Well I finally got approved to visit my cousin who is at CSP-Solano. I was actually approved twice because I sent a visiting form in that was not signed by my cousin and a visiting form that was signed by my cousin. So that is how I got approved 2 times. :D

Anyhow, now that I've been approved I would like to visit my cousin. He's a Level 2 in building 18 which I believe is Yard 3? I need all the 411 on visiting at Solano. I've been visiting my fiancee who is in prison since 1999 so I know all the general rules, but I know each prison is different so I have a lot of questions.

Are they very strict on the dress code?

Are you allowed to wear shoes that don't have a back strap on them?

I know that I'm not allowed to wear any colors that the inmates or CO's wear, but are there any other colors that aren't allowed?

Am I allowed to bring my sunglasses into the visiting room?

I know I'm only allowed to bring in $30 but does it all have to be in $1 bills or can I also bring in coin changes (except pennies)?

Can I bring in extra money for photo ducats?

Where do I purchase the photo ducats, at the gatehouse or in the visiting room?

Is there an outside patio that we are able to sit at?

Do the CO's assign you a table or do you get to choose where you want to sit?

Are the table the regular tables or the low tables?

I know most of the vending machine foods at the prisons aren't that great, but how is the vending machine food at Solano?

What time do they start processing the visitors in the morning?

What time do the visitors start getting to the prison in the morning?

If I go early in the morning do we have to stay in our vehicles? Do we line up off the side of the road (what road)?

Is their anytimes throughtout the day that they stop processing visitors?

Are their a lot of terminations for Yard 3?

Is their a limit on how many rings you can wear?


For the people that do visit at Solano, will you be there this weekend?

Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure I am prepared for my visit. Thanks :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Hello All,
My Husband may be transferred to Solano within the next month and I was wondering if anyone could answer a few questions for me. How does the visiting process work. Do you have to get there early to have a full visit and do some people line up the day before? And how about Famliy visit? Does it take a long time to get one or is the process easy.
Thank You in advance for your time.

It all depends what the status is at Solano. If there is a lockdown, it is easy to process right away. Not a long wait if any. You can visit the entire time. The CO's are actually nice in processing and the visiting room. If there is no lockdown you would have to get there early because the wait is long and your visit will be terminated after 2 hours. You can not go on the grounds before 7 am. You also can not park along Peabody Rd where Solano is at. The Vacaville Police will issue tickets. There is no need to park a day in advance. Solano is a much smaller prison then others in California. Solano is actually surrounded by residential homes and businesses. If you do go before 7 am there is a Wal Greens, Chevron, Taco Bell, and other stores very close to Solano where you can wait. A couple minutes before 7 am you can drive to Solano since it's like a 2 minute drive from those businesses. It took my friend 5 months to get her family visit after she was married. Since you are already married perhaps it may not take as long to get your family visit.

It all depends what the status is at Solano. If there is a lockdown, it is easy to process right away. Not a long wait if any. You can visit the entire time. The CO's are actually nice in processing and the visiting room. If there is no lockdown you would have to get there early because the wait is long and your visit will be terminated after 2 hours. You can not go on the grounds before 7 am. You also can not park along Peabody Rd where Solano is at. The Vacaville Police will issue tickets. There is no need to park a day in advance. Solano is a much smaller prison then others in California. Solano is actually surrounded by residential homes and businesses. If you do go before 7 am there is a Wal Greens, Chevron, Taco Bell, and other stores very close to Solano where you can wait. A couple minutes before 7 am you can drive to Solano since it's like a 2 minute drive from those businesses. It took my friend 5 months to get her family visit after she was married. Since you are already married perhaps it may not take as long to get your family visit.

Thank You. The prison he is at now you have to go get in line on Friday just so you dont have to wait all day to get in visiting and the drive was almost 11 hours. Since I live in Fairfield Solano will be much easier. Ill just leave home at the right time to pull in a 7:00. Thanks aain.

You're welcome. Wow, I have heard about at other prisons you have to go a day in advance. That will not happen at Solano. Since you live in Fairfled the drive will be easy. Sure beats 11 hour drives.

Here is a question that I am a bit confused about, if anyone can help I really appreciate it. Okay so I read a lot of threads about terminations do to over crowding at visiting. When I went I did not see that happen and the room looked pretty packed or maybe there was a lot of that going on and I was just way to into my visit that I didn't notice anything like that going on. Now is it more or less crowded at visiting for yards 3 and 4? vs yard 1 and 2? because I want to know what time ti arrive for my next visit without getting the boot! i don't know if i was there on a good day or what, but i just want to be on the safe side for my next visit and most likely i will be there every weekend..okay lady's that's my question thank you for liseting!!!:D

I visit on side A (yards 3&4) and have been for about a year and a half. I have been terminated because of over-crowding about 5-10 times. They do it, and it all depends on the number of people in the visiting room, if the patio is being used (due to the rain, cold, heat, etc.), stuff like that. You probably came on a "slow" day. It may have seemed crowded to you, but trust me, if they didn't terminate then there wasn't nearly as many people in there as there usually is when they start giving people the boot.

You can come earlier, but that pretty much means you will be the one who does get kicked out. If you have a number above 100, you will most likely not be terminated. I have had a number as high as 75 and have been kicked out. It all depeneds on the amount of visitors still trying to come in too.

William'sBaby:heart:

I visit on side B, and usually get there around 10:00. I haven't had a visit terminiated yet, but sometimes I don't actually get in until noon or so. I don't know if it's better to get there earlier and get terminated or get there later and not be able to find a place to sit.

I had a question does anyone know if their will be visiting this weekend for yards 3, and 4? I honestly hate the visiting over there!!!! everything is so confusing...:confused: When i was there i seen some tables that are marked with letter like side A or side B what does that mean???? is it broken down into different little departments or what??? i dont understand and why when your at a table of four you have to sit across from strangers??? that is weired and talk about ackward!!! their is no privacy lol

When you get info let me know. Because my husband is transfering there soon. Thanks.

Hopefully someone who visits at Solano will respond to all of your questions. I wanted to respond and say that the dollar limit has been increased and you can now take in $50 per adult and $20 per child. Photo ducats are paid for out of this $50.

Here is the guide for Solano:

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201915

Just wanted to tell all you ladies that had visits this weekend, Happy Visiting! I hope it was all you expected and more.
Wendy

Just wanted to tell all you ladies that had visits this weekend, Happy Visiting! I hope it was all you expected and more.
WendyThank you and my visit was very good and i got a all day visit no terminations:thumbsup: but the lady doing yard 3 and 4 went all by the books and was sending everyone back:( lucky for me she didn't she was sending people back left and right i felt bad for the bus driver he looked tired driving back and forth..and this c'o was right next to me and my husband as we said good bye:( how nosy no wait how anoying when there is so many other people to bug but whatever..they are way too picky for everything lol but it's prison but hope everyone else had a good visit! and here we go again 4 more days to count down to visiting..:D

Good Morning Ladies.,
Qustion. My husband just got to Solano yesterday, am I able to visit him this weekend and if so is it behind the glass. Thanks in advance for your help.

You should be able to visit this weekend. What yard is he on? Make sure you call before you leave. Things are crazy in Solano right now. Call to make sure they are not on a lockdown.

Hi missing Willie, I was in your position a few months ago and didn't know what to do. I just wanted to give you a heads up that although it is illegal to park right outside of Solano, people do it anyway. And I personally have never seen the police come out, but I have heard of
people who have, but I thinks its rare. If you get there 20-30 min. before 7am and line up then you will probably get a low number in the 40's. And you have to run to the line for the tickets, otherwise people will cut in front of you. I was able to visit the first weekend after my husband got there, but I would call to make sure that they have your visiting paperwork on file.

Just another question, My son was just transfered from another prison and I was able to visit him there. At solano Do I need to be approved again. Its been 2 years with out being able to touch him and was hoping to be able to see him this weekend. I know it will be a contact visit and can't wait. This question is probably asked all the time. I can't seem to get through to the prison to get my answer and figured I would be able to get the answer here. Thanks.

Just another question, My son was just transfered from another prison and I was able to visit him there. At solano Do I need to be approved again. Its been 2 years with out being able to touch him and was hoping to be able to see him this weekend. I know it will be a contact visit and can't wait. This question is probably asked all the time. I can't seem to get through to the prison to get my answer and figured I would be able to get the answer here. Thanks.

You should be able to visit.

Thanks!!!! I'm going to give it a try sunday, can't wait to see him.

Does anyone know how long it has been taking to get visiting approval to Solano?
A friend of mine got approved in two weeks but my mom sent in an application back in the Middle of January and still hasn't heard anything.
I am going to visit my brother this Friday and we were hoping we could find out if my mom has been approved so that she can come with me and my young daughter.
Thanks for any Help!

I went to visit at Solano last weekend for the first time and I realized that very recently they changed the way the do things there (different than whats posted in the Solano Prison Guide thread).

They are no longer allowing people to line up on Peabody Road. The local Police was giving out tickets and making people disburse. So now they let people in at 6:30 am on the weekends (I understand the frenzy at the gate at 6:30 was a bit dangerous), 10am on Fridays.

They have parking attendants that guide you to a parking spot then you have to sit in your car for 30 minutes (2 hours on Fridays if you get there at 10am), then CO comes and gives out the passes in order you were parked. The rest seemed to be the same as posted in the Prison Guide Section.

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201915

Yeah, they have been passing out the new procedures for the last 3 weeks. I don't think it will last long. They have tried several procedures and it always goes back to... parking on Peabody...We'll see. I came late on last Friday and didn't visit on Saturday and Sunday, so I didn't get to experience the new way yet. How did it go?

When I saw them turning people away from the side of the road at 6:20am on Sunday, I went down and parked for awhile. Then I went to see what was going on at about 6:45am and there was a C/O at the gate she said just follow the directions of the attendants and stay in your vehicle. I was #63. I left after getting my number and went to Starbucks, then was back by about 8:10am. They called my number around 8:35am and was visiting (yards 3&4 the far visiting room) by 9:30 or so. I don't even think I waited 3 minutes for him to come into the visiting room.

At Starbucks I over heard a lady on the phone saying what a dangerous event it was exactly at 6:30am at the gate. I guess it got a bit scary from what she said. Thats all I know :-/

Yeah, they have been passing out the new procedures for the last 3 weeks. I don't think it will last long. They have tried several procedures and it always goes back to... parking on Peabody...We'll see. I came late on last Friday and didn't visit on Saturday and Sunday, so I didn't get to experience the new way yet. How did it go?

I Actually Like The New Procedure But I Too Dont Think That It Will Last Long. On Saturday Aand Sunday It's Not So Bad, But On Friday In The Middle Of The Afternoon It Is Hot Sitting In The Car. But I Guess Thats No Different Than Sitting In Your Car On Peabody. Anyway I Got There At 6:35 And I Was Number 10 And On Sunday I Got There At 6:40 And I Was 80 Something, But Im Sure It Was Because It Was Fathers Day. So Hopefully Everything Will Continue To Go Smoothly.

The visiting hot line was updated this morning and gave the new visiting procedures as of Friday, June 13th. He said that vehicles are prohibited on prison grounds prior to 7am on Saturdays and Sundays (not sure if this is a mistake, because the C/O told me 6:30am at the gate last Sunday).

I highly advise anyone going to visit call and listen for yourselves. It gave clear rules and the consequences for breaking them. 1-800-374-8474 option 1, then 2 then 3.

Happy visits to all who are going this weekend!:o

WAS GOOD LADIES...

I'M VISITIN MY MAN 2DAY N ITS MY 1ST TIME..

I WANT TO TAKE SOME PICTURES OF MY FAM. FOR HIM 2 SEE.. HE'S NOT GONNA KEEP THEM.. I NEED THEM BAK..
CAN I DO THAT OR NO? N E INFO WULD HELP! THANKS

Unless the rules have changed you can take up to 10 photos into the visiting room.

Yes, that's correct! Enjoy your visits!! :) No Polaroids though - just regular photos.

Hi Everyone!

Since they have friday visiting, I was going to see if I could go down there. I called the visiting line and I can't get through, since my husband just transferred there the other day, I wonder if I could go. The message did say to be approved for visiting the inmate shouldn't have no problems..i.e. write-ups I'm guessing within the last 90 days. He's been in since late January and he hasn't had any problems, at DVI-tracy or CCC where he just came from, I figured there record would follow them, so do you think it's safe for me to try and go tomorrow...any info would be very much appreciated...thanks in advance:thumbsup:

It should be fine. I had the same situation, and have no problems visiting him on fridays.
have a great visit!

Hi Everyone!

Since they have friday visiting, I was going to see if I could go down there. I called the visiting line and I can't get through, since my husband just transferred there the other day, I wonder if I could go. The message did say to be approved for visiting the inmate shouldn't have no problems..i.e. write-ups I'm guessing within the last 90 days. He's been in since late January and he hasn't had any problems, at DVI-tracy or CCC where he just came from, I figured there record would follow them, so do you think it's safe for me to try and go tomorrow...any info would be very much appreciated...thanks in advance:thumbsup:

You should be fine. What I did was call the inmate locator line before I put any money on his books or went to visit. I knew where he was but I wanted to be sure CDCr knew where he was.

Friday visits are tricky, best to get in before count or you'll be stuck there waiting in the visiting room for hours (I waited on a Friday for 3 hours one time).

Let me know if you have any questions. Please feel free to PM me.

Blessings, Ally

:idea:I now know I can visit but I'm really not trying to be going back and forth so what hotels are good to stay at that are close to there?

:idea:I now know I can visit but I'm really not trying to be going back and forth so what hotels are good to stay at that are close to there?

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1942329&postcount=8

Here's the link to the list of places to stay from the Solano Prison guide.

I live about an hour away so I don't stay in Vacaville.

I'm sure someone with experience staying the weekend will post soon.

Good luck! Ally

I always stay at Motel6...I think it's on either Orange or Leisure. I've never had any problems there, although I do take earplugs with me now. It gets a little loud with people coming and going at all hours. We need our rest when we gotta get up so early to get back in line! :)

:idea:I now know I can visit but I'm really not trying to be going back and forth so what hotels are good to stay at that are close to there?

Here is a good one. Best Value Inn. If you become a member it costs about $51 to stay there. And you get a fridge. My friend SET told me about it. It's on the other side of the freeway by the outlets. Hope I was helpful.

Thank you ladies for the info I'm looking into it... Thanks again. I am sooooooo excited to see him its been 2 years...

goooooood mornin yall..
hope everyone is well FINALLY the lockdown is over with!! :D:)

Does solano get packed on thanksgiving?...

what are the hours again I 4got?

I wanna so see him but I dont wanna get terminated lol
(like who does :o)..

thanks,

does anyone know what the visiting time is for Thanksgiving?

does anyone know what the visiting time is for Thanksgiving?
Nope no clue! But I'm technically on "vacation" :confused::cheers:at the moment...

tomorrow I'll try to remember to call the prison visiting department and ask.

Blessings, Ally

does anyone know what the visiting time is for Thanksgiving?
Per the visiting department hours will be 8am to 3pm on Thanksgiving.:thumbsup:

Blessings, Ally

And do all inmates get contact visits..... Just found out that I don't have to reapply to go visit my husband and I was gonna be in Vacaville this weekend anyways so I figured I'd just go visit. Is there anything special I need to know about the prison in general that I haven't already read?

And do all inmates get contact visits..... Just found out that I don't have to reapply to go visit my husband and I was gonna be in Vacaville this weekend anyways so I figured I'd just go visit. Is there anything special I need to know about the prison in general that I haven't already read?

All inmates who aren't in Ad Seg or Orientation or on lockdown should get contact visits.

Not positive on the building though - my guess would be 4, but it might be 3.

Have a great visit!!

All inmates who aren't in Ad Seg or Orientation or on lockdown should get contact visits.

Not positive on the building though - my guess would be 4, but it might be 3.

Have a great visit!!

Wait.... now whats orientation.... grrr. I'm so clueless to everything. He just got there so I have no idea whats going on with him.

Wait.... now whats orientation.... grrr. I'm so clueless to everything. He just got there so I have no idea whats going on with him.

Hi MrsJacobs Welcome!

Building 20 is on yard 4! If he's already in a bunk then I don't believe orientation is an issue. He was transfered mainline to mainline from another prison... yes? If you've already visited him in his last prison (previously approved) and he's in a bunk you should not have any problems visiting (but the key words are "should not"... it's CDCr there are no guarantees!).

I visit almost every weekend; please feel free to PM me if you have further questions.

Good Luck!

Blessings, Ally

if an inmate losses there visiting can you still go see them for THANKSGIVING?!?!?!
he saying yeah... but im kinda thinking you cant.. but wat do i know lol

if he was told he cant have contact visiting...you may be able to get to see him thru a glass visit (1hr)-- but you need an appointment. You could call and try to schedule an appointment and see if they tell you if he is allowed to have visits at all. Hope it works out...