You've all been convicted of crimes." I responded, "If you Mr. Bergman then inquired on "gang issues." I ex- are rich, white, and your families are profiting off this plained to him that I could not discuss these issues system, then you shouldn't be concerned. But if you're because I myself am not in SHU for any alleged gang impoverished or a person of color, then you should be very label, and I produced my documents that show I have no much concerned about all of this." I continued, This such affiliations, that I am a political prisoner whom system is intentionally perpetuating dysfunctional fami- prison officials have chosen to single out. lies by removing the father from his children, hundreds However, I did tell Mr. Bergman that a few of the of miles away, making visits pretty much impossible." highly respected Mexican convicts from various groups Basically, this destroys family ties. I told Mr. Bergman of were seeking the governor's and prison officials' coopera- my own situation as an example. I've been able to see my tion in providing a forum where they could gather for a own two children about four times in the past 14 years. I'd peace conference, but such efforts were met negatively. just barely started to see them in San Quentin when He then asked me for names. Unfortunately, I could not prison officials maliciously had me transferred to Pelican provide the names of the other prisoners. If he'd given me Bay SHU on "indeterminate" sentence. This was in ample notice, I'd have been able to confer with those retaliation for exercisingmy rights of access to the courts prisoners. They may have agreed to speak with him or as a jailhouse lawyer and also for utilizing my access to entrusted me with a message. the news media as a political prisoner and journalist to expose my innocence and prison official corruption and NOTE: 60 Minutes will again visit Pelican Bay sometime mistreatment of prisoners. in August to continue their investigative probe. WHAT KILLED JOHN Q. BILLY: T.B. or C.D.oC? by Corey Weinstein, MD 0HN QUINLAND BILLY DIED OF TUBERCU- While atDonovan,he was found LOSIS on February 17,1993, at the age of 58. Mr. to be TB skin test positive, but Billy was serving a drunk-driving sentence at "well" with a normal chest X- San Quentin State Prison. When he arrived at ray. He was diagnosed as hav- San Quentin on December 2nd, 1992, Billy told ing TB infection, not TB dis- Corey Weinstein 3prison officials that he had had active TB disease three ease, and given daily preven- times in the past eight years. The prison medical staff tive medication. He was supposed to take the medication ignored the important information. Billy's routine TB for six months, but after four and one-half months he was skin test, given on arrival to the prison, showed no transferred and his TB preventive therapy forgotten by reaction to TB. So Billy was housed in general population. CDoC. He told the Medical Technician Assistants and On January 23,1993, Billy began coughing up blood and even filed two 602 inmate grievance forms, but as of his was taken to a local hospital where he died in less than last letter, he has not received his medication in four a month (SF Chronicle, 2/18/93). months. It is very likely that Billy had active TB disease the At Pelican Bay State Prison, there is great misunder- whole time he was in prison. When a person with a standing about the purposes and techniques of the TB history of TB shows no reaction to the routine skin test for elimination program. The medical staff has not con- TB, it usually means that he is very sick. In fact, such a ducted an adequate education program, leaving the pris- negative test in anyone with Billy's history is considered oners uninformed and suspicious. It would be hard for a "red flag" warning of active TB disease. Yet the Califor- inmates to trust a medical department that appears as nia Department of Correction's medical staff failed to much a part of punishment as health care. The Pelican recognize the warning, and through their negligence a Bay medical department has been indicted for malicious man died a preventable death. In the midst of CDoC's neglect in the upcoming class action law suit in Federal second year of a TB elimination program, the staff failed court (Madrid v. Gomez). And the high security units to understand one of the most basic indicators of TB breed mistrust, fear and anger, which makes effective disease and failed to protect the rest of the prison popu- education and prisoner participation less likely. lation, guards and inmates alike, from exposure to TB. Recently, CDoC has published five accurate, clear The Pelican Bay Information Project has received and well-illustrated pamphlets on TB. In the past, CDoC other reports from prisoners that show CDoC's disregard has used such educational pamphlets as the only tool in for prisoners' health. A man was transferred from R. J. feeble and unsuccessful health campaigns (e.g. HIV). The Donovan to Corcoran State Prison in October of 1992. appropriate use of pamphlets is to supplement individual Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 Page 3 counseling and encourage prisoner-to-prisoner discus- from others in special rooms that contain the spread of sion. An educational campaign that focuses on talking is the germs (respiratory isolation). Modern antibiotics very important because 60% of the prisoners in Califor- bring the disease under control in a few weeks, so the nia read below a ninth grade level. Mass TB skin test suffering individual can leave isolation. But antibiotics screening efforts should contain an oral education part must be taken for months to ensure that the disease won't that is just as important as the skin test itself. return.

TB BASICS SCREENING Tuberculosis is a contagious illness caused by bacte- While CDoC prisoners have been tested for TB on ria. It is spread through the air by tiny airborne particles entry to prison for many years, only in the last 15 months that contain the TB bacteria when someone who has the have prisoners been routinely screened after entry. Such active disease coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings. It is not regular screening is essential to determine how much TB spread as easily as the flu or a cold, but the overcrowded is being spread in the prisons and to help identify those and poorly ventilated conditions of prisons make expo- who have become infected and are at risk for the disease. sure to TB more likely. In the screening process, the entire community, After decades of decline, TB has been on the rise since prisoners and staff, are given the safe and standard TB 1984. In 1991, California reported more TB cases than skin test called the Purified Protein Derivative (PPD). any other state. The preconditions for the new TB epi- PPD is a harmless substance and contains no TB bacte- demic are poverty, homelessness and illness. Overcrowded ria. Those with documented positive skin-test results in facilities that warehouse poor people such as homeless the past do not need to get another, because the skin test shelters and prisons are frequent breeding grounds for usually remains reactive forever. A positive skin test is TB; 82,000 prisoners are released from CDoC back into one where the bump in the skin, not the redness, is ten the community each year. Poor immigrants from under- millimeters (one-quarter of an inch) when read by a developed nations are susceptible to TB. People with trained health worker 48 to 72 hours after it was put on. AIDS have weakened immune systems which are espe- All the skin test shows is that someone has been cially vulnerable to TB. infected with the TB germ in the past. A chest X-Ray and The TB infection rate in California's prisons is six to clinical evaluation are required to determine if the posi- ten times the infection rate in the general community. At tive skin test means that the person has the disease or leas three inmates have died of TB in the last few years. just the infection. Chest X-Rays are given to new positive One prisoner's treatment was so mismanaged between test reactors within 72 hours of discovery. Chest X-Rays 1989 and 1991 that he developed a particularly lethal are also given to those with known past positive skin tests form called Multidrug-ResistantTB. Prisoners and staff if they are at risk of developing the disease. were exposed to the MDR-TB because the prison infir- Those who have had close contact with a recent case mary did not have proper isolation facilities (MMWR, I/ of TB disease, who are HIV positive, or who have risk 29/93). factors for HIV (unprotected sex, IV drug use, tattooing) Most people who are exposed to TB never develop the are considered to be skin-test positive if the bump is five disease. The TB germ enters the lungs of a person who millimeters. breathes in contaminated air. The bacteria grow for a The screening program uses the PPD skin test and short time, but before long, the body's immune system chest X-Ray to find those who have been infected with TB. controls the infection. The TB germs remain dormant in Those with X-Rays suggestive of TB disease receive the lungs unable to harm the person. This is called TB special culture tests of their phlegm for the TB germ. Infection." The person has no signs of any illness, has a Anyone with a new positive skin test or abnormal X-Ray negative chest X-Ray, and cannot spread TB. But some- must be put in respiratory isolation until culture results one with TB infection does show a positive reaction to the and/or X-Ray is shown to be negative. Respiratory isola- TB skin test. tion means that no one else is exposed to the air that the Unlike TB infection, the active TB Disease" is asso- patient breathes out. ciated with symptoms of illness. The TB skin test is usually positive in those with TB disease, but the symp- TREATMENT toms of disease clearly indicate a different meaning of the Treatment is given to those who have TB infection skin test result. Also, the chest X-Ray is usually positive and to those who have TB disease. Public health officials in those with the disease. recommend that all antibiotic treatment be monitored to The general symptoms of TB disease are weakness, make sure the medicines are taken for the right amount fatigue, weight loss, fever, loss of appetite and night of time. This practice is called Directly Observed Therapy, sweats. A harsh, persistent cough and cough with mu- which translates to "hot meds" in prisons and jails. cous and/or blood usually occurs. The cough does not Those with just the infection need preventative treat- easily go away and cannot be helped by ordinary antibi- ment. By taking a single antibiotic called INH for six otics. Anyone with active TB disease needs to be isolated months, the risk of ever getting TB disease later in life is

Page 4 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 greatly reduced. INH must be taken on a regular basis for anyone found to be HIV positive. CDoC does not provide six months consecutively. the confidential, anonymous testing that would encour- The problem with the INH preventive treatment is age prisoners to find out about their HIV status. Instead, that INH can cause hepatitis, an inflammation of the CDoC uses the anti-public health law, Prop 96, as an liver. People with a history of hepatitis or drug abuse excuse for inaction, rather than finding a creative way to need to be supervised closely to make sure that their liver apply the law that would actually protect staff and trouble does not worsen while taking the medication. prisoners. Also, CDoC has failed to educate staff and Regular blood rests for hepatitis are required. prisoners enough about HIV so that a decent testing and Those who are found to have TB disease need specific treatment program could be supported. multiple antibiotic therapy for six months. People who In California's prisons, there are about 5,000 to 6,000 are HIV positive or who are sick with AIDS are given prisoners who are infected with HIV. Less than 1,000 of longer antibiotic programs for both prevention and for those infected have been identified by CDoC as HIV treatment. positive. As many as 5,000 prisoners either don't know A monitoring system for the whole program is re- that they are HP/ positive or won't tell CDoC about it. quired. Records of TB skin test and X-Ray results, and Some with HIV and TB infection or disease react poorly tracking of everyone on medication is critical in following to the TB skin test and some don't react to the skin rest and preventing TB outbreaks. at all. These critical individuals who need special screen- ing and treatment are lost in a system that puts punish- PROBLEMS IN TB PROGRAMS ment before public health. Thus, thousands of HP/ posi- The problems in TB case finding and treatment in tive prisoners are put at risk for TB, ultimately endanger- California prisons come from the general problems in ing the other prisoners, employees, visitors, and general medical delivery that have plagued the CDoC for years. community. The do-nothing, good old boy leadership of CDoC Health Public health officials from the California Depart- Services does not have the knowledge, skill, or respect to ment of health have tried to educate CDoC Health plan and coordinate a public health effort. Thousands of Services by including CDoC staff in the recent TB Elimi- PPD tests in the 1992 TB screening were improperly nation Task Force. The public health officials want to prepared. Matters of tracking and attention to special teach CDoC how to control TB in prisons. What these populations were ignored. While its own staff was strug- officials fail to understand is that CDoC is a runaway gling to carry out its first TB control effort, CDoC ap- train with its own ideas about punishment that interfere pointed itself to teach seminars to county corrections with rational public health work. The gentle voice of the departments about TB—all to the dismay and embar- public health community is barely heard above the noise rassment of state public health officials. of the engine of CDoC as it rumbles into the 'lock 'em up There is often little trust between the prisoner- and throw away the key" future. Public health retreats patients and the CDoC institutional medical staff. Can- from any confrontation with CDoC, refusing to demand celed appointments, long delays in getting care, and that public health principles come first anywhere there superficial attention to serious medical needs plague the are TB and HIV. system. Prisoners have learned to not participate with The death of John Q. Billy, the lack of TB medication medical staff that just doesn't seem to care. Now when the continuity, the HP/ program disasters and improper TB entire prison community needs to act together for its own treatment stand as grim reminders of the real capacity of good health, the infrastructure of competence and trust CDoC medical to protect the prison and general commu- is not in place. nity from the ravages of contagious disease. The public TB control is also hindered by CDoC's policies con- health principles of appropriate education, screening, cerning HIV and AIDS. By adopting HP/ rules that tracking, and treatment must be combined with dra- interfere with rational public health efforts, CDoC sabo- matic changes in CDoC medical leadership and attitude tages the TB program. to successfully face the prison TB epidemic. As yet, other People who are HIV positive are much more likely to state agencies remain ineffective in forcing CDoC to get infected with the TB germ, and much more likely to develop proper plans and hire adequate staff to protect get TB disease. HIV positive people do not react as easily the health of its charges and employees. to the PPD used in the TB skin test, and have a harder time curing the infection with antibiotics. Therefore, special protocols for both testing and treatment are needed for those with HIV. But CDoC has constructed huge barriers to the identification and treatment of those with HP/. Prison- ers do not want to be tested for HP/ because if they are found to be positive, they will be discriminated against in housing and job assignments. Punitive segregation awaits

Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 Page 5 :fcVcMotte¥otttf&(&^^ PBIP NOTE: This survey was CALIFORNIA A TB 30,000 CALIFOR- conducted by the CDoC under politi- NIA PRISONERS cal pressure to act on the rising infec- TROUBLE SPOT EXPOSED TO TB tion rate in California prisons this NATIONWIDE RESUR- last year. Some reported instances GENCE OF TUBERCULO- CCORDINGTOARECENT were sent to our office in which pris- SIS hit hardest in Califor- i CALIFORNIA DEPART- oners had threats and force used upon nia, New York and Hawaii in 1992, MENT OF CORRECTIONS them by guards so that they would according to national Centers for survey, 23.5 percent of Pelican Bay submit to testing and who-knows- Disease Control and Prevention. Prison's 3,481 inmates are currently what-else. Therefore, we advise the The bacterial disease infected under treatment for TB or have a public to be highly suspicious of these 25.2 of every 100,000 residents in history of the infection or disease. figures promoted by the self-serving New York, 23.5 in Hawaii and 17.4 The CDoC survey is the first of its and suspect CDoC. in California. The national average kind for the department and includes of reported cases was 10.5 per data collected from all of California's DOCTORS MIS- 100,000 people. prison facilities, beginning in late Feb- DIAGNOSING TB Atlanta was the hardest-hit city, ruary. with aTB rate nearly eight times the The California Men's Colony in ANY DOCTORS MAY BE national average. Other cities—in- San Luis Obispo was recorded as MISDIAGNOSING and in- cluding Newark N.J., New York, San having the highest rate, with more correctly treating tubercu- Francisco, Miami and Houston—all than 38 percent. The Northern Cali- losis, a highly infectious disease had TB rates at least four times the fornia Women's Facility at Stockton that is making a frightening come- national average. reportedly has the lowest figure, with back, according to surveys for the Dr. Kenneth G. Castro, director slightly more than 12 percent. Direc- U.S. Centers for Disease Control of the Atlanta-based federal disease tor James Gomez saidthe survey will and Prevention. control agency, said more research pro vide information allowing officials The survey included 2,034 phy- was needed to pinpoint why certain to monitor and control TB. "It also sicians—both general practitioners states and cities ranked significantly confirms our suspicions that more and specialists—in selected areas higher than others. than one quarter of [California's] in- throughout the country with a high Nationwide figures show a 1.5 mate population has been exposed to incidence of tuberculosis. Nearly percent increase in cases in 1992. TB at some time in their lives." 68 percent of doctors surveyed had The fourth consecutive yearly rise A preliminary summary of the patients who either had been in- frustrated medical experts, as TB, survey showed that more than 30,000 fected with tuberculosis or had the an airborne bacteria usually affect- inmates statewide have a history of disease, and 80 percent had diag- ing the lungs, is preventable. being exposed to TB infection. About nosed an active case. "We know a lot about TB—how half of these—15, 900 inmates—are Seventy-five percent knew of it works, how to prevent it, how to currently under preventive treat- CDC and American Thoracic Soci- diagnose it and how to treat it. Yet ment. Officials said treatment usu- ety recommendations, and more TB is still the largest cause of death ally takes about nine months to com- than 95 percent could describe a of any infectious disease in the plete. The other 14,000 inmates have recommended course of treatment. world," said ALA President Lee B. finished treatment and are moni- But only 36 percent of the doctors Reichman. tored each year to make sure the gave a correct example of skin-test Reichman said spread of the dis- infection hasn't returned. results that would indicate the need ease, which waned for three decades Although inmates are tested be- for further testing. And only 58 until 1985, amounted to a "colossal fore entering prison, those with the percent described a recommended embarrassment to the United infection or disease have been hard treatment when asked for their States." Fighting the disease effec- to track due to the ineffectiveness of regular regimen for TB. tively would require $380 million in the medication administered at the Fifteen percent would use in- additional federal funding and advanced stages of the disease, and correct or unnecessary lab tests heightened efforts by state health also because of the incompetence of before starting therapy and 5 per- officials to control TB within their CDoC employees entrusted with in- cent designated incorrect treat- borders. mate medical oversight. ment. Paged Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 TB CALLED "GLOBAL with HIV, its is serious enough to be Carmen Valentin #88974-024, EMERGENCY" life-threatening. FCI Pleasanton, 57018th St., Camp Parks, Dublin, CA 94568 HE WORLD HEALTH OR- How to Get More GANIZATION has declared Information About TB: CUBAN Ttuberculosis a global emer- Send for TB Booklet to AnnaLuciaGelabert #384484, gency. Dr. Arati Kochi, manager of National Prison Project Rt 2, Box 800, Gatesville TX 76528 WHO's Tuberculosis Program, told 1875 Connecticut Ave., NW a WHO meeting in London: "Tuber- Washington DC 20009 NORTH AMERICAN culosis is humanity's greatest killer or call (202) 234-4830; Kathy Boudin #84-G-171,5701 and it is out of control in many parts FAX (202) 234-4890. 8th St., Box 1000, Bedford Hillls, of the world... The disease, prevent- Or NY 10507 able and treatable, has been grossly Contact the Centers for Disease con- Judy Clark #83-G-313, 5701 neglected and no country is im- trol, Division of Tuberculosis 8th St., Box 1000, Bedford Hillls, mune to it." Elimination, 1600 Clifton Rd. NY 10507 Kochi said an estimated 30 mil- NE, MS-E-10, Atlanta, GA lion people will die of tuberculosis 30333 EUROPEAN PENPAL over the next decade unless imme- NETWORK FOR diate action is taken. About 9,000 ETHNIC MINORITIES people a day worldwide are dying WOMEN POLITICAL from TB, partly because their symp- PRISONERS IN THE U.S. toms are ignored or they do not get LEASE BE PATIENT and enough medicine. STOP THE ISOLATION. don't be disappointed if it Worst-hit is sub-Saharan Af- WRITE THE WOMEN! takes some time before you rica, and in some countries the num- receive a letter. There are many ber of sick people more than doubled NATIVE AMERICAN more requests than we have pals from 1985 to 1990. Norma Jean Croy #14293, CIW to write. However, if you don't get "There's a global epidemic, not Chowchilla, PO Box 1501, Chowchilla any letters for some time, please because the disease in incurable, CA 93610(Tobehonoredthisyearby tell me and I will try to help. but because it is neglected," said the Prisoner's Rights Union) Please keep me informed if Dr. Keith McAdam of the London your address should change. School of Hygiene and Tropical MOVE I do hope that we can help you Medicine. Incomplete treatment can Debbi Sims Africa #006307 to find some good carding pen- be worse than no treatment, be- Consusuella Dotson Africa friends, but please be aware that cause patients who begin to recover #006434 we can not help you with romantic may stop taking the drugs but con- Janine Phillips Africa #006309 partnerships or sexy letters. tinue to spread TB, which is carried Merle Austin Africa #006306 Take care and stay strong! by the air. Janet Holloway Africa #006308 Annette Sanne Treatment involves giving in- Sue Leon Africa #006325 Zum Backenberg 4 fected patients anti-TB drugs for at All are at P.O. Box 180 W-3404 Guntersen least six months. Without treat- Muncy, PA 17756 Germany ment, the disease kills about half of those infected. PUERTO RICAN PRISONER'S LAWSUIT Alicia Rodriguez #N07157, Box 8 APPEAL FOR HELP MULTIPLE DRUG- 5007, Dwight, IL 60420 RESISTANT TB Haydee Beltran #884620-024, RECENTLY FILED A 1983 FCI Pleasanton, 5701 8th St., Camp CIVIL RIGHTS complaint HERE IS A DIFFERENT Parks, Dublin, CA 94568 1against the CDoC. On Septem- KIND OF TB which is even Dylcia Pagan #88971-02,FCI ber 20,1992,1 was sitting in my cell, T more dangerous than "regu- Pleasanton, 5701 8th St., Camp minding my own business, when an lar" TB because its germs cannot be Parks, Dublin, CA 94568 altercation took place by the door at killed by the usual anti-TB drugs. Lucy Rodriguez #88973-024, the front of the pod. The gunner We have seen more of it recently in FCI Pleasanton, 57018th St., Camp fired a round into the wall on the top prisons, jails, and hospitals. It is Parks, Dublin, CA 94568 tier. It ricocheted off the top tier called multiple-drug resistant TB. Alejandrina Torres #92152-024, and... a piece of that bullet found its MDR-TB requires long and more FCI Pleasanton, 57018th St., Camp way into my cell and lodged itself in expensive treatment. For someone Parks, Dublin, CA 94568 my lower left leg.

Pelican Bay Prison Express, July J 993 Page 7 In my lawsuit, I'm,:trying to fo- pliance. Program 7-10 PM. For information cus on medical indifference. What I Caulfield had indicated that she and childcare, call: 415-648-4505. want to show is... a pattern of medi- would dismiss the British govern- "Until Mumia is free, nobody in cal indifference here at Pelican Bay. ment's bid to extradite Smyth if it America is free." . I'm positive there are other con- did not comply with the subpoena —Luis Talamantez of the San victs here who have experienced the order. Quentin Six. same BS. What I need are affidavits Meanwhile, the same judge sen- and declarations from other convicts tenced Smyth to 250 days—time that have had trouble obtaining medi- issued for use of a false passport DELAY IN CIVIL TRIALS cal treatmentfor whatever reason. The when entering the country. Bail for IN FEDERAL COURTS only thing is that I'm in the SHU and the fugitive will be considered communication is limited. shortly and most likely granted GROWING NUMBER OF If you wish to help, contact: while prosecutors scramble to do I FEDERAL JUDGES in San ARNIE GONZALES, #0-53214 something. Francisco and across the SHU D-8-203, PO Box 7500 "It means that our chances of country are delaying the start of civil Crescent City, CA 95532 ultimate victory have gone up tre- jury trials because money to pay jury OR mendously," said Smyth's lawyer fees is running out quickly. PBIP, 2489 Mission St., #28, San with optimism. In some cases, judges are trying Francisco, CA, 94110 to persuade civil litigants to exercise WHO IS MUMIA ABU- their option of having a judge hear IRISH FREEDOM the case without a jury. In other JAMAL AND WHY IS instances, judges have delayed civil FIGHTER, FUGITIVE PENNSYLVANIA TRYING trials for several months in the hope FROM BRITISH RCILE TO KILL HIM? that funds for jury fees will become WINS TEMPORARY available. The projected $7.5 million BU-JAMAL IS A BLACK gap in jury fees nationwide is only REPRIEVE POLITICAL PRISONER one part of huge budget crisis in the RISH FUGITIVE JIMMY f ON DEATH ROW in federal courts. Administrators for SMYTH WON A SIGNIFI- Huntingdon State Prison in Penn- the federal courts have asked Con- I CANT VICTORY before U.S. sylvania. gress for nearly $ 100 million to cover District Judge Barbara Caulfield A former Black Panther Party court costs for the remainder of the when she declared that the British member, Abu-Jamal was the presi- year, including $60 million in fees for government has withheld docu- dent of the Philadelphia Associa- attorneys who represent indigents. ments that are "relevant to a full tion of Black Journalists in 1981 Locally, a prison civil rights vio- and fair extradition hearing." when he was wrongly accused of lation trial is being heard this Sep- Smyth has contended all along that the murder of a Philadelphia po- tember before Federal District Judge his life would be forfeit if he were liceman. Honorable TheltonE.Henderson put back into the hands of the Today, Abu-Jamal writes and in San Francisco Madrid vs. Gomez. Belfast authorities. They have re- speaks out on behalf of all death It will be paid for by the federal peatedly demanded him back for row prisoners. His work has been judiciary. It has its origins inside breaking out of a Belfast prison in published in newspapers across the California's newest maximum secu- 1983, along with 38 other prison- country and internationally. Jamal rity prison at Pelican Bay, situated ers, who were eventually caught. is also a commentator and corre- at Crescent City. U.S. prosecutors delivered to spondent for Flashpoints, KPFA The class-action lawsuit appears the Court a letter from the' British Berkeley, California (94.1 FM). to be one of the biggest constitutional Secretary of State for Northern Ire- Leonard Weinglass (Chief violation prison trials to come before land. The Secretary of State stated Counsel for Mumia's appeal), Jane the federal courts in a number of that the reports, requested by Fed- Henderson (Coordinator of Equal years and the attorneys who will eral Public Defender Karen Snell, Justice USA and Co-director of the prosecute it have been retained at were irrelevant to Smyth's case and Quixote Center) and Pam Africa court expense. In 1974 in the same would be "extremely harmful to the (Spokesperson, Concerned Family Golden Gate Federal courthouse, the national security of the United and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal, case of Spain vs. Procunier—then Kingdom of Her Royal Highness Members of MOVE) and Moth- Director of the California Depart- the Queen" if disclosed. This asser- ersTone (music and songs) will be ment of Corrections—was tried, and tion did not seem to impress the at Mission Neighborhood Cen- a judgment won, on similar prison court who on several occasions took ter, 362 Capp St., San Francisco, issues before the Honorable Judge issue with lack of prosecutorial com- July 31,1993 .Reception: 6:30 PM. H.J. Zirpoli (now retired). In his

Page 8 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 final ruling of the three-week trial, COLLECT PHONE CALL period of budget austerity. and after testimony taken from nu- COMMISSIONS Available data indicates that the merous expert witnesses, along with In December 1989 alone, com- IWF can finance both regular seven- the San Quentin Six plaintiffs, Zirpoli missions totaled $175,330.28 for day visiting and family visiting found that San Quentin's notorious calls from 19 prisons, according to throughout the entire state of Cali- Adjustment Center was unconstitu- corrections officials. In one month at fornia! tional. But little change was made. Folsom State Prison, there were The IWF is the only fund under Presently, lack of funds for civil 21,000 collect calls placed by prison- the auspices of the state that is sol- trials is a national problem, said ers. (Sac. Bee 5/5/90) vent, operating at a profit and creat- Rich W. Wierking, Clerk of the U.S. All calls made by prisoners must ing surplus capital. (It is rumored District Court in San Francisco. be made as a collect call. The com- the Governor's Office and Depart- The Washington-based Admin- mission comes from the telephone ment of Corrections officials autho- istrative Office of the U.S. Courts company paying the state for pro- rized interest-free loans to other state had previously warned the 94 U.S. viding the phones. agencies from the IWF). Monthly District Courts nationwide that it We request that 100% of this purchases by inmatesfrom the prison would not forward any payments for revenue be re-directed into the In- canteen is IWF-financed; 10% of all jurors in civil cases impaneled after mate Welfare Fund (IWF) and special commissary and hobbycraft May 12. amend Penal Code 5006 to include purchases goes to IWF. Juror fees for criminal trials the telephone commissions. For public comment, write: would be unaffected. As our prison population in- Assembly Members On The Pub- creases, the visiting programs de- lic Safety Committee, State Capito,! THE INMATE crease. California law states that P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA WELFARE FUND visiting is a right. No exception is 94249-0001. given in the law for budget con- > CCORDING TO THE PUB- straints for the purpose of reducing —Romaine and Diane Fitzgerald LIC HEARING held by the the visiting program. 1 Joint Prison Committee On The merits of the family visiting PBIP NOTE: Romaine and Diane, Prison Construction And Operations program to inmates, their family husband and wife, team up as spon- on December 19, 1992, the Inmate members, the prison environment, sors of this public initiative. Romaine Welfare Fund's approximate budget and ultimately to society is not a is currently a state prisoner with life is 36 million dollars. point of contention. The question is to go. Diane was recently released This is a self-supporting, non- how to best finance the continued and working for her husband's re- governmental fund generated by operation of the program in this lease. Way to go! California State prisoners and their loved ones. (Note Penal Code Sec- tions 5006-5008, and CDoC Depart- mental Operations Manual Chapter 20000, sub-chapter 23000, Section 23010). It was reported that last year the prison canteen sales prices were marked up by 38%. This year Mr. Gomez announced an increase of 9% for a total of 47%. illlpl^^ SIZABLE PROFITS MADE FROM THE FOLLOWING: * Handicraft sales and supply pur- chases * Canteen sales 11!!^^ * Special purchases iiill^ * Food sale drives illlfli^ * Photo sales * Visiting vending machines * Film production industries' contri- butions * Interest on prisoners trust accounts * Confiscated currency/contraband

Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 Page 9 DUE PROCESS REQUIRES committed his conduct violations gal materials. These claims were au- HEARING BEFORE absent a record that he was placed in thorized by the court to proceed. See: segregation for constitutionally ap- Chavers v. Abrahamson, 803 F. Supp PUNISHMENT propriate reasons. 1512 (ED WI1992). EITH BROWN-EL IS A The court held that "If the deci- —From Prison Legal News PRISONER AT THE MIS- sion to segregate is arbitrary or pur- KSOURI STATE PENITEN- poseless, a court may infer that the TIARY (MSP). He was infracted for purpose of the governmental action CDoC K-9 SEARCHES staying in bed during count and stay- is punishment that may not consti- RESTRICTED FOR NOW ing in the shower too long. He was tutionally be inflicted upon inmates. found guilty at a disciplinary hear- " See Brown El v. Delo, 969 F.2d 644 NJUNCTIONAGAINSTCDoCRe- ing, sentenced to segregation, trans- (8th Cir. 1992). stricting Searches of Visitors, Estes ferred to another prison, and placed I v. Rowland, 93 DJ, D.AR. 4098. in administrative segregation. The CONFISCATION OF Following are the main ele- only reason listed for his ad seg place- LAW BOOKS CLAIM ments cited of the restrictions which ment were the infractions received must be provided to visitors in both at MSP months before. Brown-El YRONE CHAVERS IS A WIS- English and Spanish: filed suit under 1983 claiming his ad CONSIN STATE PRISONER. All visitors must be mailed writ- seg placement violated the Four- THe filed suit under 1983 after ten notice of the policy and reasons teenth Amendment's due process pro- prison officials confiscated his law for the policy along with the conse- visions. He also claimed being given books. This case is the district court's quences of contraband. They must cold food violated the Eighth Amend- ruling on Chavers' In Forma Pauperis also be notified orally and in writing ment and that a policy prohibiting (IFP) request. The defendants had immediately prior to the search. This him from using inmate-staff paper, not yet been served in the case. notification must reflect what the when no other paper was available, The court held that Chavers had search will entail, the reasons for the obstructed his use of the mail and adequately alleged his indigence be- search, and the consequences. It denied his access to the courts. The cause Chavers did not claim that the should offer the option of leaving and defendant prison officials moved for confiscation of his legal materials returning without the car without summary judgment which the district affected his ability to litigate. How- losing visiting privileges that day. court granted, dismissing the suit. ever, the court held that this claim Searches are conducted only after writ- Brown-El appealed and the was legally frivolous and had no ar- ten consent is obtainedfrom the driver. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Cir- guable basis in law. If the driver decides to leave, cuit affirmed in part, reversed in The court went on to hold that passengers cannot be denied their part, and remanded. Chavers could state a claim that visit. Local police officers may not be The Court of Appeals affirmed prison officials had violated his due involved in the search nor the pro- dismissal of the claims pertaining to process rights by confiscating his cess "without valid reasons." Vehicles the cold food and inmate staff paper law books. may not be delayed more than 10 as being frivolous. While an intentional but unau- minutes prior to a search and the The court reversed dismissal of thorized property deprivation can- search itself may not last longer then the segregation claims by noting "... a not be challenged in federal court as 10 minutes. If a drug-detecting dog prisoner cannot be punished for a long as adequate state remedies ex- (which must be kept 20 feet from conduct violation without the appro- ist, an authorized and intentional visitors at all times) indicates the priate notice and hearing require- confiscation may be challenged un- presence of drugs, the search may be ments set forth in Wolff. Prison der 1983 in federal court. extended another five minutes. If officials cannot escape the procedural In this case, the court relied on contraband is found indicating the requirements of Wolff by denning Wisconsin DOC rules which autho- intention to be smuggled into the segregation as 'administrative' rather rize only Bibles and Korans as per- prison, additional searches may be than 'punitive."' Infra, at 84849. missible books. It thus held that instigated. In this case the court held there Chavers may not have been afforded NO VISITOR MAY BE STRIP- was no justification for Brown-El's due process to challenge the DOC SEARCHED SOLELY on the basis placement in the maximum security policy prohibitingprisoners from pos- of positive dog alert unless drugs are unit at MSP two months after he sessing their own law books and le- found in the vehicle. Again, a visitor

Page 10 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 must be notified orally and in writing the reasons for the her vigil on the capitol steps. strip search. If contraband is found, the visit may not be Much remains left to do. Many men and women are denied unless the contraband was packaged in a way currently eligible for compassionate release and many suggesting an intention to be smuggled into the prison. more become eligible each month. We continue our work Finally, no employee may damage or soil any visitor case by case. We hope you will continue to support these possessions and must return them to the same location. dear people who just want to go home to die with dignity. The department must adopt these regulations and must -Juliet Traynor (415)752-2765 distribute them to all institutions prior to any future —Patricia A. Hilaire (415) 969- 6306 searches. The court retains jurisdiction to enforce and Rx Justice is a new, community-based organization. supervise the implementation of these conditions and They are working as advocates and case mangers on restrictions and if necessary, to appoint a monitor to act behalf of patient-prisoners in the Federal, State, and on behalf of the court. county California correctional system. • NOTE: Any violation of your person, rights, or possessions while in the hands of correctional state employees, should be IN MEMORIUM reported immediately to the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Civil Rights 5 c Division, 10th St. at Pennsylvania Aue, NW, WashingtonD.C. 20530. STANLEY YOUNG ANTI-VISITING BILLS REJECTED R. I. P. N MAY 19, THE ASSEMBLY PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE rejected anti-visiting bills spon- We regret that you ® sored by both Unberg and Andal. The first bill never made would have barred conjugal visits for anyone serving a life term without parole or facing the death penalty. The it out to freedom second proposal would have barred overnight visits for certain categories of convicted offenses. in this life. -- ATTENTION S.R BAY AREA PBSP VISITORS HE PBIP IS COMPOSING A VISITORS' PRISONER NOT ALLOWED TO PHONE TREE. Its purpose is to efficiently spread DIE AT HOME T information of available seats on upcoming rides between S.F. Bay Area and Crescent City. If you want ESS THAN FIVE HOURS after a Salinas judge to be included, contact Karina at PBIP, 2489 Mission delayed releasing him on humanitarian grounds St., #28, San Francisco, CA 94110. L from prison, Stanley Young attained his own kind of compassionate release. He died of AIDS in the hospice Rx JUSTICE ASKS COMPASSIONATE ward of the CDoC facility at Vacavillle. "Justice was served," Freda Kubas said bitterly, after watching her RELEASE OF PRISONERS son die. "They got their pound of flesh. They got his last N JUNE 18,1993, BOBMCKEE, Compassionate breath. I wonder who's satisfied." Release Committee Directors office, CDoC, stated Young's request for compassionate release had been to Mr. William C. Brady that CDoC has never presented to Salinas Superior Court Judge Harkjoon experienced the pressure of media, phone, mail and fax Paik. Paik said he would decide on the request "in a week since the Judy Cagle case. Ken Topper of Senator or so," although public defender Jonathan Seigel pointed Roberti's office literally adopted us in Sacramento and out that Young's condition was declining rapidly. was able to move Stanley's case along with great compas- Freda Kubas had fought fiercely for her 28-year-old sion and a very big stick. Act Up San Francisco, Prison son's release. She began a courageous hunger strike on Issues Committee, provided the enormous resources of the steps of the state Capitol, June 14, 1993, and vowed their media power and became our dear friends. Mr. to fast until her son was released. Brady who tragically lost his beloved son Patrick 12 Under California's "compassionate release" program, hours following his compassionate release, provided the inmates with less than six months to live may apply for moral and ethical power for Stanley's cause. Mike release, allowing them to die outside of prison near their Haggerty of AIDS Consortium of Santa Barbara en- family. This program to date has been a dismal failure trusted Stanley's case to our care. Many of you provided due to the conflict within the CDoC, which metes out compas- phone support to Stanley's mother, Freda Kubas, prior to sion with one hand and punishment with the other.

Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 Page 7 7 "Hello to Homies" INCREASING PEACE IN THE BARRIO An Interview with Danny Flores Danny Flores, 30, joined the Culver City gang in California when he was 15 years old and remained a member for 10 years. Currently, he is a coordinator for a drug elimination program in Los Angeles and has also worked as a gang counselor. He spoke via telephone with Final Call editor, and we copped it from there. Raise the call. Thank you, Brothers.

INAL CA11: What drew years ago by a white man named Harry Culver. He DANNY FLORES you into the gang? probably didn't do anything for the Chicano or Mexican Danny Flores: I was lack- people. He might have owned a few and had them milk ing my own identity. I wanted to be a part of something, his cows or plow his fields, but he didn't do anything for and it gave me a sense of belonging and security. our people, but in 1993, a lot of 15-year-old guys are FC: Why haven't Latino nations followed the ex- tattooing Culver City on their stomachs, their chests, ample of Black nations in Los Angeles to establish a and they're willing to die for that white man's last truce? name. If that ain't lack of your own identity, I don't DF: A truce and unity is more likely in the Black know what the f— is. community because Blacks are beginning to become FC: Why is the killing still escalating? conscious of their identity and have a lot of leaders DF: We're generational gangs out here and they've which the gang members follow and respect. There are been killing each other since the '40s. They still haven't not many positive role models in leadership in the woke up to realize we're the only ones killing each Latino community. We're still dwelling on our lack of other. identity and self-hatred. FC: Do the gang members listen to any of the voices FC: What are you doing in the community to bring coming out of the Black community and tailor the peace among the gangs? message to address the circumstances in your commu- DF: I'm an original organizer of a gang truce on the nity? west side of Los Angeles. I began to get recognized as a DF: Yes. We can relate very much to what they're positive leader in reducing gang violence. After the law saying. I identify with things that are being preached enforcement found out that I was a key player in this, by Minister Farrakhan. Ice Cube has a lot to do with the I began getting a lot of bum tickets within six months, education I have. and began getting harassed big-time. FC: Wouldyou want your sons to be part of a Latino FC: Are you saying there is a truce in your commu- gang? nity? DF: No. It's a miserable, demoralizing way to live. DF: We don't necessarily call it a truce; we call it a FC. Do you have any regrets about your past life? "red light." That means there's a "red light" on shooting. DF: I do a lot of gang awareness presentations and FC: What was the sentiment in the Latino commu- whenever I talk, it brings up a lot of bad memories. I feel nity when they heard that Black gang members were totally forgiven by God for what I did wrong, but the calling a truce? things you do in gang life will stick with you whether DF: We thought it was good because a lot of the you like it or not. There are guys who will boast about Black gangbangers came on television and on the news the evil things they've done, but when they are alone in and told the truth. They said they had been wrong in bed at 2 o'clock in the morning and they're not on drugs doing what they were doing... that they had been or alcohol, their conscience just tears them up. "smokin" (shooting) kids and that some of the wrong The other regret I have is that for ten years my people had been dying. mother watched her child turn into a stone maniac and FC: Why did you leave the gang? I did a lot of insane things right in front of her. Because DF: Substance abuse and alcoholism was killing I chose to live that way for ten years of my life, when I me. I drank and used [dope] because I couldn't deal did change my lifestyle she only lived five months after with my feelings after I did some of the violent acts I that. That bothers me. committed. The more I committed the violent acts, the PBIPNOTE: On May 17, 1993, 1,000 people strong, more I had to drown out my remorse and sedate myself. mostly students, marched in the streets of Fre- I've since dedicated my life to serving at-risk youths. mont, California, calling for the name of their high school Now my community views me as a role model. Members to be changed from Fremont to Cesar Chavez High School, of other gangs don't view me as an enemy anymore. noting that the early California conquering hero was FC: What do you hope to see in your community mostly famous for the killing of Mexicans and the stealing of land. Fremont High School is predominately Chicano concerning gang activity? and the name and memory of Cesar Chavez is dearly loved DF: I'd like to see my people be more proud of who there. they are. Culver City, for example, was founded 75

Page 12 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 _^ mCi tizen 's Prison Watch DYSFUNCTIONAL PRISON SYSTEM by Janet Lamb HE MOST DYSFUNCTIONAL SEGMENT OF THE U.S. SOCIETY today is the prison system. The U.S. incarcerates Tmore members of its society than any other country in the |j$ii$||^^ world. Statistics show that by the year 2053, one-half of the popula- tion will be living behind bars if we continue to jail 'em at the present ^ rate. This is a country that has re-enacted the death penalty while many other countries around the world now recognize this as cruel ; and inhumane treatment. The disabled, the mentally ill and even the animals have their rights and laws to prevent cruel and abusive treatment. The time has arrived for this country to open its eyes and ill see what it is we're doing inside our prison system. f| Cruel, torturous and inhumane treatment is commonly prac- |||i||;l ticed behind locked doors in secret. Human Rights groups condemn |fi|fflf^^ the death penalty, condemn control unit prisons, as well as strip ||!j||i||f^^ cells, black out cells, hog tying, starvation tactics and all forms of fllPi!^^ physical/emotional cruelty and all forms of torture. In many cases, it depends on who is making what decision, but there are no absolute guarantees that justice is equally served. There can be alternatives to the legal use of violence which only creates more violence. The title correctional officer indicates use of corrective measures. Yet, guards too often get "kicks" out of their own brand of discipline based on personal satisfactions of power over an inmate's life-death situation born out of ignorance and lust for lill^^ violence. They too often exert unnecessary force, taunt, tease, use verbal violence, physical violence, racial slurs, and operate out of control and beat inmates unconscious. Their status as correctional officers, supposedly engaged in proper disciplinary procedures, can justify their every action. Guards give shape to prisoners' action. Inmates feel under attack: worthless and demeaned. They are under :;|||^ constant threat to safety—injury and death, use of weapons against them—creating paralyzing fear, physical terror, panic, high stress, high anxiety and emotional strain beyond imagination. They develop |pjjj^^ a combative stance against the world, feel committed to remaining unkind, and act out their role of dangerous human beings. They are out of touch with their feelings, lose sight of identity, experience deep depression, and become trauma victims. Ili Inmates need opportunities to verbalize their excruciating emo- tional pain in a safe environment. They need support to bridge from the inside to the outside world and a chance to pick up the pieces and reassemble their lives. THEY DO NOT NEED TO BE TREATED AS CONTINUOUS SCAPEGOATS of society. A society is as sick as its i;;ilPiiiili prison system. The time for change is now to prevent further deterioration from within. ^^j|^PP|pp||||ij| Rehabilitation of prisoners as well prohibition of guards and flllll^ prison officials is essential to promote a healthy environment in which human beings can heal. Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 Page 13 PELICAN BAY'S (UNOFFICIAL POLICY? "Shoot to Kill"/"Sho6t to Wound" Response to Alter- cation Between Prisoners. !|!!|||;^ li||llfl|f|i^ USONERS ARE INFORMED Illllfll^ when they arrive at Pelican |l Bay that the prison has a l|l|p "shoot-to-kill" policy. Prison officials tell prisoners, "if you fight on the yard, we shoot to kill; if you fight in the dining area, we shoot to kill." Pelican Bay officials publicly con- cede that they at least have a "shoot- to- wound" policy. lilllllp^ In September 1990, for example, inmate Rodger Hernandez waskilled llllllll^^^ by a guard shooting to break up an |||||||^ altercation between prisoners on the yard. Mr. Hernandez was 22 years old and due to be paroled within two months. llilill^^ According to prison officials, a fight broke out on the yard, and a f^fllfilP^ guard fired two warning shots from the watch tower. When prisoners tltililll^ failed to break up the fight, several iiiiffiiii^^ guards shot five more rounds of live ammunition. Mr. Hernandez was killed and the fight broke up. This extreme use of violence by Pelican Bay guards was clearly un- warranted. Other than the warning |ff|f| shots, no steps short of firing live iilllllll^^ ammunition into the crowd to break up the fight were taken by Pelican Bay guards. Mr. Hernandez' death was the results of defendants' deliberate policy to control general population inmates through violence and ter- llilllll^^ ror. Guard presence and the use of other monitoring devises on the yard is quite limited. Inmate-on-inmate |||||||||||^ assault is a commonplace event. In- |||||||||^^ mate stabbings on the yard occur as frequently as once a month. Warn- |i|fl|||^ ing shots are heard daily. It is Pelican Bay's policy to delib- erately cultivate an environment of fear and violence on the yard.

Page 14 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993

L SHOOT FIRST. PRISON GUARD LEADER SAYS by Peter White OME PRISON GUARDS at California's high- "What do you do? You shoot 'em, right?" security jails would rather shoot inmates than "Yes," admitted Beard. break up fights between them, John Beard, an Despite an unprecedented prison-building binge Sofficial of the California Correctional Peace Keepers throughout the 1980s and get-tough-on-crime policies Association (CCPOA), told a Sacramento audience May 8. that filled jails to overflowing in California, crime hasn't The comment came in a heated exchange between declined much, if at all, in the past 15 years. Most studies writer Nat Hentoff and prison guards at a conference on show violent crime rates are actually up. correctional reform. Hentoff, one of the country's fore- In 1980, the total adult inmate population of 23,000 most civil libertarians, was speaking to 300 policy-mak- was housed in 12 state prisons. Today, 30,000 guards ers and peace officers in the State Capitol building. watch 110,000 inmates in 23 state prisons that were built He said prison officials tolerate too much violence to hold about half that number. inside the state's overcrowded prisons, and he blamed But at least half of California's prison inmates don't guards for the death of an inmate at Pelican Bay Prison have to be there, said San Francisco State criminologist last year: John Irwin. Irwin studied the records of newly incarcer- "There's something wrong with some of the guards ated felons and found about half of them were doing hard and certainly with the wardens if they get away with that time for crimes that did not involve guns, injury, rape, [fighting]," HentofFsaid. murder, robbery, or other serious offenses. Much of the "You break it up," shouted Beard, a 21-year veteran increase in prison populations throughout California can of Wasco State Prison near Bakersfield and president of be traced to drug-related offenses. CCPOA's Bakersfield chapter. "There's no red "S" on our However, the state Legislature isn't showing much chest, mister. They've got knives. They're predators interest in alternatives to incarceration. Department of among predators." Corrections chief James Gomez said there are 138 bills "So it's OKto shoot them if they're fighting?" Hentoff currently pending in Sacramento to increase prison sen- asked. "You let them kill one another, right?" tences, and none to decrease them "No, we have to take an action," Beard said. Reprinted from The Bay Guardian, May 19,1993. SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PRESENT PRISON SYSTEM AND PAST NAZI HISTORY by Jenny DeSilva for PBIP N MY TRIP THROUGH EUROPE, I met my ram at a group of people huddled behind barbed-wire. friend Anna Cava in Paris and we toured As I looked at this grisly reminder of man's past France by train. One of our excursions took us inhumanity to man, I told Anna that she would be to Caen, not far from the famous Nuremburg. shocked when she returned to the States and saw the Walking off the beaten path in this beautiful area, we latest edition of our newsletter. She would see how much came to a neighborhood church. Anna is an artist who is of the past is copied by today's authorities and guards interested in stained glass windows. When we walked who believe they are only "doing their jobs" when they into this mini-cathedral, I saw a window, stunning in punish and beat prisoners at the request of the state. color and contrasts, that I'll never forget: Their CDoC sponsors have trained and programmed Before I left San Francisco, the Pelican Bay Prison their behavior, instincts and attitudes. They thereafter Express (vol. 1, no. 3) had just come out with a drawing on obey the CDoC only too willingly, though no longer with the front page. It depicted the guards at Pelican bay in any moral conscience of their own. No longer do they feel helmets and visors, crushing a prisoner against a wall. In responsible for their own actions. They can and do get this faraway place, I was looking at a similar scene away with brutality and even torture. commemorated as a memorial in 1946, of human atroci- Anna replied that the new prison system is being ties committed in a recent era. The window had been patterned on the Nazi Movement—total domination and created in 1946. mind control. At the top of the glass display were Nazi planes The United States is using the same tactics of repres- spitting fire and dropping bombs; below was a skeleton sion used fifty years ago to isolate, persecute and finally wearing a swastika around its neck. The skeleton was to eliminate "undesirables" from society. Today, the state watching a group of storm troopers pushing a battering manufactures propaganda to scare the public into follow- Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 Page 15 ing anything the prison system wants to do with the One U.S. official joined Joe Amado in calling for prisoners under its control. As a highly reactionary further investigation and more arrests in the case, which society, we have the odd notion that the only way to was initially closed by Mexican authorities before Amado protect ourselves is to give up some of our freedoms and began enlisting human rights advocates, the media, and to accept as authority "big brother knows best". We take U.S. lawmakers. out our frustrations and social fears against our prison- ers, illegal aliens, and minorities. When taking away ... MEANWHILE MEXICAN their basic rights, we take away our own rights also. On to Berlin and my visit with Angela Warsitz and PRISONERS IN CALIFORNIA San Francisco American Indian Movement representa- NEED HELP tive Bobby Castillo, on tour for U.S. political prisoner Leonard Peltier. The German people with whom I met EANWHILE IN CALIFORNIA'S OWNPRISON were very kind and hated living with their recent Nazi SYSTEM, where close to 10,000 Mexican-born past. They were doing everything they could to ensure prisoners languish, charges of human rights that the recent nightmare would never surface again. abuses are legion. The office of the Pelican Bay Informa- They were very concerned about human rights and felt tion Project (PBIP), based in San Francisco, has focused that the U.S., while acting as a great world democracy, is its attention on California's worst known offender of in fact regressing in fundamental rights for all its citi- human rights abuses: the new super-max facility at zens. They believe that the only way to obtain equal Crescent City known as "Skeleton Bay." rights for yourself in this country is to have the money or Over a period of time, the PBIP has been flooded with influence to acquire it. Otherwise , it is not guaranteed. complaints and cries for help emanating from this high- Many people there believe that the next great world tech fortress. Racism, it seems, has been a motivating dictator will arise in the United States. The comrades in factor for these systematic abuses by the prison guards struggle there and everywhere I traveled, send us all and has had a disgusting history. Presently 59% of the their solidarity. facility's prisoners are of Hispanic descent, while 392 of these prisoners are Mexican nationals. The guard MEXICAN POUCIA ARRESTED FOR workforce there is 98% white and very rabid towards other nationalities. Third world prisoners are locked up KILLING PRISONER FROM CI.S. in what many people familiar with the setup there, OSARITO, BAJA CALIFORNIA: Pressure describe as California's own version of an experimental, brought to bear on the Mexican Government by "ethnic cleansing" program, engineered by correctional • the brother of a Los Angeles man, slain in the officials under the guise of segregating "the worst of the Rosarito jail, paid off when Mexican officials worst." confirmed the arrest of a police officer on murder charges. At the urging of the PBIP and other groups, the Joe Amado, 50, said that he is not satisfied with the Mexican Consulate in San Francisco on March 4th vis- arrest of just one single policeman for the killing of his ited Pelican Bay to conduct it's own investigative probe. kid-brother, Mario. The policeman charged— Jose The two-member team was limited by its jurisdiction to Verduzco Flores, 35—had been assigned to working in seeing only prisoners born in Mexico. The prison admin- the rundown jail when the death took place during the istration made available a very small number of these wee hours of the night. prisoners, stating to the delegation that many prisoners The relentless pursuit to find out what happened to were refusing to come out and see them. "baby brother" is what drove Big Joe. He went seeking The willy-nilly compliance of the visitingfunctionar- help in the calibre of some big political guns willing to go ies was apparent at a later meeting held at the Mexican after the local police mafia, for which the resort area is Consulate's Market Street address, at which the PBIP infamous. International attention has also been drawn was present. Mexican Consulate officials had only the now to Mexico's appalling overall human-rights prisoner highest praise for the racist prison regime. We were told abuse record, especially with those born "stateside." by a more-than-satisfied Consulate staff functionary Mario Amado, 29, was purportedly killed in a dank that "no human right violations are happening at Pelican and windowless jail cell during what was to have been a Bay." And as if to add a compliment to the now- dismissed hard-earned vacation to the seaside resort by him and his complaints, we were further informed that, "the officials who brother and friends. met us at the prison, all spoke to us in perfect Spanish." Mexican authorities initially insisted that Mario PBIP note: When governments scratch each other's had committed suicide by fashioning a noose from a back, when they conceal from our view the business they pullover sweater and hanging himself from a crossbar of do us in prison, and when torture is hidden within the the cell door. To have done so, he would have needed help state, who do we tell? State-sanctioned torture is on the to perform his own hanging, which experts say, isn't as hands that hold, strangle, and kill us off one at a time— easy to do as it sounds. done under color of law. Page 16 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 DEATH ROW INNATE WINS MARIO AMADO RIGHT TO DIE HE U.S. DISTRICT COURT signed the official R.I.P. order that dismisses the legal appeal of Death •9 • • T Row prisoner David Mason. The court found 58 that Mason was mentally competent to drop the chal- lenge to his death sentence. Mason is now scheduled to MAX PRISON GETS NEW die August 24 at 12:01 A.M. in San Quentin's gas WARDEN TEAM chamber, where last April, Robert Harris was ex- ecuted. The prison spokesman said in default of a (RYAN GUNN, WARDEN of a new state maxi- choice by the prisoner, the method prescribed by law is kmum-security prison, Calipatria, Imperial lethal gas. 'County, California, was dismissed, as was Chief Deputy Warden Myrna Rodriguez. California Depart- DEATH PENALTY ment of Corrections officials said they wanted to take ACTION TEAM the prison in a "new direction." James Gomez, CDoC Director-General said he had HE DEATH PENALTY ACTION TEAM will brought in a new team. meet Monday evening, August 2, from 6 to 7:30 NOTE: The PBIP sincerely hopes that the "new team" is TPM, about the execution of David Mason. The not the ill-famed "extraction team" about which we've been Vigil will be on August 23 at the gate of San Quentin. hearing so many deplorable things. Good luck, Jim, in your Call/Write for specific time and other information: 510- new direction. Please do something about Pelican Bay. Even 452-9505, 1212 Broadway, Suite 808, Oakland, CA some of the guards working in that concentration-style camp 94612 think it needs a new direction.

IN A LETTER RECEIVED FROM PELI- FROM PELICAN BAY, JUNE 16, 1993 CAN BAY IN EARLY APRIL . . . I am an indigent inmate housed in Pelican "[The] info is from my neighbor. A Mexi- Bay State Prison's D-SHU. I would greatly can inmate about 30 years old, named L...., appreciate being placed on your mailing list to A.k.a.. R...., from around the Bay Area, was receive copies of Pelican Bay Prison Express. found hanging in his cell (2 — ) at the "five I arrived at PBSP on December 14, 1989, count." That is two cells away from me. My via Folsom with a possible parole date of neighbor said he heard some funny sounds September 1992. Since then, my parole date coming from (2 — ) at about 4:30 am. About 15 has extended itself to March 1997. I've gotten minutes later, the First Watch Officer came four write-ups at PBSP; the last one was for by for the Count. He yelled to the gunner in possession of a "staple" which resulted in a 30- the control booth, "Hanger!" day credit loss. "He's hanging! He's hanging! Hit the Doing time isn't supposed to be a walk in Button!" the park, but this is insanely preposterous! I Then the alarm went off and the "extrac- applaud your concerns and efforts to correct tion team" came. My neighbor said he heard the injustices suffered in PBSP-SHU. them say " No heartbeat." There was no Respectfully, 11 doctor. Just an MTA and guards. I woke up Larry Taa, #C-36520 about this time. I seen them carry him by my D-8-113, PO Box 7000 cell. His eyes were closed." Crescent City CA 95531

Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 Page ]7 It's the system, not the life of the man sentenced to death, that should be dispatched," —Justice Thurgood Marshall, October 17, 1990

LEONEL HERRERA, 45, became the 58th pris- Salazar to Mexico. Salazar was kidnapped from his home oner executed by the state of Texas since executions were there eight years ago at the age of 18. He was illegally reinstated there in 1976. He died by lethal injection, handed over to U.S. border guards by bounty hunters, in proclaiming loudly his innocence. "I am innocent, inno- violation of the U.S.-Mexico Extradition Treaty. cent, innocent. Make no mistake about this. I owe society Salazar is on Death Row in Pontiac, Illinois, charged nothing," Leonel said in a final statement. Facing his with the death of a Joliet cop in 1984 and with fleeing the final moments, he added, "I am an innocent man and country. The police officer was shot with his own gun. something very wrong is taking place tonight." Brother Salazar says it happened after his car was stopped. He Leonel's life was snuffed out by the powers that be, those had been riding with Black and Latino friends. The cop that say, "You are guilty even if you're innocent." chased Salazar, and beat him so badly that he was Herrera was sentenced to die for the 1981 shooting unrecognizable. His life in danger, he says, he scuffled death of Enrique Carrizales, a rookie Los Fresnos police- with the cop. The cop drew his gun and it went off. man who had pulled him over for speeding. Herrera's Salazar's case has become a symbol in Illinois of the daily attorneys later claimed to have new evidence that his struggle youths of color face as victims of police harass- brother, Raul, who was murdered in 1984, actually killed ment and violence. For the Defense: 164 W. 18th St. the officer. Chicago, 111. 60608. Texas state law requires that new claims of inno- cence be filed within 30 days of conviction, an almost impossible requirement to meet. On January 25, 1993, the United States Supreme Court had issued a landmark ruling concerning the executed Mexican inmate. In Herrera vs. Collins, the court decided that it was not unconstitutional to execute an innocent man. It said that inmates may not make new fl^ claims of innocence in federal court once all other appeals !|f|p have been exhausted and that state prisoners have a final ll^ recourse within their own state governor. l||||illl^ lllll^ Well known among the Texas prisoners waiting execution is the effort of the National Movement of La Raza working on behalf of Mexican national RICARDO ALDAPE GUERRA, also accused of the killing of a Houston policeman in 1982. Mexico has been requesting Guerra's repatriation to his homeland where capital punish- ment does not exist. The U.S. has steadfastly refused. ^ Texas now leads the nation and world in the fre- iliiiii^^ quency and number of state-sanctioned homicides. Since l|li||i|^^ 1976, 202 people have been executed in the United Illllff^ States. One-fourth of them have been at Huntsville, where a team of executioners, some posing as doctors, are rotated. For more information write NMLR 2510 Broad #200 Houston, Texas 77087. |i|$tl|

In Chicago, April 29, 1993, hundreds of Latino stu- dents, community members, andsupporters of MANUEL SALAZAR marched in front of the State of Illinois iBiiiiiiM building demanding that Governor Jim Edgar return

Page 18 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 •&MS&'^^ days of the Prisoners Rights Union, of which he was a MOTHER'S DAY RfiLLY foundingmember. Also on the podium was PBIP coordinator OTHER'S DAY COMMEMORATION in Sac- Luis Talamantez and investigative poet John Ross. Both ramento on May 6, 1993, drew a crowd of honored Pelican Bay inmate Hugo Pinell with their work. supporters to the state Capitol in behalf of a Attendance at San Francisco spoken word perfor- yearly rally for Mothers In Prison With Children and mances has been soaring and "Prison Pen" proved no Prisoners With Mothers Outside. Numerous speakers exception. Some 40 literary buffs enlivened the ambiance spoke publicly to a crowd of onlookers, many of whom had with penetrating questions and Snedeker sold a number traveled far to be present and share in remembering of books. loved ones inside. Many of the speakers spoke to the issue All of this, of course, is small potatoes compared to the of the battered women serving undeserved sentences famous authors at Pelican Bay. Kody Scott (D-O7829) is who should be set free. Also addressed and vigorously on the charts with Monster (Atlantic Monthly Press), the defended was the continuing struggle for visiting rights, hottest item at last October's Frankfort Bookfair. Mon- to keep visiting from being shut down by state authori- ster has reportedly netted its author a six-figure advance ties. and an excerpt was recently published in Esquire. Movie rights are being hawked by the Monster's Los Angeles agents. I tell you, it's time to pick up the pen. —JOHN ROSS

The Union of the Civil Dead surprised everyone by their snowballing success in organizing the men of the infamous Lagrimas State Prison. Lieutenant Sanchez hatches a brutal scheme to destroy the Union and its founders—a handful of convicts and ex-cons, a wizened old jailhouse lawyer called the Fly, and their unflagging counsel Teresa Suchil. A story about trust and danger inside, and about the pleasures and pains of risky living. Down In The Valley by Michael Snedeker $10.00 each Postage and handling is $1.50 for first book, $.50 for each book thereafter. Make checks and money orders payable to Clear Glass Publications and mail to 1752 S J3. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR Ex-Prisoner and Poet, Bato Talamantez, shown with 97214. Bulk orders may be purchased from: PBIP supporters Bob Wharton and Ernesto Luna hold- BOOKPEOPLE, 7900 Edgewater Dr., Oakland, ing banner. Talamantez read a poem dedicated to the California 94621, or call 1-800-999-4650. uncertainties and doubtful love that exist through "doing time" between a prisoner inside and the wife left outside. THE PBIP GETS LITERARY HE PELICAN BAYINFORMATION PROJECT got seriously literary last April 22nd with a presentation of prison-based writings at San TFrancisco's Modern Times Bookstore. Featured on the agenda rubricked "Prison Pen" was Michael Snedeker, who brought his new novel Down In The Valley (Clear Glass, 1992) to the literary feast. Down In the Valley is L to R: Journalist John Ross, loosely based on Snedeker's remembrances of the early author Michael Snedeker and Luis Talamantez Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 Page 19 SUCCESSFUL SYMPOSIUM IN SACRAMENTO ORE THAN 200 PEOPLE went to Sacramento to attend the May 1st kickoff event for Prison M Awareness Month, sponsored by the Criminal Justice Consortium. Prisoner Rights Advocates, ser- vice providers and the interested public listened to speeches and workshops focusing on the "Costs of Confinement." Wilson Riles Jr. gave the fiery and informative keynote address. He advised citizens to look at the budget and money trail to understand a society's priori- ties. Mr. Riles, regional director of AFSC, said that the Pelican Bay Visitors in Solidarity: Criminal Justice Industrial Complex has been built on Matthew, Shane, Luis, Kathleen, Duma, May 1993 the creation of a myth that social problems can be solved by a direct attack on citizens. In the past 10 PRISON LIFE MAGAZINE IN- years, the Department of Correction's budget grew at TERVIEW WITH HUGO PINELL eight percent per year; $4.3 billion was spent over the last 15 years on prison construction, giving California by Kathleen Vasilakos the largest prison system in the world. In this era of |N APRIL 29,1993, PRISONLIFE MAGAZINE diminishing public spending, more prison guards have 'sent Matthew Bright and myself to Pelican Bay been added to the public payroll (22,000) than all other State Prison. Our assignment was to interview state employees combined (19,000). Guards' salaries Hugo Pinell, incarcerated for 30 consecutive years and start at $38,000 a year, while teachers begin at $26,000. last of the San Quentin Six to remain in custody. Workshops included topics on Alternatives to Incar- I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hugo ceration, Medical Care and Pelican Bay State Prison. for a wonderful and successful interview. Having spent The PBIP banner hung proudly in the meeting hall and some time in the system myself, nothing came close to attracted a lot of interest and discussion. the years of isolation spent by Mr. Pinell. I am not so sure I would be as "together" as I found him to be. Spiritually, physically, and mentally, Hugo is a person whose hu- manitarian essence will remain undaunted because he has discovered the secret to being. His body remains inside the gray walls, in the pit of hell. Yet his spirit is free. One of the things that keepshim going, he explained solemnly, are the people that care about him, his loved ones, his family and comrades. Some of these people have passed on to the next world, yet the love and solidarity remain. Some first touched his life in prison; yet others were drawn by circumstances. It doesn't really matter how they came into his life. What matters is that the walls were penetrable. Again Hugo, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to know you. Jimmy Johnson of PBIP speaking of his experience of The article on Hugo is scheduled for the November torture at the hands of the CDoC. issue of Prison Life magazine For those of you who L to R: Dr. Maisonette (FCI Dublin), Dr. Goldenson (S. F. haven't heard of Prison Life, we are a national magazine County Jail), and Jimmy Johnson. based in New York. Our audience, geared originally towards the prison population, has successfully reached INDIGENOUS PRISONERS a much larger interest, including correctional officers, NTERNATIONAL INDIAN TREATY COUNCIL judges, attorneys, and many others. The magazine offers is asking indigenous prisoners to get in touch. stories from the inside and a chance to speak your mind. 1Write to: If you would like more information about the maga- Indigenous Prisoners Rights Project zine, please write to: International Indian Treaty Council Prison Life magazine, 28 West 25th St., 7th Floor, 123 Townsend St., Suite 575 Dept. 76, New York, NY 10010. San Francisco, CA 94107-1907

Page 20 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 LETTER TO PELICAN BAY STATE grams (2-4233)." PRISON WARDEN REGARDING GED A representative of the Educational Insti- COURSES FOR SHU PRISONERS tute in Washington DC says the high school drop-out rate correlates with the prison popula- Dear Warden Charles D. Marshall: tion. The less education a prisoner has, the more This letter is written on behalf of the many likely he is to return to prison once released. The Pelican Bay State Prison Security Housing Unit high school drop-out rate in California is 33.9%. prisoners that have requested the GED TheCaliforniaprison population isnow 113,000. Coursework. Although correspondence courses California has the highest crime rate, violence for SHU prisoners have been approved, this rate, prison population, and the longest prison course isn't available for them through the mail sentences. Prisoners are returned directly to the because a test must be given by a C alifornia State streets from SHU and are totally unprepared to representative upon completion of the course. become part of society. As this course and the test are provided for We request that you help prisoners begin prisoners on the mainline, why isn't it possible their academic studies by providing the GED for the SHU prisoners to check out GED books program. By allowing the GED program to be- from the library? Once the books have been come available to SHU inmates, you will help checked out, the prisoners can study in their cells keep these prisoners from returning to prison on their own. These men are in their cells 22.5 upon their release. hours a day and this course of study would The cost to taxpayers for warehousing each benefit the prison guards as well as the prisoners. SHU prisoner is $24,000 annually. This ware- If the prisoners had something to occupy their housing of prisoners doesn't benefit society or time, they wouldn't require so much of the guards' the prisoner. Because of the isolation and idle- attention. ness SHU prisoners are released more hostile The prisoners could apply to take the GED and unprepared to succeed than they were when test, and specific times could be set up for a admitted to the prison. teacher to give the test. The SHU prisoners have Education will be a long-term benefit that access to the law library every two weeks and to will help prisoners adjust when released and the locked individual visiting cubicles. Visiting is help them to get a job. This will benefit everyone only allowed on Saturday and Sunday, so it involved. should be possible to arrange for the GED test to We are sure you will agree with us on this be taken on a quarterly basis. matter, and we anticipate your reply. According to The Commission on Accredita- tion for Corrections, (#C2-4231): Sincerely, "The academic and vocational education pro- Jenny DeSilva grams are licensed or approved by the State Anne Flickenger Department of Education or a recognized Ac- creditation Association. Programs up to the completion of high school and/or GED are avail- able at no cost to inmates (#C2-4423)". The Commission further states in #C2-4110: LETTER TO THE PBIP FROM THE "Written policy and procedure provide that CDoC, JUNE 18,1993 inmates in administrative segregation and pro- tective custody have access to programs and Pelican Bay Information Project: services that include, but are not limited to, the This is in response to your recent letter following: educational services, commissary ser- addressed to Senator Barbara Boxer. Your letter vices, library services, social services, counseling was referred to the California Department of services, religious guidance and recreational pro- Correctionsforreply. In yourletteryou expressed

Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 Page 21 concerns regarding alleged staff misconduct at the mation Project, along with a publication called the PBSP and other prisons in California. "Pelican Bay Prison Express," is trying to rally Specifically, you enclosed a copy of a letter support for changes in the prison, specifically for from Inmate Vincent Gutierrez, H-35238, alleging the closure of the Security Housing Unit. lack of access to a medical diet at PBSP. You have "The Pelican bay Information Project works also enclosed a copy of your newsletter, Pelican to monitor the situation at Pelican Bay and to Bay Prison Express, which alleges staff miscon- educate the community about conditions there," duct in various forms at PBSP. according to a forward written in the newsletter. Pursuant to the California Code of Regula- "Our four goals are: 1. An end to the human rights tions (CCR), Sections 3084. Ha), any inmate under abuses in the Pelican Bay SHU; 2. An end to the the Department's jurisdiction may appeal any use of long-term solitary confinement in Califor- departmental decision, action, condition, or policy nia prisons; 3. Rehabilitation of prisoners held in II perceived by the individual as adversely affecting the SHU as survivors of torture; 4. The closing of II his/her welfare. However, the complaint must be Pelican Bay SHU." initiated by inmate through the established The newsletter also features a cartoon of inmate appeals process, CDC Form 602. prison guards abusing a prisoner, a list of rules for In regards to Inmate Gutierrez's concerns, in convicts (No. 12—The convict is required by the contacting PBSFs Inmate appeals' staff, records warden and his staff to always be ignorant and indicated Inmate Gutierrez has filed an appeal worthless, not capable of doing anything right), regarding his issue of concern. Log No. PBSP-93- and even an interview with a recently released 3547 was denied at the first level of response on prisoner from Pelican Bay, who tells of his woes. May 27,1993, and as of June 14,1993, this appeal I read through the Pelican Bay Prison Ex- has not been submitted for second level review. press. One thought crossed my mind. Additionally, CCR 3084. l(d) states that no "Are these people serious?" reprisals are to be taken against any inmate or Do the members of the Pelican Bay Informa- parolee for filing an appeal. Therefore, if an in- tion Project really expect to generate sympathy mate needs assistance in filing appeal, that in- for those inmates incarcerated? Do people really mate should contact their correctional counselor fall for this bleeding-heart diatribe? it or PBSP's Inmate Appeals Coordinator. The Now don't get me wrong—I am not some Director's Office becomes involved only if right-wing Rush Limbaugh loving skinhead rac- and when the issues of concern reach the ist. But after plowing through this much, it's easy third level of review. to understand why I might want to become one. We thank you for your interest and input into For example: this matter. "Slowly the audience began to understand Sincerely, the magnitude of the human rights abuses hap- Steve Crawford, Program Administrator pening under color of law at (Pelican Bay) as they Institution Services Unit gained some insights into who the real 'criminals' Department of Corrections are," someone wrote in describing a PBIP meet- PO Box 942883 ing. Sacramento, CA 94283-0001 In an interview with an unnamed former inmate, eight guards were described "stomping some Puerto Rican brother. You know how they do it—calling themselves 'restraining1 him." The PRISON PROJECT LANDS ON DEAF inmate later complained because the state hadn't EARS, "Editor's Notebook," by John Pritchett, supplied him with ahalfway house, some place he Ed.,The Triplicate, Wednesday, June 30, 1993 could go while he looked for work." I'm sorry, but about the best sympathy I can work up for this guy IT SHOULDN'T SURPRISE ANYBODY that is "Too damn bad." Pelican Bay State Prison is filled with bad people. The gist of the Pelican Bay Prison Express, Some charge there is torture, corruption and and from other inmate produced materials and brutality. And who is committing these sins? letters, is always the same. "It's not my fault I'm Why, the correctional officers and prison staff, in prison," they say. They always blame society, or some would have us believe. the system, or something, anything but them. A group calling itself the Pelican Bay Infor- Someplace along the line a person has to take

Page 22 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993 responsibility for his or her own life. If a person robs, steals, drives drunk and runs over some- body, sells drugs, rapes a woman or small child, PRISON MARRIffGES kills somebody, whatever, that was their choice. Don't try to tell me that it is society's fault. I see CONGRATULATIONS TO PELICAN BAY a hundred people on the street every day and we SHU'S FIRST PRISON MARRIAGES manage to not break the law, at least not severely On Feb. 24th 1993, Alex and Erika Juarez took enough or repeatedly enough to be sent to Pelican their marriage vows Bay. On May 8th, 1993, Braulio and Lara Castellanos In regards to prison guards: Yeah, there may took their marriage vows. be some tough officers in there. There may be The PBIP would like to extend our best wishes even a few that cross the line. But I'm, willing to for the newly wedded. Our future hopes ride with wager that almost all are pretty normal men and you, and your commitment to share with one an- women, who really only want the same thing the other, a new and better beginning for life. And for inmates want—to go home safe. The difference, freedom. We'd like to see that 'new beginning,' begin of course, is the correctional officers are there upon saying '1 do." From where you are today, to where because they were hired to do a job. Inmates are you'll be in some tomorrow, when you're truly free. [there] because they severely broke the law. —Your friends in struggle, the PBIP The bottom line: Don't try to tell me how awful it is for the inmates at Pelican Bay State FROM A LETTER WRITTEN TO US 5/17/93 Prison. Don't tell me how terrible the correctional by Braulio, who was instrumental in winning this officers are. Don't tell me the SHU should be victory: closed down because it's so cruel. Because in the entire Pelican Bay Prison Express newsletter, all "... I got married. It was a pretty good ceremony. 14 pages of it, not once does it say anything about I was able to have my brother and my celly as my helping real victims of crime. Their pleas for "best man." And my two kids were also present. consideration mean a lot more to the public than Since I wasn't able to put the ring on the bride, my daughter did it for me. It was a lot more than I those from the pretend victims in Pelican Bay. expected. Members of my family helped her cel- ebrate. Friends and family made it real special..."

MARRIAGES ARE NOW ALLOWED AT PELICAN BAY SHU STOP CODDLING INMATES UNDER THE OPERATIONS MANUAL SECTION 53010: March 26,1993, The Triplicate, Crescent City A. Basic Requirements: 1. The prospective bride and groom must be of I get fairly heated over a number of things the opposite sex. (Bride must supply copy of birth happening in our county, but Mike Wallace com- certificate.) ing here to fawn over the no-goods released from 2. Both must be at least 18 years of age. prison really lit my fire. 3. Bride must be on the inmate's approved So thebad boys don't like Pelican Bay Prison— visitor list. does that tell us something? Like perhaps we 4. Blood test fee "hold' on the inmates trust should have a lot more prisons just like it. Maybe account ($11.50). then they will go peddle their mischief in another state. NOTE: Numerous pages of the operations If the Department of Corrections would stop manual are available under Marriage Procedures. coddling these guys perhaps they would be more We advise that anyone going this departmental careful about where they practice their craft. arduous route, to study the material carefully. Why should our tax dollars go into televisions, For more information send self-addressed stamped VCRs, and gym equipment?They are supposed to envelope to: be punished for their crimes, not to be in a resort. Pelican Bay Legal Services Pick up your pen and start writing to the c/o Marriage Info people you've elected. Let them know you are sick General Delivery and tired of the way prisoners are coddled in San Quentin, CA 94964 resort prisons. And if they are not at Pelican Bay, hurray for our side.

Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 7 993 Thank you for your support

NEXT ISSUE: STAMP • The Madrid v. Gomez civil rights trial • Colorado State Prison at Florence Publisher: PELICAN BAY INFORMA- Pelican Bay TION PROJECT Editor a Lqyoat: Information Project DORET KOLLERER Associate Editors: COREY WEINSTEIN THE PELICAN BAY INFORMATION PROJECT is an independent LUIS TALAMANTEZ citizens group that was formed during 1991 in response to prisoners' Special Feature Editor: complaints about Pelican Bay State Prison. The group is made up of ftdopt-a- prisoner family members and visitors of prisoners, ex-prisoners, human HELEN GRIMES rights advocates, and lawyers. We have sponsored two investigative JANET LAMB visits to Crescent City and Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP), which Manager: included more than 100 in-depth interviews with prisoners and JANE CUTTER visitors. Those site visits, our continuing communications with Special Consultant Pelican Bay prisoners, and our long collective experience with the SAUL KANOWITZ California Department of Corrections provide the basis of for our Data Entry; knowledge about the harsh realities of life at PBSP and its torturous KARINA & REBEL Security Housing Unit (SHU). Contributing Writers: The PBIP works to monitor the situation at Pelican Bay and to JENNY DESILVA educate the community about conditions there. Our four goals are: ANNE FLICKENGER 1. An end to the human rights abuses in the Pelican Bay SHU LUIS V. RODRIGUEZ JOHN ROSS 2. An end to the use of long-term solitary confinement in KATHLEEN VASILAKOS California prisons PETER WHITE 3. Rehabilitation of prisoners held in the SHU as survivors of Printing: torture SONOMA VALLEY 4. The closing of the Pelican Bay SHU. PUBLISHING

ffdopt a Prisoner Educational Program EWARD YOURSELF by being a sponsor for an THIS MONTH'S CHOICE IS: indigent Pelican Bay SHU prisoner. Be part of Ruben Castrellon, #E-27138, SHU D-10-106 ' assisting prisoners to educate and better them- Box 7500, Crescent City 95532 selves by sending them paperback books and articles and by sharing insights. If you choose to send educa- "It is my strong belief that an avenue is needed tional materials anonymously, you may do this through for prisoners so that when they're finally re- the Pelican Bay Informaion Project Adopt a Prisoner leased from these confinements, they will have Program. Each edition of the Pelican Bay Prison Ex- a better and basic understanding on what it will press will feature a particular prisoner's words or other take to further themselves socially and eco- material sent from within the SHU. To get involved or nomically. We should all hope that in society for more information, write: supporting rehabilitation, we can generate an on-going fight for prisoner reform and increased ADOPT-A-PRISONER, c/o PBIP opportunities for prisoners, and their families. 2489 Mission St. #28 Let's not give up hope." San Francisco, CA 94110 —Ruben Castrellon

Page 24 Pelican Bay Prison Express, July 1993