San Quentin News THE PULSE OF SAN QUENTIN

VOL. 2009 NO. 2 FEBRUARY 26, 2009 SAN QUENTIN, 94964 POPULATION:5,192 Change Comes To San Quentin

Acting Warden R. K. Wong By KENNETH R. BRYDON, expected under his guidance. “I Editor-in-Chief haven’t really made any and changes as of yet,” Wong re- MICHAEL R. HARRIS, sponded. “I’ve spent a lot of Managing Editor time observing and seeing what types of programs are going R. K. Wong, San Quentin’s on.” Wong continued, “Do I new acting warden, says he is plan on making any changes? making a thorough review of all I’m sure there will be some.” of the ’s inmate programs Wong begins his tenure here with the goal of improving se- in the warden’s office looking One of many prison gymnasiums across the state crowded with curity, eliminating duplication at the overall operation of the and strengthening activities institution and how the wide overall. variety of programs at S.Q. is Wong, who took control of working. Wong says that he is Feds Order Massive the prison Dec. 31, shared some looking at the volunteer pro- of the details of his professional grams, and that his immediate history, his current position and intentions are to assess what Release his vision for S.Q. during our kinds of programs are actually By DAVID MARSH releases are the only viable state to develop a plan to reduce one-hour interview with him benefiting the prison population resolution. the prison population to 120 Jan. 13. Wong agreed to the at S.Q. “I know that there was In a landmark federal court “The evidence is compelling percent of the prison’s designed interview with the S.Q. News, a rumor that Wong was going ruling intended to resolve the that there is no relief other than capacity…..within a period of and present were Editors Ken- to suspend them,” he said. “No, issues of overcrowding and a prisoner release order that will two or three years.” neth R. Brydon and Michael R. I’m not suspending programs. inadequate medical and mental remedy the unconstitutional According to figures released Harris, as well as S.Q. News What I’m trying to do is to get a health care in California’s pris- prison conditions,” said the by the state, as of the end of volunteer adviser and retired handle on the programs that we ons, a special three-judge panel judges in a 10 page ruling, led January, California’s journalist John Eagan and have. Which ones are evidence- has issued a tentative ruling by 9th U.S. Circuit Court of held more than 157,000 prison- Wong’s administrative assis- based, and which ones are actu- calling for the early release of Appeals Judge Steven ers in its in-state prisons and tant, Lt. R. Luna. ally benefiting the inmate popu- tens of thousands of prisoners Reinhardt of Los Angeles. The satellite facilities, or 188 per- S.Q. News asked the new lation.” over the next two to three years. judges said the ruling is meant cent of the designed capacity of warden what changes may be See Acting Warden Page 3 Through it’s unprecedented “To give the parties notice of 84,000 inmates. A reduction to ruling, the panel of judges the likely nature of that final 120 percent of design capacity voiced its finding that chronic opinion, and to allow them to would require the release of overcrowding is indeed at the plan accordingly.” approximately 57,000 prison- State Officials root of the California Depart- Though the ruling stopped ers. Another 6,000 of Califor- ment of Corrections and Reha- short of assigning a firm figure nia’s prisoners are housed in bilitation’s (CDCR) well docu- to the planned reduction of pris- out-of-state facilities, and it is Get Lesson in mented inability to deliver to its oners, the judges nonetheless still unclear how the ruling prisoners constitutionally man- clearly indicated what lies might affect them. dated minimum levels of health ahead. “It is our intention to S.Q. Ethics care, and that massive prisoner adopt an order requiring the See Prisoner Release Page 2 By ALY TAMBOURA instructors, Helene Silverburg, in the midst of an engaged dis- Twice in the last 30 days, cussion on the difference be- officials who help shape prison tween Kantism and Utilitarian- ‘Jailhouse Lawyer’ policy have come to take a look ism. The topic of discussion at the work of the Prison Univer- seemed to intrigue the visitors. sity Project State As they left, they graciously Paroles After 23 Years Prison. thanked the instructor, as well as Politics and prisons are in- the men in the class, for allow- John Dannenberg composed degree murder conviction in the The “elements of an offense” trinsically linked in California, ing them to sit in. countless writs, motions and 1985 death of his wife, Linda. ruling allowed the governor or so when officials The most sig- legal briefs for himself and a His bid for freedom pro- parole board to deny parole in from the state come nificant visit came a great many of his peers during pelled his case to the California cases in which the elements of to visit, prisoners week later when an his more than 23 years behind Supreme Court and resulted in a the crime were determined to be take notice. The entourage of offi- bars. major ruling, which was over- more heinous than those of a buzz of possible cials converged on His list of accomplishments turned three years later, that similar offense. release of prisoners, the same ethics through the courts brought him Dannenberg was determined ordered earlier this class, the highest a well-deserved reputation by the parole board to be suit- month by federal ranking being Mat- throughout the state, both in able for parole in 2005, but judges, heightened thew Cate, Secre- and out of prisons, as one of the Gov. Schwarzenegger over- the anxiety of the tary of the Depart- preeminent and most prolific turned their decision, citing the men who were sur- ment of Corrections legal minds among “jailhouse” “egregious” nature of Dannen- prised by the visi- and Rehabilitation. lawyers. In the minds of some, berg’s offense. tors. Matthew Cate Cate was accompa- Dannenberg was the best. Ultimately, it was a Supreme Steve Meinrath CDCR Secretary nied by Elizabeth Whatever his legacy in the Court ruling in the landmark and Jerry McGuire, Siggins, his senior Lifer community, his diligence case of Sandra Lawrence that counsel to the Senate Public policy adviser, and Lee Seale, and perseverance paid off when was to pave the way for Dan- Safety Committee, were the first deputy chief of staff. Also pre- the San Jose based 6th District nenberg’s release on parole. In to visit. They seated themselves sent were San Quentin officials Court of Appeal, for the second the Lawrence decision, the among a mixed group of prison- including: Acting Warden R.K. time in two years, ordered his court ruled that “public safety” ers taking an ethics class at San Wong, Administrative Assistant release on parole. And this Recently released lifer & and an inmate’s “current dan- Quentin. Escorted by Sam Rob- R. Luna, Chief Deputy Warden time, Dannenberg went home. prison law clerk gerousness” are the relevant inson, public information offi- Vince Cullen and Public Infor- The former Los Altos busi- John Dannenberg factors in determining suitabil- cer, and Jody Lewen, director of mation officer Sam Robinson nessman, who arrived at San ity for parole. Patten University at San Quen- and out going, CDW Max Quentin from Vacaville in used “the elements of an of- tin, the visitors got a first- hand Lemon. 1996, was serving a sentence of fense” to lengthen the time look at students and one of their See Ethics Lesson Page 4 15-years-to-life for a second spent in prison for many Lifers. See Jailhouse Lawyer Page 2 Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS FEBRUARY 26, 2009

leased their tentative ruling on Mon., Feb. 9. Prisoner Release Jail Causes leading to Continued from Page 1 eventually converted into a inmates to bring lawsuits and to overcrowding class action lawsuit and, 19 limit the power of federal House The judges strongly urged years ago, assigned to the court judges to order remedies in The judges, state officials the state to meet with the pris- of U.S. District Judge Lawrence purported cases of abuse. The and policy makers credit a oner’s attorneys in an attempt to Karlton of Sacramento. Act prevents a federal judge variety of factors for causing Lawyer hammer out an agreement, and Subsequent additional in- from acting alone in such cases, the overcrowding in Califor- they offered the services of a mates’ lawsuits challenging and instead requires the forma- nia’s prisons. Critics point to court appointed settlement refe- both medical and mental health tion of a three-judge special the 41,284 prisoners serving Continued from Page 1 ree to aid in their discussions. care were also morphed into panel in order to proceed. time under the 13 year-old They indicated that they would class action lawsuits and as- Henderson, Karlton and three strikes law. Others blame The court, in ordering Dan- hold more hearings before issu- signed to the courtrooms of Reinhardt were appointed to California’s decades long nenberg’s immediate release ing a final ruling in the case. Senior U.S. District Judge Thel- form such a panel by the chief “tough-on-crime” political effective Jan. 25, cited his 23 ton Henderson of San Fran- judge of the 9th U.S. Circuit philosophy and a general re- years of disciplinary-free be- The state’s reaction cisco, and U.S. 9th Circuit Judge Court of Appeals, of which luctance to parole term-to-life havior and extensive record of Stephen R. Reinhardt, of Los Reinhardt is a member. Each of prisoners. In addition, over involvement in numerous pro- California Attorney General Angeles. the three jurists is widely con- 70,000 parolees are returned to grams aimed at self- has said the state Each judge was to rule in sidered as among the most lib- the prisons each year, most for improvement. The governor’s will appeal the case to the U.S. their respective cases that pris- eral judges in the nine-state relatively short terms for mi- office decided not to press the Supreme Court once the ruling oners were being provided with appellate circuit. Any ruling by nor offenses such as failing a case further, and Saturday, Jan. becomes final. Brown, who unconstitutionally substandard the liberal panel would bypass drug test. 31, he walked out the gates. represented the state in the re- health care. Karlton ruled in the normal avenues of appeal “The future is bright for so cent trial, said the court “does 1995 that the state’s prison and go directly to the U.S. Su- Plaintiff’s reaction many others who find them- not recognize the imperatives of mental health system violated preme Court, which is domi- selves in my same shoes, public safety, nor the challenges the Constitution’s 8th Amend- nated by conservatives. The Prisoner’s attorney Donald thanks to the decision in Law- of incarcerating criminals, ment protections on cruel and Supreme Court can overturn, Specter of the Prison Law Of- rence,” said Dannenberg. “I many of whom are deeply dis- unusual punishment. modify or uphold the panel’s fice said, “We’re thrilled. We encourage everyone to file in think the court made the right the courts for their release un- decision under the law. The der this ruling, comparing state has known for many themselves to Lawrence.” years that crowding is out of He predicts that many Lifers control and is crippling the throughout the state will gain prison system.” their release through the courts Steve Fama, an attorney as a direct result of the Law- representing inmates said, “It’s rence decision, perhaps signal- just a matter of finding the ing an end to the state’s long- ones that would create the running practice of denying least risk if released a couple parole for term-to-life prison- of months early.” ers. Lawyers for the inmates Dannenberg has been a pro- agree that the ruling could lific contributing writer for have national significance on Prison Legal News (PLN), with in other states over 950 articles on prison- where inmates could seek related issues published in the population caps on over- monthly legal publication since crowded facilities. 2000. “The work I did for PLN What happens next helped to bring the issues of imprisonment out into the pub- Incarcerated women at California Institute for Women The plaintiff’s lawyers have lic view for prisoners and non- speculated that the judges may prisoners alike,” he said. His turbed.” Henderson made a similar decision, or refuse to hear the move cautiously in imposing work covered areas such as Matthew Cate, secretary of 2005 ruling regarding prison case entirely. federal mandates upon the medical issues relating to pris- the CDCR, expressed disap- medical care, and he appointed state for fear of reversal on oners, legal decisions and ex- pointment with the judge’s de- a federal receiver to take over The trial appeal, preferring instead to plaining case law for non-legal cision and said the administra- the medical system. In his 2005 apply pressure to the state to readers. tion is reviewing the tentative ruling, Henderson found that an Following months of trial devise its own plan to alleviate Dannenberg was directly ruling before deciding on what inmate was dying unnecessarily preparation and evidentiary the overcrowding. responsible for having 12 cases steps to take. every six to seven days as a rulings, the trial opened Nov. Kara P. Dansky, a Stanford published in law books over the “Obviously the governor and direct result of poor quality 14, 2008 in a Law School lecturer, said, years, though not all of them I strongly disagree with the health care. courtroom and lasted for 14 “This is one area that the law were published under his name. panel’s conclusions and our days. is unclear on because we’ve His accomplishments have response will be based on how Panel’s formation under The trial featured numerous never seen a case like this.” included participation in the best to protect the public from a 1995 Prison Litigation Reform prison and health care experts The Supreme Court is ex- Alternatives to Violence pro- court-ordered release of in- Act from both sides. The state pre- pected to look closely at the gram, Breaking Barriers, Re- mates,” Cate said in a state- sented evidence of massive 11th Amendment, and a state’s storative Justice, New Leaf On ment. “This is not about over- Few could have foreseen the increases in spending for sovereign rights versus the 8th Life, the Men’s Advisory crowding. We are providing a course these separate but simi- prison health care and strenu- Amendment’s protection to Council and considerable time constitutional level of care now; lar civil rights cases were des- ously denied that overcrowd- individuals against cruel and spent as a law librarian. He was so we have the right to keep tined to travel. Or that the three ing itself was the cause of poor unusual punishment. Any deci- also active in the S.Q. Jewish these inmates in prison.” cases would become joined for health care. Lawyers for the sion to release inmates must temple. Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, landmark litigation and that state pointed out that Califor- first, according to the FPLA, Dannenberg says that his D-San Francisco said that early from them would come histori- nia currently spends approxi- consider the implications to immediate plans are to restart releases can be done without cally unprecedented rulings mately $13,778 annually per public safety that such an ac- the business that he once necessarily endangering public with potentially profound na- inmate on medical care, versus tion might have. owned which installed energy safety. “I know there is a per- tional impact. Rulings that the federal spending of $4,413 If the state refuses to negoti- conservation systems. At one centage of inmates who are in would forever redefine the issue per inmate. The average cost ate, the panel could order a time his business, located in for less serious offenses who of a state’s sovereign rights of health care coverage for a variety of reforms, such as Santa Clara County, employed would not endanger the public versus the rights of prisoners to person in California in 2008 parole reforms, shortened sen- 30 people. directly,” said Ma, who is a receive constitutionally man- was $4,906. tences, diversion of non- He also intends to campaign member of the Assembly Safety dated levels of health care. Prisoner’s attorneys re- violent offenders to county as a strong advocate for prison Committee. The stage was set when a sponded with testimony from a programs, etc.. reform, focusing on what he decision was reached to bind variety of prison administra- Followed, ultimately, by an perceives as the inadequacy of History of the lawsuit the three cases together, and, tors, including Jeanne Wood- appeal to the Supreme Court. the entire prison system. “It for the first time, hold a trial ford, the former acting director “It’s a pretty comprehensive lacks direction,” said Dannen- The civil rights case began in under the auspices of the Prison of the CDCR and warden at victory for us,” said Michael berg, who has already received a Sacramento federal court Litigation Reform Act (PLRA). San Quentin, who testified that Bien, a San Francisco attorney offers for a number of speak- more than 21 years ago when Previous cases under the Act in the majority of California’s who has represented mentally ing engagements. Jay Lee Gates, an inmate at the other states have resulted in prisons are far too large and ill prisoners. “It was a mes- Asked to sum up what his Calif. Medical Facility in Vaca- settlements before trials became overcrowded to be effectively sage, a very loud, clear mes- release means to him, he said, ville, filed a lawsuit protesting necessary. managed on all levels. sage, that it’s time that the “It’s a beautiful thing after all the poor quality of his health Ironically the Act, which The case concluded on Feb. public officials in California these years,” with a smile that care. The case was taken over took effect in 1996, was in- 4 after two days of closing took responsibility for their lit the room. by prisoner’s rights lawyers and tended to make it harder for arguments, and the judges re- own criminal justice system.” ―DAVID MARSH FEBRUARY 26, 2009 SAN QUENTIN NEWS Page 3

ing programs. “What are some Acting Warden of the things they’re going to Health and need to assist them so they can Continued from Page 1 ing that one group is better than get viable skills,” Wong said. another. “I’m asking the volun- Acting Warden Wong went Wellness Corner The new acting warden is teers to come in,” he said. on to speak of his previous posi- trying to get a handle on just “You’re telling me that your tion at Solano State Prison, and The San Quentin News “ Health and Wellness Corner” column runs how many volunteers are actu- program’s the best, but I’m hear- how it was one of the pilot pro- every month. A University of California, San Francisco health profes- ally coming into S.Q. He stated, ing that from every other volun- grams that came about through sional student will answer questions that you submit about health is- “It ranges from hundreds to teer program, too.” AB900. Comparing S.Q. with sues. Inquiries will be answered in the next month’s paper. Feel free to thousands.” Wong says that his SQ News asked acting War- Solano, he is asked if perhaps ask us questions about any medical concern that you have, and it may intentions are to tighten up the den Wong if he was expecting more updated skills would better be answered so that everyone can benefit. If you have a question, put it security processes and develop the programs to conduct their serve those in re-entry. Looking in a U-Save-Em envelope addressed to: “Health and Wellness Cor- more accountability for where own evidence-based surveys. over the current programs, ner,” UCSF Doctors (Dr. Shira Shavit) – Medical Box. If you include these people are going. “We “Yes,” he stated, “I’m looking at Wong considers what might your name and number, they will be kept confidential. Note that have a responsibility to know evidence-based programs.” better serve parolees. “What this column is for general medical questions. where they’re at,” Wong ex- With AB900 mandating certain about programs that will make We would like to thank you for your submissions. This edition, plained. expectations, he is searching out the inmates competitive with we will address the following question: Wong realizes that the multi- those programs that will meet skills that bring them up to the tude of programs compete for a those qualifications. “How standard with the 21st Century,” How does eating Ramen affect blood pressure? limited amount of space at S.Q., many people have completed he replied. His specific goal for and he figures to evaluate what these programs,” he stated, in participants in the programs is to What is it in Ramen that can affect your might better accommodate the looking to the specifics of what be competitive in the outside blood pressure? Salt! needs of the prisoners and where the program is doing. “We need markets upon their release from the sharing of space might help the data; is this program success- prison. Each Ramen soup comes with a flavor packet that contains salt to achieve that end. ful?” he questions. SQ News asked about the and other spices. These flavor packets contain about 1500 milli- “Right now I’m meeting with Wong points out the many possible creation of vocational grams (mg) of salt (Roughly ¾ of a teaspoon of salt. You should the Community Partnership possible reasons that programs programs involving “Green have no more than 1.5 teaspoons of salt in 1 day). For your com- manager,” Wong says. “Every are either succeeding or failing. Technology.” Seeing that as parison, other foods such as one slice of lunch meat might have program manager is getting on He spoke of possible conflicts realistic, Wong stated, “When only 13% of your daily salt needs. my calendar, and I’m having a with work hours and yard sched- someone wants to offer such a one-on-one discussion.” Wong ules, as well as if they are being program, there’s a process one How does salt affect your blood pressure? is seeking to determine what held during institutional count. has to go through.” counties these programs are The new acting warden asks: He indicated that the program Blood vessels carry blood to important parts of our body, like coming from and directed to, “Are we getting the full potential still had to fit with the availabil- our hearts and brains. Too much salt causes more fluid to be in and exactly how the various of the programs we’re offering?” ity of funding and the hiring of your blood vessels and increases the pressure inside them. This programs are being funded. Looking more at the difficul- instructors, but saw the training would be like pumping too much air into a bicycle tire and making He is questioning each group ties, he states: “I see that this to be within the vision he has for the pressure inside very high. This is dangerous because high blood as to their purpose, who specifi- program is not going to work if S.Q. pressure can lead to heart attacks or strokes. cally among the inmate popula- we have this program going on With his sights set on commu- Most people in the U.S. eat too much salt every day, but not eve- tion they are targeting and the at a particular time of the day nity involvement, Acting War- ryone who does will have high blood pressure. The people who barriers that they are facing. when the majority of those peo- den R.K. Wong is searching for should be most careful about how much salt they eat are those who Wong used “San Quentin’s ple are on the job assignment.” what he feels is most important have high blood pressure or borderline high blood pressure. Utilization of Inmates’ Re- SQ News asked if he was for the future of S.Q. as his vi- sources, Experiences and Stud- looking at the various vocational sion and the vision of previous Some suggestions that we have for you: ies” (S.Q.U.I.R.E.S.) as an ex- programs here at S.Q. “I’m wardens is realized. Through ample, a program he remem- walking around looking at every S.Q.’s location near an urban 1. Limit the number of Ramen packets that you eat- maybe bered from his early days at vocation,” he said. He spoke of center, Wong sees many valu- just one a day. S.Q.. He recognizes the pro- how AB900 will impact many of able opportunities for network- 2. Use only ½ of the flavor packet and add your own spices gram’s benefits to the public and the programs throughout the ing in the community while in- to help improve the flavor. the youth that it serves as having state and possibly programs as- creasing the success of rehabili- 3. Do not add extra salt to your food if you can. a significant value and purpose. sociated with S.Q. tation in S.Q., while adding There is a possibility of some and re-entry are at the core of meaning to the “R” in CDCR. 4. Know your blood pressure and have it checked regularly. programs being expanded, while the new law enacted by the leg- 5. Pay attention to the amount of salt that is in all of the foods those being duplicated are likely islators that sets aside funds for More on the interview in the that you eat- foods like preserved meats (tuna, mackerel, to be cut back. Wong is not say- implementation of various train- next edition of the SQ News meat logs) can have a lot of salt too!

If you do not feel well or have an URGENT medical con- cern, fill out a 7362 request for services form to see your Wong’s Rise To The Top housing unit medical staff. By KENNETH R. BRYDON, Editor-in-Chief and MICHAEL R. HARRIS, Our Take On It Managing Editor By SQ NEWS STAFF judges and force the case to be With a smile, R.K. Wong An Editorial Opinion decided by the U.S. Supreme recalled his first prison job out Court? And what would the of the correctional officer acad- We get asked by our peers, conservative judges on the Su- emy 26 years ago – working on a daily basis, “What does all preme Court rule? It’s just too San Quentin Tower #4 on the this overcrowding business early to call. graveyard shift. He said he mean to me? How much shorter There will be early releases thought, “What did I do to de- will my time be?”. And the of some sort to some extent, serve this?” answer truly is, I sincerely wish and the best guess at this point In December 2008, he re- that we knew what to tell them. is that we here at S.Q. will see turned to his roots, this time as Because they want to hear some sort of movement toward Acting Warden R. K. Wong the new acting warden at S.Q.. something! the exits in late summer or early His first two years on the job and acting Custody Captain. His warden prior to the arrival in But we don’t know, no one fall. That is a pretty safe bet at were assignments in virtually all last assignments at Solano were July 2006 of Warden Robert does, or can. Because although this point. areas of San Quentin, from the that of gang investigations coor- Ayers, Jr. from CSP-Los Ange- the whole scenario is picking up We at the SQ News recog- dining hall to the lock-up units. dinator and Investigative Ser- les (Lancaster). “And we momentum at a dizzying pace nize our responsibility to you, In September 1985, he was vices Lt. switched,” said Wong. “I be- now, there are still so many our readers, to follow this story transferred to CSP-Solano, “At In 2001, Wong was promoted came the acting warden at Lan- variables left to play out. as closely as anyone can, and to the start of the California prison to Investigative Services Unit caster.” Will the politicians in our report to you what we see as In February 2007 Wong went cash-strapped state do the expe- promptly as we are able, and in “I began my career here, and I’m hoping back to High Desert as an asso- dient and humane thing and a responsible manner. ciate warden. In July 2008 he allow the feds to crack the gates As witnessed by the depth of to end my career here.” was promoted to chief deputy just a bit and empty out a few our feature story on overcrowd- boom,” acting Warden Wong (ISU) captain at the Level IV warden at Solano State Prison. bunks of those who fit the crite- ing in this edition of our paper, said in an interview Jan. 13. prison at High Desert. He said On Dec. 31, 2008 he was offi- ria of being low risk for early we are on top of the story for For the next 16 years, Wong he enjoyed working at High cially assigned as the acting war- release? Only those politicians you, our readers. And we will worked his way up the ranks and Desert, where he also served as den of S.Q., and he is now in our governor’s inner circle continue to keep you abreast of held a variety of positions. After associate warden. awaiting confirmation as war- could really say, and obviously, late breaking events, as well as promoting to first sergeant, and Wong transferred back to S.Q. den. “Here I am, kinda coming for political reasons, they’re not how they will affect us, and then lieutenant, he served as a in 2006, where he briefly served full-circle,” Wong said. “I be- saying. when. Thank-you for your trust correctional counselor (CC) I, as acting chief deputy warden gan my career here, and I’m Will the state continue to in us, and we will continue to CCII, acting Facility Captain and then briefly as the acting hoping to end my career here.” play hardball with the panel of do our best for you. Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS FEBRUARY 26, 2009 Visitors ‘The American Negro’ In celebration of Black History Month Getting By R.E. CALIX through the trials and testing of turbulent South, comes the Contributing writer Negro American life is much spirit which strengthened them Involved in too good to be forgotten. The in the same old timeless push By observation, the American faith, the perseverance, the toward equality. of African descent is a very odd laughter, the ability to harmo- The 44th president, Barack San Quentin mixture of tragedy and triumphs nize in rhythm, the steely sense Obama, who launched his of human life, and with a persis- of life and the way of sharing it campaign for president just By INMATE FAMILY bathrooms, an increase in the tent spirit that is able to free blocks from where the COUNCIL amount of money a visitor itself from the disorder of the blood was spilled in could bring in, installation of world. In the Bible, the pious Springfield, possessed the The Inmate Family Council bulletin boards to disseminate must find their place in a same sense of history, in (IFC) is an opportunity for IFC information and the devel- sinful world; the evil doer that he dared not fail to visitors to have a voice con- opment of a visual guide to can only gain redemption adapt to the changing con- cerning institutional polices inform visitors of clothing through love. Here the sinner ditions lest he and his sup- that affect family relationships. policies. The IFC has also had is a symbol of all that inter- porters fail. The IFC consists of 10 family input concerning institutional feres, all that goes against One hundred years after members and friends of in- food quality and the quality of our humanity, and the pious the Springfield riots, the mates who meet with correc- institutional medical care. symbolize the triumph of the NAACP is able to cele- tional staff, including the visit- There are currently openings human spirit over the disor- brate its 100th anniversary, ing lieutenant and warden, on a for additional IFC members. der in the world. and America installs in regular basis to discuss these An attempt is made to place Although the “Negro” is office its first Black presi- issues. The goal of the IFC is members who visit inmates in not considered a Hebrew, dent. to establish mutual understand- a variety of housing areas and and the conditions of en- Good and bad, all, ing between the visitors and there is currently a particular slavement were different, which is of value in the institution. The IFC at San need for additional members still their struggles, disap- “Negro” life, is a truly Quentin was formed at the re- for the Main and H-Unit visit- pointments and setbacks are unique American experi- quest of the state and the first ing areas. Applicants must be the same and thus must be John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem “My ence, and as such it should meeting was held on Aug. 1, able to commit to a term of recognized for what they Countrymen in Chains!” was published be harvested. Black His- 2003. two years, attending meetings are and preserved. The in 1835 with this drawing tory month is a celebration Since its inception the ac- on the third Friday of each “Negro” experience is so of life, even when it is complishments of the IFC in- month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 much a part of American life, which all go to shape the tragic and filled with misery. clude the development of the p.m., and to be able to work with all of the struggles in na- American Negro. President Obama won be- San Quentin visitors’ informa- with staff and fellow IFC tionhood and civil wars, which Times change, but these cause he and his supporters tion brochure and the “Visiting members. If you are a regular goes beyond the color line and treasured values must endure believed in the power of de- Report Card” survey to provide visitor who wants to have a race relations, and looking at forever—not only because mocracy, they each believed in a vehicle for visitors to express voice in what goes on, now is the very essence of the human they define the “Negro” as a the dream of the founders. their concerns through the IFC. your chance to do so. To be- spirit. Other improvements put in come a member, please contact It is well worth the time to One hundred years after the Springfield ri- place by San Quentin as a re- Visiting Room Lt. K. Evans commemorate Black History, in th sult of IFC efforts include in- (415-454-1460 Ext. 5205). ots, the NAACP is able to celebrate its 100 an- February, by recognizing what stallation of door hooks and a Please consider becoming a is enduring and abiding in the niversary, and America installs in office its first mirror in the processing area member. Negro American, especially Black president. those human traits which they have fostered despite, and in group, but because they repre- Like them, and many others H-Unit Men's rejection of, the barriers and sent a story of man’s triumph who wear the title as Ameri- mean-spiritedness imposed over disorder. From the brave cans, they believe in diversity, upon them. This month is dedi- souls who participated in the and it is possible that the end Advisory Council cated for the social good in 1908 Springfield, Ill., race of these shall America, to work toward pre- riots that led to the deaths of come when they stop believing serving in words those human seven people, but gave us the in each other as a people. Meeting values, which may last when birth of the National Associa- Indeed, what was witnessed struggling for change. tion for the Advancement of by the world in the 2008 U.S. By DAVID MARSH In the first decade of the 21st Colored People, and the fear election was a tenderly digni- century, the “Negro” situation of those civil rights protesters fied unity of democratic diver- Present for the Administra- gloves while walking the is changing ever so fast, but so who faced the barking police gences peacefully coming into tion: Capt. M.D. Thompson, track, only while working out, much, which they have gotten dogs and water hoses in the life. Sgt. Taylor recommend against purchas- ing brown gloves thru pack- offering college educational Time/Location: H-Unit Con- ages) opportunities to prisoners and ference Room, Friday, Jan. 16, the important role that the nd Ethics Lesson 2009 • Issue of 2 watch property education of prisoners plays searches being conducted is the realm of public safety. Topics of Discussion: Change without inmates present, and Continued from Page 1 were there and the officials Patten University is the of command (Thompson re- no property receipts are being not knowing what to expect of only on-site higher education placing Dorsey as Captain in left (Thompson says staff has Secretary Cate introduced a college class full of incar- program in all of California’s H-Unit, council informed what undergone additional training himself to the class and cerated men. 33 prisons. Patten offers AA to expect) to encourage compliance) stated: “Yes, I’m the guy who A student in the class, degrees to prisoners and has was on television this morn- Tung Nguyen, asked: “What been running at San Quentin • Medical issues, slow pace of • Personal clothing being ing telling people not to let about the Tarzan effect. I for more than 10 years. The pill call causing tardiness to taken during laundry searches prisoners out early.” He was mean how do men raised by program is privately funded work (nurses are being encour- (only laundry is to be taken making reference to the media animals (lacking morals that by donations from individu- aged to begin passing out meds during laundry searches, laun- coverage of the CDCR’s re- lead to ethics) learn proper als, private foundations, and at 5:30, nurses are still de- dry is not to be hung above sponse to the corporations. layed on occasion due to time- wall level) recent court “Yes, I’m the guy who was on television this Classes are ruling ordering consuming medication prep. morning telling people not to let prisoners out taught by • Possibility of extra Dorm 1 the early re- volunteers, •Phones not working privileges discussed lease of some early.” most of (improvements are already (Thompson says side yard 57,000 Califor- whom are noted, all lines are to be re- will be opened following 4:00 nia prisoners over the next ethical behavior?” Nguyen’s graduate students and faculty placed by early February p.m. count as long as inmates three years. comments to the instructor from UC Berkeley, San Fran- make it to chow on time) His comments sparked a gained a chuckle from the cisco State University, Uni- • Canteen issues, spending old roar of laughter from the stu- crowd, loosening the tension versity of San Francisco, money (computer refreshes • Late stragglers to meals dents in the class, as well as in the room. The rest of the Stanford University, and St. allowable balance once per (will no longer be permitted) from a few of the guests. Af- classroom discussion served Mary’s College. For more month) ter the officials made their as an instrument, letting state information on Patten Univer- • Institutional transfers dis- introductions they sat down officials know that the prison- sity or if you would like to • Yard not opening in the eve- cussed (Thompson says any- and listened to the instructor, ers at San Quentin are very enroll, send a request for in- nings until late, if at all one dissatisfied with life at Ben Boudreaux, outlining the serious about obtaining an terview via institutional mail (Thompson says this is no SQ – see him!) tenets of ethical relativism to education in their rehabilita- to Jennifer Scaife. longer an issue) the class. There was an air of tion, while the prisoners re- The next H-Unit Men's Advi- unease among those in atten- ceived the message that • Issue of gloves revisited sory Council meeting will be dance, the prisoners not prison officials are taking Information is also available @ (inmates cannot wear workout held March 13. knowing why the officials notice of the significance of www.prisonuniversityproject.org FEBRUARY 26, 2009 SAN QUENTIN NEWS Page 5 Anne Frank Arts & Entertainment Center

Snippets Diary Project Poetry By PEN America Center

In an effort to reach out to prisoners and educate people on both riginating in China around O sides of the "wall," the Anne Frank Center USA, in partnership with Reality Check 1498, the toothbrush was con- PEN American Center, has launched a Prison Diary Program for structed using neck hairs from men and women in American prisons using the Diary of Anne Siberian boars, which were Frank as an inspirational tool. Anne Frank herself was "imprisoned" This is a world of a different kind of life, a change in reality, attached to a bamboo or bone for two years while in hiding and then was literally imprisoned in a world real tight. You enter this world through cast iron handle. concentration camps during the last seven months of her life simply gates; you can sense all the pressure and feel all the hate. because she was Jewish. They’re unloading the bus, the man’s laying down the rules; The Anne Frank Center's diary-writing program provides writers they’re taking away your rights and giving you your blues. utterflies are known to can- involved with PEN's Prison Writing Program a blank journal, a The next gate is opening you feel tense down inside, a new B pamphlet on diary writing, and a copy of A Diary of a Young Girl. world revealed, you hope to survive. All eyes are watching as nibalize their own. Participants agree to keep their own diaries, writing about their you’re escorted to your cell, then it all hits you, you messed up, lives and thoughts. When they finish filling their diary, they return you’ve just entered hell. Now they’re all going to be watching the journals to The Anne Frank Center for possible publication on how you’re going to act; you lay out your program and always America’s first college, the internet and in print. If you wish to be a part of this program, watch your back. bookstore and newspaper were write to: Anne Frank Prison Diary Project, 38 Crosby Street 5th Outside worries must be left behind, it’s all about survival founded by the Puritans. Floor, New York, NY 10013. and I’m going to tell you why. Your tears turn into anger; your happiness into hate, not being on guard is a feeling you soon will relate. My hell is heartache of steel and stone, and I’m Men, on average, use 2,000 here all alone. words a day. Woman on the My place of hell is one small cell that no one wants to own; other hand utter 7,000. my body cramps from the cold and damp that chills me to the bone. For my crimes I pay with time, no jungle holds more danger, and everyday that comes my way each man remains a ntarctica is the only conti- stranger. A They came today and took away the man who lived next nent where owls don’t live. door, to end his time, he took his life, he couldn’t take no more. It’s quiet here on my tier, cruel death has claimed another; each day wondering who will be next, and hoping it’s not my Assassin is from the Arabic other neighbor. I hear the screams, the metal rings of keys and word hashshash, meaning one metal locks, the scrape of feet on the concrete as the prison who smokes hash. During the guard patrols his/her block. Crusades a Muslim order called I watch my back for there is a lack of men who can be the Assassins secretly murdered trusted; I just chill, I have the will before it is me who gets invading Christians while under dusted. A secret I should tell you now, but do not tell another: the influence of hashish. in order to survive in here, a man must wear his cover. You do not know and will not know what lies within his heart, for he walked the walk and talks the talk and always plays the part. ew-fledged means having But here’s the secret of the frightened man inside… if some- N thing fatal should come my way, should an occurrence take my just acquired feathers. life, please tell my wife I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared, and for me all she’s done. And though I’m gone one thing lives on, “My love eternally.” My one desire should I Depressive realism is a the- expire, is that no one cries for me. Just gather around the love ory proposing that depressed of my life and tell her, “I’m finally free.” people see the world more ac- curately. By JOHNNY LEO CAPISTRANO

Hawaii is the only place in The one the United States that grows coffee. Percent Rule Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into Calculating prophets Ole, the Spanish exclamation enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, con- Manipulate equations commonly shouted at bull fusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a suborning reasons fights, comes from Allah, stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for greedy imbeciles; meaning “praise be to .” for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie

Panderers who pimp Phobic philosophies SUDOKU PUZZLE Transmute all meanings President Lyndon B. John- to confuse the consumed. son’s favorite soda was Fresca. By GEORGE LOWE He enjoyed it so much that he Mean inheritors had a soda tap installed in the of liberty’s martyrs White House. 6 4 9 Crunch on the carcass of America’s poor. 4 3 8 E, T, A, O, I, N, S, H, R, D, By JOHN NEBLETT L, U, C, M, F, G, Y, P, W, B, 2 7 1 V, K, X, J, Q, Z: represent the alphabet in order of frequency Reflection of use in written English. 3 1 5 LAST MONTH’S What do you see when looking into a mirror SUDOKU SOLUTION 1 8 3 Your reflection; past or present What do I see when looking into the mirror 3 1 9 2 8 4 6 5 7 5 9 2 My reflection; past and present 4 8 7 6 5 3 2 1 9 I close my eyes and it’s still there 2 5 6 7 1 9 3 4 8 I can’t escape, I can’t change it 9 7 2 1 3 5 4 8 6 1 6 3 Since it always, always catches up with you 5 4 3 8 9 6 1 7 2 Stop, and change direction 1 6 8 4 7 2 9 3 5 Open your eyes and see your new reflection 8 7 5 7 3 4 9 2 8 5 6 1 By BA Douglas 6 2 1 5 4 7 8 9 3 9 4 7 8 9 5 3 6 1 7 2 4 Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS FEBRUARY 26, 2009 RELIGION The Asatru Religion Religious Diets Made By ROCKY COTÉ women, all having different Contributing Writer responsibilities. We also have a prayer for each of the seven Available for Muslims What does it mean to study days of the week. Asatru? In terms, it means to Our religion does not pass a By ALY TAMBOURA book) using a sharp instrument gating and unnecessary ex- study a Northern (Heathen) collection basket around to ask to cut the animals vessels in pense to the taxpayers of the neo-pagan tradition, or the Vi- for help. However, our kindred The California Department the neck or upper part of the State of California,” is written king Religion. It also means (family) know when we need of Corrections and Rehabilita- chest allowing for the blood to in the notice of regulation the study of our Celtic and/or help, and all come together for tion (CDCR) is in the process drain and reciting the name of change. Northern ancestral traditions. the betterment of our ways. of changing the California Allah at the time of slaughter. According to the regulation Being an Odinist, we stay Asatru does not put any other Code of Regulations (CCR) to The proposed change to the change, the halal meat program away from hate, or hateful peo- religion down for their beliefs, include religious diets for CDCR regulations comes will be available in all CDCR ple. Our religion teaches us no matter what! Muslim prisoners. amid a growing number of adult facilities state-wide. Par- that our kindred celebrate life’s However, San Quentin has The code change will allow law-suits filed by Muslim ticipation in the program will joys and share its sorrows. yet to recognize us. In asking Muslim and other prisoners, prisoners who claim that they be open to Muslims and other Most Asatru are kindred and the question of why, we recog- with religious dietary obliga- have the right to practice their prisoners with religious needs their activities are family ori- nize that we have our bad ap- tions, to apply for and receive religion while incarcerated, to consume halal meat. Prison- ented. ples as does every other relig- halal meat in their daily meals. which includes conforming to ers will have to apply for the Today’s modern pagans, and ion. It’s our hope that all relig- Currently the CDCR has two a halal diet. The law-suits are program by filling out a CDCR Asatru, are interested in work- ions can be recognized, the options to alternative diets out- based on the Religious Land 3030 form (Request for Reli- ing with other people, and with Asatru is seeking to practice side of the normal food it Use and Institutionalized Per- gious Diet) and submitting it to natural energies, not in manipu- and study in peace. serves to prisoners: vegetarian sons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA). the institutional Muslim chap- lating or controlling other peo- The most important thing to and Jewish kosher. The code The state asserts that RLUIPA lain who will determine eligi- ple. remember is that there is a fine change will add a third diet: “does not include religious bility. This religion is not for every- line between cultural pride and halal meat alternative. dietary accommodations spe- The proposed regulation one for two reasons. First, to racism. Legitimate Asatrus do Eating halal food, with an cifically for Muslim inmates.” change is in the public hearing study Asatru means you have not cross it. emphasis on specific meat The petitioners in the law stage. There is dialog about ancestors’ who are or were Vi- preparation, is a tenet of Is- suites claim otherwise. The the difference between provid- kings, or of Northern European North Block Contact Informa- lamic faith. According to Is- CDCR regulation change on ing halal meat and providing origin, and second, Asatru is tion, Rocky Coté 1N40, Scott lamic law animals slaughtered its face is meant to quell the an actual halal meal to Mus- where we pray to at least nine Stetler 3N63, Donny Croghan for consumption must be dis- expenditures to answer the lims, which needs to be or more , both men and 4N31. North Block patched humanely. The hu- law- suits. worked out. The implementa- mane slaughter is performed “The purpose of this action tion of the new religious die- by a Muslim (person of the is to avoid future costly liti- tary program is pending. Day of Mindfulness

By MICHAEL GALLARDO are here for anyone, of any be- AA’s Prison History Contributing Writer lief,'" Russo added. By KENNETH R. BRYDON found. One can assume that he the San Quentin parking lot – Most of the visitors are in- Editor-in-Chief intended the same treatment for fellow AA members can laugh On Monday, Feb. 16, ‘09, volved in Mindfulness and AA. Yet, the story published in about such. amidst heavy rain and strong programs in various When documenting the great- the Saturday Evening Post What eventually came from wind, the fifth annual “Day of jails, prisons or community est inventions of the 21th Cen- spoke of his surprise at the hon- those bruises was a committee Mindfulness” was held in the centers in Northern California. tury, Time Magazine included esty with which alcoholics titled “Northern California Hos- Buddhadharma Sangha at San They are proactive in their prac- the Alcoholics Anonymous helped each other while not pitals and Institutions (H&I).” Quentin State Prison in Califor- tice which radiates into the (AA) program in the top five. focusing attention and fame on Another tradition born was the nia. community. Its “12 Steps” have been the any one individual. “Pink Can,” where outside AA Inside the 50-by-20 foot The Buddhadharma Sangha, model for almost every subse- A likely reader of that story meetings began donating room located at the Garden was established almost 10 years quent addiction recovery pro- was San Quentin’s Warden money to purchase the pro- Chapel area on the prison ago. Five inmates spent a year, gram ranging from sex to gam- Clinton Duffy, who was search- gram’s literature for prisoners. grounds, 14 inmates and 14 rain or shine, sitting in medita- bling. ing for ways of dealing with 80 AA quickly spread through visitors from the “Community tion on the lower-yard. On Sept. In June of 1935 there were percent of his prisoners re- , all over of Mindful Living” of Northern 5, 1999, in the midst of a partial two alcoholics who had found offending with alcohol playing the country and then the world. California celebrated the day lock-down in the prison, the themselves facing a disease a part. AA continues to remain with sitting meditation, walking Sangha held its first service they were both convinced That same year Duffy invited strong here at San Quentin meditation and Dharma talks under Zen Priest, Roshi Seido would slowly destroy them. the AA program into San Quen- where it all began. Meetings (Buddhist teachings). Lee de Barros, from Green Both wanted desperately to end tin and it has been here ever are held in H-Unit as well as in The event was made possi- Gulch Farm in Marin County. what was eventually described since. With the help of a single Education for North Block pris- ble by the coordinated efforts of The prison Sangha, with in the Big Book of AA as: prisoner, meetings began and oners. the members of the volunteers from San Francisco “Pitiful and incomprehensible very quickly the program H&I currently brings 39,000 “Community of Mindful Liv- Zen Center, Berkeley Zen Cen- demoralization.” showed its worth by drastically meetings a year to the 22 Cali- ing” and the inmates of the ter, Green Gulch Farm and The idea of one alcoholic reducing the return of parolees fornia prisons they cover. From Buddhadharma Sangha. about 30 inmates, meet on Sun- helping another to end their who had attended inside meet- the Northern California H&I The group shared a mindful days at 5:20 to 8:00 p.m., prac- own compulsion was not well ings. came committees started in lunch together, eating in si- ticing and studying the Bud- known before then. By 1941 When AA members of two Southern California and the rest lence, while sitting on chairs, dha's teachings in the Soto Zen AA had gained a good deal of different groups, from Oakland of the country. Last year the zafu (sitting cushions) and Za- tradition. It also offers, from its attention, including that of Jack and San Francisco, showed up Pink Can collected over a half - buton (meditation mats). Inmate library, a wide selection of Alexander. This investigative on the same night, the issue of million dollars for prison litera- Lindsey, from the prison books on all Buddhist tradi- reporter was famous for writing who would bring in the meeting ture for Northern California. Sangha, solemnly walked to the tions. scathing stories of the frauds he was settled with a fist fight in altar, offered the Buddha a por- The Sangha held a Jukai (lay tion of his lunch and later said ordination) ceremony last year to attempt to reverse this trend exist. to the group, "I am completely and in 2006 had completed the by being introduced to some- In addressing faith, distin- overwhelmed. Today is a very first intensive Zen training pe- FAITH thing that they may have indeed guished author Dr. Emmet Fox beautiful day." riod held in an institutional set- overlooked: faith. It is defined once said, "God is infinite life. Mindful living, the practice of ting with one inmate selected as By DARRELL C. HARTLEY as confidence or trust in a per- God is boundless love. God is complete awareness, is based Shuso (head student/monk). Staff Writer son or thing; loyalty or fidelity; Unfathomable Wisdom. God is from the teaching of Vietnam- At the end of the day, as the a system of religious belief or Unspeakable Beauty. God is the ese Zen Master Thich Nhat rain and gusty wind momentar- The New Year began with in God. Of the three definitions, Unchanging Principle of Perfect Hanh, who has founded several ily subsided, the group gathered fabulous proclamations of com- the latter garners the most inter- Good. God is the Soul of man." 'Mindful Living' communities in a circle and shared in a song mitment and re-dedication to est. Faith is the one entity that The mercy and grace of God located around the world. together amid tears and the feel- spirituality, healthful living, can immediately bring results to has allowed the vehicle of faith "Mindfulness gives us the ing of gratitude experienced education and other important your life. It is tantamount to the to become a time-tested recipe tools to live our lives in peace throughout the day. "I fully items of interest. presence of God. Faith gives for refining and teaching how in the midst of prison chaos," understand now why you all Unfortunately, the best laid substance to our hopes, and one can enjoy happiness, health inmate Russo said about the come here," said inmate Thao, plans have many accepting makes us certain of the realities peace, poise, power, prosperity, practice. "Although this event on his second day with the what was viewed as symbolic to we do not see. In other words, success and truth, by consis- was a Buddhist Religious pro- Sangha, as he walked back to their lives as misfortune. just because you don't see Him, tently allowing Him to reign in gram, the corner stone of our the housing units with the other It is only appropriate for one doesn't mean that He does not your life today. practice has always been, 'we inmates.

FEBRUARY 26, 2009 SAN QUENTIN NEWS Page 7

SPORTS The Challenge (Sports Commentary)

By DAVID MARSHALL must try out, and, if your skills are more so than others, then Once, long ago we all were you may get the call or you may young and anxious, waiting for not. What matters is that you winter to end and spring to give your all, and do what you come because the American are supposed to do and your pastime is coming! Yes, base- chances increase. ball will be here at S.Q. and I treated people poorly at there are those who can’t wait times because it was who I was. Let’s Play Ball and those who would rather see It sometimes seemed my By JEFF BROOKS ants baseball team will conduct All baseball players are wel- something else. But those of us strength. I always came to play, try outs at 9 a.m. on the yard. come to come try out. that still believe that we are and came to win. I would try Once again the baseball sea- All positions are available. Bring your “A” game, im- capable of throwing a ball, ways to sometimes fit in with son is nearly upon us. This year Kevin Laughlin press the coach and you could catching a fly, or making con- those who weren’t to my liking On Saturday Feb. 28, and will be the new manager at the be playing baseball with “The tact with their bat believe that and that their demeanor wasn’t March 7, the San Quentin Gi- helm of the San Quentin Giants. Boys of Summer.” this game is the greatest and are best. I’m still that competitor. thankful for those who brought Now, here I am over 50; one this game back to life here at who knows how to win and hav- S.Q. ing that same intention of want- SPORTS TRIVIA The San Quentin Giants have ing to be the best, and that By DARRELL HARTLEY had their ups and downs, but comes with consequences. As have managed through it all to with a lot of my failures and a Who was the first black tennis Which former NFL player was How many Super Bowl titles never have a losing season lot of other things, baseball has player to win at Wimbledon? known for his white cleats? have the Dallas Cowboys won? since reinstatement. The chal- always been my passion and will A. Tony Dorsett 1 lenge comes to those who know remain, as I feel fortunate that I A. Venus Williams B. Billy Johnson 3 how to play, and want to play, can still play! B. Zina Garrison C. Earl Campbell 5 but believe they don’t have a I always want to give back to C. Althea Gibson D. Franco Harris 6 chance because the team is al- this game I love; it’s this game D. Serena Williams Answer: 5. Defeated The Mi- ready chosen. That, guys, isn’t that I was challenged to play at Answer: B. Billy "White Shoes" ami Dolphins (1972) Denver true. an early age and can think on Answer: C. Althea Gibson in Johnson wore light colored Broncos (1978) Buffalo Bills The truth is that everyone how it began. 1957. cleats because "they made him (1993) Buffalo Bills (1994) run faster". Pittsburgh Steelers (1996).

OPINION The U.S. Justice System, Moving Towards 18th $200 For Parolees Century France Doesn’t Make It A punitive justice system and social disparity bequeath U.S with the largest incarceration in the history of the world. By JUAN M. HAYNES men were incarcerated in Contributing writer California prisons, a mere By KAMAL SEFELDEEN social disorder. It was the man- tory minimum prison sentences 7,500 of those released had Contributing writer agement of these social prob- and gave birth to Three Strikes In 1974, the state of Cali- opportunity to take advantage lems, which fueled incarcera- Laws in many states. fornia began providing funds of drug treatment programs. According to the National tion rates for drug users, public- Clintion’s Anti Terrorist, for newly released prisoners Recently, the California De- Criminal Justice Commission, order offenders, and parole vio- and Prison Litigation Reform in the amount of $200. partment of Corrections and the U.S. has engaged in the lators.” This analysis may ex- Acts launched the largest prison Thirty-five years later, in Rehabilitation, along with the largest imprisonment buildup of plain the shift in American atti- construction projects in U.S. spite of inflation, an explo- state, have intensified their any country in the history of the tude from a moderate social history. sive rise in housing costs, and concept of drug treatment world. Americans in prisons conscious society to fearful and Post 9/11, fear of foreign a state cost of living which is through pre-release, with and jails have quadrupled to 2.3 vengeful. terrorism was a key in enacting one of the highest in the na- links to residential treatment million. Minority groups rate of “It’s an unjust system that the Patriot Act Legislation, not- tion, that $200 figure is as and housing assistance, which incarceration increased tenfold. one person gets life in prison withstanding, calls for impris- fixed as the granite walls of is encouraging. African Americans are incarcer- for stealing a pizza, while a oning forever any terror-suspect San Quentin State Prison. Expanding this concept, with ated at a rate six times that of Wall Street Ponzi defrauds in- without trial. A reminder of According to the cost of an emphasis on employment, whites. vestors of $50 billion, ends up 18th century France where living index, better known as would assist many more prison- According to Bruce West- with a slap on the wrist,” says French citizens who were the consumer price index (the ers by providing treatment, ern’s study on Reentry, commu- L. McBroom. deemed abhorrent to the crown most common measure of housing and the jobs they des- nities with few resources are The Council on Crime in was arrested by secret warrants inflation), the price for goods perately need for a successful facing additional social pres- America presented a study that called lettres-de-cachet and totaling $200 in 1975 would parole. sures by absorbing 700,000 tends to vindicate the rising cost imprisoned indefinitely in the have inflated to about $570 The 1974 California Legisla- returning prisoners each year. of victimized citizens. It claims Bastille fortress in . for those same goods in 2007. ture’s noble aim to aid the rein- This disparity exists because that direct costs to victims The climbing costs of main- It is not difficult to under- tegration of prisoners into soci- African Americans are inclined which occurred six months or taining the penal industry has stand why newly released ety, by providing $200, fell to be arrested at higher rates more after the crime is more strained many states’ budgets inmates step into financial short of its goal then and con- than whites due to a police important than the fiscal cost of and diverted funds from schools dire straits on day one of their tinues to fail to offer realistic practice of racial profiling, and incarceration. and social programs to penal parole. The inflationary financial support to prisoners due to media depiction of Afri- Fear has been used as a tool maintenance. squeeze, coupled with the being paroled now. can Americans and minorities in enacting politically motivated In New Mexico, prisoners scantiness in housing and em- Most parolees want to be in gangsters’ images. laws. Supporting such a theory, rioted due to overcrowding and ployment, brings the realiza- drug free with a stable home “Basic human equality is columnist Ben Wattenberg poor nutrition; it costed the tion that the value of the 1974 and steady employment Pro- associated with full member- writes, “A thug in prison can’t state $38 million to clean up $200, in 2009 times, is greatly viding a cohesive financial plan ship in a community,” says the shoot your sister.” and repair the problem. diminished in its original con- to men released from prison British sociologist, T.H. Mar- Nixon launched the war on Overcrowding in Alabama ceptual purpose, listed in sec- would be one step towards end- shall. Bruce Western writes, crime with a plan to criminalize state prisons led to the release tion 2713 of the California ing California’s dismal 71 per- “The penal system was used to anti-Vietnam War demonstra- of 222 inmates under federal Penal Code, which was imple- cent recidivism rate, and a con- manage many of the byproducts tors. court order on July 25, 1981. mented to assist the reintegra- cept that, if implemented, will of persistent poverty: untreated Reagan’s war-on-drugs justi- Similar action took place in tion of the newly released help the reintegration into soci- drug addiction and mental ill- fied U.S. black-ops in Central Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, prisoner into society. ety of formerly incarcerated ness, homelessness, chronic America. Politicizing the U.S. Illinois and New York. In 2003 while 160,000 citizens. idleness among young men, and Supreme Court ignited manda- See Justice System Page 8 Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS FEBRUARY 26, 2009 Justice System ‘Life and Times of Continued from Page 7 court had to place the prison’s health care system under fed- In California, the correc- eral receivership. California tion’s budget reached $7.6 is facing ongoing federal liti- Frederick Douglas’ billion. During 2006’s visit to gation about overcrowding. San Quentin, a law enforce- The National Crime Vic- Feb. 1818- Feb.1895 ment German Delegation timization Survey, released by noted that California’s Correc- the Bureau of Justice Statistics By R.E. CALIX rights and African tional budget is more than the showed violent crime in the Contributing American suffrage, annual gross domestic prod- United States is up 5.6 per- writer he spent his life ucts of five African nations cent. These facts indicate that MICHAEL R. working toward inte- combined: Mali, Niger, Chad, mass imprisonment and a pu- HARRIS gration and civil Togo and Sierra Leone . nitive justice system did not Managing Editor rights. His autobiog- With 33 prisons operating deter offenders or protect so- raphy was an inter- over 200 percent over normal ciety from harm, because Frederick Doug- national bestseller. capacity, the cost of inmate “...that method failed to ad- lass was born into On a world speaking medical care increased from dress the core of the social slavery and self edu- tour, he was able to $345 million in 1995 to $2.2 disparity,” says Bruce West- cated, learning to exemplify the best in billion in 2007. The federal ern. read and write de- the human spirit, and spite the barriers the ability to tran- against slave educa- scend any manmade ‘N’ Word a tion. As a fugitive boundary. slave, Frederick was His special gift to able to compose the America lives on in Big Negative best-known slave the works of African By THE CONCERNED killing and imprisonment of their narrative in the his- American literature leaders. tory of world slavery during and after the One of the saddest scenes in Now black communities are while on the lam. Fugitive slave and his brothers and sisters as “New Negro” Harlem Renais- San Quentin is a group of flooded with “crack” and blacks laws forbade the aiding and slaves. sance; and in the passage of the young black inmates laughing are killing each other over dope abetting of a runaway, and these Douglass willed himself into Fourteenth and Fifteenth and calling each other by the and colors. Some entertainers laws were strictly enforced. His becoming more than an object of Amendments to the U.S. Consti- “N” word. (rappers, comics) popularize the writings became a most power- exploitation. He developed into tution which together gave black The history of the “N” word “N” word, to everyone’s detri- ful tool to be used in the fight a great African American hero people the right to vote. The against the institution of slavery and leader. He played a leading struggle to overcome the evil of alone is enough reason why no ment. th black person should ever want Racists smile and love it when in the U.S., as well as through- role in 19 century reform as an the slave system has created to use it. Some people claim its they see or hear blacks calling out the rest of the world. adviser to President Abraham many stars and heroes in Ameri- use will desensitize the word, as each other by the “N” word. He described the brutality of Lincoln, and in other areas of can democracy, even as the ine- though it is a term of endear- They don’t have to say it behind the practice of human bondage, government. Slavery played qualities continue to evade jus- ment. our backs any more; we do it for describing his childhood separa- such a dominating role in tice. Douglass is the standard- Racists created this word and them. tion from his mother, the brutal American politics, succumbing bearer for liberty and the pursuit used it to put down an entire We are not just a lost genera- beatings he witnessed and re- into the nation’s only civil war, of happiness in this, the most race. In the late 1960s and early tion with no self-pride or dignity. ceived, and his determination to which eventually ended the sys- free of lands. We applaud and ‘70s, there were a few years of It is time to re-establish pride in be free, while expressing his tem of slavery. Douglass was a celebrate this symbol of the black pride. the black race as well as in the own humanity and the inhuman- leader for all Americans. Stead- “North Star”. To freedom, we Black pride diminished greatly black male as a whole. America ity of the system that kept him fast in the struggle for women’s march on! during the ‘80s, about the time of now has a black president, for governments infiltrating black the first time in history. It’s time revolutionary groups and the we get our black pride back. Administration Answers We Want To H From You! Ad/Seg Concerns The San Quentin News wel- submitting stories and/or arti- By KENNETH BRYDON The use of slang, “The Hole” population information that they comes and encourages inmates, cles which are newsworthy and Editor-in-Chief wasn’t accurate: it is Adminis- are starving for. This informa- free staff, custody staff, volun- encompass issues that will have trative Segregation, and indi- tion is not just for S.Q., but also teers and people and entities an impact on the prison popu- In the Jan. 2009 Edition of viduals only go there when it’s for the rest of the institutions and outside of the institution to sub- lace. the S.Q. News, the article determined that the inmate may all over the U.S. This is the best mit articles for this publication. • Please do not use offensive “Administrative Segregation: either be a threat to others or is prison newspaper in the coun- Please use the following cri- language in your submissions. One Giant Leap Backward,” was threatened by others. Q: What is try.” teria when submitting: • Art work is welcomed (i.e. printed. The article focused on the official position concerning A following interview was • Please limit your submitted poems, songs, cartoons, draw- the reported conditions which the conditions in Ad/Seg? A: conducted with Facility Capt. B. articles to no more than 350 ings). North Block prisoners encoun- We meet the standards of hous- Grundy, who supervises the Ad/ words. • Letters to the editor should be tered. ing an Ad/Seg unit. Seg unit. His statement is as • Articles may be edited for short and to the point. On Monday, Feb. 22, 09, an Lt. Luna then stated: follows: “I take full responsibil- content and length. Send Submissions to: interview was conducted with “Inmates are not there to live the ity for the unit, staff, as well as • The newspaper is not a me- the warden’s administrative as- ‘good life.’ Ad/Seg is a man- the inmate population. I realize dium to file grievances. Use the Education Dept. / SQ News sistant, Correctional Lt. R. Luna. agement tool meant to be an it is a difficult situation we’re in, prison appeals process. San Quentin, CA 94964 The following questions were incentive to program. They trying to find a balance between www.cdcr.ca.gov/Visitors/ However, we do encourage San_Quentin_News/SQ_Newsletter.html posed to Luna. He provided the have a chance to understand that the population and providing all subsequent answers: they have opportunities. When the security and the required Q: What is the policy for an inmate does have privileges, services at the same time. I feel San Quentin News approval of the S.Q. News? A: they should appreciate what they that the S.Q. News is a good The story is submitted and re- have. What I got from this was thing. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of viewed for content. Q: What these Lifers were accustomed to “However, the article in ques- the Administration, or the inmate population, and should be con- content are you looking for? A: a more comfortable living stan- tion here, gave the appearance sidered solely the opinion of the individual author unless specified. Making sure the facts are cor- dard, and they were then ex- that it was being utilized as a Permission is granted to reprint articles appearing in the San rect. The whole reason we have posed to a situation that took conduit for airing grievances, Quentin News provided credit is given the author and this publica- S.Q. News is rehabilitation. It them out of their comfort zone. and there are already plenty of tion, except for articles reprinted herein from other publications. helps Vocational Printing and “We were privileged to have forms in which we can do that building job skills. Q: What a warden who gave us back this (602, verbal, written letters). Administrative Review……………. …,,,...R. Luna problems did you observe in the paper. By no means did the S.Q. Everyone can use that forum in Principal…...…………………………...T. Roberts article printed? News try to glorify or degrade full. We do not need to utilize Vice Principal….. ………………W. Reeves, Ed. D. A: It was one-sided. I can- anyone. This is a neutral news- the S.Q. News for a medium to Print Shop Supervisor...... ……..J. Wilkerson not speak to inaccuracies in that paper with the goal of profes- duke it out. My hope is that Chief Advisory Board Member… ……John Eagan it hasn’t been investigated. This sional journalism. What they S.Q. News can continue in the Advisory Member……………...... Steve Cook was the opinion of four individu- want to do is report what is im- spirit which former Warden Advisory Member……………...... Joan Lisetor als when the unit houses 400. portant, and to give the inmate Ayers intended.”

Advisory Member…….………...Steve McNamara Executive Staff: Kenneth R. Brydon ……...…...Editor-in-Chief Michael R. Harris……….….Managing Editor Aly P. Tamboura………...……..Design Editor David Marsh………………….....Staff Writer Darrell C. Hartley………………..Staff Writer