Tuesday, June 22, 2021

The Los Angeles Times covers the Susanville prison closure

I blogged here last month about the projected 2022 closure of a Susanville, California prison, and now Hailey Branson-Potts reports for the LA Times under the headline, "California’s prison boom saved this town. Now, plans to close a lockup are sparking anger and fear."  Here's an excerpt that sums up Susanville's economic situation:

Few places rely on a prison as much as Susanville, the only incorporated city in Lassen County. The nearest city, 86 miles away, is Reno.

Surrounded by forests, mountains and lakes, Susanville is a place of striking natural beauty. The air smells of pine trees. Deer wander through frontyards. But it’s an isolated town stuck in a long decline.
More than 45% of the employment in Susanville is at CCC [the prison slated for closure] and the adjacent High Desert State Prison, which opened in 1995. The average pay for non-management correctional staffers is $87,500, not including benefits and overtime — generous-paying jobs in a county where only 13% of residents have a bachelor’s degree.
Also of interest is this suggestion that Newsom might be punishing Lassen County for its conservative, pro-recall views:   
Many in town believe Newsom is retaliating against conservative Lassen County, which had among the state’s highest concentrations of people signing a petition to recall the governor and where 75% of voters cast their ballots for then-President Trump last fall.
The Newsom administration denies any such motive.  

Branson-Potts reports that Susanville plans to sue the State of California, but she doesn't provide any details of the cause of action, which leaves me wondering what on earth it (or they) might be.  I'm speculating something reliance-based, but we shall see.  

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