Santa Monica Jail

 

27

20

A. L.

La Mirada, CA

3/29/2007

I spent a relaxing night here last month for allegedly violating section 23152 (a) of the DMV code, better known as DUI.  It was my first (and perhaps last) time in a place of incarceration, and I must say that I was rather pleasantly surprised with the experience given the circumstances.  My memory is a bit hazy--you'll have to excuse me as I blew a 0.17 haha, but I will try my best to recite from memory.

The facility is newly built, in a concrete-metal style that is elegant in its spareness and utility.  It is, however, lacking in a certain fluidity, or is what Nicolai Ouroussoff might term "bloodless."  My particular cell was absolutely spic and span.  A polished concrete floor and stainless steel fixtures complemented a minimal, Japanese-inspired interior.  In keeping with its status as a public facility, and perhaps in a nod to Le Corbusier, individual dwellings were completely sealed from each other with little flow or openness betwixt them.

A rolled up mat normally provides an additional level of comfort, but it remained unused as the metal bunk bed was really all i needed on which to pass out.

Staff was generally efficient and friendly.

A new, soft grey blanket provided much needed warmth during the morning chill.   Unfortunately, I was not able to turn off the flourescent lights at my discretion.  This, however, did nothing to disturb my sleep.

If I were to suggest one area of improvement--the food was severely lacking.  In the morning, I was given a tray containing a carton of low fat milk, generic brand cereal, and a pastry of undetermined composition.  While the cereal was satisfying (the milk, in particular, was very refreshing for a very parched throat), the pastry was inedible.  With all the fresh produce that is locally available in Santa Monica, I felt it would represent the city better if these were available to the facility's temporary dwellers.

Bravo to the city of Santa Monica.  If next I break the law, may I do so within your jurisdiction.

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