As California aims to modernize San Quentin, many of its residents may be forced to leave

Warden Chance Andes of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center announced plans for voluntary transfers of incarcerated individuals as part of a strategy to reduce the prison population. This initiative aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom's broader goals to transform San Quentin into a rehabilitation center, which involves constructing a new facility at a cost of $239 million. The transformation aims to provide individual cells, addressing concerns over the cramped current setup, where cells measure only 46 square feet. The American Correctional Association recommends at least 92 square feet for double occupancy, underscoring the need for change. Critics, including the advocacy group The People In Blue, warn that limiting the lifer population to 25-35% could undermine successful rehabilitation programs, as lifers have recidivism rates below 4%.

Newsom's advisory council noted that lifers represented about 36% of the population at the time of their report, raising concerns about the impact of proposed population controls. Members of The People In Blue argue that lifers should constitute half of San Quentin's population to ensure effective rehabilitative programming. The ongoing changes at San Quentin highlight the tension between population management and the goals of rehabilitation in the correctional system.