Amador County – Last week, Amador County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from Dr. Oral Custer for “repurposing” the Preston Correctional Youth Facility, which is slated for closure at the end of June.

Supervisor Richard Forster recused himself “because the county is still in active litigation with the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation.”

Custer, a consulting psychologist and member of the Sierra Historical Consortium, went through a list of some alternative uses for Preston, as suggested by the public and by Preston Castle volunteers. Among those was “potential for refurbishing the institution.”

He said some options could be use by the School District, for classes or an occupational center. He said Preston has an “industrial arts facility that is just outstanding,” including masonry, auto body, mechanics and computer repair. With dorms, it could be used as a residential college, a specialized training institute, or a private college arranged through the county.

Preston’s three areas, he said, include the castle, the prison area, and staff housing. He said it could easily become a fire training center, or could be home to a regional training school for heavy equipment operations, like the one planning to relocate to Amador County, between Plymouth and Ione.

Supervisor Chairman John Plasse said he and Supervisor Brian Oneto toured Preston with the Rancho Murieta training school official. Plasse and Oneto thought it would meet the needs, with its classrooms, dormitories, shops, cafeteria, and kitchen. Plasse said: “Apparently he was not as impressed that it was as good a fit for his needs as we were.”

Custer said “I’m really impressed with your knowledge” on the subject, and he suggested that they “try to get minimum security youths” for incarceration at Preston.

Supervisor Ted Novelli said: “I’ve told the last four probation chiefs that I would rather have our youths stay here than send them to another county.” He said all four have told him “it would cost the county too much money.”

Custer suggested that the 104-bed Preston would be ideal for a fire training center: They “just need to take down the razor wire.”

Custer said the most viable uses of Preston appeared to be as a fire training center or as a regional juvenile service center. Plasse said it has been battered about. Supervisor Ted Novelli said there has been an invitation by Sen. Ted Gaines for the “county to hold a workshop to discuss ideas for the purposes of refurbishing Preston.

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