This is really the Avenal State Prison, not California State of ... should be fixed by Yelp.
We went to visit someone at this prison, and I must say, it is very well kept, very clean, very orderly. The checking in process is a bit baffling, it could be simpler but I think it's the goal of the State of California is to frustrate visitors so they won't have to deal with processing them in for visits. Once we got through processing, we were told to wait in another room for a Correctional Officer to come get us. We didn't even sit down and two CO's were there spouting off very fast who goes to which van which was confusing. When I told them we were first time visitors, one of the CO's was extremely nice, and said "you're going with me" in to the van we went, he drove us to the building where we were to visit. Once inside we had to show our ID's, and were asked which table we wanted to sit at, an inmate who must be a very low level security risk walked us over, gave us crayons and paper as we had a child with us, we sat next to the play area. Sadly, the play area leaves a lot to be desired. We were told we could donate toys, but that we'd have to buy the same toys for each building, ha ha! Due to a lack of CO's no one was allowed outside on the grassy area to play with their children/grandchildren. All in all, it was a great place to visit someone who lost control of their lives and goes to prison. I felt extremely safe there, and the visiting room was very clean! If you have to visit someone here, rest assured you'll be treated kindly.
PS If you do plan a visit check out prisontalk.com's section on Avenal State Prison read more