Originally published in February 1985, this piece looks at the history of the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC), republished here as part of the CDCR Time Capsule series.
From luxury resort to naval hospital to correctional institution, these have been the three faces of what is now CRC in Norco.
The first narcotic addicts arrived on the security-fenced ground of what started out as a playground for millionaires and was later a haven for battle-torn Navy veterans. What were the steps which led to a complete overhaul of the former Lake Norconian Club, one of the most unusual landmarks in Riverside County?
CRC was originally a wealthy person’s playground
The club was located at the site where hot mineral wells were uncovered by engineers drilling for water for a new ranch development. Lake Norconian, from which the club got its name, was developed over about 65 acres of land, with water being pumped in from underground wells in the area.
Other facilities of the club included hot mineral baths and an 18-hole golf course. The grounds were covered with acres of landscaped gardens and lawns. There was also an airfield for the use of guests. A big attraction of the place was a double Olympic-sized pool.
The main resort building, of Spanish design, was built high on a hill overlooking the rest of the grounds. The multi-storied structure sprawled all over the hill at different angles. A large circular parking lot led to the main entrance. The lounge, ballroom, and dining room all commanded a panoramic three-way view.
The ballroom had ornate open beams and painted ceiling, with open arches running around the walls. It had gold textured drapes, gold furniture, and a special dance floor build over spring trusses. The unusual dining room had a black and white marble floor.
Heavily carved furniture was copied from a few originals imported from abroad while most of the tile work was imported from Spain. An elaborate network of mechanized kitchens served as many as 13,000 people in one day.
Unfortunately, soon after the Lake Norconian Club opened, the Great Depression hit. The club also proved to be too far from Los Angeles to serve as a constant attraction to regular members and it began to offer mainly hotel service.
Converting to a Navy hospital
On Dec. 8, 1941, one day after the U.S. entered World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the document which converted the luxury resort into a naval hospital. It remained a hospital until 1949, when it was closed, despite protests from the community.
In 1951, the facility was recommissioned as a general care hospital as the U.S. entered the Korean conflict. It now handled between 700 and 800 patients, making it the second largest Navy hospital in the country at the time.
The recommissioning work included improving such recreational facilities as theaters, auditorium, gym, bowling alleys, and occupational therapy shops.
In June 1957, the Navy announced it was closing the facility. Five years later, in 1962, the federal government donated the hospital to the state for use as a narcotic addict rehabilitation program under the direction of Superintendent Roland W. Wood.
CRC in 1985
Superintendent Bob Borg directs nearly 900 hard working staff in the supervision of 3,386 inmates with 566 of those being female.
They are divided into two categories: Felons totaling 2,283 alongside 1,103 civil commitments for narcotic abuse.
CRC is a Level II medium security prison with approximately 90 Level I inmates who are permitted outside the fences for work details under supervision of the Department of Forestry or in the local community.
During 1984, a new permanent building was completed as the security hub for the institution. The building houses the watch supervisors and an emergency operations center. CRC does not have any lock-up cells as the men live in open dormitories while the females live in semi-private rooms shared by three women.
The institution encompasses 93 acres of land enclosed by a double chain-link fence with a television security system, a movement/sound sensor system, and a number of armed security posts along the fence line.
Rehabilitation at CRC
Education programs in 1985 included:
- Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair
- Auto Technology
- Clerical Skills
- Drafting
- Electronics
- Baking
- Meat Cutting
- Technical Illustration
- Upholstery (furniture and automotive)
- Building Maintenance and Repair
- Culinary-Cooking
- Dry Cleaning
- Janitorial Services
- Offset Printing
- Typewriter Repair
- Word Processing
The California Prison Industry Authority operation employs 157 inmates. One recent project included the manufacture of furniture for the 1984 Olympics.
Self-help groups assist individuals learn to deal with addictions or interact with others in a constructive way.
One such group, Espejo, was organized in 1979 to improve or modify anti-social behavior. The group also conducts tours of the institution for colleges and local community groups, including the Marines. At-risk military members take part in the program to modify their behavior before a forced separation of the U.S. Marine Corps is indicated.
Marines learn from Espejo members. The military members are given a tour of the institution then go to a private room where the inmates tell the group about themselves, their crimes, attitudes, drug and alcohol abuse, and what their behavior cost them. The Marines then observe noon count in the dorm followed by eating lunch with the inmates in the dining hall. Feedback from the Marine Corps indicates the program is very successful.
Visiting at CRC
For those eligible, CRC offers a family visiting program. There are 14 visiting units of different sizes, to accommodate the families. Visitors much be immediate family members. Each visit allows families to enjoy two days and nights.
(See how CRC visiting handled Valentine’s Day in 2024.)
Written by Lt. George Morgan, Public Information Officer
California Rehabilitation Center
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