California Correctional Center (CCC)

The California Correctional Center (CCC) was a state prison in Susanville, Northern California. Established in 1963, CCC was originally designed as a minimum-security facility but underwent expansions in 1987 to accommodate medium-security inmates. Spanning 1,100 acres, the institution had a mix of Level I, II, and III housing, each offering different security measures from open dormitories to individual cells with armed coverage.

The mission of CCC was twofold: to house and train minimum-custody inmates for placement in one of its 18 Northern California conservation camps and to offer meaningful work, training, and education programs for those not eligible for camp assignments. These conservation camps played a crucial role in California’s firefighting efforts, often employing inmates to assist in battling wildfires.

One of the most notable programs at CCC was the wild horse training program, launched in 1987. Inmates participated in a 90-day certified program where they trained wild horses captured from the high desert regions of northeastern California and western Nevada. This program not only provided a therapeutic and educational experience for the inmates but also prepared the horses for public adoption, highlighting the transformative potential of such rehabilitation initiatives.

Despite its positive contributions, CCC faced challenges over the years, including severe overcrowding. In 2007, the facility had a design capacity of 3,883 but housed 6,093 inmates, an occupancy rate of 156.9%. Legislative efforts in 2012 aimed to reduce this overcrowding, and by March 2012, the population was down to 2,889.

However, CCC’s story took a significant turn when it was permanently closed as of June 30, 2023. This closure marked the end of an era for the institution and significantly impacted the local community of Susanville, which had relied on the prison for employment opportunities.

While operational, CCC had a structured visitation schedule, but with its closure, updated visitation details are no longer applicable. The facility’s legacy remains in the memories of those who worked and rehabilitated there, as well as in the broader narrative of California’s correctional system.