New SCC warden selected

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has selected a new warden for Sierra Conservation Center.

Longtime Assistant Warden Frank Chavez will be appointed to the post Nov. 2, said Lt. Kevin Wise, SCC spokesman.
 

He will replace warden Ivan Clay, who retired in mid-August.

Since Clay’s departure, after 3 1/2 years as warden, Tim V. Virga has been the acting warden.

Chavez is currently serving as chief deputy warden and began his corrections career in 1978, Wise said.

According to CDCR data, SCC has a population of 5,825 inmates, which includes more than 2,000 Conservation Camp inmates.    

Chavez will oversee a staff of about 1,200 and an operating budget of about $148 million, according to CDCR data.