Avenal State Prison History
Community-driven desire for prison construction in the early 1980s
In the early 1980s, the town of Avenal in Kings County, California, began to advocate for the construction of a state prison in their community. This was a highly unusual occurrence, as local communities typically resisted the establishment of correctional facilities. The town's leaders believed that the prison would provide significant economic benefits, including job opportunities and increased revenue from taxes and state funding.
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Economic incentives for the town of Avenal
The construction of a state prison in Avenal was seen as a means to combat the town's economic struggles. High unemployment rates and a lack of industry had led to a stagnant local economy. The prison was expected to provide an economic boost through job creation and infrastructure investments, as well as attracting new businesses and residents to the area.
First prison solicited by a local community
Avenal State Prison holds the unique distinction of being the first prison to be actively solicited by a local community. Avenal's residents and leaders saw the prison as an opportunity for growth and economic revitalization, leading them to lobby for its construction.
Funding and construction
1. Bill authorizing $117 million for construction signed by Governor Deukmejian in 1985
In 1985, California Governor George Deukmejian signed a bill authorizing $117 million for the construction of the Avenal prison. The funding allowed the project to move forward and signaled the state's support for the local community's efforts.
2. Groundbreaking in December 1985
Construction on the prison officially began in December 1985, following the groundbreaking ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone for the community-driven project and the beginning of the prison's development.
3. Arrival of first inmates in January 1987
Avenal State Prison received its first inmates in January 1987, just over a year after construction had begun. The rapid completion of the facility was a testament to the efforts of the community and the state to bring the project to fruition.
Name changes and official designation
1. Original name: California Correctional Institution at Avenal
When the facility first opened, it was known as the California Correctional Institution at Avenal. This name reflected the prison's status as a state-run correctional institution.
2. Kings County Board of Supervisors' name change to Avenal State Prison in December 1987
In December 1987, the Kings County Board of Supervisors voted to change the facility's name to Avenal State Prison. This name change was made to more accurately reflect the prison's location and the community that had worked so hard to establish it.
3. Official naming as Avenal State Prison on February 22, 1988
The prison was officially designated as Avenal State Prison on February 22, 1988. This official naming recognized the unique history of the prison and its community-driven development.
Controversies and Challenges
Feral cat population and management
1. Trap-neuter-return program initiated in 2001
In 2001, Avenal State Prison initiated a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to manage the feral cat population on its grounds. The program aimed to humanely control the cat population and prevent the spread of diseases among the animals.
2. Program stopped in February 2005 due to perceived ineffectiveness
Despite initial optimism, the TNR program was halted in February 2005 due to concerns about its effectiveness in controlling the feral cat population. Some prison officials believed that the program was not having a significant impact on reducing the number of cats on the grounds.
3. Continued advocacy by Feral Paws Rescue for reinstatement of the program
Feral Paws Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of feral cats, has continued to advocate for the reinstatement of the TNR program at Avenal State Prison. The organization maintains that TNR is a humane and effective method for managing feral cat populations.
Valley fever outbreak in 2005/2006
1. Avenal State Prison and Pleasant Valley State Prison heavily affected
In 2005 and 2006, Avenal State Prison and the nearby Pleasant Valley State Prison were heavily affected by an outbreak of valley fever, a fungal infection that can cause severe respiratory issues. The disease is endemic to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and can be contracted through inhalation of fungal spores in the soil.
2. Case numbers and impact on inmates
The valley fever outbreak resulted in numerous cases among inmates at both Avenal State Prison and Pleasant Valley State Prison, leading to hospitalizations and even fatalities. The outbreak drew attention to the need for improved health and safety measures within the prisons, as well as the potential dangers of constructing facilities in areas with endemic diseases.
Breakdown in medical care coverage in December 2006
1. Three inmate deaths attributed to medical care issues
In December 2006, three inmates at Avenal State Prison died as a result of medical care issues. These deaths highlighted the need for improvements in the prison's medical services and prompted criticism from both inside and outside the prison system.
2. Criticism from the receiver of the California state prison health care system
Following the inmate deaths, the receiver of the California state prison health care system criticized the medical care provided at Avenal State Prison. The receiver called for an overhaul of the prison's health care system to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
COVID-19 pandemic
1. Impact on Avenal State Prison as of October 31, 2020
As of October 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Avenal State Prison. The facility experienced numerous cases of the virus among both inmates and staff, leading to strict health and safety measures being implemented to contain the spread.
2. Cases and deaths among inmates
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a number of cases and deaths among the inmate population at Avenal State Prison. The virus highlighted the challenges of containing infectious diseases within a prison environment and the need for robust health and safety protocols.
Notable Inmates
Robert John Bardo (born 1970)
Robert John Bardo was convicted for the murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer in 1989. Bardo had stalked Schaeffer for several years before shooting her outside her Los Angeles apartment. He has been incarcerated at Avenal State Prison since his conviction.
Gerald Parker (born 1955)
Gerald Parker, a serial killer known as the "Bedroom Basher," was held at Avenal State Prison during his trial. Parker was ultimately convicted of six murders committed between 1978 and 1979 in Orange County, California. His crimes involved breaking into homes and brutally attacking women as they slept. Following his trial, Parker was transferred to another facility to serve his sentence.
Billy Preston (1946-2006)
Billy Preston, a renowned musician who worked with artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton, was incarcerated at Avenal State Prison in the late 1990s. Preston was convicted on charges of cocaine possession, violation of probation, and insurance fraud. He served his sentence at Avenal State Prison until his release in 1999.