Calif. prisons try to end hunger strike

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- California prison officials say they're taking disciplinary measures against the organizers of a hunger strike that involves thousands of state prisoners.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says 4,252 inmates in eight state prison facilities, including San Quentin and Pelican Bay, have been on a hunger strike since Monday. The Los Angeles Times said inmates are protesting conditions in isolation cells and measures related to gang security.

Organized inmate disturbances will not be condoned, prison officials told inmates Wednesday.

Participating inmates will receive disciplinary action in accordance with the California Code of Regulations," the state agency said Thursday in a release.

Inmates identified as leading the disturbance will be removed from the general prison population and other inmates could have their canteen items taken from their cells, officials said.