Yes on 54: Prison Bonds . . .

The state prison system is bursting at the seams. The California Department of Corrections is building new prisons and expanding the old to relieve the massive and chronic overcrowding. Proposition 54, a $500-million bond issue, will pay for the new construction. The need is urgent. We urge a yes vote on Nov. 4.

The state penal system currently holds more than 57,750 prisoners although it was designed to house 33,000. The population is expected to swell by an additional 10,000 prisoners by 1989.

With the bond funds, the state would build one prison somewhere in Los Angeles County and another prison 17 miles west of Blythe in Riverside County. A total of $50 million would be invested in prison industries to provide jobs and training for inmates. Nearly $100 million would be used to expand the crowded Youth Authority system and facilities at Tehachapi, Jamestown and Susanville. Some money would be kept in reserve for emergencies that might require expansion programs not now on the state’s schedule.

No site has been chosen for a Los Angeles County prison as yet, but the law requires a prison to be built somewhere in the county and the bond funds will be needed regardless of where or when the prison site is finally authorized.

Proposition 54 is the third prison bond in three elections. The additional funds are needed because voters want longer, tougher and mandatory sentences, a combination that sends more inmates to prison and for longer periods. As a result, the prison population continues to swell. Vote yes on Proposition 54 on Nov. 4.