San Quentin’s $239M learning center sits empty over weekend amid staffing, budget constraints

A $239 MILLION STATE-OF-THE-ART LEARNING CENTER was empty over the weekend at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as part of a statewide change in operations due to “staffing shortages” at prisons with open positions that currently cannot be filled due to state budget constraints.

“The institution is on a modified program,” a correctional officer announced over the intercom in the north block housing unit at San Quentin early Saturday morning. “There is no yard, canteen, religious services or learning center.”