Peter J. Pitchess Detention Center, once popularly called Wayside Correctional Facility, is holding a special event on August 7 that will allow invited guests and the public to look beyond the concertina wire and take an inside look at what once was a bucolic ranch.

Beginning at the Jack Bones Equestrian Center at 5p.m., “A Night at the Rancho at Wayside” will take a historic look back in time from the years when pigs and cattle were a part of daily activities to today’s more modern operation with its massive generator and laundry plants cleaning jumpsuits and linens for the entire Los Angeles County jail system.

The tour will include a view of education-based rehabilitation services and a walk-about in East Facility and the weapons training area, once used to film “S.W.A.T.” starring Samuel L. Jackson.

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To close the evening, guests will arrive at Cedar Lodge to meet the command staff and dine on a Southwestern menu prepared by Pitchess Detention Center’s own food services chefs.

Tickets are $75 each and a portion of proceeds benefit Hope Gardens Family Center on Sylmar, a transitional living and housing facility for homeless women and children.

Community leaders from business, politics, law enforcement and media have been invited to attend.

Members of the public who are interested in the event may call Sergeant Gerri L. McCorkle at (661) 294-6355 or glmccork@lasd.org.