Hello there! I know I can count on this group for suggestions/advice. My hubby just got transferred to MCSP and is now in orientation. How long does orientation last and can they use the phone after that or do they need to have a job to use the phone? I haven't visited him yet but as soon as he says we can, we'll plan to go see him. I live in Los Angeles so we really need to plan ahead. I have a 18-month old baby with me so can anyone share practical tips on visiting like is it more advisable to fly than to drive to go there? What airport is the nearest to MCSP and what transportation to take from airport to MCSP? I hear there is a "Visitor Center" outside the prison, do they assist in transporation to and from the prison to the airport? Last for now, does the baby need to follow the same dress code rules as adults...no denim, metal, hoods etc? I can think of a lot of questions but these will be all for now. Hope you guys can help me...:confused:

Hi and welcome! Let me see what I can answer for you.
1. Orientation will last about 7-10 days. They can use the phone right after that they do not need a job.
2. From LA you are looking at a 7-8 hour drive, so it really depends on your little one and if they could handle that kind of drive. My daughter is 13 months and we drive 3 hours to Mule Creek. When she was younger she did just fine she slept most of the way but now that she is getting older it is getting a little harder. I allow myself more time to travel because she gets fussy.
3. The nearest airport is in Sacramento. The visitor center does provide transportation but I believe it is limited, to visiting days and times and location for pickup. I will look for the number for you. You miight have to 1. rent a car or 2. take a shuttle to the prison. I believe the ariport is about 45 minutes away from the prison
4. The baby does not need to follow the same guidelines as adults. I try to put my daughter in denim as much as possible just cause I can! You are allowed to take in a max of 6 diapers, wipes (that have not been opened) and 2 things of baby food. You can not take in glass so I would always buy the Gerber ones that come in plastic. There is fresh milk to buy in the visiting room. Does your baby drink formula? If so I can give you the details on that. Well I think that may be it. I hope this helps!!

Milo - welcome and please join us in Where the Creek Meet to Greet Chat - September 2006. There you will find a ton of people with tons of information for all kinds of questions. What Yard is your husband on?

Thanks ladies for your helpful inputs. My husband is in C yard but he says he'll be moved to B. Driving is out of the question if it's me and my baby because he'll be needing me at the backseat for sure for that long drive. But I'll visit with my in-laws too sometimes so they'll be driving. About catalogs of supplies that he needs, do you know where I can order these printed catalogs for him to have as reference?

They should have the catalogs for packages there for him. I will ask my husband when I talk to him. He just sends me the order list. Oh wait you can go to the websites of the companys and probably print it from there.

Milo ~

Hello. Here are the approved vendors: (You can call and request they send you a catalog, and they will do so. You can also call and get thier website information and print the web version as well.)

Access Securepak

P. O. Box 50028
Sparks, NV 89435-0028
(800) 546-6283


D&D Enterprises

P.O. Box 7298
Visalia, CA 93290
(866) 390-5291


Ezee Paks Catalog

P.O. Box 7243
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
(831) 566-4513

Impackt

4909 Stockdale Hwy, Suite 253
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(866) 736-3487


Jack L. Marcus
5300 West Fond du Lac
Milwaukee, WI 53216-1348
(800) 236-2611

Jenny Quarterly Package Service

P.O. Box 3323
Sparks, Nevada 89432-3323
Ph: (888) 358-8696

Mikes Better Shoes

1252 Berlin-Haddonfield Road
Voorhees, NJ 08043
(800) 431-1911

Music by Mail

129 31st Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232
(718) 369-6982

Nutrition Express

P.O. Box 3669
Torrance, CA 90510-3669
(800) 338-7979

Packages R Us

2648 East Workman Ave. #424
West Covina, CA 91791
Ph: (866) 303-7787


Union Supply Direct

P.O. Box 7006
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220-7006
Ph: (866) 404-8989

The Vitamin Outlet
Fitness Systems Mfg. Corp.
P.O. Box 2073
Sinking Spring, PA 19608
(800) 822-9995

Walkenhorst’s

1774 Industrial Way
Napa CA 94558
(800) 660-9255

We Pak 4 U
561 Keystone Ave. #249
Reno, NV 89503
(877) 937-2522


MGM Packages

P.O. Box 304
Chico, CA 95327
(530) 566-9878
NOTE: This vendor does not provide services to all facilities.

I hope this helps. I'm on C yard as well. Please free to PM me anytime.