San Quentin News THE PULSE OF SAN QUENTIN Award Winner VOL. 2016 NO. 6 June 2016 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 4,057 Celebrating 2016 Day of Peace

By Juan Haines and ebration. Pam Delgado and Jeri Miguel Quezada Jones of Bread & Roses per- formed in her honor. More than 400 inmates and The Day of Peace is in re- about two dozen Bay Area vol- sponse to a 2006 interracial unteers mingled on San Quen- riot that occurred just before tin’s Lower Yard at the annual a scheduled yard event. Af- Day of Peace celebration to terward, a multiracial group showcase the various self-help of men, most serving life sen- programs available at the pris- tences, came together and went on. to the administration asking for Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News The May 7 event recognized a Day of Peace. Graduates from tribes 641, 715 and 742 the late Audrey Auld who performed at last year’s cel- See Day of Peace on Page 11 80 Committed Men Graduates From GRIP By Marcus Henderson Families, friends and vol- group represented its combined Staff Writer unteers pack the visiting room amount of prison time served. to witnesses the graduation of The 2016 Guiding Rage into tribes 641, 715 and 742. Each See GRIP on Page 10 Power ‘GRIP’ program gradu- ated 80 dedicated men. The year program guided pris- oners on a deep healing journey inside themselves. “Today these men are gradu- ating from offenders into ser- vants.” Said Jacques Verduin, GRIP Director and host of the Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News event. “This program is ready to Pam Delgado and Jeri Jones replicate.” Opening Day on the Diamond Warden Ron Davis showed second base to put himself in will work on that, but I’m hap- he had some power in his arm scoring position. Rubin Harp- py that we played hard to the Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News throwing out the opening pitch er’s single past the shortstop end.” Lt. S. Robinson and Vicky Waters tour South Dining Hall in the season opener. drove in Zorn. Harper stole All-Stars premier pitcher The San Quentin All-Stars second and moved to third Dewey Dumont sealed the baseball team beat the visiting on an error. Veteran Anthony game with a pop-up and by Bay Area Mission 5-2. Denard’s line-drive past third striking out the last two bat- CDCR’s New Press John Windham, All-Stars brought in Harper. With the ters. power hitter, smashed a deep bases loaded, Mission’s pitch- “It’s good to get the first double to center field that er caught Chris Marshall lead- game jitters out the way,” said Secretary Visits SQ started a rally in the bottom of ing too much off of third for Denard. “Now we can focus on Vicky Waters, the new Cali- the first prison to come shows the eighth with the score tied the final out. getting better. I’m just thank- fornia Department of Cor- this is where things are happen- 2-2. “That happens every year,” ful for everything everyday.” rections and Rehabilitation ing,” said Larry Schneider, staff Windham scored off a Rich- said Elliot Smith, All-Stars (CDCR) press secretary, toured and SQ Television Specialist. ard Zorn single. Zorn stole sponsor and manager. “We See Opening on Page 17 San Quentin. “We have the most programs Lt. S. Robinson, Public Infor- and the media center. I’m look- mation Officer, gave Waters a ing forward to a positive work- tour of the prison’s new Central ing relationship.” Health Services Building, one Waters has an extensive back- of the general population units, ground in journalism that quali- Death Row and the media cen- fies her for the position. ter. “Her choosing San Quentin as See New CDCR’s on Page 4

The California Important Notice: Supreme Court ruled, on June 6, that Gov. San Quentin News raises funds through an affiliated Jerry Brown may private organization. present his prison Please send tax-deductible donations to: reduction initiative Social Good, P.O. Box 5473 to California voters Richmond, CA 94805 Under check memo section, this November. please write “Friends of See Brown’s San Quentin News” Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Thank you for your support. Initiative on Page 6 Warden Ron Davis throws out first pitch for season opener Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 Inside Edition #81 Photographer Nigel Poor 80 committed men 1 Pope Francis responds 8 Celebrating 2016 1 Welcome home veterans 8 Opening day 1 Naturally talented artist 9 Conveys the Stories of CDCR’s Press Secretary 1 Solano Shakespeare 9 Photographer Nigel Poor 2 Donavon inmates writes 9 Restore voting rights 3 Arts & Entertainment 12 Voting rights 3 News Briefs 13 SQ Inmates Voter initiatives monetizes 3 Wordcross 13 Treatment costs of hep C 4 Aumenta Numero de 14 By Rahsaan Thomas Obama calls for $1.1 billion 4 Latino youth 14 Staff Writer Soledad’s medical 4 Woman receives cert. 14 Exonerated after 34 years 5 SQ Chapel services 15 Ten years ago the post of- Ban the Box 5 Kevin Carr 15 fice delivered a letter from Private prison profits 5 Book Review 16 San Quentin State Prison to Wrongful convictions costs 5 Asked On The Line 16 the wrong address. Professor of Photography Nigel Poor re- Calif. $15.6 billion budget 6 MAC Corner 16 ceived the letter, wondering Brown’s initiative 6 Beverly Parenti 17 why. The correct address was Overcrowding in jails 6 The Last Mile’s graduate 17 nowhere near hers. She redi- Kid CAT Speaks 7 Sports 18-19 rected the epistle to the correct Restorative Justice 8 Amala walk 20 person, thinking that would be the end of it. But it happened twice more, sparking her inter- est in San Quentin prison and how people inside communi- cate. “What people inside have UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY to say is amazing,” said Poor. “They are a huge under uti- Graduate School of Journalism lized resource. If more people heard the stories of men behind bars, they would make better decisions about mass incar- ceration.” Prisoners United in the Craft of Journalism “I photographed humble things. If you investigate in collaboration with students from the something you realize there is a lot more there. Most people think prisoners are nothing. Throw them away. But if you investigate...” Courtesy of Nigel Poor Poor, a professor at Califor- Nigel Poor nia State University, Sacra- mento, first got interested in the ground everywhere,” said “The radio thing is fantas- prison from hearing on a radio Nigel. “I like things that you tic,” said Poor. “We can do all San Quentin News strives to report on forward- show that Kresty Detention can’t really answer; it’s a different types of stories. I feel thinking approaches in criminal justice policies Center in Russia charges ad- mystery you can ponder.” like I’m part of something that mission to tourists. Cones are notes rolled up is incredibly innovative, some- that support positive changes in prisoner behavior, “Hearing they do zoo tours and placed like long stems with thing important. We are going particularly through rehabilitative efforts. to make money freaked me chewed up bread for weight. down a route that has not been out,” said Poor. “I wanted to go “That’s how they sent mes- fully investigated, and all of us We Want To Hear to Russia to see what a coun- sages out of that horrible vio- are constantly learning. Hu- San try is like that thinks that is a lent place,” said Poor. “The man nature is constantly being From You! thing to do.” cones were thrown out, but you revealed here.” The San Quentin News Quentin In 2000, she found herself don’t know if somebody will In 2015, Poor expanded her encourages inmates, free staff, in St. Petersburg, but people get it. I picked one up.” role inside of San Quentin. She custody staff, volunteers and others outside the institution to News wouldn’t help her find the Poor didn’t know that Rus- helped facilitate a live story submit articles. All submissions Current and past copies of the San prison. She ran across it while sian police watch to see who telling event called Live Law. become property of the Quentin News are posted online at: leaving – it was right next to picks up the cones. Sometimes “I think the live shows are San Quentin News. (www.sanquentinnews.com) the train station. the cones are messages to interesting because it’s really Please use the following criteria (www.flickr.com/photos/san- “I walked into the prison criminals. surprising for guests to see when submitting: quentinnews) • Limit your articles to no more (on a tour). You could touch “I didn’t know if it was a ro- outside and inside people do- Permission is granted to reprint articles than 350 words. the walls. I found cones on mantic gesture or a criminal ing something inspiring, and • Know that articles will be edited appearing in the San Quentin News act,” said Poor. “To me it was a I hope it inspires them to get for content and length. provided credit is given to the author call to connect.” involved. That was one of the • The newspaper is not a medium and this publication, except for articles In 2011, Poor heard about an peak experiences of my life.” to file grievances. (For that, use reprinted herein from other publications. the prison appeals process.) We opportunity to teach photogra- After the Live Law event, encourage submitting articles that Administrative Review phy inside San Quentin as part San Quentin Media, which are newsworthy and encompass Warden’s Office ...... Lt. S. Robinson of the Prison University Proj- Poor sponsors in addition to issues that will have an impact on ...... Sgt. Chris Siino ect (PUP). She took the chance. SQPR, was born. the prison populace. CDCR Public Information Officer ...... “Photos are a common SQ Media’s next event, called • Please do not use offensive language in your submissions...... Kristina Khokhobashvili ground, a form of communica- Prison Renaissance, will focus • Poems and artwork (cartoons Adviser ...... Linda Xiques tion, and teaching photography on stories about how art trans- and drawings) are welcomed. Adviser ...... William Drummond allowed me to connect in inter- forms incarcerated people. • Letters to the editor should be Adviser ...... Joan Lisetor esting ways,” said Poor. “I got “There are so many people short and to the point. Adviser ...... Jon Spurlock sucked in by all the humanity.” with talents and skills that are Send Submissions to: Researcher ...... Richard Lindsey There Poor met student Troy languishing inside when they CSP - San Quentin Williams, who headed the could be productive. I think Education Dept. / SQ News San Quentin News Staff San Quentin Prison Report humans need to be productive 1 Main Street San Quentin, CA 94964 Editor-in-Chief ...... Richard Richardson (SQPR), San Quentin’s TV or there’s atrophy. Working To receive a copy of the Executive Editor ...... Arnulfo T. Garcia and radio program. The two with SQ Media is interesting, San Quentin News in the mail, Senior Editor ...... Juan Haines planned to do a film about a challenge and important, and send $1.61 worth of stamps for Managing Editor ...... Miguel Quezada the prison, but it got too it feels good to be part of that.” postage to: Associate Editor/Journalism Guild Chairman complicated, and they ended Additionally, Poor is work- San Quentin News (A) ...... Kevin D. Sawyer up doing radio pieces that are ing on a podcast called Ear 1 Main Street Staff Writer ...... Rahsaan Thomas sometimes played on 91.7 FM, Hustle with SQPR’s Earlonne San Quentin, CA 94964 Staff Writer ...... Marcus Henderson KALW’s Crosscurrents show Woods and Antwan “Banks” The process can be repeated Staff Writer ...... Davontae T. Pariani on Monday nights at 5 p.m. Williams. every month if you want to Staff Writer ...... Emile DeWeaver “I think that inside and out- “Taking the chance at volun- receive the latest newspaper. Staff Writer ...... Chung Kao side people can work as col- teering, you just never know Behind the Scenes Staff Writer ...... Wesley Eisiminger leagues,” said Poor. what will happen,” said Poor. Photographer ...... Eddie Herena In 2012, after three semes- “Taking the opportunity to go The San Quentin News is printed Courtesy of Nigel Poor by Marin Sun Printing, San Rafael, Layout Designer ...... Keung Vanh ters with PUP, Nigel switched someplace new can completely with donations from supporters. Layout Designer ...... Jonathan Chiu Photo of a Russian cone over to SQPR. change your life.” June 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 3 A Movement to Restore Voting Rights to Ex-felons ‘“Felony voter disenfranchisement” runs counter to basic ideas about democracy’

By Larry Smith U.S. citizens cannot vote voice, the Sentencing Project restored rights to vote. In 2015, three states consid- Journalism Guild Writer because they have a felony relates. It’s important to change ered major reforms, including conviction on their record; With contests being decided laws and to make sure those Maryland. Wyoming passed a A movement is under way most of them are out of prison by a few hundred votes, as with felony records who can bill that would allow more ex- to restore voting rights to and on parole, probation or was the case in Florida, it is vote know they have that felons to vote, the Exchange more ex-felons, The Juvenile other surveillance having concluded that former felons right, said Tomas Lopez, reported. By early February Justice Information Exchange completed their terms, could help make a difference counsel at the Brennan Center of this year, 46 bills had been reports. according to the Sentencing for candidates in close races. for Justice. introduced in 16 states that “The biggest obstacle in Project. The Exchange reported The disenfranchised group deal with felony voter rights, most states is that people The number quoted reflects there has been a recent easing includes about 2.2 million nearly all of which erased the just do not know that they an estimate of those who were of state activity around the Blacks – indicating roughly process for offenders or of- ever could get their rights convicted before they were 18 country as it relates to voting one in 13 Black adults is de- fered support to navigate the restored,” said Edward A. years old. Some reformers say for those with criminal nied the right to vote because rights-restoration process, the Hailes Jr., managing director the concept known as “felony records. This gives some of a felony conviction, the story stated. and general counsel at the voter disenfranchisement” reformers optimism, as Sentencing Project reported. Advancement Project, a civil runs counter to basic ideas involved felons won’t have “Even if only one person rights organization. about democracy and leaves to wait out their full terms was affected by this policy, it An estimated 5.85 million entire communities without a before exercising their newly raises fundamental questions “Even if only by what we mean by democra- cy,” said Marc Mauer, execu- one person was tive director of the Sentencing affected by this Voting Rights a Major Issue Project. Twenty-eight states passed policy, it raises laws on felon voting rights For Upcoming Election restoration; many of them lift- fundamental ing restrictions. Seven states questions by By Isaiah Thompson-Bonilla tion to get a lot more people son, candidates on the stump repealed lifetime disenfran- Journalism Guild Writer involved in the political pro- get away with saying things chisement for some people what we mean cess. without validity. For exam- with felony records, accord- Voting rights in 2016 will According to the interview, ple, Donald Trump in New ing to the data maintained by by democracy” once again become a major is- in many instances states are Hampshire spoke at a rally the National Conference of sue among eligible voters in withholding information concerning the current vot- State Legislatures. 16 states as laws are passed to which would allow affected ing structure. “Look, you’ve Some states moved in the State reforms alone will not make voting more difficult. individuals to still have an got to have real security with other direction, such as by be enough, though, said Lewis An interview conducted opportunity to vote. For ex- the voting system. This voting Iowa. Webb of the American Friends by Amy Goodman, host of ample, in South Carolina peo- system is out of control. You Last fall, outgoing Ken- Service Committee. Better Democracy Now, with Ari ple are told they need one of have people, in my opinion, tucky Gov. Steve Beshear, a education about who can vote Berman, a journalist for The five forms of ID to qualify for that are voting ‘many, many’ Democrat, issued an executive and grassroots action to get Nation, revealed the year 2016 voting. In actuality, a person times. They don’t want secu- order that would have made people to the voting booths will be the first time in 50 could still vote by casting a rity. They don’t want cards.” it easier to get people to the are also needed. years that full protection of provisional ballot and signing In the interview Berman voting booth; incoming Gov. “I do believe for this to have the Voting Rights Act won’t an affidavit. said that there’s no evidence Matt Bevin, a Republican, any real traction, it’s going to be available to all voters. This type of deception can that people are voting ‘many, rolled it back, saying the issue have to return to the street,” Goodman recounted the Su- lead to frustration by potential many’ times. While there have is a legislative one. Webb said. preme Court decision which voters, prompting these indi- been issues in the past with eradicated important elements viduals to stay at home and not voter impersonation, only 31 of the voting act, in the case participate in the election pro- cases since 2000 have been Shelby County, Alabama v. cess. Berman acknowledged reported with approximately a Voter Initiatives Holder. The ruling opened the there could be several reasons billion votes cast, he said. door for some states with prior why people did not show up to In addition, there are other voting discriminatory issues vote, but concludes that “there concerns with voting rights, Monetize the to implement changes to their are certainly some people that alienating citizens from vot- voting laws without getting didn’t show up because of the ing. Berman spoke directly to consent from the federal gov- voter ID law.” the disenfranchisement laws. Petition Process ernment. “More than 5 million Ameri- “South Carolina has a new cans can’t vote because of fel- By Wayne Boatwright tition circulation firms to voter ID law,” said Berman. on disenfranchisement laws, Journalism Guild Writer reach a minimum safe thresh- “63,000 is the number of mi- “63,000 is the including one in 13 African old of 500,000 signatures to nority voters without IDs, who Americans.” This presidential year has have a good chance of quali- could not vote under the law.” number of The interview with Good- inspired many potential voter fying for the ballot. These Individuals without IDs will man addressed many of the initiatives and further mon- firms charge from $1 to $5 need to show a valid excuse as minority voters problems associated with not etizes the petition process. per signature, according to to why they do not have an ID, without IDs, who having a voting bill to protect In theory, a petition to place Carl Towe, head of one such in order to be considered for the voting public and process. an initiative on the ballot is a firm. These costs are in ad- eligibility. could not vote Alternatively, Berman offered form of direct democracy, al- dition to those necessary to Further questioning by an example of a model that lowing voters to circumvent defend the initiative from op- Goodman extracted informa- under the law” appears to be working for at the legislature to pass a new ponents and to educate voters tion of even more egregious least one state. Though the law. On an average election if it makes the ballot. practices in other states. In diverse demographic differs cycle, five to seven initiatives make the ballot. Texas, strict voting laws have With 16 states presently en- from larger more homogenous DEATH PENALTY created a huge disparity in the forcing voter restrictions, the states, Vermont has voting Black’s and Hispanic’s ability fairness of the process is be- laws in place to help its citi- SIGNATURES to vote. ing put into question. zens rather than hinder them. Gov. Jerry Brown’s pa- Berman elaborated on the One of the most closely “Vermont has some of the role initiative and the death matter. “Six hundred thou- contested elections in recent best laws in the country,” Ber- For the 2016 election, seven penalty repeal supported by sand registered voters [in Tex- history happened in Florida man said. “They have same- have already qualified, and M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell as] don’t have a government in 2000 when only 537 votes day voter registration.” there are petitions for at least are paying $5 per signature. ID.” According to the report, separated George W. Bush Access to true and fair rep- a dozen more seeking to meet “I have never, never seen having a government ID is from Al Gore. So many people resentation from local, state the statutory minimum re- this much money paid on this more likely among the White in Florida were unable to vote and national politicians is be- quirement of 365,880 signa- many petitions. Ever,” said population, whereas Blacks for a number of reasons and ing greatly affected by voter tures by registered California Fred Kimball, head of another and Hispanics are two to three the discrepancy in the legal- restriction in many states of voters. such signature firm and quot- times less likely to have one. ity of who qualified as a reg- the country. Political committees have ed in The Sacramento Bee. “In Texas, you can vote with istered voter was contested all Same-day voter registra- spent almost $10 million in With stores like Wal-Mart, a gun permit, but not a student the way to the Supreme Court. tion has produced a 10 percent petition payments through Target and Safeway institut- ID,” Berman added in the in- The Republican candidates increase in voter turnout, ac- 2015, and significantly more ing policies to ban solicitors terview. running for president have cording to Berman. While will be spent if any additional and so many initiatives seek- Goodman pressed Berman taken their positions on the states like Vermont and Min- petitions meet the require- ing to make the ballot, the to lay out a solution to the cur- voting issue. Ted Cruz and nesota have really good vot- ment by the 2016 election price is only likely to go up. rent problem. She introduced Donald Trump believe restric- ing laws, states such as Texas, deadline, according to The As Towe ended a recent mes- the concepts of early voting, tions should be put in place or Alabama and South Carolina Sacramento Bee. sage to his signature gather- same-day voter registration left as they are. are heading in an opposite di- To supplement volunteers, ers: “Make the hay while the and automatic voter registra- Often during campaign sea- rection, he said. initiative campaigns hire pe- sun shines.” Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 Treatment Costs of Hep C for Inmates on the Rise By David Eugene Archer Sr. notes. It says prisons see sticker the time in 12 to 24 weeks, ac- disease doctor who treats hepa- $13.7 million, a 128.7 percent Journalism Guild Writer shock: the new drugs cost as cording to the project’s report. titis C in New York state pris- increase. much as $1,000 a day. Research suggests that ag- ons, said, “That is a very hard The federal system treated Only a few states and the New York Gov. Andrew Cuo- gressive testing and treatment sell for administrators…this 200 prisoners with DAAs, federal government have mo directed the corrections de- in prisons found that cure rates has to be governor-driven.” while California, under federal increased spending on a partment to prioritize the treat- among patients were higher The report lists increase receivership, has treated up- new generation of drugs to ment of hepatitis C, said Morris than among similar populations spending on hepatitis C in pris- ward of 900, said the report. treat hepatitis C, reports The Peters, a spokesman for the on the outside, the report stated. ons by the following states and New DAAs are entering the Marshall Project. governor. He also said, “Test- Gilead inaugurated the new- federal government in 2015: market all the time. The newest, An estimated 3.5 million ing and treatment will lead to est generation of DAAs in De- California spent $57.6 mil- Zepatier, was approved in Janu- people in the U.S. are infected better public health outcomes, cember 2013 by pricing Sovaldi lion, a 453.8 percent increase. ary. Merck, its manufacturer, with hepatitis C, and a third of saving taxpayer dollars in the at $1,000 per pill, the report New York spent $25 million, priced it at $54,600, almost half them pass through prisons and long term.” says. a 166 percent increase. the competition’s price, accord- jails every year, according to Left untreated, experts say Harish Moorjani, infectious Federal government spent ing to the report. the Feb. 26 report. hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis, For doctors and public health end-stage liver disease and liv- experts, this is an opportunity er cancer. A new generation of Obama Calls for $1.1 Billion to to wipe out the virus in pris- treatments called direct-acting ons and possibly lower infec- agents, or DAAs, can cure hep- tion rates nationwide, the report atitis C more than 95 percent of Help Combat Drug Addictions By Salvador Solorio more than 150 in Journalism Guild Writer 2015. Manatee Soledad’s Medical County’s heroin President Obama is calling epidemic began for $1.1 billion in new federal in 2014, when Operations Return funding to combat growing police began see- heroin and prescription pain- ing increased use killer abuse problems. of fentanyl, an Back to CDCR Obama’s 2017 budget pro- opioid pain re- By Noel Scott have improved. posal will include $1 billion liever 80 to 100 Journalism Guild Writer “The CDCR must be operat- mandatory funding over two times stronger ing all 34 adult institutions for a years to make addiction treat- than morphine. Medical operations at the Cor- year before the court will even ments more affordable, mc- Three out of four rectional Training Facility in consider ending the receiver- clatchydc.com reported Feb. 7. new heroin users Soledad were turned over again ship,” said Thelton Henderson, Some $920 million would reported abusing to the California Department of U.S. District Court Judge. fund cooperative agreements opioid pain re- Corrections and Rehabilitation Last July, the California Re- with states to provide more lievers before us- (CDCR) by J. Clark Kelso, the habilitation Center in Norco drug-based treatment of ad- ing heroin. federal receiver, reports the Cor- also got a passing grade from dictions to painkilling opioids Heroin over- rectional News. the receiver, but the decision to such as OxyContin, Percocet, doses in the U.S. It’s only the second prison (af- return control back to CDCR hydrocodone and morphine, soared from about ter Folsom) to receive a passing was stayed in lieu of Governor the story said. 2,000 in 2002 to Official photo grade from the state inspector Brown’s decision on whether “This is a problem destroy- about 11,000 in President Barack Obama general in a decade of federal Norco would be kept open. ing lives and families across 2014, the story re- control. In January, the governor’s of- America that needs to be ad- ported. tion-assisted treatment of ad- Don Spector, director of the fice announced that Norco will dressed,” said Rep. Vern Bu- About $50 million would dicts, and improve access to Prison Law Offices, and their stay open so the state can stay channon (R-Fla.) “I strongly fund expansion of services to naloxone – an emergency-use experts, however, found prob- below the prison population cap support efforts to fight the her- roughly 700 drug treatment drug that reverses overdoses. lems with the quality and type set by the federal court. oin and drug abuse epidemic in facilities and another $30 mil- The money would target rural of care being provided at the Over the past decade, Califor- this country and look forward lion will be used to evaluate areas where opioid use and Soledad facility and voiced their nia has spent $2 billion on new to reviewing the president’s drug treatment that provides overdoses are increasing. The concerns. medical facilities and doubled proposal.” medication-assisted treatment proposal would allow nurse As a result Kelso and other its health care budget to around In Florida, Manatee and services. practitioners and physician department officials will have $1.7 billion. It has also reduced Sarasota counties reported About $500 million would assistants to prescribe the their experts return to Soledad the prison population by 40,000 heroin overdoses more than expand overdose prevention opioid-addiction treatment in six months to see if conditions inmates, says the CDCR. doubled from 63 in 2014 to efforts, provide more medica- drug buprenorphine. New CDCR’s Press Secretary’s First Prison Tour Continued from Page 1 and video editor. “I don’t think she sees us just as inmates, but She has been the vice presi- fellow journalists. dent of public affairs at Ogilvy “The videos were to show we Public Relations since 2015, can be an asset to the outside and was the deputy director of community. We just need more public affairs at the California people to get involved.” Department of Parks and Rec- She viewed two public ser- reation from 2012 to 2015. vice addresses, an anti-sex traf- She was also the director of ficking piece, and an admonish- media relations at the California ment against criminal behavior. Charter Schools Association She also saw a promotion video and an account executive at about an ecology program. BPcubed Inc. “It was productive,” said Prior to that, Waters was a Antwan Williams, SQPR sound freelance journalist, indepen- engineer and designer. “It dent public relations consultant allowed her to put a face with and translator. She also was the the titles. It gave her a chance to Sacramento correspondent at Photo by Harold Meeks see people working for change.” La Opinión newspaper. Lt. Sam Robinson, Kristina Khokhobashvili, Vicky Waters, Earlonne Woods, SQ TV and “As a minority woman with radio producer, added, “When her diverse background, I think Linda Xiques and Nikki Meredith it comes to CDCR, you just see she can also understand the She worked as news editor and sition,” said Eddie Herena, SQ The visit to the San Quentin the names. So it was good for us prisoner side of the struggles,” broadcast operator at WRAL- News photographer. “She is di- newsroom after being appoint- to meet the person who would said Charles David Henry, TV in Texas. rect evidence that this is more ed press secretary showed us look over our work and might Journalism Guild Writer. “Her At the media center Waters than a prison newspaper.” how dear and important jour- have questions.” résumé shows she can be flex- met with the San Quentin News, Arnulfo T. Garcia, SQ News nalism is to her life. Waters indicated interest in ible.” SQ Television department and Executive Editor, added, “I The SQ TV showed Waters returning to the prison in order Waters also has a background radio staffs. She said she was a think her work at Univision will various productions, starting to learn more about the stories in television. regular reader of San Quentin bring an understanding for the with an introduction piece they inmates are working on. She She was an anchor, report- News and was impressed with Hispanic community in CDCR. did for San Quentin’s TEDx said she was impressed and ex- er and producer at Univision the quality of reporting. Her energy and having worked event last January. cited about the reporting San Sacramento and evening an- “I feel privileged to be a part all aspects of the newsroom “She seemed receptive of Quentin inmates are doing. chor, reporter and producer of a newspaper that draws the contributed to her appointment what we do here,” said E. “Phil” –Marcus Henderson and at Univision Corpus Christi. interest of someone in her po- to CDCR.” Phillips, SQ TV cameraman Juan Haines June 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 5 Exonerated After 34 Years With No Compensation

By Noel Scott $2.72 million plus an annuity of expected me to survive,” said would provide compen- Journalism Guild Writer equal value. Fogle. sation of a least $63,000 Since 1989, hundreds of peo- As of now, Fogle receives per year of incarceration, After 34 years of imprison- ple nationally have been exoner- SSI benefits of $733 a month which is the maximum ment, Lewis Jim Fogle was ex- ated by DNA evidence. In 2015 for being disabled by the post- amount provided under onerated in Pennsylvania by alone, 149 people were exoner- traumatic stress of his wrongful federal statute. DNA evidence. His compensa- ated, which broke the record set conviction. The “government un- tion for spending more than half the previous year as reported by Through the Innocence Proj- derstands the need for his life behind bars: zero. the National Registry of Exon- ect that found the DNA evi- re-entry services – it “It’s the state’s responsibility erations. dence, Fogle’s rent will be paid provides them to people to make it right with me for what As it stands in Pennsylvania, for the next year. They are also coming out of prison they cost me. They took my fam- there are no re-entry services, paying for weekly therapy visits who did commit crimes, ily away from me. They took my such as housing, health care, and have guided him to govern- but for the innocent there whole life away from me,” Fogle education or job counseling for ment benefits like food stamps. is nothing,” said Rebecca told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. exonerees like Fogle, reported “The Innocence Project did Brown, policy director Pennsylvania and 19 other the Post Gazette. me right. If it wasn’t for them, for the Innocence Project states provide no compensation “It’s weird as heck. They have I wouldn’t be able to survive. in New York. for those who have been exoner- halfway houses for people who But the state should be doing it,” Three days after ated and wrongly convicted. committed a crime, but don’t said Fogle. Fogle’s exoneration in Had Fogle been exonerated have a dang thing for people Several Innocence Project of- September 2015, he re- Courtesy of indianagazette.com in Alabama, he would have re- who didn’t commit a crime. fices nationally have teamed up quested a meeting with Jim Fogle ceived $1.7 million or in Texas, They just threw me out here and to get states to enact statutes that Senator Don White (R- Indiana, Penn.) Then, at the Philadelphia. end of October, Fogle met with Bluestine, who plans to in- White in his office and made his troduce a bill to the legislature Ban the Box Underway pitch for a Pennsylvania statute calling for compensation and re- to compensate exonerees. entry awards for exonerees, also “Until I get compensation, I plans to have Fogle and other Across The Country can’t rebuild my life,” Fogle told exonerees testify at legislative the senator. hearings across the state. By Marcus Henderson California adopted its initia- human rights and civil rights “We need to make sure this “No one is getting rich here. Staff Writer tive in 2013, when Democratic groups. Most notable was the person, having been wronged, It’s just about justice so they Gov. Jerry Brown signed As- group “All or None,” which has has the ability to re-enter soci- can get on with their lives,” said The “Ban the Box” move- sembly Bill 218. It removes the been a driving force in multiple ety, contribute to society and Bluestine. ment is gaining support across questions about convictions cities and counties. have the security to move for- At this time, an exoneree’s the country, boosting the from initial state, city and The ordinance applies to pri- ward,” said Marissa B. Blues- compensation statute still has chance of people with crimi- county job applications. vate employers and affordable tine, legal director of the Penn- not been passed in the state of nal records to get jobs, a report That allows an employer housing. It incorporated the sylvania Innocence Project in Pennsylvania. says. to consider a job candidate’s 2012 U.S. Equal Employment Twenty-three states and qualifications first, without the Opportunity Commission cri- more than 100 cities and coun- stigma of a criminal record, teria for individualized assess- ties nationwide have adopted according to the March 2016 ment and the right to appeal Private Prisons Profits some form of “Ban the Box,” report. denial of employment. which prohibits a question on San Francisco Board of Su- The commission also set a whether the job applicant has pervisors unanimously passed guideline on targeted hiring Compound Mass a criminal record, according to the Fair Chance Ordinance in and fair-chance employment the National Employment Law February 2014 after a three- laws that require employers to Incarceration Problems Project. . year campaign by multiple consider job-relatedness of a conviction, time passed, and By David B. Le were incarcerated. Both of the mitigating circumstances or Journalism Guild Writer publicly traded private pris- Wrongful Convictions rehabilitation evidence, the re- ons, Corrections Corporation port stated. America should take the of America (CCA) and GEO At an event in Oakland, busi- millions of dollars that private Group, collected $361 million Cost Californians ness owners and potential em- jail and prison companies make in profit last year. The break- ployers discussed the benefits and instead spend it to solve the down: CCA made $3,356 and of hiring people with records country’s mass incarceration GEO Group made $2,135 in Millions of Dollars and re-entry issues. problems, a Huffington Post profit for every person they By Charles David Henry nocent … was ‘unknowable,’” “I’ve seen how a job makes columnist reports. have incarcerated, the article Journalism Guild Writer the Times reported. all the difference,” the report The country’s two largest reported. The 2000 Los Angeles Po- quotes Derreck B. Johnson, private prison operators re- “What if we spent those It has cost California taxpay- lice Department’s Rampart founder and president of Home leased their annual financial hundreds of millions in annual ers more than $220 million to Division scandal resulted in 85 of Chicken and Waffles in Oak- reports that showed hundreds private prison profits on helping overturn 600 wrongful convic- felony cases being overturned. land. “When I give someone a of millions in profits last year, turn these trends around?” tions over two decades, a uni- Prosecutors sought to dismiss chance and he becomes my wrote Donald Cohen, executive Cohen suggested. versity study reports. these cases because the cred- best employee, I know that I’m director of In the Public Inter- Already, California has a re- Individuals who had their ibility of the officers involved doing right by my community.” est. entry program providing em- conviction overturned were in these incidents was question- The city of Oakland im- “If our criminal justice sys- ployment assistance and sub- paid $80 million, the study able. The city paid out $78 mil- proved its policy in 2010, tem stopped sending people to stance abuse therapy that has found. Settlements for wrong- lion in settlements, the newspa- where the city would notify private jails and prisons, hun- a low recidivism track record ful conviction cases cost $68 per noted. the applicant of the potential dreds of millions in tax dol- at an annual cost of $1,200 per million, “and an additional $68 “Most errors were in cases adverse employment action lars a year could be spent on person, Cohen stated. million was spent on trials and involving violent crimes, and and provide a copy of the back- providing rehabilitation and Moreover, a re-entry pro- appeals,” the Los Angeles Times one out of five overturned con- ground report. It also provides alternatives to incarceration,” gram for mentally ill parolees in reported March 10. victions had resulted in a life the applicant an opportunity to Cohen wrote. Washington State cost $10,000 “The effort to put a price on sentence. It took an average rebut the accuracy or relevancy He also notes that mental per person. However, for every prosecutorial misconduct, er- of eight years for the 92 over- of the background report. health issues account for a ma- $1 spent, taxpayers have saved rant judicial rulings and foren- turned cases involving murder Other California counties jor portion of the mass incar- $1.82 from incarceration cost, sic lab mistakes was under- to be reversed. While judicial that have passed a “Ban the ceration problem. “Where our the story reported. taken by the Warren Institute mistakes at trial, including im- Box” law are Alameda and addiction to incarceration re- Another Washington State on Law and Social Policy at proper instructions to juries or Santa Clara. Cities are Berke- ally stands out is the decades- program called Trades Relat- the University of California ruling on evidence, were the ley, Carson, Compton, East long nationwide trend of dwin- ed Apprenticeship Coaching at Berkeley and the Quattrron most common causes for rever- Palo Alto, Pasadena and Rich- dling mental health treatment,” (TRAC program) offers prison- Center for the Fair Administra- sal, cited in 164 cases, prosecu- mond. he said. ers a vocational trade in con- tion of Justice at the University torial misconduct was found in “We should have a fair shake “Between 25 and 40 percent struction. The program’s suc- of Pennsylvania,” the newspa- 86 of the cases,” the Times re- if we are the right person for of all mentally ill Americans cess at a women’s prison has per reported. ported. the job,” San Quentin prison- will be jailed or incarcerated reduced the incarceration rate The study reviewed 692 cases More than 200,000 defen- er Tommy Wickerd said in an at some point in their lives,” and has maximized employ- from 1989 to 2012 and adjusted dants are convicted each year interview. “If I fit the criteria Cohen wrote. “Jails and pris- ment opportunities for parol- the cost to 2013 dollar values. in California. “We reject the to be back in society, a felony ons have become, de facto, our ees. “The study examined cases proposition that an acceptable shouldn’t hold me back” largest psychiatric hospitals.” “The solutions exist; com- in which felony convictions rate of error can apply to pro- Another prisoner, Bo Gentry, At least 83 percent of mental- munities just need the resourc- were reversed, and the defen- ceedings that impact people’s said, “People should be judged ly ill inmates at county jails do es,” Cohen said. “That’s profit dants were either released or lives in the way that criminal by their character and not their not have access to treatment, –taxpayer money that could be acquitted on retrial. Whether prosecutions can,” the research- past. What is behind should not Cohen pointed out. going to fixing our criminal the defendant was guilty or in- ers argue. be in front of you.” In 2015, 2.3 million people justice system.” Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 Calif. $15.6 Billion Budget for Criminal Justice Programs By Chung Kao In addition, Brown’s proposal • Brown’s budget proposes and 33 additional positions • Brown’s budget includes Staff Writer includes a one-time funding of $5.8 million for additional for health care executive man- court construction proposals $250 million from the General staff in the Investigative Ser- agement teams at eight pris- totaling $305 million. The LAO Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2016-17 Fund for county jail construc- vices Unit. The LAO recom- ons. The LAO recommends recommends withholding action budget proposes a total of $15.6 tion under the 2011 Realign- mends rejection of the proposal. rejection of the proposal. until there is a budget hearing. billion for judicial and criminal ment. • Brown’s budget proposes • Brown’s budget proposes justice programs—an increase The LAO makes the follow- $3.3 million to expand the $246.4 million for inmate phar- DEPARTMENT OF of $582 million, or 3.9 percent, ing recommendations regard- Alternative Custody Pro- maceuticals. The LAO recom- over the estimated expenditures ing Brown’s criminal justice gram and $390,000 to aug- mends approval of the proposal. JUSTICE for year 2015-16. budget: ment the Enhanced Alterna- • Brown’s budget pro- A report from the Legisla- tive Custody Program.. The poses $524,000 to increase • Brown’s budget proposes a tive Analyst’s Office (LAO) DEPARTMENT OF LAO recommends withhold- maintenance staff at Iron- $7.8 million augmentation from summarizes Brown’s proposed ing action on the proposal wood State Prison. The federal and state funds to sup- expenditures and makes rec- CORRECTIONS AND until the budget hearing. LAO recommends reduc- port 35 additional positions to ommendations to the Legisla- REHABILITATION • Brown’s budget proposes ing the request by $275,000. eliminate a backlog in fraud ture about whether to approve, a $10.5 million augmentation and elder abuse enforcement. modify or reject them. • Brown requests an extension to expand the rehabilitative The LAO recommends ap- According to the report, “The of authority (SB 105, 2013) to programs and establish pro- JUDICIAL BRANCH proval of funding on a one-time primary goal of California’s procure contract beds, and his grams for long-term offend- basis to address the backlog. criminal justice system is to budget includes $259 million to ers. The LAO recommends • Brown’s budget proposes • Brown’s budget proposes provide public safety by deter- maintain about 9,000 contract approval of $4 million to ex- additional funding of $72 mil- a $1.4 million augmentation ring and preventing crime, pun- beds. The LAO recommends tend programs to high-risk of- lion to support the workload and seven additional posi- ishing individuals who commit approval of the extension of au- fenders, and rejection of the increases to the judicial branch tions to speed up prosecution crime, and reintegrating crimi- thority and funding, but directs remainder of the proposal. and a $20 million augmen- under consumer protection nals back into the community.” the CDCR to close the Cali- • Brown’s budget proposes tation for trial court opera- laws. The LAO recommends Brown’s budget proposes in- fornia Rehabilitation Center. $32 million to support and tions. The LAO recommends rejection of the proposal. creased funding for the state’s • Brown’s budget proposes a expand the Male Commu- rejection of the proposal. three major criminal justice one-time funding of $7.9 mil- nity Re-entry Program. The • Brown’s budget pro- programs: $145 million (1.4 lion for a one-year extension of LAO recommends rejection poses a one-time funding of REALIGNMENT percent) for the CDCR, $175 the drug interdiction pilot pro- of the proposal and directs $30 million to create a new million (5.1 percent) for the gram. The LAO recommends CDCR to resubmit a proposal Court Innovations Grant Pro- • The LAO recommends re- court system, and $22 million approval of $750,000 for ran- to target high-risk offenders. gram. The LAO recommends jection of that and the gover- (2.7 percent) for the Depart- dom drug testing and rejection • Brown’s budget proposes withholding action pend- nor’s office submits revised bud- ment of Justice. of the remainder of the proposal. a $6 million augmentation ing additional information. get proposals in May each year. Court Allow Brown’s Initiative on Next General Election Ballot By Forrest Jones and the new version calls for a Journalism Guild Writer constitutional amendment. “That seems to me to be a The California Supreme major difference,” Chin said. Court ruled, on June 6, that “And to eliminate the public Gov. Jerry Brown may present comment period when you are his prison reduction initiative suggesting a constitutional to California voters this amendment seems to me to be November. wrong.” The high court reviewed Brown has made the initia- whether the governor’s 11th tive his number one priority hour amendment to the initia- for the year, partly because tive dramatically changed the he blames himself for creat- original initiative to the point ing the problem through his that proponents should be re- support for determinate sen- quired to re-file it. tences, reported the San Fran-

The California District At- cisco Chronicle. Brown says File photo torneys Association opposed the measure is a partial return the initiative. to indeterminate sentences Gov. Jerry Brown The legal standard the court in which prisoners were giv- used in making its determina- en broad sentences like five tion was the “reasonably ger- years to life and had to show Overcrowding in County Jails mane” standard. a parole board they were re- During oral arguments, habilitated and had a plan for Changes Bail Practices several of the justices were release. skeptical of the prosecutor’s Brown has called for crimi- By Wayne Boatwright trail but only seems to offer a bail or jail. Sponsored by the argument that the governor’s nal sentencing reform for Journalism Guild Writer choice between jail or accepting Conference of Chief Justices, amendment didn’t meet that more that a decade after be- a plea deal for the poor awaiting this taskforce seeks to develop standard, the San Francisco coming a critic of the state’s Overcrowding in county jails trial. The median bail for Cali- best practices for supervised Chronicle reported. determinate sentencing prac- has California reviewing its fornia is $50,000 – about five release programs as an alterna- The justices indicated that tices. Fixed prison terms, bail practices. times that of most other states. tive to bail. The recommended the revised measure appeared which Brown helped create, California’s bail practices What was once a tool to com- reforms may be implemented “reasonably germane” to the was considered a reform 40 have clogged the jails and be- pel the accused to appear in in numerous states, including original initiative, as required years ago. come a tool that preemptively court has become a trap ensnar- California. by law. Chief Justice Tani- Brown’s initiative: “The punishes the poor. Many indi- ing only the poor. “We have to While a powerful California Cantil-Sakauye said the “rea- Public Safety and Rehabilita- viduals who pose no threat to take a look at whether we are bail bond industry challenges sonably germane” is “pretty tion Act of 2016” would roll society are jailed while await- contributing to the problem,” the dismantling of the bail broad.” back parts of Proposition 21, ing trial. Cantil-Sakauye said. system, the federal govern- “It is hard to imagine an the ballot measure voters ap- Realignment shifted many Sixty-two percent of the ment may require California to amendment to a proposal that proved in 2000 that gave pros- state prisoners to county jails. people in county jails are await- implement alternatives to bail would not be reasonably ger- ecutors the right to try minors Like a flood moving down- ing trial, estimates The Public such as those being considered mane,” she said. as adults. It also would give stream, this prison to county Policy Institute of California. by the taskforce. The U.S. De- The Los Angeles Times re- inmates with nonviolent of- jail overcrowding has become This stunning statistic had partment of Justice warned in ported that Associate justice fenses the chance to seek pa- an urgent issue according to the gone unnoticed until jail capac- March that “any bail practices Carol A. Corrigan agreed: “It role after serving time on their editorial board of The Sacra- ity became stretched by the in- that result in incarceration seems pretty clear to me that primary, most serious offense. mento Bee. flux of prisoners resulting from based on poverty violate the the Legislature wanted to give That would mean that Does bail “…really serve its realignment. Further, realign- 14th Amendment” in response great latitude to the propo- inmates whose sentences purpose of keeping people safe? ment has lifted the one-year cap to numerous suits challenging nents of any initiative.” were lengthened because Because if you’re wealthy and on jail terms so that beleaguered bail practices. Not all the justices favored of secondary offenses or you commit a heinous crime, county jails now have some in- The editorial board of The the initiative. According to enhancements—tougher you can make bail,” said the mates serving sentences of five Sacramento Bee contends that the Los Angeles Times, Justice penalties due to drug, gang Chief Justice of the California or more years. in the current environment of Ming W. Chin agreed with op- or weapons violations—might Supreme Court, Tani Cantil- Inspired by Arizona’s and criminal justice reform, the in- posing counsel that Brown’s not have to serve the extra Sakauye to the editorial board. Kentucky’s reform of their pre- dignity of being poor should not amendment was a major con- time. It also gives credits to The next phase of crimi- trial court systems so that bail include a bleak choice between trast to the original initiative, inmates for their participation nal justice reform may be the is rarely used, California is par- pre-trial jail, accepting a one- that the original measure was in vocational and educational courts. California’s court sys- ticipating in a multistate task- sided plea deal or being buried an amendment to a statute, programs. tem promises a fair and speedy force to identify alternatives to under bail debt. June 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 7 The Affects of PTSD on Juvenile Inmates Part 2 This is the second installment recreation hours…. I watched as that mental health care cannot of a two-part series detailing the the perpetrator…walk(ed) away change the environment which impact of trauma on incarcerat- as if nothing had happened.” causes mental health issuesto ed men’s likelihood of success at Kid CAT Speaks! “Symptoms of trauma are begin with (is limited by one’s the parole board. most severe in prisoners in- environment. It cannot change I remember my cellmate “Get used to it. This is where carcerated for longer than one someone’s material circum- By John Lam nonchalantly going to the door, you live now.” I knew express- year who have little access to stances.) Journalism Guild Writer taking a peek and saying, “Oh ing emotions in prison may be education, vocational training, there’s a stabbing,” and going perceived as a weakness — and or rehabilitation,” according to RECOMMENDATIONS I had been at a maximum- back to his bunk. He sat down, weaknesses are opportunities Terrance Gorski, author of Post 1. Make self-help programs security prison for only three eating cereal and watching for exploitation. Incarceration Syndrome and weeks when I saw a stabbing for “Tom and Jerry.” The stabbing For the first seven years of Relapse. commonplace in prisons every- the first time. continued, just outside our cell. my incarceration, life seemed These symptoms can lead to where. I was in my cell when I heard I couldn’t take my eyes off to have no value. On a Level IV parole denied by the board. “Today, there are numerous an alarm sounding. I looked out the scene. I remember forcing yard, stabbings are a blood sport Reasons cited for denial in- places where I can get the help my window and saw two guys myself to watch and trying to that breaks the tedium of being clude lack of insight, lack of re- I need,” said Donte Smith, 35, wrestling on the ground, stab- stop shaking so that my cell- locked in a cell 23 hours a day. morse, and/or poor institutional who has been incarcerated for bing each other; blood was ev- mate would not notice that I was I have come to believe the behavior, all of which can stem 19 years. “I finally began to un- erywhere. afraid. In my head, I repeated, daily violence sears itself into from trauma. These denials can derstand what my victims went the collective memories of in- be devastating, as they may last through, and Restorative Justice carcerated people. for periods from three to 15 (a group) helped me with that.” years. Without good program 2. Increase availability of ser- Dear Kid CAT support, many inmates find the vices to treat long-term exposure Hello, my name is William Jones. I’m a 49-year-old lifer “The experience task of preparing for the board to violence or victimization . doing seven to life plus three years for attempted murder to be nearly impossible. Trauma–related mental health in 1988. I’m writing in regards to my quest to help our of being locked issues faced by the incarcerated youth at risk and give my voice to that cause. in a cage has a MENTAL HEALTH (effects of being a victim or wit- I’m currently at Centinela State Prison and a facilita- ness of violence.) tor for a program called Prison Letters for Our Struggling psychological Mental health care and ther- “The psychological damage Youth. We write letters to youth organizations in an at- apeutic techniques can help resulting from seeing violence tempt to prevent them [the youth] from joining gangs, do- effect upon people who have experienced every day stayed with me for ing drugs, etc. I’m writing because I’d like to do more in everyone made trauma. However, two problems decades,” said Robert Spears, an attempt to help our kids at risk! arise in the context of the prison who has been incarcerated since My goal is to start my own nonprofit organization to to endure it.” system. First, there is often a 1977. “I was living in fear.” stigma associated with seek- help our youth at risk obtain college scholarships and aid 3. Increase awareness among while attending school. In the meantime I [want] to help so ing help through mental health incarcerated people, prison ad- please sign me up! I’m on board. Mika’il DeVeaux, executive services. Nothing said between director of Citizens Against Re- an inmate and the psychologist ministrators, and parole board Kid CAT Response: cidivism, who served 32 years is protected by the psychothera- about (mental health and the Mr. Jones, thank you and the men at Centinela State of a life sentence in New York, pist–patient privilege enjoyed influence of trauma on incarcer- Prison for the work being done through Prison Letters for wrote in The Trauma of the In- by ordinary citizens. ated people.) Our Struggling Youth. Certainly there is a way to help. carceration Experience: “The “The one time I did go to men- “I used to think seeking One way you and any other of the incarcerated men experience of being locked in a tal health to seek help for quit- help…made me a lesser person, and women can help is by writing and sharing your ex- cage has a psychological effect ting cigarettes, it was recorded that other inmates would see periences. We all have a unique understanding of where upon everyone made to endure into my prison file, which was me as a person who was insane, destructive behaviors and actions lead. We have wisdom it. No one leaves unscarred. I used against me in the parole that didn’t have it together,” regarding what it takes to turn our lives around despite remain haunted by the memo- board,” said one man incarcer- said Falao Toalepai, 52, serving serving sentences as long as life in prison. We also have ries and images of violence…. I ated at San Quentin who wished 25 years to life for first-degree the motivation to make amends. Never underestimate the can still see the murders I wit- to remain anonymous. “I was murder. “Truth was, after ex- power of your story; it has the capacity to be the difference nessed. I still see the image of told that it … divided my loyal- periencing all the trauma for so in someone’s life. a person being hit at the base of ties (and) that I am still support- long, I was going insane. Today, Kid CAT has several projects; one is a monthly writ- his skull with a baseball bat on ing criminal enterprises.” I’m better because I have sought ing workshop. “The Beat Within” facilitates writing work- a warm sunny afternoon during The second challenge is help.” shops in juvenile halls throughout California and in other states. They publish youth artwork, poetry and stories as well as accept submissions for their “Beat Without” col- umn from those in prison and the public. They can benefit New Senate Bills to Help from hearing your stories. When space permits, Kid CAT Speaks will publish writ- ing prompts from each month’s workshops. We include a selection from the month of April. Juvenile Youth Offenders Kid CAT appreciates your letter and efforts. By Emile DeWeaver son visits at county jails. recidivate less. (According to a Prison Letters for Our Struggling Youth and any of our Staff Writer In a report by the CJCJ Dep- report by the Criminal Justice readers may respond to the prompt. Your responses should uty Director Dinky Manek Policy Review, visitation sig- be mailed to: This year juvenile and crimi- Enty explained the importance nificantly decreases the risk of The Beat Within nal justice advocates renewed of in-person visits to Amer- recidivism.) Findings suggest P.O. Box 34310 their focus on California legis- ica’s youth. “[F]or the more that “revising prison visitation San Francisco, CA 94134 lation that will introduce more than 2.7 million children in policies to make them more evidenced-based policies into the U.S. with an incarcerated ‘visitor friendly’ could yield Breakdown of the Month/What is the real? The media criminal justice. According parent, the value of hugging public safety benefits by help- glamorizes prison as an adventure and portrays it as a to the Center for Juvenile and and kissing their parent is im- ing offenders establish a con- place you can go to and get out of, no matter what you Criminal Justice (CJCJ), these measurable. The impact of a tinuum of social support from do on the inside. In music and movies, individuals go to evidence-based policies are positive family relationship on prison to the community.” prison for serious crimes. While inside, they commit more designed to decrease incarcera- a child’s healthy development Senator Loni Hancock intro- violence and crimes. They get away with it or get caught, tion and increase rehabilitation. can’t be quantified. We have a duced SB 1031. According to do some time in the hole, and then get out of prison. This This month Kid CAT Speaks great responsibility to ensure CJCJ, SB 1031 would establish is depicted as real life. Many youths believe the prison ex- highlights two senate bills: children have the opportunity the Juvenile Justice Informa- perience comes at no cost to them or to society. How long (SB) 1157 and (SB) 1031. These to feel their parent, to support tion System, a database for in- have you been down? What age were you when you came bills not only aim to decrease a child’s rapidly developing formation about processes and to prison? When you came into prison did you see prison incarceration, they better equip sense of self.” outcomes in juvenile justice. in the same way? Why did you believe the hype? What our youth to resist the pressures Research supports Enty’s This system could facilitate are the “true” struggles and realities of serving time in of intergenerational incarcera- claim as well as the role in-per- information–sharing between prison? What is it like to spend years and perhaps much of tion. son visits can play in strength- counties (which currently does your life in prison? Is it like in music and movies? What is Senator Holly Mitchell intro- ening family connections, not happen), clearer research the reality? Break it down to us. duced SB 1157, which would which in turn can help incar- about juvenile justice, and ev- -Writing prompt by Miguel Quezada reverse the trend of substitut- cerated people reintegrate back idenced-based solutions to the ing video visitation for in-per- in society more smoothly and problems facing youth.

Kid CAT (Creating Awareness Together) is a group of men who committed their crimes under the age of 23 and were sentenced as adults to life terms. The group’s mission is to inspire humanity through education, mentorship and restorative practices. Kid CAT Speaks wants to hear from the all juvenile lifers, educators, and policymakers concerning juvenile justice issues and rehabilitation. Contact us at San Quentin News, Attn: Kid CAT Speaks, 1 Main St., San Quentin, CA 94964 Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 Restorative Justice Symposium Tackles Sex Trafficking By Rahsaan Thomas through a female prostitute that Today Edgar is an engaged, rapped out against sex traffick- Staff Writer needed to bring in a new girl in 25-year-old social worker and a ing. order to escape the life. mother with a master’s degree “At 12 they all called her fast, Speakers Marya Edgar and “I saw a handsome older man; who gives the glory to God for because nobody knew about her Billy “Faheem” Fuller gave ac- he saw an opportunity,” said Ed- her survival. past...” Smith rapped on “Cry.” counts that put faces to the vic- gar. “Now I’m able to assist as a Doing a solo, Gino Sevacos tims of sex trafficking at the He led Edgar to believe she survivor advocate,” said Edgar. sang, “She wants to run, she Restorative Justice (RJ) Sympo- was his girlfriend in order to “Sharing my story and leaving wants to fly away, forced to have sium held inside of San Quentin get the 16-year-old to prostitute. little nuggets help me heal.” sex at a young age...” State Prison. Whenever she tried to leave, her Edgar is also part of the Sex Sevacos was inspired to write “Thank you for taking on pimp threatened to tell her fam- Trafficking Exploitation Preven- the song after the One Million tough subjects like transgenders ily, hurt her family or attack her. tion (STEP) program started by Rising organization brought in and this subject that is so painful “One time he told me to leave, Louis Scott, who is serving over sex trafficking survivors, and he for many of you,” said RJ spon- and I tried to do so, but he beat 200 years for pimping and pan- heard their stories. sor and Berkeley Professor Mary me with a belt,” said Edgar. “I dering. “The music was amazing. It Elliot. “We did it in here because thought I was in a domestic vio- Scott grew up in a household Courtesy of SQPR was powerful,” said Edgar. there is enough love to hold it.” lence relationship.” where pimping was socially ac- Marya Edgar The use of restorative justice Edgar stood before guests Edgar says that people ceptable. His mother was a pros- is spreading. It is offered in So- and incarcerated men inside the shouldn’t gauge whether a pros- titute and his father a pimp. condoms. lano State Prison to men who Catholic Chapel and spoke about titute is giving them consensual “RJ teaches us crime impact,” Fuller spoke from the byprod- have completed Mary Jo Bauen’s breaking the abuse and mental sex by how they act. said Scott. “I don’t know the full uct of sex trafficking perspec- Parenting Program. slavery that entrapped her in “If you meet a hooker, she’s harm I’ve caused. Not every- tive. His mother was a 13-year- RJ is also used in Florida prostitution. happy, cheerful, excited,” said body is as strong as Ms. Edgar old prostitute who left him with and the Bay Area instead of jail Edgar says her biological fa- Edgar. “Maybe a John won’t re- was. I’m doing everything in my his grandmother. for crimes involving victims, ther held a gun to her mother’s alize she has been forced.” power to stop this. When you “At 10 grandma died, and I including robbery, burglary belly and threatened to abort Edgar never stopped going to hear guys talking about pimp- had to go live with my mother, and sexual assault, according her. After the abusive man went school. When the police arrested ing this and that, now you have a heroin addict living in a whore to Sia Henry of Impact Justice’s to prison, Edgar’s mother mar- her pimp for robbery, Edgar says a face.” house,” said Fuller. Restorative Justice Project. ried someone else, an older man she started to break away. The Scott, who hosted the May 7 Fuller’s mother beat him “Police, Probation or Disrict that beaten her with a belt. break became complete when symposium, has created a pam- when he cried for being hungry. Attorneys can send a case to “I became accustomed to be- she heard a fellow female stu- phlet with information on where When he learned that he had a our organization prior to being ing beaten by somebody who dent was killed by her husband to get help. They’re placed in 3-year-old sister, he realized that charged,” said Henry. “We meet loves me,” said Edgar. and realized that could have Planned Parenthood locations, it was his job to keep her from with the young person, victim’s At 16, Edgar met a man been her. where prostitutes go to get free being beaten for being hungry. family and their supporters in a One time he says he stole potato conference. Everyone comes up chips from one of the prostitutes with a plan to make everything Pope Francis Responds to but didn’t mind being beaten be- right. The plan must make things cause his sister didn’t go to bed right for the victim, their family, hungry. the community and themselves. Juvenile’s Request for Forgiveness “When my mother went to jail, They have six months to com- the ladies in the house started plete the plan or the case gets By Salvador Solorio he washed the feet of incarcer- doing things to me,” said Fuller. sent back to the referring agen- Journalism Guild Writer ated people, including women. “At 10, I had this idea that if I cy.” The Pope’s letter affected didn’t take it, they would do it to Henry says Alameda has the Pope Francis recently replied Vazquez deeply. “It gave me a my little sister. It destroyed me longest running program and to a letter from a juvenile in the lot of hope, knowing that there as a kid. I’m 56-years-old now. their recidivism rate is 11.8 Los Angeles County Jail. are people like the Pope who still I’ve been in prison for 38 years. percent; the average recidivism “Know that the Holy Father is have not given up on us,” said I think the only reason I’m alive rate for the state is 54.3 percent thinking of you and praying for Vazquez. “I know I’ve made today is because my little sister within three years according to you,” the Pope wrote to Carlos mistakes and have hurt people, needed me.” a 2014 California Department of Adrian Vazquez Jr., convicted but what I learned in my two Fuller grew to hate adults and Corrections and Rehabilitation of voluntary manslaughter at age years and five months I’ve been vowed to kill one when he grew Outcome Evaluation Report. 16. imprisoned, I didn’t know I was up. Henry hopes to see neighbor- In his letter Vazquez said that hurting people and that I was “At 17, I killed a man who hoods use restorative justice he was asking for forgiveness hurting myself, too.” did nothing to me except be an instead of calling the police be- for what he did from the leader File photo Vazquez, now 18 years old, adult,” said Fuller. “I am ex- cause draconian sentences don’t of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis waving expressed regret for his crime tremely sorry. My past doesn’t make sense. Vazquez said he couldn’t believe in a letter to the victim’s fam- justify the things that I have “I don’t think the people who it. “I didn’t think the Pope would filled with peace and hope.... ily. “No words would ever give done.” are making the decisions in Cal- write to someone who’s behind And please remember to pray for them back the life I destroyed,” The time came when Fuller ifornia are inherently evil, nec- bars,” he told CNN. me, because I greatly need your he said. had to forgive his mother in or- essarily,” said Kelsey Quigley, The Pope’s letter spoke of prayers,” the Pope wrote. Vazquez has learned many der to heal. That moment came a Berkeley Law student. “They “A Holy Door to Mercy” being CNN noted that the exchange lessons and now has strength to when his mother was on her just have no clue. I think before opened at the juvenile jail, in a of letters is the latest example continue paying his debt to soci- deathbed. you pass a law implicating pris- ceremony led by the Los Ange- of the Pope’s new mission of ety. “If society does not forgive “Everything I went through oners you should have to go to les archbishop. mercy. He has been reaching out me, I know God forgives me for was all about forgiveness,” said a Restorative Justice circle or at “I pray that as you and your to juvenile and adult inmates as my sins. The way I thought was Fuller. least meet a prisoner. I met the fellow residents celebrate the part of his Jubilee of Mercy this to fight every month. Now I use Music enhanced the sympo- men here. They changed my per- opening of the Holy Door, you year. During his visit to Mexico my words instead of my hands,” sium. Antwan “Banks” Wil- spective - on the law, on life, on may receive these gifts and be he visited prisoners, and in 2013 he said. liams and Jessie James Smith everything.” “Brown Proclaims ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day’” By Wesley Eisiminger the Zephyr. the welcome the Vietnam vets believe we were due years ago. medical conditions that are Staff Writer At San Quentin, in response received after the war. “Every We were just doing what our direct results of their service, to this long overdue declara- time I saw a service member country asked us to do without there are many who suffer from After the end of the Vietnam tion, one Vietnam vet who in uniform and I would see complaints.” unemployment, poverty, home- War, veterans of that war have served in 1965, 1966 and part the Vietnam Service ribbon I According to Zephyr, besides lessness, and substance abuse,” finally received a welcome of 1967 said he came home to would walk up to them, shake physical wounds, many Viet- said Zephyr. home. Gov. Edmund G. Brown protesters and a Veterans of their hand, and thank them for nam veterans suffered invisible “Treatment of our veterans Jr. has proclaimed March 30 Foreign Wars claimed “No- their service in the Vietnam wounds of war, including post- reflects profoundly on us as a “Welcome Home Vietnam Vet- body declared war in Vietnam! War.” traumatic stress disorder and nation and state,” according erans Day,” according to the You weren’t in a war!” and Gary Cooper, a Vietnam vet other mental health conditions. to Gov. Brown’s proclamation. Zephyr, a veterans publication. denied him. James “Shorty” who was there in 1966 and Decades later they are being “The state is committed to im- Nearly three and a half mil- Dunbar said that the protestors came back in 1968, said about diagnosed with disease and proving current services and lion Americans served in the and VFW both made him feel Gov. Brown’s proclamation, disorders associated with their implementing new programs United States military during like an “invisible vet.” “It left “I was never thanked for my exposure to Agent Orange and for those who served and their the Vietnam War and related me wondering what it was all service there….It’s nice to fi- other toxic herbicides. families.” conflicts in Southeast Asia be- for.” Gov. Brown’s declaration nally get the recognition that I “In addition to those with “Our Vietnam War veterans tween 1959 and 1975. makes him feel visible again. earned our everlasting grati- About 58,000 U.S. service C. B. Anderson, another vet One person who helped get the country to recognize the needs tude,” the governor continued. members died in the Vietnam at San Quentin, who didn’t of Vietnam vets is Jose Ramos, founder of the Welcome Home “I urge all Californians to join War, –more than 5,800 were serve in Vietnam but served Vietnam Veterans Day campaign to heal some of the nation’s us in welcoming home our vet- Californians– and many also in the U.S. Marine Corps in historic wounds and honor Vietnam veterans for their service. erans and assisting them in ev- suffered physical injuries, said the 1980s, was unhappy about ery way possible.” June 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 9 Naturally Talented Artist Began While Incarcerated By Wesley Eisiminger literature in which an attempt Staff Writer is made to portray or interpret the working of the unconscious Bruce Fowler turns his natu- mind as manifested in dreams. ral talent in drawing and paint- The third is Diorama, where ing into magnificent works of a scene is built and painted as art. three-dimensional. Diorama Fowler said he started draw- paintings include Surrealism. ing 16 years ago doing pencil Fowler explained it takes drawings of seascapes when he about 150 hours or longer to was in a county jail. He never complete a Diorama painting. went to any class on drawing or The one pictured with this sto- paintings. ry was done in a year. Realism “When I came to San Quentin paintings take about 40 hours from Ironwood, I started doing to complete. painting when a friend invited A lot of his work has been do- me to the Arts-in-Corrections nated to Kid CAT, the Veterans class.” That is where his talent Group of San Quentin and oth- really came out and his work er groups. One painting went to was shown at the recent TEDx Toys for Tots and is displayed event and in the March edition in the visiting room. About 30 of the San Quentin News. works have been done for San Fowler said he has done three Quentin. types of paintings at San Quen- He expressed his appre- tin. The first is Realism, depict- ciation to the staff at William ing people and things as close James Association. “Without as they really appear to be. their generous help, I would The second is Surrealism, a Photo by Ralphaele Casale not be able to paint at all,” said modern movement in art and One of three diorama paintings of a jester in-a-box by Fowler Fowler. Marin Shakespeare Program Expands to CSP-Solano By Harry C. Goodall Jr. brought to the Journalism Guild Writer production the same kind of In the gymnasium of Califor- magic that the- nia State Prison-Solano, inmates atrical plays donned costumes and recited can bring. lines of Shakespeare’s A Mid- “Experienc- summer Night’s Dream in April. ing Shake- The presentation was pro- speare as a duced by Lesley Currier, man- participant in a aging director of Marin Shake- production has speare Company, a company helped inmates that also arranges productions release them- of Shakespeare at San Quentin selves from prison once or twice a year. the cold and The level II inmates rehearsed callous stigma for more than six months, iron- that prison ing out all the bugs that usually dons on its surface during plays. They were residents,” said allowed to wear costumes while inmate Cotton performing this play, which Jones. Courtesy of CDCR CSP-Solano’s Shakespeare’s cast and company “We put on a façade 24/7 here. fort zone makes me want to par- ongoing since 2003, when We still have the façade on that ticipate,” Goddard said. Currier first brought her prison we have to be tough,” Jones add- Part of the thrill, according transformation project to San ed. “Shakespeare allows us to to Jones, is the audience, which Quentin. Currier was in part peel away at that.” consists of visitors who came inspired by Director Curt “But it can often take years into the prison to see the show. Tofteland, who introduced before inmates are less worried “We feel forgotten,” Jones Shakespeare to people about their image,” Jones said. said. “When we see people from incarcerated in Luther Luckett Shane Goddard, who suffers the outside, it’s energizing.” Correctional Complex in from a fear of public speaking Ronin Holmes, who says he Kentucky. and is serving a 25-to-life sen- has read every Shakespeare Currier said she owes the suc- tence for first-degree murder, book available, played a leading cess of the program in part to the felt that Shakespeare brings a role. Holmes had participated production’s ability to foster a transformative experience for in a Shakespeare project at San therapeutic community, as many the inmates. Quentin, before he was trans- of these guys, who she said had Courtesy of CDCR “To see guys I’ve known for ferred to Solano. truncated childhoods, are able to Performance of the play in Solano’s Gym 20 years come out of their com- Productions have been bond with each other. Donovan Inmates Write Shakespeare Play for San Diego University

Students at San Diego State “I’M GOOD” is an acronym organization was founded recalled her meeting with the warden suggested the pro- University performed a play, for Incarcerated Men Getting in 1985 and has worked with the inmates at RJD, she said, gram for level–four prisoners, “I’M GOOD,” written by in- Over Obstacles Daily. The various groups including ju- “We sat around the table to who are in the highest security mates at Richard J. Donovan play offers a look at the lives venile court, San Diego Youth talk. We asked, ‘What is it classification in the state, be- Correctional Facility (RJD). of four incarcerated men, each and Community Services and you want to say?’ They said, cause he believes it could do “In my career, this is some with unique sets of problems community school districts. ‘We want people to know who the most good with those in- of the best writing I’ve been and situations. The 90-minute The Playwrights Project we are, what got us here, and mates. Prisoners at that level involved with,” said James play illuminates the experi- executive director Cecelia we’re not monsters.’” don’t have as many programs Pillar, a teaching artist with ences that led to their incar- Kouma was inspired to work One thing RJD attempts to as other inmates. the Playwrights Project, ceration. with inmates by a prisoner she do is create positive impact San Diego State University reported San Diego Union- Inmate playwright Mickey met in Leavenworth federal programs for inmates. The presented “I’M GOOD” in its Tribune. Trotter, 38, said, “It made me prison. Sometime in 2014 she Playwrights Project is a pro- Experimental Theater from Experience in theater isn’t understand the true meaning contacted RJD officials and gram that seemed to have a April 20 to 23. Student actors new to California prisons. In- of teamwork.” successfully launched the positive effect, RJD spokes- read the script, but the play mate actors in both Solano and Playwright’s Project, a non- program. man Lt. Philip Bracamonte wasn’t fully staged, according San Quentin perform plays on profit organization, helped According to the Union- told Union- Tribune. to Warth. prison stages. the men prepare the play. The Tribune article, when Kouma Bracamonte also said that –Harry C. Goodall Jr. Page 10 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 GRIP Graduates Celebrate With Families & Friends

Continued from Page 1 Garcia. “This is what prison is supposed to be about – That’s a total of 2098 years rehabilitation.” of incarceration culminating in George Luna, former pris- this graduation. oner and now employed as a Graduate and speaker Ferrari GRIP Facilitator shared about Moody captured the men tran- his transition in society. He has sitions. made the honor roll in college. “We were dedicated to “I went from one institution change,” said Moody. “We to another,” said Luna. “You made ourselves transparent, can become a success and give open and honest about the thing back to the community. I don’t we suppressed. GRIP helped us get mad I get motivated.” to unlock the past and afforded Richmond Councilmember, us the tools to promote peace Gail McLaughlin spoke on how and personal evolution.” human tenderness helps con- Samone Moody, his wife nect with the bigger tribe in added, “I was excited to see society. him speak from his new self. “The tender side of myself is He has learned to communicate to advocate for more programs better and let things go. That on the outside,” she said. has helped our marriage; pride Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News The May 6 event bought tears is not a priority any more. I am GRIP tribe 715 through out the ceremony. The proud of him.” men walked confidently with GRIP counselors Susan in words a year worth of emo- “I had no answers for where domestic violence training to smiles to receive their certifi- Shannon and Jesse Estrin tions and learning to be human this anger was coming from and become certified facilitators. cates. shared about their experience again. I have learned more from how to deal with the emotional Jesus Garcia witness brother They signed a pledge to com- with their tribe. these guys than I have from the scars,” said Somsak. “I had to Arnulfo Garcia receive his hard mit to a life of non-violence; “I was concerned how outside.” embrace that seven year-old kid earned certificate. then filtered through a human the guys would respond to a Graduates Adnan Khan of in me and to forgive.” “I’m proud of him; he has arch, formed by guest and vol- female leading the group,” said 715 and Somsak Uppasay of Victim advocate, Christine came a long way,” said J. unteers symbolizing a welcome Shannon. “I deeply appreciate 641 address the audience. Mason spoke about being on back rite of passage. each one of these men; they are Somsak spoke on seeing a the other side of crime. She “I murdered Tiffany my heroes.” family member being killed at talked about her mother being Dawn Boyce,” said Carlos Estrin added, “It’s hard to put a young age. killed and what it took to heal. Smith. “I dedicate this “No one is created a criminal program to her. I learned in a vacuum,” said Mason. “It’s to cultivate mindfulness never just you; we need every- and develop my emotional body to heal. Victims rights intelligence. are: the right to heal–be re- Dominic Smith added, stored and to bring back home “I’m proud of my father’s healthy and safe people.” spirituality and growth. Mala beads bracelets were He can still lead us, given passed out by Mason to the men this circumstance.” as a reminder for them to think Pamela Sifuentes came before they react. for her brother Miguel Fateen Jackson captivated Sifuentes. the crowd with his spoken “I feel great to celebrate word called ‘Apologetic Salute’, the work he has done,” apologizing to all victims who she said. “This is the first never received one and honor- time we came to prison ing the surviving victims. for something good. The Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News San Quentin’s choir and the things he has learned has Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News “New Syndicate of Funk” band Uppasay shares his personal made our relationship Susan Shannon, Brian Asey and Jacques Verduin had the crowd singing along to struggles to help change lives stronger.” ‘People get Ready’ by Curtis Mayfield. Melissa Davis, of the Marin County Probation Department, received the Muhammad Ali Victory Robe Award, for her great work teaching the domes- tic violence class. “I’m thankful to be a part of this community and tribe,” said Davis. “We’ve shared and learned from each other; I will take that to the outside commu- nity.” Eleven men completed the

Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Jesse Estrin and Fateen Jackson Brent Surrell celebrates accomplishment with his family

Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Christine Mason shares Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Marco Villa with his sister and niece her personal stories Duane Holt with his loved ones June 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 11 2016 Day of Peace Brings Music, Artistry and Unity

Continued from Page 1 Williams said. “Shields for Families is what a man is sup- “Since a lot of youngsters posed to be as a protector and are being sent to San Quentin, backbone of the family.” the Day of Peace Committee For the third year in a row, recruited some of them to Natalie Tovar, customer ser- show prison isn’t all violence vice representative of Walken- and drugs, like what’s on TV,” horst’s, donated more than said committee member Chris 2,500 snack bags for inmates to Schumacher. enjoy while listening to Bread The prison’s Lower Yard was & Roses. dotted with more than two doz- “Day of Peace is something en signup tables for the various we in the company would like programs. to see in all prisons,” Tovar As Prince’s Purple Rain filled said. “When an inmate is doing the air so did a light rain. By good and rehabilitating, that af- noon, the rain was heavy, soak- fects the family. That’s what the ing the participants. company is about, family.” Some drenched participants “We take a whole year to began filing back into the cell organize the one-day event,” blocks; however, more than a said Stephen Pascascio, hundred remained on the yard, Chairman of the Day of Peace continuing the celebration. In Committee. “We get together the end, the musicians were Photo by Peter Merts every Friday in the chapel to forced to pack it in because of The Day of Peace annual peace salute discuss what we need – such as the rain. who is going to give prayers, Each year the event holds a Mahoney, a volunteer. He to Christopher Christensen’s #7. in a more permanent medium, the gift bags and bracelets, sidewalk art contest sponsored carefully observed each of the By the time the rain became displayed their oil paintings along with the art work for by William James Association. 31 entries, drawn with “peace” a downpour, the judging was that represented various self- the programs and sidewalk art Prior to the rain, the pavement as its theme. Mahoney chose over; the chalk drawings slowly help groups. contest.” in the Lower Yard was divid- Ronell Draper’s piece drawn on became more abstract and fi- “The painting for Project LA, “Thanks to the administra- ed into 2’ X 2’ squares where square #43 as this year’s winner. nally faded. Shields for Families, offers ev- tion for letting us have this 31 artists created imaginative In second place was Cook’s #27, Prison artists Guss “Lu- erything Joe Paul, its manager, event,” Schumacher added. “It chalk-drawings. and C.Y. Baker’s #29 was third. mumba” Edwards and Antwan wants to do, which is to help shows they’re behind us for The judge is artist Patrick He gave an honorable mention “Banks” Williams, who worked people be with their families,” peace.”

Photo by Peter Merts Day of Peace art collage of self-help groups and artists

Several of the facilitators at the self-help tables were asked what peace means: • GED Prep: “Education breaks down barriers across culture and language. The more we educate ourselves the more we can understand the world. When we understand the world we understand the importance of peace. • Kairos, Sheril Strock: “Everyone getting along and learning to walk with Christ and treating each other with respect.” • Insight Prison Project, Karena Montag: “Integrity and wholeness.” • Insight Prison Project, Billie Mizell: “All of our programs are rooted in empathy. I think empathy is a cornerstone of peace in an empathetic population.” • Bread and Roses: “Day of Peace is an annual event to remind people to be open, vulnerable, connect, co-habitate, and listen to one another for us. Out there it’s the same: to learn how to live with one another. After a day in here, it’s important we take it out and share.” Other Participating Groups: • California Reentry Institute, Collette Carroll: “Peace of heart, making amends naturally for any harm or hurtful thing one has Vietnam Veterans Group done.” San Quentin, Veterans • Project Reach, Greg Jones: “Peace is to help others learn.” Healing Veterans, Native • Insight Garden Project, Amanda Bergher: “Reconnection to nature, self, and community.” Hawaiians, ELITE, New Leaf • SQ Cares, Berklee Donavan: “Bringing people together under one cause that helps many people.” on Life, Criminal and Gangs • SQUIRES sponsor Romania Jaundoo: “Coming together for unity as a family finding peace between members, sponsors, youth, Anonymous, Shakespeare, and families making sure they take it with them.” Artistic Ensemble, The • Hope for Lifers, Joey Hopkins: “Getting in touch with your own authentic self. A real man is a peaceful man.” Work, Diabetics Program, • ACT, Jarvis “Lady Jae” Clark: “Is living in your truth being able to walk in the journey of life and accepting a person as being Restorative Justice, Guiding human beings and loving one another as god loves us all.” Rage Into Power, Kid CAT, • ROOTS, Phoeun You: “It is finding or having inner calmness, compassion and forgiveness.” Free to Succeed, California • No More Tears, Maurice Reed: “Love, connection, reconciliation, enjoyment to be free and share a bond.” Reentry Institute, SQ Prison • Alliance for Change: “Being able to create community collectively living in harmony with one another, where everyone is living Report, Financial Literacy, in a community with human value and justice.” Richmond Project. • TRUST: “Inner peace equals a calm mood.” Page 12 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 Arts & Entertainment

Photo by P. Jo The Narrows at Zion National Park PERSPECTIVE Snippets Today was the absolute worst day ever ust may actually Dhelp clean up your And don’t try to convince me that home. The dead skin Sudoku Corner There’s something good in every day cells we shed con- stantly end up in dust Because, when you take a closer look, contains an oil, called squalene, that reduces 9 7 4 8 This world is a pretty evil place. indoor ozone levels as Even if much as 15 percent, 2 4 7 3 making the air safer to Some goodness does shine through once in a while breathe. 1 7 Satisfaction and happiness don’t last. slam means “peace And it’s not true that Ithrough the submis- 6 5 9 sion of God.” It’s all in the mind and heart iamonds can de- 2 9 6 Because Dcrease in size. Aus- True happiness can be obtained tralian physicists have 1 7 6 found that applying Only if one’s surroundings are good UV rays to a diamond 4 5 causes it to lose atoms, It’s not true that good exist smoothing rough edges I’m sure you can agree that or creating small pits in 5 7 8 3 the diamond surface. 2 9 8 6 The reality ungeons and Drag- Creates Dons was banned My attitude in 2004 at Waupun Correctional Institute It’s all beyond my control in Wisconsin because it was thought inmates 8 2 1 And you’ll never in a million years hear me say that playing the game could Today was a good day lead to escape fantasies 4 1 and gang activity. Now read from the bottom. –Anonymous ocusts can jump 2 4 9 L2.3 feet, which is equivalent to a human 5 8 4 9 6 jumping 60 feet. Last Issue’s Sudoku Solutions 3 4 lvis was a black belt 4 8 7 6 2 3 5 9 1 9 2 6 7 8 4 1 5 3 Ein karate. He picked 9 7 3 5 1 3 5 2 4 9 1 7 8 6 8 1 7 5 3 6 9 4 2 it up during his tour of 6 1 9 7 8 5 4 3 2 5 4 3 1 2 9 8 7 6 duty in Germany in the late 50s, and later stud- 7 9 4 1 2 6 8 4 7 9 5 3 7 6 4 9 5 8 2 3 1 ied in Memphis under a 5 7 4 9 3 2 1 6 8 2 9 5 3 1 7 6 8 4 master sensei who was 7 3 9 3 8 1 5 6 2 7 4 3 8 1 4 6 2 5 9 7 a former combat trainer 2 9 3 5 6 4 8 1 7 4 3 8 6 9 1 7 2 5 for Korean intelligence. 8 4 1 3 7 9 6 2 5 6 7 9 2 4 5 3 1 8 9 6 1 7 6 5 2 1 8 3 4 9 1 5 2 8 7 3 4 6 9 June 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 13

1. San Quentin – Bernard L. Florida and Iowa have the strict- Hamilton, 64, a Death Row in- est disenfranchisement laws, mate, died of natural causes on disqualifying ex-felons for life March 28. Hamilton was sen- News Briefs unless they are granted an indi- tenced to death on March 2, vidual pardon. 1981, for a second-degree bur- 13. Maryland – The state’s Gen- glary and first-degree murder in eral Assembly approved a bill 1979. There are 747 inmates on that eliminates mandatory mini- Death Row. mum sentences for nonviolent 2. Lincoln, Neb. – The state’s drug offenders, increases penal- corrections director asked In- 16 ties for some violent crimes and dia-based Harris Pharma LLP to allows some nonviolent offend- repay $26,700 for 1,000 vials of ers to be released from prison sodium thiopental not imported earlier, The Washington Post 13 and delivered, The Associated 1 2 1412 reports. The bill also lowers the Press reports. The firm refused 6 1015 age for elderly parole, and limits 9 8 to return payment, saying the 5 the ability of judges to give long state’s failure to import them 11 sentences for probation viola- wasn’t their fault. tions. 3. Texas – Prison officials are 14. Washington, DC – Land- implementing a new policy that 7 lords who routinely ban tenants would punish inmates for hav- with prior arrests or criminal ing a social media presence, 3 convictions are in violation of even when someone on the out- 4 the Fair Housing Act, according side is posting updates on their to Helen R. Kanovsky, general behalf, reports Electronic Fron- 12 counsel for the U.S. Department tier Foundation. of Housing and Urban Develop- 4. Huntsville, Texas – Coy ment. Wayne Wesbrook, 58, was ex- 15. Washington, DC – On ecuted March 9 for a 1997 mur- March 7, the U.S. Supreme der. Pablo Lucio Vasquez, 38, Court reversed the 2002 murder was executed April 6 for a 1998 period, The Associated Press 9. Virginia – Democratic Gov. 11. Raleigh, NC — A federal conviction of Michael Wearry, murder. Texas has carried out reports. It would also allow in- Terry McAuliffe recommended appeals court ruled Nicholas a Louisiana death row inmate. six executions this year. mates in solitary four hours per keeping lethal injection as the Ragin was deprived of his con- The high court found that prose- 5. St. Louis, Mo – Democratic day outside of their cells. state’s execution method by stitutional right to an attorney cutors did not disclose evidence Gov. Jay Nixon signed an exec- 7. Jackson, Ga – Kenneth Fults, using a secretive process of al- because his trial lawyer, Nikita helpful to his defense. utive order on April 11 remov- 47, was executed April 13 for lowing prison officials to obtain V. Mackey, slept through his 16. New York – Andre Hatch- ing questions about criminal a 1996 murder. Fults was the the drugs through unidentified trial, The Associated Press re- ett, 49, has been freed from history on initial applications fourth person executed this year pharmacies rather than depend- ports. prison and his conviction over- for state jobs, even as a legisla- in Georgia. ing on the electric chair as a 12. Maryland – Maryland be- turned March 10 after spending tive effort to also “ban the box” 8. Richmond, Va. – Keith Allen fallback, The Associated Press came the 14th state to allow about 25 years incarcerated. The in the private sector stalls, The Harward, 59, spent more than reports. ex-felons to vote after they are only eyewitness to testify ini- Associated Press reports. 30 years incarcerated for a rape 10. Virginia – Democratic Gov. released from prison but still un- tially implicated someone else 6. Springfield, Ill. – A bill is and murder that DNA evidence Terry McAuliffe ordered, on der supervision. About 40,000 and had told police he’d smoked working its way through the proved him innocent of. The April 18, the restoration of vot- ex-felons are affected. An esti- crack on the day of the murder. state House limiting solitary state attorney general has filed ing rights to 206,000 people mated 5.85 million Americans Hatchett cooperated with police confinement to no more than a brief with the state high court who have completed their entire cannot vote due to state laws and gave an alibi, according to five consecutive days and five saying the conviction should be sentence, including parole or disenfranchising people with his legal team, which included total days during a 150-day vacated. probation. felony convictions. Kentucky, the Innocence Project. WORDCROSS PUZZLE

Across values 6. Crazy or eccentric (Slang) 1. Michael Strahan’s new TV 52. To surpass in achievement 7. Force payment through show (Abbrev.) 54. A type of cheese used for bribery 4. New Russian intelligence salads 8. What many prison yards network (Abbrev.) 55. Thin and bony due to great lack (two words) 7. Author Amy of “The Joy age or hunger 9. Astronaut Armstrong Luck Club” 57. Amy Acker’s character on 10. Used to express disgust or 10. Acronym of Tiger’s “Person of Interest” disbelief association 58. Confirmation of receiving 11. Acronym for Axl Rose and 13. Closed handshake items in prison Slash’s band 14. Travel wait term (Abbrev.) (Prison Slang) 12. Football movie “___ 15. Highway ___ 66 61. Bag of products when you Given Sunday” 16. Cusack of “Castle” first arrived at a prison 18. To run with a whirring 17. Carrie of “Person of (Prison Slang) sound Interest“ and “Crowded” 64. Iranian language related 20. The last thing we did last 19. Custom of folkway of the to Old Persian night Irish people 68. “Honest ___” 22. Acronym for American 21. Host of CNN’s “United 69. (Suffix) forming feminine branch military SEALs Returns” LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS Shades of America” W. names or titles 23. Lexus car model 44. Irregular line formed on 23. Desert in Mongolia 70. Abbrev. for Latin Legum 24. Asian classification in infinite number of 26. To happen as a Baccalaureus prison (Abbrev.) irregular sections consequence 71. Acronym of group that 25. Sheep’s cry 45. Beach footwear 27. To draw on glass or metal supports American 28. Country duo Maddie &__ 46. Homer’s boss Mr. with acid military families 29. Acronym of folk band with 47. OJ’s trial judge 31. To begin 72. Acronym of synthetic John Fogerty 48. Gone by 33. This insect ruins picnics drug similar to LSD 30. Cartoon character __-Man 49. Truckers’ radio (Abbrev.) 34. With speed, swiftly 73. Electrified fish 32. Path for hiking or biking 51. Obviously 35. Song “Sweet Nothing” 74. Weep aloud 34. Cartoon dog from 53. Result of even score Calvin 75. Network of Terry Gross’ “The Jetsons” basketball game (Abbrev.) 37. Religious celebration on a show “Fresh Air” 36. Acronym for the global 55. Slyness and cunning in Sunday DOWN bank dealing with others 39. FM alternative 1. Acronym of the value of a 38. Goddess personifying 56. “Talking Bodies” singer 62. Apple’s former competitor 40. Audi race car model country’s annual output criminal folly 59. Late Merle Haggard’s song 63. Game, ___, Match 41. Export/import tax 2. Spoil or disfigure 41. “She so high” singer ___ “____ From Muskokee” 65. Large cask for beer 45. Balkin country occupied 3. A gibbon Bachman 60. English economist or wine by Germans in WWII 4. Cheese made by Greeks 42. Unit of land in the metric Beatrice Potter 66. C.O.’s weapon 49. Comedian Burnett 5. Medical term for mouth system 61. Skinny jeans or parachute 67. And not, or not, 50. Acronym for daily food like opening (Suffix) 43. Brandon of “Superman pants are types of and not either Page 14 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 Aumenta Numero de Jovenes Latinos en Hospitales Psiquiátricos

Por Larry Smith hay suficientes médicos para ños enfrentando esos problemas afectados por la sequía y la gran ciales para ofrecer servicios de Gremio Periodístico satisfacer la demanda.” de salud. recesión, argumenta García, lo salud mental básicos. Jeff Rackmil, director del En el transcurso de su car- cual ha generado ansiedad, abu- Rossy Gomar, del pueblo de La hospitalización psiquiátri- sistema de salud de los niños rera el Dr. Alok Banga, direc- so de sustancias y otros prob- Oakdale es una de las trabajado- ca de jóvenes latinos en Cali- en el condado de Alameda, tor médico en el Hospital Sierra lemas psicológicos. ras sociales. Ella dedica de 60 a fornia ha incrementado drásti- mencionó que el crecimiento Vista en Sacramento, se ha dado De acuerdo a la recopilación 70 horas a la semana mantenien- camente con relación a los de la población y el aumento de cuenta que algunos padres in- de datos, la hospitalización do una relación entre el gobier- niños y jóvenes anglosajones y niños latinos bajo el programa migrantes no creen en enferme- psiquiátrica de jóvenes latinos no local y los residentes latinos. afro-americanos, de acuerdo a de Medi-Cal podría ser la razón dades mentales y no entienden la por cuestiones mentales en el Rossy comenta, “Hay muchos la información estatal. Exper- del incremento. necesidad de atención cuando un condado de Fresno se ha trip- jóvenes quienes no tienen nin- tos están en desacuerdo sobre la Sin embargo, la población la- niño cae en depresión o intenta licado entre el 2007 y el 2014, guna esperanza.” causa. tina de 24 años y menores en suicidarse. Varios padres de fa- mientras el índice de afro-amer- Sin embargo, esa situación Entre los años 2007 y 2014 los California aumento solamente milia tienen más de un empleo, icanos y anglosajones muestra puede cambiar gracias al trabajo latinos de 21 años y menores tu- un 8% del 2007 al 2014, de acu- menciono el Dr. Alok, y aquellos un incremento de casi el doble. de Rossy. Un cliente de Gomar vieron un incremento de 86% en erdo a estadísticas estatales. sin un estado legal temen acudir “Los servicios para esta po- de 17 años de edad, cuyo nom- hospitalizaciones de salud men- Además, menos de un 4% de a un hospital y enfrentar al Ser- blación se ha retrasado por déca- bre se ha remitido por causas tal de acuerdo a la información niños latinos recibieron servi- vicio de Protección de Niños. das en relación a donde debería de privacidad, relato como la de la oficina de desarrollo y cios especiales de salud mental De acuerdo al Dr. Banga, la de estar hoy”, comenta García. consejería le ayudo a superar el planeación de la salud a nivel a través del programa de Medi- falta de psiquiátras para niños Algunos hospitales reportan haber terminado una relación estatal. En el mismo período los Cal entre el 2010 y el 2014, lo y de un servicio al cliente dis- que niños se mantienen estanca- con su novio. Ella había estado jóvenes Anglosajones y afro- cual contrasta con un 7% entre ponible para comunidades lati- dos por días en los pasillos de consumiendo alcohol, usando americanos tuvieron un incre- los niños anglosajones y afro- nas sigue siendo un gran prob- los cuartos de emergencia, espe- drogas, hasta el punto de con- mento de 21% y 31% respectiva- americanos elegibles. lema. rando una cama en el hospital en templar quitarse la vida ya que mente. “Frecuentemente las familias “El incumplimiento del trata- medio de una crisis psiquiátrica. tenía miedo hablar con sus pa- Leslie Preston, Directora esperan hasta que los niños es- miento médico recae en insti- “Es una experiencia traumática dres al respecto. Finalmente, de salud de la Clinica de La tén afectados mentalmente”, co- tuciones: hospitales, cárceles y para las familias y los niños,” decidió acudir a la oficina de la Raza, sugiere que la escasez de mento el Doctor Sergio Aguilar prisiones,” expreso el Dr. Banga. comunico Shannyn McDon- trabajadora social y comenzó a psiquiátras bilingües y bicul- Gaxiola, profesor de Medicina Juan García, Profesor retirado ald, Jefe del Departamento del llorar. turales limita el acceso al cui- en la Escuela Davis, de la Uni- de la Universidad del Estado de sistema de Comportamiento de “Gomar me dijo todo va a es- dado preventivo a los niños lati- versidad de California. California en Fresno, expreso Salud de los niños. tar bien, te queremos aquí,” La nos, lo cual se une a la crisis que Otros expertos sostienen que que los servicios psicológicos En años recientes el condado muchacha comento. “Cuando enfrentan los profesionales. la resistencia cultural y el es- son escasos en el Central Valley, ha expandido su programa de estaba hablando con ella, me “Todos están tratando de tigma detectado en la consejería donde la mayoría de agricultores publicidad, que se encarga de sentí mucho mejor.” contratar médicos que hablen de salud mental, afectan los re- son latinos. Estos trabajadores contratar a miembros de la co- –Traducción Tare español”, Preston declaro. “No portes de familias latinas con ni- han sido y siguen siendo los más munidad como trabajadores so- Beltranchuc y Marco Villa A Rise in Latino Youth Psychiatric Hospitalization

The psychiatric hospitaliza- riod, White and Black youths not enough clinicians to meet services through Medi-Cal be- more than tripled between 2007 tions of Latino youths in Cali- saw 21 percent and 35 percent that demand.” tween 2010 and 2014, which and 2014, according to the data, fornia are dramatically outpac- increases, respectively. Jeff Rackmil, director of the stands in contrast to 7 percent while rates for their Black and ing those of White and Black Leslie Preston, behavioral children’s healthcare system in rates among eligible Black and White peers about doubled. children and young adults, ac- health director of La Clinica de Alameda County, said popula- White children. “The services to this popula- cording to state data. Experts La Raza, suggests the shortage tion growth and the increase of “Often, [families] wait until tion lag decades behind where are at odds over what is causing of bilingual, bicultural mental Latino children insured under [children] are falling apart,” said they should be,” Garcia told the increase. health workers limits the access Medi-Cal could account for the Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, a Kaiser Heath News. Kaiser Health News reports Latino children have to preven- rise. professor at University of Cali- Some hospitals report chil- that between 2007 and 2014, La- tative care, which adds to the But California’s Latino popu- fornia at Davis Medical School. dren stuck in emergency room tinos 21 and younger saw an 86 potential for a later crisis faced lation aged 24 and younger in- Other experts contend that hallways for days, waiting for percent spike in mental health by professionals. creased by less than 8 percent cultural resistance and the per- hospital beds amid psychiat- hospitalizations, according to “Everybody’s trying to hire from 2007 to 2014, according to ceived stigma of mental health ric crises. “It makes for a very information from the Office of the Spanish-speaking clini- state figures. Furthermore, less counseling exacerbates the low- traumatized experience for both Statewide Health Planning and cians,” Preston told Kaiser than 4 percent of Latino children er rates of reporting by Latino families and children,” said Development. In the same pe- Health News. “There are just received specialty mental health families with children facing Shannyn McDonald, chief of the those issues. Stanislaus County Behavioral In the experience of Dr. Alok Health Department’s children’s Banga, medical director at Si- system of care. Woman Receives Certificate erra Vista Hospital in Sacra- In recent years the county has mento, some immigrant parents expanded its “promotora pro- don’t believe in mental illness gram,” which enlists members Of Rehabilitation from Judge and fail to grasp the urgency of the Latino community to when a child has depression or talk to their peers about mental By Forrest Lee Jones sen by Illinois through the 15 years ago may have had on attempts suicide. Many parents health. Journalism Guild Writer actions of then State Senator her suitability for employment work several jobs, he said, and Rossy Gomar, from the town Barack Obama, says the re- no longer exists. Jane Doe is those without legal status can be of Oakdale, is one of those so- A U.S. district judge issued port. rehabilitated.” afraid of coming to the hospi- cial workers. She spends 60 to a “certificate of rehabilitation” “The federal system has Expunging a criminal record tal or crossing paths with Child 70 hours a week as a liaison be- to a woman he had sentenced much to gain from adopting a is a “forgiveness” model. In Protective Services. tween the town government and over a decade ago, according certification system similar to other words, while the court But, the lack of child psychia- Latino residents. to a report by the Collateral those in certain states,” said acknowledges the conviction trists and outpatient services “There are many young peo- Consequences Resource Cen- Gleeson. and leaves the person’s crimi- available to Latino communities ple who don’t have any hope,” ter. According to the case, Jane nal record intact, it uses a cer- remains the biggest problem, she said. In his final tenure on the Doe ran into trouble gaining tificate of rehabilitation or par- according to Banga. But thanks to her work, bench, U.S. District Judge John employment given her crimi- don as a symbolic expression “The default course for treat- that may be changing. One of Gleeson offered a ruling that nal record. Gleeson acknowl- of society’s forgiveness of the ment falls on institutions: hospi- Gomar’s clients, a 17-year-old set a new precedent for federal edged that most prospective underlying offense conduct. tals, jails and prisons,” he said. whose name was withheld for courts in modifying conse- employers do not have the “The forgiveness model ... Juan Garcia, professor emeri- her privacy, related how such quential effects of a criminal “time or resources to gain a is gaining favor in the reentry tus at California State Univer- counseling helped following a record that doesn’t completely comprehensive understanding community for both functional sity, Fresno, noted that psycho- break-up with her boyfriend. erase it, says the report. of who Doe is” and then deter- and philosophical reasons...,” logical services in the Central She had been drinking, abusing Gleeson’s opinion could in- mine whether her conviction Gleeson said. “I believe a cer- Valley, where many agricultural drugs, contemplating suicide form how future sentencing should play a role in her hiring. tificate of rehabilitation can workers are Latino, are espe- and was afraid to talk to her courts can influence a poten- But in the case, Gleeson said significantly alleviate the col- cially sparse. These workers parents. tial employer to give a sec- he did the work for the pro- lateral effects of a criminal bore and still bear the brunt of Eventually, she walked into ond chance to a person with a spective employers. record by emitting a powerful the drought and great recession, Gomar’s office and began to cry. criminal record, according to “I’ve reviewed each page of signal that the same system he argues, which has resulted “She told me ‘Everything is the report. Doe’s trial transcript,” Glee- that found a person deserving in anxiety, substance abuse and OK. We want you here,” the girl Gleeson drew from certifi- son said in his opinion. “Any of punishment has now found other psychological issues. explained. “When I was talking cate models created by other legitimate impact that her that individual fit to fully re- Psychiatric hospitalizations with her, I felt so much better.” states, including the one cho- fraudulent actions more than join the community.” of Fresno County Latino youths –Larry Smith June 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 15 SQ’s Chapel Services Provide Positive Impact By Forrest Lee Jones es. Journalism Guild Writer San Quentin State Prison Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jack- Religion behind bars can have son said reformatory tools aim a major positive impact on pris- at changing lives include Bible oners turning their lives around, studies, seminary classes, music a university researcher reports. and youth ministries. “There is a humanity that I “The principles of God’s word think the prison church embod- give these men the desire to ies that is extraordinary,” said change and live a more lawful Jason Sexton in an interview life,” the chaplain commented in with the Orange County Regis- an interview. ter. Sexton is a University Hon- San Quentin’s Catholic Priest ors lecturer at the California Father George Williams, S.J., State University at Fullerton said, “It’s not the program it- who specializes in Theology. self that changes the inmate; it’s His research focuses on the the inmates wanting to change interracial and intergenerational themselves.” components of prison churches. Williams said in an interview Sexton was incarcerated for some inmates embrace religion three years in the 1990s by the because they are looking for California Youth Authority. meaning, purpose and direc- He hopes his research will tion in their lives. They come to disclose more about churches a point where they realize they File photo in California prisons, espe- must change. They are men who San Quentin’s Chapel Plaza cially those associated with the were raised up in the church, fell Christian faith, the Feb. 25 story away and now have come back. ships like drug addiction and because many incarcerated in- ances between prison churches stated. However, Sexton discovered violence,” Sexton said. dividuals in California prisons and outside churches benefit The report says that Sexton other less-honorable reasons Prison churches also tran- will one day be released and the transition of former inmates plans to address questions, in- why inmates join a church, such scend generational factors of should be able to transition back back into society. cluding; If there is hope for reha- as protection, a designated time prisoners. Sexton is interested to the workforce and positively “The different churches that bilitation while in prison? What and place to meet with other in- in whether age is a factor in how contribute to society, Sexton come into the Garden Chapel to types of reformation agents are mates, interaction with women churches attract or affect partici- said. minister to the inmate congrega- available? Why do incarcerated volunteers, and access to prison pants. “My relationship with God tion serve as an example to them individuals join religious com- resources. “When it works, it seems to has given me hope, faith and and encourage them to want to munities? Most noteworthy to Sexton me that Christians uniquely love. I hope to pastor a church live a better life, once they’re re- He said he intends to inter- is how races interact in prison care for their own in ways that someday,” said Trent Capell, leased,” said Chaplain Jackson. view about 50 formerly incar- churches. “Your race dictates display a special solidarity,” he educational minister for the San “Volunteers who come into cerated people, most of them everything (in prison),” he said. commented. Quentin Garden Chapel. the Catholic Chapel to fellow- former California prisoners in “It showcases the structures that Sexton reported the Califor- “Religion has given me ship with the inmate congrega- for a significant time. are at play in the prisons.” nia prison population has nearly strength to endure, peace of tion remind them that they are Sexton said the reasons in- “But when it comes to prison grown six-fold since 1980. The mind and hope for the future. still part of the Catholic Church,” mates turn to prison churches churches, race doesn’t seem to California Department of Cor- When I’m released someday, I said Chaplain Williams. include motivation, direction, be as significant. Prison church- rections and Rehabilitation re- hope to restore my community,” “I am curious to see how the- meaning for life, hope for the es transcend racial barriers, and ports the state’s prison popula- said Garden Chapel Clerk Dar- ology can help us understand future, peace of mind, positive participants will often assist one tion is about 123,000. rell “Obadiah” Flowers. (California prisons) better and self-esteem and lifestyle chang- another in overcoming hard- The issue is hard-pressing Sexton said he believes alli- do better with it,” says Sexton. Kevin Carr’s Nineteen Years of Struggles and Healing

By Juan Haines male role models and masculin- because, looking back, I was struggling.” Senior Editor ity, drug and alcohol abuse, fi- not ready to be paroled. I still Carr said that he was able to nancial literacy, criminal think- needed to do a lot of work on meet his son for the first time Kevin Carr says he can now ing and how to safely re-enter myself.” in 19 years. His son, Kevin Jr., see the light at the end of the the community. In 2012, three strikes reform was in the same jail. tunnel since California voters “My upbringing as a man passed through Proposition 36, “We spent two hours togeth- passed initiatives in 2012 and comes from taking these and Carr was interviewed by a er in the holding tank, crying, 2014 that reduced the state’s groups,” Carr said. “But most local television station, along embracing each other,” Carr tough on crime laws. impactful was the leadership of with several other prisoners. said. “A week later, I saw my Nineteen years ago, Carr was Pastor Curry (former San Quen- “It was kind of depressing,” 21-year-old daughter. She drove a different person. tin Protestant chaplain). He Carr said, “Everyone in that in- up from Phoenix. I saw a lot of “I was struck out for a com- gave me the chance to teach my terview has been paroled. I’m family during my time in the mercial burglary for stealing first Bible study. That sparked the last one to go. But, I stayed county jail. The judge was im- about $160 worth of children’s an eight-year period of teaching strong and continued the work.” pressed by the 17 family mem- clothes,” Carr said. “After I got Christianity to the men in blue. Carr applied for relief, three bers who were coming to all the caught, I got into a scuffle with Teaching also helped me be- years later, after the passage of hearings. He said since being a security guard.” come a better person. My aim Proposition 47. on the bench, he’s never seen so

Carr said the incident was not Courtesy of Kevin Carr and goal is to help people with “I don’t want to complain,” much support.” his first encounter with the law, their spiritual growth.” Carr said. “I needed the time as During his re-sentencing, the and for that he was given a life Kevin Carr Carr said he’s also been en- a spiritual man,” adding “When judge considered Carr’s accom- sentence under the state’s Three ferent programs, like Project couraged through sports. I got a letter from the courts, plishments in prison, letters of Strikes Law. REACH,” which is a literacy “Playing sports kept me bal- I knew I had a chance at free- support from correctional offi- His incarceration experi- program geared toward at-risk anced with being a man of God,” dom.” cers and that he didn’t have any ence is typical for a California youth, Carr said. “Then, within he said. “A lot of men saw that Carr said his Los Angeles serious rules violations. inmate. He began his life sen- a year, I got my high school di- even though I had downfalls County Jail experience was an With that in mind, the judge tence at a maximum-security ploma. But, even though I was and uprisings, I kept a positive emotional roller coaster. took away Carr’s life sentence prison. However, by staying putting forth an effort to better and spiritual attitude.” “Three days after I got to and left him with 21 years and clean, he worked his way to a my life, I was still dealing with Carr said being involved with county jail a riot broke out be- three months to serve. Carr has medium-security prison -- San the fact that I had a life sen- Christian Ministries has also tween Black and Hispanics,” less than three years to apply Quentin. tence.” bettered his relationships. Carr said. “But I took a stance for parole. “I came here with an under- Carr said he ultimately “I learned how to be sacri- not to get involved. About a “Meeting with my children standing that I could do what I gained the ability to grasp how ficial and selfless,” he said. “I week later, I got a deadly dis- was so impactful. Since then, wanted to do,” Carr said. “But, his criminal acts affected his learned I could be more outgo- ease that was not treated until my daughter has changed her I didn’t know that God was pre- victims, the community, his ing and how to communicate five days after I got it.” life and is working for a bank,” paring me for something big- family and himself through the with others.” “While I was in the county Carr said. “My son has gotten ger.” help of Victim Offender Edu- He says he needed the San jail, I talked to a lot of young- out of jail, stopped gang-bang- Carr said he got a spiritual cation Group (VOEG). VOEG Quentin experience in order to sters,” Carr said. “They were ing, got a job, has sole custody awakening and a desire to seek puts crime victims and offend- mature and become the person asking me if I knew their fa- of his 7-year-old son, and be- insight into the factors that led ers together to seek healing he is today. thers who were in prison. They came a youth minister.” him to prison through a Chris- through dialogue centered on “The failure of Proposition didn’t know their dads, and “I’ve learned the importance tian fellowship group, Dug Out the rippling effects of crime. 66 was bitter/sweet,” Carr said they lacked a male role model. of rehabilitation, family ties, Ministries. Carr’s list of self-help groups referring to a 2006 attempt at Eight out of 10 didn’t know unity and an enduring spiritual “I was introduced to dif- includes programs that examine three strikes reform. “I say this their dads while mothers were foundation” Carr said. Page 16 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 The Civil War Through the Eyes of a Protagonist By Juan Haines rior-like per- Senior Editor sona in the last battle, The Red Badge of Courage Book Review Crane used (1895) is a powerful story- symbolism in telling event, placed during He had not enlisted of his free grave. a very smart the American Civil War. It is will. He had been dragged The Red Badge of Courage way: told through the eyes of pro- by the merciless government. has a relentless storytelling The battle tagonist, Henry Flemming, re- And now they were taking appeal through its contrast flag in the ferred to as the youth. him to be slaughtered. against keen observations d i s g r a c e Author, Stephen Crane uses Dehumanization shows ups about Nature in wartime. jerked about the youth’s observations while in how the youth interprets his The round red discharges madly. It in the mists of battle to give superiors’ attitude about send- from the guns made a crimson seemed to be readers an honest look at an ing his regiment into, what he flare and a high, thick smoke. s t r u g g l i n g individual’s core beliefs and believed to be, a losing battle: Nature keeps its neutrality, to free it- his self-evaluation regarding A dog, a woman, an’ a wal- by adhering to a constant state self from an the circumstance of death. nut tree, Th’ more yeh beat of clam in spite of man’s de- agony. The Crane sets up the reader by ‘em, th’ better they be! structive character. b i l l o w i n g using institutionalization, de- It was the youth’s shame There was much blood upon smoke was humanization, and peer pres- about running fearfully away the grass blades. filled with sure as literary devices. from the battle that caused Crane is constantly inter- h o r i z o n t a l The youth’s institutionaliza- him to look inward, seeking preting the meaning of being flashes. tion is depicted in the begin- worth. a warrior and while struggling W h e n ning of the novel through his The youth, in seeing how for dignity and life in the mist Henry trans- attitude about war. his peers viewed death, sought of battle. formed into Crane creates an interesting the same: …he instantly saw that it the warrior, link with the youth’s transfor- He conceived persons with would be impossible for him the war hero, mation of being institutional- torn bodies to be peculiarly to escape from the regiment. the person ized to his expectations that happy. He wished that he too, It inclosed him. And there that his superiors look to as an When all is done and it is he’d be proud of conduct dur- had a wound, a red badge of were iron laws of tradition and example of the type of person over, The Red Badge of Cour- ing war. courage. law on four sides. He was in a who’d fight and kill in war, it age, readers should look for As he perceived this fact it As he went on, he seemed moving box. was a reminder of the person how Crane, long before this occurred to him that he had always looking for a place, While finding a way to keep who’d he’d wanted himself to time, tackles Post-Traumatic never wished to come to war. like one who goes to choose a the youth’s dignity and war- be seen as. Stress Disorder. Heroic Traits Learned From Father or Father Figures By Angelo Falcone father is my superhero. From Matthew Nguyen said that be- Journalism Guild Writer saving me when I was choking cause of his father, he learned to trying to keep me from hang- to help others when they are Father’s Day is always the ing out with the wrong crowd, he Asked On The Line in need or in an emergency. “I third Sunday of June. It is a day protected my life. Now that he is learned to be like my father, just set aside in honor of fathers. old and sick, I want to save him. With my father, it was not al- in-law gave me his daughter’s like when he fought in the Viet- Webster’s New World College I will always remember him as ways easy growing up in the hand, and I learned to see the nam War.” Dictionary states--among 12 my superhero. I love you Dad!” South, but he loved me in the beauty in marriage and to be- Anthony “Habib” Watkins: noun definitions—that father Dwayne Jones said, “My fa- best way he knew. He taught me hold God’s gift to man.” “The person I have great admi- is “a person regarded as a male ther taught me to be responsible. how to drive a car and encour- Dwight Krizman: “My dad ration for is my father Marvin parent; protector.” Among the He taught me to respect others, aged me to love my mother and was born in 1914 in Eastern Eu- Watkins. He will forever be the five transitive verb definitions, and to always be a best friend, siblings unconditionally. My fa- rope. He immigrated to the Unit- greatest man that has ever lived. to be a father is “to take respon- the best brother, uncle and fa- ther figure taught me how to be ed States and became a proud He taught me to work hard, to be sibility for.” ther. Thanks, Dad.” accountable for my actions and U.S. citizen. He taught me how a good provider, and to let my “Asked on the Line” ap- Antwan Williams said that how to cry without being embar- to live with dignity and honor actions have the biggest effect proached men in blue and asked his father always told him, “You rassed or ashamed. My father- and to always be myself!” of all.” them to tell us of any admirable are a Williams. You can adapt to traits they learned or inherited anything.” This phrase meant a • June is the second of four months in a year with thirty (30) days. This year, June has five from their fathers or father-fig- lot to Antwan. “My father gave Wednesdays and five Thursdays. ures. me the courage and confidence • Flag Day is on Tuesday, June 14; Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 19, and the summer solstice, William Tolbert replied with to face life as it is presented to or first day of summer, is on Monday, June 20. a poem for William Earl Tolbert me. Thank you, Dad,” said An- • For the Christian community, the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is on Friday, Sr., in memory of his father: twan. June 3; the Obligatory Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary is o “With the breath you have given Sam Johnson Sr. honored Saturday, June 4, and the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, is on Friday, June 24. • For members of the Muslim community, the first day of Ramadan begins at sundown on me, I have overcome my fears. three men. “To my father Chris- Monday, June 6. I embrace you. You are my fa- topher J. Johnson, my father • According to the World Almanac, June is National Candy Month, Potty Training Awareness Month, ther.” figure, Jack Diocesan, and my National Safety Month, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. Christopher Scull said, “My father-in-law Hans Williams: • There are two astrological signs in June: Gemini, the sign of the Twins (May 21 to June 21) and Cancer, the sign of the Crab (June 22 to July 22) • The June birthstone is the Pearl, Moonstone or Alexandrite. San Quentin’s Legal Mail Log Procedures The federal and state constitu- tion guarantee inmates the abil- ity to bring their cases to court. However, most of them do so MAC Corner without lawyers. It is important for inmates to outgoing legal mail to all state outgoing legal mail in addition keep track of what court papers courts, federal courts and to the to incoming legal mail. are sent and received to and California Attorney General. Prison regulations require that

Courtesy of Anthony Watkins from court. All of this tracking No other outgoing legal mail is the log must contain, at a mini- is done by mail. logged by the mail room,” said mum, the date of delivery to the Anthony’s father Marvin Watkins Sr., 89, Mail going to the court is la- mail room Supervisor Alex Lile. inmate, the inmate’s name and with his great granddaughter, Lisa beled “confidential correspon- Inmates who file court papers signature, and the sender’s name “The person I have great admiration for is dence” or “legal mail.” and want a copy of their incom- and address. Senders of legal my father Marvin Watkins. He will forever be The mail room at San Quen- ing legal mail log must make mail must be listed either in the the greatest man that has ever lived. He taught tin does not keep a log of any that request to housing unit cus- Department Operations Manual me to work hard, to be a good provider, and to incoming legal mail. It is only tody staff, where the permanent (DOM) §54010.12.1 or in the let my actions have the biggest effect of all.” required to keep a log of outgo- record of incoming legal mail is Title 15 of the California Code ing legal mail. kept, says Lile. of Regulations (CCR) §3141(c). –Anthony “Habib” Watkins “We only keep a mail log of Housing unit staff also logs all –Angelo Falcone June 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 17 Beverly Parenti Awarded for Her Work With SQ Inmates By Noel Scott gram has also taught inmates interview with CBS. Journalism Guild Writer how to start a business and Leal is one of the gradu- other entrepreneurial skills ates of The Last Mile who is Providing inmates with necessary in the industry to- now out of prison and gain- valuable skills that they can day. Shortly after The Last fully employed. Leal currently utilize for employment once Mile began teaching computer manages campus services for out of prison became a prior- coding at San Quentin. RocketSpace, a technology in- ity for Beverly Parenti and her For her ground-breaking cubator in San Francisco. husband, Chris Redlitz, after work with the inmates of San “Computer coding is one a visit to San Quentin State Quentin State Prison, Parenti business area where you would Prison five years ago. recently received the Jefferson be judged by the quality of “Our mission is to provide Award, reported CBS News. your work, not by the stigma marketable skills that will re- “What The Last Mile did of your past,” said Parenti. sult in gainful employment,” File photo was introduce us to the idea of The Last Mile program has said Parenti in an interview Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti how technology has changed, become so successful that with CBS SF Bay Area News. the way businesses operate it has received funding for “We believe that having a job Parenti and Redlitz, who spired to create The Last Mile and the way businesses com- expansion to six more prisons is truly the key to successful spent years working in the program after meeting the in- pete,” said Kenyatta Leal, a including two women’s re-entry.” high-tech industry, were in- mates at the prison. The pro- graduate of the program, in an facilities. The Last Mile’s Graduate Finds Work in Silicon Valley By Steven Harris By staying out of trouble dur- participants to build businesses voters changed the Three Journalism Guild Writer ing his incarceration, Leal was based on their passions; then, Strikes law, which gave transferred to San Quentin in “they swim in a shark tank a judge the opportunity An inmate released from San 2006. and learn how to present their to review Leal’s case and Quentin prison has a new life He said he took advantage ideas in a professional manner,” prison files. working for a high-tech com- of the numerous self-help pro- Redlitz said. “In the end, when The judge changed pany in Silicon Valley. grams at San Quentin, including the men return to the commu- Leal’s life sentence to Chrisfino Kenyatta Leal grew The Last Mile (TLM). nity, they’re transformed into seven years. Leal had up in San Diego, California, quit TLM is the brainchild of ven- confident businessmen.” already served 19 and was school and began dealing drugs. ture capitalists Beverly Parenti Leal graduated from TLM in released from prison. In 1991 he was sent to prison and Chris Redlitz and provides 2012. Since an initial intern- for three years for an armed rob- inmates with the opportunity Scores of Bay Area business ship, Leal has become bery of a restaurant. to develop innovative business leaders attended the gradua- RocketSpace’s manager of Leal said when after his re- concepts. tion, including Duncan Logan, campus services. lease from prison he went back “A great opportunity for me to the founder of RocketSpace, a “I think that there’s a to the same crowd with the same transform my hustle,” Leal told company that provides offices parallel between the entre- criminal thinking. The New York Times. and supportive ecosystems for preneur and the prisoner,” In 1994, Leal was arrested for Parenti said the purpose be- startups. he told the Times. “A lot possessing a gun as an ex-felon hind TLM originally was to re- When Logan met Leal he of- of these guys, they‘ve and sentenced to 25 years to life duce recidivism and reduce the fered him a job upon his release failed, and they got up, and under California’s newly enact- cost of prison spending. from prison. they’re trying again. And File photo ed Three Strikes law. Redlitz said he advises TLM That November, California so have I.” Chrisfino Kenyatta Leal Opening Day Attracts a Large Crowd of Spectators Continued from Page 1 Burnham to come in for the tie. “I remember that play from Duane Harris, Mission’s first high school,” said Burnham. baseman added, “The wheels “I’m just glad to be back. Every just fell off. We made a lot of time I come, I think about the defensive mistakes, but we are criminal justice system. All the very honored to have played the reforms coming are for the bet- opening game.” ter. I hope to see more on the The Mission stayed in the state level.” game, down 2-0 in the fourth. Lavie added, “This is a Shortstop Chris Powell singled unique experience. It’s good and stole second. Mitch people and a great view here Burnham walked, setting up with Mount Tam in the back- first time visitor Elan Lavie, ground. I think it’s healthy to who hit a deep ball in the center have sports in prison.” field gap. Lavie drove in Powell, It was particularly healthy for but injured himself running to All-Star David Fraire. He was first. Burnham made it to third. just released from the Security Pitcher Sean Presley substituted Housing Unit (SHU) after nine for Lavie. Presley sacrificed years. himself by getting caught on a “I appreciate the institution Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News fake steal to second, allowing and especially the guys who Rubin Harper headed for homebase have been out here belted out a beautiful national from the Marin Independent paving the way for anthem. The All-Stars also de- Journal newspaper. The peren- this type of pro- buted their new uniforms. nial hecklers let both teams gram,” said Fraire. Mission Head Coach Greg know that they were involved in “To play and so- Snyder received a baseball every play. cialize with people signed by all the All-Stars play- Matt Goldman, first-time from the streets, ers in recognition of his service visitor and Mission player, said, this is real life. I’m and dedication to the program. “These guys are better than enjoying this atmo- Snyder has consistently brought most teams we play on the out- sphere of brother- teams in over the years. This side.” hood without the was their first opening day. He is the varsity coach at a prison drama. Now “I like the ceremony and high school and a sports writer I can work on going receiving the ball,” said Sny- for SB Sport Blog Nation. He home.” der. “It was sweet; I thank ev- went 3 for 1 for the game. The April 30 erybody. I like this program; I “This was a good win,” said event started with think everybody deserve some All-Stars inside Head Coach the San Quentin breaks. These guys make the John “Yah Yah” Parrett. “This color guard walking games fun, and I like play- gave a lot of former (SQ) A’s down the first base ing with people with good at- players a chance to face Mis- line and presenting titudes. I congratulate them on sion. We are still young, but as the flags in front of their win.” time goes by, we will get bet- the pitcher’s mound. The game bought out a large ter. We will never take any team Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Inmate Barton crowd of prisoners and staff. lightly.” John Windham rounding second base “Sky” Buenavista It was witnessed by a reporter –Marcus Henderson Page 18 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 Two Records Broken At Fifth Annual Relay Meet By Marcus Henderson John Windham, who set the and Carlyle Blake. Each run- Staff Writer record in 2014. They shaved ner would have to run a 1:02 or off two seconds of their time, faster to do it. Burton ran the Two record-breaking per- coming in at 1:44. fastest leg in this relay with a formances highlighted the “We’re getting older and 0:59 ¼ mile, but the team fell San Quentin 1000 Mile Club’s faster,” said Evans. “It’s the 7.26 seconds short of the re- Fifth Annual Relay Meet. spectators that make these cord coming in at 4:14. The team of Carlos Moreno, events go. To see them cheer “This is incredible,” said Jim Chris Scull, Eddie Herena and makes us all go; it’s uplifting.” Maloney, first-time visitor and Markelle Taylor broke the 4 x Evans entertained the large volunteer. “To see all these 1 mile relay with the time of crowd by running barefoot. different people come togeth- 21:34. Each premier runner ran “It feels good to give the er. Running is a spiritual and the mile with speed and focus. people a show, but we want to holistic experience for your Even an unwanted alarm could bring more youngsters out,” whole well-being.” not slow them down. After the said Walker. Maloney read about the yard resumed Herena shot out The team of Walker, Cannon, club in the February issue of the blocks with the speed of a Windham and Evans also won GQ magazine, listened to the cheetah, making up lost time the 4 x 100 meters shuttle relay interviews on KCBS, and de- and beating the record by a in 0:48.28., just missing the cided to donate his time to the minute. record by 1.28 set by Erick program. Photo by Kristina Khokhobashvili “We put the work in,” said Nelson, Leroy Lucas, Tone Oscar Aguilar, Chris Schuh- Chris Scull leading Morceli Abdel Kader in race Sculls. “This is the fruit of our Evans and John Windham in macher, Cuactemoc “Temo” labor, and it tastes great.” 2014. Zamora and Jesus Sanchez my family and this program. Elder club member Dennis Herena added, “I couldn’t do The final event of the meet won the Distance Medley race It helps me think differently. I Barnes, 66, concluded, “This it without Markelle. He’s a nat- was the 4 x ¼ Mile Relay. The with the time of 13:59.83. The want to get out and run in other team makes life worthwhile. ural leader along with the rest same team that won the 4 x medley consisted of three laps competitions.” The younger guys say we are of the team. We set our mind to 100M and 4 x 200M relays ear- for the first-leg, one lap, then The April 15 event displayed an inspiration for them, but go for the record.” lier in the meet ran with Joshua two laps and four laps to close. skills and unity for the partici- they are an inspiration for us The 4 x 200 meter Sprint Burton substituting for Tone “Most of my team speaks pants. to keep running. I like to thank relay record fell to the same Evans. They hoped to break Spanish,” said Schuhmacher. “It’s about positive people all the coaches; they are super high-performance crew of the record of 4:08 set in 2013 “This shows we can come to- supporting each other in a people.” Donald “Tex” Walker, Jona- by Malcolm Williams, Morceli gether.” negative place,” said Tommy – ­Frank Ruona than Cannon, Tone Evans and Abdel Kader, Jahkeem Stokes Sanchez added, “I run for Wickerd, club runner. contributed to this story SQ Kings Win In Overtime Over Trailblazers

By Steven Harris bounding. His team regained Journalism Guild Writer the lead at half-time, 24-18. Kings’ head coach Orlando The San Quentin Kings bas- Harris had to ignite his team ketball team tracked down the to stay focused. visiting Trailblazers to tie the “We committed too many game and win in overtime, 70- turnovers,” said Harris. “We 65. needed to take care of the ball.” “We committed two crucial At half-time, both teams met turnovers with 10 seconds at the half-court circle. Lewis to play and that cost us the talked about how he got to game,” Trailblazer head coach prison and what playing bas- Ted Saltveit said. ketball means to him. In the fourth quarter, the “I shot a guy in the leg,” said Trailblazers were up 65-63, Lewis. “I did not want to kill with seconds left to play. King him. He just beat up another Marvin Cosby knocked down guy real bad and he wanted to a three-pointer for the lead. fight me next.” The Trailblazers tied it up with Lewis got 15 years for that five seconds to go. and 94 years of enhancements. The Trailblazers had the He said that he won awards for ball again going for the win playing ball in school and only but tried to force the ball to Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News his real family came to his forward Will Wheatly. King D. “Zyad” Nickolson making a lay-up defended by Trailblazer Will Wheatly games. Demond Lewis denied the “I wanted to go to college,” ball and both teams scrambled ball at the rim. It fell short to with 12 points. Crosby ran the “We needed to speed up the said Lewis. “I got my girl- for the loose ball. King Oris send the game into OT. offense with controlled ball tempo,” said Williams. “We friend pregnant. Now I play “Pep” Williams came up with In overtime, Kings forward savvy. His knockdown mid- got some points on the fast ball for them and my new fam- the ball. Lewis was open for a D. “Zayd” Nickolson worked range jumpers and his free break. It was a beautiful day.” ily here at San Quentin.” potential lay-up, but Williams hard in the low post rebound- throws secured the win. He The game started slow The intensity increased in did not see him and heaved the ing and scoring. He finished finished with 15 points. and neither team could find the second half. Williams led a rhythm. Lewis hit a three- fast breaks, finding center J. pointer to get the ball rolling. “Mailman” Ratchford for lay- Intramural Basketball League He ended the game with 20 ups. points. More impressive was Wheatly got into a rhythm his defense on Trailblazers on offense, but the Kings came Kicks Off With Blowouts key player Wheatly. Wheatly out the third quarter ahead, 41- still managed a game-high 28 34. By Rahsaan Thomas Net Zero 2.0 coached by points. “I thank the visitors for com- Staff Writer Aaron “Harun” Taylor whipped The Trailblazers featured ing and giving their support the Muslim team called The new guard Orlando Watkins. to the program,” said King Mother’s Day weekend Mu’mins (Believers) 64-37. “I’m glad to be here,” said Aubra-Lamont McNeely at the brought with it the start of the Trevon Smith led Net Zero with Watkins. “I told all my friends April 16 game. San Quentin Intramural Bas- 17 points, 5 boards, 2 assists I was coming here to play The prison board recently ketball League. and 3 steals, followed by Aaron ball.” gave McNeely a three-year On Friday night in the gym, Sanders’ 12 points and 12 re- The first quarter was a low- denial. In an emotional ex- Bay Area Ballers faced off bounds double-double. scoring affair; the Kings led change, Saltveit told him that against a team made up of Allan McIntosh led No Name 13-7. The officiating frustrated he supported him in his denial Christians called Kingdom with 17 points and 7 rebounds both ball clubs. and whatever his future holds. Warriors. followed by Anthony Ammons “I wanted to run,” said King Saltveit said that he got to Despite Kingdom Warriors with 16 points and 7 boards. guard Tare Beltran. “I like a know McNeely over the past having Harry “ATL” Smith John Earl Newton III added 12 fast pace back and forth game.” seasons and he sees McNeely and other talented players, Bay and 7 boards in the 60-33 vic- The Trailblazers began the as a man he wants to be like. Area Ballers won 43-39 led by tory over Pookie and the Boys. second quarter taking advan- McNeely concluded that he the 59-year old Paul Oliver’s 21 Ammons scored his first basket tage of mismatches with center would continue working on points. Smith led his team with with a one-handed jam setting Photo by Sam Hearnes Damien Cosby. He put up 16 making himself more suitable 14. the tone for the blowout. Paul Oliver points and did a solid job re- for parole. June 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 19 Improved SQ Warriors Squad Loses Opener

By Rahsaan Thomas anticipation of the competi- championship in the San Quen- “To get that email from Bill,” The Warriors made another Staff Writer tion arriving. They won last tin half court Championship Pinson said, referring to being run down 56-52 to start the year’s series 7-6 against the Basketball League. notified by Green Team spon- fourth quarter. Allan McIntosh The San Quentin Warriors Green Team, and they planned Opening day was the first sor Bill Epling about scheduled made a dime pass to Smith, seemed ready to sweep the 2016 to build on that success with an game together for the Warriors’ times to go play the Warriors. who gorilla slammed on a de- season with their new recruits, improved roster. new pieces. Meanwhile, the “It’s the highlight of my week,” fender. (Smith finished with 11 but they fell short to Christian “We were projecting a flaw- Green Team has been playing added Lacey. points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists Sports Ministries’ Green Team, less season,” said Warrior Har- together for years, especially On the beautiful April 16 and 1 steal.) 74-66 in the season opener. ry “ATL” Smith. “We needed former Claremont-McKenna sunny Saturday morning, 10 Anthony Ammons stole the “I think it might have been this first lost to get humbled.” college basketball teammates men dressed in basketball ball from the Green Team, went first game jitters. My team New starting players includ- Chris Blees, Pat Lacey and shorts and green jerseys came coast-to-coast but was fouled came out a tad bit arrogant,” ed: Mack Simekins, a former Remy Pinson. walking down the hill only ac- going up for a layup. He missed said Warriors’ Coach Daniel Memphis University player, The Claremont Connection cessible to non-prisoners – the both free throws, but McIntosh Wright about why the Warriors Tevin Fournette, a former John loves to reassemble its basket- green team had arrived to start grabbed the rebound for the put lost. Marshall High School player, ball team on the SQ green-blue the Warriors 2016 season. back, tying the score 56-56. The Warriors warmed up in and David Lee, who won a court. “It’s so good to be back. I McIntosh, normally a leading miss this so much,” said Blees. scorer, did more passing than Everyone met mid court to shooting. He finished with 5 greet each other and start the points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Warriors Drop Second Game opening event with welcoming Blees answered driving down words. court, Europe stepping to the Despite a new improved ros- “Basket is the bait, Jesus is rack. He led all scorers with 22 ter, the San Quentin Warriors the hook,” said Robert “Bish- points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 lost their second game of the op” Butler, the Warriors gen- assist and 1 block. season to the visiting Imago eral manager. The Warriors remained Dei basketball team, 90-84. Epling looked at 6-foot-7 scoreless for five minutes while “You have to learn to Simekins and joked, “You have the Green Team improved to 61- play with each other,” Steve a visitor. When I come back, I’ll 56 and never looked back. Diekman told the Warriors bring your visitor.” “I think the guys saw them after the game. Diekman, now After Smith led the teams in (Green Team) and thought they 43, was a three-point specialist prayer, the game started with couldn’t play,” said McIntosh. in college. “When all the guys all the intensity of the NBA fi- “The Green Team rose to the on the court are capable of nals. challenge and pulled out a vic- doing everything, it’s hard for In the first quarter, Lacey tory – first and last of the year.” guys to find their role.” went at Simekins, scoring on Simekins finished with the New additional Mack the taller man twice in the edge over Lacey with 14 points, Simekins nailed his first four paint. The quarter ended with 18 rebounds and 5 blocks. Lac- shot attempts, including a the Green Team up 19-16. ey had 11 points, 11 rebounds, 5 spin baseline slam dunk. Then Photo by Eddie Herena - San Quentin News Lee and Simekins kept the assists and a block. Imago’s center Erv Anderson game close. Lee stood out, lead- “I’m not used to anybody showed up and slowed him Harry “ATL” Smith (17) and Tevin Fournette ing the Warriors with 21 points, being there. Where did he down. Simekins still finished double team Jon Williams (32). 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 come from?” asked the 6-foot- with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Teohn Conner (23) goes base line steals. He got his driving to the 4 Lacey, referring to Simekins. Anderson had 5 points, 3 rack and dropping treys. Fournette missed the first assists, 3 steals and 4 blocks. from the field and finishing player, wasn’t intimidated by In the second, Simekins came half due to being on a visit. As “That team is definitely a with 14 points and 10 rebounds. playing a road game in prison. to life, blocking shots, snatch- soon as he entered the game, he good team,” said Imago new Williams improved Imago’s “We are all human,” said ing rebounds and nailing short- scored with a floater over a de- recruit Jon Williams. “They roster, helping them leave the Williams. “We all lace up our range shoots and lay ups. fender. He added 8 points, mak- played with good fundamen- Warriors behind a couple of shoes. We are all equal no mat- The Warriors made a few ing four of six shots. tals, so that’s good coaching.” points after each of the first ter what. Other than that, it’s runs, but the Green Team re- “They’re lucky I wasn’t there Veteran Warriors Allan Mc- three quarters. Williams shook basketball.” mained patient on offense and from the beginning,” said Four- Intosh and Anthony Ammons a Warrior and went baseline for Imago’s veterans, Teohn made open shots, including four nette. “Next time it’s going to tried to lead their team to vic- the lay-up on the first play of Conner, a former semi-pro treys dropped by point guard be on.” tory. McIntosh scored 25. Am- the game. He finished with 31 player, added 30 points and Remy Pinson, who finished Lacey remarked, “We may mons came off the bench and points. Diekman splashed 6 three- with 13. Teammate Anthony need some more bigs. We’ll just put on a Jamal Crawford per- Williams, the former New pointers. Maddox added 14 points and 8 get the next graduating class formance, going five for seven Mexico University basketball –Rahsaan Thomas boards. from Claremont-McKenna.” San Quentin Soccer Team Plays Berkeley Students By Marcus Henderson more in the second. score. Staff Writer “It’s overwhelming,” said “These guys’ conditioning Garvin “Jo Jo” Robinson, is impressive,” said Ayon. “We The San Quentin soccer team Golden Eagles Head Coach. were cold but finally found a torched the visiting Hermanos “To have a team come in, they rhythm. We didn’t know their Unidos (United Brothers) 9-2 could have been doing any- skill level. in its season opener. thing else than coming here.” “We came to represent the After a decade, an outside Earth Quaker Juan Arballo Black and Latino communities, soccer team returned to the added, “This is the first time to let the guys know everybody Lower Yard. The last team in 24 years that I have played hasn’t given up on them. Even was also called the Hermanos somebody from the streets. for the older guys, people will Unidos. “We are building a bright help you.” “We are the new generation,” future between the inside and Abel Ruizuelasco, Herma- said Marco Barrera, Hermanos’ outside communities. For us, it nos’ assistant coach, added head coach. “We want to revive takes away the fear of society “We heard the guys’ stories and this tradition and do community and for the guest it takes away you could feel their love. We work. All our communities the stigma of who we once came with an open mind, and have been affected by mass were when they share this ex- this experience is humbling.” Courtesy of Hermanos Unidos incarceration. A lot of us come perience with the outside.” At half time, the teams Soccer team Hermanos Unidos (United Brothers) from low-income families, and Julio Martinez of the Earth formed a circle and shared this is our way to show support Quakes expressed, “It felt like about the program and what visitors. themselves, and the guys got and give back.” we were playing family out on they are willing to commit to it. “Everybody played good the chance to share their sto- The Hermanos, made up of the field. I love this game, and “This is a good reminder and showed great respect,” ries. That is really the reward- UC Berkeley students, faced I leave all of my heart out there to keep pushing myself,” said said Arturo Huerta, Earth ing part. We are looking for both the veteran SQ Golden every time I play.” Hermanos’ Gerry Franco. Quakes Head Coach. “We more teams with different skill Eagles and the younger Earth The Hermanos put up two “Today is Mother’s Day, and will continue our training. We levels.” Quakes. goals in the second, after I’m going back to tell her thank everybody for coming Crawford also added that The Golden Eagles played warming up and calming their about my experience here. We in.” he’s looking to see what the the first half and put up a whop- nerves. do need more people of color Sponsor and Coach Craw- inside teams’ needs are, like ping eight goals. They scored Hermanos’ striker Jose doing this.” ford concluded, “I am pleased uniforms, and finding a way to five in the first quarter off the Ayon’s smooth footwork The young Earth Quakes how everything went. I think get those things. sharp foot of striker Abdul- weaved through the crowd and managed to get one run in we can keep making progress The May 8 game ended with Kader Morceli and added three faked out the goalie for the the second half and hold the and grow. Everybody enjoyed everybody winning. Page 20 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2016 Amala Walk Unites Prisoners for Peace Summit

By Juan Haines building on the Lower Yard and Miguel Quezada with dozens of white-shirted prisoners for a conversation Amala, a youth organization centered on what had been tak- that holds worldwide peace en away from the event. summits, came to San Quen- Their meeting began with a tin State Prison on May Day to Haka performed by prisoners work on ways to improve com- Reggie Hola, Upumoni Ama munication and community- and Anouthinh Pangthong. building skills for traumatized Haka is a rhythmic dance, children. spoken in Hawaiian and per- The Amala Walk was the first formed in traditional custom. It event prisoner Jim Kitlas has uses dramatic movements with attended since arriving at San aggressive facial expressions. Quentin from California State “Today’s presentation is in Prison-Los Angeles County in honor of the youth coming in,” July of last year. Ama said. “Haka is a pre-battle “It touches my heart strings,” presentation, but the one given Kitlas said about the event. “I today is in honor of the youth. have a kid who’ll need the same Photo by Borey Ai No one has to fear being at- things that Amala is doing. So, The start of the 6th annual Amala Walk at San Quentin tacked,” he said jokingly. “It’s if I could do something to help, just hyper-masculine.” me feel good about myself.” don’t.” prayers for peace. thanks to the day.” Prisoners Gino Sevacos and Gustavo de Alba, 21, a pris- As the walkers circled the Each year the hundreds of “Be united for the sake of Dwight Krizman then per- oner serving a 12-year sen- Lower Yard, much of the con- participants join hands, making children,” Stone says, “Without formed a song with a chorus tence, said this was the first versation between the prisoners a wide circle that takes up the your soul saying yes to this, it sing-along, “Love is reaching time he’s been at an event like and Amala personnel included entire Lower Yard. The process would not be possible.” out to touch somebody.” this while in prison. stories about each other’s affect usually takes several minutes, “This is medicine. It’s time During the sing-along, prison- “It unites us and allows us to on the community. as Vanessa Stone, founder of to drink in the power of life,” er Wayne “Belize” Villafranco meet with other people and dia- “In today’s world there is a Amala Foundation, encour- Stone said after the circle was hopped up and began dancing, logue about peace and why it’s lot of separation,” Jordan said. ages everyone to “reach out complete. which enticed others to follow, important,” de Alba said. “We unite youth from all walks to the person next to you” and After countless laps lasting until everyone joined in dance “The summit is a gathering of of life, different religions, rac- “let the power that’s inside you, into late afternoon, the black- while singing the chorus. a bunch of people who wouldn’t es, and we recognize that we that cannot be imprisoned, give shirted visitors went inside a otherwise come together,” said are all human beings.” Ryan Jordan, executive direc- Amala assistant Cranston tor of Amala Foundation. “We “Breez” Smith has been to all begin the day by kids sharing six walk-a-thons. He is a hip- songs of humanity and peace hop artist who entertains the about their culture and coun- walkers along with prisoner try just like we do here at the Antwan “Banks” Williams. walk.” This year, Breez brought The Texas-based foundation another Texan hip-hop artist, has been joining with prison- Darrion “Chi” Borders. ers for the last six years in an “Breez has been very clutch annual walk-a-thon fundraiser for me in my life,” Chi said. sponsored by The Work and “We’re like brothers. We’re Kid CAT. serving together in our com- The Work helps prisoners munity. Our hip-hop is affect- learn critical thinking skills— ing people in a positive way. to become aware of “self-talk” We’re putting a dent in the and to reframe thinking errors world in a good way. It cannot that impact one’s emotional be done in fear,” he added, “I well-being and behavior. commend you all for stretch- Kid CAT primarily consists ing your brains and going past of lifers who committed their the walls and looking into the Photo by Borey Ai crimes as juveniles. The pro- world. That’s magic to me.” gram has a transformative cur- Banks, 28, who has been in- Past and present Amala members on the Lower Yard stage riculum and programs designed carcerated since age 18, spoke to give back to the community. about the difficulties of grow- Each year the prisoners, ing up in prison. What individuals took from the day: many earning as little as 18 “How can you take a broken Kara of Amala: On the outside, to be a human being, we’re disconnected. People are so much into their cents per hour, donate more seed, put it in a broken system devices. Even though we all take different paths and take the hard way, it’s still good coming here and wit- than $1,000 in support of a and expect a rose,” Banks said. ness people being vulnerable. At first, I was afraid of my own judgments, but it was completely blown away global peace summit. “I still feel like 18, but the real- and that was healing. Each one of you has helped me open my heart and I can feel the work that you are doing “Raising money is the right ity is that I’m in a place where I as spiritual warriors. thing to do,” said Ivan Gon- have to better myself.” Prisoner Richie Morris told the Amala visitors: Don’t let anyone tell you that you are the future. You are zalez Velasquez, 20, who is the present. Live for the present. The walkers took breaks and Prisoner Jim Kitlas: This is something you’ll never see at another prison. I worked my way down to level serving a 10-year sentence. gathered around a makeshift II (medium-security) so that I could find this type of program. Here, I don’t have to put up a front. I could be “Nobody wants to see kids suf- stage on the yard. Host, Rodney the person I am. I can say that I’m happy here. This is probably the best day I’ve had in prison. fer so it’s important that we all Capell, introduced artists who A tearful Solomon of Amala: Freedom. That’s what I’m taking out. Everyone that I’ve spoken to and con- get involved to make sure they performed poetry, music and nect with helped me understand freedom. Prisoner Gary Harrell: Every day is a good day with me. If you tell yourself beautiful things, then beautiful things will happen. Prisoner Juan Carlos Meza: The people from the outside really need to know your affect on us. There’s a guy who spent six years in the hole I’ve talked to and you made him a better person. He wants to know what the free people get out of coming in here. A tearful Ben of Amala: I live a very isolated life. I want to thank you for being; that’s amazing to me. Chi of Amala: I represent the youth as it is today. I’m at risk. I’m on thin ice. Slip left and I could be under. I came in this prison, understand- ing that I represent those who could be. So, I came into this place with no fear and I feel embraced. Everyone looked me in the eyes when they spoke to me. Sandra of Amala: First walk. I knew it would be about connection, but didn’t know the impact. There were treasure boxes of brilliance. If I could carry anything out you gave me the gift of hope. We work so hard to prevent youth being incarcerated. But in here your souls are not incar- cerated. It’s profound coming in here; letting me know what I have to do. John Winham thanked Stone for allowing his son to attend his third summit. “He looks so much forward for spending the time with Amala,” a tear- ful Windham said. The Amala Foundation is holding its Fourth Annual Global Youth Photo by Borey Ai Summit in Foresthill, California, on June 14-21. Participants and Amala members joins hands for the annual Lower Yard circle