The Old Monterey City Jail is a nice visit for those who are interested in historic jails and those…read morethat are just interested in history, particularly California History. They are open from 10am-4pm, Thursday through Sunday, closed Monday through Wednesday. The address is on Pacific St (Google) and Madison St (Yelp), but the entrance to the jail is located behind Colton Hall on Dutra St. it is self guided and will probably only take you 5 minutes to walk in, read the signs at the different exhibits and snap a few pictures. If you are visiting Colton Hall Museum (where the first signing of the California Constitution took place), then you should check out the old jail.

Honestly, the facility was pretty filthy. Officers smelled funny. My rectum has dilated by 9…read moreinches. Tried to use my one phone call, they had no reception. 1/5 wouldn't recommend.

My wife does volunteer work here. She offers some spiritual guidance, and also literacy training…read more She says this facility is well maintained, with programs that actually help the women prepare for life outside. She says the women have told her that if they were in the main jail, they would backslide. :(

recently Graduated the day programe and I went in figting screaming and hateing everthing about it…read moreI to was at Blain and can say IM SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS PROGRAME i was one who was no one can tell me anything I dont already know well I can say this is the greatest programe ive ever been to and my family has spent thousands on therapy and I never ever got anything out of all thoughs times and i was able to GEMMA while in the blain st county jail and im soooooooooo greatful the instructors who all volunteer r the best in the world i just wish i would of gave it a chance sooner THANK YOU GEMMA AND BLAIN STREET for the greatest experiance in my life Teresa Lee

The SCC court system fails these folks who are incarcerated as well as the community by releasing…read morethem prematurely with "conditions" that really do not work or serve. Especially for inmates that need longer term mental health care and interventions to curb criminal behaviors. Just putting them back out on the street makes the situation remain horrific and on going. I'm told that the facility is ICE cold and that there is not enough food for inmates who do not have access to accounts. This jail is archaic in its effectiveness and accountability. If the Judicial system were to step up and rule appropriately the penal system could also make an impact. This is NOT happening.

I wish I could give this place 0 stars. Smells TERRIBLE. I…read moredon't know how the staff doesn't realize or care how bad it smells or if they have just gotten used to it. Bad lighting. No updated furniture or decor. No wifi, no bedsheets, urine on the floor. I asked for the complimentary slippers when you visit and they refused. Urine on socks. Another guest tried to remove my face mask and we both had to be separated. Not a good first impression. The second and most recent visit, the food I was given was a piece of bologna in a bag, cheerios also in a bag, a warm carton of milk and an incredibly dry muffin. There were no vegan options and when I asked they slammed the cell door in my face. The next time I visit (if ever) please ask housekeeping to clean the hospitality area upon my arrival, and maybe a pillow?

I am writing frommy recent experience of spending three weeks in nthe Men's jail in Santa Cruz,not…read morethis one,known as "The Farm" popularly. If I did not have a health issue that made the SC peeps keep me in the SC facility I might've been transferred to Roundtree,howeve ri was not. Other of my jail peers (Oh,and I am a male,speaking of my fellow mlel inmates.),basically all in for more "serious" crimes than me, generally wanted to be transfered there ~ They said the food was better,you could get soda pop from a vending machine,and there was a weight room! I believe :the Farm" used to have this -organic? - farm but they shut that down,one particular jail bud of mine's story as to how he,a week after being released from the Fram,came back on the grounds in a on St. Patrick's day dressed in a jail uniform and distributed pot,liquid methadone,and other goodies to the lads still inside perhaps being a reason for that. If he is to be believed... Supposedly,Santa Cruz will rebalance all its jail population,and all non-violent males will be at The Farm,though that says that DUI/domestic violence casesd would still be at SCCJ-Since those are two crimes that more "middle-class" folks can more easily fall into-The weekend,during my time there,would bring "respctable-er" new jacks/fish in those categories-I wounder if that will be so? The Fram,even if the "Farm" itself is gone,apparently is the "develop a work ethic' jail of the SCCO system,with peop-le having jobs,one other inmate of mine in SCCJ was seemingly recalling how,when there,"he did all te welding".

I just got a letter from a prisoner there. It's been a while now that the southsiders have been on…read morelockdown with no privileges at all store or phone calls. They are beiystabed in a way they can get a package evey3 months. If you have a loved one there send them some food please.

I came here to visit my father last year with my girlfriend. There is a difference between visiting…read moresomeone in county jail, and visiting someone at a state prison. First of all, you must get approved for visitation before even showing up. The inmate you're seeing will be able to send you a form that you must fill out, send back, get it approved and only then can you visit. You also get to visit for hours, and it's full contact, so good bye talking through glass and hello long hugs. The prison is in the middle of nowhere, obviously, with miles of desert around. We waited in a line to get in for a few hours because we didn't have an appointment. If you don't make one, you shouldn't worry because you will get in. It will just take a little longer. They have clothing restrictions. No jeans or colored pants. I went with khaki because it was safe way to make sure I get in. No jewelry, no see through shirts of any kind. We must of seen at least six people being sent back to put something in the car because it wasn't appropriate. Read up before coming and dress smart. They do have a little bungalow at the end of the parking lot that's kind of a "Customer service" area. Inside they have pamphlets about group meetings and even extra clothes you can borrow if you don't meet the requirements. The group of people we were waiting with were very nice, and a lot of them have been here before so they were happy to answer any questions we had. Once you get inside the first building, you have to register who you are, who you're seeing, and your relationship to the inmate. They have a counter where you can purchase a picture ticket. Yes, you can actually have your picture taken with the inmate, which I think is a great idea. Once you go through a metal detector you get to walk with a group of people to whatever cell house the inmate you're seeing is at. Once inside we had to wait a little while until my dad actually showed up. We spent three hours, talking, laughing, and reminiscing. I was happy to have my dad and girlfriend finally meet after years of talking about one another, to one another. Sadly the camera was broken so we weren't able to get our picture taken, and they don't give out refunds so be cautious. They have plenty of vending machines so you can buy lunch. The guards pretty much keep to themselves, and answer questions you may have happily. It was a small room with a small outdoor area that we were able to explore. No bathrooms, so go before you get in. Overall it was a pleasant experience. It sounds weird when you're talking about a prison, but you should know that though the place isn't a symbol of happiness, your time there can still be a happy one.

A nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live here. The officials that work here are…read moreprofessionals and a pleasure to work with. As for the other residents, they stay respectful and courtesy. I'm on call for any problems that might occur and look forward to my next appointment.

Decent eggs and oranges. Great place for a diet…read more My eighth floor single had a great view of the hills to watch the seasons change The wardens (and a priest) laid out and gave me some good books except for the last one. It was a textbook on Hebrew but it was biblical Hebrew and did not come with a woman to share my cell and teach me in bed. Some NINCOMPOOP bounced the basketball into the lights above, trying to get shiv! So deprived of practice, I still won't make the NBA. (I got those 4 1/2 months courtesy of Aladdin Bail Bonds. They pulled out of our deal when I told them that my mother was dying in England and I was going to visit. Then I was made NBA, No Bail Allowed.)

First off, the guards are so mean, they treat us like criminals and they don't even let us shower…read moreevery day. And the meals are very bland and meager. And this whole not being able to leave when we want crap is crazy. I'm not staying here anymore nor will I recommend this place to any of my friends or family. Management needs to be retrained A.S.A.P.

I went early on a Friday, so I don't know how it might be when it's super busy, but my experience…read morewas quite charmed. The girl behind the counter was so lovely and nice. Everything was clearly labeled and had easy to understand signs. They even had color-coded arrows on the ground so you could find your way where you needed to go. I am pretty impressed. One of the better local government experiences I've had. MILES better than the horrid DMV in this county.

Just did early voting at Registrar of Voters on Berger--- amazingly accessible, well organized,…read mored8gnified, easy experience from parking to dropping ball8nt in the box. Lots of signage, courteous and helpful staff. Options for dropping off precompleted ballot, completing manually or electronic. Early voting already available so wanted to get mine in before planned travel. Santa Clara County made this easy, safe, non dramatic. Thanks to all for the thoughtful planning.