Madera County Grand Jury
• 2025-2026
Valley State Prison Final Report 2526-02 Released: 04/06/2026
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 4 findings
F1
The MCGJ finds there are adequate educational and vocational opportunity programs for IPs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The MCGJ recommends that the CDCR continue providing well-rounded offerings of educational and vocational training with post-release employment opportunities.
F2
The MCGJ finds that the Freedom Canine Project provides inmates with the opportunity to develop compassion, confidence, and responsibility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The MCGJ recommends that the Freedom Canine Project continue.
F3
The MCGJ finds that the new Barber School provides opportunities for IPs to be able to get their State Barber License and provides a path toward a long-term career that is available to them upon release from prison.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The MCGJ recommends that the Barber School continue to provide opportunities for IPs.
F4
The MCGJ finds that family visiting has been impacted by the renovations of the family units to make them American Disabilities Act compliant. According to the Warden, they are awaiting final approval from the State fire marshal.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The MCGJ recommends that the CDCR continue to work at the state level to get the inspections completed on the family visiting unit to allow the IP’s family to continue with family visitation. INVITED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requests responses from the following: Warden Valley State Prison 21633 Avenue 24 Chowchilla, CA 93610 Public Information Officer - VSP 21633 Avenue 24 Chowchilla, CA 93610 Governor Gavin Newsom 1021 O Street, Suite 9000 Sacramento, CA 95841 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Civil Grand Jury. The California State Legislature has stated that it intends the provisions of Penal Code Section 929, prohibiting disclosure of witness identities to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the privacy and confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation.