CHINO, CA (August 27, 2026) -- The City of Chino is calling for timely action following the release of a California State Auditor report confirming significant infrastructure deficiencies at the California Institution for Men (CIM) and warning that the cumulative effects of the prison’s deteriorating condition increase the risk of a security incident. 

The audit, released August 13, 2026, follows more than two years of advocacy by the City of Chino, local law enforcement, residents, and regional and state leaders who raised concerns about the condition and long-term future of one of California’s oldest correctional institutions. 

“For years, the City of Chino has asked the State to take a serious look at the condition of CIM and recognize the impact decisions involving this facility have on our community,” said Chino Mayor Eunice Ulloa. “This independent audit confirms that many of the concerns raised by our residents and local leaders were justified. Now that we have the findings, our focus must be on ensuring the State follows through on the recommendations and develops a responsible long-term plan for CIM. This audit should not be the end of the process; it should be the beginning of meaningful action.” 

The State Auditor's findings, which can be accessed here, identified significant concerns, including: 

• CIM’s deteriorating infrastructure affects the health and safety of incarcerated individuals and staff and creates a potential security risk for the institution. 

• A 2019 facility assessment identified 26 projects totaling approximately $1.2 billion needed to address CIM’s aging infrastructure. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) funded only four of those projects and completed none. At their current rate of spending, it would take CDCR 70 years to fully address these needed infrastructure repairs and upgrades. 

• CIM had more security-related work orders than most other institutions, including a guard tower with a leaking roof that could not be staffed during an outage of the lethal electrified fence. 

• CIM has a significant maintenance backlog involving plumbing, roofs, temperature controls, windows, doors, and other aging systems. 

• CDCR provided CIM with nearly $240 million for infrastructure maintenance, repairs, and upgrades from fiscal years 2020-21 through 2024-25. During that time, $141 million—or 60 percent—went to constructing the new mental health facility. Of the remaining funds, only $85 million, or $17 million per year, went towards special repairs. 

• Although auditors did not identify a specific infrastructure condition presenting an imminent public safety threat, they concluded that the cumulative effect of CIM’s deteriorating infrastructure increases the risk that a security incident could occur. 

• CDCR's Infrastructure Master Plan estimates that repairing or replacing facilities at CIM could cost as much as $2.6 billion. 

The State Auditor recommended that CDCR accelerate its timeline for addressing CIM by one year and begin planning for the repair or replacement of its deteriorated facilities by no later than July 2028. CDCR agreed with the audit's findings and recommendations. 

“CIM has been part of the Chino community for more than 80 years,” said Chino Council member Marc Lucio, who represents Chino on the CIM Citizens’ Advisory Committee. “CIM is part of the Chino fabric, and it is incumbent upon us and CDCR to ensure this facility remains safe and operational for the employees who work there and for the surrounding residents, businesses, and neighborhoods.”

Concerns surrounding CIM intensified in 2024 when CDCR began transferring condemned inmates from San Quentin to CIM. The City opposed the transfers and repeatedly raised concerns regarding CIM’s aging infrastructure, history of security incidents, and proximity to surrounding neighborhoods. 

More than 3,600 residents signed a petition opposing the transfers, and City leaders joined law enforcement and regional partners in calling for greater transparency and an independent examination of the facility. 

In March 2025, the City of Chino formally requested a comprehensive state audit of CIM. Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez subsequently sponsored and submitted the request to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC), asking the State Auditor to examine CIM’s infrastructure, maintenance and funding, operational impacts, public safety concerns, and long-term future. JLAC unanimously approved the audit request in June 2025. 

The City of Chino will continue working with CDCR, state legislators, regional public safety partners, and the community to monitor implementation of the audit recommendations and advocate for a long-term plan that prioritizes the safety of the institution, its employees, and the surrounding community. 

Read the California State Auditor report here.  

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