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CDCR Time Capsule

Photo Timeline: CSP‑Corcoran

A sign for Corcoran Prison features drawings of a prison tower and buildings.
California State Prison, Corcoran, was activated in 1988.

Over 3 decades of public safety

By Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR
Office of Public and Employee Communications

During the 1980s and ’90s, California expanded the prison system. The original 12 prisons were supplemented with new facilities ranging from Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City to R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. Today, CDCR operates 35 adult institutions. One of those newer facilities is California State Prison, Corcoran. The men’s facility was activated in 1988 after two years of planning and another two years of construction.

1980s: From drawing board to activation

“Thirty-six minimum-security men inmates were bused to the new Corcoran State Prison which will have 2,900 inmates ranging from minimum to maximum security when it reaches capacity,” reported the Associated Press, Feb. 23, 1988.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Superintendent Bernie Aispuro said at the time, regarding the arrival of the first inmates.

Men line up with shovels.
The department’s official newsletter, Correctionews, published a photo of the Sept. 16, 1986, groundbreaking ceremony. From left are Youth and Adult Correctional Agency Secretary N.A. Chaderjian, Undersecretary Rod Blonien, Director Daniel J. McCarthy, Project Manager Bernie Aispuro, Assemblyman Jim Costa and local officials. More than 200 people turned out to show their support.
  • Shovels stick up from a dirt lot while a photographer waits for the event to begin.
    More than 200 attended the groundbreaking ceremonies for CSP-Corcoran in 1986.
  • Heavy equipment operates on a work site constructing a new prison in Corcoran.
    CSP-Corcoran under construction, 1987.
  • A construction worker hammers markers into the group in Corcoran.
    CSP-Corcoran under construction, 1987.
  • Heavy equipment operates on a work site constructing a new prison in Corcoran.
    CSP-Corcoran under construction, 1987.

2000-2020

  • John D. Klarick Memorial Hospital at Corcoran prison.
    CSP-Corcoran’s hospital, 2014. (CDCR file photo.)
  • Solar panels sit on a dirt field at Corcoran prison.
    Solar power at CSP-Corcoran, 2014.
  • Dentist works on an inmate while dental assistant helps.
    Dental offices at CSP-Corcoran, circa 2014. CDCR file photo.
  • Tables with seats attached fill a room in a prison.
    The CSP-Corcoran dining hall, 2014. (CDCR file photo.)
  • Gates, a fence and razor wire at Corcoran prison.
    Vehicle sally port, CSP-Corcoran.
  • Classroom with prison inmates sitting in desks and teacher helping them.
    Classrooms, such as this one at CSP-Corcoran, are one of many places inmates are able to improve their chances of success when reintegrating back into the community.
  • Lectern and stage with men and women making speeches.
    Corcoran Mayor Raymond Lerma speaks during a ceremony honoring the prison’s 30th anniversary in 2018.

Learn more about CSP-Corcoran

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