The Save Chuck movement has gained significant momentum in recent months, attracting a diverse coalition of supporters who are dedicated to its cause. Among those lending their support is esteemed American film producer and advocate for criminal justice reform, Scott Budnick. Budnick is widely recognized for his work as a producer on successful films such as The Hangover series, Old School, Project X, Starsky and Hutch, School for Scoundrels, and Due Date.
As the Founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and a Member of Governor Newsom’s San Quentin Transformation Advisory Council, Budnick has established himself as a prominent voice in the fight for reform within the criminal justice system. In addition to these roles, Mr. Budnick actively collaborates with the Los Angeles Probation Department, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to provide incarcerated youth with educational opportunities, support their journey towards success, and facilitate their rehabilitation prior to their release.
“I’ve visited Chuckawalla many times. I’ve had many men I’ve mentored incarcerated there, and I’ve seen the success of the programs offered and the lives transformed. It makes no sense to close this prison, which has far less violence, far less overdoses and incredible successes, when there are so many prisons on the table with awful cultures and horrible recidivism and public safety statistics that should be closed immediately,” stated Budnick. “The incarcerated men at Chuckawalla are sober, engaged in meaningful rehabilitation and recovery, and surrounded by a community that wants to support them. Why take that away?”
“Having someone of Mr. Budnick’s stature express his support for Save Chuck is a significant development,” stated Blythe’s Mayor Joey DeConinck. “We are deeply grateful for his endorsement and anticipate his continued involvement in our movement.”
The Save Chuck movement aims to keep Chuckawalla Valley State Prison open and proposes the closure of the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, CA. The movement is raising awareness of the significant impact that Chuckawalla’s closure would cause Blythe’s community including job losses and reduced economic activity.
To learn more about the Save Chuck movement, visit the Save Chuck website.