CDCR – Puerta La Cruz Adult Conservation (Fire) Camp #14

Camp History

The Puerta La Cruz (PLC) Conservation Camp CC #14 began operations in 1957 with male inmates, CDCR staff, and CAL Fire employees. The camp was converted in May of 1986 to an all-female inmate camp. The camp remained under administrative supervision of the Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) until October 2005, when the California Institution for Women (CIW) took over the operation of Puerta La Cruz, Rainbow, and the Malibu Conservation Camps.

The primary mission of the camp is to provide inmate fire crews for fire suppression principally in San Diego, Imperial and Riverside Counties, but has been assigned to numerous off-reservation assignments throughout the state. In addition to fire suppression, inmate hand crews provide a work force for conservation projects and community service.

A Mobile Kitchen Unit (MKU) with inmate cooks and support workers is supervised by both CDCR and CAL Fire staff is also a part of PLC Camp. The MKU provides meals to the fire fighters at an incident base camp in remote locations. CIW inmates also assist by providing workers under the supervision of CDCR Fire Captains.

Inmate Programs

During their leisure time, inmates may participate in hobby craft, softball, basketball, horseshoes, reading or other activities. Spiritual and self-help services such as Catholic Services, Calvary Chapel, Jewish Services, West Angeles Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are provided by community volunteers. Malibu also facilitates GED preparation, college courses facilitated by Palo Verde College and pre-release classes. Inmates quickly learn that life at a conservation camp is more desirable than serving time behind the walls of a prison. Their work activities and efforts during emergencies build a strong work ethic, and a feeling of self-worth. These activities prepare the inmates for a successful integration back into their communities upon release.