CHOWCHILLA, Calif. (KMPH) -
If you thought the state's plan to convert the Valley State Prison for Women into a men's prison was a done deal, think again.
The city of Chowchilla says it has been granted a temporary restraining order against the California Department of Corrections (CDCR).
City officials filed a lawsuit earlier this month to force the CDCR to conduct a study on the prison conversion's impact on the area under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Both the CDCR and the city agreed to the court order filed Wednesday which states:
1. The CDCR will not move male inmates into the prison prior to September 1, 2012.
2. The city of Chowchilla does not object to moving female inmates into or out of the women's prison as part of normal operations or as a consequence of the implementation of realignment (AB 109) as it pertains to female inmates. No female inmates shall be transferred out of the prison for the purpose of converting the prison to house male inmates.
3. The CDCR will provide the city of Chowchilla with a list of proposed physical modifications needed in order to house male inmates no later than January 27, 2012.
4. The CDCR will provide the city of Chowchilla at least 45 days notice if it determines that additional physical changes are needed in order to house male inmates at the prison.
You can read the full court order by clicking here.
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