Amador County – The planned closure of Preston Youth Correctional Facility had a sobering affect across Amador County last week.

It also mobilized support, including Plymouth City Council as the latest to send a letter urging the “continued operation” of the 105-year-old facility, calling it “an important member of our community.”

Ione resident Dusty Stahl said an oversight committee meeting will discuss Preston Thursday, November 4th, and a shuttle busses will give free rides that morning from Ione to Sacramento for the meeting at the Capitol. The busses will have space for 100 people.

Stahl said “not only will Amador County suffer the effects of placing over 400 people in the unemployment line, but our small businesses and cities will suffer.”

Mayor Pat Fordyce said last week that she attended a public discussion of the closure hosted by California Department of Corrections in Ione City Hall. It drew a lot of emotional testimony, but she said facts should have been more prevalent. That was part of the letter she sent to CDC Secretary Mathew Cate.

In the letter dated October 28th, Fordyce said closing the facility will affect 450 jobs in the county and “have a significant economic impact on the city of Ione and the many residents of Amador County. But of greater importance, is the successful record of the staff and employees who have devoted their lives to the training and rehabilitation of the many young offenders who have successfully passed through” Preston.

Assemblywoman Alyson Huber requested last week’s meeting and Ione city staff offered the city hall, with a capacity for 70 people, or Evalyn Bishop Hall, which seats 600. Fordyce said CDC chose city hall, which was loud, hot and overflowing with people.

Fordyce said she stood in the hallway, could not see speakers, and had to go by their voice to determine who was talking. She later asked City Manager Kim Kerr what Plymouth can do to help, and Kerr urged her to send a support letter.

Fordyce told Plymouth City Manager Dixon Flynn, who on short notice did not have the letter agendized, but last Thursday gave copies to the Plymouth City Council.

Fordyce said people can speak publicly about Preston Thursday but time limits will be in place.

Stahl said those seeking rides should meet in Howard Park at 6:45 a.m. Thursday, November 4th. The busses must leave by 7 a.m. The oversight committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 4202 of the State Capitol.

For information call 267-5257.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.