Salinas Valley Prison

Salinas Valley Prison is moving to Securus after CDCR awarded a new statewide telecommunications contract. An interim agreement with ViaPath prevents communication interruptions during the changeover. For families, the switch brings lower costs and better access: Securus video calls run $0.10 per minute and e-messages cost $0.03 each. Securus also includes 30 free video minutes per month—ViaPath offered just 15 free minutes every two weeks. During the transition, incarcerated people will swap their ViaPath tablets for new Securus tablets. ViaPath photos, e-messages, and purchased media can't be migrated. Request refunds for unused ViaPath balances through the ViaPath call center; incarcerated balances get refunded to trust accounts automatically. Set up a Securus account (web or mobile) now so you're ready. Once services go live, use Securus Video Connect to schedule and join video visits.

Sending mail to someone at Salinas Valley Prison? Start with the package rules: the prison doesn't accept quarterly packages shipped directly from family or friends. Quarterly packages must go through authorized private vendors approved by CDCR. The facility lists vendor approval contacts, including Lt. Victor Espinoza, plus a contact for the Incarcerated Persons Religious Vendor Package Program for qualifying organizations. CDCR makes clear it's not affiliated with—and not liable for—independently approved vendors. Purchases are at the buyer's sole risk. Mail gets inspected for contraband. Legal mail receives special handling and isn't read during contraband checks. Use the incarcerated person's full booked name and identifier, include your printed return address, and skip hard-to-inspect items like glitter or multilayer cards.

Sending money to someone at Salinas Valley Prison is straightforward, but plan around a couple of rules. Funds you deposit can be subject to court-ordered restitution, which may reduce what's available to spend. Buying packages directly through a vendor? Those purchases aren't affected by restitution deductions. For unused ViaPath balances, families can request refunds through the ViaPath call center. Balances held for the incarcerated person get refunded automatically to their trust account. Before depositing, double-check the person's full name and booking or facility ID. Confirm which deposit options the prison accepts—common methods include online/mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders. If services run through third-party vendors, you'll typically need a web or mobile account to add funds or use features like messaging.

Need to reach Salinas Valley State Prison? The prison's official facility listing has the main phone number and physical address for contact and directions. For medical records after release, CCHCS requires you to submit your request to the Health and Imaging Records Center. Include a legal ID plus a signed Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information. The Health and Imaging Records Center accepts requests by mail, fax, or email. Questions about the post-release health records process? Call the Health and Imaging Records Center at (916) 379-4545. To speed things along, have the person's full name (and any aliases), date of birth or booking/ID number, and a government-issued photo ID ready.