FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2025

Press Contact:

Ashley Chambers, Ella Baker Center

comms@ellabakercenter.org, 925-953-2302

Ella Baker Center Commends Prison Closure Announcement in Governor’s May Revise

Urges Governor to close prisons most vulnerable to climate hazards

SACRAMENTO, CA — Following the release of Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2025-26 May Revision Budget Proposal, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights released the following statements:

Executive Director Marlene Sanchez:

“We are encouraged by the Governor’s plan to close an additional prison by October 2026. Closing additional prisons not only saves the state millions of dollars, but the state can do more to protect people incarcerated by closing prisons that are most vulnerable to climate hazards. The recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles is a reminder that we cannot forget about our most vulnerable citizens living inside prisons and jails during climate disasters. We urge the Governor to reinvest savings from additional prison closures into community-centered programs like the Trauma Recovery Center in East Oakland, among others. We need to invest in the community-based organizations and leaders who are under-resourced and already investing time into effective violence prevention programs, drug treatment, youth development programs, and secure housing for people in reentry and the unhoused.

“In this critical time of federal threats and constant uncertainty for our most vulnerable communities, “the future we imagine” starts with prioritizing the needs of our Black, Brown, Indigenous, and migrant communities, including people who are currently and formerly incarcerated. What keeps our communities safe is ensuring that those who are least resourced receive the vital support, funding, and opportunities to succeed — not fueling mass incarceration with harsher sentences, not slashing funding for healthcare and victims’ services.”

Inside Policy Fellow Jessie Milo:

“The health of California communities is at greater stake than ever, but we have data showing that investment in community-based organizations improves public safety! We need to help identify and treat mental health issues, provide a continuation of support for people in reentry to get the best return on our investment in rehabilitation, and prevent homelessness and recidivism. Community violence prevention and youth programs are vital to secure a safe future for the children of California! The state budget must prioritize funding these programs, or we will fail this generation. We must meet this moment!”

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For over twenty-seven years, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights has advanced people-powered campaigns for racial and economic justice—and we are winning. Named after civil rights hero Ella Baker, we shift resources away from prisons and punishment towards opportunities that make our communities safe, healthy, and strong. ellabakercenter.org