San Quentin News THE PULSE OF SAN QUENTIN

VOL. 2008 NO. 4 NOVEMBER 10, 2008 SAN QUENTIN, 94964 POPULATION:5,435 A Victory For America

By ALY TAMBOURA

In an election that is truly one for the history books, Barack Obama won his bid for the White House in a sweeping Volunteers Doris Fendt and Kathryn Jackson at the ballot box victory, capturing an over- (Photo by Troy Williams) whelming number of the na- tion’s electoral college votes in a fashion which the nation has Conduct rarely seen. By 7:30 pacific time, Fox Mock Election News had announced Obama the victor and president-elect. By KAMAL SEFELDEEN Fuel Sources. Proposition 8— The other major networks fol- In a well organized peaceful Protect Marriage Act, and lowed suit of the announce- civil-dissent to state law that Proposition 9—Victim’s Rights ment, forecasting Obama as the prohibits state prisoners and and Protection Act. next president. Over the next parolees from voting in local Classrooms became voting few hours, as the vote counts municipalities and national stations and community volun- were broadcast on television, it elections, San Quentin inmates teers became poll workers and became evident that Obama had conducted a mock election on election monitors. overwhelmingly won the elec- Oct. 25 which marked the be- Inmates lined up for voting, tion. ginning of absentee voting in each presenting his I.D. Obama made his victory California. with picture identification at the speech to a quarter of a million The ballot contained the check-in table where a volunteer supporters in Chicago’s Grant presidential candidates, Obama- and an inmate marks his name in Park shortly after the networks Biden (Democrat), McCain- the official print-out provided by announced him the victor. The President-Elect Barack Obama Palin (Republican), Nader- the administration. speech moved many in the “The road ahead will be 106-year old Ann Nixon Coo- Gonzales (Independent) and “Just to make sure nobody crowd to tears of joy, including long. Our climb will be steep. per as a symbol of the African- McKinney-Clemente (Green votes twice,” says Red, 57, an celebrities such as Jesse Jack- We may not get there in one American struggle. Party). It also included five inmate with a big smile. son and Oprah Winfrey, who year or even one term, but “Born just a generation past state propositions from the Nov. “I voted against Proposition 8, were both in attendance. America, I have never been slavery, but for many years 4 election, Proposition 5—the because I don’t think they should Obama’s message of change more hopeful than I am tonight could not vote for two reasons, Nonviolent Offender Rehabili- amend the Constitution. I voted was clear in his speech, along that we will get there,” said because she was a woman and tation Act (Nora), Proposition. against Proposition 9, because with a direct appeal for help Obama. because of the color of her skin. 6—The Safe Neighborhood It’s a vengeful bill,” says Red. from the American people. Obama used the story of See Obama, Page 5 Act, Proposition 7—Renewable See Mock Election, Page 2

California Officials Centerforce Holds 2008 Openly Defy Federal Judge Summit By DAVID MARSH comply with his directive will By NAN SINCERO legacy of Nuremberg and its California officials face result in both Schwarzenegger The Pew Center on the effects on due process and fair fines of up to $2 million per day and Chiang facing a hearing for States has stated that there are trial. He also addressed the for refusing a federal judge’s contempt the following week, now more than one in 100 audience as an influential force order to turn over more than the judge said. That raises the adults incarcerated in the – a large group of people who $250 million in state funds. potential for as much as $2 mil- – more than any understand three words: The money is needed to jump- lion per day in fines, he said. other nation. “people can change.” start construction on more than Deputy Attorney General Centerforce, whose mission Special plenary sessions $8 billion in improvements or- Daniel Powell told Henderson is to support, educate and advo- included: The 2nd Annual So- dered to bring the medical fa- that although the state has the cate for individuals, families cratic Dialogue, Incarcerated cilities in its state up to funds, it is the state’s position and communities impacted by Medicine Session, Sentencing constitutional standards. that Henderson has failed to incarceration, hosted its 9th An- Reform Caucus, and Ask-a- The state’s long-running provide sufficient information nual “Inside/Out Summit” on Matthew Cate, Funder. Phillip Jay Seiler, a battle with U.S. District Judge regarding his plans for the Oct. 6-7 at the Double Tree Secretary of CDCR formerly incarcerated Lifer at Thelton Henderson heated up money. He said that any plans Sonoma Wine Country in San Quentin Prison participated Oct. 25 when lawyers for Gov. that Henderson has for state Rohnert Part, California. The tionships, and Advocacy. on the Socratic Dialogue panel and prison construction must be theme, More Than One in One Special panelists and speak- along with representatives from State Controller John Chiang approved by the Legislature Hundred: the Crisis, the Issues, ers included, Secretary of Cali- 10 organizations; California questioned the judge’s authority before the state will release any the Solutions, was in response fornia Department of Correc- Inspector General, David Shaw; to force the state to hand over funds. to the report that came out. tions and Rehabilitation, Mat- CCPOA, Pam Douglas; Stan- the funds. They also ques- Plans submitted by the federal The successful two-day thew Cate, actor of M*A*S*H ford Criminal Justice Center, tioned his authority to order the manager, law professor Clark event included 15 workshops fame Mike Farrell, Chief Medi- Kara Dansky; Prison Law Of- changes in the California De- Kelso, call for the building of on a variety of subjects: Reen- cal Officer Receiver Clark fice, Don Specter; Prison Legal partment of Corrections and seven prison health care centers, a try, Employment and Mental Kelso, Dr. Terry Hill, and Cen- News, Paul Wright; Crime Vic- Rehabilitation’s medical facili- dental care center and improving Health, Employment for Veter- terforce Executive Director tims United of California, Nina ties. some existing facilities. ans, Substance Abuse Treat- Carol F. Burton. The keynote Salarno-Ashford; Probation- Henderson, in 2006 ap- The state faces a trial in federal ment, Eliminating the Death speech was delivered by Supe- Parole and former Warden of pointed a federal overseer to court Nov. 17 before a three-judge Penalty, California Prop. 5 rior Court Judge and author San Quentin, Jeanne Woodford; manage the state’s beleaguered panel that will include Henderson. (NORA), Props. 6&9, Inside Norbert Ehrenfreund who was a author of 3 books on incarcera- prison health care system. He Among the issues to be decided Arts Programs, Visitation Pro- journalist at the Nuremberg tion, Sasha Abramsky; Vaca- responded to the attack on his during the trial are claims that grams, Restorative Justice, HIV Trials in 1945. His powerful ville Police Chief, Rich Word, authority at the hearing with an chronic overcrowding has led to Programming, Supporting Chil- and emotional message reso- and Taxpayers for Improving order that the funds be trans- unconstitutionally sub-standard dren and Families, Making, nated through the hall as he public Safety, David Warren. ferred by Nov. 5. Failure to medical care. Mending and Maintaining Rela- spoke passionately about the See Centerforce, Page 2 Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS NOVEMBER 10, 2008 No More Tears ‘Putting a Face On Crime’ and help implement workshops and events. SQN : What inspired you to work with NMT? And how long Candelaria Podesta registering prisoners to vote has the organization been in exis- (Photo by Troy Williams) tence? D.B.: NMT was “born” in

2001. I came on board in 2004. Mock Election What inspired me to work with Continued from Page 1 education toward building a NMT was the hope I experienced society of citizens rather than of when I first came to San Quentin Scott, 47, an inmate standing consumers,” said Doris, before to observe the program. Let me by the voting classroom con- paying full attention to the en- say that again; I found HOPE at ducting an exit-poll said, “I’m tire football team, arriving in San Quentin. I almost didn’t doing this to see how close our their team uniforms to vote. come that first day; I was skepti- thinking process aligns with the Someone said, “They may run- cal and expected to find just an- outside community. It shows, out of ballots.” Another inmate other group of people who sit Top Row: Lonnie Morris, Jerry Elster, George Jurand, No More Tears Group even though we are not allowed shouted “Florida, Florida!” Bottom Row: Mona and Bobby G. Hall Sr., Maddie Scott and Paulette Brown around talking about issues of to vote, that we are still in- Laughter and comments before violence in our communities; I volved and pay attention to the Doris responded, “We have the An Interview with Jerry Elster, Bobby Dean Evans, was so tired of talk. I grew up in issues affecting our commu- ballot template, and if we need Denise Banister of Jr., and Lafayette Nelson, com- Oakland, Berkeley and Rich- nity.” more we will get copies.” No More Tears munity and staff volunteers mond, and was disheartened by Mike Dunne, a community Kathleen, a seventh-grade Vernell Crittendon, Mick Gard- the deterioration of those commu- volunteer in S.Q. Film Makers teacher who teaches English to By MICHAEL R. HARRIS ner, Cat Aboudara and Yolanda nities due to disenfranchisement, Project, followed by a handful S.Q. inmates participating in Najera, of Centerforce. Center- economic disparities, and the of inmates with expensive TV Patten University, believes that San Quentin News: What is force is the umbrella organization infusion of drugs and dwindling cameras, believes in rehabilita- a great number of the inmates No More Tears, and what role do over NMT. The Muslim Chap- of economic opportunities. What tion instead of incarceration. are more aware of the socio- you play in it? lain, R.S. Hassan, is the chief I found at NMT was a group of “This idea of conducting voting economic issues than many Denise Banister: NMT is a sponsor of NMT, as well as a dedicated people working to pro- here at S. Q. at the start of the people on the outside. She finds violence and crime prevention founding member. I am a co- actively address all the issues absentee voting in California is most of the inmates knowledge- program conceived of by SQ sponsor of NMT, serve on the underlying the growing violence an idea and a project by the able, engaging and seeking prisoners. It was developed steering committee, perform ad- in our communities; particularly inmates themselves. It has his- redemption by trying to learn through collaboration between ministrative duties for the pro- the youth-on-youth violence. toric implications. It’s voting of more. “This election gives NMT founders Lonnie Morris, gram, coordinate volunteer efforts See Healing Circle, Page 3 the un-counted. It’s training for them a sense of hope that some- the inmates to follow the issues one really cares,” says Kath- and to form independent deci- leen, who is not a democrat but sions based upon what is real, does intend to vote for Obama, Student Injured in Print Shop and objectively caring rather “because he gives hope to than subjective interests,” says many.” By ALY TAMBOURA Department which arrived on Wilkerson says, “All students Dunne. When asked if this mock the scene within minutes of the are trained to safely operate According to Dunne, the election would make any differ- Andre Taylor, a vocational accident. Taylor was stabilized the equipment in the Print ballots will be tabulated and ence, she responded with deep student, was seriously injured and transported to an outside Shop and are constantly re- sealed until Nov. 4. Similar earnestness, “There is a man while operating a paper cutter hospital for emergency surgery. minded of safe-operating pro- voting will take place for in- who came and voted, and after in the San Quentin Print Shop. Taylor was returned to the cedures throughout their vo- mates in H-Unit. Today’s desig- he was done he said, ’I don’t Taylor’s hand was caught in the prison infirmary after surgery cational training.” nated for the 743 inmates of feel like a criminal right now.’ clamp which holds the paper where he is recovering. The paper cutter involved North Block. The check-in The fact (that) people don’t for cutting, as a result, three of According to the infirmary in the accident has been taken records reflect that 66 percent understand that people can the fingers on his right hand staff, Taylor’s fingers were off-line until completion of of the population voted in this change is a crime,” says Kath- were crushed and partially sev- reattached and he is expected the investigation by the Cali- mock election. leen. ered. to make a full recovery and is fornia Occupational Safety “In Europe over 75 percent In Switzerland, the govern- The seriousness of the inju- expected to retain the use of and Health Administration. of eligible voters vote. I know ment faces pandemic drug ries warranted emergency re- his hand. The accident remains under how it feels to be disenfran- addictions. They don’t con- sponse by the San Quentin Fire Print shop instructor John investigation. chised. I’m one of the disen- sider it a criminal problem, franchised. I can’t vote because but they consider it a health I’m not a citizen. This election problem that requires a health is about the men here. There are solution. Centerforce Summit too many issues at stake in this The advocates of the Swiss Continued from Page 1 Jacqueline Tulsky and featured election. I would like them to solution say that criminaliz- an update on the Receivership have hope by connecting to ing similar problems in the The moderator was Ron by Dr. Terry Hill, chief medical common issues,” says Doris, a U.S. would enlarge the prob- Clement, formerly of the officer under Receiver Clark German citizen and a graduate lem, that sending adolescents Haigh-Scatena Foundation. Kelso. Panelists who posed of State Univer- and adults to prison for drug The format of the Socratic Dia- questions to Dr. Hill were Doc- sity with a degree in psychol- use would expand the power log involves revealing a hypo- tors Lisa Pratt, MD of San ogy. Doris, who refers to S.Q. of a corporate vigil-ustice thetical scenario in which the Quentin and Denise Taylor, inmates as “the men,” believes driven by a rich lobby. Others MD of California Men’s Col- that Prop. 9 is catastrophic. advocate Prop—5 as a solu- ony. The session was followed “We ought to direct our social tion. by an audience question and answer period. The Sentencing Reform Flu Vaccine is being Offered Caucus was moderated by Norbert Ehrenfreund By DOCTOR ELENA TOOTELL, CMO Carol F. Burton and included Quentin Warden Robert Ayers, Flu Season is here once again. On Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, vaccina- panelists Mike Farrel of Death Jr. tions were given out to those who wanted them. Flu is spread eas- Penalty Focus, Dan Abraham- The Socratic Dialogue key- ily, and the older we get, the worse it can affect us. son of Drug Policy Alliance and note speech featured Secretary If you have any kind of health condition, like heart disease, lung Elizabeth Gaynes of Osborne Cate. Incarceration Medicine disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, HIV, or seizures disor- Association. This session was and the Sentencing Reform ders, getting the flu can be much worse. Last year a prison in unique because it included Caucus will air on SQTV some- Southern California didn’t vaccinate everyone, and some died from questions for the panel that time in November or Decem- complications. were blogged into the Center- ber. Look for your weekly pro- “I don’t want a shot; it’ll make me sick,” is what many people force website prior to the Sum- gramming updates! say. You CAN’T get the flu by getting a flu shot. You need vacci- Phillip Jay Sieler mit. Article provided by nation every year. If you have had an allergic reaction to a pervious panelists must discuss outcomes This year the “Jeanne Wood- vaccination, or if you’re allergic to eggs, you need to tell that to the in order to foster positive solu- ford Award,” for recognition of nurse. tions. Outstanding Leadership in Pro- Our nurses are trained to give injections properly, and, IT WON’T The Incarceration Medicine active Correctional Community HURT for longer than a second. It’s worth the small inconvenience. Session was moderated by Dr. Collaboration, went to San NOVEMBER 10, 2008 SAN QUENTIN NEWS Page 3 A Portrait From the Past Clinton Duffy: Mr. San Quentin 1940-51 By DON (COACH) DENEVI morning of July 13, a new been around here all your the rubber hoses so fre- five man board convened life and you know all the quently they had cost an old No one would have believed in the conference room of spots. We understand your warden his job, opened the that as late as the summer of the warden’s office at San dad taught you the cardi- door. The unsmiling new 1940 San Quentin was on the Quentin to fire Smith. nal rule of reform: no man acting warden said simply, brink of deadly riots certain to Four years of bloodshed, can ever be redeemed by ‘I’ve just been appointed to reverse efforts in rehabilitation strife, and some officers using the whip. How take control of the prison by 100 years. insisted, rot and corruption about taking over for the and staff. I’m making San Quentin was considered a during his brief tenure next 30 days?” changes and as of this min- “modern” prison where Warden were about to end. Clinton Duffy, from his autobi- ute, you’re through.” He Jimmy Johnston had ended offi- Truman Duffy, a 42-year- ography, writes, “I could turned and walked back to cer barbarism in 1919 and War- old Parole Board secretary have crawled under the the warden’s office. den James Holohan instilled who was born, bread, mar- rug. ‘Taking over?’ I Upon entering the de- imprisoned men with new dig- ried and now lived on the asked mechanically.” serted office, he immedi- nity and inspiration in the prison grounds, was sum- “Yes, as acting war- ately telephoned Joseph 1930s. moned along with several den.” Fletcher, a guard he had Now the tough, hard-boiled other witnesses for ques- It was about six observed for years. “I’m Warden Court Smith had ada- tioning about the increas- o’clock when Duffy appointing you Captain of mantly refused to end “the ing abuses and chaos. Clinton Duffy: Warden 1940-1951 called his wife Gladys the Yard and your first offi- shame of San Quentin,” a 50- “I sat on a long pol- about the news. They re- cial act within the next hour foot long dungeon that was ished bench outside the meeting four o’clock and clumped down flected upon how their old is to abolish the dungeon.” constructed under the old hospi- room for what seemed like the hall and out the door with- way of life was finished and “By eight o’clock that tal with seven niches cut into hours, mopping my face and out a word.” that he was now assuming a night, the moldy, foul 50- the subterranean rock on each listening to the wildest kind of After several other flushed great responsibility to the foot cave where hundreds of side to serve as cells. Hundreds rumors,” Duffy wrote 10 years and nervous administrators en- people of California and to men had suffered unbeliev- of convicts trembled with so later in his autobiography: The tered and exited the conference the thousands of men behind able tortures through the much hate and fear that some San Quentin Story. “I was sure I room, someone called out, the walls. “Before I come decades had ceased to ex- were arming themselves to es- was due for the chopping block “Duffy, you’re wanted inside.” home, I have something im- ist,” Duffy would say in cape or kill as many guards as since a number of official heads Duffy walked in and sat down, portant to do,” he said qui- later years. they could. had already been lopped off that wiping his glasses to conceal etly and hung up. With the growing crisis no morning. Then and there I made his nervousness. He didn’t want Duffy then walked down Part two of this three part longer kept secret from a public up my mind to quit prison work to get fired; he wanted to quit. San Quentin’s long main biographical sketch of well aware that the “Big House for good. Warden Smith was After all, his father had been a street to the house closest to “Mister San Quentin,” as By the Bay” was a city of night- called before the new board highly respected guard for more the East Gate and knocked on Time Magazine referred to mares, Gov. Culbert Olson around noon and for several than 30 years. Suddenly some- the door. Captain Ralph New, him in a January 7, 1942, ousted the entire Board of hours loud voices filtered out one said, “We have not agreed under whom guards had used article, will appear in the next Prison directors. And on the into the hall. Smith emerged at upon a new warden. You’ve the dungeon, the straps, and issue of the SQ News.

group of individuals who have SQN: What are some of the lost loved ones to murder; things you would like our readers PROPOSITIONS Healing Circle many of them have lost one or to know? Continued from Page 2 with groups such as the Healing more children. The founders D.B.: I would like your read- 5 & 6 Circle, partnering our efforts to of the HCSS, and the chief ers to know that every one of you I felt the genius of the pro- provide forums for healing, sponsor , George Jurand, is valuable and necessary. No By DAVID MARSH gram was that men who had growth and positive change. formed the group to provide matter what previous experience once been the offenders were For any of our programs and culturally appropriate and sen- you have had, what wrong you In an election that was quite now the mentors for positive efforts to have a lasting effect, sitive support to communities have done ( and we all have done clearly overshadowed by the change and healing. They re- we must learn to value each of color who traditionally have wrong, sometime), you have tal- uncertain economic times, minded me of some very spe- other and work together across not had their needs considered ents and abilities that you can Americans went to the polls and cial individuals who took time all lines, to create a strong, uni- by existing services. The for- develop and use to make your life voted their pocket books in to mentor me in my youth and fied, diverse community that mat and the methods are so a good life, to help yourself, your sending Propositions 5 and 6 turned me from the path of self- fosters and sustains the well- effective that persons across family and your community. down to decisive defeat. destruction. NMT allows me being of all our children and all all cultures participate and SQN: Are others in training Prop. 5, known as the Non- to give back, to thank those of our people. find solace in the HCSS. for Leadership positions? Violent Offenders Act, would who helped me, to serve my SQN: Who/ How many peo- NMT began collaborating D.B.: Yes, we have other co- have diverted drug and non- community; and as I said, it ple are in NMT? with the HCSS in 2007, in a facilitators that are connecting violent offenders into rehabili- gives me hope. D.B.: Who: Inside: Incarcer- series of dialogs that examine with the groups, each in his own, tation and diversion programs, SQN: What is the Mission ated men who, through word of all aspects of violence and its unique way: Marvin Mitchell, making it much more difficult Statement of NMT? mouth, have been intrigued to impact. Side by side “victim” Marcus Williams, Eugene “MC” to incarcerate them. According D.B.: NMT Mission State- investigate NMT and been in- and “offender” have found Montgomery and Michael Lewis. to the Legislative Analyst’s ment: To curb violence and spired to work with us. Out- empathy and common ground. SQN contacted NMT’s co- Office, the initiative could have detrimental behaviors within side: Various community vol- We have learned to cross the founder Jerry Elster for comment. eventually cost the state over $1 targeted communities by utiliz- unteers from all walks of life. lines we imagine divide us to Jerry Elster: Our original billion a year, off set by an ad- ing the specialized knowledge How many: NMT has main- create a forum for support, intent at NMT was to expose ditional $1 billion a year in sav- and experience of former perpe- tained an average of 55 inside healing and empowerment. perpetrators to victims, and vic- ings from reduced parole and trators of violence and crime. and 15 outside participants over From our initial collaboration tims to perpetrators. And in that prison costs. These former perpetrators hold the last four years. we also developed additional way to put a face on crime. It’s a Voters who participated in themselves accountable to bring SQN: If someone were in- workshops such as lot harder to commit crime when exit polls cited the certainty solutions to the communities terested in becoming a part of “Reconnecting the Community you put a face on the victim. Our of the projected expenditures where once they had contrib- your group, how would they go Through Communication,” goal is to make everybody ac- in deciding to reject the ini- uted to the problems. about doing this? where young incarcerated countable for public safety. tiative. SQN : And where do you see D.B.: Those interested in adults and community mem- SQN: Could you comment on Prop. 6, A Police and Law the group going in the future? joined NMT should speak to bers rediscover the value in Denise Bannister’s role at NMT. Enforcement Funding initia- D.B.: I see NMT reaching one of the Steering Committee each other, and explore break- JE: She puts in a tireless ef- tive, would have mandated an out into the community, provid- members. We try to keep a bal- ing down barriers and creating fort to keep NMT together, no initial outlay of $965,000,000 ing mentors who have success- ance of long-termers and short- solutions in an effort to rewrite doubt. Denise is the glue that per year to fund police, sher- fully overcome the negative termers (sentence), so that we the community. holds it all together. And I’d like iffs, district attorneys, adult to model positive change and know a good percentage of our SQN: What do you expect to mention Lonnie (Morris), probation and jails, an in- offer guidance and hope to our members will be going home in out of a relationship between because NMT is his idea. With- crease of several hundred youth. Our communities are the next few years to bring what the two groups? out Lonnie, there is no NMT. million per year over current suffering from a terrible dis- they’ve learned from NMT into D.B.: NMT and HCSS are Everybody puts in a good effort levels of spending. It pro- unity at the core; the result of their communities. currently working to broaden to make this all happen, to all posed numerous changes in racism, classism, social injus- SQN: What is the Healing the scope of our collaboration come together. current laws related to mem- tice, economic imbalance and Circle and how does it relate to and develop a solid curricu- bership in gangs, as well as the systematic destruction of your group? lum, to make this powerful sentencing changes. The hope. I believe NMT’s greatest D.B.: The Healing Circle for forum available to other com- More on the Healing measure was soundly de- value will be in collaboration the Soul Support (HCSS) is a munities and venues. Circle next issue. feated by voters. Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS NOVEMBER 10, 2008 ‘Songbirds in a Golden Cage’ to earn not only the forgiveness sort of attention commonly rupt the cycle of violence than award but the trust of her col- reserved for religious leaders to be right here in this prison. leagues working in the prison and rock stars. This work in the prison has and the prisoners themselves. Karroll crosses and re- helped me grasp the depths of At a recent dinner party with crosses her legs as she ad- humanity and the possibility of the leaders of the Insight Prison dresses her rapt audience. She transformation." Project, a nonprofit program lost her long, brown hair to Phillip Seiler, a well-groomed through which Karroll trained chemotherapy. Short, gray, 47-year-old serving time to run a weekly prison group, curly hair frames her face. for murder, thanks Karroll for Rochelle Edwards invited Kar- The day after Thanksgiving, telling her story. "What a brave roll to sing to her 11-year-old when she was 9-years old, she little girl," he says. daughter. She sang "My Song- was walking about a block from Performing terrifies Karroll. bird," a 1977 ballad that Jesse her house. "I heard brakes But she feels compelled to share Winchester wrote and Emmy- screech and felt two hands grab her story and her song with the Red Frye & Jaimee Karrol tuning up to play lou Harris made famous. me," she says. "I was immedi- criminals. By RONNIE COHEN stopped singing completely. When he heard Karroll ately bound and attacked for "It feels really profound to do Not even in the shower. In the sing, Jacques Verduin, Insight approximately 10 hours." it with you," she says, "to do it Jaimee Karroll shares her meantime, she underwent inten- Prison Project's executive di- Her assailants raped her re- with men who've committed acts tale of violence with a dozen of sive psychotherapy and sought rector and founder, asked her peatedly with the handle of a of violence and are committed to San Quentin's most violent to regain and process repressed to sing for his prison group. knife, she says. "If you can transcending that. It just feels As a teenager and young memories of the 1963 day when Karroll hesitated. But another imagine being 9 and having the important to tell you how I lost adult, Jaimee Karroll sang. She she was abducted and assaulted. event nudged Karroll to more knife inside of you. It was terri- my voice as a result of that crime played guitar and sang mostly She joined Bay Area Women openly confront her past and fying.” and to share it with you." dark folk songs until she real- Against Rape, counseling other to overcome her hesitation. "It was a day of complete For more than five minutes, the ized that she used her voice to victims, and a few years ago About a year ago, she was violation. In that day, I totally men focus on Karroll while she disassociate from herself, a began working inside San diagnosed with ovarian can- lost myself. I broke in so many tunes her guitar. coping technique she says she Quentin with men serving time cer. ways. "All right," she says finally, learned in the wake of a child- for crimes like the one she says To prepare for her first per- "I just couldn't tell my par- beginning to strum, "don't expect hood kidnap and rape. silenced her. Inside the prison formance in two decades, Kar- ents anything about what hap- much." Karroll, now 53, quit singing overlooking roll reunited with her old pened. Basically, I came home "It sounds good already," Seiler more than 20 years ago. She put in Marin and went to says, smiling tenderly. away her guitar and never County, Karroll war with my Swaying back and forth, her picked it up again until last began to forgive “Prison has helped me grasp the depths of hu- family." legs still crossed, Karroll's harmo- week, when she changed the the three men manity and the possibility of transformation.” The prison- nious voice fills the room as she strings and tuned it up to sing to she says ab- ers stare con- sings "My Songbird." a group of San Quentin State ducted and as- templatively Songbird in a golden cage Prison convicts. saulted her when she was 9- voice teacher and tuned up her and empathetically. She'd prefer the blue In her deep, melodic voice, years old. long-silenced instrument. Karroll says that she married, How I crave the liquor of her Karroll explains that she had to This weekend, the Marin- Last week, dressed com- became a singer and tried to song quit singing to begin healing. based Worldwide Forgiveness pletely in black with tights bury her pain by drinking. Poor bird who has done no "Why would I stop singing?" Alliance will give Karroll a and a turtleneck beneath a "When I was a performer," she harm she asks, sitting on a floral fu- Hero of Forgiveness award. long skirt and a jacket despite says, "I still didn't have a voice. What harm could she do ton next to her Labrador re- "Forgiveness was not the summer heat, she sat in a In order to have a full experi- She shall be my prisoner her triever and her cat in her El achieved in a single moment circle with 12 inmates, many ence of myself, I had to let go life long Cerrito home overlooking the but has unfolded over two dec- of them serving life sentences of that.” My songbird wants her free- Golden Gate Bridge. "In order ades," she says. First Karroll for murder, in a San Quentin "Violence renders people dom to use my voice, I would lose had to remember a crime she prison classroom. The only silent." Now don't you think I know awareness of myself. I fled my- had long tried to forget. Though window looks out on a hall- She tells the men that they But I can't find it in myself self in order to not be conscious some have questioned the way. understand her in a deep way. To let my songbird go of what happened. I wanted to claims of people with repressed The men, wearing denim and "You really know what hap- I just can't let her go become whole." So, after a memories of crimes, Karroll's sneakers, all intently concen- pened to me," she says. "I can't psychiatric hospitalization, she story has been heartfelt enough trate on Karroll, giving her the think of a better way to inter- See Songbirds, Page 7 How to Persuade a Judge By STEPHEN LIEBB When faced with someone noring rather than confronting Never overstate your yourself. He advises advocates wants to persuade a judge. who sits in judgment over us, whatever weighs against your case. Be scrupulously accurate. to compress their writing by When Moses was chosen to we need wisdom and skill to case. Trust is won by fairly pre- If possible lead with eliminating sentences, phrases, be an advocate for the He- persuade that judge to rule in senting the facts of the case and the strongest argument. and words that do not help. brews, before Pharaoh, he our favor. We all must appear honestly characterizing the is- Select the most easily Appeal not just to protested to God: “I am not before the “Judge of the whole sues; by owning up to those defensible position that favors rules but to justice and com- a man of words…my speech earth” (Genesis 18:25). An- points that cut against you and your case. mon sense. is difficult and my tongue is tonin Scalia, an associate justice addressing them forthrightly; and Don’t try to defend the Reason is paramount difficult.” (Exodus 4:10) of the Supreme Court, has writ- by showing respect for the intel- indefensible. Draw the sting with judges and overt appeal God responded: “Who gave ten a practical guide called, ligence of your audience.” out of unpleasant facts by pre- to their emotions is resented. man a mouth…Is it not I, “Making Your Case: The Art of Justice Scalia states that senting them yourself. Assume a posture of God? Now go, and I will be Persuading Judges.” Justice judges can be persuaded only Select your best argu- respectful intellectual equal- your mouth.” (4:11-12). Scalia provides clear and con- when three conditions are met: ment and concentrate your fire. ity with the judge. “An advo- Moses, a man who was not cise principles to be an effective (1.) They must have a clear idea Justice Scalia quotes Quintilian, cate should be instructive a “talker” became a powerful advocate. what you’re asking the court to who said, “We must not always without being condescending, and effective advocate be- An advocate’s character is do. (2.) They must be assured burden the judge with all the respectful without being ob- cause of humility. He got important. Justice Scalia that it’s within the court’s power arguments we have discovered sequious and forceful without out of the way of his argu- writes, “All of us are more apt to do it. (3.) They must conclude since by doing so we shall at being obnoxious.” ments. Moses was an effec- to be persuaded by someone we that what you’re asking is best- once bore him and render him Restrain your emo- tive advocate because he was admire than by someone we both in your case and in cases less inclined to believe us.” tions and don’t accuse. not in love with his own detest… Your objective in that follow. Communicate clearly Close powerfully and say words and arguments. Moses every argument, therefore, is to Among the principles that and concisely. An advocate’s explicitly what you think the did not let ego dilute or dis- show yourself worthy of trust Justice Scalia presents for effec- job is to present clearly the laws court should do. tort his message. He ab- and affection. Trust is lost by tive argumentation are: and the facts favoring your side Justice Scalia’s advice is sorbed higher wisdom and dissembling or conveying false Your arguments must of the case. It is not the judge’s a powerful tool to improve became a channel to convey information not just intention- make logical sense. Always job to piece the elements to- the art of communication. knowledge and truth greater ally but even carelessly; by outline your brief. gether from a wordy or confus- Communication is about than himself. These princi- mischaracterizing precedent to Know your audience. ing brief or argument. Scalia trust and that is why hon- ples, when applied, can help suit your case; by making argu- Know your case. states that successful arguments esty and fairness are impor- us to become more effective ments that could appeal only to Know your adversary’s are marked by brevity. Courts tant characteristics for a advocates before those who the stupid or informed; by ig- case. don’t want to hear you repeat judge and for anyone who judge us. NOVEMBER 10, 2008 SAN QUENTIN NEWS Page 5

voice in our party for reform.” Pundits are crediting Obama’s defeat of McCain to Condemned Row Inmates what is being called the best run political campaign in modern history. By early Wednesday Form Advisory Council morning Obama had an aston- By SAMUEL CAPERS work along with the unit staff constituents, we can now ishing 338 electoral votes with and administration on the row bring to the staff’s attention McCain’s tally at a diminutive East Block’s Condemned to make life easier and the issues that have an adverse 156, with Obama winning the Row has been a world of its program run smoother, for effect on a certain group of popular vote by over 7 million. own. It’s known to house the both staff and prisoners. It is prisoners, or a single person. Countries across the globe worst of the worst. It is a man’s a council of the condemned On many occasions, the indi- The President-Elect celebrated Obama’s victory final stop before his ill-awaited that have been here anywhere vidual issue could turn into a & VP Joe Biden with Americans. In Kenya, fate is to be carried out. But from upwards of many years population issue. By being his father’s home country, many out on the mainline do to just a few. We are all able to address the staff using President Mwai Kibaki pro- not know that there are quite a working together to make this the EBAC process, we can claimed that Thursday would few changes taking place here program more suitable and now be at ease to know that Obama be a public holiday. Desmond on the row. And, though there beneficial to all. most problems will be worked Continued from Page 1 Tutu of South Africa praised may be no hope for the con- There are six “Grade A” out on a timely basis and re- Obama’s victory. The Iraqi demned in the eyes of others, yards here, and on each yard solved. She was there for the busses foreign Minister Hoshyar Ze- we see things a lot differently. there are four EBAC repre- Condemned Row has a in Montgomery, the hoses in bari told the press that he We no longer sit under rocks sentatives, one for each of the history of not being able to Birmingham, a bridge in Selma thinks Obama “will not have and simply accept the fact that basic four ethnic groups, and function as others do out on and a preacher from Atlanta the same enthusiasm and mo- many of us may never see the one yard chairman who goes the mainline. By working to who told people that we shall mentum for this situation,” streets again. to the scheduled meetings resolve the problems on the overcome. Yes we can,” said speaking of the on-going war There were many issues with the staff. The issues row, we have now shown that Obama to an exuberant crowd. in Iraq. that needed to be addressed brought up vary, such as: can- not all inmates are program John McCain watched the George W. Bush com- within the East Block unit and teen, medical, property, and failures and many are willing voter results from his campaign mented that Obama’s win is absolutely no kind of commu- general unit issues that in- to function like any other headquarters in Arizona, where “especially uplifting for a nication when it came to staff volved the condemned popu- prisoner housed in the CDCR. he graciously conceded the generation of Americans who and prisoners. This, of lation as a whole. The staff It’s the EBAC’s hope election. “I wish Godspeed to witnessed the struggle for course, caused many difficul- needs to know that we are that the line we now have to the man who was my former civil rights with their own ties and gaps that to this day willing to work out issues the staff and administration opponent and will be my presi- eyes and four decades later remain, except for the reality with them on an advisory can remain open so that pro- dent,” said McCain to a sympa- see a dream fulfilled.” He that these issues are “fixable.” level, instead of using the grams can continue to run thetic crowd. also invited the president- With that said, the East Block Inmate Appeal Process smoothly. McCain’s speech was the elect to visit the White House, Advisory Council came into (CDCR 602). Thru the Condemned Row is now defining point which ended his while vowing to keep him play. The “EBAC” members EBAC reps speaking to their stepping out. decade long quest for the White informed during the transition House. He praised his support- of power. ers and his running mate, Sarah “At this defining moment Palin, calling her, “one of the change has come to Amer- “He who opens a school door closes a prison.” best campaigners I have ever ica,..” Said Barack Obama, ―Victor Marie Hugo (1802-1885) seen, and an impressive new president-elect.

Arts & Entertainment Bone Head

Think You Can Write? Tips Contest Held for Writers for Resilience Multimedia, pub- may be up to 3,000 words. lisher of the widely praised Stories should be typewritten book, “Think Outside the Cell: and double-spaced. Handwrit- Prison An Entrepreneur’s Guide for ten stories will be accepted as the Incarcerated and Formerly long as they are legible. Each life Incarcerated,” is sponsoring a page must include page num- writing contest for people who ber, your name, contact infor- Here is a tip you may wish are or were in prison, and their mation and story title. Resil- to pass on: The sodas that we loved ones. The best submis- ience Multimedia reserves the get are not cold. So, all you sions will be included in books right to edit stories for clarity, need do is soak a sock in water, in Resilience’s “Think Outside punctuation, spelling and gram- place the whole thing in front of the Cell,” series, which is in- mar. Story entries will not be the vent, and let evaporation do tended to help the incarcerated returned. ALL ENTRIES By M.J. Krieger the rest. and formerly incarcerated MUST BE POSTMARKED By Fernando Caro tackle hard challenges and have BY NOVEMBER 30, 2008. successful lives. Winners and other selected sto- Contestants may share per- ries will be announced on Feb- SUDOKU sonal stories about one or more ruary 01, 2009 at We all need to make a serious of these topics: reentering soci- www.thinkoutsidethecell.com effort to re-establish an old and ety after incarceration, waiting and in a press release. 7 8 1 2 very effective program – the for loved ones to return home Emailed stories can be sub- Post Card system. We had from prison, or prison mar- mitted to resiliencemultime- 3 9 1 good results in the past. It al- riages and relationships. Three [email protected]. Stories sub- lowed fast notes from home (2- winners will be chosen for each mitted by mail can be sent to: 6 7 3 days). A mailroom sergeant topic and will receive cash Resilience Multimedia, 511 said they can process up to 20 prizes: 1st Place $300, 2nd Place Avenue of the Americas Suite post cards in the time it takes to $150, 3rd Place $75. Stories 525, New York NY 10011 4 3 8 do one envelope. That saves that do not win cash prizes will time for getting the mail out still be eligible for inclusion in LAST MONTH’S 3 9 7 5 1 faster. the series. Writers whose sto- SUDOKU SOLUTION Post cards must have CDCR ries are selected will receive a 5 1 2 Number and your proper hous- 7 1 9 8 2 4 5 3 6 free copy of the book in which 2 3 4 7 6 5 8 9 1 ing address in big bold letters. their work appears. 6 8 5 9 3 1 4 7 2 3 2 It worked very well before. It The Contest rules are as fol- also saves 15 cents a letter, and 5 7 8 2 1 6 3 4 9 lows: All stories must be origi- 8 7 9 a larger post card can hold a nal and about situations or 9 6 3 4 7 8 2 1 5 good size “letter” on both sides. 4 2 1 3 5 9 7 6 8 events that actually happened. 9 4 8 6 If we’ll all get on board, it You may submit stories on 3 9 2 6 8 7 1 5 4 works well. 8 5 6 1 4 3 9 2 7 more than one topic. Stories Sudoku Puzzles by George Lowe By Douglas Clark 1 4 7 5 9 2 6 8 3 Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS NOVEMBER 10, 2008

mous singing group “The Tempta- tions.” As part of his religious training he Religion received an Islamic scholarship from the Islamic Society of North America (“ISNA”), in Indianapolis, Indiana. His studies included the following Chaplains Serving subjects: Fiqh Al Sunnah, Fiqh Al Hadith, and Fiqh Al Qur’an. Imam Hassan facilitates Jumuah, Hope on All Levels Ta’leem, and Islamic study programs By KENNETH R. BRYDON for the Mainline, Condemned Row, Imam Rafeeq S. Hassan and Reception Center prisoners. He Just as the U.S. military hires spiritual counselors, so does the Muslim Chaplain, Imam Rafeeq also finds time to facilitate various California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The S. Hassan began volunteering at San self-help programs which include, Pastor Morris Curry makeup of San Quentin’s five chaplains is as diverse as the popula- Quentin State Prison in 1985 under No More Tears, San Quentin Trust, tion: Catholic, Islamic, Jewish, Native American and Protestant. The the endorsement and sponsorship of and Milatti Islami (12-Step). In the early 1990s, Pastor Chaplains serve Condemned Row, Reception Center, North Block, Masjid Waritheen of Oakland, CA. Imam Hassan anticipates sponsor- Morris Curry began teaching and H-Unit, as well as the Hospital. Imam Hassan officially became the ing a Halal program in the near future “Biblical Counseling Founda- San Quentin Chaplains go through extensive theological training Muslim Chaplain in that will allow prisoners to meet their tion” (BCF) as a volunteer. and education in their respective beliefs. Each Chaplain conducts 1986. Imam John Faqir had been the religious dietary requirements. Imam Recommended by then Protes- religious services for those of their faith in areas appropriate for the Chaplain at San Quentin for 10 years Hassan constantly encourages Mus- tant Chaplain Earl Smith, who prison security, and, when necessary, becomes the bearer of bad news prior to Imam Hassan becoming the lims and other incarcerated men to saw a group of Lifers eager to for family tragedies to many who aren’t expecting to hear it. Chaplain for the Muslim Community try and fulfill their obligations as learn. Each chaplain brings a focus to their religious convictions, with at San Quentin. Imam Hassan is a fathers and for becoming productive With an interest in Prison the intention of providing a depth of understanding and ability to par- student of Imam W.D. Mohammad. members of society. Ministry inspired from his con- ticipate and practice in their chosen faith. Interviews with the five Prior to his arrival here at San His 23 years of service here at San gregation, Pastor Curry began chaplains: Father Stephen Barber, Imam Rafeeq Hassan, Rabbi Carol Quentin, Imam Hassan, came from Quentin has allowed Imam Hassan teaching the program to Lifers Hyman, Hector Heredia and Pastor Morris Curry were quite reveal- Detroit, Michigan, where he worked the opportunity to work with and who passed on their under- ing as to how each one approaches his or her responsibilities. as a fashion coordinator for the fa- assist men of all faiths. standing to short-term prisoners being released. These first stu- vada, he was told the same says, “I seek a balance of dents went on to eventually thing by the Archbishop. being honest about the past in teach the program themselves. When asked what was the a factual way, while living Pastor Curry’s interest in pris- most difficult issue that he’s under the circumstance in oners continued to grow over the had to deal with, Father Barber which prisoners find them- years. He continued teaching pointed to seeing his parishion- selves.” She recognizes that BCF along with bringing his ers in blue who had passed on. many who come to her are church congregation into into He pointed to the death of facing very difficult issues, San Quentin. In March of 2006, Ricky Earl, a three-strike Lifer. and many have sunk into he was at the prison to renew his Ricky had grown to embrace deep despair. Her focus is in volunteer status when he discov- the Catholic faith, and many helping them to find a bal- ered that Chaplain Earl Smith saw in him a caring and sincere ance without trying to justify had retired. His friend and fel- individual. Father Barber vis- mistakes made. low BCF teacher, Dave Haggy, ited Ricky in the prison hospice Rabbi Hyman’s goals for the pressed him to apply for the program at California Medical future are to improve the San position. In September, 2006, Facility before his death. Rabbi Carol Hyman Quentin image of being a place Pastor Curry was the new chap- In serving the San Quentin In November 2004 Carol where redemption can and lain. community, Father Barber says Hyman came to San Quentin does take place. She sees her He brings to San Quentin 22 years of service, and he set about Father Stephen Barber he seeks to be of help wherever part time as the Jewish Chap- duties as a chaplain and a rabbi he can. He recognizes the di- lain. She brings a back- as being over a single congre- to make the incarcerated church Father Stephen Barber verse ethnic and age group here ground of institutional ex- gation rather than each being no different than the outside con- started at San Quentin as a vol- that represents California as a perience to her work. First at isolated from the others. gregation. “Everything is done unteer in 1996 along with other whole. One of the great joys Napa Hospital, and then Cali- “They have a sense of being decently and in order,” he said. Jesuit priests from Berkeley he receives in this job is seeing fornia Medical Facility and part of a larger whole,” she Moving forward, he is develop- where he attended the School people enhance their own dig- Solano. She now has a Mas- says. Whether it’s Condemned ing ties with churches who are of Theology and received his nity and humanity, and grow in ter of Divinity from Graduate Row, Reception Center, or the interested in meeting the needs Master of Divinity degree. He their walk with God. Theology University in Mainline, she intends that each of those about to parole. A ma- entered the Jesuit Order in Looking into the future, Fa- Berkeley, and continues one see themselves included. jor project is the “Meet Me at 1989, and was ordained a priest ther Barber wants to be around work on her Doctorate in “This is my vocation,” The Gate” program. in 1998. to see the Condemned Row Ministry. When asked why Rabbi Hyman says, “and I’m He sees himself as pastor for Upon being hired as a chap- population housed in the new her interests had taken her in in the right place.” all of San Quentin, he has a vi- lain for San Quentin, former building being constructed. He this direction, she spoke of an sion of the many Lifers leaving Warden Jeanie Woodford told intense desire to see people prison and going on to be of ser- continues to work on his Span- The refining pot is for silver him, “You are the priest and change in life’s path. vice in their communities. Pas- ish to better serve the Hispanic and the furnace for gold, but chaplain for San Quentin.” “Teshuvah” is the Hebrew tor Curry ran for mayor of a city population. He hopes to be an the Lord tests the hearts. After being appointed to San word, for the process of re- in Napa County, but lost to the example to all who have become Proverbs 17:3 Quentin by Archbishop Le- a part of the priesthood. pentance. Rabbi Hyman incumbent.

the “Fire Place,” Inner Circle to San Quentin, and was offered a be trained in the traditional In- job at Folsom as an adviser. dian Way. Working with an average of Forgiving Hector was taught the prophe- 352 prisoners, religious services By DOC CHILDRE and HOWARD MARTIN sies of the “Red Road,” that are provided for Reception Cen- The incoherence that results from holding on to resentments and were Native practices to gather ter, Mainline, and Condemned unforgiving attitudes keeps you from being aligned with your true the people back. The Shamans Row. Some of the other ceremo- self. It can block you from your next level of quality life experi- of all tribes had come together in nies that are provided for the ence. Metaphorically, it's the curtain standing between the room one accord saying that there population are the: Smudging you're living in now and a new room, much larger and full of beau- should be one tribe. At the heart (burning herbs) and Chanpua tiful objects. The act of forgiveness removes the curtain. Clearing of the practice is the “Sweat (Chawnupa) Pipe Ceremony. up your old accounts can free up so much energy that you jump Lodge Ceremony,” a purifica- He says his most important right into a whole new house. Forgiving releases you from the pun- tion ritual. The Native American duties at San Quentin are teach- ishment of a self-made prison where you are both the inmate and population of San Quentin in- ing the elders here. He sees his the jailer. Chaplain Hector Heredia cludes the 52 Native Americans biggest challenge as the distrac- on Condemned Row. tion of alcoholism and drug use At age 57, the Native Ameri- Coming to San Quentin in inside and outside the prison. He Testigos de Jehova can Indian (AMI) chaplain, Hec- 1995 to rebuild the lodge, Here- encourages respect for grandpar- tor Heredia has been involved in dia came as a “Sun Dancer,” ents, who exemplify the Way. Las Reuniones en espanol para los Testigos de Jehova, son cada Indian Spiritual affairs for 40 participating in a four-day danc- Looking down the road, he is Segundo Sabado y cada cuarto Sabado del mes. years. He was brought up in the ing ceremony (without water and working on transition housing El horario para dichas reuniones es de 12:00 P.M. del medio dia teachings by two Shaman, Char- food). Welcomed back by the for the AMI’s being paroled, and alas 2:30 p.m. lie Kills Enemy and Shelby pervious AMI Chaplain, Lee facilitating programs for AMI Lugar de reunion es dentro de la Liberia de la Iglesia Protes- White Bear, and introduced into Palanoc, he became a regular at females at Chowchilla. tante. NOVEMBER 10, 2008 SAN QUENTIN NEWS Page 7 Opinion San Quentin…….. In America Slaves Yesterday and Today

…..a biographical, historical and introspective look Have No at our world behind the walls, the way it is, as well as the way it was.

Voting Rights By DAVID MARSH The newly formed Legisla- jects are alive and booming in December 27, 1854 wit- By LAMONTA McBROOM are superior to others. That ture of the fledgling state of our state as Gov. Schwarzeneg- nessed the prison system’s first never changed. Prisoners are California authorized the state’s ger signed a 2007 bill providing major prison break when 22 Participation in the electoral commodities and an economic first prison in 1852, and the $7.9 billion to add one prison cons stole a boat and fled from process has always been impor- factor where the penal system merchant ship, Waban, was and 53,000 additional beds to Marin Island. A number of the tant for many reasons, but more becomes a corporate fact. purchased by the state for the the system which currently con- fleeing inmates were killed in so now. November 4, a black The United States Constitu- princely sum of $850. An- sists of 34 prisons housing ap- the running gun battle which president was elected and we tion, 13th Amendment § 1 says; chored in the waters off Point proximately 153,000 male and ensued. are being thrust into a historical “Neither slavery nor involun- Quentin, the 13-year-old female inmates. Records reflect that the new event, but none of this would be tary servitude, except as punish- wooden vessel was outfitted By 1854, the newly con- Corte Madera Prison was a co- significant without the right to ment for crime whereof the and remodeled to imprison up structed prison, christened ed facility, with the women, of vote. party shall have been duly con- to 40 inmates in its dark, dank Corte Madera Prison, already course, housed separately from Have you ever wondered victed, shall exist within the hold. Within months the state exceeded its designed capacity the male inmates. In 1855, amid why in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq United States, or any place sub- was to encounter its first prison of 250 inmates. They were allegations of drunken guards, prisoners are allowed to vote ject to their jurisdiction.” overcrowding as the nightly housed in 48 small 10’x6’ cells well-heeled inmates enjoying whereas in the majority of the As you can see, there is an total of inmates chained in the and one long room on the daily excursions outside the states of this Union prisoners exception where slavery is per- Waban’s hold regularly ex- prison’s bottom floor that was prison grounds, and charges of have no voting rights, even mitted even today. The 13th ceeded 60 men. Four men at a designed for overflow inmates. cohabitation between guards those on parole? Amendment removes slave own- time typically occupied each of An original cell description and female inmates, the state Some would cry, Saddam’s ership from the private citizen the Waban’s tiny 8’x 8’ cells. described them as “8’ to 9’ feet stepped in and took back opera- voting rights are a meaningless and places it exclusively in gov- San Quentin today sprawls high in the center with an tion of the prison from its con- ploy, a ruse, a hoax. I say, ernment hands. over 432 acres of prime real arched ceiling, tapering to a tractor/operator. whatever you call it, they got to In other words, when you estate at Point Quentin on the height of 5’ at the sides. A solid The accepted practice of vote; what’s your excuse Amer- become a prisoner you are shores of San Francisco Bay. iron door featured a small slit in allowing inmate trustees to ven- ica? also a slave. While you are on The average daily population of the center to allow the cell’s ture off the grounds to enjoy To deprive individuals of the parole, technically, you are approximately 5,250 inmates is occupants their only chance to cocktails in nearby San Rafael right to vote is to silence them, still a prisoner but are housed housed in a variety of accom- gulp fresh air or peek thru to the was curtailed under the state’s to prevent them from obtaining at your own home, at your modations from cells to dormi- world outside their tiny cell.” tutelage, much to the trustee’s representation, and to keep own expense and still pay tories. California’s Condemned The Waban, which had by now chagrin. them in a status that is less than taxes, still slaves. Less than Row, as well as its execution been towed to Marin Island in In 1858, over 500 inmates human. human, because parolees have chamber, are located behind the Bay, was still used to hold were crowded into the state’s We think slavery ended no right to vote. the walls at San Quentin. With the worst of the convicts, as only prison. Recognizing a need somewhere in the 1800s, but The mock election con- an annual operating budget in was the island itself. to get a handle on the over- the truth is slavery never ended ducted at San Quentin reminds excess of $ 210 million, it is the In the early days of the crowding problem, the state in the United States of America. me of my slave status, the world’s most expensive prison state’s new prison system, the agreed to construct a new We all know, during Amer- importance of the right to vote to operate. average con was a 25-year-old prison in the small town of Fol- ica’s slavery period, justifica- and the reasons for which By January of 1853, 150 serving about a two-year stretch som. Actual construction at tion for maintaining slavery is prisoners are treated as less cons were packed in deplorable behind the walls. Folsom was not to begin until based upon social economics than human, but also a com- conditions on the tiny Waban, Today’s inmate population 20 more years had passed. that elevates some to think they modity. and the state’s first prison ex- is aging noticeably, and the DOES THIS SITUATION pansion project was undertaken. recent “tough on crime” era SOUND FAMILIAR? The Legislature authorized the has resulted in legislated sen- In the next issue: a mass purchase for $10,000 of 20 bay- tencing enhancements that have prison break of 200 inmates, The Son of My Strength side acres near Mission San significantly lengthened the the advent of striped uniforms, Rafael. An additional $135,000 average inmate’s stay behind construction of the new prison By E.P.KIE was set aside to build a new bars. Excluding the inmates at Folsom, and a closer look at Somehow this year has some of my memories we prison designed to hold 250 housed on Condemned Row, the the daily routine of a San managed to slip by, one day did share. Sweden that land inmates. Inmate labor was to be average con at San Quentin is Quentin inmate. at a time. Birthdays & way up north that hangs like used during the construction much older, an average of 37 Also, in 1860, the first many other special days. a cluster of grapes. To the process. Also in 1853, the first years old, and serving a term JOINT VENTURE program Some that hurt more than north of Europe beckoned warden’s residence, also utiliz- that is considerably longer in utilizing private contractors most. Father’s day is a big- the soul of the son of my ing inmate labor, was com- duration than at any time in the and inmate labor comes to San gie for me, not one single strength. Will he be able to pleted at a cost of $14,453.75. state’s history, approximately Quentin. word mutually shared this remain strong and continue State prison expansion pro- 48 months. year. It’s not like we didn’t his fight? To the head of think of each other on that the stream? Or will he suc- prison for second-degree mur- roll says. "My life was turned special day, In years past cumb to the lack of lan- Songbirds der, "I've known you for in one direction, and the men we sent letters and words to guage, Dollars or fear of about one-and-a-half years who hurt me, their lives were each other. the unknown or the yet un- Continued from Page 4 now, and I've never known turned in another direction." Some good, and some tried? your story. I live a life of res- "What happened to those not so good. But letters and I have seen his sheer te- When she finishes, Robert titution. I never know if my people who were so awful to words - none the less. My nacity in the land down un- Frye, 38, who has spent 20 restitution is being paid out to you?" the inmate who held son, is my son - the son of der years past. I’ve wit- years incarcerated, asks, Kevin's family. When you the microphone asks. my youth and my strength. nessed his ability to hang in "How did that feel?" come in and share your story "I don't know," Karroll an- Number two he was born in there in a foreign land. It’s "I was a little bit nervous," and play your music, it makes swers. the family. Baseball & this dad’s observation that Karroll responds. "I could everything I'm doing worth it. "You never went to [the] catch – fishing & camping – the son of my strength will hear it in my voice." It's beautiful. Thank you." police? So you let them have building that all-important succeed in the putting of his "Why did you like that The prisoner who requested a free slate?" fort! Times of imagination hand to the plow. You’re in song?" Seiler asks. anonymity holds the micro- Karroll fires back, "It's not in an attic over the garage. my prayers my son, stay the "I was drawn to that song phone for Karroll while she free." Trips to airports and visits course, keep your vision, because I was in a cage," Kar- plays a Leonard Cohen song. Reprinted by permission to space ports. Satellite’s it’s your time to till the roll says. "But how does it When she finishes, Manuel of the Pacific Sun made in our shop And ground. feel to you guys to be in a Nieto, 47, who has been be- opened together upon their Make every step count cage?" hind bars for 24 years for a If we practice an return to earth. and remember to keep your "It's different for you," says drunken-driving homicide, eye for an eye and a Building model airplanes focus on the goal not on an inmate who requests ano- says, "I'm very touched by tooth for a tooth, soon & crashes of those that did- the past. This - the story nymity. "You're innocent. your story. Do you have any n’t fly all that well :) Bird of the son of my strength, How long were you in a nightmares?" the whole world will be feeders & rabbit cages – ‘tis truth that I now have cage?" The two talk about their blind and toothless. fixing cars, trips to see brought to light - take "A lifetime," Karroll says. nightmares. fishes in a huge tank – wings my son of my "Jaimee," says Pat Mims, "I think lives are turned in ―Mahatma Gandhi Disneyland and birthdays strength & FLY ! 46, who has spent 20 years in the midst of these acts," Kar- Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS NOVEMBER 10, 2008 State High Court: Governor Parolee Arrested Erred in Parole Denial Behavior in prison wasn't considered in Carjacking By PAUL ELIAS Lawrence volunteered for many The Associated Press prison organizations and earned By ALY TAMBOURA woman, was killed from the and carjacked a passing motor- SAN FRANCISCO – A di- a master's degree in business A man recently paroled from impact of the crash. The driver ist. The Richmond police recog- vided state Supreme Court has administration. San Quentin is accused of steal- and front seat passenger were nized the carjacked vehicle ruled Gov. Arnold Schwar- Still, Schwarzenegger re- ing a truck and crashing it into both seriously injured. minutes later and gave chase. zenegger was wrong to deny versed the panel's decision as he another car, killing one woman A woman who tried to get The chase began at relatively parole to a murderer who was a had done previously, finding the and injuring two others, while away from the suspect before low speeds but eventually pro- model prisoner during the more killing to be particularly egre- being chased by the Richmond the chase started was also seri- gressed to very high speeds than 23 years she served behind gious. Lawrence shot and police, say officials. ously injured, said the police. prior to the crash. bars. stabbed Rubye Williams to The suspect, Jordan Taitano, Taitano is accused of rob- Taitano fled the site of the In a 4-3 decision, California's death in 1971 and then spent 11 took police on a high speed bing a husband and wife at a accident and was apprehended high court said the governor years as a fugitive before turning chase which ended on San local inn were the couple was shortly afterward. He was must consider more than just the herself in to police accompanied Pablo Dam Road in El Sabrante staying. Police said the husband booked into the Contra Costa nature of the crime when he by the late Los Angeles attorney where the crash occurred. The fought with the suspect while County Jail on suspicion of overturns Board of Parole Hear- Johnnie Cochran. truck, which Taitano was driv- his wife escaped by jumping vehicular homicide, carjacking ings' decisions granting parole. Schwarzenegger said in his ing, smashed into a Mercedes, though a closed window. The and robbery, said authorities. The majority decision, written 2006 veto that Lawrence's crime hurtling it into several parked woman suffered significant Taitano was paroled from by Chief Justice Ronald George, was “a cold, premeditated mur- cars. injuries from the escape. San Quentin one week before said the governor must show der carried out in an especially The rear seat passenger in Police said the suspect left the incident, according to au- “some evidence” the parolee is a cruel manner and committed for the Mercedes, a 57-year-old the scene of the robbery on foot thorities. danger to public safety. an incredibly petty reason.” The governor's legal affairs Governors Pete Wilson and secretary, Andrea Hoch, said the Gray Davis made similar rever-

Condemned Inmate Found Dead ruling “adds an inappropriate sals when they were in office, By GARY KLIEN history of suicidal behavior, level of review, which unneces- likewise determining the nature Harris said. sarily limits the governor's dis- of Lawrence's crime made her a A condemned inmate at San Since California reinstated cretion to decide the parole of a danger to society. Quentin State Prison was found in 1978, convicted murderer based on ... In a second, related case, a dead in his cell Thursday in an 41 condemned inmates have the best interest of public unanimous court upheld apparent suicide, authorities died of natural causes, 15 safety.” Schwarzenneger's denial of pa- said. committed suicide, 13 were The court's ruling stems from role to an El Cajon murderer it Edward Dean Bridges, 55, had executed in California, one the board's decision to grant said remained a danger to public been on since 1992, was executed in Missouri and parole in 2005 to Sandra Davis safety. Using the legal standards when he was sentenced for a five died of other causes, ac- Lawrence, 61, who after reject- spelled out in Lawrence's case, kidnapping and murder in Riv- cording to the California De- ing a plea deal for a two-year George wrote that Schwarzeneg- erside County. Bridges was Edward Dean Bridges partment of Corrections and prison sentence was convicted of ger was right to deny parole to found unconscious in his cell Photo provided by California Rehabilitation. first-degree murder in 1983 and Richard Shaputis because the early Thursday morning in an Department of Corrections There are now 677 inmates sentenced to a life term for kill- prisoner failed to take responsi- apparent , said Darrell on California's death row, ing her lover's wife 12 years bility for killing his wife, and Harris, a Marin County coro- asphyxiation by suicide," Harris said Terry Thornton, spokes- earlier. there was “some evidence” he ner's investigator. said. woman for the CDCR. In August 2005, the parole remains a danger to society. "Our pathologist didn't have Bridges was housed in a board for the fourth time in 12 Shaputis was convicted of sec- anything to indicate it was any- cell by himself. He left no Reprinted by permission years granted her parole because ond-degree murder in 1987 for thing other than self- suicide message and had no of the Marin Independent it found her to be a well-behaved shooting his wife, Erma Jeanne prisoner who accepted responsi- Shaputis, 47, and was sentenced bility for the killing, expressed to 17 years to life in prison. We Want to Hear From You! remorse and showed no signs of (Reprinted with permission being a danger to the public. from The Associated Press.) The San Quentin News wel- tent and length. • Art work is welcomed (i.e. comes and encourages inmates, • The newspaper is not a me- poems, songs, cartoons, draw- free staff, custody staff, volun- dium to file grievances, use the ings, and photos). teers and people and entities prison appeals process. • Letters to the editor should Remembering outside of the institution to sub- However, we do encourage be short and to the point. mit articles for this publication. submitting stories and/or arti- • Submissions need to be cop- Matthew Solomon Please use the following cri- cles which are news worthy. ies that don’t require to be re- teria when submitting: and encompass issues that will turned.. Matthew Solomon, a former • Please limit your submitted have an impact on the prison Send Submissions to: student in the San Quentin Col- articles to no more than 350 populace. Education Dept. / SQ News lege Program, was shot and words. • Please do not use offensive San Quentin, CA 94964 killed in San Francisco on • Articles will be edited for con- language in your submissions. Thursday, September 4 while standing on the street, talking to his friend Noel Espinoza, who San Quentin News H-Unit MAC COUNCIL was also killed. Matthew was USPS 4870-700 A. Parker 5-H-42L Chairman L. Haskins 4-H-17L Vice-Chairman 23 years old. He was an ex- The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily M. Andrews 5-H-09L Secretary traordinarily kind and creative reflect those of the Administration, nor the inmate D. Mairs 1-H-12L Parliamentarian person who had been building a M. Le Melle 5-H-29L Sgt at Arms population, and should be considered solely the A. Setzo 5-H-17L Rep. life and working hard to support M. Fowler 2-H-60L Rep. his two small children. Articles opinion of the individual author unless specified. S. Maiden 2-H-47L Rep. Permission is granted to reprint articles appear- G. Pineda 3-H-33L Rep. about his death (and the over- S. Byers 3-H-56L Rep. whelming number of shootings ing in the San Quentin News provided credit is R. Henderson 3-H-98L Rep. given the author and this publication, except for P. Shields 4-H-55L Rep. that have occurred in San Fran- D. Ansted 4-H-46U Rep. cisco) appeared in the SF articles reprinted herein from other publications. D. Hartley 4-H-71L Rep. J. Harris 4-H-72L Stand Up Rep. Chronicle and in the Goodwill account at Wells Fargo to help J. Phillips 4-H-66L Food Serv. Rep. Industries newsletter, where he defray burial costs and provide Administrative Review……………....R. Luna H. Hopkins 4-H-68L Canteen Rep. M. Brooks 4-H-24L Rep. worked and had recently re- support for the children: Principal…...……………………..T. Roberts D. Kaiban 4-H-06L Medical Rep. ceived a promotion. Those who Vice Principal….. ………...W. Reeves, Ed. D. knew him will always remem- Matthew Fund North Block Executive MAC Members Print Shop Supervisor...... J. Wilkerson ber his sweet smile and his c/o Goodwill Industries Inside/Outside Advisor…………… J. Eagan Johnson, S. 2-N-81L Chairman stunningly brilliant spoken 1500 Mission Street Sefeldeen, K 1-N-96L Vice-Chairman Executive Staff: Mancinelli, T. 5-N-87U Secretary word poetry. San Francisco, CA 94103 Tindall, M.K. 4-N-37L Parliamentarian In case any one would like Attention: Vince DeVictor K. Brydon …………………… . Chief Editor Pena, E 3-N-24L Sgt at Arms M. Harris ………………….Managing Editor to send a donation, Goodwill has established a designated By Prison University Project A. Tamboura ………………Technical Editor East Block Advisory Council

D. Marsh………………………..Staff Writer J. Van Pelt 1-EB-75 Chairman D. Carey 4-EY-17 Yard 1 This publication is printed by the students in K. Lewis 2-EB-76 Yard 2 Printed by B. Williams 4-EB-71 Yard 3 the San Quentin Vocational Printing Program. R. Marshall 1-EB-65 Yard 4 P. Henderson 4-EB-79 Yard 5 W. Noguera 4-EB-77 Yard 6