This July 9, 2020, file photo shows a correctional officer closing the main gate at San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin which is giving more than 100,000 state inmates earlier release dates in its latest response to the pandemic, building on earlier steps that together could free nearly 10% of prisoners as Gov. Gavin Newsom responds to intensifying pressure from advocates, lawmakers and federal judges. AP photo/Eric Risberg, file photo
Don Thompson, The Associated PressCalifornia officials will soon release another 2,100 inmates from state prisons in response to the coronavirus pandemic and additionally plans to release more than 10,000 inmates, or nearly 10% of prisoners, as Gov. Gavin Newsom responds to intensifying pressure from advocates, lawmakers and federal judges.The latest step, outlined in a memo Thursday, June 9, is projected to free about 2,100 inmates soon by granting most a one-time, three-month credit. It follows other measures that are expected to quickly bring the releases of about 8,300 inmates six months before they normally would have been paroled.“To continue to effectively fight this virus, we must create more space in our prisons, both to expand physical distancing to slow COVID‐19
