Take Riverside’s iconic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, put it on a hill above a lake and you’ll see what the Norco prison site could become in Kevin Bash’s mind.

The potential the Norco city councilmember sees in the property might be realized if the state moves ahead with its plans, announced Monday, Aug. 4, to close the California Rehabilitation Center by fall 2026.

At the same time, Bash worries what might happen if and when the 2,766-inmate prison shutters. And while Norco in the past has lobbied to close the facility that employs almost 1,200 people, Bash isn’t opposed to keeping it open.

“We have such great respect for the correctional officers that if they fight the battle with the governor and are able to keep it open, we will support them,” Bash, a Norco resident for more than 50 yea

See Full Page