Hi Everyone,
I'm Sweetmaxy and I've been a member of PTO for almost a year but I've been interacting with the prison system for close to nine years now ( In August) It's funny how CDC send your loved ones as far away from home as possible. When my husband first went in he was sent to Mule Creek up north than Corcoran and Soladad. About a year or so ago I was able to get my husband moved closer to home here in Lancaster which has it's advantages and disadvantages. The advantages is that his closer and I was able to see him every weekend. Only 10 minutes up the street. It is a locale call so the phone calls are only $3.75 instead of the MCI $6.00 or more calls. The disadvantage is the treatment that we receive from the staff.
In the 9 years that my husband has been down his never been in any type of trouble until now that his at lancaster. It's a crazy place, Right now they've supended his visitation rights for 6 months. I tried to talk to one of the sergants up there in order to see who should I call or contact. Do you know what he had the nerve to tell me? You're husband is probaly lieing to you anyway because all the inmates lie and are not to be believed. But that just shows you the type of CO's you are dealing with up there.
We have about 3 more years to go and hopefully if CDC can't figure out a way to hold on to him a little bit longer he will be home. As time goes on I've found myself getting more and more bitter about the system. I've always felt if you follow the rules you will be ok in life. Not true when it comes to CSP/LAC they make up the rules along the way.

Hi there Welcome :)

I visit lancaster too. I have been visitng for about 3 years now. To be honest I have gotten to a point of burn out. Lancaster is so full of boo boo until you never know what to expect. The poor inmates stay in trouble and I think it has alot to do with the staff and the living conditions. My burn out is not totally blamed on lancaster my husband has been a bugar too. majority is blamed on the prison. things they could do to make a little visit nice they destroy any way they can. I think it's totally retarded that we are not allowed to vivist on the patio, it's in sane that you can't walk around, and God forbid if one of his friends come out for a visit, we betta no speak to each other:( it takes a lot of strength visitng a prison. I could go on and on but I don't want to be a pooh butt and bear sour grapes this whole thread.

Thank you for the welcome California Sunshine and ladyduke. Please excuse me for being so bitter. Sometime it gets to you. Especially since they won't let me see or even talk to my husband until July. There is a couple of decent guards. But I'm finding that the most are Axx holes! I watch how the female guards treat the women as they are going through processing. Its just not right. It's like they are trying to make your visits as uncomfortable as possible so you wont come back. You understand ladyduke because you've been there too. Do you still have much time to do?

WELCOME TO PTO.................. Just hang in there, and don't let them get to you.........Stay strong together..... :wave:

Hey Sweetmaxy! I live in Palmdale. I would love to have my man in Lancaster ((He is in Corcoran right now)) but I know if he was he would expect me to be up there every weekend both days. Welcome to PTO.

Yes girlfriend we still have a long time to go. My husband has a life sentence behind his 15 year sentence. He has served a total of 18 years. What frustrates me the most is it seems as if my husband has gotten comfortable with his surroundings and he doesn't seem to be doing much to get outa there. I could be wrong. He is also giving me this line about how he can have famiy visits. He claims to have submitted all the needed paper work but hears nothing from any one. I know that he can't get these visits and he claims I'm wishing bad luck on our marriage. Something is wrong because if he was granted this privilage then why is it he can't get an approvel or a denil? Lancaster has very few that can have family visits but those that can get them every 30 days with no problem at all. I've begged my husband to tell the truth and just deal with the fact that he can't get them. He continues to put blame on the prison. There is just something fishy about the whole thing and that right there is more frustrating than naything and it makes times hard between us. Lancaster does it's share at making life hard for us we don't need added confusion, Can you feel what I'm saying?

I feel what you are saying, but you are right, no family visits for lifers.

Hello everyone,

My husband was just transfered to Lancaster. I just found out 2 days ago that I can go and visit him without making an appointmnet. I was woundering if anyone could give me the insight of how to go about processing non-appoinment visits? I'm not familiar with this process. I'm just so use to scheduleing all of my visits. I don't want to mess up in any way. I live in the Bay Area and my drive to go and see him will be at least a 6 hour. So I just want to make sure that I get there on time and know what to expect. Any or all information will be greatly appriciated.

Thanks Purplemuffen for your welcome and support. Thanks for your welcome too Kreepsgirl and you are right about your man wanting you up there every weekend because mine did...lol Ladyduke you are a very strong women to stand by your man the way that you do. I hope they will pass the law so that lifer can get family visits real soon for you. I've been visiting my husband so long behind those walls it's starting to feel normal and that sad. All we can do is take it day by day. Right girlfriend? ;-) Lancaster does make things hard at times so I do feel you on that one. Kana'sgirl I'm happy for you that you will be able to visit your husband soon. Inside advise on visiting at lancaster: Get there early (5:30Am if possible) you will have to line up in your car to get in. Call to get the dress code (661) 729-2000 option 1#. Fill out your pass and turn it in to the guards shack after you have parked. Remember to see what your pass number is before you turn it in. They will call you group in for processing in groups of 60 if I remember correctly. Walk up to processing and wait to be called. And most of all don't let the CO's give you a bad day. I hope you have an enjoyable visit!!

most important Kana is to get there early enough to get in line. the line starts on Ave J which is around the corner from the prison. 5:30 or six will get you in the first 60 hopefully. Be dressed and ready. you may not have time once you get into the parking lot to dress. good advice given by the girlfriend to call first. make sure to have change $30 in coins and one dollar bills no pennies lancaster has no change machine. a couple of things the recorder will no tell you, you can wear only one ring, one pair earrings, one chain, no anklets, no toe rings, make sure any piercings are real jewelry or the detector will sound off. No hair pins which means no french roll hair style. Lancaster is trippin on the shoes now for some reason, no in between the toe shoes. Brown pants I wore once they made me change becuase the kitchen staff wear brown, but I have since then seen others in brown pants. one see trhough purse or a zip lock bag for money. make sure once you get to visitng room and are given your seat go to the vending machine because food is hard to get and they don't like to re-fill the machines. when he comes out you will be able to embrace and kiss get as much as you can it's one of the best moments also when they announce visitng is over you can get a good kiss, smooch, rub, and sometimes even a grind:) you will find yourself looking forward to the deprating kiss:). Do not forget your ID! we have nice long visits if you get in about nine its over at three unless.....it gets crowded then it's first in, firts out. Your visits can be as short as two hours:(. Ther is a motel 6 and a E Z 8 motel near by thats pretty cheap. restaurants close too. and of course a WALMART! oh yes no underwire in your bra. Please wear panties, ha ha ha although I never do! I have such a big A-- they can't help but look. I wear thongs and each time I'm asked if I have on panties by one of the females of course. i enjoy telling them no I'm wear a thong and will continue to wear a thong until it's put in writing that we can't ha ha ha ha . I hope I've given you a jump start, let me know what more you need to know.

Ladyduke,

Wow, thank you soooooooooo much for all of your input. I'm just so nerves to go and see him. It has been 8 long months since I held my baby. I just don't want to be annoyed and bothered with these mean CO's. I just want to spend those precious hours with my man. Just like I have stated on my post that I live in the Bay and the drive for me back and forth will be pretty rough. I just wish nothing bad will go wrong. I've just read so much about how Landcaster have the wrost CO's. Are the CO's really that bad there? I just don't understand why the CO's even treat the inmate love ones the way that they do. Why don't these people understand that we are just there to give the support and love to our love ones who are doing there time there. While my husband was in San Quentin and me and my 2 boys went to visit him, the CO's there were very friendly. They never bothered our visits, the CO's there even cracked jokes with us just to make our visits more comfortable. Now I thought that was really nice. I just don't understand why each prison is so different. By the way I have one other question. Do they direct us were to park our vehicles when we go through the gates. Also I was woundering if I go and visit my baby on Sat. would I still be able to visit him on Sun. as well? I would like to see him on Sun. as well befor my long 6 hour drive back to the Bay. Also I was woundering how often are they able to call home? And one more thing, what's with the question on the thong thing? Do the women CO's have a problem with us ladies wearing a thong? In fact I like wearing them to. That is all I wear :) You go girl....... Let's keep it real :). Again I thank you so much for all of your inputs. Those inputs really helps.

Thank you also SweetMaxy. You inputs to will help me :). I'm just so excited but at the same time a little nervous about having to deal with one of those CO's give me a hard time for nothing. All I want is to spend my time with him.... I was woundering to, how long dose he need to stay there befor he is able to request a transfer to another prison that is closer to home?

I hope you had a really nice visit kanasgirl. I'm sorry I wasn't on last night to give you some input but I would like to know how your first visit went? Talk with you when you get back...

Hi KaNa'SgIrL, i just too found out today that my husband was transfer to Lancaster and I also live here in Bay Area. I wanted to ask you how did you find out that you don't need to make an appointment to go visit him, cuzz I'm also so use to making appointments for all my visits to San Quentin that i don't want to mess up either. If you have a visiting line number that i could call please forward it to me I just want to go by the rules and be able to see him when i finally get there. Any info will be greatly appriciated.

thank you.Hello everyone,

My husband was just transfered to Lancaster. I just found out 2 days ago that I can go and visit him without making an appointmnet. I was woundering if anyone could give me the insight of how to go about processing non-appoinment visits? I'm not familiar with this process. I'm just so use to scheduleing all of my visits. I don't want to mess up in any way. I live in the Bay Area and my drive to go and see him will be at least a 6 hour. So I just want to make sure that I get there on time and know what to expect. Any or all information will be greatly appriciated.

i'm a lil late in my response to the girlfriend sorry! Yes you can visit both days granted nothing goes wrong like an emergency lock down. With you traveling from so for I would advice you to visit both days. You'll know where to park once you get in there are signs all over. The thong thing was that she thought I wasn't wearing any under wear. It made me very happy to announce that I was wearing a thong. It made her mad because there was nothing she could say about that:). to the other girlfriend with questions, call the prison to make sure you don't have to make an appt. to see your honey. the number is 661-729-2000 listen for instructions.

Hello All:
Sounds like there are alot of us with loved ones who where just transferred to Lancaster from San Quentin that live in the Bay Area. My boyfriend was moved March 4th and I live in the North Bay, Santa Rosa. I called the prison just last Thursday and was told that he couldn't have conntact visits as of yet, so I didn't go down. Like all of you, it's a long and costly drive. Maybe we all could get together sometime and carpool. It sure would help with expenses.
I didn't realize that we could visit both days. Thanks for the imfo.
I am so looking forward being able to touch him. It's been 9 long months.
Take care
Sylvia

the only time you can't visit both days is when you have to make an appt. then you are allowed only one visit. I hate that they took fridays away. I had changed my work schedule so that I could visit on fridays. weekends only has made it hard on me.

R&M4ever,
Well just like you I had to always schedule a visit to go see him so I called their visiting line which is 661-729-2000 ext. 5401. You would like normal give them your loved ones CDC#, they will let you know weather or not you are able to schedule a visit or they will let you know that you don't have to schedule. I was totaly shocked and at the same time happy to hear that I was didn't have to schedule to see him. Also, that number is their main line number, you can also press 0 to speak to their operator and ask for to speak to his counsler and they will direct you to his/her extension. Good luck girl and I hope this helps you...

Hello everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know that I went to visit my baby for the first time at Lancaster and I went both Sat. & Sun. I really took advantage of it since I was already out there :). I had such a wounderful time with him, it has been a long 9 months since I last held him. I just didn't want to let go of him. My experiance was wouderful, I had no problem at all with my visit, with a little tiny exception that I got in a little trouble, I got caught giving my man one to many kisses, that's all, but that was my fault, cause I just couldn't help myself with my man. But it was all good, The CO was actually pretty cool about it, cause he just smiled at me when he talked to me. The only thing is the process everyone has to go through just to see their loved ones.The process from the very begining of Ave J, up until you get to the visiting area where you meet them is just so unbelievably long... But you have do what you gotta do. Yeah my next trip up there is sometime next month I cant wait.......

KaNa'SgIrL
I'm happy for you that you was able to visit both days and have an enjoyable visit. Yes, it is a long process to get in there but it's well worth it to see our love ones.

I am glad you had a great visit Kana'sgirl!! Yes, the whole "3 1/2 hour" process of getting into visiting is a major hassle!! :( But, I still keep on coming back!! LOL

KellyA.

Thank you Sweetmaxy & Cheetoes1

I really was nervious about going to visit my honey, but I really had to grab hold of myself and just went up there anyway :). But it was really all worth it from my stand point. My plans are to go back again sometime next moth. I'm getting excited again lol :haha:. But I just can't help it at all. Both of my kids also was so very patience while we were getting processed, I thought that the CO's at the visiting room was going to give me a hard time with my oldest son, cause he is much taller than me and looks so mature that he actually looks more like my brother than a son. But I had the birth certificate, so they really coundn't say anything at all, ha ha.... :haha: But maybe we can all meet each other up there one of these days.. Let me know if any of you are interested ..... :)

Thanks again, :wave:

Thanks for the invite. Right now I can't visit until June because my hubby got into a bit of trouble. I miss seeing him every weekend but we have a lifetime together. I live here in Lancaster so if you need any 411 about the place just let me know.

That sounds like a good idea, i'm planning on going down during the easter weekend but i'm not really sure I need to make an appointment or not. He's only been there 2 weeks this thursday 4/1/04 so i don't know how this whole new system works, but if any one is interested in going down for that weekend and have some info for me please let me know i would really appreciate it... I live in San Francisco.

I would love to meet/get together with everyone :) I live close to Venice and usually go to up to visit on Saturdays.

Nena,
You can call the prison @ 661-729-2000 ext 4501 on either Thursday or Friday before you visit. Give the inmates name and CDC# you wish to visit and ask them if you need an appointment. The CO will pull his name up on the computer and they will be able to give you the info.

KellyA.

HI girls it's me again, i really appreciate all the info that you guys have provided to me, but i have one more questions like i mention before i'm planning on going down south to see my husband this coming up weekend and i found out today that i need to make an appointment to see so how early do i have to get there even if i have an appointment??? how does any one know if they will allow me to see him both days and how long is the visit for????

if you have an appt. visit you need to be there at least 30 min prior to your visiting time. that means be in the processing area. I think you can visit both days if you can get an appt. but you can't make an appt. for the second day until after you come out of the first one. Dumb huh? aptt. visits are for only one hour, behind the glass:(

I am not really sure if they allow you to visit both days when you have a visit behind glass. Call the prison on Thursday morning and talk to the CO and tell him that you are coming from up north. They just might let you make an appointment for both days. I also have no idea how long the visits behind glass are. I was under the impression that they were only an hour, but I so a few people having a visit for almost 2 hours. Maybe because it wasn't that busy.
Do make sure to bring money with you for the vending machines. My husband is on B-Yard and they have been letting un-classified guys have contact visits. Also, D yard is on lockdown and there is not any visits for them. The prison NEVER changes the visiting recording on the phone!! So, call and speak to a human and find out if the person you are visiting, if their yard is open the day before you come down. So you won't be stuck out here!!
I would try and make a appointment for the 9 or 10 am slot and still get in the car line before 6am to avoid the hassle. If you have a later appointment, you can tell the guard in the parking lot and he'll let you go up to visitor processing without having to wait ( they only let 60 people in at a time). Anyway, to be safe I would get up there atleast an hour before your visit!! And like I said, if you have any doubts, call the prison at the ext. # I gave you. The visiting CO's at this prison actually like to give out information!! :)
Also, one other tip :) If you do get a contact visit, make sure to buy all your food and sodas first thing in the morning. There is only one soda machine ( atleast in B visiting) and it totally sold out of sodas twice!!! :( this Sunday!! And when they come to fill the machines for the second time, you'll be spending most of your visit in line to get food and then in line to use the microwave. :(


KellyA.

D yard is on lockdown? do you know why?

A CO was attacked (stabbed). That is all I heard from my husband. B is on lock down as well, but there is visiting. The prison is a joke!!


KellyA.

Oh God! how awful. I wonder what building. I guess thats why I haven't gotten any calls latley. I hate to hear when ever any one gets hurt.

Thanks ladyduke & cheetoes1.

I really appreciate all your info i'm just a little nervous about visiting that place i just hope that is not as bad as i heard and that everything goes well....

thanks again girls =)

If it's your first time visiting and having contacts visits, it will be wonderful!! If your like me and have been visiting prisons /Jails for the past 6 1/2 years, Lancaster rates right next to visiting Men's Central Jail here in LA!! :(

KellyA.

Hi ladies, it's me again sorry to bother with my questions but i was wondering if any of you know if i go an visit my husband and make it in first thing in the morning can i stay till 3pm???? cuzz i finally went to see him this past weekend but it was still with appointment only so i went in at 11am that was the time they gave me the appt. for but guess what i get there and the CO at B-visiting tells me that from 11-12pm is counting time and that they can't get out of their cells or something like, so i had to wait till 12:30 for him to come out but the good thing about this whole process of waiting was worth it because when he finally came out it turn out that he was classified on friday afternoon so i had a contact visit yeah =) basically i stay with him from 12:45 till 3pm. Does that mean that if i get there at 8:30am i could stay till visits are over at 3pm????

If it's not to crowded, yeah... :-) Hope you have an enjoyable visit!!

just a quick note ....i live in lancaster. if ya need any info or help with your journeys,please im or email me.ok?

Hi:wave: and welcome to PTO.
Love, Sheila:thumbsup: :D ;) :p :o :) :yes: :hee: :yay: :dance: :clap: :beer: :hifive: :rock:

HELLO EVER ONE.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE BEFORE YOU FIND OUT THERE BOOKING INFO. AND WHEN CAN YOU GO VISIT THEM?
MRS TOWNSEND