I am putting this post up so ladies can share there expirences about these 2 since they are sister prisons and one after another way out there in the desert I would really like to hear ladies personal stories regarding these 2......there conditins, the drive, the C.O's, etc.......Come on ladies share.....:)

Dear Claudia,

My husband is currently serving time at Chuckawalla. We were actually married there in May of this year.
I visit him frequently--about 2 to 3 weekends per month, and we are very fortunate to have family visits as well.
Chuckawalla isn't too bad. Visiting is pretty laid back most of the time. We are allowed more relaxation and comfort than Ironwood. I've heard that Ironwood is much more strict about dress code and touching in visit.
The c.o.'s at chuckawalla are just like everywhere else. They are not real friendly and treat us like we are bad people. They know me now, too, because I go to visit so much, and they've harrassed me at times and given me trouble. That's one of the worst things.
I live in San Diego so it takes me about 4 hours to get there. My drive is not too bad---I've gotten used to it now. He's been there a year and will be released in August of 2007. A couple more years to go.

Well, that's my take on the desert out there. It's hot in the summer, and colder than crap in the winter. Take care. Agrlsparky

My husband is at Ironwood. It has been my only experience at a prison. The visiting CO's are like hot and cold water. Never know what you are going to get. :/ Some days they are lax on dresscode as far as colors, and sometimes they are not. My husband and I get 'talked to' at least once every time I go visit by the same CO weather we do something wrong or not. Sometimes I feel that we are being singled out, or that this particular CO is trying to look like a real 'toughguy', but I don't let it get to me too much. It isn't worth getting visits taken away.
The drive for me is about two hours. Not to bad as I see some people travel much farther and I. It can get hot....REALLY HOT....in the summer and cold in the winter, but that too you learn to deal with.
We do get family visits, and those too aren't as bad as I thought. The apartment like areas are nice and since you don't see much of the outside and the rest of the prison, you tend to forget where you are.....until they call for count.
I can't say that it is really horrible there, cause it isn't, other then the fact that I just can't take my husband home. We do the best we can until he can come home. :)

Nancy

My husband is in Ironwood and hopefully will be transfered to Chuckawalla soon. If not then he'll be going some place else. I travel from New York to see my husband therefore I take no BS from any of the CO's there!!!!! As soon as they upset me I'm writing somebody up because I do not travel over 6,000 miles to get upset. The female CO's are alwasy walking around with some kind of chip on their shoulders and act as though they should be bowed down to when they enter a room. The visiting CO's can be very selective at times when it comes to dress code and other times they are lax. It is indeed a neverending situation with them and compared to Salinas Valley they are very much strict in Ironwood!!! Ladies you must all speak up when a visit does not go right for you!!! Atleast I do and then they do their best to correct it.For example, I went to visit one weekend and I waited 90minutes for my husband to come out into the visiting room. I spoke to the Visiting Sargeant and the next day he was the first one out. I then went on my family visit for 5 days (since I'm from Out of Town) and the following weekend I also did not have a problem at all. I always make sure to voice my opinions and if need be I am know to call the warden directly and fax him all my complaints. I JUST REFUSE TO HAVE MY HUSBAND ABUSED OR DENIED HIS RIGHTS WHILE IN PRISON!!!!!!! I also remember having to call the Medical Doctor in charge to find out why my husband had been waiting for over 2 months to see the doctor regarding his complaint of chest pains. The doctor was livid and that same day 3 medical personnels rushed over to see my husband. So as you can see no matter what facility your husband may be at, we must always stay on top of everything and all of their needs because if they are complaining then someone in there is not doing their job.
Family visits are so very precious to us and we enjoy every minute of it especially since we get 5 days because I'm from out of town. It is definitely true that you forget where you are until the phone rings for count. We try to make the apartment as cozy as possible but there is only so much you can take inside with you. Atleast the Family Visiting CO is really, Really, REALLY Nice!!!!! She always does her best to accomodate the families accordingly.
Well, now that I've gone on a rambling rampage I think I'll end it here. Hope all thsi info helps you out.

NJR, you are right, I shouldn't be so silent about any inconviences I might have when visiting. I sometimes have to wait to for them to bring up the guys cause someone is dilly dalling at the gate to let them up....it is bothersome when we are alloweded only so much time. I will speak up next time for sure, and at least talk to the visiting Sgt. I agree that the family visiting CO is the BOMB!! She is so nice and sweet and I have never seen her reject any items going in, or anyone going in for family visits. I would love to have a five day visit!!! :) That would be cool, but can settle for our three days, cause we have a lifetime together to spend. Let me know the next time you come out, would love to meet you!

Nancy

Anybody get to visit this weekend?

Hi all I went and seen my fiance this weekend. I enjoyed every minute of it. He was talking about how the prison is gonna start taking away some of their things. Starting next year they will not be able to have more then 2 plug in devices. So that means they have to choose between their tv, radio, and fan or whatever else. How can you say no to any of those things especially with the living situations in there. Those three things help give them a piece of mind. And the fan shouldn't even be included in that because they are out in the middle of the damn desert and it gets over 100 degrees. I did really enjoy my visit and I also found someone to car pool with.

If any of you ladies are in san diego and are looking to car pool to either of these prisons since they are right next door let me know.

Hi all I went and seen my fiance this weekend. I enjoyed every minute of it. He was talking about how the prison is gonna start taking away some of their things. Starting next year they will not be able to have more then 2 plug in devices. So that means they have to choose between their tv, radio, and fan or whatever else. How can you say no to any of those things especially with the living situations in there. Those three things help give them a piece of mind. And the fan shouldn't even be included in that because they are out in the middle of the damn desert and it gets over 100 degrees. I did really enjoy my visit and I also found someone to car pool with.

I went to see my husband today. He was telling me that they are thinking bout taking their Levi's and making em wear those ugly ol state issued pants that never seem to fit anyone right! UUGGG! He also said that they are wanting to get them to fit all their personal property into a certian amount of space.....which isn't good for my husband the pack rat. :p Had a good day though, and am very tired.....so I should be in bed soon.

Nancy

My name is Linda and I also live in San Diego. My husband is in Chuckawalla and will be there til 2007.

I go to see him in visit about 2 to 3 times a month depending on my schedule. When I do go, I usually stay for the weekend. I drive up early Saturday morning, spend the night in Blythe, then drive back after visit on Sunday. I try to make it a weekend thing because the drive is so far from San Diego.

It takes me around 3 and 1/2 hours to get there. Does anyone know of a shortcut? I drive up 15 to Winchester exit (79). Follow 79 to interstate 10 to Beaumont---then it's the 10 all the way to Blythe. How do you guys go?

I would love to make some friends and perhaps some carpool buddies. It would make it alot cheaper on all of us to share gas expenses and hotel costs. Anyone interested---you can email me at agrlsparky@aol.com or reply to this post.

Thanks guys----take care.

I found the easiest way if your going to blythe from san diego is 8 west to the 111 north to the 78 east to the 10 west. It takes me 2 1/2 hours to 3 to get there. Not to many mountains to go through. Pretty much just desert.

Is there a number you can call to bus you to Ironwood and back? My vehicle will not make it all the way down there?

Is there a number you can call to bus you to Ironwood and back? My vehicle will not make it all the way down there?

Which direction are you coming from?? I know there are a couple of services that deal with taking people to and from the prison. I know there is a lady that is in Ontario that runs a van to and from. If you are in the area, let me know and I can get the info for you. :)

Nancy

anybody else heard about things going downhill at Chuckys?

No, just that Ironwood was on lock down, but now they're off.

I am putting this post up so ladies can share there expirences about these 2 since they are sister prisons and one after another way out there in the desert I would really like to hear ladies personal stories regarding these 2......there conditins, the drive, the C.O's, etc.......Come on ladies share.....:) hey lady,
My honey was at chuckawalla last year and its a long , boring drive!!!! Im from the high desert and it took like 3 hours to get there. It was worth the trip though and the visits were always great!!!!!!!!!

My honey is at Ironwood. I've never had any problems going to visit him & have always had a pretty good experience. They once made me change my shirt because they said it was "too form fitting" I made a big deal about it because I hadn't seen my man in over a year and didn't want him to see me looking like trash after so long. They didn't care so much about what I had to say and said it was because "girls that look like me can't dress like that because they don't want any unnecessary excitement from the inmates." They said it was for my own protection :rolleyes: I think my man can protect me just fine from anyone with "unnecessary excitement" but then again, I don't want him getting mad & then getting into trouble. I just got upset because I wasn't even showing any skin and the shirt wasn't even tight, I just have a nicer looking body so they tripped. They made me wear a shirt that was like an xxl and I'm a small!!!! The shirt really didn't fit me at all & when we took our picture, my honey had to pull the shirt befind me, so it didn't look so bad, but it still looked bad anyways. I didn't care too much because at least I was there with him!!!! I come from San Diego, so the drive... pretty damn long!!! It takes me about 3 1/2 hours to get there. I always stay in a hotel when I go because I find it alot easier then to wake up at 3:00 AM & head out there. Things usually go pretty smoothly during the visits. Sometimes, the guards will get on your case about touching and kissing, but all in all, it's not too bad. I'm always constantly kissing my man when I'm there & haven't had too much said to us about it as of just yet. Ironwood really isn't that bad when it comes to visiting. I'm not sure if things are the same in every yard, but my mans in A.

My man is also at Ironwood. They have made me change at least a half a dozen time when i go visit:). I always try and get away with wear form fitting cloths. Sometimes i get away with it It all depends on the C/O checking you in. I always bring a few extra shirts when i go up there. One time they even tripped on what my four year old was wearing..I was so mad they told me that her shorts where not long enough. so i went to the car and put som overalls on her and they said next time please don't put overalls on her it make the metal detector go off... But overall i have had no other problems gooing up there. I also have a 3.5 hour drive but it is all worth it to see my man:D

The only REALLY bad thing about it, is it gets VERY hot over there!!!!! Last time I went (Oct. 30) it was actually VERY cold in the morning, then the sun came out & it was hot as hell again!!!!!! My baby has gotten SOOOOO dark since he's been up there too!!!!! Just look at my profile picture... believe it or not, he's mexican!!!!!! The sun has really beat his a$$ up there!!!!!! I've never seen him that dark before in my life, I don't mind though, he's sexy!!!!!! He didn't need a tan, but I guess up in the middle of the desert, you have no choice!!! Maybe I should have stayed out in the sun a little longer when there, it might have done me more good then it did him!!!!!! Ohh well, I love my baby just the way he is & he loves his white girl just the way I am!!!!! Watch out for that heat though, it'll get ya!!!!!! He's my proof!!!!!:D

WHAT ARE THE HOURS FOR VISITING AT CHUCKAWALLA?

I PRESENTLY VISIT MY HUSBAND AT IRONWOOD BUT HE WILL SOON GO OVER TO CHUCKAWALLA. I USUALLY PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH EVERYONE ELSE AND THEN I SEE PEOPLE WHO VISIT CHUCKAWALLA DRIVE UP, PARK AND THEN GO DIRECTLY INTO THE VISITING BUILDING. WHAT TIME DO THEY START PROCESSING? DO THEY ALSO GO BY THE NUMBERS ON THE VISITING PASS? OR WHAT ARE THEIR PROCEDURES?

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ALL YOUR HELP :thumbsup:

HELLO EVERYONE,
MY HUSBAND IS BEING TRANSFERED FROM IRONWOOD TO CHUCKAWALLA WHICHIS RIGHT NEXT DOOR SO IT'S NOT BAD BUT I WAS WONDERING HOW YOU ALL LIKE THEIR FAMILY VISITS?? I LOVE GOING FOR FAMILY VISITS AT IRONWOOD BECAUSE THE FV COORDINATOR IS REALLY NICE AND SHE WORKS WITH ME WHEN I'M TRYING TO GET A DATE BECAUSE I TRAVEL ALL THE WAY FROM NEW YORK SO I HAVE TO MAKE SURE I PLAN EVERYTHING OUT TO THE "T". SINCE I TRAVEL OVER 6,000 MILES TO VISIT I GET TO STAY 5 DAYS AND IT IS SUCH A NICE VACATION AWAY FROM HOME WHEN I SPENT 5 DAYS WITH MY HUSBAND. WE DEFINITELY HAVE THE TIME OF OUR LIVES!!!!!

CAN YOU ALL PLEASE SHARE YOU EXPERIENCES WITH ME :confused:
DO THEY HAVE A LONG WAITING LIST FOR FAMILY VISITS?
WHAT DAYS DO THEY LET YOU GO IN FOR YOUR VISIT?
WHAT TIME DO THEY EXPECT YOU THERE?
DO THEY REALLY SEARCH ALL YOUR BELONGINGS?
IS IT A FEMALE OR MALE SEARCHING YOUR INTIMATES(UNDIES,CLOTHING)?


THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ALL YOUR HELP :thumbsup:

Okkkkkkkkkkk Where Did All My Chuckie Ladies Go????look Only 1200 Days To Go!!!! (sigh)