned out okay & we were able to go back in on sat. I always wonder if I san any of you there...Oh well, until next month I guess.
Everyone be BLESSED!

I was glad to get in 4 hours on saturday, would have been nice to have been longer, but things happen. I was glad I decided to stay and visit Sunday. I think I am becoming an every other weeker. Wish I could go every weekend, but its almost 600 miles round trip for me and thats just too much to do.

Unfortunately for some, Saturday was devastating. People that are elderly who traveled 1000 miles, one way, got 20 minutes of visiting in before visiting was shut down. They may not be able to come back for another 3 years. Now, THAT sux!

I heard about that visit too.....that royally sucks!!!!!:mad:

Wow, I didnt know that. I guess I shouldnt complain.

I'm truly sorry for those who traveled all that way and only got a small visit or none at all. Hopefully they stayed for sunday (and yes I ment Sunday we all know no one got back in on saturday). I too had gotten a few hours in already on Saturday so i wasnt so bad and I stayed for Sunday to. I wonder if I say you Morgan...anyway until next time.
sharon

Sharon, I was the one that had the baby in the carseat. You probably saw me. I had an 830 sat and 815 sun. Well next time we can meet and talk. I stayed at the super 8 in kettleman city, but I heard the motel 6 in coalinga is cheaper. who knows.

Hi Ladies,

Well I Had My First Contact Visit!!! It Was Better Then Going To Disneyland The First Time. It Felt So Wonderful To Be Able To Hug Him After 15 Months. Everything Was So Simple And Easy Gong Through The Process Of The Visit. I Cant Wait To Go Back. Everyone Was Very Nice.

Joranrae, It Was Such A Pleasure Meeting You, And Thank You For The Assistance. I Wish We Could Have Chatted More, Hopefully Next Time. I Also Didnt Realize You Lived So Close To Me.

Jasmine, What Can I Say!!! Except I Value You Friendship And Your Wisdom And I Had A Great Time With You. Alot Of Laughs And Tears. Thank You So Much!!!!!!!!:d Your A Sweetie.

Thank All Of You For Your Continued Support And Words Of Wisdom And All Your Knowledge, I Dont Know What I Would Do Without You Guys, Your The Best!!!

Happy Mothers Day To All!!!!!!!

Hugs And Hugs
Heidi

I'm glad you had a wonderful visit.... good luck.

Glad you had a nice first visit!

Heidi.....
It was so nice to meet you, too. I am so glad your visit was so great!! I have really begun to see just how important these visits are for them to keep their eyes on the outside world.....and be able to focus on getting out.....<sigh> Makes all this effort we go through worth it......:)

Hi Ladies,

Well I Had My First Contact Visit!!! It Was Better Then Going To Disneyland The First Time. It Felt So Wonderful To Be Able To Hug Him After 15 Months. Everything Was So Simple And Easy Gong Through The Process Of The Visit. I Cant Wait To Go Back. Everyone Was Very Nice.

Joranrae, It Was Such A Pleasure Meeting You, And Thank You For The Assistance. I Wish We Could Have Chatted More, Hopefully Next Time. I Also Didnt Realize You Lived So Close To Me.

Jasmine, What Can I Say!!! Except I Value You Friendship And Your Wisdom And I Had A Great Time With You. Alot Of Laughs And Tears. Thank You So Much!!!!!!!!:d Your A Sweetie.

Thank All Of You For Your Continued Support And Words Of Wisdom And All Your Knowledge, I Dont Know What I Would Do Without You Guys, Your The Best!!!

Happy Mothers Day To All!!!!!!!

Hugs And Hugs
Heidi

Hope everyone has a good visit this weekend. Hopefully the weather stays nice for us and for our loved ones.

www.motel6.com (http://www.motel6.com)
it's like 36.99 for one person there

I stayed at the Motel 6 in Coalinga (at your your recommendation, Terri :thumbsup: ) and it was $39.99 - no tax....everyone there was VERY nice - and my room was COMPLETELY BRAND NEW!! Very nicely done - still smelled like new carpet......very clean.....I was VERY happy with it......It only took me 15 minutes to get back to the prison from there.....it was a very pleasant stay!! :thumbsup:

www.motel6.com (http://www.motel6.com)
it's like 36.99 for one person there

Renovation almost completed? I'm not sure since I don't stay there anymore. I was going on the price listed on the internet. At least it's nice again like before on some of the rooms lol

RATE NAME PER NIGHT
Click 6 Internet Rate http://a1185.g.akamai.net/f/1185/11025/7d/accorna.download.akamai.com/11025/m6p2/ms/images/click_6_icon.gif $35.99 USD
Standard Rate $39.99 USD

Hey Morgan,
I think I did see you and the baby... Wow, well when are you going back. I'm going up on the first weekend in June so if you're there I'll see you then.

You probably did see me... I am going up this weekend and then next weekend the 28-29. If I am lucky I will go the 1st week of June, but I think my brother is getting married June 2nd.

Ok Jas, we should start posting in here about visiting the 28-29th. I sent you a PM about my reservation so we can make sure all goes well for the weekend. I just hope nothing happens to where visiting is cancelled.

LOL. thanks. You know I get miss directed sometimes LOL :) :) :)

I am praying it doesn't either!!!

I am making my reservation in a few

Well I am getting ready to go for the weekend. Got the car washed, packed all my things, got my reservation, gas is in the car, got my change already... just waiting for the clock to tick. Anyways, everyone have a good visit.

I haven't visited since January..and don't plan to go to Avenal til I pick my husband up, but just curious....what is it like with this heat in the visiting room?

And to everyone visiting, have a safe drive and a wonderful visit this weekend!

So far the visiting room that I've been in hasn't been that bad.......Even when it's been 101 degrees outside!! :fb: They have big fans up in the corners at the front and back - and the doors open. But I haven't been there in the actual "summer" so I guess we'll see.....I take it there's no air conditioning in these visiting rooms??? :confused:


I haven't visited since January..and don't plan to go to Avenal til I pick my husband up, but just curious....what is it like with this heat in the visiting room?

And to everyone visiting, have a safe drive and a wonderful visit this weekend!

Oh ya, the big fans in the corners of the room...I forgot about those...I'm not sure if there is air conditioning..that is what I was wondering...does anyone know if there is AC in the visiting rooms?

Yes, for 4 yard there is AC...and it is usually very comfy. UNTIL...it's time to leave, THEN they turn it off!!

Really, I cant tell if there is AC. I think its just the big fans. They keep our doors closed so it stays cooler. Also to keep those nasty flies out. It rained this weekend and right as visiting was over Sunday, they had another institutional lockdown. Someone thought it be funny to pull the fire alarm.

I just got the signed Visitation Form from my boyfriend. I filled it out, but where do I mail it to? There is no address on the form and he didn't know where I should send it.

ASP
P. O. Box 8
Avenal, CA 93204

ATTN:Visiting Sargeant

LeBeau is correct. That's exactly the address they gave me when I called Avenal to ask.

I just got the signed Visitation Form from my boyfriend. I filled it out, but where do I mail it to? There is no address on the form and he didn't know where I should send it.

What about for CCC? Whats the addy for that facility?

Everyone have great visits this weekend. Be safe!

Jas

I just got the signed Visitation Form from my boyfriend. I filled it out, but where do I mail it to? There is no address on the form and he didn't know where I should send it.

You can also just send it with a letter to your boyfriend and the mail room takes it out and sends it to the visiting office.

Hello everyone,
I will be visiting ASP (GOD's willing) next weekend June 3 & 4 just want to know if anyone else is going. It would be great to meet you all and put a face to a name since we talk so much on this site. Anyway my appt is @ 8:30am both days...see ya there
sharon

Sorry sharon, I cant go that weekend, my brother is getting married. Anyways, I went this weekend and I swear there was some weird things going on there. Must have been something in the water that made them think all crazy... I know I aint the only one that feels that way.

Sharon,
Sorry I won't be able to make it either, my daughter's graduation is happening that weekend :D

I know this has nothing to do with Avenal but,
Terri,
love the pic on your signature...was Wentworth there???

No :( just T-Bag and Sarah and a long list of other stars, like Hurley from Lost, Gene Simmons, the Judds, Jim Nabors, Florence Henderson, Ludicrous, some Sacramento King player (sorry don't do pro basketball) ... the guy from Invasion and Armageddon crap can't think of his name now and I will have to look again at the pictures there were so many there... general hospital stars, Richard Marx and the list was huge ... But thanks I LOVE the picture also :) I like Dominic also woo hoo ...

No visits for Yard 1 all other facilities have visits.

1-800-374-8474 option 1,4,2

thanks megan,even though I am not going this weekend, its nice to not have to call to find out that everything is ok with visiting.

Things got changed later on today...ALL YARDS have regular visits...

Did all yards have visits this weekend cause my husband is on yard 3 and said they have been on modified lockdown all weekend. Hope no one made a trip up there and couldn't get in!

My husband called this morning, he said yesterday they had to stay inside until 3 when the shift changed. He said that they were talking about being short of staff. He's on yard 3

They were short staffed meaning NO YARD, but ok on visiting...

As far a I know everyone got visits this past weekend. Did everyone get their phone call yet? I havent heard from T which worries me a little. He usually calls me on sunday to make sure i made it home safely and i miss him definately on monday he calls, but no call today. Maybe I'll try to call up there tomorrow to see if anything is going on. Anyone hear anything. T is on yard 210.

I got calls Sunday and Monday but from yard 5.
Megan

No call from yard 4. His normal day is 1 weekend day (called Sat) and always Monday. So I am not sure. He did start working on Monday, so he could have missed phone signup on Sunday night.

I definitely got my calls, I would be so worried if I didnt.

I recieved calls on Sunday 6:05 am and today Tuesday 6:00 am.

Sharon and Kitten,
did you get your calls yet? I hope so cause I know how much I rely on my calls to get me thru the day.

Zunigan, I see that you have a ticker, is it me or did you just put that on there?

As an aside, if y'all get a chance to offer up a small prayer for the inmate that passed away last week on 320 yard. I'm not aware if he had any family, (I don't think he did) but, he was a human just the same, no matter what COs think.
Thanks.

Our prayer group prays daily for all the inmates. Now a special prayer for this inmate. How sad to pass with no family.

Hippo--I have had a ticker all along--just not this one!

havent received my phone call yet...i called and co said 2 yard on lockdown

I MISSED MY CALL!!! I was in the mall, I kept watching my PHONE OMG, I missed the call, I almost passed out, because...THERE is not a dang thing you can do if you miss it...get this, he called twice!!!!! I felt sick!

:( There were two deaths last week then, one on 610 who passed away in the shower after becoming over heated, history of heart problems, upper 60's. came in from being overheated jumped into cold shower to cool off and bam it hit him, he fell hit his head on the shower floor :(
this gentlemen has family but they all still need our prayers!!!

Know how you feel. Just sick!! Missing calls is something I hate so much.

He and all the others who are going through the same thing. Always in my prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ohh Jas......so sorry to hear this!! Damn don't you hate when that happens?? And you're right - you feel so helpless - you can't call back and say "sorry I missed your call!!" :angry:

I MISSED MY CALL!!! I was in the mall, I kept watching my PHONE OMG, I missed the call, I almost passed out, because...THERE is not a dang thing you can do if you miss it...get this, he called twice!!!!! I felt sick!

I heard that on some of the yards they are going to start putting in the new phones, since so many have pulled wires showing, bad connections and so forth, I'll try to verify later in the week. And also try to find out which yards and what order.

New Phones?? That is awesome. Let us know when you know the details.

Phones, that will be nice, I dont know how many times Bert says they only have 1 phone working on the yard.

My dudes on 2 yard! LOL

I know last night only one phone was working on yard 5

I'll try to let everyone know ASAP but most of you know my life is super busy for the time being and I personally see no end in sight for it just yet... the best place to get a hold of me is in our weekly chat sessions on Sunday Nites @ 8pm ...to get into chat you must have 25 post and be a member for at least 2 weeks UNLESS your an oldie member but a goodie one too and then your grandfathered in ;) ....you will also need Java ...
http://www.java.com/en/

Last week I told everyone about the death on 610 but I didn't have details on that night I found them out later but didn't post them until I think it was yesterday ... I just plain forgot or was too busy to do it sorry.... so that is the best time to catch me, Sunday nites ...

I'll keep you all informed as much as I can in the meantime

I cant wait til this weekend. I am going to go see Bert, but leaving Paxton at home again. I think he is getting a cold. This time I am taking my fly spray with me for those deadly flies. It took me 2 days to make sure I had gotten all of them out of my car.

I am still having "fly" nightmares (slapping my face)...It was just plain aweful. What about the fly trap (sticky) Did you call about them?

ALSO COFFEE nightmares...LOL!! (inside joke!)

I never called about them. I almost forgot about the coffee. Sorry about that.

I know you didnt mean it. No worries!!!! :)

I forewarned everyone about the flies and how horrible they are, just wait until July, August ... talk about bad ... they are on suicidal missions I swear they are:angry:

PSSSSSSS......... they will be in your hotel rooms also .... bring a fly swatter with you for there too!!!!

Another tip that I heard was to get and upstairs room because of the crickets!!

Okay, my first visit with my kid is this sunday. I have an appt. for 9 am....do I get there much earlier and check in or something? I know this information is posted elsewhere, but my brain is on overload.
Any tips will be muchly appreciated.
Julia

I would be there at least by 8:30am just in case they call the names out sooner. You will just got to visiting and then they will call the names out, then you go in and fill out the form and get in line to be processed, if you want pictures with him get the picture ducats they are located between the change machines... remove the yellow slip of paper and place the white cardboard in the box about it..... they are 8 quarters each!!!

Good luck and have a WONDERFUL visit ... remember NO underwire bras though!!!

Well visiting was ok this weekend. The processing was smoother than it has been in a while. Alot of new people, so sometimes it took a while longer for some people. The vending people are slipping though. Sat they didnt come up 230 to fill up. Also on sunday the photo ducket machine was out of duckets. They are being more strict on the clothing. Other than that, visiting was good.

Hey....so how was the visit? Was it busy there today?

Well visiting was ok this weekend. The processing was smoother than it has been in a while. Alot of new people, so sometimes it took a while longer for some people. The vending people are slipping though. Sat they didnt come up 230 to fill up. Also on sunday the photo ducket machine was out of duckets. They are being more strict on the clothing. Other than that, visiting was good.

There were alot of people there, getting out at 3 was a pain, but i have seen worse. the number 1 question this weekend was, where is paxton or you didnt bring your son. I swear, even the COs noticed that... Next week, I am taking him. Thats right, Im making 5 weeks straight... Call me crazy. I should get a frequent visitor pass or something... I wish.

Well I wanted to go for the Saturday this weekend, but no available appts. I should have known, but wishful thinking. Well, I still may go.

My fiance was just sentenced today to Avenal state prison. He will be transferred there within the next week or two. I was reading about some of the visitation guidelines and it says if you are on probation, you need special permission from the warden to visit. I have to see my man. I got a DUI a few years ago and am on informal probation. i don't think that should keep me from being able to see my boyfriend. Does anyone know how this whole thing works? I am already freaking out because he is going to be gone for so long, I need to figure out how to see him. Please help!!

Maggie, 1st of all, welcome to the avenal subforum. heres what you need to do, send in your visitation form and get approved. I dont want to be the one to say it, but if there is anything on your record, they may deny you. All I can say is hopefully that wont matter. I know I was denied until I took care of my court issues (FTA). Maybe that is different. You could always call Avenal directly and ask them, 559-386-0587 ext 5400 (for visiting questions). Good Luck.

Hi Maggie,
Welcome to PTO CA forum / ASP Sub forum, glad to have you with us.
To answer your question, YES, it will stop you from visiting because you are on probation unfortunately although it has nothing to do with why your fiance is in there. I'm sorry, BUT when he gets there and gets processed, he will then have to send you out a signed visitors form. Then you fill it out as well, send it in, it can take 2-5 weeks for approval. again sorry they take so long but they do. :( Please list that you are on probation if you don't and when they pull your record up on NCIC report they will deny you and no matter what you do they will keep doing it for a very long time so list that you have it. Cases where people don't know they understand and they approve them second time around but when you know and don't list it they frown on that heavily.

NOW here is the good news. if you list it and they deny you, get a letter from your probation officer and have it with you when you write to the warden ENCLOSE the letter from your PO and also express how sorry you are this happened you have learned your lesson and so forth. Usually as in the past the Warden with the letter from the PO has accepted that but it's not 100% guarantee sorry but your chances are much better with it.
I'm sorry you have to deal with this stuff right now as it's hard enough with having them gone. Stay strong and hopefully it all works out for you.

GOOD LUCK
TerriB

Hello. I am new to Avenal. I need to know does every one need to make an apointment and does any one know if I was approved 2 months ago at Wasco do I have to reapply here?

Welcome Lisa, we are all here to answer any of your questions.


MORGAN

Hello and welcome to Avenal State Prison sub forum, of CA Forums...
Let me first start out with that now let's answer what we can, about appointments, the answer is NO you don't have to make appointments BUT you won't be seeing your loved one until after 10:00am when they do open visiting. For open visiting you need to be inline to get a number about 7:30am and they usually start handing out the numbers about that time unless its a new crew there, then they won't start until 8:00am, I strongly suggest you do call and get an appointment so you can try to go in from 8:00am - 9:45am when those appointments are called out.

About if you are approved that is one thing I was told to have people call the prison and verify on a transfer as some of the prisons ARE making them fill out new visiting forms like an update....I was told by a reliable source that Avenal is going to start this procedure although no date was given. So call and ask just ask for the visiting LT.

Most questions can be answered in the Avenal State Prison Guide which is located at the top of this page in a thread, or feel free to read the Anyone visiting Avenal the higher number pages, there are tons of questions and answers there as well.

I try to keep this sub forum pretty much organized in the same topic situations, like the visiting thread, the Everything/All things Avenal .. those are combined also and many things in there as well. that way we can have space for questions like this and others similiar with new folks just coming to ASP.

If you need any other information feel free to pm me I'll be more than happy to try to help ....

Again, welcome to ASP!

Each prison is different, most of them say "the file follows" but then when you get there they make you do it again. You should call the visiting department and speak to someone to see what they tell you.

Good luck :thumbsup:

Just wanted to know who's going up to see their loved ones. My husband is on 2 yard and i'm making my way from Vegas this Friday to see his handsome face. Where all does everyone travel from?? Anyone on Yard 2??

:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p

I will be there this weekend and next weekend,( 4th of July(if $ permits it). )

Ladies that are visiting this weekend PLEASE be sure to take and drink extra fluids this weekend, 105 average all weekend. it was 119 in the buildings today :mad:

Be prepared for the heat in visiting rooms as well, it never fails usually during the hottest times that the AC quits and you are left with fans alone. Flies will be on suicidal missions, dive bombing everyone. They will swarm into the visiting rooms as well because of the heat ...

OH BTW welcome to AVENAL STATE PRISON Visiting :angry:

Thank you for the welcome .... I haven't been approved for visiting yet, but after your description of the conditions there, I really can't wait. Any info on Yard 6??

hey ladies i am planning on visting this saturday. thanks for the tip on the heat. man i really dont know how my man does it. and get this he loves working out in the heat. i faint just walking back to my car after a vist. and my man is on yard 2. so thanks again.

Your both welcome for the welcome, It's absolutely horrible there in the summertime, like the middle of the desert nothing anywhere around ...

I have friends on all of the yards now a days lol ... what all would you like to know?

Oh you will ride a van to the yard you are visiting as well, except for yards 3 & 4 those are SNY yards and are within walking distant

i posted this question in another place but im going to avenal in a few weeks ..does the dress code apply to 3 yrs olds?? I wanted to put my son in one of the basketball outfits with the shorts and tank top since it is so hot there. Also, can i take his juice cup if it see thru? He cant drink from a soda can.....

You can put what ever up untill he is tall enough to reach the countor. As for the juice cup You should call the prison during the week and ask visiting.

Juice cups are ok.

OK so I am coming from Stockton and this will probably the one and only time i go since he gets out in December. My parents are taking me and my son because i have no AC in my car and they miss him, too . My problem is they take FOREVER to get going so i think it might be pointless to make an appointment since they are late to EVERYTHING and have to stop at every Starbucks they pass. Am i right to just go whenever??? :o

Well what they do is hand out sheets to fill out with numbers on them of a morning before they start calling out names that already have appointments. If you don't have a number you can go in when you get there IF all the appointments are in and also ALL the ones that already have numbers are through as well. That isn't a problem at all. GOOD LUCK and enjoy your visit

Well they DO really try to stick to the appointment times and if you are late (more than 15 minutes) they won't let you in until after all appointments are in and they start taking numbers. You could try to make a later appointment (up to 10:00AM I think) so you could try to make it....otherwise - sometimes the people who came without appointments end up not getting processed and into the visiting rooms until almost noon, sometimes!! Not always - but many times. Considering that visiting ends PROMPTLY at 2:55PM - that doesn't leave you much time.......:no:
Hope that helps......:shrug:


OK so I am coming from Stockton and this will probably the one and only time i go since he gets out in December. My parents are taking me and my son because i have no AC in my car and they miss him, too . My problem is they take FOREVER to get going so i think it might be pointless to make an appointment since they are late to EVERYTHING and have to stop at every Starbucks they pass. Am i right to just go whenever??? :o

My first time I went to Avenal I went with out a visiting appointment and it was fine. I arrived early like around 6:30-7am and got in line with other visitors who didn’t have appointments and were waiting for a pass too. After I officer came out and gave us all passes I just went back to the car and waited until 9:30am and then went back over to the processing room to wait for my number to be called. Since appointments are scheduled up until 10am technically the visitors without appointments (with numbered passes) wouldn’t get processed until after 10am however sometimes the appointment people will all be processed and then they will start taking numbers early that is why I would suggest going up to the building at 9:30am just so you don’t miss your number if they do call early. When I had my pass I got back to visiting around 10:30-11:00am. I have done both appointments and non-appointments and by far appointments are the WAY to go! Hardly no waiting around it is really really nice.

The thing with having no appts, when you have a number, even after they call the number, if they pass your mumber, you dont have to wait.

Hey i see there are lot more people w/ loved ones on yard 2 now. I use to feel like I was the only one...welcome welcome, welcome...

so visiting doors open at 9:30? which means my slowpoke parents will leave about 8:30 or so and think they can make it in time....i can wear white jeans right? i only have until dec. 29th and since he calls like 3 days a week, i feel like telling him to just wait until it cools down. I write to him every day and thats with chasing after this 3 yr old monster we have and working all day. but u know how men are...........gotta have it all. cant be satified. if i dont go, i gotta hear "THE VOICE" and "THE SIGH"...better to just drag my butt out there. Man, i better be getting some good loving when he gets here to pay me back for all this stress i put myself thru!

visiting starts at 8:00 with appts and run every 15 minutes until 10 am when non appts start. But dont expect to show up at 10 and get in right away. if they are busy and have high numbers, it may be almost 11. It also depends on who is working the door and inside, whether its the normal guys or not.

so visiting doors open at 9:30? which means my slowpoke parents will leave about 8:30 or so and think they can make it in time....i can wear white jeans right? i only have until dec. 29th and since he calls like 3 days a week, i feel like telling him to just wait until it cools down. I write to him every day and thats with chasing after this 3 yr old monster we have and working all day. but u know how men are...........gotta have it all. cant be satified. if i dont go, i gotta hear "THE VOICE" and "THE SIGH"...better to just drag my butt out there. Man, i better be getting some good loving when he gets here to pay me back for all this stress i put myself thru!

I hear ya on that about calls and letters should be enough. I actually have only visited my husband once since he went from jail to prison cause it is too expensive and such a hassle that my husband said he would rather me save the money for when he is home for us to spend doing something together rather than on gas and hotels just to sit in a visiting room...I even opened up a savings account for all that money that would have gone towards trips up there..I'm not even gonna tell you how much I have saved. I too have a little one running around and she keeps me so busy that my husband doesn't even try to guilt trip me...he knows what he would have to come home to if he did. Good luck on your visit. I think you can wear white jeans. I wore black jeans when I visited.

Ya, i wouldnt have gone at all to visit but he called his father-in-law (my step-dad) who opened his BIG MOUTH and said "Oh ya we'll take them up there to see you!". So, luckily i dont have to pay for the gas or anything (i wasnt the one who volunteered!) and i just feel so guilty if i dont write. I let him know every day what his son is doing or said and who called and all that so he wont feel like he missed out on anything. Know what I mean? I try to make him feel not so far from home. I save up too and the week he gets out i took off from work. AND he gets out on a FRIDAY!
He tried to guilt trip me a few years ago (so far we have had 2 6-mo parole violations) and i didnt bother to go at all. so this time he learned his lesson. ha ha.

There will be NO visiting for all Northern Hispanics on 2 Yard this weekend, according to the visiting line update. Just FYI.

Tonight (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/93204?dayNum=0)
Jul 14
http://image.weather.com/web/common/wxicons/31/31.gifClearN/A/73°0% http://image.weather.com/web/common/blank.gif
Sat (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/93204?dayNum=1)
Jul 15
http://image.weather.com/web/common/wxicons/31/32.gifSunny105°/76°0% http://image.weather.com/web/common/blank.gif 105°F

Sun (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/93204?dayNum=2)
Jul 16
http://image.weather.com/web/common/wxicons/31/32.gifSunny106°/77°0% http://image.weather.com/web/common/blank.gif 106°F

July 21st-23rd
(http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/home/hometips/troubleshooting/index.html?from=tenday_trigger)

Fri (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/93204?dayNum=7)
Jul 21
http://image.weather.com/web/common/wxicons/31/32.gifSunny101°/73°20% http://image.weather.com/web/common/blank.gif 101°F

Sat (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/93204?dayNum=8)
Jul 22
http://image.weather.com/web/common/wxicons/31/32.gifSunny101°/75°0% http://image.weather.com/web/common/blank.gif 101°F

Sun (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/93204?dayNum=9)
Jul 23
http://image.weather.com/web/common/wxicons/31/32.gifSunny102°/74°0% http://image.weather.com/web/common/blank.gif 102°F

There will be NO visiting for all Northern Hispanics on 2 Yard this weekend, according to the visiting line update. Just FYI.
I wonder if they are on lockdown or just no visits

Apparently a lifer was slashed on the yard this past week. Also, a staff assault on 4 Yard that resulted in lockdown for a couple of days while weapons searches were conducted. So, a NH lockdown on 2 Yard is possible.
The food continues to get worse there,and, alot of guys are getting diarrhea, stomach cramps, and flu-like symptoms. They're blaming the food, however, I tend to believe it's something else.

Apparently a lifer was slashed on the yard this past week. Also, a staff assault on 4 Yard that resulted in lockdown for a couple of days while weapons searches were conducted. So, a NH lockdown on 2 Yard is possible.
The food continues to get worse there,and, alot of guys are getting diarrhea, stomach cramps, and flu-like symptoms. They're blaming the food, however, I tend to believe it's something else.
Whats funny is my man got there about 1 month and a half ago and at that time there was articles in the paper here that said all the dudes in DVI were getting sick ..like 100 of them including guards and some had to be taken to the hospital. Well, during all this ...guys were being transferred and taking the sickness with them. They pinpointed it to the milk at DVI but u figure as hot as it is down there.....im sure the liquids must be going bad...milk, or whatever......

I heard this as well Nano...
:(

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine that informs me that there was some trouble on yard 450 yesterday (July 17th) that an inmate attacked a guard, the guard needed to go to the hospital and had some stitches in his arm.
My friend doesn't know if there will be a lockdown of 450 or not since they weren't around there today so they do not know. My suggestion is to call and see or at least be sure to call the visiting line before you go.

Will let you know more when / if I do on this subject.

Oops thanks Terri. I am sorry I had posted this BEFORE I read yours...thanks for the info

Officer is fine, I can't remember if I was told 8 or 18 stitches but anyways he is back to work already went back on Tuesday, CO's are all covering each other more and more because of staff assaults, tempers are flaring due to extreme heat.

As of 5 p.m. today, all yards are on normal visiting programs.

I was at yard 5 on Saturday 07/22 and when I got there at 10:30 there was no water and a little bit of food. At about 12:00 the vendors came in and filled up everything. The bad thing was that it was 115 degrees outside so when they filled up the beverages they were hot! So I learned my lesson not to buy a soda or water after its jus filled up!! The visit was very nice though!

Does anyone know how long it takes to get approved ?

Depending how back logged they are and if the NCIC is up and running but anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. It varies so much anymore so that is what the Visiting LT told me to tell people when this is asked.


TerriB
moderator

Thanks for the info, I called and they told me about 2 weeks. I think the longest I am going to have to wait is for him to send me the form.

I just wanted to say be safe to all those driving up to Avenal this weekend. I will be up there too...staying at the Super 8.

Have fun visiting your loved ones

I will be there on Saturday.