The next execution will not take place until 2003 or 2004. It is the most expensive correctional facility in California. Those costs do not include the medical costs for the facility. The prison, located on the San Francisco Bay, has not been painted in 22 years. The economy in the Bay Area makes it difficult to find staff for all jobs from secretary to correctional officer.
Many employees pay exorbitant rent or have four-hour commutes.
The strain on these brave employees who keep a good eye on the most dangerous criminals California produces is enormous. I commend them for their hard work and thank them for their sacrifice. Last year I introduced Assembly Bill 2787 seeking to address several issues facing California's correctional system. One of the issues was moving death row from San Quentin because it is no longer the optimal location for California's condemned. In fact, the Department of Corrections has been having internal discussions about where to move death row.