Calipatria leaders to Newsom: Don’t close our prison
Adrik Vargas
CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – City leaders in Calipatria are speaking out after Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to close another California state prison, though he didn’t say which one.
Concern quickly spread in Imperial Valley. Congressman Raul Ruiz released a statement saying Calipatria State Prison should not be shut down, and local leaders agree.
“I know there are a lot of rumors, concerns, and worries floating around the Imperial Valley and our surrounding areas regarding Calipatria State Prison,” said Calipatria Mayor Michael Luellen. “I just wanted everyone to know we are taking deliberate action to meet with the Governor’s office and truly understand the full situation.”
The prison has long been a cornerstone of the local economy. Leaders say it’s not just jobs on the line, it’s the community’s future.
“We down here in Imperial Valley always fight for our residents on a daily basis, no matter the season, political or not,” the mayor said. “And I urge the Governor to have the same consistency as well, especially because he touts that he’s long supported equity and inclusion. And if the state prison were to be dismantled and taken away from the local economy, that is the opposite of what he claims to support and inspire throughout the state of California.”
Congressman Ruiz added that rural communities like Calipatria can’t take another economic hit.
“We know that there’s a high rate of poverty and shutting down the state prison would add to the unemployment and increase poverty levels,” said Ruiz. “But we’re getting ahead of things and making it very difficult for him to even consider Calipatria State Prison.”
For now, the future of the facility is uncertain. But local leaders say they’re not backing down from a fight.