San Quentin News

WRITTEN BY INMATES – ADVANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE Award Winner VOL. 2017 NO. 1 January 2017 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 3,773 Writers take guests on emotional journey By Eddie Herena criminal justice system and San Quentin News Photographer challenged the social stigma of incarceration, while others Stories by incarcerated writ- were imaginative expressions ers swept members of the out- through spoken word or fic- side community into a world tion. behind prison walls. Nearly 60 guests arrived to Sponsored by the William listen to the readings by mem- James Association’s Prison bers of Zoe Mullery’s creative Arts Project, the reading was writing class Brothers in Pen. an opportunity for the incar- Mullery has been teaching the cerated writers of San Quen- class for 17 years, and this was tin to share their work. Many the 11th annual public reading. Photo by Jonathan Chiu- San Quentin News of their stories articulated Julius De Guia (left) and Nikesh Patel (right) hear Vaughn Miles speak personal struggles within the See Creative on Page 12 of collaboration between inmates and public safety officials Prosecutors visit SQ News seeking answers to public safety By Juan Haines the kind of people they have the root causes behind crimi- Senior Editor convicted and sent to prison. nal thinking, like anger and A large part of the solution rejection. It’s about listening to A team of San Francisco’s is curbing criminal behavior in what is happening in the kid’s leading prosecutors came into children before they wind up in life.” said Philip Melendez, San Quentin on Dec. 16, seek- jail and prison, the inmates told convicted of two first-degree ing answers to very tough ques- the district attorneys. murders. Photo by Peter Mertz tions about public safety and “It’s not about locking a kid Emcee Kenny Brydon and Zoe Mullery got eye-opening answers from up. It’s about understanding See DA Forum on Page 20 A journey to freedom filled with pain and survival By Arnulfo T. Garcia longer a danger to public safety. Executive Editor Holt’s journey to freedom was not easy. He was diag- After serving nearly 30 years nosed with cancer in January. behind bars, Duane Holt was a The possibility of dying in changed man who convinced prison was a reality check, he a parole board that he was no said. He thought about how his family would be affected by his death. At the beginning of his in- carceration, he felt he’d never make it out of such a violent place. Later he wanted to show his mother that he was not the Courtesy of NBC Bay Area same person who was arrested for murder nearly three de- Inmates sit with potential employers at the job readiness seminar cades ago. However, in 2014, his mother died. He said think- Inmates preview job opportunities thanks ing about his feelings after losing his mother and facing death himself connected him to an Employment Readiness Seminar to the pain of the victims of his By Kevin D. Sawyer Department of Corrections and parolee was recently hired. “He crime. Associate Editor Rehabilitation (CDCR), and oth- started this week, and he’s doing Courtesy of Duane Holt er organizations. “We facilitate well.” She said a woman who is Duane Holt with his dog See Duane on Page 4 A group of San Quentin pris- relationships.” in prison in Chowchilla will pa- oners got a preview of job oppor- The weeks-long seminars role soon and wants an interview. tunities when they are released, teach inmates how to present She also has other inmates who SQ inmates surveyed thanks to an Employment Readi- themselves on paper by com- are interested in employment, ness Seminar. municating with letters of intro- including another San Quentin Thirty-six inmates and 33 duction and resumes. They also inmate. about Trump’s election outside guests attended the De- learn interview techniques. Williams co-founded the job In a sample survey taken from dents said that a Trump presi- cember event, the latest of four “We just hired someone who program with inmate Nobel But- San Quentin inmates, more dency poses a direct threat to job seminars held in the past two got out of San Quentin,” said ler as a way to connect inmates than half think a Donald Trump their future. years. Donna of Rubicon Bakery. She with potential employers, one- presidency has the potential to Almost 40 percent of respon- “We prepare men for jobs,” said she wants to make connec- on-one. Their first step was to make America worse, while dents said their job opportuni- said Diana Williams to an au- tions. “We love the (seminars) teach the men how to communi- about 20 percent think things ties outside of prisons were in dience of employers, inmates, program. We really want to help.” cate administratively and in per- would be better under a Trump jeopardy. trade union representatives, for- Every Dog Has Its Daycare at- son through interviewing. presidency. mer inmates, law enforcement, tended the event for a third time. About a third of the respon- See Post Election on Page 4 top officials from the California The owner said a San Quentin See Employment on Page 5 Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017 Inside Edition #88 Prosecutors visit SQ News 1 Delivering a message 9 Writers take guests on 1 Volunteers’ caroling brings 10 A journey to freedom 1 Christmas banquet shows 10 Inmates preview job 1 Discovering what it means 11 SQ inmates surveyed 1 Arts & Entertainment 12-13 Newsbriefs 2 Albergues de apoyo para 14 Mock crash but a real inmate 3 Trump crea pánico en los 14 Court OKs ex-warden’s trial 3 San Joaquin offers free 14 US prison commissary 4 Dreamers fearful 14 New law requires inmate’s 4 Inmate veterans deliver 15 $473.5 million spent on 17 5 Christmas comes early 15 Archbishop of SF unveils 6 Book Review 16 Project Rebound helps 6 Study explores how lifers 16 Letters to the Editor 6 Asked On The Line 16 Are fewer inmates good 6 SHU inmates down 65 16 Kid CAT Speaks 7 Correctional officers 17 Protestors’ vigil at CIW 8 Centinela helps 17 Straight talk from women 8 Chowchilla’s cosmetology 17 The way she treats us 9 Sports 18-19

Printing and distribution of the San Quentin ica’s Toughest Sheriff,” and re- grant to reduce its jail popula- News is supported solely by donations News Briefs placed him with retired Phoenix tion by a third. City officials are and grants from the outside community. To police sergeant Paul Penzone. focusing on reducing recidivism make a donation please visit our website 1. National News – Last No- “No longer will we be known by sealing records of low-level at: sanquentinnews.com or send your vember, one of every 40 Ameri- by the notoriety of one,” Pen- crimes from everyone except can adults was not able to vote zone told azcentral.com. “The law enforcement. The effort, city tax-deductible check or money order to: because of state laws that bar only division we should see in officials say, would increase the Friends of San Quentin News people with past felony convic- the community is between those offenders’ chance of getting a P.O. Box 494, San tions from casting ballots, The who commit the crime and those job. Since late last year, nearly Quentin, CA 94964 Sentencing Project reports. The (who) are willing to hold them 2,000 people with criminal re- Under the check memo section, please report estimated 6.1 million accountable.” cords signed up for free clinics write “Friends of San Quentin News” Americans did not vote because 5. Nebraska – More than 60 around the city. Experts estimate Thank you for your support. of these state laws. The laws percent of state voters said they about 1,200 people would ben- vary widely. Florida, Iowa and want to reverse lawmakers’ efit from the project. Prisoners United in the Craft of Journalism Virginia have some of the harsh- elimination of the death penalty. 10. Hookerton, NC – Vietnam est laws. They impose lifetime Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts veterans doing time in one of in collaboration with students from the voting bans on felons. However, led the effort, saying voters want the state’s prisons, along with in these states, voting rights can the death penalty. other inmates who served in be restored on a case-by-case 6. Oklahoma – About two- the military after Sept. 11, have basis by a governor or a court. thirds of state voters agreed to their own dormitory. “They’re Maine and Vermont are the only change the state constitution, still inmates,” Kenneth Lassiter, states that place no restrictions stating that “any method of ex- deputy director of operations UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY on people with felony convic- ecution shall be allowed, unless for the state Department of Pub- tions. Citizens can even vote prohibited by the United States lic Safety, told newsobserver. Graduate School of Journalism while incarcerated in Maine and Constitution” and that the meth- com. “They’re still incarcerated. Vermont. od “shall not be deemed to be, They’re still heroes, though.” 2. Sacramento – Opponents or to constitute, the infliction of According to the report, the state of the new law, Proposition 66, cruel or unusual punishment.” has about 1,900 veterans – 5 per- which would speed up execu- 7. Houston, Texas – The Ameri- cent of the state’s prison popula- tions in the state, are asking the can Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) tion. We Want To Hear San Quentin News state Supreme Court to block filed a federal lawsuit against From You! Current and past copies of the San its implementation. The law the southeast city of Santa Fe, CALIFORNIA ELECTION Quentin News are posted online at: would require the state Supreme accusing it of being a debtor’s The San Quentin News (www.sanquentinnews.com) RESULTS: encourages inmates, free staff, Court to rule on death penalty prison and “prioritizing raising 100 percent (24,847 of 24,847) (www.flickr.com/photos/ precincts reporting: custody staff, volunteers and sanquentinnews) appeals within five years, set a revenue of the city over admin- others outside the institution to Permission is granted to reprint articles five-year deadline for second- istering justice fairly,” reports • Hillary Clinton= submit articles. All submissions appearing in the San Quentin News stage appeals (habeus corpus) ABC7 El Paso. According to a 8,753,788 (62.2 percent) become property of the provided credit is given to the author and require defense lawyers to report filed by the ACLU, during • Donald J. Trump= San Quentin News. and this publication, except for articles Please use the following criteria file those appeals with the trial a four-month period in 2015 and 4,483,810 (31.8 percent) reprinted herein from other publications. when submitting: judge within a year. The law 2016, 48.9 percent of the people • Jill Stein= 278,657 • Limit your articles to no more Administrative Review also would expand the pool of the Houston municipal court (2.0 percent) than 350 words. Warden’s Office ...... Lt. S. Robinson defense lawyers by including at- system jailed were Black. The • Gary Johnson= • Know that articles will be edited ...... Sgt. Chris Siino for content and length. torneys who take on non-capital city’s Black population is about 478,499 (3.4 percent) CDCR Information Officer II (Supervisor) ... • The newspaper is not a medium appeals, and it eliminates ad- 24 percent. In nearby Texas City, • Gloria Estela La Rive= ...... Krissi Khokhobashvili to file grievances. (For that, use ministrative review of the single the study found that during an 66,101 (0.5 percent) Adviser ...... Linda Xiques the prison appeals process.) We drug execution method, the new unspecified six-month period, • Prison Reform: encourage submitting articles that Adviser ...... William Drummond are newsworthy and encompass Adviser ...... Joan Lisetor rules for which are currently un- 60 percent of the people its mu- Proposition 57 issues that will have an impact on Adviser...... Steve McNamara der review at the Office of Ad- nicipal court system jailed were Yes = 8,790,723 the prison populace. Adviser ...... John C. Eagan ministrative Law. Black. In Texas City, Blacks (64.5 percent) • Please do not use offensive Adviser ...... Jon Spurlock 3. Folsom – The cost for the make up about one-third of the No = 4,847,354 language in your submissions. Adviser ...... Jan Perry record-keeping system used by population. (35.5 percent) • Poems and artwork (cartoons Adviser ...... Nikki Meredith and drawings) are welcomed. California prison officials to 8. New York –Gov. Andrew M. • End Death Penalty: • Letters to the editor should be San Quentin News Staff track nearly 130,000 inmates’ Cuomo has ordered a statewide Proposition 62 short and to the point. inquiry into what has been called Yes = 6,361,788 Editor-in-Chief ...... Richard Richardson medical and mental healthcare Send Submissions to: Executive Editor ...... Arnulfo T. Garcia has doubled from the original “pervasive racial bias by prison (46.8 percent) San Quentin News Senior Editor ...... Juan Haines estimated cost to almost $400 guards” in the state’s 54 prisons, No = 7,218,625 1 Main Street Associate Editor ...... Kevin D. Sawyer million, The Associated Press The New York Times reports. (53.2 percent) San Quentin, CA 94964 Managing Editor ...... Wayne Boatwright reports. The extra cost comes The action was taken after a re- • Marijuana Legalization: For inmates that want to receive Journalism Guild Chairman ...... from maintaining the system, port by the Times documenting Proposition 64: a copy of the San Quentin News ...... Marcus Henderson replacing worn-out equipment, racial disparities in the prison Yes = 7,979,041 in the mail, send $1.61 worth of Staff Writer ...... Rahsaan Thomas and additional hardware like disciplinary system that found (57.1 percent) stamps for postage to the above Staff Writer ...... Davontae T. Pariani address. mobile devices along with the that Black and Latino inmates No = 5,987,020 Staff Writer ...... Emile DeWeaver software to run them. Most of were punished at twice the rate (42.9 percent) The process can be repeated Staff Writer ...... Wesley Eisiminger the extra costs have been added of White inmates at some pris- • Speed Up Death Penalty: every month if you want to Staff Writer ...... David Le receive the latest newspaper. Staff Writer ...... Samuel Hearnes into the prison system’s health- ons, sent to solitary confinement Proposition 66: Behind the Scenes Photographer ...... Eddie Herena care budget of $1.9 billion. more often and were held there Yes = 6,626,159 4. Arizona – Maricopa County longer. (51.1 percent) The San Quentin News is printed Layout Designer ...... Keung Vanh by Marin Sun Printing, San Rafael, Layout Designer ...... Jonathan Chiu voters ousted the 24-year reign 9. Philadelphia – Last April, No = 6,333,731 with donations from supporters. Researcher ...... Richard Lindsey of Joe Arpaio, known as “Amer- the city received a $3.5 million (48.9 percent) January 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 3 Mock crash but a real inmate jolts high school students By Krissi Khokhobashvili eyes very wide,” urged James “If you’re a first responder for CDCR Public Information Enochs’ High School Principal any period of time, you’ve been Officer Deborah Rowe, speaking to a to many crashes just like this,” gym full of seniors assembled said CHP Officer Eric Parsons. When Kaitlin Bennett got be- for the somber presentation. “Most of the people you saw hind the wheel of her car after “Consider how the choices that out there working that crash do having drinks with a friend in you make each and every day this on a regular basis, unfortu- 2012, she didn’t know her de- impact the lives of others so nately.” cision would have devastating very greatly.” During the memorial effects. at Enochs High School in Speeding and running a red Modesto, a guest speaker – Ben- light, she crashed into a vehicle “The shame and nett – stood at the podium, carrying five teenagers. A few dressed in street clothes and were ejected and suffered ma- guilt eat her alive looking, for all intents and pur- jor injuries. Bennett woke up poses, like a professional young in county jail, where she began and consume woman. As she spoke, she her life as a prisoner. her when she shared a story about a woman Today, as an inmate at Cen- she once knew who had a hard tral California Women’s Facil- closes her eyes” childhood but maintained a pos- ity (CCWF), Bennett is sharing itive outlook as she moved into the lessons she learned with an adulthood that included mar- youth, using herself as an ex- The day of the mock crash, riage and raising two great kids. ample to stop them from mak- students were pulled out of By building walls and stuffing ing the same bad decision. class at 15-minute intervals, her feelings down a bottle, she “Saying ‘I’m sorry’ doesn’t their empty desks an illustra- was able to power through the fix anything,” Bennett shared. tion of the shocking statistic challenges of a father who aban- “Giving back is the only thing that every 15 minutes, someone doned her, a husband on deploy- that helps lessen my shame and is killed or seriously injured ment and relationships ending. guilt. If I can help one person, in an alcohol-related incident. She put on a happy face, pro- that’s the only thing that mat- Then, the students were called vided for her family and drank ters to me.” out to the field to witness the to numb the pain. Bennett, who also gives back gruesome crash reenactment, “Deciding to go out with a Photos by Krissi Khokhobashvili by serving as a firefighter at complete with first responders friend one night to have a few The students are silent as CCWF Capt. Y. Hill leads inmate CCWF, was recruited by Fire from throughout the commu- drinks turned out to be one Kaitlin Bennett out of the gym in handcuffs Chief C. Diaz to speak to lo- nity who volunteered their time of her biggest regrets in life,” cal high schoolers as part of to show the students just what Bennett told the students. “She Penny Johnson, whose son Warden Johnson said. “First, it the Every 15 Minutes program. happens during such an event. remembers waking up on the Kalief was one of the “living allows the inmates an oppor- Schools throughout the country Agencies participating included concrete floor of a cell, disori- dead” at the ceremony, made tunity to make amends to the take part in two-day events that the California Highway Patrol, ented, confused. She was being a point to speak with Bennett victims or their families and include a graphic reenactment Stanislaus County Sheriff’s charged with a felony DUI with after the memorial to thank her second, and most importantly, of a drunk-driving crash, in- Department, Modesto Police great bodily injury. She made for sharing her story. it saves a life. CCWF will con- cluding a memorial for the stu- Department, Modesto Fire, a careless, foolish, thoughtless “Everyone else’s story was tinue to support the community dents “killed” in the accident. American Medical Response decision to drink and drive.” pretend,” Johnson said. “When by participating in this effort.” “I’m asking all of you for ambulance and Memorial Med- The students listened with she got up there, hers was for The intended message came the next hour to open your ical Center. rapt attention as Bennett re- real. She’s living it every day through loud and clear to stu- counted the injuries the teen in because of a bad decision. It re- dent Brooke Bettencourt, who the other car suffered, and how ally hit home, and I think some was led into the gym hand- scared they must have been, ly- students will probably realize cuffed and in a county jail ing on the roadway, screaming this could really happen.” uniform. She had taken on the for help. CCWF Fire Chief C. Diaz, role of the driver for Every 15 “She did this,” Bennett said. who supervises Bennett, said Minutes, which included be- “She caused this damage. She CCWF has a 250-square-mile ing field-tested for sobriety at hurt and forever changed these mutual aid response area, and the scene, arrested and actually people’s lives and their fami- that almost daily his crew re- transported to the county jail. lies. The irreparable damage sponds to some type of vehicle Taking part in the crash, she she has caused to a multitude of accident. While not all are alco- said, was so realistic she forgot innocent lives creates in her a hol-related, he said, even one is she was acting. Watching from personal prison from which she too many. That’s why he sup- the audience, Bennett nodded will not be pardoned.” ports Every 15 Minutes, even knowingly as Bettencourt re- The gym was silent as Ben- though there is a lot of effort counted the intense shame and nett stepped to the side of the and coordination involved. guilt she felt realizing the de- podium and removed her jeans “To be a part of it and see the struction she had caused. and sweater to reveal a bright impact the speaker makes – I’ll “Those tears that came down orange jumpsuit with “CDCR do every single one the warden my face, the screams I was inmate” stamped on the leg. Be- lets me do,” he said. “All we screaming, were real,” she said. fore being handcuffed and led need to do is stop one. Just one.” “I just want everyone to under- Photos by Krissi Khokhobashvili out of the gym by an officer, she The effort is fully supported stand how real it is – this could revealed she was the driver, and by CCWF and Warden Deborah happen to anyone. It’s so easy CCWF inmate firefighter Kaitlin Bennett, in street is serving an eight-year prison K. Johnson. to take the life of someone. It’s clothes, tells the students about a woman she knew sentence for DUI with great “The involvement in this even easier to just not get be- who made the terrible decision to drink and drive bodily injury. event serves two purposes,” hind the wheel.” Court OKs ex-warden’s trial for guard’s sex with inmates By David Eugene Archer Sr. Jossie Ramos and Melissa the news release states. Swatzell physically assaulted Journalism Guild Writer Ortiz are the plaintiffs who Garcia “knew or should have her in retaliation for report- were prisoners at CIW, where known about the sexual mis- ing his sexual misconduct,” A former California prison Correctional Officer Gary conduct and retaliation” per- reported the Press Enterprise. warden can face trial in a sex Swatzell allegedly subjected petrated by one of his officers, In addition to Garcia and abuse case, a federal appeals them to ongoing sexual abuse. the lawsuit charged. Garcia Swatzell, other defendants court ruled in October, said the Swatzell abused his authority “failed to prevent further harm are correctional officers Jason Press Enterprise. by making threats and bribes to plaintiffs,” the suit added. Horigan, Ricardo Llamas, Sgt. Guillermo Garcia, former in exchange for sexual contact “Mr. Garcia ignored several Luis Flores, and Lt. Peggy warden of the California Insti- with the inmates, according to reports from a prison lieuten- Maldonado, as well as Matthew tution for Women (CIW), lost the complaint. ant that former Corrections Cate, then secretary of CDCR, his appeal in a federal appeals The complaint continued, Officer Gary Swatzell was en- the complaint said. court on Oct. 12, Oakland- Ramos and Ortiz “were repeat- gaging in sexual misconduct The state Attorney Gen- based Justice First Attorneys edly coerced into engaging with several inmates,” Justice eral’s Office is representing at Law said. in sexual acts with Swatzell First lawyers said. the defendants. A representa- Garcia had claimed “he without their lawful consent. Garcia “didn’t report Swat- tive could not be reached for should be immune from Ramos was impregnated by zell’s alleged sexual miscon- comment, the Press Enterprise liability and dismissed from Swatzell and delivered a child duct to the California De- said. File photo the case,” said a news release who she is now unable to care partment of Corrections and The case is expected to go to from Justice First, plaintiffs’ for and raise.” Rehabilitation and ignored trial in 2017, the news release Former CIW Warden attorneys. The child is now 5 years old, the lieutenant’s complaint that stated. Guillermo Garcia Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017 US prison commissary giants are set to merge By Marcus Henderson Initiative article. ous state and county sheriff as- the same economic distortions various prison-related busi- Journalism Guild Chairman Throughout the nation, the sociations across the nation. that afflicted the prison phone nesses. prison commissary business San Quentin is one of the industry, the article noted. Jails Access Securepak delivers As prisoners across the nation brings in an estimated $1.6 bil- prisons in California that holds and prisons often receive a quarterly packages to inmates, wage protests over what they lion in sales a year. Keefe, Trin- a commissary contract with commission or kickback from and ICSolutions (short for In- consider slave labor for low or ity and Aramark are the three Keefe Group, according to commissary operators as well. mate Calling Solutions) a com- no pay, two of the country’s big- companies that dominate this Dineen Parsons, the material The Trinity/Keefe merger munications company, are two gest prison commissary compa- market. and store supervisor. could reap annual revenues of of them. nies are set to merge. With two companies merging, “Sacramento makes the con- $875 million, more than half of HIG and ICSolutions filed a HIG Capital, owner of Trinity it would be difficult for smaller tracts for all 34 prisons, so I the total commissary market. notice of the sale with the Fed- Services Group, a commissary firms to outbid for contracts. believe we will still get good With jails and prison facili- eral Communications Commis- and food-service operator, Trinity is a member of the prices,” said Parsons. “We deal ties cutting their food budgets sion in June. announced that it would be American Correctional Asso- with multiple vendors, so we and subsistence, incarcerated Keefe and HIG argued in their acquiring Keefe Group, one of ciation, American Jail Asso- will probably see increases and people are forced to pay for joint filing with the FCC that the largest for-profit operators ciation, National Association decreases throughout the year.” basic necessities to supplement the acquisition “will serve the of prison and jail commissaries, of Deputy Wardens, National The merger-created reduc- the food in the cafeteria. This public interest by providing ad- according to a Prison Policy Sheriff’s Association and vari- tion in competition can lead to causes commissary orders to ditional capital to ICSolutions, increase dramatically, the ar- which in turn will enhance its ticle noted. ability to maintain and improve In California state prisons, in- its network and services,” the mate pay scales run from Level article reported. New law requires inmate’s Five laborers at $.08 - $.13 to The statement fails to address Level One lead person at $.32 whether there is actually a lack - $.37, according to California of adequate capital for ICSolu- consent for federal interviews Code of Regulations Title 15. tions or any other Keefe compa- These pay rates translate into nies. By Salvador Solorio a measured approach to due pro- informed of their right to refuse $12 to $56 monthly, before the In 2014, Trinity already ac- Journalism Guild Writer cess and transparency princi- interviews with ICE officials department deducts 55 percent quired Swanson Services Cor- ples,” reported The Desert Sun. while incarcerated. The new for court-ordered restitutions poration, a leading national pro- A new California law requires Jon Rodney, spokesman for law also makes communication and administrative fees. vider of commissary products law enforcement agencies to the California Immigrant Policy between ICE and local law en- San Quentin commissary has and integrated software servic- have inmates sign a written con- Center, said, “California must forcement agencies subject to already seen some increases in es to correctional facilities. sent before being interviewed by do much more to ease the pain of public record laws. certain items, according to Par- Trinity provides support ser- the federal immigration agency. harsh deportations that continue The author, Assemblyman sons, due to changing of con- vices to 400 correctional fa- Gov. Jerry Brown signed the to demonize and devastate com- Rob Bonta, D-Oakland, wrote, tracts. cilities across 33 states, Puerto measure, Assembly Bill 2792, munities across the state. Harsh “The damage to our communi- However, those jails and pris- Rico and the US Virgin Islands, on Sept. 28. It limits interviews deportations stemming from the ties has been tremendous. Par- on facilities that do want to ne- according to their website. by ICE (Immigration and Cus- tangling of police and ICE – an ents and children are being sep- gotiate for fair pricing will have Given the market shares of toms Enforcement). unaccountable agency with a arated from their families. Trust less leverage and higher prices Trinity and Keefe, it should be The governor wrote, “The long track record of deceiving in law enforcement is disappear- are a distinct possibility, the a matter of concern to incarcer- author and proponents greatly the public – are causing pain and ing. Victims and witnesses are Prison Policy Initiative noted. ated people, their family mem- modified these far reaching pro- suffering across California.” now afraid of the police who are The Keefe Group is a network bers and antitrust regulators, visions, and the bill now reflects AB 2792 requires inmates be supposed to protect them.” of six companies that operate the article concluded.

deeper understanding on how REHABILITATION AND Duane every life matters,” Holt said. GIVING BACK: “When I was told that I could go Continued from Page 1 home to my family, I felt grate- Holt spent most of his time in ful and guilty at the same time. prison learning green construc- The experience also made him My victim’s family will never see tion technology and volunteering reach out to his daughters, Sibyl their loved one again, because of with a diversion program geared and Megan. He wants to be a what I did.” to mentor at-risk youth. good grandparent to their five Holt said he thinks about the “These are two things I’d like children. victim’s family every day and to keep doing,” Holt said. “One Having his own family con- that one day he hopes to get the day I’d like to own a construc- cerned about his fate made him opportunity to answer any ques- tion company and also give back realize how devastated his vic- tions they might want to ask him. to the community by mentoring tim’s family felt about losing “They could have appeared be- at-risk youth.” Photo by Harold Meeks their loved one because of his fore the board and ask that I don’t Holt said what got him inter- Duane with his family at a SQ education graduation wrongdoing. He said it was dur- get released,” Holt said. “But ested in giving back to the com- ing that time, that he was able to they didn’t do that. They didn’t munity was when about 10 years prisoners like the rest of society,” how to respond to various life- take full responsibility for the life come. I hope that my release ago someone commented that Holt said. “It took me many years stressors, instead of reacting to he took. doesn’t bring them any painful people respect him for all of the to change my criminal thinking. them. “That gave me a revelation and memories.” positive things he was doing in But when I realized that I didn’t the prison. want to be defined by the worst MESSAGE TO “When I was told that people mistake I’ve ever made in my THE CALIFORNIA November. listen to me, I thought about be- life — the horrible decision that DEPARTMENT OF Post Election Proposition 57 gives the sec- ing an asset to the community, cost the life of another human retary of corrections, Scott instead of a liability,” Holt said. being -- did I begin to change CORRECTIONS AND Continued from Page 1 Kernan, the ability to modify That idea got Holt involved and want to make amends.” REHABILITATION: the sentences of some inmates with the SQUIRES program at He added, “I was punished Close to 43 percent think who qualify as non-violent and San Quentin. He said working for my crime, and I had to prove “All prisoners should learn policies toward immigrants and allows him to give good-time with the youngsters has taught that I was a changed man, so my work ethics, because many peo- immigrant communities are un- credits to any inmate he sees him how the world has changed message to all prisoners is: ‘Stay ple come to prison that never der threat. fit. The new law also took away and how intelligent kids are to- in the programs, because there is held a job,” Holt said. “Reha- Slightly more than 41 percent the district attorney’s ability to day. He said he was able to un- light at the other end of the tun- bilitative programs ought to be said policies toward undocu- decide when to send juvenile of- derstand how peer pressure puts nel.’” offered to everyone, especially mented immigrants and undoc- fenders to adult courts and gave the youth on misguided paths. Holt said the various self-help these young men before they go umented immigrant communi- that determination to judges. “With the proper guidance, programs gave him insight as to back into society.” ties are under threat. In the November elections, coming from positive role mod- why he held on to negative think- He said he noticed that with Approximately 57 percent California voters not only els, they can achieve anything in ing. After learning about him- all the technology in the world said the rights of minorities are decided to keep the death penalty life they want,” Holt said. self, he was able to talk openly today, a lot of kids don’t know under threat. on the books, but also approved Holt’s battle against cancer to the commissioners on the pa- how to work with their hands. About a third think the rights speeding up executions by also made him aware of the lack role board and answer all of their But he’s seen men in the prison of women are under threat. shortening the appeals process. of funding for cancer research. questions with confidence. workplace, where there is a lack Close to half said sentencing The survey also wanted to know He said he’s open to participating “I felt good when the commis- of technology, but they are good laws would get tougher. how inmates feel about those in the cancer walks, just like he sioners quizzed me a lot about with their hands, “but they lack Slightly more than 62 per- changes. did when he supported the Walk the GRIP (Guiding Rage Into the intellect or patience to com- cent believe policing practices Nearly 61 percent of the re- Against Breast Cancer while in- Power) program.” Holt said. “I prehend reading material. So, would get tougher. spondents to the survey did not carcerated at San Quentin. did the work and was able to re- it’s important for education op- The survey showed that 68 support speeding up the death spond naturally.” portunities to be available while percent of the respondents penalty, while about 15 percent MESSAGE TO PRISONERS: GRIP is a 52-week compre- someone is doing time.” were very supportive of the were very supportive. hensive self-awareness program Holt walked out of San Quen- passage of Proposition 57 last –Juan Haines “Of course, I don’t look at geared toward teaching inmates tin State Prison on Oct. 26, 2016. January 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 5 $473.5 million spent on 17 state ballot measures By David Eugene Archer Sr. in the Times said. prescription drug costs. the majority of nearly $60 mil- Prop. 57 and was opposed to Journalism Guild Writer “On average, more than $1.5 Tobacco Giant Philip Morris lion in favor of Prop. 52, which Prop. 53. Prop. 57 would make million has been raised every day alone kicked in more than $44 would make permanent funding more prisoners eligible for parole. The 17 propositions on the this year to influence the outcome million to defeat Prop. 56, which for Medi-Cal for low-income res- Prop. 53 requires voter approval California November ballot set a of propositions on the November imposed a $2-per-pack tax on idents, the Times reported. for the sale of revenue bonds of new state record for donations at ballot,” said Sophia Bollag, a re- cigarettes, reported the Times. Tom Steyer, former hedge fund $2 billion or more. Brown gave $473.5 million, according to the porter at the LA Times. The California Hospital Asso- manager, gave more than $11 more than $4 million from his Los Angeles Times. More than a third of the money ciation and the California Teach- million, with most of it going to 2014 gubernatorial campaign ac- Prop. 61, 56 and 52 accounted came from tobacco and phar- ers Association donated more Prop. 56, Prop. 55, Prop. 62, the count and appeared in a televi- for more than half of the total maceutical companies to defeat than $20 million to support Prop. death penalty repeal measure, sion ad to defeat 53, said Bollag. contributions, according to the propositions 56 and 61, she re- 55, which would extend current Prison parole initiative Prop. 57, Campaign finance filings show California Secretary of State re- ported. income tax rates on wealthy Cali- and bilingual education Prop. 58, $16 million was raised in support cords. Merck, Pfizer and Johnson fornians, to finance schools and Bollag said. of Prop. 62 to repeal the death That $473.5 million was & Johnson were the top three healthcare, said Bollag. Former Facebook president penalty. The committee giving roughly twice what Republican contributors toward the more The hospital association do- Sean Parker gave more than $8 that money opposed Prop. 66, candidate Donald Trump than $109 million against nated another $10 million to sup- million to Prop. 64, which legal- which expedites executions of reported raising for his Prop. 61. Bollag said that these port Prop. 56. They joined health izes marijuana, said Bollag. death row inmates, according to presidential campaign, a review contributions would influence care organizations to contribute Gov. Jerry Brown supported the Times.

Employment Continued from Page 1

“I thought I was a pretty sharp guy when it came to resumes,” said inmate Norfleet Stewart, 67. “I found out I didn’t know anything. I came to this class not expecting anything. To gain this wealth of knowledge is invalu- able.” He said he learned how to speak, how to humble himself and how to be interviewed. The prison’s Protestant Cha- pel was transformed into a makeshift job fair as inmates and employers discussed em- ployment opportunities and the chance to make better lives for themselves and their communi- ties. “I feel like this is a pathway and opportunity overlooked,” Courtesy of NBC Bay Area said Tannis C. Reinhertz, de- Warden Ron Davis (left) with potential employers partment chair at City College of San Francisco. “This is a way trusted employees come from preparing inmates increases It gives us a lot of opportunity. thanks to increased rehab and to enrich the community.” this system,” said Johnson. “So- their sense of self-worth. “If we With this help, it’s a strong pos- job programs. “We’re all unique. “I’m very impressed. I think ciety in general doesn’t give take that away from them, how sibility people won’t come back It’s not about who we are but it’s a good opportunity for them them a chance. So, when they do we expect them to succeed?” to prison.” what we do.” to test their skills,” said Connie find someone who does, they “We work with a lot of folks Inmate Kevin Fuqua, 50, When the interviews ended, Gibson, deputy director of fa- hold on to the opportunity.” with criminal backgrounds,” added, “I’ve never had an inter- the inmates applauded the em- cility operations for California Inmate Adriel Ramirez, 39, said Bekka from JVS Health- view. It gives me an advantage ployers. prisons. “To see the programs has been incarcerated for 20 care Academy. This was her first because of my age.” The men attended a gradua- prepare you for release is awe- years. Before prison he worked time attending a job event. “It’s David Basil, 64, works for tion ceremony two weeks later. some.” two part-time jobs. Hired on really exciting,” she said. “It’s a Community Housing Partner- They received job listings of Inmate Ronnie Williams, 51, the spot as a teenager, he said good opportunity for people.” ship. He was locked up 32 years “felon friendly” employers, cer- said, “I think it’s a perfect oppor- he filled out his W-2 forms and She said she worked formerly in and paroled from San Quentin tificates and a laudatory chro- tunity for guys like myself to get started working. a prison for women in the state in 2014. He now works to find nology document for their cen- ahead. I think I’ve done enough “I’ve never done a resume be- of Washington. housing for the homeless, in- tral file. work internally. One thing that fore,” said Ramirez. “This is my “I like doing this,” said Kevin digent and those afflicted with Formerly incarcerated Tito J. completed it is this employment first experience having to inter- McCraken of Social Imprints. different forms of addiction. “I Guerrero attended the gradua- readiness seminar.” view. I’m enjoying it so far.” He said he was in and out of the oversee 35 employees,” said Ba- tion with Basile. Derreck Johnson is the owner The Cala Restaurant opened criminal justice system for many sil. Guerrero paroled from Solano of Home of Chicken and Waffles a little more than a year ago. years when he was younger, but Warden Ron Davis told the in 2009 after serving 12 years. with three locations in the Bay Its general manager, Emma has been clean and sober for 18 group most people don’t know He talked about the routines of Area. He has attended all four Rosenbush, said they’ve had years. “I think you guys are re- this side of San Quentin. “This prisons. job fairs and hires formerly in- a second-chance employment ally well-prepared. I would be is a (typical) Thursday in San “When you’re in prison, some- carcerated citizens. practice since day one. She used very happy to offer any of you Quentin,” he said, referring to one else writes your script,” “I’m from West Oakland. I to volunteer at Patten University a job.” the many programs for inmates. Guerrero said. “But that is a lie. don’t judge people, as long as in San Quentin and the Prison Inmate Ollie Miller, 39, incar- Diana Williams said Califor- You write your own script. So, they have the capacity to work. Law Office where she monitored cerated for 20 years, said, “I be- nia prison recidivism has gone what are you going to write to Some of the most loyal and prison issues. Rosenbush said lieve it’s a real helpful program. from 65 percent to 45 percent, get to the ending that you desire? “Give yourself achievable goals and small victories. I started off at $8.75 as a Good- will truck driver. Now, I make a hell of a lot more than that. If you come out, knowing that you want to work hard, it will show. Don’t tell people what you want to do – show them.” Rodeo Van Bladel, 40, due for release soon, said, “This pro- gram helps keep me aware of the steps I need to take to find a job when I get out. It opens doors and opportunities. It allowed me to speak and lets me know that everybody doesn’t have a biased opinion about people who are in prison.” Courtesy of NBC Bay Area Courtesy of NBC Bay Area –Juan Haines and Richard Lathan talking with former inmate and Diana Williams talking with a CDCR representative Rahsaan Thomas now potential employer David Basil Connie Gibson about job opportunities for parolees contributed to this story Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017 Archbishop of SF unveils mural at Christmas Eve Mass SAN QUENTIN NEWS over evil. The Archbishop of San PRESS RELEASE Francisco unveiled the mural af- ter he delivered Christmas Eve Scott McKinstry and Bruce Mass to a congregation of San Fowler worked thousands of Quentin prisoners and dozens of hours over several years on the Bay Area community members. concept and design of a mural “It’s based on Chapter 12 of depicting the victory of good Revelation,” said the prison’s Catholic Chaplain, Father George Williams, who also participated in the mass. “It reminds us of the struggles we undergo every day between good and evil. It encour- ages us to not give up.” Archbishop Salvatore J. Cord- ileone delivered a sermon about rejoicing in gift giving during the holidays. Gift giving for a believer is a humbling experience that brings joyfulness, Cordileone said. Hu- Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News mility with charity brings us all Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone blessing the mural closer to what God wants out of us, the Archbishop told the more a people through Abraham, then very own son,” Cordileone’s said, she sat with. Brittney S. said she than 200 men and women in the gave us the land of milk and hon- fulfilling the Christmas story. is interested in learning how pris- pews. ey and gave us laws to share his It was the first time Brittney S. ons in California operate, partic- Cordileone’s sermon centered wisdom.” had set foot inside a prison. ularly Death Row. on God’s love for Man and the Cordileone’s sermon asserted “Never take life for granted; Prisoner Michael Adams said Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News importance of Jesus Christ. the infidelity of man interfered everybody has worth,” the Uni- the Archbishop’s sermon gave Archbishop “There is a greater gift given with obeying God’s laws, which versity of Southern California him a better understanding of the Salvatore J. Cordileone to us, the gift of his son,” Cord- squandered his gifts. sociology major said about how Christmas story and what the art- delivering a sermon ileone said. “God formed us as “So, he sent his messiah...his she viewed the incarcerated men work depicted in the mural. Project Rebound helps formerly incarcerated gain an education By Forrest Lee Jones they will return to prison. earned a high school diploma. help reduce California’s 44.6 After DeRuy’s visit, a spokes- Journalism Guild Writer The study also showed a ma- After earning 25 credits from percent recidivism rate, accord- man for San Francisco State jor contrast in graduation rates Ohio University, he paroled and ing to SF State officials. A 2010 wrote her an email, saying that A popular program is helping among PR students compared to transferred to San Francisco study showed only 3 percent of the school president has always formerly incarcerated inmates university students: 90 percent State, where he obtained his PR participants re-offend, said believed that the mission and obtain a college education. for PR students and 50 percent bachelor’s and master’s degrees, DeRuy. goals of PR are best served with The program called Project for university students. then became president of PR. Although San Francisco State a leader who was formerly incar- Rebound (PR) is based at San Jason Bell, who became direc- “I knew what it did for me, and supports the program, some stu- cerated. Francisco State University. It has tor of PR in 2005, says the men I didn’t want to see it fold,” he dents believe it would have more Curtis Penn, the new director a dramatically impressive suc- and women who participate in said of succeeding John Irwin. success if run by a felony-free of PR and a former San Quen- cess rate, reports Emily DeRuy the program have “a psycho- The work of Bell and his staff person. Joseph Miles, a formerly tin prisoner, added, “When we of The Atlantic. logical hardiness.” Bell spent his consists of answering corre- incarcerated student who is fin- receive letters from men and It was started in 1967 by a for- twenties in prison for attempted spondence from prisoners, pro- ishing up his senior year through women behind the wall who are merly incarcerated inmate and murder in a brutal fight that cessing applications, setting up the program, disagrees. interested in achieving higher professor of sociology named turned bad. an email account for students, “There’s just no replacing levels of educational attainment, John Irwin, said DeRuy. Earning a diploma during his teaching students how to submit that experience (of incarcera- we cannot help but to act with a Irwin’s idea was that when high school years was difficult their work online and providing tion)” Miles says. Students need since of urgency and empathy, as former inmates obtain a college for him. While incarcerated, food vouchers, transportation to trust that the people running we are them and they are us.” degree, it reduces the chance he continued his education and stipends, and money for books the program know what they’ve Bell, nevertheless, believes the and housing assistance. been through, and it’s important program will succeed regardless During Bell’s tenure, more for students to see people with of any adversity. than 140 students graduated similar backgrounds go on to Whenever prisoners are of- through PR, and those numbers earn degrees and be successful. fered access to college, he said, Letters to the Editor tend to increase. Currently, Bell Miles went to prison for sell- “People are lining up around the is expanding the program to sev- ing narcotics in his late 20s and yard.” The opportunity to actu- My name is Jose Bello, I am the vice-chairman of the en other colleges in the Califor- early 30s. He said the program ally complete a degree after their MAC Executive Body on Facility “C” at Chuckawalla nia State University system. was helpful to him because, release is the logical next step. Valley State Prison. We want to thank you for your The expansion is designed to “There was a camaraderie here.” “It’s like a new beginning.” newspaper, which is read by the majority of the population of this facility. On behalf of the inmate population, we want you to know that we appreciate Are fewer inmates good news? all the information you always provide for us. Not if you invest in private prisons Our chairman (Justin Flournoy) has been thinking about how to produce a local newsletter, and by lo- By David B. Le percent from 2011 to 2016. the town spokesman said. Other Staff Writer The facility run by the GEO small towns could be similarly cal we mean just for our facility. We have some ideas Group had a history of staff affected by such closures. but are finding it difficult to get them done. All of us The decline in prison popula- misconduct and poor living con- However, some analysts are in the MAC are lifers, and we are just trying to help tions is good news unless you ditions for its inmates, which not sure the prison decline will out the community and make this place a little better. happen to be an investor who’s a federal judge described as “a continue. “The low-hanging put money into prison bonds. picture of such horror as should fruit of criminal-justice reform We would like to know if you could give us sug- The 3.8 trillion municipal-se- be unrealized anywhere in the is already done,” said Daniel curities niche market has inves- civilized world,” Bloomberg re- Hanson, an analyst for Height gestions as to how to produce this newsletter. I am tors demanding higher payouts ported. Securities, which tracks the mu- enclosing a copy of the proposal we would like to for their risk as prison bonds Despite the closure, Missis- nicipal-bonds market. submit. Any ideas you have will be welcome. Also, if have been downgraded due to sippi still owes $121 million of Hanson thinks that prison you have ideas in regard to positive activities please the prison population reduc- debt obligation to bond holders. populations may not continue feel free to suggest them. tion and private prisons closure, In August, the Department of to decrease once nonviolent of- Bloomberg News reported. Justice announced that it will fenders are weeded out because Responding to investors’ de- cancel or limit its contracts with both the state and federal pris- We want to thank you in advance for your time. mands, the Reeves County de- private prisons. In addition, the ons’ populations are still over Feel free to contact us if you wish. This is a new tention center in Pecos, Texas Department of Homeland Secu- capacity. yard, and not much is going on, and we would like has raised its bond payout as rity said it would consider doing Based on the U.S. Bureau to change that for the benefit of all of us living here. high as 6.4 percent from 4.6 per- the same, Bloomberg reported. of Justice Statistics, state and cent, according to Bloomberg. If Homeland Security choos- federal prison populations Mississippi closed its pri- es to close its privately run peaked at 1.62 million in 2009 Jose B. vately run Walnut Grove prison detention center in Florence, and by 2014 that number had Vice-Chairman Facility “C” due to budget constraints and an Ariz., 31,000 residents could been reduced by 54,000, or Chuckawalla Valley State Prison annual population drop of 10.5 take a serious employment hit, three percent. January 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 7 Stateless...a massacre...a murder...and now free own and did not speak English,” foundation for part of are Kid CAT, CGA and Kid CAT Speaks! said Ai. “It was a dysfunctional change,” said Ai. SQUIRES…One of my proud- household, though everyone “In San Quentin, est moment happened when we loved one another.” I used those skills (Kid CAT) spoke to lawmakers By John Lam Despite the chaos at home, Ai to flourish.” about the importance of passing Journalism Guild Writer sought stability in school, but it Of his many AB1276 into law, which allows too proved elusive. achievements, Ai young men to come to places Borey “PJ” Ai may be one “I was in the first grade when is most proud of like San Quentin instead of be- of the most accomplished I watched my 7-year-old cous- becoming a state ing sent to maximum security persons you will ever meet. He in get murdered on the play- certified coun- where there are no self-help pro- also happens to be one of the ground,” said Ai. selor for domestic grams. youngest persons to be given a This horrendous crime hap- violence through “If it were not for these self- life sentence for murder, at age pened in the 1980s and made the Guiding help programs,” Ai said, “I 14. After spending 20 years in headlines all over the country; Rage into Power would have never got to know prison, he was found suitable for a crazed gunman opened fire (GRIP), Addic- myself, and I would still be parole at his first hearing, and at the Cleveland Elementary tion Counselor stuck in my old ways and never was released from San Quentin School in Stockton. through Addic- considered how much harm I in November. “It was a massacre. I remem- Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News tion Recovery caused my victims to endure “In my observation, I have ber being on the playground Borey “PJ” Ai Counseling. because of my actions.” found that PJ not only talks the with hundreds of kids around, Rape and Suicide Borey Ai was found suitable talk, he applies the things he when suddenly someone ap- a friend of mine, and it changed Prevention through Bay Area for parole on July 22. Upon be- learns in the group and puts it peared on the rooftop and be- my life,” said Ai. “After a while, Women Against Rape. ing released from state custody into his life. That is the ingre- gan shooting at us...That day, I began to step away from my As a testament to his dedica- in November, Ai was immedi- dient to success, not only in five kids and one teacher died, gang, and stopped drinking, tion, work ethic and knowledge, ately detained for deportation, getting out of prison but out in with 29 more students wound- and joined the Red Road pro- the GRIP program director which is likely to occur within society as well,” said Raphaele ed,” said Ai. “I never felt safe in gram. There, I learned about Jacques Verduin offered him three to six months. Ai may try “Raphy” Casale, chief sponsor America, but now I was numb to victim impact, and it solidified employment with GRIP upon to seek political asylum in the of SQUIRES. everything.” my commitment to change. his release. U.S. due to his prior status as a Self-described as being “In school, bullies were an- “Solano State Prison gave “Some of the most meaning- refugee from the Khmer Rouge “stateless,” Ai was born in a ref- other problem, I got beat up all me the opportunity to build my ful programs that I have been genocide in Cambodia. ugee camp in Thailand to par- the time and this happened in ents who escaped the genocide the neighborhood as well,” said in Cambodia. “Almost 98 per- Ai. cent of my family were butch- Left to fend for himself, Ai Homeless teens forced to choose ered in the genocide,” said Ai, turned to gangs. Ai dropped out during an interview. of school in the seventh grade jail just to get a square meal When he was 5, Ai and his and began committing burglar- family immigrated to America, ies, assaults and carrying guns. By Marcus Henderson ing their body or engaging in that really matters to me.” settling in Stockton in a neigh- He was 14 years old when he Journalism Guild Chairman sex for money as a strategy to The youth had engaged in borhood Ai described as “in- committed murder during a rob- make ends meet. criminal behavior from shop- fested by gangs, prostitutes and bery. Jail or starvation are the hard “When you’re selling your lifting food to selling drugs and violence. Some nights we could “I didn’t know I had killed choices some American teens body, it’s more in disguise,” ex- stealing items to resell for cash, hear gunfire and people scream- someone until my co-defendant have to make when facing un- plained a teen boy in rural North the survey found. Young men in ing; it was like reliving the war told me,” said Ai. “When I certainty of where their next Carolina. “Like if I had sex with limited job option communities again,” said Ai. found out the police were look- meal is coming from, the Urban you, you have to buy me dinner were the most likely to partici- Life in a dangerous neighbor- ing for me, I turned myself in.” Institute reported in September. tonight…that’s how girls deal pate in such behaviors. hood combined with the scars Ai was sentenced to 25 years Teens spoke about going to with the struggle…That’s bet- The surveyed showed that of war created turmoil within to life for second-degree mur- jail or failing school, so they ter than taking money because most teens felt that parents do Ai’s household. “Both my par- der with a gun enhancement. could attend summer classes if they take money, they will be everything they can to shield ents suffered from PTSD; my Initially he continued his in- to receive lunches as another labeled a prostitute.” their children from hunger, but dad was addicted to drugs and volvement with gangs while in means for ensuring regular With low-income wages stag- some also felt pressured to con- gambling, I saw him only once prison. meals, the report stated. nated, declining cash assistance tribute to the family. or twice a month. My mom “In 2004, I was invited to the “A lot of people are choosing and the recession, hardships in- “Basically (those parents) are struggled to raise six kids on her sweat lodge community through to be in jail rather than be on the creased for families already liv- saying, ‘Get up and do some- street,” said a girl in Portland. ing in poverty, according to the thing productive to help your “It might not be the best food, report. family out,” explained a young might not be the best place to be, Impossible Choices finds an man in San Diego. “Don’t just but it’s a roof over your head. estimated 6.8 million young watch (us) struggle.” Dear Kid CAT “Every single day, they eat people ages 10 through 17 are This can start as early as age My name is Angel Cabanillas, and I am an inmate at Pleas- breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” living in food-insecure house- 13; with parents telling the youth ant Valley State Prison. I have been incarcerated since 2006 she continued. holds. to look for a summer job. This when I was 14 years old, and I am currently serving 128 years- Girls in Greensboro Metro Teens in such families rou- intensifies by the time they turn to-life. Please, please, tell me what I can do to help. I want to agreed, “Jail is a luxury, espe- tinely take on the role of parents, 18 and they feel they have little help out anyway I can. Please contact me as soon as you can. cially for people who live in a often going hungry so younger choice but to start supporting Thank you for your time and consideration. Take care, and trailer. Some people, including siblings can eat, and they are out themselves, the survey found. God bless you. teens, will commit a crime to searching for ways to bring in Even when not pressured, Sincerely, get a place to stay, a meal.” food and money. some teens felt the need to take Angel Cabanillas Impossible Choices: Teens “I will go without a meal if the initiative to help. and Food Insecurity in America, that’s the case,” said one girl “Someone I knew dropped by the Urban Institute, surveyed in Chicago, “as long as my two out of high school to make mon- Dear Angel, some youths who discussed sell- young siblings is good, that’s all ey for the family,” said a girl in San Diego. “She felt the need to My name is Borey Ai, a co-founder of Kid CAT, and I, too, step up; she started selling her- was incarcerated at the age of 14 with a life sentence. I know Kid CAT and The Beat Within hold monthly writing workshops. The self.” in this environment there are few opportunities. However, one Beat Within conducts writing workshops in juvenile detention centers Realistically teens have lim- of the most needed and available opportunities to be of ser- throughout the country. Kid CAT Speaks will publish one topic each ited employment opportunities vice as a positive role model is mentoring other young men month. Your writing should reflect a positive message that may help who are serving time in prison. You can also help by starting the youth make a better decision in life. Your stories will be read by the and earning power. This leaves a youth support group in your prison, submit articles for our youth in detention centers. If published, you will receive a free copy of many vulnerable to exploita- page, and answer prompts for The Beat Within. the publication. Your story can make a difference. Tell The Beat Within tion from gangs who want boys you read about them in Kid CAT Speaks! to sell drugs or girls to traffic Lastly, you mentioned that you have 128 years-to-life, but sex for adults who want to date please know that it doesn’t mean that you will spend the rest My Dreams - What type of dreams did you have when you were a teens, the survey found. of your life in prison. On your path of self-discovery and re- child? Did your dreams change as you’ve become older? Take us to There were 193 young people habilitation, trust you will have an opportunity to demonstrate that point when your childhood dreams changed up. Do you still have from 20 focus groups taking your change to the Parole Board. Perhaps you too will get an dreams? If not, do you plan to get your dreams back? Tell us about your part in the research. dreams of yesterday and today, and your dreams for a better tomorrow. opportunity to come home. Stay positive and hungry to serve The participants were be- others. Thank you for writing to us. Dream big, ‘cause with plenty of good work, dreams do come true. tween ages 13–18, eight groups Sincerely, were majority African-Ameri- The Beat Within can, five were majority Latino, Borey Ai P.O. Box 34310 four were majority White, and Paroled Kid CAT Co-founder and member San Francisco, CA 94134 the remaining three were mixed.

Kid CAT (Creating Awareness Together) is a group of men who committed their crimes under the age of 25 and were sentenced as adults to life terms. The group’s mission is to inspire humanity through education, mentorship and restorative practices. Kid CAT Speaks wants to hear from all the juvenile lifers, educators, and policymakers concerning juvenile justice issues and rehabilitation. Contact us at San Quentin News, Attn: Kid CAT Speaks, 1 Main St., San Quentin, CA 94964. Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017 Protesters’ vigil at CIW for women who took their own lives By Marcus Henderson Journalism Guild Chairman

Alarmed by high suicides rates and other alleged abuses at the California Institution for Women (CIW), about 80 people gathered in front of the prison to protest and remember loved ones who took their lives while incarcerated there. Protesters came holding signs, some shaped like coffins, and wearing T-shirts proclaiming the memory of those who lost their lives while behind bars, according to an article in the In- land Valley Daily Bulletin. The group chanted for dignity, respect and no more isolation for inmates as they walked back and forth in front of the prison. In attendance were family and friends of Erika Rocha and Shaylene Graves, who were both reportedly found hanging in their cells. Erika Rocha, 35, was found one day before her youth Courtesy of CCWP parole hearing was to be held on Families and supporters at a vigil in a town hall April 14, and Graves, 27, was found on June 1. treatment for depression but ing to the Daily Bulletin. cording to the California De- at things closer.” “I’m here to let them know didn’t receive it. “I hope they The California Coalition for partment of Corrections and Re- L.A. Weekly also quoted Ci- I didn’t forget,” said Patrice change the way prison is run and Women Prisoners organized habilitation. Yet between 2006 rese LaBerge, a former inmate Walker, an inmate at the prison that they will treat their inmates the Oct.1 protest. The coalition and 2012, there was just one at CIW. “I could walk down the from 2002 to 2015, and a friend like they’re human.” stated that from 2014 to 2016 suicide at CIW, according to an yard — if you just look down of Graves. “We’ve seen the ne- Freida Rocha also expressed suicide rates at the facility were L.A. Weekly article. at people’s wrists, you see old glect; so we’re out here to sup- hope that the protest would eight times that of all women’s “Each suicide has different wounds and scars,” LaBerge port them,” the Daily Bulletin highlight the need for improved prisons in the United States and factors,” CDCR Press Secretary said. reported. mental health care within the five times that of all other Cali- Vicky Waters told L.A. Weekly. “My daughter’s death will not “I don’t want any other fam- correctional system. fornia prisons. “We don’t see any links in the go unanswered,” vowed Sheri ily to go through what my fam- State Sen. Connie M. Leyva, Six women have killed them- suicides at this point that indi- Graves, Shaylene Graves’ moth- ily has gone through,” said Fre- D-Chino, has called upon the selves at the prison since the cate our system is failing. But er. “We are here to make sure ida Rocha, Erica Rocha’s sister. state auditor to look into sui- start of 2013, and there have we do recognize we have chal- the world hears their cries. Their She added that her sister sought cides at the institution, accord- been 73 suicide attempts, ac- lenges, and we do need to look lives matter,” she said.

Courtesy of CCWP Courtesy of CCWP Courtesy of CCWP Courtesy of CCWP Courtesy of CDCR Courtesy of CDCR Kyla Moore Erika Rocha Jessica (Nelson) Williams Shaylene Graves Shadae Schmidt Alicia Thompson Straight talk from women at SQ’s ‘Sister, I’m Sorry’ event Dozens of San Quentin pris- ion Barnes, executive director of have an abortion. with a woman’s love,” Bridget a rendition of “Time is a Terrible oners listened intently as seven the Wings of Love Ministries. “I know today is about the Kyser from the Wings of Love Thing to Waste.” women described their own “They are killing their seeds, men saying they are sorry,” Les- Ministries said. “It’s about un- “Real pain deserves a real experiences surviving horrific because the kids are copying ley S., from New Faith Cathe- derstanding each other with apology” Manika D., of New crimes including rape, incest, their behavior. It doesn’t make dral Church of God in Christ, compassion and giving extra Faith Cathedral Church, said. abandonment and domestic vio- you a man to kick or beat a said. “Are they sorry they got love to get through the traumas.” “God fills all voids. It’s for the lence. woman. We have to stop this caught? That is fine, but the The discussion of suicide, men to take time to listen. That’s During the panel discussion generational curse.” next sorry should be, ‘I sinned verbal and physical abuse drew healing in itself and shows em- Nov. 12 in the Protestant Gar- Some of the panelists shared against God.’ ” tears from both the men and pathy.” den Chapel, the men received a stories of being molested as women. Diana Sackett from Corner dose of straight talk and a real- young as 4 years old by fa- “I was in a place where I was Stone Fellowship added, “It’s ity check on the hidden pains of thers, family members or family “We have to desensitized to women’s needs,” daddy time. The most powerful women. Darell “Obadiah” Flow- friends. Harry Smith, another inmate, things for a man to say are ‘I love ers, an inmate, said, “This was “Not being protected by fam- treat women as said. “These women brought me you, I need you and I’m sorry.’” powerful, very enlightening and ily makes it hard for you to trust back to a place to step in as an “It’s about developing the heartfelt. This makes you think or open up,” one panelist said. human beings authentic man of God. That’s skills to deal with relationships.” about a father’s relationship with “You start to suppress things or and not as mere what I want for my own daugh- The panelists and emcee and his daughter, about women who look for love in the wrong plac- ter and for us to be leaders of our coordinator, inmate Tony “Pup” have been abandoned and what es. Just because a women looks objects because families.” Waldrip, gave a special thanks to they need to heal.” whole doesn’t mean so.” The conference started with Chaplain Mardi Jackson and the One panelist described surviv- “Communication is vital; it’s without them the video Sister I’m Sorry, fea- Protestant Garden Chapel. ing a home invasion robbery by about listening and not trying to there is no us” turing the Rev. Donald Bell. “This was about healing three men. The intruders were come up with solutions. I have to Inmate Fateen Jackson per- wounds and renewal,” Jackson looking for her boyfriend, who find out if my daughter has been formed a moving spoken word said. was living a dangerous lifestyle. damaged,” Flowers added. Instead of bashing men, the piece called “Apologetic Salute,” Waldrip added, “It’s about She was six months pregnant, The women talked about how women urged men to take care expressing his regret to crime awakening the humanity up in and the trauma of being roughed some men use charm on women of their hearts because they are survivors and to the dead. “Apol- us men. We have to treat women up caused her to have her baby and then betray them. If she gets nurturers, and they love hard. ogetic Salute” also acknowledg- as human beings and not as mere prematurely, but it survived. pregnant, the man starts saying Sometimes this role can cause es that survivors are the coura- objects because without them “Today was about pleading the child is not his, thus leaving conflict and pain. geous ones. there is no us.” with the men,” said Sister Mar- her abandoned or forcing her to “God holds men accountable Jeffery Akins, an inmate, sang –Marcus Henderson January 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 9 ‘The way she treats us makes us want to do well’ By Rahsaan Thomas “I had a learning disability rectional Education in Sacra- Staff Writer called stupidity and didn’t have mento. teachers patient enough to work “Sufi passed the baton to There’s a teacher who walks with me,” Jackson said. “Out Leonida and I to be on the Aca- around a prison classroom en- of all the teachers I had in my demic Education Leadership gaging students and encourag- life, the three most caring teach- Committee (AELC). Only eight ing them in a way they say most ers are Sufi, Leonida and Mrs. CDCR teachers are on this com- teachers in the public school sys- Searle.” mittee. We have input regarding tem din’t. Leonida brings his experience curriculum, professional devel- Behind San Quentin educa- to bear. opment, instructional goals, and tor D. Searle is a testament — “I was a special ed kid, so I classroom strategies. We have copies of more than two dozen had a lot of the same issues, both a voice in what’s going on in High School Equivalent diplo- in understanding the material CDCR education.” mas earned since late 2015 by Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News and fighting the teacher,” Leon- “We know education is proven her students line the walls of her ida said. “I remember and recog- to reduce recidivism,” Searle classroom. D. Searle with fellow teacher Leonida nize the snags.” said. “I’m very excited, I see “As convicts, we know how it population.” Each student is required to Student Anthony Prater said, great things happening.” feels to believe no one cares. It Searle admits that the success meet the new Common Core and “I dropped out of school in 12th For her graduates, great things makes us not want to care about of the students is a collaborative College & Career Ready stan- grade. I couldn’t focus. Now they already are happening. “It a ourselves,” said Cayo Carini, effort between fellow teachers dards for High School Equiva- call it dyslexia. I credit Sufi and wonderful feeling to give that who is Searle’s assistant. “I think Phil Leonida and Anita Sufi. lency that started in 2015. Leonida and Mrs. Searle with diploma to my mama and show the way she walks around and in- Leonida and Sufi prepare the “I was one of the first students how they teach. I was in special her that I wasn’t just a mess-up,” teracts with each student makes students by teaching them ABE that took the new style of GED,” education. Leonida related to a Marquez Sherouse said. them want to do well, to make her and Pre-GED grade-level read- said Marquez Sherouse, who lot of things I was lacking, and proud, as well as achieve their earned his GED at age 39. “That he was able to teach me a lot of ing, writing and arithmetic. GED Graduates: Gabriel personal goals. The achievement (standardized) system started last things that I didn’t understand.” The students say they have Diaz, Marquez Sherouse, of the students speaks for itself.” year, and the first couple of times Sufi, a 28-year teaching veter- equal access to all the teachers. Conrai Jackson, Christopher Searle has master degrees in I took it, I didn’t pass. I was get- an, considers the work reversing If a student needs extra help on Philson, Christopher education and educational thera- ting frustrated. My teachers had the school-to-prison pipeline. a particular subject, the student Webb, William Blakeley, py. She has taught for 30 years, high expectations; they thought I “Instead of everybody teach- can easily work with a teacher Satinder Singh, William L. including 20 years in public would nail it. They saw the frus- ing all over the place, I focus who specializes in it. The teach- Branscomb, Korey W. Gray, schools and college. She incor- tration, discouragement. “They on remedial math and getting ers say that working together is Nicholas Rodriquez, Eugene porates using a Smart Board, told me to calm down. I’m glad I reading up. I feed the pipeline rewarding. Williams, Fidel Salcedo, computers, independent studies, did have them; I would have felt for success,” Sufi said. “I find “We all have the same goal. Tamon Halfin, Randy Silva, small group studies and one-on- like I failed myself, my mom and it meaningful work. I think my We want to see the students suc- Phillip Morris, Ladelle one sessions to accommodate my wife had I given up.” students are the reason that I ceed,” Searle said. “It’s never Jackson, Erik Longfellow, every student’s learning style. Each student is now required come to work every day. It gives been this way before. It feels like David Silva, Adam Ibara, “I see that the best use of my to be computer literate, type at me hope when I see them study, I’m not alone anymore.” Kevin Huynh. skill has been here,” said Sear- least 20 words per minute and their self-determination. This is George “Mesro” Coles-El, an- HiSET Graduates: Shawn le, who started teaching at San use critical thinking. the best year in working in edu- other one of Searle’s assistants, Reyes, James Robbins, Lee Quentin 10 years ago. “I want Former student Conrai Jack- cation.” added that her collaboration with Conley, Ricky Bates, Andress to see these guys succeed where son, 48, achieved his GED in Searle and Leonida also col- other teachers “makes all the dif- Yancy, Kevin Huynh. people may have given up on this ference in the world.” October. laborate with the Office of Cor- Delivering a message of hope for thousands with HIV By Emile DeWeaver “EL ‘Bey” Cavness said. “But get treatment) reach undetect- the shame, stigma and Staff Writer today you don’t have to be afraid able levels in four weeks.” people-judging,” Nel- because we know (how to treat If you get treatment, “you can son said. “Those who One of the country’s major the disease).” date and have sex, get married have support systems problems is that 161,000 peo- Those who weren’t afraid and have children without any tend to stay healthier ple in the United States have gathered to show their solidarity problems,” Nelson continued. because they have peo- HIV but don’t know it, Andrew with the millions of people gath- Reynolds explained why HIV- ple to help them stay on Reynolds told a gathering at San ering in various places around positive people are living regu- their regimen.” Quentin’s World AIDS Day on the world to promote HIV pre- lar lives with an average life ex- Nelson then ex- Dec. 1 vention. pectancy of 73 years. plained that people An expert in HIV prevention, “I had a sister-in-law that “Knowing your status and who struggle to get and Reynolds brought a message of passed away from AIDS,” Ron- engaging in care and treatment sustain treatment often hope: Although there are 50,000 ald Sallee said. Sallee, an incar- early keeps you alive longer do so because they feel new infections a year in the U.S., cerated supporter, agreed that a and lowers the risk of transmis- like outcasts. current medical technology can lot of people don’t want to talk sion,” Reynolds said. “A person Keynote speaker Al- reduce the rate of infection to about HIV, but he wanted to whose viral load is undetectable fredo De Labra talked zero new cases a year. learn to teach his grandchildren. has a 96 percent lower chance about his struggle with Relatively few incarcerated “People still think ‘It won’t hap- of transmitting the virus. Intro- the stigma. “I wanted men heard this message. The pen to me,’ but it happened to duce PrEP and other prevention to keep it a secret. I re- turnout for the last two World my sister-in-law.” methods like condoms and that ceived messages from Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News AIDS Day events in San Quen- The message on World AIDS percentage lowers to essentially my community that it Keynote speaker Alfredo De Labra tin has barely filled three of the Day was that with the current zero.” was my fault. I felt very 16 rows in the Protestant Chapel. treatments available, death from PrEP stands for pre-expo- dirty.” and spoke about moving from One reason might be that a AIDS doesn’t have to happen to sure prophylaxis. It is available De Labra is a Health Advo- a place where we discount our- lot of stigma surrounds HIV in anyone. through the Affordable Care cacy Coordinator for Positive selves to a place where we ac- prison. Today, treatment for HIV is Act, also known as Obamacare. Force, a program of the San cept ourselves and others. “People in prison shy away a lot simpler, more accessible, PrEP prevents HIV as birth Francisco AIDS Foundation. The event culminated with from the conversation,” Donald much more effective and entails control pills prevent pregnancy. He teaches people strategies for David Jassy and Joshua “J.B.” fewer side effects Also available is a pill called dealing with stigma disclosure Burton, featuring Bri Blu per- than treatment did PEP (post-exposure prophylax- and for keeping hope. foming “Champion.” Three in the 1980s. Cur- is). It works like the morning- “Finally, I gathered strength rows of people seemed to fill the rent treatment can after pill in that it prevents infec- to tell a friend,” De Labra said. chapel with their waving side- reduce an HIV-pos- tion after exposure to HIV. “Took three more years to tell to-side hands, Jassy sang and itive person’s viral Despite HIV being as man- my father and family. Telling Burton delivered lyrics about count virtually to ageable as diabetes, Nelson said people has been pivotal for me regret for the past, hope for the zero. there’s a big gap between people to keep up with medical (treat- future and determination in the “Treatment used who are HIV-positive and peo- ment), to make life-affirm- present. to mean a lot of pills ple who are getting treatment. ing decisions. It gave me the Another standing ovation fol- and side effects,” She said the vast majority of the strength to quit drugs.” lowed “Champion.” said Ingrid Nelson, 95 HIV-positive people at San De Labra continued Reynolds’ People with questions about a guest speaker and Quentin are on medication, and message of hope. The message HIV or Hep C are encouraged to HIV specialist in their viral counts are undetect- continued with performances by contact: San Quentin’s clin- able. One reason some do not get George “Mesro” Coles and Mi- Project Inform ic. She talked about tested or seek treatment is the chael Adams. 273 Ninth St. how treatment has same reason turnout for World Award-winning spoken-word San Francisco, CA 94103 become as simple as AIDS Day in San Quentin was artist Bri Blu earned a stand- Attn: Andrew Reynolds Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News one pill a day. “I’ve so low: fear of stigma. ing ovation. She celebrated the –Marcus Henderson Spoken-word artist Bri Blu seen people (who “We have to keep away from greatness of a struggling people contributed to this story Page 10 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017 Volunteers’ caroling brings joy to SQ inmates By John C. Eagan remember learning those Christ- San Quentin News Adviser mas carols as children. “There was widespread hu- About 75 volunteers braved mility and genuine love shown frigid weather to bring an eve- to the men of San Quentin. The ning of Christmas caroling to men also showed us what it was thousands of inmates in their to have joy in a dark place. It cells and dorms at San Quentin was a glorious night and not one State Prison. I’ll ever forget.” “I saw a lot of joy,” said volun- teer Steve Howell, music direc- tor at Tiburon Baptist Church. “It was glorious. He led a group of about a dozen into H-Unit, a section of San Music touches Quentin with five dorms con- taining about 125 prisoners the heart in ways each. Many of the dorm resi- that words can’t” dents joined the singing. “We thought the carols gave a sense of home to the men,” Rice is known in numerous Howell said. prisons across America as “The Protestant Chaplain Mardi Harp Lady,” who for many years Jackson commented, “It was performed harp concerts for glorious. Music touches the thousands of inmates, including heart in ways that words can’t.” several years in San Quentin. Volunteer Linda Rice was “The men were very welcom- among the group visiting sev- ing,” said singer Katie Kvanvig. eral multi-tier cellblocks where “It was like going to a friend’s many prisoners joined in the house.” singing. About a dozen inmates ac- “It was cold outside, but companied the carolers on Dec. hearing the choir and seeing 17 as they wandered through the the men’s faces warmed up my prison. The evening of Christ- heart,” said Rice. “It was a holy mas season caroling in San moment as we sang and looked Quentin has been an annual tra- Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News into the faces of so many who dition for many years. West Block inmates enjoying the carolers sing holiday classics

Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Chaplain Mardi Jackson sings with the crowd Christmas caroling volunteers Christmas banquet shows appreciation for the volunteers

By Marcus Henderson community praise. They also Quentin. were honored for their sacrifices applause, but it was Chaplain Journalism Guild Chairman kept the Christmas spirit alive “I believe in the goodness and for driving four hours to be Mardi Jackson who received a with a funky rendition of “Silent of people,” said Pastor Bridget part of the SQ community. two-minute standing ovation. More than 250 prisoners filled Night.” Kyser, of the Wings of Love. “We need to hold our love up “The Lord is moving Mother the San Quentin Garden Chapel “This was an awesome event “God has a plan for us to bring to God,” D. Hagy said. “Some- Jackson,” Marion Barnes, the to show appreciation for the tire- from the beginning to end,” said the word to change these men’s thing real good is going to hap- Wings of Love executive direc- less work of it volunteers at its inmate Chris Harris, who em- lives. Just trust and obey God. pen. I watch these guys grow tor, said. “She could have moved 2016 Annual Christmas Ban- ceed the banquet. “It’s about the He is the one who shows mercy, and it’s humbling.” to Chino to be closer to her fam- quet. worship of Jesus. It shows we and if you hold on to that there’s Other churches and volunteers ily but chose to stay here. That The theme of the event was can be at peace and unity with nothing you can’t do.” who received awards were Cor- says a lot about her and the men “I was in prison and you visited men of all races, as the Bible nerstone Church, the New Faith here.” me,” quoting Jesus Christ from states, ‘How sweet it is for men Cathedral Church, Valley Christ The congregation was treated the Bible, Matthew 25:36. to dwell in unity.’” “Coming here is Center, and Pastor Tom Pham of to a holiday lunch of barbecued The chapel was decorated Mardi Jackson, the Protestant Red Hill Vietnamese Church. chicken, cheese pizza, macaroni with Christmas lights, red and chaplain, gave a passionate about re-entry and David Mack and Aldo Yannon and cheese, candied yams and green tables and a small colorful welcome speech and passed were honored for conducting cake. tree. The soulful voice of Tami out Certificate of Appreciation reconciliation” services when Chaplain Jackson “Coming here is about re- Crane, volunteer from The Well awards to different churches wasn’t available. The Well Com- entry and reconciliation,” Lee- Christ Community Church, in recognition of their service Al Hayes, of the Wings of munity Church; the Malachi igh Purry, of Well Community sang “How Great Is Our God” and ministries. The Wings of Love, added, “Blessing is a two- Brothers, who taught a father- Church, said. “We want the men alongside the inmate Praise and Love Ministries received an way street. Everything we do is hood class; Mervin Watkins; to get back to their proper place Worship Choir. The song had award; some of their members to build our fellowship here with Chet Hall and longtime volun- as head of their households. prisoners and guests on their have been traveling from our brothers in Christ.” teers Kathleen Jackson and John Their children need them, their feet, swaying back and forth Southern California to be a part David and Sonja Hagy, a hus- Eagan were recognized. women need them and we are and singing along in a bond of of programs and events in San band and wife ministry team, There was a lot of love and praying for all of them.” January 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 11 Discovering what it means to be human By Juan Haines write about things that made us Senior Editor disappear ourselves.” One outside guest, Clive, A diverse troupe of men, said, “I see a lot of professional dressed as usual in prison blue, stuff and I see a lot of crap,” broke away from the everyday which brought laughter. “I am constraints of incarceration deeply moved by the quality of through the artistic expression what you put on the stage. I’d of dance and dialogue. like to hear about past perfor- San Quentin’s Artistic En- mances on the stage.” semble put on its latest perfor- Emile DeWeaver brought a mance in the prison’s Protestant laugh from the audience when Chapel on Nov. 18 for an audi- he related acting to how he pre- ence of about 150 that included tended to be a gangster when the local community as well as around his peers on the streets. fellow prisoners. Michael McBride works “In our explorations to dis- with No More Tears, a violence cover how we can reach the prevention program in San public, we also discover more Quentin. “I’m super blown about what it means to be hu- away. I do a lot of work with man by connecting with each No More Tears and mass other,” the program read. “Our incarceration. These offerings creative process is dialogic. are not in every facility. Please Together we explore social in- talk about the value of these equalities with language, sound types of programs. What can and movement.” we do to allow some of your With its song, dance and spo- comrades to have this kind of Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News ken word, Ways to Disappear, opportunity?” The audience giving a standing ovation to the Artistc Ensemble performers the Ensemble received a stand- Richie Morris has been incar- ing ovation. cerated 32 years and spent 25 and build solutions, be entre- blew me away. You talked about I don’t know how this affects After each performance, out- years in a maximum-security preneurs of change.” the outside relationship. How you…” (Draper’s tears invoked side guests are invited to ask facility. “There was no oppor- Antwan “Banks” Williams has this program helped your re- audience applause) questions of the troupe. tunity to work out differences,” advised McBride and other lationship with people who are “We need to teach our youth Many of the questions fo- Morris said, referring to work- outside guests to “witness the not in this room?” to go out and do your thing and cused on how, under the cir- ing with other ethnic groups. children as they are. Look at the “It allows us to see each other have fun,” Chris Marshall Jr. cumstances of incarceration, “This program gives men the children in their eyes and stare in the other person,” Le’Mar said. “Don’t be stereotyped. the prisoners created such a chance to work out their differ- at their truth. Witness their “Maverick” Harrison said. This is what we do for each “quality performance.” ences. In the end, we are a band lives. Let them know that it’s “There’s no denial there’s a other inside. Do it for each other “We argue, we fight, but of brothers. There is only one OK to be how you are, where problem in the US. If we ever on the outside.” Marshall added, we come together,” prisoner race, that’s the human race.” you are. Until we are able to get to the point of seeing our- “The movements spoke more di- Rodney “RC” Capell said. “It’s DeWeaver added, “What witness each other, a change is selves in each other, we can rectly to issues than language.” been a rollercoaster. It taught me we do here is we build bridges a long way away. The next time solve our problems.” Rodney “RC” Capell said, how to have empathy for other from the inside to the outside. you are in the presence of some- Outside guest Jason asked, “I had to get over my phobias. people. We get together and But you have to put the same one you disagree with, witness “How much of the performance There were a lot of hands on me, write about our experiences, effort into building bridges out their greatness.” was therapeutic and how much and for me that’s an issue. Being like feeling disappeared or there to in here. Donald Trump Rauch Draper added, “We is redemption from stereo- in this situation, I had to be con- invisible.” just got elected as President are marginalized people. If you types?” scious of getting lifted. I tried to Le’Mar “Maverick” Harrison and high school students are separate the fight of marginal- “It’s very therapeutic,” Rauch get away from the hands.” told the outside guests, “This walking out of school. They’re ization then you’re not doing the Draper said, “Up until this The Artistic Ensemble is is not scripted. This is real life. not waiting for people to of- right thing. We have to celebrate morning I wanted to karate chop sponsored by the Insight Prison The only thing Amie (Dowling) fer answers; they’re storming diversity. We cannot separate everyone.” He added, “I’ve been Project (IPP). IPP is commit- asked us to do was answer a the streets to find them. That’s the fight against marginaliza- incarcerated more than half my ted to transforming the lives of writing prompt. We wrote about the solution: stop waiting on tion.” life, and I used to be a villain. those impacted by incarceration things we didn’t want anyone solutions. We have to inconve- Outside guest Bob said, “I For a long time I thought I could through programs that inspire else to know. She helped us nience ourselves, go out there can’t tell you guys how you just not change. I never thought. reflection, compassion and ac- countability. To learn more about the Insight Prison Project: www. insightprisonproject.org.

Artistic Ensemble Members Anouthinh “Choy” Pangthong Antwan “Banks” Williams Chris Marshall Sr. Emile DeWeaver Eric Lowery aka Mike Lowery Gary Harrell Gino Sevacos Julian Glenn Padgett (Luke) Carlos “Juancito” Meza Le’Mar “Maverick” Harrison Maurice “Reese” Reed Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Neiland Franks Artistc Ensemble members incorporate guests into their piece Nythell “Nate” Collins Richie Morris Rodney “RC” Capell Rauch Draper Ira “SC Prince” Perry Sebastian Alvarez Amie Dowling Freddy Gutierrez Selby Wynn

Guest Members Sebastian Grubb Joanna Haigood Calina Lawrence

Prop and Costume Design Tiersa Nureyev Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Inmates interacting with the guests as they Maurice “Reese’ Reed and Ira “SC Prince” Perry Sound Board Operator arrive at the Garden Chapel performing a piece called “Tattoo” Stephen Pascascio Page 12 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017 11th annual Creative Writing public reading inspires crowd Creative Continued from Page 1

“I came here three to four years ago, and it was a real transforming experience,” said Tammy Cabading, who sat in the front row in the small per- formance space just beyond the Lower Yard in San Quentin. “It helped me understand my ig- norance concerning criminal justice,” she added after hear- ing all 21 stories on Nov. 12. “I love how the stories are really, really deep,” said guest and comedy writer Mike Lars- en, who has written for the mid-’90s sitcoms Ellen, The Photo by Peter Mertz Drew Carey Show and Real Creative Writing members Time With Bill Maher. “Some of the guys are great writers Larsen has been visiting the next anthology. who lives it, and lives to tell it how modern technology may and could very well be profes- creative writing class for about For second-time guest Jenni- through writing. increase information about sionals if they weren’t here (in a year and is writing the “for- fer Zilliac, prison was always a “Wisdom comes from people police brutality but has not prison).” ward” for the “Brothers in Pen” traumatic place due to a pain- who have hit rock bottom,” said yet contributed to changing ful, personal experience in Mullery’s sister and faithful the policies and culture childhood, but readings like the supporter, Jennifer Martin. surrounding police misconduct. one on Nov. 12 have helped her The guests listened to Wells attended the reading overcome her fear. stories of transformation, in search of “inside voices” “Listening to the writers was made possible through the art to enrich her exhibit and was so moving; so much humanity of writing. These stories often particularly drawn to the pieces was expressed. I feel really stay within prison walls, but Stopping Animals, by Rahsaan connected with the incarcerated many of the citizen participants Thomas, and What Do You here,” she said. left the event committed to Stand For, by Thedo “Noble” Bringing together collective relaying these stories to the Butler. experiences, these readings outside world, to a society “I’m going to follow up on helped the audience challenge where most Americans don’t these guys,” Wells said. common beliefs about prison hear such stories and may not All the stories will be and extend an ear to forgotten understand the realities of the published in the sixth and Americans, bringing forth what prison system. latest anthology, which Mullery Mullery calls “the best form of Darly Wells, an artist hopes she will no longer have love.” The readings allow the who attended the reading, to sell out of the back seat of public to learn and consider said she was inspired by her car. The new anthology issues in the criminal justice the writers of San Quentin. can be ordered online by early Photo by Peter Mertz system from the experts – the Wells’ exhibit Viral, now 2017. See www.brothersinpen. Mike Larsen with Zoe Mullery prisoner himself, the man in San Francisco, explores wordpress.com

Painting by Tommy Winfrey Emperor Penguin oil on canvas painting done in 2015 January 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 13 WORDCROSS PUZZLE By Jonathan Chiu / Edited by Jan Perry

Across 59. Magazine Reader’s film 1. “Excuse me” ______or throw 5. Calipatria to San Quentin 62. The notch for a bow’s string in one’s directions (Abbrv.) 64. Helberg of 67 Across 27. God (Sp.) 8. Diner sandwich (Abbrv.) 67. The Big Bang ______29. Computer 11. Having wings 70. Amanda Seyfried monitor 12. Actors James and son movie In ____ brand Scott 73. Stomach of an animal 30. Tear apart 15. Wild animal 74. CBS news show of 31. George 16. CA nickname this many minutes Strait 17. Buddhism term for 75. Article album attaining nirvana 76. Related 32. Places 18. Monte in the Pennine Alps 77. Web communication you 19. What you always leave 78. Class after bio (Abbrv.) never behind (Two words) 79. Modem’s succeeder want 20. Johnson of 80. 5 Across’ opposite to drink How To Be Single 81. Bristle the punch 21. The fall guy 33. Attract or 22. Follows Earth, apple Down please or reactor 1. Rodent of South and 34. Georgia’s 24. Lots (Slang) Central America fruit 26. Precedes pencil, time 2. To beat (Brit.) 37. Slime or poisoning 3. German law excluding 39. Psychic 28. Charged atoms women from owning land hotline’s 29. Ensemble event in Dec. at SQ 4. Capital of Libya Miss ____ 64. To become LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS 33. Quick rest 5. College sports assoc. 40. Injure or harm known (Scot.) 35. Women’s prison in (Abbrv.) 42. To settle 65. A large amount SoCal (Abbrv.) 6. 21 Across’ mate definitely 66. Annoys 36. Even... 7. Hurray (Two words) 67. 78 Across’ 38. Upright 8. Type of camp for training 44. The Daily Show and predecessor 41. Steve Carrell film 9. Sweetheart Born a Crime 69. “(Sittin’ On) ____ Almighty 10. Food server’s author Trevor The Dock 43. 1900s US painter and balancing-act item 47. Chrono for ill or of the Bay” etcher John 13. Org. est. on Aug. 24th 1949 injured inmate singer Redding 45. NASCAR’s Earnheart Jr. 14. Latin for stadium 49. Life is full of it 70. 1900s British 46. Of the kidneys 15. Warrior’s arm accessory 50. Type of wood joint astronomer 48. A doughnut-shaped coil 20. Precedes Valley, squad 53. Opposite of pos. Martin 51. Singer ___-Lo Green or Row 55. S. African fly 72. Ben Stiller and 52. Bay Area baseball team 21. Type of tube pasta 57. The T in SWAT DeNiro movie 55. Runners event at SQ, 23. Precedes 61. Carpenter’s tool ____ New York or Boston stop, less or room 62. George Strait song The Parents 57. Soaps 25. Follows “All My Exes 73. Actress Stone 58. Kotb of NBC’s Today parking, Live in _____” or Thompson

Snippets rare medical condi- Sudoku Corner Ation known as Foreign Accent Syn- drome causes sufferers 1 9 6 4 to speak their native language in a foreign 6 3 7 1 dialect, usually after a severe brain injury or 2 7 1 Month of January stroke. Only about 100 cases have been docu- • January is the first of seven months in a year with 1 7 2 31 days. In 2017, January has five Sundays, five mented since it was first Mondays and five Tuesdays. reported in the 1940s. 9 • New Year’s Day is on Sunday, Jan. 1, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is on Monday, Jan. 16, the Lunar New uby balls have 7 9 8 Year is on Saturday, Jan. 28, and there will be a full Ralways been oval. moon on Thursday, Jan. 12. The boys at Ruby • For Christians, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy School use inflated pig 5 7 4 Mother of God is on Sunday, Jan. 1; the Epiphany of the Lord is on Sunday, Jan. 8; the Feast of the bladders for the balls, Baptism of the Lord is on Monday, Jan. 9; the which are by nature, 2 6 4 5 Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales is on Tuesday, oval in shape. Jan. 24, and the Memorial of Saint John Bosco is on 5 9 2 8 Tuesday, Jan. 31. ang of Four was • The Chinese New Year is on Saturday, Jan. 28. also the name of a • According to the World Almanac, January is Jump G Out of Bed Month, National Mentoring Month, and radical punk band from National Poverty in America Awareness Month. the late seventies, who 8 2 9 • There are two astrological signs in January: used unconventional Capricorn, the sign of the Goat (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) funk and reggae 4 6 9 and Aquarius, the sign of the Water Bearer (Jan. 20 rhythms in their music. to Feb. 18). 5 1 3 • According to the Jewelry Industry Council, the nly after JFK January birthstone is the Garnet. Owas shot did it become a federal crime 1 9 7 4 Last Issue’s Sudoku Solutions to assassinate the President. 4 2 2 8 3 9 5 4 1 6 7 8 9 6 1 5 2 4 3 7 wo-thirds of the 2 5 4 8 4 6 1 3 7 2 8 5 9 7 4 5 9 3 8 1 6 2 TAmerican men 9 7 5 8 1 6 4 3 2 2 3 1 4 7 6 8 9 5 who served in Vietnam 2 8 6 7 1 4 5 2 3 6 9 8 6 2 3 8 1 7 9 5 4 were volunteers and 3 2 6 1 8 9 7 4 5 9 1 4 6 2 5 3 7 8 70 percent were killed 4 2 1 5 9 8 6 4 7 3 2 1 5 7 8 3 9 4 2 1 6 during the war. 6 5 7 2 3 8 9 1 4 3 8 2 5 6 9 7 4 1 1 4 9 7 6 5 2 8 3 4 6 7 7 8 1 5 2 3 3 7 2 8 3 2 4 9 1 5 7 6 1 5 7 2 4 3 6 8 9 Page 14 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017 Albergues de apoyo para ex-convictos repatriados Por Marco Villa descuento para la compra de recerles empleo”. son los siguientes: Col. Xochimilco, y Taré Beltranchuc boletos de autobús para sus Estos albergues no solo of­ • Instituto Madre Asunta, A.C. C.P. 21380, Mexicali, B.C. lugares de origen. Existen recen apoyo a ex–convictos, Arquidiócesis de Ti­juana, Tel: 01 (686) 580-0687 Los presidiarios de nacio­ grupos que dan apoyo en la si no también a toda persona Calle Galileo No. 2305, Email: nalidad mexicana, al cumplir transportación a los alber- que es deportada a territorio Col. Postal, C.P. 22350 casa_migrante_be­tani sus condenas y ser deporta­ gues, tal como el Grupo Beta. mexicano. La Constancia de Tijuana, B.C. @hotmail.com dos a México, serán recibidos De acuerdo al Consulado Migrante Repatriado (docu­ Tel/Fax: 01 (664) 683-0575 • Casa del Migrante en Tijuana por el Instituto Nacional de Mexicano en San Francisco mento que acredite su deport­ Email : A.C. Calle Galileo #239 Migración de la frontera. Es­ “en algunas fronteras también ación) es la que les da acceso [email protected] C.P. 22350, tas autoridades procesaran su los pueden contactar con el a los albergues, por lo tanto es • Albergue Maná Tijuana, B.C. ingreso a territorio nacional Servicio Nacional de Empleo, importante que usted la pre­ Diócesis de Mexicali Tel: (664) 382- 7685 y les ofrecerán un albergue y quienes podrán apoyarlos con sente en el momento de solici­ Av. Jesús García No. 1799, y (664) 682-5180 una llamada telefónica. Así parte de los costos de autobús tar refugio. Los albergues en Col. Héroes de Nacozari, [email protected] mismo, se les ofrecerá un y en algunas ocasiones of­ el Estado de Baja California C.P. 21030, • Albergue San Vicente Enseguida de la Capilla Diócesis de Ensenada San Lucas, Mexicali, B.C. Calle Nueve No. 691, Tel: 01 (686) 556-0271 Col. Bustamante, Trump crea pánico Email: C.P. 22840, Ensenada, B.C. [email protected]­ Tel: 01 (646) 176-0306 • Casa Betania Email: Diócesis de Mexicali alberguemigrante­ en los dreamers Av. Lago Hudson No. 2408, @prodigy.net.mx Por David Eugene Archer Sr. de ser indocumentado y de no Progect (TOP) que lucha por los Gremio Periodístico contar con el amparo de DACA. inmigrantes y las minorías de Esta situación creo un problema bajos ingresos. El Presidente electo Trump, político en Texas, porque la fa- “Estoy preocupada sobre lo esta causando preocupacion en milia de Thomas McNutt era que podría pasarle a mi familia. San Joaquin offers los “Dreamers” (estudiantes in- dueña de la panadería. El políti- También me preocupa lo que va documentados) de ser deporta- co McNutt fue derrotado por un a pasar con mi trabajo”, expreso dos, comento un periódico de escaso margen por el Republi- Azua. free tattoo removal Texas. cano Cook, debido a las histo- Omar Pérez de 26 años de En el 2012 el Presidente rias en los medios de comuni- edad y graduado recientemente Barack Obama concedió un cación acerca de la contratación de la Universidad de Houston, for a better future permiso de no deportación a de trabajadores indocumenta- comento, “Mientras seas in- jóvenes inmigrantes indocu- dos como Santoyo. documentado en este país, serás By Harry Goodall Jr. “I rather have a baby again, mentados. Estos estudiantes tratado como un ciudadano de Journalism Guild Writer I rather go through labor and “están asustados” con la elec- segunda clase. Al parecer eso delivery” said 30-year-old ción de Donald Trump como “Estoy preocupada será la realidad” “People say it’s like bacon, Priscilla Grant about the pain- presidente de Estados Unidos. En el 2012, la orden ejecu- hot greasy bacon touching ful process of tattoo removal. Reporto el periódico The Texas sobre lo que tiva de Obama impidió la de- your skin” said nurse Chris She held a bag filled with ice Tribune. portación de aproximadamente Bendinelli. He was describing on her hand where a tattoo that Durante “su insultante cam- podría pasarle unos 700,000 indocumentados the pain of tattoo removal. spelled KILLA once was. It paña presidencial, Trump pro- a mi familia” que llegaron desde niños. Cerca Dozens of people stood in was the first of seven sessions metió que iba a desechar la or- de 200,000 se encuentran en el line for a free tattoo removal that are needed for full remov- den ejecutiva con tan solo una estado de Texas. La legislación program at El Concilio clinic a al of the tattoo. She endured firma,” comento The Tribune Santoyo tiene programado para el alivio migratorio fue few months ago. The program the throbbing pain because she Los “dreamers” son inmi- graduarse de la Universidad introducida, pero nunca fue is sponsored by the San Joa- wanted to erase any signs of grantes indocumentados, que Southern Methodist, en el mes aprobada por el congreso de quin County Probation Depart- her past gang affiliation, espe- llegaron desde niños. Se les de Diciembre, pero no tiene los Estados Unidos, señalo The ment and funded by communi- cially her tattoo. otorgo “cierta forma de amparo idea si podrá obtener un trabajo Tribune. ty programs that assist AB109 legal” bajo la acción diferida o si será deportado. Trumap comento, “Se tienen clients reported the Stockton mejor conocida como (DACA), “La gente tiene miedo de que ir”, refiriéndose a los Record. “I rather go Deferred Action for Childhood lo que podría pasar. Santoyo Dreamers. “Free tattoo removals offer a Arrivals, reporto The Tribune. añadió, lo peor es no saber que Edgar Navarrette de 22 años chance to get your life back,” through labor José Manuel Santoya de 24 sucederá, lo cual esta afectando de edad, estudiante en la Uni- said David Sauceda, an AB109 años de edad comento, “ni si- a demasiada gente”. versidad de Texas en la ciudad mentor. The tattoo removal is a and delivery” quiera se como esta México en Jessica Azua se graduó de la de Austin, es uno más de los step toward a better future and este momento. No tengo idea de Brackenridge High School en Dreamers que teme ser de- employment. “Those gang-af- The tattoos are removed us- como es la vida allá.” La última San Antonio y continuo con portado. filiated markings, prison mark- ing a laser that breaks up skin vez que José estuvo en México sus estudios en la Universidad Mary Moreno quien trabaja ings, do put a wall, a barrier.” particles. Over seven sessions, fue en el 2001, cuando era un de Texas A & M, obteniendo para TOP comento, “Nuestra Sauceda’s face was riddled the ink is absorbed back into the niño. un titulo en administración de esperanza es que podemos ape- with tattoos for years but could skin. Prison tattoos are easier José añadió, “cada sociedad empresas. lar contra Trump para que no only be faintly seen now af- to remove because of the poor es diferente y no sabría que hac- Azua de 25 años de edad sea tan cruel y despiadado con ter removal. Those who chose quality of ink, according to Ben- er si estuviera en México.” menciono, “Estoy triste. Estoy los Dreamers y pedirle que ten- to lose the tattoos are gaining dinelli, a nurse with ink off me. De acuerdo al The Tribunal, enojada. Estoy asustada”. Azua ga un poco de humanidad”. their lives back, Sauceda said. Tattoo removals can cost up to Santoyo fue contratado por la es una organizadora de la co- –Traducción por “I am truly an example that $5,000, depending on the num- Panadería Collin Street, a pesar munidad Texas Organization Marco Villa y Taré Beltranchuc change is possible.” ber of sessions. Dreamers fearful of deportation with President Trump President-elect Trump reported the Tribune. undocumented workers like knowing what’s going to hap- this country. It looks like that’s causes immigrant “dreamers” “I wouldn’t even know how Santoyo working in the bakery pen. …That’s impacting a lot of going to be the reality.” to be fearful of deportation, to get around Mexico right contributed to the loss, the Tri- people,” he added. Obama’s 2012 order grant- according to a Texas newspa- now. I have no sense of how bune reported. Jessica Azua graduated early ed relief from deportation to per. things work there, how society from Brackenridge High School roughly 700,000 undocumented The young, undocumented works there,” said Jose Manuel in San Antonio and got a busi- who arrived as children. Close immigrants, granted relief Santoyo, 24. He hasn’t been “I’m worried ness management degree from to 200,000 of them are in Texas. from deportation under Presi- there since 2001 when he left Texas A&M University. Legislation for relief was intro- dent Barack Obama’s 2012 as a child. about what’s “I’m sad. I’m angry. I’m duced but never passed by the executive order, are “freaking “Every society runs differ- scared,” said Azua, 25, a com- U.S. Congress, according to the out” because of Donald Trump, ently, and I wouldn’t know going to happen munity organizer at Texas Tribune. the Texas Tribune reported. what to do if I was there,” he to my family” Organization Project (TOP), “They have to go,” Trump During “his smash-talk- said. which fights for immigrants and said regarding the Dreamers. ing presidential run,” Trump Santoyo was hired by Collin low-income minorities. Edgar Navarrette, 22, a promised to wipe away the or- Street Bakery, though he was Santoyo is scheduled to grad- “I’m worried about what’s University of Texas at Austin der with a stroke of a pen, ac- undocumented and at the time uate from Southern Methodist going to happen to my family. student, is another one of the cording to the Tribune. didn’t have DACA status. He University in December and I’m worried about what’s going dreamers. The “dreamers” are undocu- became an issue in Texas poli- has no idea if he will get a job to happen to my job,” she said. Mary Moreno works for TOP. mented immigrants who came tics because of Thomas Mc- or whether he will be deported, Omar Perez, 26, who recently She said, “Our hope is we can here as children. They were Nutt, whose family owns the he said. graduated from the University appeal to him (Trump) to not be granted a “sort of legal sta- bakery. McNutt lost in a close “People are just afraid of of Houston, said, “Once you’re so cruel and callous about this tus” under Deferred Action for primary race against Rep. By- what’s going to happen. I feel undocumented you’re treated and have some humanity.” Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, ron Cook. News stories about like that’s the worst thing: not like a second-class citizen in –David Eugene Archer Sr. January 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 15 Inmate veterans deliver a message to the young By Juan Haines VHV is a support group that Senior Editor helps incarcerated veterans con- nect Post Traumatic Stress Dis- In the early hours of Nov. 11, order (PTSD) and comparable several dozen military veterans past traumas to criminal behav- from all branches of service ior. Narrative therapy, which gathered on a prison yard. Free involves writing to remember veterans and people from the one’s past to aid healing, plays a surrounding San Francisco Bay significant role in the VHV cur- Area joined them to pay tribute riculum. to this national holiday. “To work with you veterans to Before the guests arrived, in- build this has been an amazing carcerated veterans worked with honor,” said Mary Donovan, ex- military precision to set up a ecutive director of VHV. “There makeshift stage on the prison’s is awareness of the depth of care Lower Yard. Rows of cushioned that veterans have for each other. seats were also set up for the That impulse to care about each visitors. other also exists inside the prison “This is not only about vet- walls. The people outside don’t erans,” said the event coordi- understand this. It hasn’t oc- nator, veteran and inmate Ron curred to people on the outside Self. “We need to be united and that you guys are such powerful be mentors to the youngsters in voices. I encourage you to use the Youth Offender Program that voice.” (YOP).” Norfleet Stewart of the US The YOP aims to steer cer- Army has been a part of veter- tain young inmates away from ans’ groups at San Quentin State high-security prisons where they Prison since 2011. would face more serious and vio- “I do this to pay my respect to lent criminal influences. the fallen veterans who came be- Inmate Devin Marque Cole, fore me,” he said. 24, said he came out to watch the Stewart, who served in Viet- ceremony because when he was Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News nam from 1968-74, added “I hon- younger, he wanted to join the The Color Guard presenting the colors on Veterans Day or all veterans around the world.” military. “Every time I come in and “I couldn’t join the military, from prison in 2018. examples on how to live from less than 10 percent of the prison meet with my group, I feel like because when I was 15 I got into Cole sat next to D’Romeo Al- older guys.” population. you are ambassadors and I take trouble. That stopped me from len, 20, who has been incarcer- Eo Rojas has been working your stories and share them with being able to join,” Cole said. ated about a year. Allen is sched- with incarcerated veterans at people on the outside,” said VHV During his teenage years, Cole uled to be released from prison “I do this to pay San Quentin for about three and sponsor Diana Williams. said he’d been in and out of juve- in 2023. a half years. She continued, “When people nile hall, which eventually led to “Veterans Day is big,” Allen my respect to the “I’m a veteran and my son’s ask me why I do the work I do his current incarceration in state said. “It’s giving appreciation to fallen veterans who a veteran,” said Rojas. “Dur- inside a prison, I am reminded prison. people who fought for our coun- ing this time, I’ve come to have of this quote, ‘If you have come Cole is currently enrolled in try.” He added, “San Quentin is came before me” a deep respect for the men and here to help me, you are wasting a computer coding class at San good for younger guys like my- the healing work that we do your time. But if you have come Quentin State Prison. He said self because it offers a peaceful with Veterans Healing Veterans here because your liberation is the program will help him to find environment and gives a purpose San Quentin is home to more (VHV).” He added, “I want to be bound up with mine, then let us a good job when he is released to do something positive, with than 300 veterans, who make up here to support them.” work together.’ ” Christmas comes early with VGSQ’s Toys for Tots By Charles David Henry leave with it when their visit was Journalism Guild Writer over. VGSQ member Tederick Sims The 2016 San Quentin’s Toys has participated in the Toys for for Tots program came earlier Tots program for the second this year. On Dec. 16 chairman year. “This gives me so much joy Gary Cooper and members to see the excitement it brings to of the Veterans Group of San kids when they walk into the Quentin (VGSQ) decorated the room and pick out a gift.” Christmas tree in the main vis- These simple things help the iting room and received nearly men at San Quentin through the 400 gifts from the United States frustration of not being home Marine Corps Recruitment Cen- during the holiday with their ter in San Bruno. More than half children, grandchildren and of those gifts were also distrib- families. At least the kids can uted to H-Unit. come to visit and leave with a This year’s program ran for gift. Twelve-year-old John came two consecutive weekends on to visit his father, John, and was Dec. 17-18 and 24-25. The men surprised when a member of the Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News from VGSQ received various VGSQ insisted he pick a gift. VGSQ members with the toys in the SQ visiting room toys for children ages 10 months “This is so cool,” he said. to 16 years and set up the room VGSQ member Stephen Wil- He is a grandfather and remem- erans, said, “I just get so much Wesley Eisiminger, Michael Up- so that a child could easily pick son has been involved with the bers the times when he was able pleasure out of watching kids ton and Bernard Werner. a gift from a large selection and Toys for Tots for several years. to experience the pleasure he got pick a toy and the excitement “This is the 28th year that we when his children opened their they have when picking it up have received gifts for these Toys toys. “The excitement of watch- before they leave. This is my for Tots programs, and this year ing these kids pick a gift gives way of giving something back. is the most exciting because of me so much joy and puts me in It helps me deal with the holiday the number of gifts we received the spirit of the holidays and spirit,” he says. from the Marines. We under- reminds me of the past Christ- Garin Robinson, who has stand that the needs out there in mas.” been involved with the veterans the communities are just as great Unique Aubrey, 16, came to group for five years, enjoys be- as the needs are here in prison, visit her father, Derrico Aubrey, ing around other veterans shar- and we greatly appreciate the and found a gift to her liking. ing in a worthy cause like Toys effort they put forth in making “I’m dedicated to keeping the for Tots. “It’s the joy and plea- these gifts available to our pris- family unit together, and I have sure of seeing us put together on population and their families. been coming to visit my father these toys for the kids that keeps I want to extend a sincere thanks for the past 10 years and will al- me coming back every year,” he to our VGSQ sponsor Madeline ways support him,” she said. said. Tenney for her dedication and Kevin Brinckman, a VGSQ Other members who partici- commitment to making Toys for Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News member who enjoys sharing the pated in this 28th year Toys for Tots a success again this year at Veterans members putting together toys for the kids holiday spirit with the other vet- Tots are Stan Baer, Tony Burch, San Quentin,” said Cooper. Page 16 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017 Government worker’s job to destroy millions of lives

ments. The nor- Jews — his defense was one of Think about the millions of un- Book Review malcy of Eich- ignorance, and of following ex- documented people in America mann cannot be ecutive orders. who are in peril of deportation overemphasized. According to Eichmann, to who knows where because By Juan Haines Arendt notes the indictment for murder was of place of birth or religious be- Senior Editor that his relation- wrong: liefs. Will they be sent to places ship with his where their livelihoods are in Adolf Eichmann was a regu- “But I had nothing to do with jeopardy? wife and chil- the killing of Jews. I never killed lar guy who found his calling by dren, his mother a Jew, or, for that matter, I nev- being an efficient government and father, his er killed a non-Jew — I never Arendt writes that Eichmann: worker. A deeper look into his brothers and sis- killed any human being. I never life reveals a not-so-average guy ters and friends gave an order to kill a Jew nor recalled perfectly well that who had failed in many things, was “not only an order to kill a non-Jew; I just he would have had a bad con- did not do it.” Or, as he was later science only if he had not done including academically and at File Photo normal but most several jobs. Nevertheless, he desirable,” and to qualify this statement, “It so what he had been ordered to was a dedicated public servant Author Hannah Arendt he was “a man happened…that I had not once do — to ship millions of men, and a pretty good community 1963), is how objectively normal with very positive ideas.” to do it.”— for he said explic- women and children to their death with great zeal and most organizer who worked on a pro- itly that he would have killed his his life seemed before and while Eichmann was arrested and own father if he had received an meticulous care. gram that destroyed the lives of in government. He was born on extradited from Argentina to Is- order to that effect. millions. March 19, 1906, in Solingen, in rael to stand trial for war crimes I relate what happened in Ger- One thing that grounded me the Rhineland — a German city during World War II. In spite of Eichmann went to consider- many during World War II to while reading Eichmann in that is famous for its knives, his role in the holocaust — the able lengths to prove that he had what is happening in the United Jerusalem, (Hannah Arendt, scissors and surgical instru- death of more than 6 million never harbored any ill feelings States today. In both, there is a against Jews, Arendt wrote and patriotic movement to capture added; Jews in his family were the hearts and minds of the pub- among his “private reasons” for lic. I am reminded about days of Study explores how lifers get not hating Jews. past — when Hitler criticized That being said, I couldn’t the Treaty of Versailles, saying help but feel uneasy with the that it undermined the German better deal from parole boards negatively tainted rhetoric com- economy and created massive ing from the U.S. President-elect unemployment. This sounds fa- By Wayne Boatwright and suitability determinations that an inmate is suitable for against Mexicans and Mus- miliar to me: many of today’s Managing Editor “are largely invisible to the pub- release unless “consideration lims and its similarity to 1930s trade agreements are criticized lic eye,” according to the Stan- of the public safety requires a Germany’s vicious criticisms by the president-elect and the For decades, lifers were rarely ford Report. lengthier period of incarcera- against the Jews that resulted in blame for unemployment and found suitable for parole. Now Fewer than 50 state employ- tion” (California Penal Code the holocaust. crime are placed on a targeted more than 20 percent are being ees handle the caseload equal to 401(b)). How many law-abiding gov- group of people. Americans who paroled. one-third of U.S. inmates serv- The process has the board ernment workers are in a po- feel left behind believe Trump Why? Thanks to changes at ing indeterminate terms. There consider 15 factors listed in the sition to cause grief and even can bring things back the way the legal, executive, as well as are 12 governor-appointed com- California Code of Regulations death upon another human being they were. I fear that history is an initiative petition and admin- missioners and 30-plus civil ser- (CCR), Tit. 15, 2402(a). Six fac- merely by executing, to the best repeating itself with a govern- istrative levels. vice deputy commissioners. One tors relate to unsuitability for of his or her ability, the full force ment that says it wants to em- Many more prisoners will now commissioner and one deputy release. They are exceptionally of the law in the United States? power the entitled citizen. have access to parole because of commissioner preside over each callous life crime, violent his- the passage of Proposition 57 in lifer parole hearing. tory, psychological problems, November 2016. It will likely al- Before each hearing, the pris- institutional misbehavior, previ- low thousands more inmates to on prepares a board packet for ous record of violence or sadistic go before the parole board. the BPH hearing participants. sexual offenses, and the pres- ‘My mother’ and ‘the That’s great news for the men This packet includes key docu- ence or absence of exit plans. in San Quentin who yearn to go ments from the inmate’s central The remaining nine demonstrate Pope’ top list of best home. Now they just need to un- file (C-File), a summary of the suitability. They include evi- derstand how to take advantage applicant’s crime, criminal re- dence of remorse, absence of a of the changes. cord, psychological evaluations, juvenile record, and stable social persons to visit In this first of three articles, post-conviction progress report, history. which are based on a ground- and any prior parole decisions. The grant rate for lifer inmates Glenda.” breaking Stanford University A lifer inmate’s initial suit- has risen dramatically from Asked On The Line R. Zeigler: “I would first vis- study published in the April ability hearing takes place one eight percent in 2008 to 30 per- it my wife and my mother-in- 2016 Federal Sentencing Re- year before the minimum eligi- cent in 2015. The increase oc- law, then my brothers, nieces porter (Stanford Report), we’ll ble release date. curred because the BPH granted By Angelo Falcone and nephews, and finally, close see how the system works. There were virtually no parole more “suitable for parole” rul- Journalism Guild Writer friends.” Today about 35,000 individu- grants resulting in release prior ings. While the governor re- V. Nguyen: “I would visit my als are serving life sentences to two 2008 California Supreme voked a fifth of these, there were A visit from family or friend family in San Jose.” with the possibility of parole Court rulings. Between 1979 still close to 25 percent of those is the most valued and antici- M. Benitez: “I would go to in California’s prison system. and 2007, less than three percent who had a parole hearing in 2015 pated occurrence in San Quen- Mexico to visit my father’s These “indeterminate” life sen- of all BPH hearings resulted in and earned their freedom. tin. According to prison regu- grave site. tences used to be called “life an inmate being found suitable In future articles, we will con- lations, it is recognized as “a M. Saldana: “I would like to means life” by the incarcerated for parole. The vast majority of sider trends in parole and suit- means of increasing safety in go to a family reunion to visit because few were ever found these were then reversed by the ability decisions, and variables prisons, maintaining family with all of my brothers and sis- suitable. The reasons for their sitting California governor, ac- that have a statistically signifi- and community connections, ters.” “unsuitability” were unclear cording to the Stanford Report. cant impact on odds of release. and preparing inmates for suc- C. Moreno: “I would visit to the denied. That is because There were few parole grants A copy of the above-men- cessful release and rehabilita- Mr. Sanchez, in person, and let the Board of Parole Hearings’ even though a BPH hearing be- tioned Stanford Report is avail- tion.” him know that I am sorry for (BPH) decision-making process gins with a legal presumption able through Patten University. “Asked on the Line” asked what I have done to him and the men in blue, “If the war- his family.” den would give you a pass to P. Feliciano: “I would visit SHU inmates down 65 percent since 2012 go anywhere to visit anyone for my son, daughter and grand- one day, where would you go? children in New Mexico.” By Salvador Solorio been removed from the SHU, new rules, isolation is for those Who would you visit?” N. Burn: “I would visit my Journalism Guild Writer the San Francisco Chronicle guilty of assaults, weapons pos- M. Stewart: “I would visit brother Vincent.” reported. sessions, drug dealing and other my mother in Pomona. She has N. Andino: “I would go back The use of Security Housing The transfers are a result of serious crimes while in prison. been living in that city for 40 to my country, Colombia, and Unit (SHU) cells in Califor- a lawsuit settlement approved The settlement allows prison- years. She is my pride and joy.” visit my mother’s grave.” nia has reportedly dropped 65 by a federal judge in October ers who commit violent felonies R. Malo: “I would like to go A. Angulo: “I would visit all percent. As of December 2012, 2015, which required changes to be held in SHU for up to 10 to the Vatican and visit Pope of my family who live in Cali- the state had 9,870 prisoners in in a system that had separated years. It also states that inmates Francis.” fornia.” SHU, according to the Center inmates from their fellow in- can be held longer if they con- M. Morales: “I would visit H. Bridges: “I would visit my for Constitutional Rights, which mates for extended periods. tinue to pose a danger to cor- my brother, Chino, who lives wife in Pomona.” represented the prisoners. This Sometimes prisoners were iso- rectional officers or other pris- in San Bernardino.” J. Smith: “I would go visit August there were 3,471. lated 20 years or more based on oners. B. Muro: “I would go and my mother’s grave in Missis- Of the 1,557 prisoners kept in the prison system’s findings of Deputy press secretary visit my children, then my sippi.” SHU for 10 or more years, 1,512 gang affiliation, the newspaper spokeswoman of CDCR Terry mom, and then my sisters.” A. Torres: “I would visit my have been transferred to general reported. Thorton told the Chronicle, M. Jones: “I would go to family in Sacramento, espe- prison housing. At Pelican Bay, Criteria used in some cases “The department has moved the East Coast to visit friends, cially my children.” all but two of the 513 prisoners were based on tattoos, letters from an affiliation-based system and I would go to New York to J. Ybarra: “I would visit my held for at least a decade have or books they possessed. Under to a behavior-based system.” visit my long lost sister-in-law, brother in Bakersfield.” January 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 17 Correctional Officers honored for rescuing citizens By Marcus Henderson to smoke. They used a rock to Journalism Guild Chairman break a window, then pulled the driver out, according to the ar- Three California correctional ticle. officers have been honored for “For us, we do a lot of train- using their emergency training ing,” Tuntakit said. “And to be to rescue injured citizens. able to be in the right place at One motorist layed uncon- the right time and put that train- scious in an overturned car on ing to use is a great feeling.” a 100-yard steep embankment. At the 31st annual Medal of Avenal State Prison Lts. Mike Valor ceremony in Sacramento, Tuntakit and John Mendiboure Lts. Tuntakit and Mendiboure broke out a window and used both received Silver Stars life-saving tactics to resuscitate and Sgt. Tuck was awarded a her, reported the Hanford Sen- Bronze Star by the California tinel. Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The Medal of Valor is earned “They exemplify for bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal de- a commitment to mands of correctional duties. Courtesy of CDCR “They exemplify a commit- Lt. Mendiboure and Lt. Tuntakit at the scene of the accident selfless service day ment to selfless service day in in and day out” and day out,” CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan said. “Our jobs have never been easy. How- In a separate incident, Cor- ever, we continue meeting the rectional Sgt. Stan Tuck was challenges as they arise, some- on a trip to the grocery store times at great personal sac- when he noticed a woman un- rifice. I am proud to lead our conscious on the sidewalk. He staff as we strive to make the performed CPR after checking agency a national role model her vital signs. The woman be- for corrections and rehabilita- gan to breathe again, and Tuck tion.” monitored her until paramedics At the ceremony Gov. Jerry arrived, the article reported. Brown praised the actions of “I was kind of puzzled,” the employees. Tuck said. “There were people “It’s the people, their charac- around doing nothing. Some- ter, their virtue and how they thing just didn’t look right. I treat themselves, their families was glad I was there, but I hope and their neighbors and who I never have to do it again. I do are strengthening our state and hope I’m there, though, if some- country by what they’ve done,” one needs me.” Brown said. “They go above Tuntakit and Mendiboure and beyond the call of duty and were carpooling home when act in a way that is profoundly they came across a person wav- humane and gives edification ing them down for help. A mo- and inspiration to everyone Courtesy of CDCR torist was unresponsive from else who hears about it or sees Lt. Mendiboure, CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan and Lt. Tuntakit the wreck, and the car began it.” with their Medal of Valor award Centinela helps incarcerated veterans with ‘The Fight Club’ By Forrest Lee Jones PTSD and other psychiatric op-ed for the OC Register. lems under the club’s philoso- program full of anger and bit- Journalism Guild Writer disorders, came to Centinela The Fight Club’s framework phy. Prisoners are encouraged terness. After hearing stories State Prison in June. The goal is formatted like a boxing to move past bad experiences from embattled veterans suf- The Fight Club, a Biblical- of the program is to see how match with 12 rounds or les- in their lives and into their fering from PTSD in war-torn ly-based program designed to it can impact prisoner reform, sons that help prisoners work future, to defy the giants and countries, Moore’s heart was help veterans suffering from Wayne Hughes wrote in an through their personal prob- fears in their lives, like King transformed. After the third David did in the Bible against day of the program, he said his Goliath life was changed. The prison’s warden, Ray- Empowered by the change, Chowchilla’s cosmetology program mond Madden, requested the Moore had a renewed inter- program be conducted in the est and determination to put for men enhances job prospects maximum security yard where a two-point Fight Plan into most prisoners are housed place by creating a greater By Noel Scott hired,” said Scott Budnick, a study shows that money spent with life sentences for com- bond in his marriage and ob- Journalism Guild Writer movie producer and reform ad- on prison education substantial- mitting serious crimes. There taining freedom from prison. vocate who founded the Anti- ly reduces future incarceration were 27 participants in atten- He said the experience affect- Valley State Prison in Chow- Recidivism Coalition. costs for taxpayers. dance during the three-day ed the attitude he had toward chilla is the only prison in Cali- Finding employment is of- event, reports Hughes. his incarceration. fornia that offers a cosmetology ten difficult when on parole but Inmate Etienne Moore’s “I’ve gained a new focus program for men. “Inmates are these two programs offer their testimony demonstrated the to help young men who come It has a 100 percent graduation graduates unique opportunities impact the program could into prison, to help guide them rate, which is one of the highest learning all the for potential entrepreneurs. have on one person. Moore away from the gangs and trou- rates of any prison education languages that Hairstylists, for example, can was convicted of two counts ble makers,” Moore said. “I programs in the nation, accord- rent chairs in beauty salons and of first degree murder at the know I can make a difference ing to Wash, Rinse, Redeem: A actually get work for themselves. Last Mile age of 24 and sentenced to two by sharing what I’ve learned look inside a beauty school — in graduates, according to Bud- life sentences without the pos- in the Fight Club.” a men’s prison, by Stacey Leas- you hired” nick, are not only positioned for sibility of parole. He alleges The Fight Club is operated ca on the good.com. an $80,000–a-year job once re- that he was “...tried and con- and sponsored by an organiza- “It’s like a break from prison “I think we shouldn’t try to leased, they can create “phone victed of a crime [he] didn’t tion called The Mighty Oaks because of the way free staff cram anyone into a certain box apps” of their own and market commit.” Foundation. The organization interacts with us, and we inter- ... there is a huge need for vo- them. He experienced adverse is sponsoring four more class- act with each other,” said Dan- cational programming for those These programs reflect a sea consequences because of his es at Centinela State Prison iel Bezemer, the program’s first that don’t have a high school di- change in the CDCR’s overall tall stature and race, which and plans to start classes at male graduate. ploma or GED, don’t want to go mindset toward rehabilitation contributed to his initiation Calipatria State Prison and The Last Mile at San Quentin to college, and prefer working through education. This will- into a prison gang, where he others. also provides training in a useful with their hands,” said Budnick. ingness to adopt new programs says violence and drugs be- According to the report, 90 vocation. The class teaches how According to a 2013 report by that prepare inmates for life came a way of life. After hear- percent of all prisoners will be to write computer codes without the Rand Corporation, inmates outside of prison exemplifies ing about the Fight Club he released from prison someday, having the use of the internet. who get a college education in the rehabilitation renaissance decided to join, according to leaving open the question of “Inmates are learning all the prison reduce their chances of that is taking hold throughout the report. what type of person they will languages that actually get you re-offending by 43 percent. The our nation. At the outset, he entered the be when released. Page 18 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017 North Block wins basketball trophy named Becky, 28-21 By Rahsaan Thomas responded, “We take our losses learn something in this sweep Staff Writer like we take our wins.” right here,” said West Block’s In a previous Labor Day Phirank Kim. “We needed The Asian/Pacific Islanders tournament, North Block beat Coach Nick Lopez back.” formed teams by housing units West Block and was the first In the final full-court game, for a Thanksgiving Basketball to receive Becky, which has the first team to score 28 won. Tournament where the prizes two tiers wrapped in glossy- North Block jumped out to were promoting unity and gold paper and is topped with an early 7-2 lead. H-Unit tied a trophy called Becky with a ping-pong sized ball painted the score up at 7-7 on a three- to resemble a miniature pointer by Elijah Fejeran. the Good Hair. North Block Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News defeated H-Unit in the finals, basketball. North Block’s center Upu 28-21. “It has gold teeth,” joked Ama retook the lead with a Bittermen Todd Sims guarding King D. “Zayd” Nickolson “They played a good game; North Block’s Juan Meza. power move in the paint. Ama we played a good game. They started in the place of Cooke, came out on top,” said H-Unit’s who led North Block to victory SQ Kings end losing Blu Vue. “This tournament “We’re gonna come in a previous tournament for means bragging rights and Labor Day, scoring 10 points unity amongst ourselves.” back and win with six rebounds. North Block’s leading Khan heated up, scoring five season with victory scorer, Adnan Khan, jokingly Becky from them” straight points, making the The San Quentin Kings ended stole the ball and laid it up to put disagreed. “It’s not about score 15-7. their last game of a losing season his team back in front, 77-76. unity; it’s about winning and The trophy went back up for Wilson Nguyen gave H-Unit with an 87-83 overtime win over The Bittermen fouled to stop- bragging, and most of all it’s grabs in the Nov. 24 tournament the lead with a three-pointer at the visiting Bittermen basketball ping the clock at 20 seconds. about Becky. Tell me how West with the agreement that a new 20-19. Nguyen led H-Unit with team. Lewis went to the line to shoot Block can go 0-4 and still be tier would be added for each 10 points. “We salvaged the season,” free throws after being fouled. united. They are in the showers new winner. Khan answered with back- joked Kings Coach Orlando He missed the first but made the arguing right now.” Tournament organizer and to-back buckets taking the Harris. “Even though they won second to tie the score at 77. West Block’s Rafael Cuevas North Block point guard lead right back, followed by the season series, they have to On defense, Thad Fleeton Chau Vi said he teammate Vi with a highlight go home and sit with this loss for snatched the ball from Steer to and another player, reel up and under layup, the entire off season. I’m gonna end regulation play with a stop, Damon Cooke, came making the score 25-21. send him (Bittermen Coach Ted sending the game into overtime. up with the name H-Unit defended well for a Saltveit) a copy of the paper.” In OT, the Kings took over Becky for the trophy. few possessions, but failed to The Bittermen led 75-72 with starting with an assist from “Me and Damon score again. 2:10 left in the fourth quarter Oris “Pep” Williams for a turn- were talking about it Khan nailed a three-pointer when the Kings made a run. J. around post jumper made by and went with Becky for the winning basket. He “Mailman” Ratchford made a Fleeton. because it’s funny,” finished with 15 points. pass to Thad Fleeton who scored Steer missed a three-point Vi said. The winning team members inside, making it 75-74 with 1:47 attempt, and the Kings never Six games were: Khan, Jonathan Chiu, on the clock. looked back. scheduled for North Eddie Dela Pena, Danny On defense, Ratchford Ted Saltveit coached the Bit- Block, West Block Thongsy, Moua Vue, Dahvee blocked Per Casey’s third termen to their first winning and H-Unit had Sophal, Upu Ama, Juan Meza, consecutive layup attempt. season ever against the Kings. them play each other Jerome Hermosura and Chau Then Ratchford got back down Harris still feels everybody twice to decide who Vi. court in time for teammate De- won. goes to the finals. “Every player gets to spend a mond Lewis to pass him the ball “To have outside people come West Block lost four night with Becky,” said Khan. for an inside score, putting the in here and share their life sto- games, eliminating “It rotates.” Kings ahead 76-75. ries is big,” Harris said. “My a need for game six “We’re gonna go back to the “If they gave that effort every takeaway is having this chance and sending North drawing board,” said H-Unit’s time we played, we wouldn’t be to build community and know- Block and H-Unit to Patang. “Get more offensive. 13-16,” Harris said. ing how much we impact each Photo by Jonathan Chiu - San Quentin News the finals. We’re gonna come back and Trailblazer Ryan Steer, who other for the better.” “Becky with the Good Hair” trophy “Hopefully we win that (Becky) from them.” also plays for the Bittermen, –Rahsaan Thomas A fútbol battle of the ages on the Lower Yard By Eddie Herena Hermanos completed their 10- and in extra time, Cesar Del- San Quentin News Photographer man team by picking up four gado of San Quentin slipped in inside players. a goal, tying the match in the Prison provides the opportu- Before the game began, 93rd minute. The game ended nity for Latinos to seek friend- youngster Alfredo Figuroa said seconds later. ship with their fellow inmates he hoped his fellow Hermanos It was time for penalty kicks. through a shared interest. At would “not die” from exhaus- Up for the first of five - at San Quentin State Prison, this tion. tempts was Lopez for the OGs usually means finding them on a OG Tare “Cancun” Beltran- who scored, putting his team up soccer field. chuc, an inside player, said, a goal: OGs 4-3. On the Lower Yard, incarcer- “We’re going to have to play • Ayala for the youngsters: ated soccer players recently held smart. We’re slow and have to goal, 4-4. a match against the Hermanos compensate with wisdom.” • Jose Melendez, OGs: Unidos (United Brothers) – a The average age for the young- miss, 4-4. team of all college students at- sters was about 22 years old. • Hidalgo, youngsters: tending the University of Cali- The OGs were all well past 40 miss, 4-4. fornia at Berkeley. The match years of age — with 65 being the • Alexi Ruiz, OGs: goal, 5-4 was their third in a year. oldest. • Lionel Hernandez, The outside players were But age was not a factor as Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News youngsters: miss, 5-4 Latino as well and came from Jesús “Morelia” Lopez scored San Quentin’s third soccer match against outside team • Beltranchuc, OGs: miss, 5-4 similar, if not the same, neigh- the game’s first goal off an assist • Torres, youngsters: goal, 5-5 borhoods as the San Quentin from Beltranchuc in minute 30: coming, until 22-year-old Bran- half goals, giving the OGs a 3-1 • Juan Espinoza, OGs: team. Because of midterms 1-0 the older guys. don Higalgo, a young man from advantage. miss, 5-5 and final exams, however, they Near the first half’s end, only Mexico City, hurdled over a pile At this point, an OG victory The game fell on the shoul- could only field a squad of six two Hermanos players remained of bodies for a goal in the 43rd seemed inevitable. Even with ders of Delgado, who scored the players. in the game: Victor Gonzalez minute. The match was even: the inside help, the Hermanos game-tying goal, and he did not Eager to play and to even the and Edwardo “Lalo” Ayala. It 1-1. would not get their first victory. miss his mark, giving the broth- field, everyone agreed to split was starting to look like Figu- In the second half the OGs As the OGs were determined ers from Berkeley their first win into teams based on age. The di- roa’s plan to “not die,” was not showed no signs of fatigue and to win, they sent a message of on San Quentin soil. The final viding line was 40 years. It was working. played with the same vigor and “earning your keep on the field” score was 6-5 youngsters. The the youngsters against the OGs It was going to take more than determination, matching the to the youngsters. game was one to remember and (older guys.) energy to topple the veteran youngsters stride for stride. But in minute 62, youngster one that could not be won “with- With the back drop of cloud- team. Arturo “Turi” Abalos and Jose Manny Torres responded to the out them,” said Uriel Saldivar, covered Mt. Tamalpais and a And energy it was, as the “Niero” Viera in minutes 51 and OG’s message by scoring a goal. referring to the young men on soft, wet, newly green field, the youngsters kept coming and 59 scored the first two second- With the game winding down the inside. January 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 19 Draymond Green converts a heckler By Rahsaan Thomas on his leg, shares a cell with San Staff Writer Quentin Warrior Allan McIn- tosh. He calls rooting for outside For years Ceasar “C-Money” teams “Stockholm Syndrome.” McDowell has been heckling any He’s teased Golden State As- team that comes in from the out- sistant General Manager Kirk side to play in San Quentin, espe- Lacob about everything from cially the Golden State Warriors missing shots to his choice in organization. However, after an basketball sneakers. However, af- epic day of playing dominos in- ter years of getting to know many side the prison with Draymond people from the Golden State or- Green, he now calls the NBA ganization, especially Green, he

All-Star his favorite basketball has developed more respect. Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News player. “I like the Warriors because I “Draymond is my favorite met the owner, know the owner’s University of San Francisco Tennis Team posing player because he’s the realest sons, and the general manager with San Quentin’s Inside Tennis Team brother in the league,” said Mc- knows me by name,” said Mc- Dowell. Dowell. “When you know them Draymond came into San personally, you have to have love USF tennis team loves Quentin on Sept. 24 with Kevin for their organization.” Durant to attend a basketball Despite his admiration for game between the Golden State Green and Golden State, he still its matches at San Quentin Warriors staff and the San Quen- plans to keep heckling Lacob tin Warriors. Green spent most whenever he comes to play with The University of San Fran- “I’m not in prison anymore showing compassion for us,” of his time at the domino tables the Christian Sports Ministry cisco Tennis Team, comprising when I’m on the court,” said In- Alleyne said. “They’re encour- playing against McDowell and team on Saturdays. players from around the world, side Tennis Team’s (ITT) Salva- aging us to continue a positive others. “I’m absolutely still going returned to San Quentin to visit dore Solorio. program and by doing that, McDowell, who has a Los An- to heckle him, but it’s all love and play against the Inside Ten- The ITT was no match for the they’re helping us get ready for geles Lakers emblem tattooed though,” said McDowell. nis Team. The S.Q. team is com- younger guys who started play- the streets.” posed of older incarcerated men, ing tennis as kids. Marco Bar- The visitors enjoyed them- most of whom learned how to retto, 21, of San Francisco, has selves as well. play tennis inside prison. played tennis since he was 9 “I admire the people here — “I love bringing my guys and is proud to say his dad also no one is giving up,” said USF’s here,” said USF coach Pablo played for USF. However, some- Mert Zincili, 19, of Turkey. Pries de Almeida. “They really thing bigger than tennis hap- USF’s Ryan Marker, 19, of get a lot out of it.” pens on the San Quentin court Palm Springs, added, “I want- Pries de Almeida brought in of dreams. ed to come. It’s an eye-opener, seven tennis players from coun- ITT member Paul Alleyne, good experience.” tries including France, Sweden, who learned how to play tennis “I really look forward to Sat- Turkey and the U.S. Regardless inside prison, appreciates the urdays,” said ITT’s Paul Oliver. of where anyone came from, lessons he learns from the inter- “They take their time to speak both the college kids and incar- national visitors. with us. It lets me know I’m still Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News cerated men share a love for ten- “I like the fact that they’re human.” Ceasar McDowell (blue shirt) with Draymond Green nis, he said. coming from the outside and –Rahsaan Thomas 10 complete the ninth annual 1000 Mile Club marathon Despite obstacles, like several Running has helped Wickerd hind Taylor and just in front of alarms requiring all inmates to lose 45 pounds. Skull in the first lap of the race. sit on the ground for momen- “This was the hardest physi- But he injured his hip after run- tum-zapping spats, 10 men cal thing I have ever done,” said ning 20.25 miles firmly in sec- completed 105 laps around San Wickerd, who said he played ond place and stopped running, Quentin’s Lower Yard to finish football and wrestled. missing a chance to take first the ninth annual 1000 Mile Club Troy Dunmore, 53, came in place. marathon. fifth at 4:11:20 despite health is- “After he (Taylor) lapped me The 10 finishers, on Nov. 19, sues. four times, he slowed down, and represent a club record. Since “I have a heart ailment,” Dun- I lapped him two times,” Hopson 2008, no more than nine men more said. “It only beats at 40 said. have completed the 105 laps. percent. I asked my doctor if I Freelance writer Liz Gill cov- “This was harder than any could run, and he said, ‘Running ered the marathon for Competi- other day,” said Markelle Taylor, slow is good; it’s not like you’re tor Magazine. 44, who came in first with a time gonna run a marathon.’” Gill said a story about why of 3:21:19. “I was just glad to fin- Photo by Roldan Lozada Dunmore has been training incarcerated men would run a ish.” Troy Dunmore running with Jesus Vasquez all year. He ran the race side-by- marathon would be a good one. Taylor cramped up after one of side with his Christian brother, “Their answers are pretty sim- the alarms, which signaled there athon and his personal best time. third. It was his best finish. It Jesus Vasquez, who isn’t in the ilar to what you’d hear from any- was a disturbance somewhere For Skull, it’s competing with was also his personal best at 1000 Mile Club. one who is hooked on running,” inside the prison. The alarm last- fellow club member Eddie Her- 4:01:20. “He told me he needed some- Gill said. ed 25 minutes. The others were ena and training with Taylor that “My knees started hurting body to push, so I pushed him –Rahsaan Thomas of various lengths. After each motivated him to finish the 26.2 with six miles left,” Chiu said. as far as I could,” Vasquez said. alarm, he got up and continued miles. “No matter how hard it is, after- “Twenty-three miles is enough to run with a look of determina- “I’m the hardest-working lazy ward you won’t be in as much for me.” tion and anguish on his face. guy that I know — they (Herena pain.” Mike Keyes, 69, came in sixth “The whole club, everybody and Taylor) won’t let me be lazy,” Chiu said he fought off with a time of 4:12:24. motivated me to keep going — Skull said. “Then my competi- cramps during the long alarms “This was probably the hard- without you guys supporting me, tiveness with Eddie comes in. I by stretching out his legs and est marathon for me,” Keyes I wouldn’t have finished,” Taylor wish Eddie were here. Tell Eddie massaging them. Focusing on said. “I had a cold and didn’t said. “Believe me. I wanted to to bring it next time.” breathing, pushing away the know if I would run until this stop several times.” Herena did not run in the mar- pain and listening to a country/ morning.” Every race, he runs for a athon, but he did stop by to sup- rock play list on his music player Diabetic Chris Schuhmacher, cause. For the 2016 marathon he port his teammate with competi- helped him complete the course. 49, finished seventh at 4:16:21. ran “for people who struggle to tive motivation. Tommy Wickerd, 49, con- “Today is my mom’s birth- forgive and for those who also “In the running world, there quered one of his two goals — day,” Schuhmacher said. “I did need to be forgiven — remember is a mutual understanding, and getting a GED and completing this for her.” to forgive yourself,” Taylor said. it revolves around time,” Herena a marathon, which he did with Larry Ford, 60, came in eighth Taylor holds the club’s top two said. “He (Skull) did not break a time of 4:06. He took fourth at 4:30. Bruce Wells came in best finishing times with the re- my record.” place. ninth, completing his first mara- cord he set in 2015 of 3:16:07. Skull missed Herena’s per- “It’s an accomplishment,” thon with a time of 4:32:53. Lee Photo by Roldan Lozada Chris Skull, 38, came in sec- sonal best marathon of 3:35:27 Wickerd said. “I ran a marathon, Goins, 59, took 10th at 4:46:14. ond with a time of 3:37. That feat by about two minutes. not just any marathon, a San Lorino Hopson, 62, started 1000 Mile Club coach made his second completed mar- Jonathan Chiu, 34, came in Quentin marathon.” out strong. He paced right be- Frank Ruona Page 20 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2017

Photo by Jonathan Chiu- San Quentin News The District Attorney’s forum at San Quentin News on Dec. 16 DA’s came searching for answers; found something more

crime policies. “It’s an eye-for-an-eye,” come to prison to find these ing a sentence of 17 years to life DA Forum “Our life experiences hooked Gonzalez said. “If there’s no changes?” for second-degree murder. up with your knowledge could punishment, crime victims “It’s sad to say that I had to “My lifestyle in and out of Continued from Page 1 be used to set up a program to would feel like they need to ex- come to prison (to find these the home was in conflict,” Ama help the kids,” Miles said. act it for themselves. They rely changes), Khan said. “But, why said. “My Polynesian culture “When the strategy is to lock Miles told the prosecutors on law enforcement so that they aren’t these programs taught in taught me traditional values, the kid up, all they learn is how about San Quentin’s at-risk don’t resort to self-help.” middle school and high school? but the street culture brought a to become a better criminal,” youth program, SQUIRES. SF Assistant DA Marisa Ro- If they were, it wouldn’t have lot of traumatic experiences to added Melendez, 37, who has “SQUIRES works with non- driguez added, “Bringing all taken me to commit the kind me.” been incarcerated for 18 years. judgmental dialogue,” Miles the DAs in here is not to be of crime I did to learn these Ama said while on the streets It was the 14th San Quen- explained. “When we sit in softer on crime. It is to better things.” he witnessed a lot of violence tin News Forum, led by the front of kids and listen to them, understand how to do our jobs. Jerome Hermosura, who is against people he knew. newspaper’s executive editor, we have credibility because It is really valuable to hear what serving a life sentence, said, “I felt unsafe every time I left Arnulfo T. Garcia. Previous they know that we were once in a 19-year-old would take away “As a youngster, I felt like the house,” Ama said. “Around forums have included judges, their shoes.” from programs and not take bad I wasn’t being heard. There 12-13, I turned to gangs for pro- elected officials and teachers. Phoeun You is serving a life habits back to the community.” wasn’t anything in place to tection. Being in a gang gave Garcia rounded up about a sentence for a drive-by shoot- Adnan Khan, 32, is serving a help children with issues of do- me a chip on my shoulder.” dozen inmates to discuss how ing in 1996 and has been in- life sentence for a murder/rob- mestic violence. The teachers Ama said ever since he joined they have transformed their volved with programs similar bery he committed at age 17. He weren’t able to help. I didn’t un- a gang, he’s been in and out of lives and are now committed to to SQUIRES. He said that be- pointed to the benefits of self- derstand the resentment against prisons and jails without his giving back to the same com- cause prisoners have had simi- help programs. my father — the hate and anger problems being addressed. munity they harmed. lar difficult childhoods, the vis- Khan said there are a variety — until I came to prison. I wish “I got out of prison at 25 and “I grew up in an abusive itors trust the inmates and often of San Quentin programs that I knew this when I was a child.” three months later I beat some- home,” said Vaughn Miles, it’s the first time they’ve been lead to transformation. Among Emile DeWeaver, 37, also one to death,” Ama said. “I look 43, incarcerated for 22 years able to talk to anyone about them are Shakespeare, yoga, serving a life sentence for at it now; I had a kind of rage for first-degree murder. “I left their lives. anger management, and addic- a murder he committed at inside me from my childhood home at 13 and found accep- “A mentorship program with tion recovery counseling. He 19-years-old added, “We grow experiences.” tance in the streets. Living that people who have paroled that pointed out that most inmates up with thinking errors about Rodriguez said, “Everyone way of life comes with a belief also includes the parents could at other prisons don’t get such value and being rejected/isolat- came away with new ideas con- system — a street code. I inter- be used to work toward a solu- help. ed. It’s about connecting with cerning rehabilitation and what nalized that code and started tion,” You suggested. “We live in a punitive society, strategies that support change that means and what it can re- carrying a gun. That criminal Ana Gonzalez said she was and we are seeing its results. in safe places. There needs to be ally look like in practice, re- lifestyle opened the door for my moved by the stories and noted The community and society places to nurture. I didn’t need entry, and the juvenile justice commitment offense.” that the San Francisco District should take responsibility as to come to prison to change my system, just to name a few.” To prevent juveniles from Attorney’s Office has an advi- well as the individual for what life – that’s where I changed, Julius De Guia, added, “I’ve turning to a life of crime, Miles sory board of formerly incar- went wrong,” Kahn stated. but the same interventions that been with the District Attor- called for the collaboration be- cerated individuals. Neverthe- “I didn’t expect to hear what work so well at San Quentin ney’s Office 19 years and never tween street-smart reformed less, she said that victims of I’ve heard,” said Marshall should’ve been available to me sat with the same people I’ve inmates and public safety of- crime rely on prosecutors to Khine. He asked the inmates, when I was being thrown out of sent to prison. I have a lot of ficials committed to smart-on- punish lawbreakers. “Do you think you had to junior high school.” feelings I didn’t think I’d have. Upumoni Ama has been in- My whole office needs to come carcerated 22 years. He is serv- and have this experience.”

Photo by Jonathan Chiu- San Quentin News Photo by Jonathan Chiu- San Quentin News Ana Gonzales and Alex Bastian listens to inmates SQN Adviser Steve McNamara, Marisa Rodriguez and Wade Chow sharing their personal stories