I have a friend who is awaiting transfer from county to Chowcilla Womans facility. She just received a 6 years sentance. Can anyone tell me what she can expect there?
I'm worried about her safety. This is her first time in trouble, has never even been in jail before. Anything you know would be helpful. She's on 19 years old and I am particularly worried about her safety.
Thanks for helping.

Signed,
A scared friend.

Kristi I have moved you question the CA forum, where some one may come along and be able to answer your question. better.

softie

Sorry to hear about your friend. 6 years. OUCH!!!! She will go to A yard first for about 4 weeks for medical clearance. Then off to the main yard. B,C or D yard. There she'll get classified and endorsed (assigned to a prison) if your friend is interested in it she should ask for Fire Camp. It's about the best way to do time. And she will not only get half time, they also take off additional 35% of your time.
Don't worry to bad I'm sure your friend will be fine. The young usually do better then others. Alot of the ugly stuff you hear about in prison's are mostly in the movies. At leasst in womens prison. I unfortuanately have been in and out of there enough times to know.

An excellent reply Tracie . . . Kristi as you can see others have been through this and come out. I really can't add much more than what Tracie already said so well.

I guess I could say to just be "yourself". Don't pretend to be something your not or try and pretend to be tough. Treat everyone there with respect regardless of where they are from. You may have a few folks test you a bit just to see what you're about. Like I said, just be yourself, don't try and be overly tough and don't be willing to simply give anway everything you have.

A moderately firm but friendly tone will carry you through. You will soon find youself accepted. Tracie is right too in having you apply for a facility like a camp or restitution center.

The Bible has a phrase that has always remained with me:

" . . . and this too, shall pass . . . "

Hello everyone, My wife was recently sent to CCWF a couple of weeks ago. She is now "over the wall" and in another part of the prison. I have heard from her only a few times. I have sent her mail every day and I have sent prestamped envelopes but when she did get a call home she said she had recieved none of them. Will she get them or can I consider the letters a loss. I don't want her to think I have forgotten her. I know she and some of the others were feeling that way. Also can you tell me what are the odds of a first time non-violent offender going to a minimum security facility or are they not doing this right now. I am really worried and could use your feedback.

Kady'sguy,

She'll get them, it will just take a few days. Everything has to be re-routed and then she will get them after lock down at night. Don't worry. But keep writing.

Monica

HI KADYS GUY, DONT TRIP CHOWCHILLA IS THE WORST FACILITY FOR MAIL IT TAKES ANY WHERE FROM 8 TO 12 DAYS TO GET MAIL..I KNOW I DID 3 YEARS THERE...SHE WILL GET ALL HER MAIL.. THE BEST THING IS TO SEND HER BOOKS OF STAMPS BECAUSE WHEN ITS BULK MAIL IT TAKES LONGER,AND IF YOU WANT TO GET A MESSAGE TO HER QUICK SEND A POSTCARD...CHOWCHILLA IS NOTHING NICE THATS JUST KEEPING IT REAL,"OVER THE WALL" IS 3 YARDS WITH 4 BUILDINGS ON EACH YARD EACH ONE HOLD275 WOMEN DURING THE WEEK THEY CAN GO OUT ON THERE OWN YARD,THEN WEEKENDS ALL 3 YARDS GO TO THE MAIN YARD,AS LONG AS SHE KEEPS IT REAL DOESNT GET CAUGHT UP IN THE DRAMA,AND JUST DOES HER TIME SHE BE ALRIGHT THERE ARE ALOT OF LIFERS THERE AND THEY DONT LIKE US LITTLE TIMERS COMING INTO THEIR HOME AND TRYING TO RUN SOMETHING,BECAUSE PEOPLE LIKE YOUR WIFE AND I ARE ONLY THERE A MINUTE,SHE'LL BE JUST FINE WRITE LOTS OF MAIL BECAUSE THATS WHAT WE LIKE THE BEST...GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR WIFE.... DENISE

Kady's Guy,

I can't really add much to what has already been written here, except that if she is over the wall, she was probably already "endorsed" to CCWF. So, that is where she will do her time. She can put in a request to change later. Keep those cards and letters coming even if she hasnt been getting them...she will eventually.
Best of luck to you and Kady,
Penny

I am turning myself in tues feb.17th i will then be transfered to chowchilla or vsp, i am pregnant, i got three years, can anyone tell me what to expect as far as the pregnancy and are there any special programs like fire camp that i can apply for???

my friend laura has been there for about 15 years. she is doing 15 to life she has a parole hearing coming up. basically you can expect to have a job if you want one.

Hi everybody. My best friend was just sentenced today and will be sent to one of the Chowchilla prisons more than likely. She received a 15 to life sentence as well as the friend Laura that is mentioned above. ....My Ton, with such a "large" sentence and the fact that you said your friend has already done 15 years, I'm assuming Fire Camps, etc. are out of the question to reduce time, right?
Does anyone know anything about sending books to her BEFORE she is "over the wall?" How many stamps, legal notepads, pens, etc. can I send to her ASAP as well? (I read that they have to be clear pens but not sure how many, etc.) ANY and all help and information that you could send my way would be most appreciated. She is scared to death as am I. She's never been in trouble before, etc. I want to try to give her as much as possible. Do you know how much time it will take for her to receive "contact" visits? Has anyone received collect calls from one of the Chowchilla prisons to a long distance number. Do you know how much it usually costs? etc. etc.

I am moving this thread to our "Other CA Prisons" sub-forum.

rachelb,
I spent 14 months in Chowchilla and then 6 months at Leo Chesney Center in Live Oak. I called home at least three times a week from CCWF. I live in Southern Cali and the calls were less than $7.00 for 15 minutes. Your friend will not get any phone calls until she goes over the wall. She may be able to work and receive a phone call while on A yard but it is hard because everyone wants to work for a call. Also I know that when I recieved money while on A yard they did not take out any for restitution. I would check to make sure this is still the policy I was there in 2004. I was also a first time offender. It is scary at first but she will be fine.

Hi everyone

I came across this and noticed the the 15 to life. My son's friend, who's like a daughter to me has spent 3 years in county (she was like 18 then) fighting her case. I believe somewhere along the line she was offfered 12 years. For some reason, she ended up going to trial. Needless to say the trial didn't help. She said that the judge couldn't even offer her less than 15 years to life (level 4). Not sure where she's going etc. She's not in good spirits to say the least. I'm finding it difficult to understand the whole thing but most importantly I'm have no idea what to write or not to write. It just brings tears to my eyes. Does anyone have any suggestions??

Thanks so much

Geezer, thanks for your encouragement and response. I was told, today, by her attorney that he thinks she will be transferred from County to Tracy (???) for 90 days of evaluation, etc. Does that sound right to you? He's a very good attorney, but I don't know how many women he's defended and lost so he may be going with knowledge regarding men. Is there a difference? I was under the impression somehow, that she would go to CCWF or VSPW and be evaluated, etc. THERE. I've read varying things regarding what she can be sent as far as a stationery package..i.e. a pad of legal paper, two completely clear pens, no rubber, 20 stamps and envelopes. Do you remember?

AY2B, I can totally sympathize with your pain, confusion, and loss. My friend has been my best friend for over 16 years and is literally my "sister." In the midst of all of this, she has three kids and since I'm not actually family, it will be difficult for me to try to raise them since their grandparents have custody, but my friend wants me to try to be there for them. At the same time, I want to be there for her, and she wants me to be there too. So I can completely relate to being so close to someone and not knowing what to do or say.

I just got off the phone with my sister/friend, and we both cried. Something like this is more than someone should have to bear. The only thing I can say is that I know my sister needs to know the she's loved, she's supported, we are all behind her and will continue to be. She needs all of the communication she can get. My sister has been in county for 3.5 months and will transferred somewhere else in the next 2-14 days. Anything and everything I've sent her seems to help her as much as anything can. Just getting letters regularly lets her know she's not forgotten and that people care about her. Tell her how you feel in you letters. Let her know you love her. Send her cut out word searches, crossword puzzles, magazine articles, "how-to-draw" pages...anything paper that she might like. Sometimes it doesn't seem to matter WHAT you write as long as they're getting something from the outside from someone they love and that loves them. I hope this helps a little. With such devastation, it seems like very little but on the "inside" little things also mean a lot more than we, on the outside, think. Send her inspirational postcards where you don't have to write as much but where you can let her know that you love her. Let her know how you feel and that you're upset for her but also encourage her that she can get through this and that you're behind her. Be her strength.

rachleb

Thanks so much for all your understanding, encouragement and your ideas. I haven't heard from her since she was supposed to be sentenced. I asked her to call me as soon as she felt she could. My prayers are with you and your sister

Has anyone received phone calls or anything?

Well the lady from CCWF that i have been involved with for a year and a half made a mistake. She put a letter meant for another guy, pleadging her love and asking for money into an envelope addressed to me by mistake. It is over, I don't feel bad, I just feel used.

I have a friend who is awaiting transfer from county to Chowcilla Womans facility. She just received a 6 years sentance. Can anyone tell me what she can expect there?
I'm worried about her safety. This is her first time in trouble, has never even been in jail before. Anything you know would be helpful. She's on 19 years old and I am particularly worried about her safety.
Thanks for helping.

Signed,
A scared friend.

KRISTI,
HI MY NAME IS LEAH HOWES AND I WANNA HELP YOU TO UNDERSTAND THAT WHILE PRISON IS A VERY LONELY PLACE, IT IS MOST SAFE IF YOU DON'T GET MESSED UP IN THE CLICKS, GANGS AND SUCH.IF YOUR FRIEND GOT A SIX YEAR SENTENCE ODDS ARE OR AT LEAST THE WAY CA. PRISONS WORK SHE WILL BE OUT IN THREE... I DON'T KNOW IF SHE WAS SENTENCED 6 YEARS WITH 85% OR NOT BUT THAT WOULD BE THE ONLY WAY SHE WOULD DO ANY WHERE NEAR 6 YEARS.. YOU USUALLY MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE GIRLS WHO RIDE THE BUS THERE WITH YOU AND MOST HAVE ALREADY BEEN THERE AND WILL UNLESS THEY ARE JUST RUDE WILL KINDA LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW GIRLS.. DO YOUR BEST TO WRITE HER AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE, MAIL IS SO IMPORTANT IN THERE, THERES ONLY A FEW FEELINGS OF HEART SINKING PAIN ABOVE WAITING ON MAIL CALL AND NOT HEAR YOUR NAME CALLED.. SO WRITE YOUR LITTLE FINGERS OFF GIRL FRIEND AND IF POSSIBLE SEND HER A QUARTERLY BOW WITH HYGEINES, SHOES, I THINK STILL EVEN CLOTHES..THAT WILL HELP TREMENDOUSLY, GET HER A COUPLE SUBSCRIPTIONS TO MAGAZINES, AND MAYBE A SUBSCRIPTION OF HER HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER, WELL 'LL CLOSE WITH THAT, IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS YOU THINK I COULD POSSIBLY HELP YOU WITH I WOULD BE GLAD TO ANSWER AT MY PERSONAL E-MAIL WHICH IS: (email removed per PTO policy. Please PM this member instead)


I AM PROUD TO SAY I'VE BEEN OUT AWHILE NOW ,I HAVE A GREAT MAN IN MY LIFE NOW AND A GREAT JOB.... MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU & YOURS ALWAYS IN ALL YOU SAY AND DO

SINCERELY, LEAH HOWES

i just paroled from chowchilla in december 05 you can send envelopes and stamps there,no paper or pens the mail will be returned. i hated chowchilla and never got to program cause i am an 85%er and half timers get priority for work or school. your loved one can try to get endorsed to ciw in chino but i tried and got no love at all. good luck to you and yours. cynthia

I was wondering what is with the mail situation at Chowchilla valley state prison for women, I have sent my girlfriend 5 letters and have only got back 1 from her, she has been in there for a couple months now and she hasn't called me either. The letter I did get from her was very short, saying she is real lonely and has to wait to see her counselor?? And she is not over the wall yet whatever that means. Does anybody know how Chowchilla works? I would love her to call me and I would also love to drive down there to see her, when can I visit her?:confused:

You have to receive a signed visitation form from her. a "CDC 106." You can try to print one online, send it to her blank, so she can sign it and send it back.

Have you put money on her books? Have you sent her stamps? (She may need these things to write back to you.)

She SHOULD be out of reception and able to call, but may not be out of reception yet. (No calls allowed when in reception)

Is she at Valley State or at CCWF (both are in Chowchilla)?

If it is her first time in it can be quite an expereance and then she may not have a lot to say. So she is still in reception, Yes?

Typical state beauracracy, I finally get approved to visit my wife in VSPW and she gets moved to CIW the day after she is told to pack her things to go to Live Oak. What I do not understand is why would she get moved down to CIW when her transfer papers stated she was going to Live Oak, makes no sense, then again I have never really been able to figure out why the gov't does what they do. She was told it would take 2 months for her belongings to find her and her money would take a month. However she was able to call her sister because she could not recall the house number (have not had a land line for 5 or 6 years until she went in) as it is in one of the letters she has no access to for several months.

I guess I should be happy now that she feels safer being away from VSPW where she said the lifer in her room threatened to kill her daily because she thought she was a snitch/plant because she was the only different woman in the block. She is just another day closer to the end.

My future wife is currently in there and it has been getting crazy. There has been two murders in the past six months. One being an inmate changed cloths from her bule with another inmates orange's to get to the yard to kill the inmate. There has also been a rash of inmates that disfigure thier faces with hot chemicals or sharp objects. Tel her

Hi I posted that I needed help my boyfriend of a year has a girlfriend that transferred from Riverside to Chowchilla, I never knew about till I came across 4 letters from here, he says shes talking jail talk, I think I should write her and tell them its over. How do I do that? please help me. He says its over.....

If HE wants her to know it's over, it's HIS job, not yours. Why hasn't he? Is it really over? Is he just being kind to her while she's inside. She's not threat. I would just leave it alone.

Hello Kriti, My sister is also waiting a county to go to chowchilla. My mom and I just went to see her today before she goes. They never know once they get sentenced when the bus will come and pick them up. It was so hard to say goodbye, and know that she was on her way to a whole new world of unknown. I responded to your thread because I too am worried about my sisters saftey. She is petite and very cute. The big difference is she is 53 years old and looks like she is 35. She has 1 year 8 months left. This website is very helpful. I do know that the first 60 days is the reception part of her sentence. this is where they evaluate her medically, mentally, who knows what else. Then they decide which security level she will be in. From that point they designate a prison for them to go to. Some will stay in Chochilla and some will go to other prisons. I dont know what your friend did. She more than likely will contact someone and let them know if she is moved. I dont know how safe it is in there. I just hope and pray that my sister will be ok, just like your friend. Does anyone out there know anymore info that we both could use:cry: :confused: Keep in touch if you hear anything. kim(sistaluv)




I have a friend who is awaiting transfer from county to Chowcilla Womans facility. She just received a 6 years sentance. Can anyone tell me what she can expect there?
I'm worried about her safety. This is her first time in trouble, has never even been in jail before. Anything you know would be helpful. She's on 19 years old and I am particularly worried about her safety.
Thanks for helping.

Signed,
A scared friend.

Hello, I really hope my sister gets live Oak. I just read some really good things about it. it is a private prison. she is so lucky. I'm sorry, did you mean that she was going to live oak and now she is going to CIW instead. where is that? I am really worried about my sister, first time. She is going any day now to Chowchilla. I keep hearing all these horror stories. She will be there for reception and then I dont know where she will go. I hope she doesnt stay there. :(









Typical state beauracracy, I finally get approved to visit my wife in VSPW and she gets moved to CIW the day after she is
:thumbsup: told to pack her things to go to Live Oak. What I do not understand is why would she get moved down to CIW when her transfer papers stated she was going to Live Oak, makes no sense, then again I have never really been able to figure out why the gov't does what they do. She was told it would take 2 months for her belongings to find her and her money would take a month. However she was able to call her sister because she could not recall the house number (have not had a land line for 5 or 6 years until she went in) as it is in one of the letters she has no access to for several months.

I guess I should be happy now that she feels safer being away from VSPW where she said the lifer in her room threatened to kill her daily because she thought she was a snitch/plant because she was the only different woman in the block. She is just another day closer to the end.

CIW is pretty alright from what I heard. It's in Frontera, near Chino. Haven't heard of Live Oak myself but I think any women's prison is better than Chowchilla.

i sent u a pm (private message).

Hello, I really hope my sister gets live Oak. I just read some really good things about it. it is a private prison. she is so lucky. I'm sorry, did you mean that she was going to live oak and now she is going to CIW instead. where is that? I am really worried about my sister, first time. She is going any day now to Chowchilla. I keep hearing all these horror stories. She will be there for reception and then I dont know where she will go. I hope she doesnt stay there. :(

Chowchilla wasn't so bad when I was there 5 years ago. But my feeling was prison is prison. On the bus up from San Diego I was with several women that had been doing time most of their lives and they gave me great advice. "Mind your own business!!" "Respect others" But most of all "Don't get involved in other womens messes" It was my first time in prison or jail...any of it. But just the fact that I was there was proof that I was not better than anyone else. No worse, but no better. I was at Chowchilla for almost 3 months, but only 4 weeks of it was in reception, or "A" yard. It always depends on how busy they are. Plus if you get there in the summer when a lot of the staff are on vaction it can take longer. They are not in a hurry. I heard very nice things about Live Oak. At one time they were thinking of closing it. The state doesn't like sharing the money!! I was supposed to stay at Chowchilla, but at the last minute they did an "institutional need" and endorced me to CRC. At that time the women in the drug and alcohol programs couldn't work so they needed "regular felons" like me to do the work. So they shipped my butt to the "arm pit of prisons". I had never in my life seen such filth. Even the water was brown. Plus the 2" roaches. But I lived through it....2 years of it. Half way through my time there they decided that even the felons should be in a "program"....I don't drink or use drugs, but the department of corrections decided I needed a program. I have since learned that the states can get federal funds for you if you are in a program. so.......But that wasn't so bad either. I was able to keep my job in canteen and do their program half day. Plus it was prison....what can you do except your time.

:eek:
CIW is pretty alright from what I heard. It's in Frontera, near Chino. Haven't heard of Live Oak myself but I think any women's prison is better than Chowchilla.


I would say you are pretty much right... My sister just got there 3 days ago. SHe is in chochilla for reception until she is placed in her new found world...... I called county Jail, Thurday night to see if she was still in custudy because we hadnt heard from her.... Lord and behold.. she was no longer there. It hit me so hard. My heart goes out to all the girls that have never been there and its there first time... it must be so scarry. The unknown.....Its like taking 2 years away from your life, for having an addiction..... To me, I cant see the reasoning. Except for she has been in and out of the courtroom with drug charges, under the influence, possession.... EVery other time she got a program and a little jail time..... unitl now.... I will feel much better once she gets to where she is going. I know she will be in low securtiy. she has done no violent crimes.Just puffed on that pipe too long...... I cant even imagine what she is going through.... I wonder all the time, what she is doing? If she is dealing ok. If she made a friend.... She knows to stay low key..... I like what you wrote at the end of your tread... it is so true... no one knows how one really feels inside their own skin...It has some deep meaning....thanks for the words... They say anything over 2 weeks becomes a habit...... this i have found to be true.... even a week.... good luck.. Do you have someone in prison at this time?:idea:






If you want somebody to know where you stand, wear the same socks for two weeks.

Her level, to start with, depends on many things. They take off points, or add them, for several things. Having been married, how many times, how long. High school, college. Jobs, how many, how long. How many places she has lived. Children, how many, ages, by whom.... It's all taken into consideration.

I had never been in a jail until the day I was sentenced. I didn't even know where the jail was until I arrived on the bus from court. All the way there movies and tv shows were going through my mind. Plus the TV show OZ had just been on a year. So you can imagine. Well, I have to say I met some very nice women. Of course there were some crazy, very scary ones. But that same sort is on the street too. At least in prison they were easier to spot. I used to look around some days and want to scream, " quick somebody alert the villiages, we found their idiots!!" However, those are in the minority. Thank goodness. During my 2 years I even found things to laugh about. Actually had some very good days.

Dear Ladies:

My wife of 12 years, Kay, aged 48 (but looks 37) has been in since 10/26/06. She has a 3 year term.

I have read these posts, and am committed to writing her 4 times a week with color weddng photos, color pictues of her 2 year old nephews, and other friends.

Last night, I even did a "TOP Ten Reasons why I love Kay"! (PG-13 to R rated) I love her dearly, and would break my nu#ts to please her - especially now that she is in this position.

Questions: (Pls help - DENSE man approaching!)

1). How will my wife change during/after 3 years in Chowchilla? What is she going through?? Pls be specific!!

2). How will this affect our husband and wife relationship? A woman does not get touched (at least nicely in prison) so how will she react during a visitation if I hold her hand, or touch her? I do not want to be a JERK, and assume that this is just a bad girl scout camp.

3). If her circumstances change her, I need to cut her MAJOR slack - because my cold Monday morning alone is heaven compared to her's. She cannot ever be abandoned, or be allowed to feel that way! What does she really need?

Please help the emotionally impaired (me) amongst us!!

Kay's man 4ever

BTW
I called the CCWF mailroom, and Kay's favorite travel book CAN be sent to her - but no more than 5 pages at a time.

Ok, So she visit 5 places in Italy and the Rivera every other day - with pictures, of course.

as long as your friend doesn't get all up in the mix she will be ok. i did 9 months there and most of the women are messy and back stabbing bitchs she just needs to stay to her self.:) s write her as much as you can that will make her time go by faster.

Hi,I have a sister who's sentence is 15 years, she's been in chowchilla and is suppose to be out in 2009, I live in chicago-but I heard from someone that theres a law -don't know if its passed yet through congress,but something about if someone has served 60 or 80 percent of their time -then they will be cut immediatley --can someone help me -if this is true or not -----HELP PLEASE

I am sorry to bother you I done even know if I am in the right place but I have a friend that was sent to chowchilla and I would like to know how to write her or contact her . Can you help me? thank so much if you can.

All the posts seem to indicate that CCWF is the main RC, does anyone have any stories of a loved one sent to CIW as their RC and were able to stay at CIW? What are the factors for placing someone at a certain RC? How soon can someone get to fire camp if they meet all the requirements...sorry for all the questions just tring to get an idea

I am turning myself in tues feb.17th i will then be transfered to chowchilla or vsp, i am pregnant, i got three years, can anyone tell me what to expect as far as the pregnancy and are there any special programs like fire camp that i can apply for???


You can apply for the Mom & Me program where you will be able to keep your baby. You can talk with your counsler about the program. I know there is a waiting list but the program allows you to have apartment like living with your kid. Check into it right away like I said there is a waiting list.