State bankruptcy sale: Old prison, ltd water vus. Contact: Gov's Office

Everything must go. Sky also falling.

According to budget documents reviewed by The Times, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he wants to sell San Quentin State Prison, the L.A. Coliseum, the Orange County Fairgrounds and other state properties to raise money desperately needed for government to spend on other things.

Outside rooms at the prison do have restricted water views. They also come equipped with a toilet and sink and ample concrete. No need to clean carpets in these cozy accommodations.

According to the documents, the surprise sales would raise up to $1 billion.

Or they might bring as little as $600 million.

Either way the money would not enter state coffers for several years.

But leaked word of the suggestion is priceless political publicity in terms of dramatizing the state's pathetic financial situation and -- gee, do you suspect? -- attempting to sway popular opinion to vote in favor of the governor's upcoming budget proposition.

The governor's budget proposition is -- how shall we put it? -- currently also operating in a deficit position in terms of recent polling support among voters who would be imposing the new taxes on themselves. Always an easy sell.

More details over here. Only serious buyers need apply.

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Photo credits: Associated Press (San Quentin State Prison).

Comments

[Original Pechanga]

Our Governor promised us that giving expanded slot machines to Indian tribes, many on which violated the civil rights of their members and children, would save California from a budget dilemma. That has not come to pass.
Why should many of us who have lost their jobs, pay more taxes so the government doesn't have to trim it's workforce or stop pay raises?
SELL everything Governor, sell land too. Use whatever we have available to LOWER the deficit FIRST.
Release ALL non-violent offenders from our jails/prisons. And CUT all government salaries.

[DJ]

Good luck California! All your pork barrel social program garbage is finally catching up with you. Don't worry too much - I am sure the rest of the country will be forced to pay for your problems and the imbeciles you put in your state legislature. California Hollywood knuckleheads are right about one thing – California is on the leading edge…of a cliff.

[Dr Smooth]

God forbid they slow spending in any way, shape of form.

Hold on to your wallets folks, between the libs in Sacramento & Wasington, D.C., this is going to get ugly!

[Sheldon L. McCormick]

Considering that violent criminals haven't sold their guns, evil efforts, rage, lust for violence, criminality and gang activity, neither should San Quentin prison should be sold. There is the cost of selling the state prison as real estate. But the cost toward the victims of violent crime is far too high to chance the prison's closure.