Central California Women's Facility
Encyclopedia
Central California Women's Facility (CCWF) is a female-only
California Department of Corrections state prison located in Chowchilla
, California
. It is across the road from Valley State Prison for Women
. It is the largest female correctional facility in the United States. It houses the State of California's death row for women.
CCWF holds prisoners at almost all security levels:
Level I through Level IV are all housed together inside a 32 room housing unit. There are 256 inmates of all levels housed together with only three Correctional Officers. On the Reception Yard there are 276 inmates per housing unit of unclassified inmates supervised by only two officers.
The prison provides inmate academic education, work and vocational training, counseling and specialized programs for the purpose of successful reintegration into society.
The Chowchilla Family Express provides transportation for family members from major California cities to visit prisoners at the facility.
In 1996, the City of Chowchilla was given permission to perform a "non-contiguous annexation" of CCWF.
Starting in April 2007, CCWF received some inmates from California Rehabilitation Center
after closure of the women's wing at that prison. The population at CCWF "swelled by 8 percent."
Health services at CCWF have been the subject of controversy over the years, as exemplified by the following events:
Pete Wilson
decreed in December 1991 that CCWF shall hold all female Death Row
inmates in California, Maureen McDermott became the first Death Row inmate at CCWF.
The Death Row inmates' names (with years of sentencing) are:
Incarceration of women
This article discusses the incarceration of women in correctional facilities.-History:In the United States, authorities began housing women in correctional facilities separate from men in the 1870s...
California Department of Corrections state prison located in Chowchilla
Chowchilla, California
Chowchilla is a city in Madera County, California, United States. Chowchilla is located northwest of Madera, at an elevation of 240 feet . It is a principal city of the Madera–Chowchilla Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 18,720 at the 2010 census, up from 11,127 at the 2000...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. It is across the road from Valley State Prison for Women
Valley State Prison for Women
Valley State Prison for Women is a state prison for women in Chowchilla, California. It is across the road from Central California Women's Facility.-Facilities:...
. It is the largest female correctional facility in the United States. It houses the State of California's death row for women.
Facilities
CCWF covers 640 acres (259 ha). As of Fiscal Year 2006/2007, CCWF had a total of 1,205 staff and an annual operating budget of $138 million. As of September 2007, it had a design capacity of 2,004 but a total institution population of 4,230, for an occupancy rate of 211.1 percent.CCWF holds prisoners at almost all security levels:
- Reception Center (RC) – provides short term housing to process, classify and evaluate incoming inmates
Level I through Level IV are all housed together inside a 32 room housing unit. There are 256 inmates of all levels housed together with only three Correctional Officers. On the Reception Yard there are 276 inmates per housing unit of unclassified inmates supervised by only two officers.
- Condemned (Cond) housing – holds inmates with death sentences
The prison provides inmate academic education, work and vocational training, counseling and specialized programs for the purpose of successful reintegration into society.
The Chowchilla Family Express provides transportation for family members from major California cities to visit prisoners at the facility.
History
The Madera County board of supervisors gave the prison its current name in 1989 "after months of discussion and disagreement." CCWF opened in October 1990, having cost $141 million to construct.In 1996, the City of Chowchilla was given permission to perform a "non-contiguous annexation" of CCWF.
Starting in April 2007, CCWF received some inmates from California Rehabilitation Center
California Rehabilitation Center
California Rehabilitation Center is a co-ed state prison located in Norco, Riverside County, California. There are approx 5000 male inmates at CRC...
after closure of the women's wing at that prison. The population at CCWF "swelled by 8 percent."
Health services at CCWF have been the subject of controversy over the years, as exemplified by the following events:
- In June 1991, an inmate died; some inmates "refused to report to their prison jobs" to protest the prison's medical care "which they said was linked to the death." Later, an autopsy showed that the inmate "died of acute inflammation of the pancreas," not "an overdose of the tranquilizer Haldol" as some inmates believed.
- Over 100 protesters outside the prison in January 1994 alleged that CCWF "failed to provide a medical specialist and educational programs to deal with HIV/AIDS-infected inmates," and that CCWF's healthcare providers "often ignore inmate ailments and provide little or no follow-up examinations."
- An April 1995 class actionClass actionIn law, a class action, a class suit, or a representative action is a form of lawsuit in which a large group of people collectively bring a claim to court and/or in which a class of defendants is being sued...
lawsuit against CCWF and California Institution for WomenCalifornia Institution for WomenCalifornia Institution for Women is a female-only state prison located in the city of Chino, San Bernardino County, California.-Facilities:...
"allege[d] that inmates suffer terribly and in some cases die because of inadequate medical care." A 1997 settlement agreement led to two reports showing "improvements" in health care for female prisoners, but plaintiffs' lawyers claimed that "the changes deal[t] mostly with medical records, not actual care." - From July to November 1996, a private laboratory billed CCWF $161,000 "for thousands of medical tests, including Pap smears to detect cervical cancer, AIDS tests, biopsies and urinalyses" even though the tests had never been used on the inmates. At least six other prisons also used the laboratory. Although the State of California closed the laboratory in 1997, a 2000 newspaper investigation found that there was "little evidence of any attempt by the California Department of Corrections to retest inmates or notify them that their test results were faked."
- In 1999, an inmate with "hepatitis CHepatitis CHepatitis C is an infectious disease primarily affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus . The infection is often asymptomatic, but chronic infection can lead to scarring of the liver and ultimately to cirrhosis, which is generally apparent after many years...
and liver disease" died after being "prescribed anti-TB medications known to be toxic to patients with liver disease." A wrongful-death lawsuit based on the case was "settled for $225,000" in 2002. - In the "month and a half" prior to December 20, 2000, seven CCWF inmates died. Of these, four "apparently succumbed to chronic terminal illnesses," but an advocacy group claimed that the deaths "were precipitated by inadequate care." The other three "died suddenly and unexpectedly," which led to autopsiesAutopsyAn autopsy—also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy , autopsia cadaverum, or obduction—is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present...
being performed. As a result, the three causes of death were determined to be "heart problems and natural causes," "a severe asthma attack and chok[ing] on her vomit after a routine strip search," and "clogged arteries and an enlarged heart." Nevertheless, "relatives of the three women" and a physician from the University of California, San FranciscoUniversity of California, San FranciscoThe University of California, San Francisco is one of the world's leading centers of health sciences research, patient care, and education. UCSF's medical, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, and graduate schools are among the top health science professional schools in the world...
"who reviewed their deaths" held the opinion that "better health care could have saved their lives." - A hospicePalliative carePalliative care is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients...
program was started at CCWF in the summer of 2000, but by mid-2001 was "seldom" used. One possible explanation was a low amount of funding compared with the men's hospice at California Medical FacilityCalifornia Medical FacilityCalifornia Medical Facility is a male-only state prison located in the city of Vacaville, Solano County, California. It is older than California State Prison, Solano, the other state prison in Vacaville.-Facilities:...
; another possible explanation was CCWF's granting "compassionate releases to dying inmates who otherwise might enter the program." - In December 2003, seven CCWF inmates sued seven physicians and "several nurses" for "malpractice, negligence and unprofessional conduct."
- In February 2007, the California Office of the Inspector General concluded "Numerous studies show that despite an annual cost of $36 million, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s in-prison substance abuse treatment programs have little or no impact on recidivismRecidivismRecidivism is the act of a person repeating an undesirable behavior after they have either experienced negative consequences of that behavior, or have been treated or trained to extinguish that behavior...
." The report specifically mentioned the "New Choice female felon program" at CCWF, for which "12-month recidivism rates... were lower for non-participants than for participants."
Employees
As of 2007, of the prison guards, 31% were women. 19% of sergeants were women, and less than 1% of lieutenants are women.Death Row
After GovernorGovernor of California
The Governor of California is the chief executive of the California state government, whose responsibilities include making annual State of the State addresses to the California State Legislature, submitting the budget, and ensuring that state laws are enforced...
Pete Wilson
Pete Wilson
Peter Barton "Pete" Wilson is an American politician from California. Wilson, a Republican, served as the 36th Governor of California , the culmination of more than three decades in the public arena that included eight years as a United States Senator , eleven years as Mayor of San Diego and...
decreed in December 1991 that CCWF shall hold all female Death Row
Death row
Death row signifies the place, often a section of a prison, that houses individuals awaiting execution. The term is also used figuratively to describe the state of awaiting execution , even in places where no special facility or separate unit for condemned inmates exists.After individuals are found...
inmates in California, Maureen McDermott became the first Death Row inmate at CCWF.
The Death Row inmates' names (with years of sentencing) are:
- Maria del Rosio "Rosie" Alfaro (sentenced 1992)
- Dora Luz Buenrostro (1998)
- Socorro Caro (2002)
- Celeste Simone Carrington (1994)
- Cynthia Lynn CoffmanCynthia CoffmanCynthia Coffman was the partner in crime of James Gregory Marlow. She was born St. Louis, Missouri.Coffman and Marlow were accused of killing four women in October–November 1986. They were arrested on November 14, 1986, following which Coffman confessed to the murders...
(1989) - Kerry Lyn Dalton (1995)
- Susan Eubanks (1999)
- Veronica Gonzales (1998)
- Maureen McDermott (1990)
- Michelle Lyn Michaud (2002)
- Valerie Dee Martin (2010)
- Tanya Nelson (2010)
- Sandi Dawn Nieves (2000)
- Angelina Rodriguez (2004)
- Brooke Rottiers (2010)
- Mary Ellen Samuels (1994)
- Cathy Lynn Sarinana (2009)
- Janeen Marie Snyder (2006)
- Catherine Thompson (1993)
- Manling Williams (2011)
Notable inmates
- Susan AtkinsSusan AtkinsSusan Denise Atkins was a convicted American murderer who was a member of the "Manson family", led by Charles Manson. Manson and his followers committed a series of nine murders at four locations in California, over a period of five weeks in the summer of 1969...
, an associate of Charles MansonCharles MansonCharles Milles Manson is an American criminal who led what became known as the Manson Family, a quasi-commune that arose in California in the late 1960s. He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit the Tate/LaBianca murders carried out by members of the group at his instruction...
, was transferred to CCWF on September 24, 2008, with a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer. She died at CCWF on September 24, 2009.
- Betty BroderickBetty BroderickElisabeth Anne "Betty" Broderick is a former American socialite convicted of the November 5, 1989 murder of her former husband Dan Broderick and his second wife, Linda Kolkena...
was moved from California Institution for WomenCalifornia Institution for WomenCalifornia Institution for Women is a female-only state prison located in the city of Chino, San Bernardino County, California.-Facilities:...
to CCWF in March 1992. She became eligible for parole in March 2010. As of October 2010, she is again at the California Institution for Women.
- Nikki CharmNikki CharmNikki Charm is a former adult video performer. She is a member of the Adult Video News Hall of Fame and the XRCO Hall of Fame....
, porn star, for auto theft and burglary. Sentenced for five years in 2002.
- Helen L. Golay, whose crimes committed in 1999 and 2005 in Los Angeles County became known as Black Widow murdersBlack Widow murdersOn April 18, 2008, Helen Golay of Santa Monica, California and Olga Rutterschmidt of Hollywood, California were convicted of the murders of two homeless men...
. She is serving life in prison without possibility of parole.
- Marjorie Knoller was released from CCWF and sent to Ventura CountyVentura County, CaliforniaVentura County is a county in the southern part of the U.S. state of California. It is located on California's Pacific coast. It is often referred to as the Gold Coast, and has a reputation of being one of the safest populated places and one of the most affluent places in the country...
on parole in January 2004. She had reportedly just served "about 16 months" at Valley State Prison for WomenValley State Prison for WomenValley State Prison for Women is a state prison for women in Chowchilla, California. It is across the road from Central California Women's Facility.-Facilities:...
.
- Sara KruzanSara KruzanSara Jessimy Kruzan , convicted of first degree murder, is a victim of human trafficking and inmate of Central California Women's Facility, Chowchilla. In 1994, at the age of 16, she was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole after being convicted of murdering her alleged pimp, George...
is a victim of human trafficking and a convicted murderer. In 1994, at the age of 16, she was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole after being convicted of murdering her pimpPimpA pimp is an agent for prostitutes who collects part of their earnings. The pimp may receive this money in return for advertising services, physical protection, or for providing a location where she may engage clients...
; in January 2011, outgoing governor Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician. Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011....
commuted her sentenceCommutation of sentenceCommutation of sentence involves the reduction of legal penalties, especially in terms of imprisonment. Unlike a pardon, a commutation does not nullify the conviction and is often conditional. Clemency is a similar term, meaning the lessening of the penalty of the crime without forgiving the crime...
to 25 years to life with the possibility of parole.
- Ellie NeslerEllie NeslerElena Starr "Ellie" Nesler shot and killed her son's accused molester in a Jamestown, California, courtroom during the preliminary hearing on the charges against him. She served 3 years of a 10-year sentence and was released after an appeal based on jury misconduct...
was first imprisoned at CCWF for a 10-year sentence beginning in January 1994. During her stay, she received treatment for breast cancerBreast cancerBreast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
. She was released in October 1997 after a plea bargainPlea bargainA plea bargain is an agreement in a criminal case whereby the prosecutor offers the defendant the opportunity to plead guilty, usually to a lesser charge or to the original criminal charge with a recommendation of a lighter than the maximum sentence.A plea bargain allows criminal defendants to...
. She was again at CCWF between 2002 and June 2006 to "serv[e] a sentence for selling drugs."
- Dorothea PuenteDorothea PuenteDorothea Helen Puente was a convicted American serial killer. In the 1980s, Puente ran a boarding house in Sacramento, California, and cashed the Social Security checks of her elderly and mentally disabled boarders...
"was convicted in 1993 on five counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole" at CCWF. She died at CCWF in March 2011.
- Kristin RossumKristin RossumKristin Margrethe Rossum , is currently serving a life sentence in California for poisoning her husband Greg deVillers with fentanyl she stole from her job and attempting to pass off his death as a suicide....
, currently serving a life sentence in California for poisoning her husband Greg deVillers with fentanyl she stole from her job and attempting to pass off his death as a suicide, made famous from the crime show SnappedSnappedSnapped is an American true crime television series that airs on the Oxygen Network. Snapped debuted on August 6, 2004 and is produced in conjunction with Jupiter Entertainment.-Synopsis:...
as well as other media.
- Judy Wong, former mayor and first Chinese-American councilmember from the City of Temple City, CA. Pleaded no-contest to corruption charges and accepted a prison sentence for her role in a multi-million dollar bribery scheme involving developers.
- Nancy Garrido, convicted along with husband Philip Garrido for kidnapping Jaycee Dugard. Serving 36 years to life imprisonment.
External links
- Central California Women's Facility - California Department of Corrections and RehabilitationCalifornia Department of Corrections and RehabilitationThe California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is responsible for the operation of the California state prison and parole systems. CDC&R is the second largest law enforcement or police agency in the United States behind the New York City Police Department which employs approximately...