San Quentin News

WRITTEN BY THE INCARCERATED – ADVANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE VOL. 2020 NO.1 January 2020 Edition 124 SAN QUENTIN, 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 4,885 Lawrence Bartley leads new Marshall Project endeavor

Photo courtesy of Lawrence Bartley Lawrence Bartley By Rahsaan Thomas Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Contributing Writer Participants hold up trans lives matter sign on Nov. 20 The Marshall Project publishes stories about the ex- periences of those impacted by the penal system in the one place most incarcerated people don’t have access to: SQ Transgender Day of Remembrance online. That changed when Lawrence Bartley returned to society after serving 27 years in . He’s now the By Joe Garcia “Just because I’m not a part of society Many voices from the packed crowd re- producer of Inside News Magazine which shares stories and Juan Haines doesn’t mean that as a transwoman I don’t sponded, “That’s right, Lisa.” published on The Marshall Project website in print form matter,” said incarcerated trans activist “They deserved better than this,” she for 38 . For the first time in its history, San Lisa Strawn, who spearheaded the Trans- continued. “To have been shot, stabbed On Oct. 12, Bartley attended a Society of Professional Quentin State Prison joined the nation- gender Day of Remembrance ceremony in and burned beyond recognition at the Journalists meeting and shared his story wide movement on Nov. 20 to memori- the SQ chapel. hands of murderers—it makes no sense.” with incarcerated journalist. alize 22 transpersons killed by hatred “I am still a person and so are the 22 See BARTLEY on Page 4 across the U.S. in the last year. transpeople we are remembering today.” See TRANS on Page 23 Annual Christmas Banquet brings out the holiday spirit By David Ditto Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jackson, Staff Writer dressed in festive red and black, greet- ed the guests with a warm smile and a The spirit of the holidays filled handshake. “God bless you,” she said the San Quentin Protestant Chapel as they passed through the foyer into for more than 300 volunteers and the beautifully decorated chapel. at the annual Christmas Golden angels stood 12 feet high Banquet. on both sides of the entrance. Green “It’s such a joyous occasion. It’s holly and pine garlands and wreaths the best day of the year for so many with red ribbons and bows and glow- of us!” said Fred Cole, one of about ing lights decked the windows, ban- 250 men in blue. nisters and walls. Some 50 volunteers and the in- “Rejoice, Christ is Born,” an- mates braved the rain and wind on nounced two of the festive banners. the cold gray Saturday morning, The gathering crowd mingled and en- Photo by Lt. S. Robinson Dec. 7. Inside they joined in a heart- gaged in lively discussions. The Police department with San Quentin participants on Nov. 22 warming celebration to begin the holy holiday season. See CHRISTMAS on Page 5 SF Police personnel visit SQ for Inside this issue: second “Blue on Blue” conversation By Juan Haines at the second BBC. “We make an Some police officers told the Senior Editor arrest, testify and don’t see the other BBC participants, “We’re ordered side and how they are impacted.” to be here.” Officer Michael Amo- Two dozen San Francisco Po- Deputy Chief Greg McEachern, rose added, “I don’t mind gaining lice Department (SFPD) personnel added, “I want people in the experience.” made their way across San Quen- department to see the impact and get After the introductions, the tin’s Lower Yard on Nov. 22 and a better understanding of their role participants went into small Champions of Magic - 24 Tehachapi Ethics Bowl - 10 stood among men they may have and responsibilities as officers—to circles for more personal previously arrested. It was a part of see the human side of things. When discussions. The prisoners the second “Blue-on-Blue Conver- you put handcuffs on someone, broke the ice by talking about sation” (BBC) held at the prison. there’s a human being there.” their first interaction with the Former SF Deputy District Attor- The line officers, sergeants, police. The officers talked ney Marisa Rodriguez, now head of lieutenants, and captains as well about why they joined the force. the San Francisco Office of Canna- as two civilians convened in the The conversation topics varied bis, organized the first BBC on May prison’s Protestant Chapel. About from respecting each other in 24. “We thought this experience was two dozen incarcerated men, along the community to the power of powerful and eye popping,” said with local Bay Area volunteers effective communication skills to SFPD Commander David Lazar. and a prison staffer, joined the de-escalate tense encounters. “Often we don’t see the other officers in a large circle to introduce Prison to Employment - 12 side,” said SFPD Chief Will Scott themselves. See SFPD on Page 4 Native Pow Wow - 11 Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY Graduate School of Journalism Avenal’s “Timeless” group explores insight into our past

Photo courtesy of Avenal Participants and facilitators of the “Timeless” group By Adam Jennings better understand how the The “Timeless” pro- It’s no easy task. But the themselves on a daily It is through the service Contributing Writer men became who they were gram seeks to change this group members are striving basis. Then true change of all participating mem- and are and how they arrived thought process. The group to be pillars of their current can manifest, giving their bers that positivity is spread. At , in prison. provides the skills to apply society. They are sharing families and friends the men Where they used to sow de- the “Timeless” group is help- The participants have a new knowledge to old ways what they have learned and they deserve. struction, now, through their ing its incarcerated popu- chance to gain awareness as of thinking, feeling and be- also carrying themselves The group believes changes, they are setting lation explore the question they apply these exercises to having. The program helps with an ever evolving sense through hard work and good examples for future “Can we grow into the men their lives and current mind- the men produce new con- of positivity and encourage- dedication they can develop generations; breaking their we want to be?” sets in regard to a vast array structive beliefs, manners ment. a community where this is own personal cycles of im- “Timeless” is a long-term of criminal topics. and habits, instead of just The “Timeless” members both possible and celebrat- prisonment with the realiza- offenders group that is held Today, post Prop. 57, the simply going through the and facilitators understand ed. tion that there is no right way in the prison’s A Facility. reality is that some individu- motions of being there. that the only way they can Thanks go out to Rose- to be wrong. The group aims to give the als are attending self help The program goal is grow into the men they want mary Ndoh, program co- The hope is that the last- men insight through ex- groups just for R.A.C. (Reha- to help the participants to be, is by fundamentally facilitators James lynch and ing effect of these changes ercises such as gathering bilitative Achievement Cred- improve themselves, the improving themselves. Manuel Rincon, all group will be felt long after they information from their for- its), rather than a true desire community and ultimately This can be accomplished members and staff sponsor, depart. A legacy that will mative years in an effort to for introspection and change. earn a parole date. by altering and improving Lisa Robitaille. truly be....TIMELESS. January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 3 Advocates launch #MeTooBehindBars for those incarcerated By Marcus Henderson Editor in Chief

Sexual violence and trans- phobia in prisons are still ta- boo topics of discussion, even in the midst of some efforts nationwide.

“I was harassed and sexually harassed because I was GNC”

But a group of victims/sur- vivors and advocates launched the #MeTooBehindBars cam- paign that aims to influence the #MeToo movement and to include the voices of those incarcerated who have or are suffering from sexual harass- ment or sexual abuse. Photo courtesy of CCWP This new campaign Advocates and supporters in front of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation headquarters in Sacramento has found its way to the steps of the California Department of Corrections speakers shared their stories correctional officers, then…a they say it, the way they tell that we’re happy, but we’re not and Rehabilitation (CDCR) of being sexually assaulted noose was left in her cell. She me to turn around and spread going to…keep secret(s) any- offices in Sacramento. An Oct. behind bars, as each spoke was denied surgery and com- it. [They would] laugh at me. more. I want them [people in 30 protest was held to raise from the building steps. mitted suicide the next day,” They would tell me that they authority] to understand that the awareness of transgender, “There is so much violence added Orthwein. would make me like it. sexual assault happens, period. gender nonconforming (GNC) against trans women inside. In a call and response cry of “There was so much sexual “[It] runs so deep—trans and queer people’s plight The culture is to blame women “Me Too,” “behind bars” ac- violence because of me being women are looked at in a within the state prison system, for the violence,” said Attor- tivists walked in a circle chant- masculine presenting and be- f@#ked up way,” reflects Ro- according to the Young ney Jen Orthwein, who rep- ing and holding protest signs. ing GNC,” Rojas added. jas. “Toxic patriarchal men Women’s Freedom Center resents transgender women in “I was harassed and sexu- Rojas understands the im- look at them and are upset that and California Coalition for California’s men prisons, to ally harassed because I was portance of speaking out and they believe in their heads that Women Prisoners (CCWP) SQ News. GNC,” said Stacy Rojas, who bringing awareness to the they are men and can’t believe advocacy groups. “Many of the women I’ve is formerly incarcerated and #MeTooBehindBars move- that they want to be a woman. Advocates arrived in worked with are gone. There spoke at the rally. “People ment. “They can’t understand front of the building in vans. was Allie, who was sliced in thought they could make me “It’s not just my story, be- what trans is at all,” said Rojas. The participants arranged her neck and placed in solitary want to be a woman or show lieve me. I have friends who Victims of sexual assault themselves in a circle and laid confinement. Her cellmate me that I am. would not speak out at first. in prisons are encouraged to out the words “Me Too” on the was constantly harassing her, “From the very beginning They’re embarrassed and report incidents to their state’s Photo courtesy of CCWP ground and lined them with and she begged to be moved. of me stepping foot in jail and ashamed,” said Rojas. “Now correctional internal affairs Nghia from Survived & flowers. Speaking fromo the “Another one of my clients having them telling me to put they’re standing up next to department—this includes if Punished speaking at the event building steps, many of the was beaten by cellmates and on a dress—it’s all in the way me screaming it out. It’s not someone has been threatened with sexual assault or has ex- perienced retaliation for re- porting an incident, according San Quentin News to the Prison Rape Elimination San Quentin News Staff Staff Administrative Review Act (PREA) posters within Richard Richardson, Executive Editor Lt. S. Robinson, Warden’s Office U.S. prisons. Marcus Henderson, Editor in Chief Sgt. R. Gardea, Warden’s Office In 2003, the Prison Rape Juan Haines, Senior Editor Joe Orlando, CDCR Elimination Act (PREA) was Kevin D. Sawyer, Associate Editor Information Officer I Krissi Khokhobashvili, signed into law. The goal was Joe Garcia, Journalism Guild Deputy Chief CDCR Office to create a zero tolerance pol- Chairperson of External Affairs icy around rape in prison. To Anthony Faulk, Managing Editor Linda Xiques, Adviser Aaron Taylor, Sports Editor William Drummond, Adviser date, San Quentin, along with David Ditto, Staff Writer Jan Perry, Adviser most state or federal prisons in Michael Johnson, Staff Writer Joan Lisetor, Adviser the nation, has PREA posters Anthony Caravalho, Staff Writer Stuart Wagner, Adviser on the walls in all areas of the Charles Crowe, Staff Writer Steve McNamara, Adviser Heriberto Arredondo, Staff Writer John C. Eagan, Adviser institution. Jessie Blue, Staff Writer Jon Spurlock, Adviser The “Shine the Light on Susanne Karch, Adviser Sexual Abuse” posters provide Javier Jimenez, Photographer Nikki Meredith, Adviser Jonathan Chiu, Layout Designer Monica Campbell, Adviser telephone numbers and ad- Juan Espinosa, Layout Designer Lourdes Cárdenas, Editora dresses for reporting incidents. Richard Lindsey, Researcher Lisa Adams, Development Manager The phone numbers accept Current and past stories of the San Quentin News are posted online at: collect calls from incarcerated (www.sanquentinnews.com) Photo courtesy of CCWP people. Follow us on Twitter @SanQuentinNews Crowd of participants bringing awareness to #MeTooBehindBars SQ News has received Permission is granted to reprint articles appearing in the San Quentin mixed responses about PREA’s News provided credit is given to the author and this publication, effectiveness. Some people re- except for articles reprinted herein from other publications. ported that it worked and oth- ers said they experienced some We Want To Hear From You! form of retaliation or no action San Quentin News encourages the incarcerated, free staff, custody was taken for their claims. staff, volunteers and others outside the institution to submit articles. There have been various All submissions become property of the San Quentin News. lawsuits filed against correc- Please use the following criteria when submitting: tional departments nation- • Limit your articles to no more than 350 words. wide, including CDCR. Also • Know that articles will be edited for content and length. there are ongoing investiga- • The newspaper is not a medium to file grievances. tions into abuse claims by (For that, use the prison appeals process.) We encourage correctional departments, ac- submitting articles that are newsworthy and encompass cording to some court filing issues that will have an impact on the prison populace. records. • Please do not use offensive language in your submissions. Photo courtesy of CCWP Changing a culture of • Poems and artwork (cartoons and drawings) are welcomed. Sister Warriors advocate Photo courtesy of CCWP violence toward the LGBTQ • Letters to the editor should be short and to the point. letting her voice be heard Participant holding up sign to free Kinzie Noordman community within prisons is one of the main priorities of Send Submissions to: the protestors. San Quentin News “When you hear about sex- 1 Main Street ual assault in the workplace, San Quentin, CA 94964 everyone is freaking out about For inmates that want to receive a copy of the San Quentin News it and saying that this has to in the mail, send $1.61 worth of stamps for postage to stop. People are appalled while the above address. The process can be repeated every they are watching [it on] the month if you want to receive the latest newspaper. news,” said Rojas. “But there’s Behind the Scenes thousands of people who can’t complain at all. “You’re stuck in a place where nobody worries about you. There are thousands of people going through this and it’s kept a secret.” The San Quentin News is printed by Photo courtesy of CCWP —Madeleine Gregory, Marin Sun Printing, San Rafael. Young Women Freedom Center’s Photo courtesy of CCWP a student at UC Berkeley, Mota and Stacy Rojas at the event YWFC member speaking contributed to this article. Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020 Formerly incarcerated now the producer of Inside News Magazine world and none of y’all had a pitch ready,” Bartley quoted BARTLEY his professor as having said. Continued from Page 1 Bartley took the lesson to heart. Bartley hopes incarcer- Also while at , ated people engage with the Bartley helped put together a articles he complied about le- TEDx Talk and, along with a gal developments, prison pro- small group of others, he in- grams, hope, social science vited legislators into the pris- and life inside and build off on to discuss laws. them like he eventually did. “……,” Bartley said. “I’d Sentenced to 27 years to like to think we made some life at 17 years old, the Jamai- moves towards making that ca Queens, New York native happen.” started his time off blaming Because of the positive others for his predicament. moves Bartley made, the Eventually he learned to take administration at Sing Sing accountability and sought an called on him and his small education at Sing Sing, a pris- group of about five men when- on just outside of New York ever VIP guest visited, which Photo courtesy of Lawrence Bartley Photo courtesy of Lawrence Bartley City. Though private funding included Warren and Doris Lawrence Bartley speaking with NBC’s Lestor Holt Bartley on stage preparing a pitch taking over where the Pell Buffett, Usher, Harry Bela- grants for incarcerated stu- fonte, Ice T, The department Project. Denied five times plan to get The Marshall Proj- However, 90 days later, class Connecticut neighbor- dents ended, Bartley managed of probation and the Chief of by the board, he wrote about ect into dozens of prisons. New York parole hadn’t ap- hood. to earn a master’s degree in police. his experience and sent the “I lined up all my ducks proved his transfer so he had “I’m most proud of my professional studies. Despite the success gained story to The Marshall Project, on how we gonna do it, how to stay in New York. children’s education,” Bartley In college at Sing Sing, he for incarcerated people, other which published it in its Life much it was gonna cost, what “I was used to not being said. learned a valuable lesson – residents called them a “secret Inside section. After he made pilot facility I was gonna use around my family in prison Before leaving the media how to pitch and to always be society.” parole on the next try in 2018, and laid out my pitch,” Bartley but it’s totally different when center, Bartley noted the ac- ready with one. “We made moves to put he walked through the doors said. you’re around them every cess to computers, the accom- A special guest came into people down with it and they of The Marshall Project’s of- The pitch was accepted and day,” Bartley said. “The sys- plishments of San Quentin Sing Sing at the time and had wasn’t ready to do the work,” fices to talk about his experi- Bartley has rapidly expanded. tem is supposed to be there to News, the Ear Hustle podcast, a cool discussion with the Bartley said. “We never ostra- ences and landed himself a Just 14 months after coming help you when you’re doing First Watch and San Quentin class, Bartley said. When the cized anyone though; we kept job. home on parole, he brought a good.” TV and said, I’ve visited doz- guest left, the professor cursed giving them chances.” The lesson he learned in house in Connecticut for the Bartley awaits rejoining his ens of prisons and nobody else out the students. It was Bartley’s struggle prison about pitching lead to wife that stayed down with family but in the meantime, he has it like you guys. What you “I brought this dude in here to make parole that help land the creation of Inside News. him through his incarceration happy that they will get a good do here can pave the way for whose been all around the him a job with The Marshall Bartley told his bosses of a and their kids. education in the upper middle people at other prisons.

grew up, how did you see speaking a kind word— SFPD the police—what were your speak to the community— views?’ Knowing that could every time I see you and you Continued from Page 1 help our young officers.” speak to me. That’s what Rafael Cuevas, an incar- you’ll be remembered by— “I came with an open cerated peer-to-peer educa- it’s how we treat each other mind, and I’m taking away tor, said, “What would help that counts.” the experiences of people is to give better choices to After about an hour in the and their interaction with po- people who think it’s okay small circles, the partici- lice,” said Officer Amorose. to break the law—arresting pants went back to the large “I told the people in my cir- people who break the law circle to talk about what cle about my experience, and and sending them to prison they’ve learned. they took something away.” does not stop crime, but ar- Chief Scott talked about a Deputy Chief McEachern resting them and then offer- poll that asked SFPD person- added, “My thoughts are ing them better choices will nel about their values. not the same as when I first have better outcomes.” “What rang through was became an officer 29 years Troy Young, who recently everybody wants to be treat- ago. Now, they are, ‘How earned parole suitability, ed with respect; it didn’t can I give newer officers added, “Talking works. come from me; it came from my knowledge? When you There’s power in just the officers,” Scott said. Photo by Lt. S. Robinson He said a major topic in Small group discussion between the incarcerated and SF police personnel his small circle was being treated with respect by police For the past three years, “I feel more confident to ap- experiences of police officers officers, “Sharing that is pro- Marcy Ginsburg has been proach a police officer and and prisoners. She was, found.” coming into the prison once be a part of the community.” however, encouraged about Officer Nathan Chew add- a week as a facilitator for Lieutenant Derrick Jack- the future of policing in ed, “If you’re respectful and Criminal Gangs Anonymous son is a 24-year veteran with San Francisco after hearing not judgmental, even with a (CGA). SFPD. an older officer say that the ticket or arrest, it’s returned. “CGA forces men to dig Jackson previously younger officers are “the You have to show that com- into the deep recesses of worked with the gang task most educated, well-trained passion and respect.” their lives. It’s unbelievable unit. He now works robbery. class we’ve ever had.” Sergeant Jeffery Aloise, a to see their change, just from He said his experience in- After hearing many of the 20-year veteran with SFPD, talking.” vestigating robberies gives incarcerated men speak hon- works in the Mission District. In an effort to be honest him the chance to see some estly about the reasons they Aloise said he understands and to change his criminal of the social factors that lead chose a criminal lifestyle, the power of having a good thinking, Antoine Smith to crime. He said that his ex- Chief Scott commented that relationship with the commu- said, “I had to become ac- perience in San Quentin, of accountability was also an nity as well as the importance countable, and in order to do witnessing healing, lets him important factor in his belief of trust—“to treat people the that I had to look at myself.” “see a system that’s work- in second chances. same, as human beings.” He Referring to the experi- ing.” “Being here gave me a said, “Having the experience ence of talking to police offi- SQ News adviser Nikki new understanding of ac- of coming into San Quentin cers at both BBC events, San Meredith expressed hearing countability,” Scott said. Photo by Lt. S. Robinson and being in this forum will Quentin News (SQ News) “cultures of cruelty” from “This puts accountability at SF police personnel visiting SQ’s North Block housing help.” staffer Juan Espinosa said, listening to the shared a high level.”

Photo by Lt. S. Robinson Facilitators, participants and San Francisco Police at the Garden Chapel January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 5 SQ Veterans Day brings chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts By Juan Haines Mckinstry said that he’s Robinson said of the The veterans write scripts feeling is better than dealing asked them to be “fire” by Senior Editor known people involved with incarcerated artists. based on their military back- with it from any other meth- kneeling with hands up imitat- AIC who later earned parole. Robinson said that after tell- grounds. od.” ing flames—fingers wagging. Veteran’s Day brought the “Their involvement in the ing prison officials about the The plays address Post- Marshall added, “By acting Meza then asked the au- chairperson of the National arts program helped them resilience of the incarcerated Traumatic Stress Disorder it out or seeing others act it out, dience if they remembered Endowment for the Arts, Mary communicate better,” McK- artists, the state restored fund- (PTSD), and other kinds of there is sympathy, empathy to campfire stories. Anne Carter, inside San Quen- instry said. “I got interested ing for arts in corrections. She trauma that the veterans have see it in third person allows “Weren’t those the good tin to mingle with artists and in arts for my rehabilitation. I added that the “positive mes- experienced. Facilitators of forgiveness for self and others. days?” Meza asked. “It was incarcerated veterans. Joining read a study that showed how sage” incentivized art fund- VHV has discovered that in- The release is a physical sensa- done to tell stories, when you Carter was Alma Robinson, the skills learned from art are ing in five other states, Texas, carcerated veterans’ inner tion.” see fires, you see comfort. executive director of California not like the traditional kinds Michigan, Ohio, Louisiana and reflective work through the Marshall explained that But we don’t have that today. Lawyers for the Arts (CLA). of learning. The learning from New York. VHV curriculum curtailed participants co-write the per- Everyone wants to be heard, “From the moment I art is used right after you’ve When the visitors left the art the suicide rates for incarcer- formances to get a full arc of number one is feelings, every- walked in this room I was learned them.” studio they headed to a small ated vets. stories. one wants to be felt and know blown away by the visit and When statewide budget bungalow on the prison’s Lower Chris Marshall and Juan “It takes about four months what you’re not alone, but the beautiful art,” Carter said cuts were imposed in the mid- Yard to meet with participants Carlos Meza, who both per- to figure out how to share the essential one is love—the after she walked into the pris- 2000s, Arts in Corrections in a veteran’s program and an formed in Shakespeare at SQ story,” Marshall said. “Last things that keeps the fire going on’s art studio. “I look around (AIC) funds were also re- artistic ensemble program. plays, gave the veterans acting year there were seven drafts is our stories.” at these images and I know duced. Some volunteer artists, Once inside the building, training to help them tell their before we got one that worked.” At the end of her visit, Cart- that could be in any gallery in however, continued devoting they were seated in a semi- stories and deal with trauma Meza demonstrated how to er said, “What has stuck with the world.” time to the prisoners and still circle. and PTSD. create a story by asking four me the most is talking to the in- SQ resident Scott Mckin- taught inside. From that expe- The programs, Veterans “In the beginning of the people from the audience to dividual artists—the hope they stry has been involved with rience, Robinson said that she Healing Veterans From the In- class, there was one partici- the center of the circle to face see. Moreover, the arts have Arts in Corrections (AIC), learned how much the cuts af- side Out (VHV) and the Marin pant who could not do a “trust each other. become their release for under- sponsored by the William fected incarcerated artists. Shakespeare Company have fall,” but by the end even he He asked the four to be a standing how to change their James Association since “It taught them time formed a connection for story- was able to do it,” Meza said. rock. Then he called two other life and in some cases why 2001. management and discipline,” telling and healing. “Sometimes, acting out the people from the audience and their life has to be changed.” Call to action for renewed faith during October Revival Week By Anthony Manuel The beginning of Re- It was his last service “Christ blew the trumpet in each way to give us God’s Caravalho vival Week, sought a spiri- preaching as an incarcer- Zion to save all men through gifts?” Staff Writer tual breakthrough as Pas- ated man. “Pastor Harry” was redemption,” said Chaplain “She never complains or tor “LT” demanded that scheduled to go home on Mon- Jackson. makes excuses, so there are no San Quentin Protestant all Christians “have to die day Nov. 4, after he received a “We must hear the trum- excuses for the men in blue; chaplain, “” Mardi (death=surrender to god) date from the Board of Parole. pet of God and receive His you must come to God,” stat- Ralph Jackson, and some of and we must shed light into a Pastor Hemphill empha- redemption for us by dying, ed the second in command at the member leaders, took dark environment of today’s sized the season’s instruction knowing losing our sinful de- Garden Chapel. time to discuss the church’s non-believing world,” said of change was designed to sires is our victory.” Mother Kevin “Boston” Kelly, an Revival Week, which was the preacher. give eternal hope of a new life Jackson continued, “We must aspiring Protestant evangelist, celebrated during the third “We do this by sharing the and love to all. send out this calling to all has never missed a service in week of October. love of Christ and celebrating “Young Christians must Christians and pray they re- two years. He personally de- Revival Week is celebrated the fact when you lose (give understand death through the ceive the call to action.” scribed his definition of the with weeklong services from up sin or fleshly desires) you acceptance of Christ’s resur- Elder Holloway finished the week, saying Revival Week is Wednesday through Sunday. gain God,” he continued. rection—that he died for all weeklong service with some designed to renew our faith. It featured the chaplain, El- The rest of the week ended of us—this is the only way to passionate callings. His Sun- “It’s a call to acknowledge der Derrick Holloway, Pastor as strong as it started. Pas- be saved. Once truly believed, day night sermon demanded spiritual warfare is continuous Harry Hemphill and outside tor Harry Hemphill paved they will not be afraid to shed Christians take accountability. and it is not a joke,” said the members of the Protestant the way for Mother Jackson, their sinful ways,” said Pastor “How can you say you are man who has just reconnected faith which included Dea- who then was followed by Hemphill. too tired or too busy to attend with his daughter Cynthia af- Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN con “LT” who brought key the church’s Elder Derrick Sunday morning the an- and participate in Christ when ter two years. Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jackson members of his congregation Holloway. chor of Bay Area Protestants our leader, “Mother” Jackson, He continued, “Revival from The Church of I Sit at Pastor Hemphill enjoyed and chaplain here at San lives away from her husband Week is a reminder not to fall Passionately the young the Table located in Houston, his last revival week when Quentin, “Mother” Mardis and family to guide us, and back on the gifts God gives us. Christian supports Deacon Texas. He opened the week- he led the Saturday night ser- Ralph Jackson, stayed within commutes from Pasadena, You must eat it (the word) and “LT’s” demand to die (surren- long celebration. vice. the core theme of the week. California, on a train 12 hours love it.” der) for God.

the entire crowd rose to its cians, men in leadership and are.” The musicians joined in 28 years, faith transformed guitar by David, a SQ resi- CHRISTMAS feet. “The Lord is good.” Spanish ministries. Thanks and guests sang along, wav- him. “I had my come-to- dent was followed by a “par- Chaplain Jackson joined to all our volunteers who ing their raised hands. Jesus moment and woke up able” by comedian Jesse Continued from Page 1 the Garden Chapel Worship sacrifice without any pay The Prodigal Sons quar- with a new hope and a new Ayers that got the crowd Team, a choir of nine with and give of themselves in the tet then captivated the audi- high,” he shared. roaring with laughter. Guests filled the hun- four musicians, in singing, Lord’s service.” ence with a medley, “Merry “I really love coming here, Chaplain Jackson took the dreds of seats at place set- “We worship You for who “Joy to the world, the Lord Christmas to you...Silent I love being here, I love the stage once again to present tings with red cups and You are...hallelujah.” has come,” rang out through night, holy night, Christ the fellowship and the testimo- the certificates to the vol- Christmas napkins on ta- Then an elder opened in the chapel as the Worship Savior is born...” nies,” said Ronda Clark, unteers. “The San Quentin bles draped with red table- prayer, “Thank You, Father Team began singing anew. The audience responded who has been volunteering Garden Chapel Christian cloths. Mini Christmas tree God, sup with us, bless us The audience, still standing, with joyous praise, cheer and with Cornerstone at The Q Fellowship presents these centerpieces glowed with and keep us while we wor- joined in the spirited perfor- applause. The in-house talent for about a year. She and certificates to you to express alternating color lights and ship You...Amen.” mance, “Let earth receive continued with two brothers Chris have been married for our gratitude for you and all “Believe” ornaments glit- “Hallelujah!” praised her King.” rapping, “The plan God has five years and they share the you do to share the love and tered with gold on each of Chaplain Jackson. “On be- The next song had every- for you;” a Spanish prayer, same sobriety date in 2012. fellowship of Jesus Christ the 34 tables. half of the men in blue and one clapping and swaying to “Gracias Padre bendito, “I tried it once and I was with us,” she said to each The annual banquet ac- myself, we welcome you. the rhythm, “...Glory to the todo para Ti;” and “Amazing hooked,” said Ronda about group. Representatives came knowledges the hundreds of Thank You, Jesus. We wor- newborn King.” Grace” a cappella. the Christian Fellowship vol- onto the stage to accept the dedicated volunteers who ship Him today. We honor Next came Tim Young on Then came the feast served unteer program. “You don’t certificates and say a few share the love of Christ with Him. He is worthy. acoustic guitar, followed by to everyone: barbequed even know how much we are words. the chapel’s congregation “We acknowledge every an a cappella solo of “He is chicken leg and thigh, turkey blessed by you. It warms my Some of the groups and vol- throughout the year. The man who worked to turn this Able.” Both performers re- ham, macaroni and cheese, heart every time. Even af- unteers recognized were 19th guests of honor, the volun- sanctuary into a place of cel- ceived standing ovations. barbequed beans, corn, po- ter we leave the prison, we Street Baptist Church, Second teers from all the Christian ebration. Thank you, Elder Evangelist Paula Bates tato salad, a roll with butter, keep you in our hearts and Chance Ministry, Man to Man fellowship groups, sat side- Derrick Holloway, thank you from Prayer Garden, who cake with chocolate icing prayers.” Ministries, Hillside Covenant, by-side with the men in brother Christopher Harris. volunteers inside San Quen- and punch. The banquet was The Clarks pray with the Tiburon Baptist Church, blue at each table. Thanks to the men in the tin with the Greater Love so well attended, some of the inmates during the evening Malachi Dads, Aldo Yannon, “Hallelujah, praise the kitchen cooking right now, program, had this message: premium table seats were services. They will be here Steve Wiegert, Overcomers, Lord!” began the emcee as the crew at the door, musi- “I can’t help myself but used twice. two more times in Decem- Evangelist Leslie Smith, New my hands and “This is way better than ber, including Christmas Faith Cathedral, Brother Don- say, ‘Glory hal- standing in line in the rain caroling in the cell blocks. ald Mack, Pastor Tom Pham, lelujah.’” for a tray of the same old Rick Burger has been a Elder Darryl Jenkins, Pastor In her bright stuff,” said one San Quen- San Quentin resident about and Sister Hipple, Evangelist red, black and tin resident, thoroughly en- three years. He expressed ap- Sam and Karen Knapp and white dress, joying the top-notch dining preciation for the chapel vol- Larry Wilson. Bates compli- experience. “This is even unteers and the opportunities “How many mighty men mented the stage better than Thanksgiving!” they bring: “Thank you for of God we have here!” said decorations that commented another. sharing your blessings with Chaplain Jackson. The audi- included poin- The voices of fellowship us. I hope I can be as big a ence burst into a standing ova- settias, wrapped from each table’s conversa- blessing to others, inside and tion. packages, tions kept the chapel warm out.” Burger continued, “If “During this season, if you wreaths and during supper, even as the someone would have told me feel like giving up or if you stockings and cold storm continued out- when I was in county jail that feel like you’re all alone, re- a 12-foot-high side. A couple of volunteers when I go to prison, I would member God loves you. Jesus Christmas tree were talking with a San attend college, go to church is your hope,” said Evangelist with lights, gar- Quentin resident at one table. and work, and become an Paula. Then she closed the lands, balls and Chris Clark, a volunteer with amazing soldier for God, I celebration with a strong and an angel on top. Cornerstone Fellowship, has would have told them, ‘Let’s soulful song, “He is the rea- The entire au- been coming into San Quen- pray for something a little son...Jesus is the reason...” dience stood as tin for six years. more realistic.’ This chapel The sun shone in through Bates began to “This is amazing. God is is a miracle.” the chapel windows as the sing, “Jesus, Je- bringing glory right to where As the dining slowed storm outside cleared and the Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN sus, Jesus, what we are,” said Clark. After down, entertainment re- guests began to trickle back Guests dining at a previous Christmas Banquet a wonder You struggling with addiction for sumed. Soothing acoustic out to the garden. Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020 Being more conscious to our readers in the New Year organizations has also taken where we are addressed as in- incarcerated people should be those who seek redemption movie set in the 2040s. Un- Editorial a shift. mates, offenders or convicts. called in the media, as well as in these dark places called derstand this: that’s just 20 It’s a time where using pro- It’s about humanizing the in- how to address individuals. prisons. years from now. nouns such as they/them for carcerated people. We are not Prison reform advocates Changing what we call If you think you can’t get By Marcus Henderson gender nonconforming (GNC) monsters, our crimes or any and organizations and some ourselves may take some or serve that type of time, just Editor in Chief people has gained traction. In other negative label. government officials are time to have some psycho- ask any OG, who has served short, words have power; they None of these different word adopting new guidelines to logical affect, but we must two decades or more. It’s a Happy New Year! Yeah, can either build someone up or choices takes away having ac- stay away from language put forth our effort. reality. another year down and a tear them down. countability for the harm that such as felon, or ex-con, etc., Well, when it comes to Lastly, we as a news agency decade gone. For those who San Quentin News wants has been caused to victims/ to help remove barriers for celebrating New Year’s Day, not using the word inmate(s) have been incarcerated since to put our readers on notice survivors or the community as returning residents. We who some people make resolu- may seem trivial. But the al- the 1980s and ’90s, we have that we will start being con- a whole. This does not include are incarcerated need to know tions. I guess I recommend ternative is supporting thing- officially moved into what we scious of not using the word the truly innocent of crimes, that there are people fighting focusing on choices and ify-ing (objectifying) us as call the Buck Rogers dates inmate(s). We are not taking because we know these people to show the rest of the world changes. One has the choice incarcerated people. (named after the late ’70s TV away this word as an option for exist as well. our humanity, especially to change one’s life for the In self-help groups, we show). This term was coined our contributors or our jour- Using words that generalize those who have returned back better or stay in the same learn not to do the same thing. to show how far off someone’s nalists. people and other negative epi- to society. We applaud and place mentally, emotion- When you thing-ify (objec- release date was back then, so But, we are in the process of thets can create societal stig- support their efforts. In our ally and even physically. The tify) someone you take away good luck in this decade. creating acceptable word op- mas that can hinder rehabili- role as journalists, we share choice is yours. their identity as a person who As times change and tions such as the incarcerated, tation or a successful reentry. in the efforts to also support So for you young people, has feelings, emotions and new generations are born, incarcerated people, inside This doesn’t help public safety. and inform our readership in who have just started doing families, where it’s easy to languages, terminologies participants, etc. For those who I know and understand that a healthy way for their hu- your time or are involved in cause them harm. What about and definitions can also go have returned home, terms some incarcerated people don’t man transformations—most some questionable activities, us? Don’t we have the ability through a metamorphosis. such as returning resident, for- care what they are called one of the times we get this right, take notice. When we were to change or have remorse? Now we are in a time of merly incarcerated person or way or the other. Everyone’s and sometimes we can make sentenced we were given Or are we not people? criminal justice reform, a system-impacted will be used. opinion is valid, but as a news mistakes. what we called Buck Rog- Its just food for thought. time where self-identification We do understand the power agency we are aware of the de- But overall, we want the ers dates. For your genera- Once again, for some people and of the media and word choices, bates going on regarding what best for everyone, especially tion you have Terminator, the Happy New Year!

Let The People Speak Dear San Quentin News

Can America continue to ignore the massive impact excessively harsh incarceration tactics are having on this country? How many Dear San Quentin News, To San Quentin News, children must go through life without a mother or father because we refuse to address alternative resources that would allow fami- My name is Jessie Garcia from Centinela Prison. I’ve been read- My name is Danna Dan Vongamath, I am finally in prison at the lies to be reunited sooner. ing the articles in the San Quentin paper about running for a few Reception Center. But before I caught the years now. chain, I was housed in a facility (a county jail) in Orange County. Most child psychologist agree that alienating children from either While I was there fighting my case for six months. I never in my I started a 100 mile club about four years ago here at Centinela. parent leads to “toxic stress” resulting in lasting psychological and entire life have taken so much verbal abuse, threats, personal We currently start from July 1st to June 30th for runners to com- physical health problems. As children grow older without parental property abuse, causing tension between other races fights and plete 100 miles or more. We have between 40 to 50 runners. We guidance of both parents, it can also lead to criminal behavior riots, all from an Orange County deputy. I am so tired of not say- have about 20 who complete between 100 to 1,000 and a few who spurred from the anger or confusion of a missing parent in their ing anything, so tired being scared to talk about it. These past complete over 2,000 miles. life for so long. couple of months, inmates and deputies were getting into it. But Almost all – 91 percent – agreed that the US criminal justice We started this year having a 3 mile race. I’m planning on the local county newspapers made us inmates look like the inci- system needs reform. 61 percent preferred shorter sentences to expanding to have 2 mile and 6 mile races also. The reasons I’m dences with the deputies were for no reasons and that we are the spending on incarceration. Eighty-nine percent of crime victims writing is to ask if the next time you get ready to have a 3 mile ones with animal like behavior. I don’t ever think a deputy will ever favored additional spending on schools and education over build- race if it would be alright if you let me know 4-6 weeks ahead of come forward to the media that he has been abusing his power. ing more prisons and jails. time and we can run one over here and can send you our times How can we stop being abused? Who’s right and who’s wrong? to compare with your runners and see how we place. Kind of like Because they have a badge does that make them have the right So it seems the only ones who support excessive incarceration is a competition. I hope this is something you would be interested in to inflict pain and harm, mentally and physically? This is America our government. The people have spoken and are largely against so we could get other prisons to do the same. so America I’m asking for your help. excessive sentencing, and for prison reform. The government does not control the civilian, we control the government. They I hope that you take this into consideration. Danna Dan Vongamath, Wasco State Prison serve America. It’s time for the government to do what the public Sincerely, demands of it. Jess Garcia, Centinela State Prison Jeremy Mount, Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone, MN To San Quentin News: I’ve written before about how I was shocked at the intelligence, integrity and openness of your writers. These feeling of mine are Prisoners’ Lives Matter San Quentin News, strengthened with each issue. In writing this letter, I express a grave concern I have regarding People don’t stop being humans when they offend society and commit crime I get to read words from actual real people who have evolved from the Prop. 57 law. My main concern is the fact that it was created desperate, fierce criminals…who have transformed themselves with discriminating efforts. Discriminating towards violent offend- On the contrary we lose some of our best citizens at their prime In fact it is inside of their cell that many prisoners rehabilitate into beings of compassion. I am not making this up. There are ers. Violent offenders need just as much help as anyone else examples of this all through the San Quentin News… serving time. It makes no sense to exclude them, simply because themselves their crime was considered “violent.” How are we (violent offend- Coming out into society as reformed people having left the older Then in the September 2019 issue on page 17 in News Briefs (#4), ers) supposed to successively transition into society after serving version Sharee Miller, in prison for murder, speaks of the OPPOSITE: ac- an extensive amount of time behind bars? Milestones, they can Of their lives behind on prison shelves tual law officers performing horrendous torture. This is something have milestones! That’s all? What about all these enhancements Instead of breaking the fallen down even further we should pick ELSE that goes on that I’d not known: there are people whose and add-ons for a crime we’ve already paid for? Milestones will them up job it is to PROTECT humans from torture and crime, who are definitely help, but are not sufficient enough for proper rehabilita- Let them drink from the fountain of change till they do away with themselves “desperate, fierce criminals…” and Miller having the tion. SB1393 takes away the 5-year enhancement for a serious their hiccup guts and integrity to report it, at her OWN risk. felony and SB136 takes away the 1-year enhancement for prior They did wrong and must be held accountable for their acts The San Quentin News helps me see the WHOLE picture. I send felonies. What about the 3-year enhancement for a violent felony? is a blight on society and statistics prove these facts blessings and support and love to all San Quentin people. Once again, laws are coming into existence that are backed by Men and women deserve a second chance when they are locked discriminating preference! Nyla Blair, Outside Supporter away in prison I’m not complaining, I know I messed up, but seriously an 11-year These are our fellow citizens who went astray with their vision sentence to be served at 85% (now 80%) is a bit excessive! And, A prison number doesn’t make them any less of a human being not being eligible to the many benefits that are available through We all just have to guide their sight back to a civilized way of Dear San Quentin News, Prop. 57 hurts me. I just want to get well, and part of getting well is seeing First and foremost I would like to thank ya’ll for publishing my ar- making it home to my wife and family as soon as possible. Drugs play a major role in their fall ticle in the October 2019 issue, titled “Pelican Bay Inmates Break- Vincent Caico, Deuel Vocational Institution Addicted to chemical substances under the influence of alcohol down Barriers of Stigmatization.” It’s important that people all over Many were at their lowest common denominator when they especially California see the faces of the people who are making became criminals a heartfelt solid effort to stop racial tensions, violence in prison. Therefore we must all stand up and mentor better choices for the Daily we are tested. To Editor, millennials A lot of people do not like to see African Americans, Whites and I’m over here in Corcoran State Prison, in the ASU (Security Hous- We can’t just lock up our citizens and throw away the key Mexicans playing sports together, taking pictures together or ing Unit). I came across your newspaper while searching for the The ultimate goal is to rehabilitate them so they can contribute greeting each other with a hug. Sometimes C/O’s say we are get- legal library address there at San Quentin. First I would like to say to society ting soft. Teaching individuals methodology instead of ideology is good work, the paper is great. Keep up the good work. Next I am The world can’t afford to only see incarcerated people through hard work. Getting people to think has always been a tough job, trying to request a recall and resentencing form for the enhance- the lens of yet we are having success at Pelican Bay. I’m hoping my article ments I was given. It’s Assembly Bill 2942-Penal Code 1170(d) Their past clutter and clatter reaches gangs everywhere and influences them to try peace to (1). I’ve been struggling trying to get this form for a minute, any Although we must never forget the victims of crime prisoners lives make our communities safer. A special shout out to all of ya’ll at help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and help. also matter the San Quentin. Be on the lookout for more of my writings. Respectfully, Bobby Bostic Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Jefferson City Correctional Facility, MO Randall Hinson, Corcoran State Prison Emphatically, Little John Perry, January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 7 9-year-old Illinois boy charged 15 year plea deal for powdered with murder and arson milk mistaken as cocaine By Kerry Rudd The boy was read the first Later in the hearing came By Dillon Kim arresting officer “believed incarceration while they wait Journalism Guild Writer count by the judge, which al- the term “arson.” Journalism Guild Writer [the powder] to be cocaine for their trials to start. Instead, leged “he committed the of- “He wants to know what based on my training and they can be incarcerated in An Illinois court recently fense of first-degree murder arson is, your honor,” Dluski After police mistook pow- experience.” Police said the the prison system which is charged a nine-year-old boy and you…set fire to trailer said. dered milk for powdered white powder substance tested designed for longer-term sen- with five first-degree murders residence…thereby caused “Arson is the name of a cocaine upon searching a positive for cocaine. tences. That may have been and arson for starting a mo- the death of Jason Wall.” crime, that you knowingly homeless man in Oklahoma, A laboratory tested the true here. Lollman said that bile home fire that killed five When asked by the judge caused a fire to occur at the man pled guilty and was white substance two months the Oklahoma City Jail, where people. whether he understood, the real property…” the judge sentenced to 15 years in state later and found that it was not Gregg was held, in is “a gen- If convicted, the boy’s boy indicated that he didn’t explained. prison. cocaine. Once Gregg found erally awful jail” which, ac- young age makes juvenile by shaking his head. In April the county Unable to post the $50,000 out about the new test results, cording to The Oklahoman, probation the only sentenc- “What don’t you under- medical examiner’s office cash bond to escape the con- he attempted to withdraw his had at least six inmate deaths ing option available. He’s too stand?” the judge asked. ruled the deaths as homicides fines of the Oklahoma City guilty plea. Gregg told the this year. young to be placed in any “What I did,” the boy re- after consulting with the Jail, Cody Gregg, 26, falsely judge that the white substance “The cash bail system, juvenile detention facility, plied. county sheriff’s office, state pled guilty to drug-trafficking was actually powdered milk posting cash bail, is a prob- according to an Oct. 22 Chi- fire marshal’s office, and the charges. Gregg had faced drug he’d gotten from a local food lem,” Lollman told The Okla- cago Tribune article. local fire protection district. charges in the past. pantry, reported The Oklaho- homan. “If they can’t afford “He made a terrible mis- State Attorney Greg According to an article by man. an attorney, they’re not going take, but he’s not a monster,” “He made a Minger of Woodford Dillon Thompson on AOL.com His petition ultimately was to be able to post bond to get said his mother, Katie At- terrible mistake, County brought charges in August, Gregg was stopped successful: all charges against out.” wood. against the boy over six by police for an alleged traf- Gregg were dismissed, and he According to Lollman , The newspaper reported, but he’s not months after the deaths. fic violation. Gregg attempted was released. he regularly talks his clients “When he sat (in court), his The boy was taken into to flee on his bicycle but was Jason Lollman, a public out of falsely pleading guilty. feet only touched the ground a monster” protective custody after caught and searched. Upon defender in Tulsa, Okla., told “Sometimes it’s like we, the if he slid forward in his chair, the fire. Ever since then finding a “large amount of NBC News that it is common attorneys, have more stamina and his head barely reached he’s been a ward of the white powder substance” on for suspects in custody to than the clients do,” he told above the top of the seat.” Judge Feeney then started court. Gregg, the police arrested him. falsely plead guilty to crimes NBC News. “But that’s be- The charges stem from an over again. He stopped on “Though the boy is too According to the incident they did not commit. By do- cause we’re on the outside, April fire. Four of his rela- certain words to define them young to be incarcerated, report from the police, the ing so, they can avoid local and they’re in jail.” tives and his mother’s boy- for the boy. if he is convicted and friend died in the inferno. Later in the hearing the violates terms of probation Judge Charles Feeney read boy’s court-appointed attor- a judge can sentence him the charges to the boy. The ney, Peter Dluski, intervened. to county detention once proceedings were slow-going “Your honor, I apologize. he’s 10 years old and state Florida can’t use restitution or because the judge had to ex- He told me he doesn’t know juvenile prison if he’s 13,” plain a variety of legal terms what ‘alleged’ means,” Dlus- according to the Chicago fines to stop ex-felons from voting to him. ki said. Tribune. A federal court ruled that prove that they are unable to genuinely unable to pay,” the Florida cannot deny felons the pay. judge wrote. right to vote based on their in- “When a state wrongly Florida’s Supreme Court is Oklahoma releases 462 incarcerated ability to pay fines or restitu- prevents an eligible citizen now reviewing the governor’s tion. from voting, the harm to the petition to define what “all people in wake of reclassification “In his order, U.S. District citizen is irreparable,” Judge terms of a sentence” means Judge Robert Hinkle of the Hinkle’s written order said. in the constitutional amend- By William Earl Tolbert committed to working with God that got me here and the Northern District of Florida The court’s ruling leaves ment. That court will analyze Journalism Guild Writer Oklahomans to pursue bold governor.” halted the implementation of approximately 1.4 million whether restitution and fines change that will offer our Julie Fair Loth, 28, who SB 7066, which required fel- felons without relief. are implied in the language of Oklahoma has released fellow citizens a second was serving time for drug ons to pay all restitution, fines Amendment 4. 462 prisoners in the wake of chance while also keeping possession, hugged her and fees before they are eli- Judge Hinkle also said the a law change that reclassified our communities and streets mother and her husband out- gible to vote,” reported Court- U.S. Constitution does not numerous felonies as misde- safe,” said Stitt in a statement side the correction center. house News on Oct. 18. “When a state prohibits voting eligibility meanors. to the Times. “I can’t even put words to Months after Amendment based on a person’s financial It was one of the largest The governor’s office ex- it,” Loth said. 4 passed via landslide vote, wrongly prevents resources. single-day releases of pris- pects the mass-commutation Loth told the Times she state lawmakers passed SB an eligible According to a study sub- oners in U.S. history, accord- to save the state $12 million. was “overwhelmed” to re- 7066. mitted to the court by Uni- ing to The New York Times. The action was celebrated unite with her family. Amendment 4 is a consti- citizen from versity of Florida political sci- Oklahoma has one of the for its bipartisan nature by Isi “Our concern is that tutional amendment that re- voting, the harm ence professor Daniel Smith, nation’s highest per-capi- Ofer, director of the Ameri- without the necessary com- stores voting rights to most almost 80% of felons have ta incarceration rates, the can Civil Liberties Union. munity support, we could felons once they have com- to the citizen is outstanding debts. Times reported Nov. 4. “What’s happening today see these people back in the pleted the terms of their sen- More than 2,000 felons The state voted to reclas- is an important step forward, criminal justice system with- tences. That includes proba- irreparable” registered to vote in Florida sify simple drug posses- but much more is needed,” in six months,” said Andrew tion and parole. Restitution in the first three months after sions and low-level property Ofer added. Speno, director of Oklahoma and fines are not mentioned in Amendment 4 took effect. crimes as misdemeanors, Screams of joy from fam- for Right on Crime, a conser- the amendment. “Each of these plaintiffs And thousands more have reg- rather than felonies, to help ily members and friends wel- vative organization working Judge Hinkle’s ruling have a constitutional right istered since, advocates say. reduce its incarcerated pop- comed the 70 women leaving to reduce incarceration rates. only applies to the 17 plain- to vote so long as the state’s Before Amendment 4, ulation. Gov. Kevin Stitt the Dr. Eddie Warrior Cor- Speno praised the com- tiffs in the case. The judge only reason for denying Florida was one of only three signed a bill earlier this year rection Center in Taft, Okla. mutations but urged further suggested Florida imple- the vote is failure to pay states with a lifetime ban on that applied the decision ret- A newly liberated pris- action. ment a system for felons to an amount the plaintiff is felon’s voting rights. roactively. oner, Tina Martin, 52, would The parole panel consid- —Kerry Rudd “This event is another have served another seven ered 814 case files and rec- mark on our historic timeline years in prison. ommended 527 for commu- as we move the needle in “It means the world to tation. Sixty-five were being criminal justice reform, and me,” said Martin. “It was held on detainers, leaving New transparency law goes into my administration remains 642 inmates to be released. effect for public disclosure Upcoming federal execution of By Steve Brooks subsequently were convicted lay dying on the cell floor. Journalism Guild Writer and sentenced to 15-years-to- He only admitted this after life in 2017. an inmate reported seeing intellectually disabled man A new police transparency Tempra, who was on duty deputies doing “fist pounds” law went into effect in early the night Tyree died, con- after they finished searching “Clinicians, not judges, should determine clinical October, leading to the pub- trolled the doors that pro- the cells. standards, and judges, not clinicians, should determine lic disclosure of Santa Clara vided access to Tyree’s hous- Tyree’s spleen and liver the content of the Eighth Amendment” County Sheriff Deputy David ing unit. He failed to report were severed as a result of Tempra’s firing over a 2015 the use of force against both blunt force trauma. Accord- By Vincent O’Bannon its Eighth Amendment stan- Bourgeois was sentenced beating death. Tyree and Juan Villa—an- ing to an autopsy report, that Journalism Guild Writer dards in 2014 and 2002. to death by a jury in Texas in Tempra was fired for lying other inmate beaten in the was the injury that killed In Atkins v. Virginia, the 2014 for torturing, sexually about the death of Michael same unit that night. Tempra him. An intellectually disabled court declared in 2002, for molesting and beating his 2 Tyree, a mentally ill inmate. reported that he didn’t hear The Tyree family’s attor- man scheduled for execution the first time, that the Eighth ½-year-old daughter to death. Deputies Rafael Rodriguez, any noise. ney argued that the county in January claims it would vi- Amendment bars the execu- His lawyers claim he cannot Matthew Farris, and Jereh The Sheriff’s criminal is responsible for Tyree’s olate his constitutional rights. tion of intellectually disabled be executed because his in- Lubrin were arrested and investigation concluded death. “Juan and Michael He is Alfred Bourgeois, prisoners whose cognitive tellectual disability has never charged with second-degree that Tyree could be heard should have been on a psy- one of five prisoners chosen functions would render their been evaluated under the new murder in Tyree’s beating, ac- screaming for several min- chiatric unit, not ‘protective by the U.S. Justice Depart- executions cruel and unusual Eighth Amendment standards cording to KQED News. utes “and was accompanied custody,” attorney Paula ment to be put to death in punishment. Controversy has imposed by the Supreme “Your conduct has cast by the sounds of thump- Canny said. January 2020. surfaced over IQ score stan- Court, the story noted. considerable doubt on your in- ing, wall banging and what Deputy Koret Shettle- Bourgeois’ lawyers claim dards. Bourgeois’ initial claim that tegrity and character,” the fir- sounded like blows to a per- worth, who attended the his execution would violate “Clinicians, not judges, he was “too disabled to be ex- ing decision read. “You have son’s body.” sheriff’s academy with Rodi- his Eighth Amendment rights should determine clinical ecuted,” was rejected by a fed- tarnished your reputation and Tempra only admitted guez and Farris, said, “There against cruel and unusual standards, and judges, not cli- eral judge in Texas in 2011 and violated the public trust. You this during a fourth round of was a level of inmate abuse punishment, Rolling Stone nicians, should determine the again by the Fifth U.S. Circuit have dishonored the Sheriff’s questioning, said KQED. that was deemed acceptable” reported Aug. 21. content of the Eighth Amend- Court of Appeals in 2013. The Office, your fellow Correc- Tempra was also initially at the main jail. The case has raised ex- ment,” Chief Justice John Fifth Circuit has ruled that he tional Deputies and Officers, hesitant to report seeing The Sheriff’s Office has ceptional interest because of Roberts wrote in Moore v. previously and unsuccessfully and our profession.” Farris and Rodriguez do subsequently updated train- membership changes on the Texas that examines the At- raised the disability claim and Rodriguez, Farris and “knuckle bumps” as they ing procedures and has re- U.S. Supreme Court since kins’ test, the story reported. cannot raise it again. Lubrin all faced trial and left the module, where Tyree vised its use-of-force policy. Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020 Incarcerated cooks learn top notch skills as they reenter the workforce By Aron Roy Several graduates Contributing Writer also returned to help. “I just thought we A class of men incarcer- were going to go in ated at San Quentin graduated there and pretty much from a cooking course aimed make some meals,” at teaching them top notch said graduate Breon skills for reintegration into the Mosely. “But we also workforce once released. got to learn what it Thanks to the Quentin was like to work on a Cooks program, the eight men team, how to plan out showcased their newfound a meal, how to use the skills on Nov. 13 by preparing equipment, and learn a four-course meal for visitors how a kitchen overall from outside the walls of San runs.” Quentin. To begin the night, “The food was astonish- the cooks served ingly delicious,” said San butternut squash Francisco Public Defender agro dolce with bur- Manojar Raju, “But I think rata cheese and chili if more people were able to crunch oil. A per- Photo by Michael Johnson Photo by Michael Johnson meet everyone in here and get fectly paired squash, Students preparing an appetizer course in the kitchen Students preparing dessert to know them, they would be apple and turnip soup astonished by their resilience was served along with the and chard gratin, roasted Hadi Razzaq, who also works eryone who made the program unteer work in the commu- and determination to suc- agro dolce. mushrooms, and salsa verde. in the San Francisco Public possible. nity. ceed.” The appetizer was a salad To satisfy the guests’ sweet Defenders office. “This is the “We’re not just a culinary “The most precious thing The theme of the meal was of roasted delicata squash, tooth: pumpkin cannoli with kind of food I would expect at program; we’re a skills based you can give somebody is “Winter Squash Five Ways.” kale, cranberries, pumpkin mascarpone, pistachios and a fancy restaurant.” program, helping men-in- your time, because you can’t The incarcerated chefs seeds, chicories, winter citrus cocoa nibs. After the meal, cofounder blue to succeed,” said Mel- get it back,” said Melnitzer. prepared the meal with and goat cheese. “The food was so flavor- of Quentin Cooks Helaine nitzer. “Of the 55 men who Dombroski shared the assistance from instructors The entrée: grilled Allen ful, and the guys got really Melnitzer delivered a heart- have graduated so far, many spotlight with the chefs who Chef Huw and Chef Adelaar. Bros. rib eye steak, squash creative with the squash,” said warming speech, thanking ev- of them released, as far as we come to San Quentin for the know, none have returned to five hour class on Wednesday prison.” mornings. “Chefs Huw and Adelaar, I never would have imagined I would find chefs whose passion for the program “This is the kind exceeded that of the founders.

of food I would The graduating men not expect at a fancy only value the culinary skills they learn in the program but restaurant” also the opportunity they have to pursue a career in the culi- nary world once they are re- “Every time one of our re- leased. leased men gets a job, it’s like “As we got to learn all these Christmas for us.” Melnitzer skills and techniques, we added. would think about how to uti- Melnitzer, along with co- lize them,” said Mosely, “The founder Lisa Dombroski, won program helps you to find a a Jefferson Award this past job when you’re released so August for her efforts associ- that you can use these skills. ated with the Quentin Cooks You may have to start at the program. A Jefferson Award bottom, but if you’re deter- Photo by Michael Johnson is a weekly honor given to a mined, you can climb the lad- Quentin Cooks founder Helaine Melnitzer (center) community member for vol- der, hopefully become a chef, and be able to run your own kitchen one day.” A new feature introduced at the Quentin Cooks sixth graduation banquet was en- tertainment by Quentin Cooks graduates. Jason Griffin opened the show with a poem. Kerry Rudd and Jesse Ayers each per- formed humorous skits, which had the whole crowd laughing. Finally, Derry “Brotha Dee” Brown finished with a song called “My Best Friend.” “The program just keeps improving with every cycle,” said Santhosh Daniel, a film- maker who comes in to follow the Quentin Cooks program. “Every guy who’s getting out Photo by Michael Johnson Photo by Michael Johnson and doing well contributes to Visitors enjoying the prepared food Elisabeth Schwarz handing out certificates a track record of success.” Keeping the conversation going about HIV on World AIDS Day at SQ By Juan Haines “The most important thing “We need to get past be- and testing. The non-profit support non-profits focused • Sharing of needles, Senior Editor is keeping the conversation ing shunned, afraid to shake also has a workforce educa- on HIV/AIDS related issues. syringes, other injecting going,” Yancy said, “and not hands,” said Ed Jones of tion and training program, “When you’re homeless, equipment as well as expo- Almost 20 years ago, An- for just HIV patients — ev- APEB. “Those living with transgender support services, the risk of infection from sure to other sharp instru- drew Yancy felt a small lump eryone needs to be involved.” HIV should not be shunned youth activities as well as HIV goes up,” Hanna said. ments. on his neck. He told a nurse “This is an important is- away.” pastoral care and counseling. “If you self-medicate and • From a mother with HIV he thought it was a spider sue,” said Lisa Strawn, prison- APEB holds discussion “I can relate to being here,” engage in risky behavior and to her infant during preg- bite. There were examina- er and emcee of our first-ever groups to talk about the stig- said APEB staffer, Mikiya have poor eating habits, the nancy, childbirth or breast- tions and tests — the results Transgender Day of Remem- ma and challenges faced. “Fefe.” “I’m transgender, and risk goes up. Until We Find feeding. shocked him — he had been brance. “It’s about saving “It’s a good way to vent I was in prison for three years A Cure aims to eliminate If a person living with infected with the human im- lives, not just the LBGTQ and share when there’s some- and transgender.” She told barriers and to make the HIV is on antiretroviral munodeficiency virus (HIV). community. There’s tattooing, thing going on,” Jones said. the audience that she knows drugs more accessible. Ev- therapy, which effectively Since then, Yancy says drug use and not everybody “It’s a great place to go, and firsthand what it’s like not eryone deserves a place to suppresses HIV in the body, he’s serious about educating is going to be up front. This we feed you.” to be educated and not have live.” their chance of transmitting people about HIV. He had a day is important in so many The National Institute of support or guidance and then HIV is found in certain HIV to another person is chance to make good on his ways. So, it’s disappointing Health reports that, today, go back to the streets. I want bodily fluids of people living greatly reduced. This class word, when two local non- that there aren’t any medical there are medications for to be a beacon so no matter with HIV, including blood, of drugs is available to pris- profits geared to serve those staff here.” HIV treatment and to prevent what background you come semen, vaginal fluids, rectal oners in California. suffering from HIV/AIDS The non-profits that came its transmission, which en- from you have support.” fluids and breast milk. HIV For more information, came to San Quentin the day to talk to the prisoners, Un- ables a person to live a nearly Dora Hanna, executive can be transmitted by: write to: after World AIDS Day. til There’s A Cure and AIDS normal lifespan. director of Until There’s • Unprotected vaginal or APEB Acquired immunodefi- Project of the East Bay APEB operates a health A Cure, assists those with anal sex, and, in very rare ciency syndrome (AIDS) (APEB), work toward HIV/ clinic that, in addition to of- felony convictions obtain cases, through oral sex with 8400 Enterprise is a term that applies to the AIDS awareness and provid- fering patient care and case housing. The organization a person who has HIV; blood Way, Suite 118 advanced stages of HIV in- ing services to those directly management, is involved also has raised more than $23 transfusion of contaminated fection. impacted by the virus. with community outreach million by selling bracelets to blood. Oakland, CA 94621 January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 9 Q & A with Chairman Si Dang Inspiring humanity our partnerships—The Q: What’s of hope and to motivate and A: Honestly, I don’t think KidCAT Speaks! Within, Huckleberry House, your biggest encourage the youth to better I do. Andy Tran, the innocent Project Avary. Their dedication hope for 2020? themselves. person I killed—he didn’t get a By Joe Garcia and commitment inspires all of A: Reach- Q: Who’s one celebrity second chance. I’m just grateful Journalism Guild us. ing out to more you’d love to invite to a to serve others and continue do- Chairperson Also, I want to send my supporters and KidCAT meeting? ing what I do. deepest thanks to our incred- advocates in law A: That’s gotta be Gov. Andy Tran and Sen Dang Si Dang just completed ible volunteers and all our enforcement, . He’s such (no relation), they were both in- his first full year as KidCAT members for their hard work. the judicial sys- a strong leader, and I totally nocent victims. I always try to Chairman. He turns 44 on Jan. Q: What’s the biggest les- tem, and higher respect that. He stays with honor them, their families and 17 and approaches his 25th son you’ve learned through- education—and integrity, compassion and heart. the community of Stockton for year of incarceration for first- out your entire incarcera- continue to raise Q: What’s one thing you’d all the harm I caused. degree murder and attempted tion? awareness of say to Governor Newsom? Q: Who’s made the biggest murder. A: The value and strength youth issues. A: As a youth offender—we lasting impression on your Dang sat down with SQ of family. I’m so fortunate Q: What can change and become better life? News for a Q&A about himself that my family’s always been can you tell our people. We have the ability to A: My mom, Thu Pham. and his vision of KidCAT. there for me through thick and readers about heal within ourselves within the From day one, she never gave Q: So many people ask— thin—my mom, sisters and the impact of community. up on me and was there when what’s KidCAT really all brothers. newly signed Q: Why is a second chance I was at my most vulnerable. about? That’s why I emphasize and legislation? so important? She’s my true hero—the stron- A: Inspiring humanity. We foster that same sense of fam- A: Especially A: Nobody’s perfect. People gest person I know. use those words a lot lately, but ily in KidCAT. All of us ben- with Senate Bill can change. To give them Any final thoughts for all of just think about what that truly efit when we support and take Photo by Jonathan Chiu 965 and the po- a chance to do something KidCAT’s returned citizens out means. It’s about service— care of each other. Si Dang at the KidCAT Banquet in 2018 tential to earn better—why not give that? there? giving back and connecting Q: What’s the most im- credit off of their Instead of always locking Thank you for continuing to with our community. portant thing young lifers school—don’t turn your back minimum parole eligibility them up and throwing away the represent KidCAT in the best We’re always here to sup- need to know as they do on education. date, that’s going to bring a lot key, give them that chance to possible way—even after you port our youth and youth of- their time? Q: What can you say of hope to youth offenders. grow and give something back got out. fenders—to encourage, inspire A: They need to understand to all the folks who’ve I think of all the possibilities to society. All you guys continue to and remind them that people that it’s okay to ask for help. requested KidCAT’s First and potential to not just gain Q: Why do you believe you advocate for the youth, and we really care about them. Don’t be afraid to reach out Step curriculum and are freedom—but to gain a sense deserve a second chance? love you. Q: What’s the most valu- and admit your vulnerabili- looking for guidance? able lesson you’ve learned ties. The strongest people are A: First of all, I want to over the last year? those who understand they’re sincerely apologize for the A: Always have an open not alone. long delay. I know how San Francisco to replace mind. Working with our mem- Q: If you could visit and committed so many youths bers, I’ve learned to listen speak to kids in juvenile around the system are more and take advice. Being halls, what would you say to about trying to learn our Juvenile Hall with able to communicate and work them? curriculum. together as a team to get things A: There are many people My biggest vision for done—that’s what counts. who care and love you. Don’t 2020—we will get First Step rehabilitative center I’m amazed by the ever give up hope. Stay strong, out and into the hands of all By Dillon Kim housed in SF’s juvenile incarceration. It also calls ongoing support from all believe in yourself and go to those who asked. Journalism Guild Writer hall—less than one-third for redirecting the funds of its full capacity. At that allocated for Juvenile Hall San Francisco voted to rate of occupancy, the city to programs that support close its Juvenile Hall and re- spends almost $270,000 youth mental health treat- place it with a smaller “reha- annually to incarcerate a ment and academic aid. Dear KidCAT bilitative center” to provide single child, according to As a 16-year-old, Leticia My name is Davion Keel, and I’m currently serving 25 years-to-life. I a more home-like setting for numbers released by the Silot spent time incarcer- was 15 at the time of my crime. I’m 29 years old now. youths who don’t need to Young Women’s Freedom ated at the city’s juvenile My reason for writing today is to thank you for this avenue where our be detained but can’t return Center. hall. She spoke about her voices get heard. Coming into the system, I knew nothing. And at 15 home. Additionally, HuffPost experience recently in an years old, I thought I knew it all. I didn’t know anything about being The Board of Supervisors reported that San Francis- interview for KQED on Na- voted 10-1 on June 4 to shut co’s population is only 5% tional Public Radio (NPR). restored and restorative justice. the facility by the end of 2021. Black—yet Black children “Man, it felt like forever. I always thought I was normal. Only after maturing and really being honest with myself with Mayor London Breed and comprise 60% of its incar- I don’t even know what 100% true love, I tapped back into that human side I’ve always had and admitted that I was lost. some other community lead- cerated juvenile popula- time it was half the time be- Insecure, I had no integrity. I always wanted to be accepted because as a child I never had a ers oppose the facility’s com- tion,. cause they take the clocks father, or mother or anyone to ask me, “What’s wrong, Davion?” plete closure and instead sup- Supervisor Catherine out,” Silot recalled. “They Well, one person asked me, “What’s wrong?” …just so happened it was a gang member. And port institutional reform. Stefani was the only hold- don’t let us have clocks in “What about a teenager out to vote “no” against the the building, so it’s like- getting affirmation from him—and others like him—that became my life. charged with murdering ordinance. it’s very confusing.” It took me until I was 26 to finally be a man and stand up for the betterment of myself. I started someone? Someone’s son “I do believe this piece of Supervisor Matt Haney attending self-help groups and found interest in people building people—in the right way, to or daughter is dead and so legislation is well-intended. told the Examiner, “The prosper the world. CGA (Criminal and Gangs Anonymous) was and is a big part of my life. I plan what happens to that young I’m on the same page in harsh truth is that the in- on teaching kids at the same juvenile hall I grew up in. person?” said Breed. “Some- terms of why we are doing carceration of children in Which brings me to your curriculum… I’m planning on getting a transfer, just to join. I feel all times there is a need [for in- this,” said Stefani. “But jail-like environments, carceration]. And so what when we flip that page to behind steel doors in con- kids and youth need the tools of KidCAT and CGA. It really helps to develop emotional intel- does that look like?” the solution, I’m not there crete rooms, does not work. ligence in the ghettos where a lot of kids are getting locked up—like my 15-year-old self. California law mandates yet because I have a hard Incarceration adds trauma I just wanted to thank you again. Save a spot for me. that certain juveniles must be time closing Juvenile Hall and pain to the lives of chil- held in a secure facility. with a date certain and dren who have often expe- Davion, According to a recent re- without a plan in place.” rienced an unimaginable Great to read about your transformative growth. The world needs to know about all these sto- port in the San Francisco The new ordinance cre- amount of trauma and pain. ries—each of our stories. KidCAT is rooted in sharing and learning from each other, supporting Chronicle, juvenile delin- ates a 12-person team that “Kids need treatment, quency rates in the U.S. and will include city officials, support, education, com- each other, building each other. We see all that in your letter. California have declined over juvenile justice experts and munity-based, non-incar- Our hope for 2020 is to get our curriculum out there and available to everyone who wants it. the past decade. community members—all ceration-based opportuni- We welcome you, but we also don’t want transferring here to be the only way for guys to go Last January, just for- working to develop fea- ties. They need better than through First Step. ty-five youths remained sible alternatives to youth we are doing now.” Anyone at SQ is welcome to take First Step on Sundays from 6-8. Each cycle takes six months to complete. If you do get over here, we look forward to your participation. It’s always great to Any inmates interested in receiving the KidCAT curriculum must ask the Community Partnership Manager (CPM) at their facility to meet our readers face-to-face and really get to know them in person. We can’t wait! contact the CPM at San Quentin. As of February, 2019, KidCAT’s curriculum can only be distributed to inmates through their CPM.

Kid CAT and The Beat Within hold monthly writing workshops. The Beat Within conducts writing workshops in juvenile detention centers throughout the country. KidCAT Speaks will publish one topic each month. Your writing should reflect a positive message that helps the youth make a better decision in life. Your stories will be read by the youth in detention centers. If published, you will receive a free copy of the publication. Your story can make a dif- ference. Tell The Beat Within you read about them in KidCAT Speaks! Words from the wise, quote of the week - “Although slavery may have been abolished, the crippling poison of racism still per- sists, and the struggle still continues.” - Harry Belafonte (born 1927) is an American singer, songwriter, activist, and actor. Throughout his ca- reer, he has been an advocate for political and humanitarian causes. Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Where do you person- ally stand when it comes to racism? What about this country/the world we live in? Share your thoughts, from what you have experienced and witnessed. “Although slavery may have been abolished, the crippling poison of racism still persists, and the struggle still continues.”

The Beat Within, P.O. Box 34310 San Francisco, CA 94134

KidCAT (Creating Awareness Together) is a group founded by men who committed their crimes in their teens but were sentenced as adults to life terms. The group’s mission is to inspire humanity through education, mentorship and restorative practices. KidCAT Speaks wants to hear from all offenders, educators, and policymakers concerning juvenile justice issues and rehabilitation. Contact us at San Quentin News, Attn: KidCAT Speaks, 1 Main St., San Quentin, CA 94964. Page 10 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020 Tehachapi hosts 3rd Ethics Bowl against CSU Bakersfield Submitted by Dian Grier unborn child at risk. This case ciety and individuals. CCI CCI Press Release was presented based on a real responded that there might case in which Alabama pros- be better ways to have con- For the third consecutive ecuted a mother for the un- versations and foster a so- year, CCI (California Correc- expected consequence of the ciety of forgiveness instead tional Institution at Tehacha- death of her fetus. In this case, of a society that points the pi) has hosted the annual Eth- the mother started a verbal finger and damages peo- ics Bowl against California altercation, which turned into ple’s reputation as well as State University, Bakersfield the other woman shooting her careers. So again, the two (CSUB). This year was a tie gun, which ricocheted and sides agreed that this is not breaker for CCI, with a 3-0 her fetus, killing it. The moth- a positive for society, but win. “Intellectual Sports” er and victim of the shooting both teams brought differ- such as ethics bowls are was brought up on charges ing perspectives on how to gaining status and momen- for involuntary manslaughter address change. tum throughout colleges by the state of Alabama. This After the Ethics Bowl, in the . Every case was complex ethically CSUB went on to com- year, cases are developed by and CCI took the side that pete in regionals, which the Association for Practical women should have rights over took place December 7 in and Professional Ethics and their own bodies, even during Phoenix, Arizona. CSUB are used by all ethics teams pregnancy, and that cases such asked if they could use nationwide. Ethics teams are as this one can be a slippery CCI’s research for their given packets of case studies slope, ultimately denying too event, which CCI offered. four to six weeks prior to the many women’s rights. CSUB CSUB’s team consists of competition. These cases are agreed with CCI, adding their third-year philosophy stu- real and hypothetical cases. perspective to the case. CCI dents who practice weekly The team prepares by con- answered multiple questions based on what they have sidering the ethical impli- from judges, clarifying their learned throughout their cations of each case. At the position and proving they had classes. competition, the two teams fully considered all aspects of After the event, the phi- present their case, rebut and the case. losophy students asked the Photo courtesy of Tehachapi then answer questions from The second case this year inmates about their plans CSUB and CCI Debaters of the 3rd Ethics Bowl judges. This year the Ethics consisted of “Callout Culture,” for their futures. All of the Bowl at CCI had judges in- which considered whether our five team members from CCI preparing through research and anxiety, and find practice throughout the year, cluding three doctorates, one “callout culture” or “cancel have plans for higher educa- and practice. The group was purpose within the prison reflecting on new ethical MBA and a reporter from culture”—in which an indi- tion or are currently attend- developed and is coached by environment. The group viewpoints and enjoying The Bakersfield Californian, vidual is called out on social ing college through Cerra Dian Grier, LCSW, and is consists of 25 inmates who the process of expanding who wrote an article that and regular media—is helpful Cosa University here at CCI. considered a mental health helped prepare for the bowl, their thinking regarding made front-page news in Ba- in changing societal norms or Robert Price, the well-known group designed to stimulate but only five were chosen their own moral opinions kersfield. See: https://www. hurting individuals who are reporter from The Bakersfield thinking and perceive the for the presenting team. The as well as ethics within bakersfield.com/columnists/ put in the spotlight. The case Californian, commented on world through multiple other team members were in society. This program is robert-price. considered if this behavior is how poised and intelligent lenses. The time the men put the audience, cheering on an excellent representation The first case, in which CCI activism or a dysfunctional CCI’s team presented, which into this group helps them their colleagues. The group of the type of innovative led, was called “A Miscar- new aspect of our social is a common remark by out- in multiple ways. Many of consists of all ages, races rehabilitation CDCR and riage of Justice” and consid- media-driven society. CSUB side observers seeing the CCI the inmates see the group as and viewpoints, which add CCI are inventing and ered Alabama’s law that pros- summarized that callout cul- Ethics Bowl for the first time. a chance to increase social to the therapeutic benefits offering. Congratulations to ecutes pregnant women who ture has some positives, but is CCI’s team puts in four and presentation skills, of the program. The group the CCI team for their effort the state feels have put their not activism and is hurting so- hours of class time per week, decrease levels of depression continues to discuss and and achievement!

Photo courtesy of Tehachapi Photo courtesy of Tehachapi Debaters going over debate topic Debater at the podium giving his remarks

Photo courtesy of Tehachapi Photo courtesy of Tehachapi Host giving opening remarks Outside debater giving his rebuttal New York’s Riker’s Island Jail scheduled to close in 2026 By Amir Shabazz Queens, New York, felt that it the current prison population. crowding and poor health the jail, said he would like to Members of the city’s Land Journalism Guild Writer is time to shut Riker’s down. It is still up in the air whether conditions. see these proposals’ positive Use Committee feel that set- “Not another person should or not to build new facilities Others feel that closing the impacts before jails are put ting the goal of completion After years of debate and ever have to suffer through in Queens or move the pris- jail would incur the wrath of into neighborhoods. for 2026 gives both sides discussion, Riker’s Island Jail the inhumane conditions oners elsewhere. the public. The five boroughs Those who live in the inner time to iron out the kinks and in New York is scheduled to and the culture of abuse and When news of the jail’s in New York would have to city and suburbs are pushing come-up with a solution that close in 2026, according to violence that Riker’s fosters,” future closing got out, some come up with a plan on where back and putting up resis- satisfies everyone. Amanda Ottaway of Court- Brandon Holmes, campaign politicians signed-off while to build another jail facility. tance. Representative Alex- In the meantime, Riker’s house News. coordinator for #CLOSErik- others did not. Those who are The opposing sides are andria Ocasio-Cortez, who Island will continue to oper- With a reputation as one of ers, said. in favor of closing the facility looking into measures and opposed the closure, pointed ate and live-up to its legacy the worst facilities to incar- Queens and the rest of New feel that the jail has a horrible proposals to slow down the out that the proposal does not as one of the worst jail facili- cerate human beings, politi- York are now faced with find- reputation for violence. Many process. Councilman Andy have a codified timeline for ties in the country for the next cians and the community of ing alternative housing for are concerned about over- King, who voted not to close closing Riker’s. seven years. January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 11 Red Hoop drumming group brings sounds of life to SQ Pow Wow

By Marcus Henderson Editor in Chief

The Nevada Red Hoop drumming group brought the sounds of life to San Quentin’s Native American Spiritual Group Annual Fall Pow Wow. The thumping sounds of traditional drum- ming filled the prison’s visit- ing room, blending with the scent of sage, circle dancing and chanting from the outside spiritual elders.

“The elders and drummers coming in helps us learn more about our ways as a people”

The pulsating drumbeats simulate the rhythm of a heartbeat, which represents the sign of life, be it from man or animal, according some Native traditions. “The drum is alive — just as any human being is,” said Martin Montgomery, one of the Red Hoop drummers. “An animal gave its life for this drum – and the wood to produce the heartbeat sound. Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN “The drums and our tradi- Participants surrounding the Red Hoop drummers celebrated the unity of the human family tional songs have the ability to change emotions and they were able to make the trip, uniformly pounded the large “The elders and drummers “Being here is like Montgomery paused the have made their way to us to- due to rescheduling of the drum. The more than 90 in- coming in helps us learn coming full circle,” said drumming and asked some day,” added Montgomery. ceremony. The group con- carcerated participants and more about our ways as a Montgomery. “It makes you guests to come up and form The Nov. 15, sacred event sisted of Montgomery, Ivan volunteers swayed and step people,” said Dennis “Wolf” feel grateful. What my father two rows of seven people. He celebrated the unity of the Julianto and Brandon He- dance throughout the event in Gilbert, participant. “They learned in prison he passed asked each person to make human family and its connec- redia, the son of the Native ceremonial circles symboliz- show us that we are not hated on to us; now I’m sharing it a rhythm with their bod- tions through the heart. American Spiritual Group’s ing the infinity of life. but loved and not forgotten. with these men.” ies; some made sound with The Red Hoop Drum chaplain. The dancing and singing is “It keeps us on the Red The drum is one of their mouths, snapped fin- group consists of more than The trio chanted each part of the spiritual healing Road (spiritual road.) I want the major parts of Native gers, clapped hands and beat 20 drummers, but only three song energetically as they led by the sacred instrument. to raise my grandson in our life. The songs and drum sounds on their bodies. ways,” Gilbert added. rhythms are passed down Then Montgomery had ev- Montgomery can relate through the grandparents or eryone do his or her sound in to this statement. His father elders. Most of the Native unison, creating an ensemble was incarcerated in a Nevada drummers are versatile in of music. prison. Southern and Northern tribal “We are all relatives. We “Your family needs you. drum rhythms. The drums all represent that rhythm of And that’s spoken from a kid are used for tribal marriages, the heartbeat, and that was who grow up while his father prayers and calling people shown in the music we creat- was incarcerated,” said together. ed together,” said Montgom- Montgomery. “My father After the opening purifi- ery. “If we can see each other shared a lot of stories about cation ceremony, where the as human beings the world how the system changed participants smudge them- would be a better place.” him. He wanted to give us selves with smoking sage, The spiritual ceremony an alternative and he taught the guests mixed with the ended with traditional food us the drums – learning our Native group to perform the and strong loving words culture help save us,” added ritual Grand Opening Dance. from visiting elder Lee Po- Montgomery. Everyone left the visiting lanco, Sr., 81, who was a for- Montgomery credits his room; the men formed mer San Quentin corrections father for starting Red Hoop. one line and women made officer and chaplain. The group name comes from another one. The two groups “I seen two of my sons his grandfather who found a danced and stepped their go to prison, and that hurts horse, back in the day, with a way back into the room to as a parent. I buried a lot of red hoop around its eye. The create two circles around the people, so doing this prayer horse used to do tricks such drums. work is not a game for me,” as: dancing and bowing. “The women dance closer said Polanco. “I come here The grandfather thought to the drums, because they because I love these guys, be it was from a circus or are our hearts,” said Gregory it the men-in-blue or green. something. So he began “White Eagle” Coates, San “I will tell the guys in asking the people in the Quentin resident and Straight blue don’t ever give up – it’s Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN surrounding area whose Dancer. “The men are on the never too late to learn. I hope Native American Adviser Hector Frank Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN horse it was. No one seemed outer rings, because they are you get out and never come Heredia smudging the visiting room Gregory “White Eagle” Coates to claim it. the protectors.” back,” he concluded. in preparation fo the ceremony and Straight Dancer regalia

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Bill Churchhill, Lee Juarez Polanco, Sr. and Joyce sharing a quiet moment Heredia, Polanco, Sr. delivering the opening prayer at the ceremony Page 12 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020 The value of Prison to Employment Connection on returning citizens through job opportunities and connections By Kevin D. Sawyer Williams. “Of those, 153 Associate Editor have paroled and only one has returned to prison,” leav- Prison to Employment ing her program with a 1% Connection (PEC) reached recidivism rate. a milestone at San Quentin, completing its 10th session and graduating 44 men, who learned how to present them- “This program selves to future employers. One of the highlights of is everything I the program was Employer thought it would Day in November, where 196 interviews took place with be. You guys inmates inside the prison’s treated me like Protestant chapel. They were conducted with potential a human” companies that hire the for- merly incarcerated. A subse- quent graduation ceremony “This is a blessing to me, was held two weeks later for something I’ve been needing the Session 10-44 graduates. my whole life,” said Edmund Keeping with tradition, Di- Johnson, 47. He’s been in- ana Williams, PEC executive carcerated 24 years. “I think director, spoke to the audi- the program is excellent. It’s ence comprised of inmates, teaching me to use my trans- guests and PEC volunteers. ferable skills. It’s teaching She said the rate of recidi- me how to talk to employers.” vism in California is more Williams explained how than 60%. “That means 26 of during months of prepara- the men in this room would tion the men learned personal come back to prison within and work related interests. three years of their release.” They studied work values, She offered employment as resume writing, interview one of the key solutions to re- skills, their incarceration his- duce recidivism. tory, and used it all to create According to Williams, re- “packages of success.” She cidivism is cut in half when said they also worked on those who are formerly incar- learning how to reframe re- cerated find employment. For jection. those who have jobs upon re- “It’s designed to connect Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN lease from prison, recidivism the men to themselves,” th is 3.3% to 8 %, she said. Williams told the audience Participants of the Prison to Employment Connection’s 10 session “To date, 253 men have of employers and career graduated from PEC,” said specialists. “Men in this program experience a renewed Oakland Rotary Club. He had San Francisco’s Office of 44. He said he’s never had hope.” toured the prison previously Economic and Work Force a job interview in his life. Williams said 68 men start- and said he learned about the Development. It funds 45 He’s been incarcerated for 25 ed the class in August. Four programs in prison, and it job training programs, 13 years. months later, the Session 10-44 made an impression on him. of which focus on technical “I love it,” said Steve Gar- graduates attended a ceremony “I’m back here to help others training. It was his third time rett, 34, who’s been incarcer- in the Catholic chapel, where find what they’re passionate attending Employer Day. “In ated for 18 months. “I think they received certificates and about,” he said. our labor market, the demand it’s a great program. The other paperwork that will al- Checkr is a San Francisco- is starting to recognize the opportunity and skills that low them to find employment based company working to talent” (of the formerly incar- they’re giving us is what we upon their release from prison. modernize the background cerated)”. need to stay out of prison.” “I’ve never seen anything check process. Willis asked, “If people do Elizabeth Toups, of the like it,” said Michael Belton, “Our mission is to promote their time why are we still Jewish Vocational Service, 58. “I signed up, and I wasn’t fair chance hiring,” Rebecca punishing them when they had visited the prison previ- sure, but I said ‘what do I have Rabison said. “We do that by get out?” Adding, to give ously during a graduation to lose?’ I actually gained trying to provide more em- them employment, “I think ceremony. “I was so im- something from it.” ployment opportunities for it’s our fiscal responsibility.” pressed with what everyone He said PEC taught him to people with conviction his- “I was nervous and ex- was doing here,” she said. be open about his criminal his- tories.” cited, not to mention I almost The San Francisco-based tory. “Socializing” the idea fell off the chair for giving me organization works with peo- Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Gary Falxman came in of second chances, Orrian such an opportunity of a life- ple from all backgrounds to Returning citizen Nelson Butler speaking with a student from Realty One and the Willis works for the City of time,” said Edwin Chavez, help them get jobs.

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Prison to Employment Connection’s Employer Day in November January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 13 The value of Prison to Employment Connection on returning citizens through job opportunities and connections

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Participants of the Prison to Employment Connection’s 10th session

“Sometimes that involves “I was impressed when I before parole. When he was Trustin and Gabrielle Nico- “I want to thank you for At the graduation ceremo- connecting them to training, walked in and shook every- incarcerated, he wanted to let. your friendly demeanor,” said ny, Williams asked, “How “she said. one’s hands,” said Minteer. know how to get a job and This was Trustin’s second Richard Richardson. “This many of you would have When the interviews “It works when you shake to present employment pros- session. “It’s not different program is everything I taken this class if you weren’t were completed, the guests someone’s hand and look pects to the parole board. because we experienced the thought it would be. You guys getting RAC (Rehabilitation reconvened to seats on the someone in the eye.” “I just really wanted to same transformation the men treated me like a human.” Achievement Credits) cred- stage in the chapel. Williams “Thank you for believ- come back and say things that make connecting with their The employers and guests its?” About 90% of the men commented that this 10th ing in these men and this other people (said to) me, so own hope,” she said. also shared their comments raised their hands. Then she PEC session had the largest program,” said Williams. I really wanted to give back. “It’s always different,” with the men. read the interview results of group of supporters attend She introduced and thanked This is my opportunity,” said said Nicolet. “There are One said, “This is the sec- the PEC graduates and said Employer Day. Twelve of the inmate PEC volunteers Butler. He paroled and said different challenges, like ond time I’ve come, and each they did as well or better than them stood up and received who’ve also gone through he’s been gainfully employed lockdowns, that present time there’s a new excite- people on the outside. The a warm applause from the the program and come back ever since. The audience ap- challenges. The prison ment.” percentages from low to high: men. to help others. “As outside plauded his success. “My population is different than Another said, “You all 5 Excellent 42% Jay Minteer was one of volunteers, we can only do so purpose here today is to give it was a year ago.” should be teaching people 4 Above average 39% those supporters. He said much for the program.” you guys hope. I think maybe She said the core of why how to interview.” 3 Average 19% another supporter, Tom Williams explained how I did something half right.” she volunteers is because Their remarks kept com- 2 Below 0% Lacey, introduced him to the program was started be- “I realize life is an inter- prisoners need help. It was ing. 1 Poor 0% PEC. He said it’s a worthy fore introducing Nobel But- view,” Williams said, a PEC her sixth session. “I’ve looked at a lot of re- cause to make sure people ler, who came up with the graduate now on parole, told As the guests sat on the sumes, and I can’t tell you Derry Brown said someone don’t come back. It was his idea to provide inmates a her. She acknowledged and stage, they received feedback how much I’d like to see more suggested he take the program. first time inside of a prison. head start on employment thanked PEC volunteers Lisa from many of the inmates. of these,” said another guest. He went through the class and has now become a facilitator for the program’s 11th session. He said he’d never completed a resume or had many jobs and that his youth was swallowed up with incarceration. “I didn’t have any of these skills,” he said. “So for me to go through this process was inspiring.” In addition to Williams, An- gel Falcone has been a volun- teer for all 10 sessions. He told the men, “Every job is your business school” and advised them to do the best they can on every job. “Everything we learn, we’re going to need,” said Dwight Kennedy, who volun- teers for the program. “Take Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN what you’ve learned and ap- Employees of Checkr meeting with participants Diana Williams giving a speech to the audience ply it to your life.”

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Prison to Employment Connection’s Employer Day in November A participant interviewing with City College of San Francisco Participants greeting employers as they come into San Quentin Page 14 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020

Cartoon by John Krueger , Illustration by Kelvin Ross

ArTBy Ronald Gabriel

Norwalk Public Defender Philip Peng in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador

Photo courtesy of Philip Peng

Black Ink on 2-Ply Cardboard Around the World January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 15 Tras cuatro décadas en prisión, Veto del gobernador: de enfrenta el reto de vivir en la felicidad, a la tristeza Para una persona conde- libertad nada a cadena perpetua, la posibilidad de salir de prisión es muy difícil. ya que tiene que mostrar que se ha reha- Español bilitado por completo. El gobernador de Califor- Por Daniel López nia tiene la facultad para con- Reportero gelar la pena de muerte, darle un perdón, reducir la senten- Después de pasar cuatro cia a un prisionero o también décadas en prisión, Joe vetar la salida a una persona Ibarra de 86 años, quiere que ha sido elegible para salir hacer historia. en libertad condicional. “Quiero llegar a los 120 Un artículo Los Ángeles años”, dijo desde la casa Times dice que en su primer de transición en la que se año de gobierno Newsom ha encuentra desde febrero de vetado la salida de más de 46 2019, cuando finalmente personas encarceladas obtuvo la libertad. Uno de estas personas es “No me querían dejar Raúl Higgins, de 61 años, salir. Mi sentencia fue de 15 quien fue arrestado en 1998 años a cadena perpetua y y condenado a 15 años a ca- me llevaron 40 años, ¡fíjate dena perpetua. que crueldad!”. Higgins dice que la prim- Para Ibarra, salir de era vez que estuvo enfrente prisión ha sido como volver del panel de libertades condi- a nacer. “Parece que nací cionales (Board of Parole ayer… Esta bonita la vida”, Hearings) le negaron la liber- dijo. Sin embargo, se ha tad y le dijeron que regresara enfrentado a un mundo en el en tres años, pues no tenía que “la gente va caminando File Photo entendimiento sobre lo que lo y hablando sola por la calle” Joe Ibarra llevo a cometer el crimen ni Photo by Juan Espinosa y adaptarse no ha sido fácil. entendía el impacto que éste Raul Higgins “Salí sin documentos, Ibarra recordó lo difícil Él quería quedarse en San había tenido. perdí mi fe de bautizo, mi que fue el proceso para Francisco porque es donde La segunda vez que apare- allí feliz pero con miedo”, Higgins dijo haberse sen- acta de nacimiento, seguro obtener la libertad. Cuando pasó el mayor tiempo de su ció frente ante el BPH llevo dijo Higgins. tido muy triste por el dolor social. He tenido que compareció ante el Panel vida, pero lo mandaron a varias notas favorables de Cuando una persona en- de su familia, en especial de batallar para agarrar mi de Libertad Condicional Los Ángeles. los programas de rehabilit- carcelada es encontrada eleg- su madre de 88 años quien ID de California”, contó. (Board of Parole Hearings) En la casa de transición ación en los que participado, ible para salir en libertad preguntaba por qué y no en- “Fui a la oficina de libertad le negaron su salida donde fue hospedado así como un curso de Braille condicional tiene que esperar tendía lo que estaba pasando. condicional y me mandaron porque en la opinión de les ayudan a conseguir para ayudar a las personas un promedio de 150 días an- “Me dolió mucho, pero a otra oficina; me dijeron los comisionados, él no empleo, pero Ibarra dice ciegas. tes de que el gobernador tome más por mi familia y herma- que tengo que demostrar mostraba remordimiento que están enfocados en “Esa vez me negaran cinco la decisión final. . La terapia psicológica que soy ciudadano, si no me por sus acciones, además gente joven. “Yo podría años porque no mostraba Higgins dice que contaba que he estado recibiendo me van a quitar la ayuda”. de que tenía mal récord en buscar trabajo en la entendimiento sobre la raíz los días y pensaba en los ayudó a sobreponerme a la “Hace poco agarré mi prisión. construcción pero dicen de mi crimen, además de no planes que tenía una vez que noticia de que el gobernador seguro social para poder Sin embargo, en su que estoy muy viejo… Yo mostrar remordimiento”, dijo saliera de prisión. Newsom me había quitado el recibir ayuda de $600 penúltima audiencia, el no me siento viejo, hago Higgins. A los 132 días de espera día de salida, y eso me afecto dólares, que no ayudan panel lo encontró elegible ejercicio, camino diario, El 30 de mayo del 2019 Higgins recibió la noticia que muchísimo”, dijo Higgins. mucho”, dijo Ibarra. para salir, pero poco después pero es difícil”, añadió. Higgins se presentó ante la ninguna persona encarcelada Higgins dice que tiene 35 Ibarra participa en un el gobernador vetó su salida. Ibarra dijo sentirse BPH por tercera ocasión. quiere escuchar: El gober- años como músico y en la programa de reinserción “Me deshice de todas asustado pero contento “Entré a la sala nervioso pero nador Newsom le había qui- prisión toca las congas en el para personas recién mis pertenencias, y una vez de estar fuera de prisión. confiado porque me había tado el día de salida, porque grupo musical de la iglesia. liberadas de prisión en Los que el gobernador me quito Sin embargo, hay algo que preparado mucho. Después todavía necesitaba tener más La música y ser parte de la Ángeles. El programa es el día sentí como que me extraña de sus días en San de seis horas y media de entendimiento en el impacto iglesia, le da ánimo para so- dirigido por la Hermana apagaron las luces y solo me Quentin. preguntas y respuestas los que causo el crimen que co- breponerse a su situación. Teresa y les brinda diversos di valor, porque no me quería “Extraño a mis amigos de comisionados del panel me metió. “Seguiré echándole ganas, apoyos para evitar la morir aquí como todos mis la prisión. Aquí la gente es encontraron elegible para “Eso es todo lo contrario al ya que como cristiano tengo reincidencia. Por lo regular, amigos”, dijo Ibarra. diferente, aunque gracias a salir en libertad condicional”, reporte que me dio el psicólo- la esperanza de que un día a las personas que salen de la Finalmente Ibarra salió Dios estoy libre y contento dijo. go y lo que los miembros del Dios abra las puertas para cárcel se les da una pequeña en libertad el 14 febrero ahora le pido a Dios que me “Me sentí sorprendido; panel dijeron en la decisión que pueda regresar a casa”, fiesta de bienvenida con del 2019. ‘El día de los permita vivir hasta los 120 como que no lo creía, estaba de otorgarme la oportunidad añadió Higgins. galletas y pastel. enamorados”, recordó. años”, dijo Ibarra. muy impresionado. Salí de de salir libre”, dijo Higgins. Por Daniel López Apagan fuegos y salvan vidas, pero su salario es menor al mínimo By Harry C. Goodall Jr. beneficio en lugar de sufrir las han muerto por heridas Journalism Guild Writer agotadoras actividades físicas obtenidas durante el combate y el riesgo de lesionarse en de incendios. Esta noción Más de 3,000 prisioneros los campos de fuego”, dijo la pone al descubierto de cuál ayudan a combatir los Senadora Kamala Harris (D- es el precio que los presos incendios en California, pero Ca.) están dispuestos a pagar para su salario es mucho menos del El artículo también obtener su libertad. mínimo. menciona una declaración “Los reclusos no deberían Los reclusos que trabajan jurada de Vimal Singh, un ofrecerse para combatir en los incendios forestales en oficial de CDCR (California incendios peligrosos el estado de California ganan Department of Corrections simplemente porque la entre $2.90 y $5.12 al día, más and Rehabilitation) quien dice alternativa es estar encerrado un aumento de un $1 durante que aumentando los créditos en una celda”, añadió Fathi. incendios de emergencia, de liberación temprana Hubo dos memorándums según un artículo de Fortune. disminuiría la población en producidos al respeto del com. los campos de fuego. pago a los reclusos. Uno de Según el artículo el mayor “El medio ambiente los memorándums sugiere incentivo para los reclusos en las prisiones pone una que el pago a un interno debe que escogen cumplir parte presión única”, dijo David incrementarse de $1 dólar, que File Photo de su condena en unos de Fathi, director del ACLU. ha sido el sueldo durante los Unidad de bomberos de la prision de San Quentin en California. los 43 campos de fuego, es “En realidad hay muy poco últimos 40 años, a $2 dólares la reducción de su sentencia. en las prisiones que es por hora. El memorándum “Los prisioneros están de utilizar sus habilidades entrenamiento para reclusos Una legislación aprobada voluntario, hay un diferencia indicó que aun a ese ritmo altamente desprotegidos como bomberos ya que a liberados. El programa de en el 2014 incluye crédito de poder entre los guardias el estado ahorraría $24.6 por las leyes de salud y buen uso. la mayoría de los 18 meses puede enlistar de dos días de crédito por de seguridad y los internos. mil millones comparado con seguridad que protegen a departamentos de bomberos a 80 personas en libertad uno de trabajo para todos los La relación de captores y lo que le pagan a bomberos todo los demás trabajadores requiere empleados con condicional pero no dará prisioneros. Esta propuesta ha empleados crea un riesgo contratados. El memorándum de condiciones peligrosas en experiencia en tecnología licencias de EMT después de enfrentado mucha oposición. significativo de explotación también advirtió que “menos el trabajo”, dijo Fathi. “No médica de emergencia o la graduación. CALFire le ha “La extensión del crédito y abuso, nos debemos de cuadrillas de prisioneros son cubiertos por OSHA, No licencia de paramédico. ofrecido posiciones a dos de del dos por uno para todo mantener en alerta por eso”. bomberos resultara en la pueden formar uniones para En California los presos los graduados recientes. prisionero (en instituciones “El programa de Campo de dependencia de grupos mejorar sus condiciones de sentenciados por un crimen La unión de Bomberos de mínima seguridad en Conservación fue fundado federales, de condados y trabajo. Cuando pones todas serio tienen que cumplir 10 Profesionales de California, California) hará más difícil en 1945 y se estima que el privados durante los periodos estas condiciones juntas años en libertad para así que cuenta con más de cubrir las camas accesibles estado de California ahorra de actividad en alto riesgo los prisioneros son más poder obtener este tipo de 30,000 miembros, ha ya que los reos de nivel bajo $100 mil millones cada año”, de incendios. El costo de un vulnerables comparado a los licencia, según el artículo. luchado contra el plan, dice y que están por crímenes sin indicó el artículo de Fortune. turno de 24 horas fluctúa de trabajadores que combaten CDCR se asoció el artículo de Fortune. violencia preferirán participar com. cuatro a ocho veces más alto los fuegos o hace otro trabajo recientemente con el condado en otro tipo de programas Las estadísticas de los comparado a un equipo de en esta sociedad”. de Ventura para invertir —Traducido por (en unidades de seguridad últimos 35 años muestran que reclusos”, según el artículo de Cuando los prisioneros $26.6 mil millones en un Heriberto Arredondo mínima) que les da el mismo seis prisioneros bomberos Fortune. son liberados son incapaces programa de certificación y Reportero Page 16 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020 Tarifas por trámites migratorios aumentarán hasta 60 por ciento Bajo esta propuesta, una ahora tendrían que pagar dadanos”, escribió Wernick de cobros son necesarios para jando asiduamente para poner Español persona que quiere hacerse $765 en lugar de $495 por en su columna semanal que se recuperar los costos asociados barreras a los inmigrantes”. ciudadana tendrá que pagar la renovación de su estatus. publica en varios diarios del con administrar los beneficios Citizen Path, un sitio de In- $1,170 en lugar de los $725 Esto representa un aumento país. de inmigración, salvaguardar ternet que ayuda. Inmigrantes Por Juan Espinosa que se cobraban anterior- de 55 por ciento. El Departamento de Segur- su integridad y eficientar la a procesar solicitudes de mi- Diseñador gráfico y reportero mente, lo que representa un La propuesta fue publicada idad Nacional (DHS) indicó adjudicación de beneficios”. gración indicó que los incre- aumento de 60 por ciento. en el Federal Register, el 14 de que los cobros actuales no La administración alega mentos no entrarán en vigor Tarifas por trámites mi- Un documento de USCIS noviembre. permiten recuperar los costos que las ganancias adicionales inmediatamente, ya que la gratorios aumentarán hasta detalla los incrementos pro- El abogado de migración, de procesar las solicitudes de ayudaran al presupuesto de propuesta estará abierta a co- 60 por ciento puestos, los cuales también Allen Wernick asegura que inmigración. $207 millones que el presi- mentarios del público por un La administración del incluyen un cobro de $50 el aumento de tarifas es un “DHS propone ajustar los dente Trump designó para el periodo de 30 días después e presidente de los Estados para tramitar una solicitud de intento más del presidente cobros en un promedio de 21 Departamento de Inmigración su publicación. Unidos Donald J. Trump asilo. Si la persona que pide Trump por dificultar a los por ciento, añadir nuevos co- y Naturalización de los Esta- “Las nuevas tarifas no en- presentó en noviembre una asilo pretende trabajar en inmigrantes legalizarse y ob- bros para ciertos beneficios, dos Unidos. trarán en vigor hasta que el propuesta para aumentar Estados Unidos, tendrá que tener la ciudadanía. establecer múltiples cobros Melissa Rodgers, la direc- proceso de revisión federal el costo de los trámites pagar $490 para tramitar un “El plan para eliminar las para solicitudes de trabajo tora de programas de Centro finalice. Este proceso gener- para solicitar asilo en Es- permiso de trabajo. condonaciones de pago ten- temporal –non inmigrant– y de Recursos Legales del Inmi- almente lleva varios meses. tados Unidos, obtener la Los soñadores también drá un efecto devastador en limitar el número de ben- grante en San Francisco dijo Hasta entonces, las actuales ciudadanía y para renovar serían afectados con la pro- el derecho de los residentes eficiarios en ciertas formas”, al New York Times que “Esta tarifas permanecerán se- DACA. puesta de Trump, ya que permanentes a hacerse ciu- dice la propuesta. “Los ajustes administración está traba- guirán vigentes”, indicó. Socialización Masculina Por Tare Beltranchuc dad) llores. Los hombres no Shaw. “Desde pequeños, a “Las malas influencias me llego a tener los edu- Reportero lloran”. los niños se les enseña que enseñaron a no permitir que caría de una manera En muchas sociedades se la agresión y la violencia son nadie me faltara el respeto. diferente en una forma Los hombres no lloran, enseña que la masculinidad, parte de la hombría. La ar- Si alguien me falta el respeto, puedan demostrar sus aguántate como los machos, el ser ‘hombre’ implica no rogancia es vista con logro tengo la obligación de hacer sentimientos y sus pun- no seas maricón, no te dejes poder expresar emociones mascuina; y la violencia – que me respete, lo cual im- tos de vista, dependien- de nadie… Estas soy algu- tales como dolor, tristeza, como un medio para defend- plicaba el uso de la violencia do la situación que en- nas expresiones comunes miedo y otras más. Sin em- erla, es a menudo celebrada”. física”. Huizar creció pen- frenten en el momento. que los niños escuchan a bargo, el suprimir las emo- Las normas culturales de sando que hacia lo correcto. Que sean genuinos en temprana edad. ciones no es saludable. una sociedad machista es- Ahora entiende que no era su personalidad y to- La socialización mascu- “Cuando me lastimaba, pera que los hombres sean respeto lo que le tenían, sino men decisiones inteli- lina inicia con las expectati- me aguantaba especialmente autónomos. Los padres ense- miedo. gentemente mirando vas que la sociedad tiene de cuando había otras perso- ñan a sus hijos varones que Con frecuencia, los jóvenes diferentes ángulos de los hombres. Este proceso nas alrededor”, dijo Huizar. deben ser independientes. que no cumplen con las ex- acuerdo a la situación empieza desde el momento “Cuando no se te permite ex- “Las personas con la que pectativas de una sociedad o problema personal sin en que los padres se enteran presar tus emociones corres me socializaba durante mi machista enfrentan discrimi- tomar la violencia como del sexo del bebé. Al nacer el riesgo de lastimar a otras crecimiento me decían que nación, insultos homofóbicos la primera alternativa, los niños varones empiezan personas.” los hombres resuelven sus y son ridiculizados no solo como es la creencia de a ser formados en base a las En un artículo en la revista propios problemas y no piden por otros jóvenes, pero tam- una sociedad machis- expectaciones de una cultura Psychology Today, la doctora ayuda,” dijo Huizar. Él cre- bién por sus padres. ta”, añadió Huizar. machista. Julie Shaw aborda el tema de ció con la idea que debería Los padres contribuyen de Shaw asegura que es Francisco Huizar 30 años, la abrumadora presencia de ser autosuficiente, lo cual una manera directa o indirec- irresponsable socializar Photo by Brian Asey un preso en la prisión de San hombres en las cárceles y se impidió que se beneficiara de ta a la socialización mascu- a los niños pensando Francisco Huizar Quentin lo recuerda con clar- pregunta el por qué de ello. la ayuda de otras personas. lina al: educar a sus hijos de que no necesitan con- idad. “Cuando me lastimaba ‘Desafortunadamete, la Como parte de su social- una manera diferente, establ- trolarse, que pueden las- “Debemos ser cuidados y lloraba, mis falsas amist- sociedad enseña a los hom- ización, Huizar, aprendió de ecer reglas distintas y tener timarse mutuamente sin con- de no facilitar la violencia al ades me decían ‘aguántate bres explícita e implicíta- su padre a ganarse el respeto expectativas diferentes. secuencia, que no es bueno pensar erróneamente que es como los machos’, o te voy mente a no inhibirse cuando de otras personas a través de “Por el momento no tengo actuar de manera respetuosa parte de la experiencia mas- a dar algo para que (de ver- se trata de agredir”, escribe la violencia e intimidación. hijos, pero en un futuro si los y tranquila con los demás. culina”, dice Shaw. Xóa Đi Chủng Tộc Trong Hồ Sơ Gascon dùng sự giúp đỡ Standford’s Computational Một nghiên cứu bởi Public giảm đến mức tối thiểu thành văn phòng quan chủ khống VIETNAMESE của các kỹ sư máy vi tính Policy Lab. Policy Institute of California kiến của đội điều tra. Họ xét lại. từ trường đại học Standford “Khi tôi mới trở thành trong năm 2016 cho thấy không khám xét hình ảnh Quan chủ khống nói rằng để nghĩ ra một chương trình quan chủ khống, tôi quan tâm rằng số người bị bắt giữ là hoặc phim ảnh tiết lộ chủng văn phòng ông ta sẽ dùng Tác Giả: Anthony dùng để che giấu sự phân loại về việc hệ thống công lý ảnh 41% da nâu, 36% da trắng, tộc của bị cáo. công cụ mới này vào khoảng Manuel Caravalho chủng tộc từ báo cáo của cảnh hưởng thiếu cân đối với người và 16% da đen. Người da đen Đến khi chính thức buộc 80% cho những vụ án mới. Hội Đoàn Tác Giả Nhà Báo sát. da màu,” Gascon giải thích. chỉ chiếm 6% tổng dân số. tội, một đội công tố viên độc Những vụ án như là giết “Nếu chúng ta có thể loại Gascon chú ý đến sự bất Một cuộc nghiên cứu khác lập sẽ kiểm tra lại nếu có người hoặc là có liên quan Dùng công nghệ để xóa bỏ bỏ thành kiến về chủng tộc, bình đẳng chủng tộc khi việc từ năm 2008 đến 2014 cho bằng chứng cụ thể để tiến tới. đến vũ lực thì sẽ không được tài liệu chủng tộc từ báo cáo chúng ta có thể trở thành một này ảnh hưởng đến hệ thống thấy rằng so sánh với toàn Gascon nói rằng công nghệ dùng ngay lúc này. của cảnh sát trước khi công tố quốc gia tốt hơn,” Gascon nói công lý của tiểu bang Cali và tiểu bang thì sự bất cân bằng mới này có thể dùng trong Văn phòng của San Fran- viên quyết định buộc tội có lẽ sẽ trong một cuộc phỏng vấn với đưa ra thống kê chứng minh chủng tộc ở San Francisco toàn quốc. cisco Public Defender từ chối giảm sự chênh lệch chủng tộc tờ báo San Francisco Chroni- rằng người da đen và người thì lớn hơn nhiều. Cuộc Công nghệ trí khôn nhân bình luận. trong hệ thống công lý của Mỹ, cle đăng ngày 13 tháng 6. da nâu tiếp tục bị bắt và buộc nghiên cứu cho thấy rằng tạo sẽ tổ chức báo cáo của Từ năm 2016, quan chủ San Francisco District Attorney Công cụ “buộc tội không tội nhiều hơn là người da người da đen chiếm 6% tổng cảnh sát và tự động xóa đi khống cũng đã tìm cách giải George Gascon tường thuật. phân biệt” được nghĩ ra bởi trắng. dân số, nhưng lại chiếm đến chủng tộc của những người quyết mau việc xóa đi hơn 41% số người bị bắt giữ. liên quan. Nó cũng sẽ xóa 9,000 vụ án có liên quan đến Cuộc nghiên cứu trên đi tên của những người liên cần sa. được thực hiện bởi đại học quan kể cả cảnh sát, nhân Gascon đã tuyên bố rằng Berkeley và đại học Pennsyl- chứng, và can phạm trong ông ta sẽ không ứng cử khi Tái Phạm Tội Tại San Francisco vania. khi giấu đi địa chỉ hoặc là địa nhiệm kỳ kết thúc cuối năm Thủ tục buộc tội của San điểm mà có thể ngụ ý chủng này. Tác Giả: Alfred King những người trưởng thành Tài liệu này không bao Francisco hiện tại có ý định tộc của can phạm trước khi —Dịch giả-Hiếu Thái Hội Đoàn Tác Giả Nhà Báo phạm tội vào những năm gồm những người bị tuyên 2013, 2014, và 2015. án tù và được thâu thập với Vào khoảng 43% số người Chỉ có 6% trong số 2,320 sự phối hợp của Sheriff’s được thả ra từ trại giam ở người uống rượu lái xe bị Department, the California Cái Giá Của Sự Khám Xét Thiếu Nhân Đạo quận hạt San Francisco bị tái tái bắt giữ trong khoảng Policy Lab at UC Berkeley bắt giữ trong vòng 3 năm. thời gian 3 năm nói trên. và McArthur Foundation. Tác Giả: họ xuống nền xi măng. Dưới phải trả thêm $4 triệu khi Tài liệu được thâu thập bởi Mục đích là để minh San Francisco gởi con số Harry C. Goodall, Jr. chân họ, nền xi măng bị ô những nữ tù nhân cáo buộc là văn phòng của nhân tố viên bạch, nhưng nó cũng là một thấp nhất vào tù California, Hội Đoàn Tác Giả Nhà Báo nhũng bởi xăng dầu và kinh các nhân viên nam cai quản San Francisco theo dõi tỷ lệ công cụ cho những người với ít hơn 20% các sự kết án huyết của những nữ tù nhân nhà tù đã lạm dụng tình dục tái phạm tội của 9,407 người làm chính sách đưa ra quyết phải vào tù tiểu bang. Quận Los Angeles đã đồng trước đó.” trong lúc khám xét họ. trong trại giam, tờ báo San định tốt hơn và đo lường ”Cái công cụ mới này là ý trả $53 triệu tiền bồi thường Thêm vào những hành vi Sau những vụ kiện cáo Francisco Chronicle tường sự công hiệu, công tố viên một mô hình cho các thành cho các nữ tù nhân đã nhiều nhục mạ là các nữ tù nhân này đã làm cho các trại giam trình. George Gascon trình bày. phố và quận hạt dùng tài lần bị nhục mạ bằng cách đang trong thời kỳ kinh ở quận Los Angeles sắp đặt Những ai phạm tội bạo Ông Gascon nói rằng liệu để an toàn giảm dân bị khám xét, theo lời tường nguyệt. Họ bị ép buộc lột bỏ các hệ thống giống như ở phi hành và trộm cắp thì tỷ lệ bị tài liệu đưa ra sự hiểu biết số trong trại giam và điều thuật của tờ báo Los Angeles tất cả băng vệ sinh dùng cho trường để ngăn chặn đồ bất tái bắt giữ càng cao hơn, tài sâu sắc vào bên trong việc chỉnh sự bất quân bình Times. kinh nguyệt, làm cho máu hợp pháp vào trại giam. liệu cho thấy như vậy. thi hành pháp luật, sự kiểm chủng tộc trong hệ thống Một thỏa thuận được chấp chảy xuống chân họ và đọng Theo lời tờ báo tường thuật, ”Trong số 965 người bị soát trong cộng đồng và công lý”, Laurie Garduque, nhận qua một vụ kiện tập thể lại trên đất. Những vụ khám giống như sự kiện của nữ kết án trộm cắp, 72% bị tái chiến lược giúp đỡ các công người quản lý của McAr- đã được trình tòa vào năm xét này đều thực hiện bên tù nhân thì các nam tù nhân bắt giữ và 45% bị tái kết án. chức trong hệ thống công lý thur Foundation, trình bày. 2010 với 87,937 phụ nữ đã ngoài của trại giam. đang thưa kiện về việc bị áp Trong số 882 người bị kết án sử dụng tài nguyên hiệu quả San Francisco là quận bị khám xét 421,718 lần vào Những việc khám xét này bức bạo lực tại trại giam quận hành hung, 49% bị tái bắt hơn. hạt đầu tiên trong tiểu bang giữa tháng Ba năm 2008 và đều làm ngoài trời bất kể thời Los Angeles. Những sự kiện giữ và 21% bị tái kết án. Và ”Ngoài y tế công cộng, thâu thập tài liệu về tỷ lệ tái tháng Giêng năm 2015 tại tiết lạnh hay mưa gió. Không này đang dưới sự điều tra từ trong số những người bị kết thì an toàn công cộng chiếm phạm tội. trại giam của trung tâm Lyn- có gì là kính đáo để che đậy nhân chức của liên bang. Sau án buôn bán ma túy thì 54% phần lớn nhất của ngân sách Bước đầu này “gia tăng wood, Cali., theo lời tường ngoài một hàng rào kẻm gai khi kết thúc điều tra, ít nhất bị tái bắt giữ, với 20% bị kết của địa phương và chúng ta sự trong suốt trong hệ thống thuật của tờ báo vào ngày 16 hư hỏng. Những sự kiện này là 12 công nhân cai quản trại án vì phạm tội mới, tờ báo sử dụng nó mà không biết sẽ công lý và chúng tôi hi vọng tháng Bảy. xảy ra theo sự chứng kiến của giam tại quận Los Angeles bị Chronicle tường thuật vào thành công hay không, việc các thẩm quyền khác sẽ làm Tờ báo này nói thêm là, những nhân công khác phái bắt và khởi tố đưa vào tù, bao ngày 17 tháng 9. này có thể là sự bắt đầu của theo,” Evan White trình “Các phụ nữ bị ra lệnh đứng của trại giam. gồm cả trưởng cai quản trại Tài liệu thu thập từ những một cuộc đàm luận khác”, bày. xếp hàng ngoài trời, ép buộc Cộng thêm vào là một vụ giam Lee Baca. sự kết án và tuyên án cho ông Gascon trình bày. —Dịch giả-Hiếu Thái khỏa thân và vất quần áo của kiện buộc quận Lynwood —Dịch giả-Tú Trần January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 17 Remembering a friend, veteran and devout church goer By Juan Haines saluted the flags or held their Trent Capell and Patrick Scrabble, cooked and ate David Rodriguez sang a “I knew Tony in the U.S. Senior Editor hands over their hearts. Bayliss read passages from together. What I remember song in Burch’s honor. Seabees.” Here’s what others said: Church elder Darryl Hill The New Testament. most, during the card games, “He was good company. He “I played Scrabble with Tony. Tony Burch was a Navy sang one of Burch’s favorite Chaplain Mardi Ralph he wasn’t that great, so he’d was consistently Tony.” veteran; however, it was his songs, “Why Don’t You Pray Jackson took the stage and make excuses and say, ‘I He’d put down a word that smile and singing that made For Me?” talked about Burch as a God think you’re pencil whip- you were sure was not in the “He used to like to have fun him popular in San Quentin fearing man. ping me,’” Hill said, which dictionary, but when you and wouldn’t want anyone to State Prison. He passed away “This is a peaceful occa- brought laughter. He added, challenged it and looked it be sad.” on Nov. 6. He was 67 years sion. We honor this faithful “I have a lot of fond memo- up, there it would be. Then “He used to tell me that it old. “He used to like man to this ministry. He was ries of him. He taught me how the next time he’d put down made him happy to see me Burch’s memorial be- to have fun and always respectful and con- to listen and to be respectful. a word that you didn’t know, dancing round and round as gan on Nov. 18 with a Color ducted himself as a man of He’d bring me to scripture to you’d be scared to challenge we were singing to the Lord. Guard of incarcerated veter- wouldn’t want God,” Jackson said. “I can correct me. He was always it. Later on, you’d look up the He slipped away from me, ans, with Garvin Robinson, anyone to be sad” thank God for Brother Tony claiming and living Christ.” word and it’s not in there.” but I’m going to catch him.” Ernie Soltero, Carl Raybon Burch. He never said anything Larry Histon talked about “Tony, I know you’re up and Brian Corder carrying derogatory but was always having a conversation about One person read a poem there in Heaven,” one person that ended with the poet sing- the American and POW flags glorifying God when he talk- Burch with an incarcerated said before singing a heart- “It is an encouragement ing Anchors Aweigh. inside the prison’s Protestant ed to me.” hospital worker. Burch was felt rendition of “Amazing that even though we are in- Before he passed, Burch Chapel. Several men-in-blue fol- on his way to the outside Grace.” After the flags were set in carcerated, we can celebrate lowed Jackson to tell stories hospital. The hospital worker said to a friend, “I hope I front of the chapel’s stage, Tony’s life,” Carl Solerdo about Burch. told Burch, “I’ll see you when “He was always talking about come back a better man.” Taps sounded and more than said. “The brother showed “God allowed me the plea- you get back.” Burch replied, what God had done for him.” The Color Guard ended the memorial with Taps being 100 of Burch’s fellow men- his love and always had a sure to meet Brother Tony,” ‘I’ll see you on the other Incarcerated veterans added: in-blue stood in his honor and smile.” Hill said. “We played cards, side.’” played one more time.

Photo by Eddie Herena Photo by Eddie Herena Photo by Eddie Herena Tony Burch with James “Shorty” Tony with a children’s baseball set at the annual Tony Burch with the US Marines at a Dunbaraluting on 2017 Veterans Day SQ Veterans’ Toy for Tots Drive in visiting veterans event in 2016 Remembering Patrick Maloney’s 40 years at San Quentin Patrick Maloney taught restaurant’s interior and it is was blessed to have him in art to incarcerated men at filled with his artwork includ- my life. I will forever love and San Quentin for more than ing chandelier and walls. miss you my dear friend Pat. 40 years, his first 10 years “Patrick was a community were spent voluntarily teach- artist before the concept ex- ing condemned men on Death isted in America,” Katya Mc- Row. Culloch, an Arts in Correc- We took a liking Maloney was born, Feb. 5, tions (AIC) instructor since 1938. He passed away on Aug. 2004. “That is something that to one another 18, 2019, surrounded by his his family allowed us to share. as if we’d been loving family and his art at the So, the memorial was pre- home that he built in Nicasio cious that it brought together best friends in the late 1960s. Patrick’s family and the com- all our lives” His generosity enriched munity that treasured him so thousands of lives as he of- much.” ten worked with those on the At the memorial, McCull- margins of society: recent och read the following words Gary Harrell: Patrick immigrants, the incarcerated, of praise from several incar- always kept his word and juvenile offenders, and low- cerated men enrolled in San showed up on time at 7:45. income and at-risk children Quentin’s AIC program: I started working with him and families. He went out of Bruce Fowler: You couldn’t in 1996 from fear of not be- his way to learn from other help but admire Pat. He’s the ing able to draw. After a few cultures and from others’ ex- first person I’ve met that never years, I started to draw. I Photo by Jonathan Chiu periences. said a negative word about learned so much about art Maloney with his AIC students at his retirement celebration in Feb. 2019 Maloney once said, “I make anyone or anything. He taught listening to Patrick, a very art to maintain my connection me so much more than how to soft-spoken man that told me, He changed my life. I began vidual. Even in his struggles, Orlando Smith: I could to life.” paint; because of him, I strive stay focused on the subject thinking of productive ways he was selfless – always think- never imagine Pat being up- A memorial service was to be a kinder, more compas- matter. for art and for that, I am for- ing of others beside himself. set or angry or upset or in a held on Nov. 10 at the Whip- sionate person. I will always Lamavis Comundoiwilla: ever thankful. Stan Bey: We took a liking bad mood or snappy—he was per Snapper Restaurant in San honor his memory and never I’d never have become who Jeff Isom: Pat was a very to one another as if we’d been the most mellow person I ever Rafael. Maloney designed the forget the eight years that I I am without his teaching. kind, caring and loving indi- best friends all our lives. met—he’d make people feel super comfortable. Anthony Vasquez- Ramirez: We talked a lot. Sometimes it had nothing to do with art. I think that one of his best qualities is that he had the willingness and ability to listen. He had the patience, willingness, and ability to just listen. I know that as a painter and family man, that he had an interest in young adults, teenagers who found themselves caught up in the criminal justice system. He was a one-of-a- kind man, extremely artistic, patient and a good teacher. I know he’s in a good place. Photo courtesy of Carol Newburg We need more good people Photo from patrickmaloneyart.com Kurt Huget, Auntie Jun Hamamoto, Dunya Alwan, Pat Maloney, like him. Pat Maloney with his art Steve Emrick and Amy Ho at 2018 event —Juan Haines Page 18 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020

CROSSWORD Edited by Jan Perry 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across Down Snippets 14 15 16 17 18 1. Medication regulatory org. (Abbr.) 1. Former state ew York's Brook- 4. Child’s learning necessity 2. Satisfy lyn Bridge has 19 20 21 22 N 8. Internet TV channel 3. Ding-dong a suspension tow- 11. Asian name prefix 4. Viper 23 24 25 er set on sand in- 12. Board 5. Prison rumor stead of bedrock. 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 13. Pacific resort locale 6. Name in the Bible lectricity con- 14. Shadow 7. Main actor of Roxanne 35 36 37 Esumed by the 17. Light 8. Reid of American Pie United States is ap- 18. Smooth 9. Diary 38 39 40 41 42 43 19. Liberation 10. Partake proximately 3.892 tril- 44 45 46 47 lion KWh (measured 21. Drink 13. Deliveries in 2007) making it the 23. Approaching 15. Smooth floor covering (Abbr.) 48 49 50 51 52 largest consumer with 25. Ernie’s BF 16. Actor who starred in Men At Work China a close second. 26. Famous Depression-era photographer 20. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 of 26 53 54 55 30. Jimmy Gluck actor 22. Intense workplaces (Abbr.) 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 ater consumed 35. Ortiz of Ugly Betty 24. Type of cancer cell 36. Author Harper 26. _____’s Peak Win a lifetime by 64 65 66 67 each individual will 37. Fight 27. Melissa of The Rookie exceed 16,000 gallons. 38. Antonym of antiquated 28. Navi of NUMB3RS 68 69 70 39. Main actor of TV show JAG 29. Souls (Sp.) ogurt consumed 43. Observe 32. Musical work 71 72 73 Yby Americans 44. ____ Shan 33. Synthetic fiber is estimated to be 46. Give him _ ___ up 34. _____ et quarante By Jonathan Chiu NAAM NCOSTP 47. Director Howard 40. Ancient country where 300,000 tons each year. UGLYSPOONTAT 48. Singer of “Rocket Man” Olympia was located arth's surface 51. A compound whose molecular 41. Unloads T R I T N O N A M E EE L S Eand atmo- structure alternates silicon and 42. Actor who starred in S EE T H R O U G H S A L A D sphere is infiltrated oxygen atoms Ocean’s Eleven IOUSWIG by 100,000 tons of 53. Spielberg movie 45. This is serious space dust every year. 55. Smear 49. Vet locale R E S C A N F R EE Z E R S 56. Foot rests 50. Western movies actor ADEARFLAKEYAH lphabets origi- 60. Casual wear 52. Medical photo T I L L G R EE T S C O R A ninated in 64. Gear 54. Grass A ATMIRATEDUTCH presdent-day Syria 65. Time 56. Semiprecious stone around 1500 B.C. 67. Singer Bob 57. “A ____ of Two Cities” H A S B EE N S G I B S O N 68. Lotion ingredient 58. Dutch portrait painter Peter AIDFINE aindrops fall 600 69. Grandmother 59. Crooned S Q U I B G R EE N A R R O W Rfeet per minute 70. Stop __ _ moment’s notice 61. Shellfish or an average speed 71. Rent (Brit.) 62. Green Hornet’s sidekick ETAAIDEALSOAKY of 7 miles per hour. 72. Medical tests 63. Bite Last Issue’s LIVOATHSOPAL Answer 73. Bucket’s pair 66. Ethiopian prince LPSPSEA TAYE Last Issue’s BRAIN TEASERS Sudoku Solutions Sudoku Corner EXTRA SQUARE 5 3 9 7 8 9 1 2 4 Move three matchsticks to make the rab- 1 7 4 5 2 3 6 8 9 6 8 2 9 4 1 3 5 7 bit run in another dircetion. 9 6 4 1 8 4 1 2 6 7 9 3 5 3 6 5 8 9 4 2 7 1 7 1 9 3 8 9 2 7 3 1 5 4 6 8 4 1 3 6 7 8 5 9 2 8 7 9 6 4 5 2 8 1 3 2 5 8 1 3 9 7 4 6 8 2 6 1 5 3 7 2 8 6 4 9 7 8 9 2 8 2 4 6 3 9 5 1 7 7 6 9 5 4 1 8 3 2 2 9 6 4 1 5 3 7 8 2 6 7 4 8 5 2 7 3 1 9 6 3 1 7 8 9 6 4 2 5 Decorative cards 4 9 7 8 3 5 4 2 6 1 4 cards, each one has black or white on one side, and 6 4 2 1 8 7 9 5 3 a star or triangle on the other. How many cards - and 6 5 1 8 9 5 3 1 9 6 2 7 8 4 which ones - must you turn over to work out whether Last month's Brain Teasers answers every black card has a triangle on its other side 2 3 6 5 EXTRA SQUARE

3 1 9 6 5 3 4 9 7 6 Latin Squares BFEACD 8 5 FADCEB DCABFE 7 5 6 1 9 AECDBF 3 1 CBFEDA EDBFAC Quit Smoking 4 8 2 5 40 days; he smoked 2/3 of a cigarette, leaving a butt equal to 1/3 of a cigatette; piecing together a 1 new cigarette (1/3 butt + 1/3 butt + 1/3 butt= one new cigarette). The original 27 cigarettes made 9 new cigarettes from the butts to total 36. 9 more If 7 is a prime number, cross out all the A's and E's be- 3 6 7 1 8 butts = 3 more cigarettes and 3 butts made 1 low; if not, cross out the C's and L's. If the square root more;(27+9+3+1 = 40).One cigarette/day=40 days. of 625 is 25, crossout the I's and R's; if not, crossout the C's and U's. If 0oC and 10oF are the same, cross out the If you would like to submit a photograph to be placed in SQ News just because, please send it with name(s) and a brief message to go with your photo. Please understand, we B's and M's, and S's; if not, cross out the X's. What do will not be able to return your photo so send a copy and address the letter to: you have left? San Quentin News, 1 Main Street, San Quentin, CA 94964 C A O X L E U E M I B R U X S E January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 19 A journey of losing of a loved one and working through the trauma myself, And now I’m standing remorse, something every in- BOOK REVIEW in a prison chapel and a convict- carcerated person knows about. The National Suicide hotline is 1-800-273-talk (9255) ed murderer is telling me that I In an attempt to understand The 10 most common warning signs of suicide are: have to forgive myself.” his son’s suicide, Cahill sought By Juan Haines He writes about how remark- guidance from a variety of ex- • Extreme mood swings and/or personality changes Senior Editor able it is that a at San perts such as psychologist Kay • Increased fixation on death, suicide and/or violence Quentin, a man who may never Redfield Jamison who, in her • Withdrawal from family and friends Brian Cahill granted his get out of prison, tells him in book, Night Falls Fast (1999) • Communicating feelings of hopelessness, such as granddaughter’s wish when he the nicest way possible “to get reminds us of how difficult it saying they have “no reason to live” decided to write about her fa- a grip, to get some perspective.” is to grasp the thinking behind • Communicating a desire/plan to die by suicide ther, John Cahill. Cops, Cons, It seems difficult to compre- the choice: “Suicide will have • Giving away belongings/items of special meaning or and Grace: A Father’s Journey hend why an incarcerated per- seemed to its perpetrator the significance Through His Son’s Suicide, son would want to read about last and best of bad possibilities, • Obtaining a weapon or other means of lethal self- (2018) is a recount of how a the suicide of a police officer and any attempt by the living to harm father reconciled the suicide of because they represent enti- chart this final terrain of life can • Increased alcohol and/or substance abuse his beloved son and found dig- ties believed to be against each be only a sketch, maddeningly other. But it is Cahill as a father • Engaging in risky and/or dangerous behavior nity for his family. incomplete.” • Loss of interest in people, things, places and Cahill takes readers on a and role model that incarcerated Suicide is the 10th leading step-by-step path to a fulfill- people rely on in their healing cause of death in the US. activities they previously cared about ing grace, rooted in service to awareness and prevention to journey. police officers while supporting police officers.” “I find him to be an inspira- the spiritual needs of incarcer- Cahill is not only concerned tion and model of how a hu- ated men. with healing wounds, he’s also man being can support others Donté Clark returns to SQ’s In the book’s introduction, committed to preventing them around him in diverse ways,” San Quentin’s Catholic Chap- from occurring by raising said Dwight Krizman, who lin George Williams writes awareness of suicide risks. participates in the spirituality APEP with spoken word session that Cahill found healing and “...I’ve learned the research class he teaches at San Quentin. strength at the prison after the shows that most people who “It’s stunning to see how he can suicide of his son, a 42-year- commit suicide — not just cops be present in the depth of his old police officer, plunged him but almost everyone who does experience. I’ve been able to ac- into unimaginable grief. “This it — believe they’re a burden, company him with his personal gripping, personal and inspir- and those who love them will be pain and share that with him.” ing journey reveals the power better off when they’re gone.” The story gives readers an of grace over death as the au- His anguish is still palpable: understanding of the trauma thor channels his heartbreak “My wife has told me I have to Cahill had to work through. He into loving action, honoring his forgive myself. My counselor had to find both forgiveness and son’s life by teaching suicide has told me I have to forgive

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN APEP’s Eugenia Maluf, Rodney Baylis, Raiveon “Ray Ray” Wooden, Timothy Hicks, Donté Clark and James Metters in SQ Education Donté Clark returned to tear each other down. We ple and lets them know how San Quentin last November build each other up.” far education and resilience for a spoken word session and Derry “Brotha Dee” can go, like he does as a writ- to rap with students seeking Brown spoke about Clark’s er—literacy helps us achieve to earn their GEDs and go to influences on him. our goals,” peer educator, status housing, also known the lowest since 2006 when college. Clark is a poet, who “It’s what he’s doing for James Metters said. “To me, NEWSBRIEFS as solitary confinement the population was 113,791. mentors young writers in the community. He knows us he is a perfect example of or segregation. Then the 7. USA – The number of peo- Richmond, Ca. well — he blends in with us,” what could be achieved de- individual’s status must ple serving life sentences in The Academic Peer Edu- Brown said. “There’s a few spite stratified communities, 1. Washington, D.C. — be reviewed. Vermillion’s U.S. prisons is at an all-time cation Program (APEP) host- individuals that know poetry, drugs or violence. Gallup reports that for the lawsuit claimed that prison high, The Sentencing Project ed Clark’s visit. and I see they will enjoy his Clark works with the youth first time in 34 years, a ma- officials sentenced him reports. Nearly 162,000 peo- Peer educator James Met- work.” in Richmond and encourages jority of Americans would to a year of disciplinary ple are serving life sentences ters talked about incarcerated Prior to Metters introduc- young writers to put on per- rather sentence a murderer segregation, despite the law. – one of every nine people in educator, Bobby Evans, who ing Clark to the class, Brown formances.” to life imprisonment with no 4. Lucasville, Ohio — The prison. An additional 44,311 envisioned opportunities for and Raiveon “Ray Ray” “I just gotta write,” Clark possibility of parole than the execution of 69-year-old Alva individuals are serving sen- students to have access to Wooden performed a skit said. “It’s hard to talk about. sentence of death. The 60% Campbell was called off Nov. tences of 50 years or more, GED studying after they get based on bullying, suicide I just got to demonstrate it. to 36% difference for life 6 after the executioners could otherwise known as virtual off work, and that’s what’s and violence. Ray Ray’s part Then people who see it, and imprisonment marks a shift not find a vein to insert the life sentences. star ted A PEP. was that of evil while Brother they want to help.” from the past two decades, IV that delivers lethal drugs. 8. Washington – Tarra Sim- When Metters asked Dee played the voice of rea- After high school, one of when Americans were mostly It was only the third time in mons, of Bremerton, who in APEP students to address the son. After a standing ovation Clark’s college classes gave divided in their views on how modern U.S. history that an 2017 won a Supreme Court class, an enthusiastic Charles Clark took the stage. him the opportunity to work to punish murderers. execution attempt was halted fight to sit for the state bar Brandon told the group that Wearing a bright sun yel- with youth. Writing was in- 2. Arizona — Prison offi- after the process had begun, exam, despite her prior crim- San Quentin changed his life. low beanie tilted slightly volved and “everything just cials must give clear guide- reports Stock Daily Dish. inal conviction, plans to an- “I’m in computer literacy back to cover shoulder-length fell into place.” lines about what prisoners 5. USA – The misapplica- nounce her candidacy for the and on the waiting list for dreads Clark performed one “When people told me that can read, according to a U.S. tion of forensic science con- state House, Northwest News PUP. I want to learn coding, of his poems. I was a gifted writer, it was District Judge ruling, The tributed to 45% of wrongful Network reports. Simmons is so I can work at Google,” He began by pacing back inspirational,” Clark said. “I Washington Post reports. convictions in the United seeking to become the first Brandon said. “I want to rap, for forth in front of the class- research a lot, read a lot and The guidelines must have a States proven through DNA formerly incarcerated person learn filmmaking and real es- room with hand gestures talk to people a lot. I also do “bright-line” regarding per- evidence, The Innocence elected to the Washington tate. I want my own clothing that shuffled the air. Then he a lot of listening and compare missible reading material Project reports. False or mis- Legislature, at least in mod- line and hopefully one day, spoke the lines with the hook, it to what I’ve read in books. prisoners may possess before leading forensic evidence ern times. I’ll own a Starbucks.” “Life sings me sweet songs. “Knowing how to connect February 2020. The order was a contributing factor in 9. Cook County, Ill. – One Michael Kirkpatrick add- Love is a sweet song.” with people makes me a bet- comes from a 2015 lawsuit 24% of all wrongful convic- year into her term, Kim Foxx ed, “There’s a lot of positive “Donté’s second visit to ter teacher.” filed by Prison Legal News, a tions nationally, according to released six years of data out- talk around here. We don’t San Quentin motivates peo- —Juan Haines project of the Human Rights the National Registry of Ex- lining what happened in ev- Defense Center, when prison onerations. ery felony brought to her of- officials didn’t deliver four is- 6. USA – Private prisons in fice, offering a view into the sues of the monthly journal to the United States incarcer- decision-making of prosecu- Vermont prisons to reduce use its incarcerated subscribers ated 121,718 people in 2017, tors and its impact, according because the content in those representing 8.2% of the total to The Chicago Reporter. The of solitary confinement issues was deemed “sexually state and federal prison popu- first look at the more than explicit,” according to court lation, The Sentencing Proj- 35,000 cases show that Foxx By Alfred King policies practiced for sible but commensurate with documents. ect reports. Since 2000, the turned away more than 5,000 Journalism Guild Writer decades. the safety needs,” Touchette 3. Indiana — Jay Vermillion number of people housed in cases that would have been The goal is to rehabilitate said. “So, it’s an individual, received $425,000 as part of private prisons has increased pursued by previous State’s Vermont is reducing the rather than punish, said Mike case-by-case basis, and what a settlement because prison 39%. However, the private Attorney Anita Alvarez, use of solitary confinement in Touchette, commissioner of we’re able to achieve with officials kept him in isolation prison population reached mostly by declining to prose- prisons, striving to use it only the Vermont Department of that individual, and quite for 23 to 24 hours a day, CNN its peak in 2012 with 137,220 cute low-level shoplifting and “as a last resort,” wcax.com Corrections. frankly, are they willing to reports. Under state law, a people. Decreasing use of pri- drug offenses and by divert- in Burlington reports. “Our focus is to keep peo- be good partners with us and person can spend a maximum vate prisons make these latest ing more cases to alternative It’s part of a movement ple in the most integrated and engage in conversations and of 30 days in restrictive overall population numbers treatment programs. across the nation, modifying least-restrictive setting pos- therapy,” Page 20 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020 Raise The Age law to focus on teens sentenced as adults By Emily Nonko But the New York law is not he said. “My life story fits that Mitchell mentors youth unit. “No one really paid Contributing Writer retroactive, so the change category.” Indeed, momentum offenders already in the adult attention to what we were doesn’t extend to those most for Raise the Age came after system, like Austin Parker, doing,” he said. “I was not Until last year, New York impacted by adult prosecution research into brain develop- 20, and Alvin Marrero, 20. prepared mentally or socially and North Carolina were the for youths. Those sentenced as ment revealed the human When Parker was 17 he to enter [the adult system].” only states that prosecuted adults when they were 16 and brain is not fully formed until entered a segregated juvenile Marrero, now incarcerated all youth as adults once they 17 will not see any change to 25. Mitchell added he had a unit within Coxsackie at Five Points Correctional turned 16. the status of their sentence. turbulent childhood in foster Correctional Facility, Facility in Romulus, NY, en- The Raise the Age law, Dontie Mitchell, now in- homes and a homeless shelter in Coxsackie, NY, then tered the system at age 16 in which went into full effect carcerated at Great Meadow before committing his crime. transferred into an adult 2016. “This is a violent en- in New York in October, has Correctional Facility in Com- He recalled fears as a teen- facility on his 18th birthday. vironment,” he said. “Being raised the age of criminal re- stock, NY, is one such person. ager entering the adult prison Prior to Raise the Age, New young, I’m a small person, sponsibility to 18. North Caro- Mitchell was a first time felony system and the lack of age- York Governor Andrew and you’ve gotta stick up for lina’s Raise the Age law went offender at age 17, sentenced to sensitive rehabilitation for Cuomo separated youths from yourself.” into effect in December. 35 to 70 years in prison. Now youth offenders. Years later, adults within adult prisons This year, all 16 and 17- Both laws are set to change 40, he has spent over half his as Raise the Age took shape, in 2015, to offer them “a year olds were moved out of thousands of lives. life incarcerated for a robbery “there wasn’t enough input better chance at turning their adult facilities in New York Before Raise the Age passed during which, he says, no one from the real-life people af- lives around and becoming City and State — but noth- in New York, every year nearly was hurt. fected,” he said. “Amnesty productive members of ing has changed for Mitchell, Photo courtesy of Emily Nonko 28,000 16- and 17-year-olds “The Raise the Age law says should be given to youth of- society,” he said in a statement Parker or Marrero. Dontie Mitchell faced possible prosecution that at a certain age, you’re not fenders … that is a blind spot Parker didn’t find those In the political push-and- as adults in criminal court. as culpable as older people,” of the law.” opportunities in the juvenile pull of criminal justice re- state prisons, ending solitary form, retroactivity is a com- confinement for youth — part plicated subject, said Julia of a larger movement to end Davis, director of youth jus- solitary confinement across Bread & Roses perform for tice and child welfare at the New York prisons — and Children’s Defense Fund- ending prosecution of chil- Entire concert was videotaped for Death Row viewing New York. The closest thing dren under 12. New York offers to retroac- Mitchell, meanwhile, con- By Kevin D. Sawyer tive reform is the opportu- tinues to speak out about Associate Editor nity for some past offenders, youth still trapped in the crime free for 10 years since adult system. While he has Prisoners and outside guest the end of their sentence, to earned public support of a Tony Saunders played a con- apply for clemency. “Free Dontie Mitchell” cam- cert for the 700-plus men Davis said the next few paign, his commutation ap- housed on the world’s largest years will be dedicated to plications to Governor Cuo- Death Row inside San Quen- Raise the Age implementa- mo have gone unanswered. tin State Prison. tion — transferring 16- and “For the bill not to be ret- More than 30 prisoners 17-year-old offenders into roactive is not only short- from the general population family court — as well as sighted but unjust,” he said. did musical performances in “collecting information that “Cuomo keeps saying New the prison’s Catholic Chapel, we can use for future reform.” York should be a ‘progressive but due to the security level of Advocate’s goals for 2020 in- beacon for the nation’ — then those on Death Row they were clude closing the adolescent we can start by giving justice not allowed to attend. Instead, offender facilities within to our disadvantaged youth.” the entire concert was video- taped by the men who work in Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN the prison’s media center. Andrew “Boots” Hardy (left-center) with Quentin Blue performing in the Catholic Chapel “Keep your head up and believe in better days,” said “We all support you and “That was one of the funest piano, respectively. Saunders’ Watson Allison. He spent 31 send our love,” a prisoner gigs I ever played,” said Simp- facial expressions let everyone years on Death Row before named Dennis said to the men son, who played guitar. know he was into the music. his sentence was overturned. on Death Row. Later, Starbird introduced “Two years ago, he (Jaspar) He’s now serving his sentence “I’m grateful for the blood Tony Saunders. She said he’s taught me some stuff,” said in the prison’s general popula- and resurrection of Jesus “pretty amazing” for all the Saunders of the first time they tion. Christ,” said another prisoner. things he does like coming in played together. He said that The diverse show opened The jazz band Free Fall, to the prison to help. She also performance lasted about 40 By Angie Romero consisting of Greg “D” Dixon expressed gratitude to Father minutes because they had so with a rap performance by A lot of people can pinpoint the day their life changed forever. (guitar), Lee “Jazz” Jaspar George Williams for allowing much fun. Rasheed Zinnamon, who was Many of us graduate college, get married, or have a child and (bass), Mark Kinney (piano) them to use the chapel for the After Saunders and friends, well received by the unusu- think “This is it, this is the day my life changed forever!” And I and Dwight Krizman (drums) event. The Prodigal Sons took the ally high attendance of more have had these days and these thoughts. performaned a convincing Saunders said he was happy stage by storm with a memo- than 100 prisoners and a few December 1, 2016 was a day that changed me forever. On selection that sealed its domi- to be able to play for the men rable gospel sounding piece. volunteers during the broad- this date my husband, Richard, was struck by a driver under nance as the go-to jazz en- on Death Row. “Know that They were Michael Kirkpat- cast of a Sunday night football the influence of alcohol at almost 3 times the legal limit. He was semble. you’re thought of,” he remind- rick, Greg Thompson, Calvin game. rushed to the hospital where he remained in a persistent vegeta- Jaspar played the bass ef- ed them. “Don’t think that no- “Sincere” Carter, Michael “We are Banda Esperanza, tive state until he died on Christmas Eve. All because a 23 year fortlessly as Dixon picked body notices.” Bootae and Derry “Brother- and we send our regards to our old young lady chose to go out and drink and then get behind notes on the guitar and scatted Using prerecorded music Dee” Brown. The lyrics and brothers and sisters on Death the wheel of a car. note-for-note, in key with the tracks on the first song, played harmony were inspiring as the Row,” the band leader said. Justice is defined in the dictionary as “the administering of music. As the music pushed over the chapel PA system, men sang: “Well, I went to the The all-Hispanic band was deserved punishment or reward” and my family wanted justice. on, each musician locked in Saunders played the bass lines church last night, and my heart joined by the audience with We wanted her life changed forever just as ours had been. We and improvised with each on his custom-made five- felt alright, ‘cause Jesus got a claps as the men sang, played went through an 8 month court process and had a 7 year sen- other. They received a stand- string bass. The melody of the hold on me.” three guitars, bass and drums. tence handed down to the offender and justice was served, or ing ovation. song could easily be identified The audience clapped and A loud roar, applause and was it? Yes, the DA got her sent to prison but she never said a A small technical problem by his phrasing on the bass. He sang along as they performed whistling from the crowd fol- single word to us or took responsibility for anything. She just sat with the audio stopped the made the instrument speak to this gospel/spiritual piece. No lowed their performance. there and took the punishment that was handed out. And while show for about a minute, so the audience. Then he used his matter what one’s faith, this “I’m grateful to the admin- we had the opportunity to give Victim Impact Statements, I never Starbird improvised by pass- voice to scat with every note song was very moving – remi- istration for letting us have felt she understood who my husband was and just how much ing the microphone around as he thumped and plucked the niscent of civil rights freedom the music,” one of the band his loss affected my family and I. She never acknowledged any- to give others an opportunity instrument to the delight of the songs and marches for civil members said before they per- thing. All I kept asking myself was did she care? Did she care to speak about gratitude. The crowd. rights -- think Eyes on The formed. They were Jose Diaz, that she destroyed my family’s life? That she took the man that comments kept pouring out as “Don’t try this in your cells Prize. Their harmony was Martin Y. Vincente Gomez, meant everything to me and did she care? the men encouraged the men alone,” Saunders said with a magic, and the crowd stood Jose Vieyra, Senor Figueroa, It took me two years of depression, hatred and anger towards on Death Row to stay positive. big smile. up and applauded to let them Guadalupe Aranda and Adriel the offender before I realized that this was eating me up alive “There’s always hope,” a Then he did a solo and know it. Ramirez. and was damaging my future and family. I stumbled upon the prisoner in the audience said. didn’t spare any tricks as he After the show, volunteer “Tonight is all inclusive as VOD program (Victim/Offender Dialogue) that the prison of- “I thank God for the mercy made the bass growl. His fin- Molly Kittle said, “I was you can tell,” said Lisa Star- fered. So I started the process not even sure I had the guts He has shown me. We can all gers crisscrossed every octave struck by the love in the room. bird of the organization Bread to face the person who gave us this life we never asked for or make better choices and be of the bass fret board. Then The quality of how every man & Roses, which sponsored the wanted. So sure that she wouldn’t even want to face me. She better people.” he played “Purple Haze” by – performers and audience – event. Starbird looked for men did agree to meet me and we started down the road to our face Starbird thanked the SQ Jimi Hendrix as the audience chose to use their voice to lift willing to say on the micro- to face meeting. It wasn’t a fast or easy process and there were media team for coming out clapped before he returned all of us higher.” phone what they were grateful some days I thought we were never going to get there but finally to cover the event because it to his R&B, jazz improvised “I love rap, ‘80s music, and for. “If you’re not involved in the day arrived. was a Sunday night, which solo. The crowd applauded and gospel,” said volunteer and some kind of program (at San The apprehension I felt that morning was through the roof, I typically receives little media shouted. guest Katie Burke. “The con- Quentin), there’s something questioned myself if I could still do this, and then finally the calm- coverage. An appropriate song select- cert started with rap and ended out there for you.” ness (the peace of God?) that always kicks in when faced with The band Quentin Blue ed and performed for the men with ‘80s and gospel, so I was “Christ in Me Arise” was difficult situations. I sat at the table and watched as she came performed a number of songs on Death Row was Saunder’s happy. Thanks to all the musi- performed by members of in and sat down. What transpired in the next 2 ½ hours was the including an original tune song “Always Thinking About cians and to the camera people the Catholic Chapel Choir justice I was seeking. I was finally able to share with her the called “Chamba’s Mountain.” You” from his 2016 album Up- who covered the event.” that included the music, lyr- person my husband was, the horrors my family went through, It had a country vibe as singer town Jazz, produced by Saun- Recording the “Concert for ics and harmony of Gino and finally was able to hear the offender say to me “I’m sorry” Richie Morris and the rest ders and Larry Batiste on the Death Row” was the SQTV Sevacos, Dwight Krizman, and take responsibility for the choices she made that night and of the men sang backup and label SFRecords. video crew of Brian Asey, Eric Rick Evans, Daniel Lee, John to truly hear what I had to say. I walked away from that meeting played three guitars, piano, The show didn’t end there. “Phil” Phillips, Jerry Welsh, Krueger, Kelvin Ross, Bill feeling heard for the first time, the hatred and anger beginning bass, mandolin and percus- Jaspar, Krizman and Saunders Jaspar (show producer), Josh- Harwood and Alan Brown. to release its hold on me and with the feeling that maybe, just sion instruments. performed an improvised ua Burton, and supervisor “I’m grateful to Bread & maybe I made a difference in her life. The ensemble was made up piece that sounded like they’ve Skyler Brown. Roses for bringing us the gift The offender still has the rest of her sentence to serve and I of Morris, Dwight Krizman, been playing together for The full concert will appear of music,” a prisoner in the still will not have my husband returned to me but the healing that Joe Thureson, Bill Harwood, years. Krizman led with a on San Quentin’s institutional audience said. “One love!” was started that morning will continue to grow and do its work. Andrew “Boots” Hardy, Ray drum rhythm as Saunders and television channel in the com- he shouted out to the men on Justice was finally served. Death Row. Simpson and Chris Thomas. Jaspar followed on bass and ing weeks. January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 21

Island communities come together through ROOTS and sports at The Q

Photo by Adamu Chan, First Watch From left to right: Kep, Danny Pitta, Tomasi, Andy Siona and Lay Maka at the Day of Peace 2019 By Aaron Taylor what are your personal athletic family, so I’m fully means we are sending our love 49ers, he has a Foundation you the closing statements. Sports Editor sports histories, as far as representing what my family through our vessels; football is that deals with bringing Let the people know how high school or on the colle- stands for; coming out of football and its violent, even young islanders together. you feel about your responsi- When you think of the is- giate level? the ghetto, we’re striving, so flag football. We aren’t try- He’s in Los Angeles and he bilities as young men that are land of Samoa and its con- DP: (Laughing) I played I’m finishing what my older ing to injure anyone, but were gets guys out of gang banging also role models, even inside nection to collegiate and sports at Jefferson High in brother couldn’t even if I’m playing a violent sport, so we and into athletics; Troy Palo- this incarcerated setting. professional sports, very Daly City. Football, track and prison. That’s why I chose want to be aware of what we’re malu – Pittsburg Steelers; AS: (Serious) I take this large and powerful men of- field – 400m and 100m – and to play for San Quentin’s All doing and not intentionally he went back to the islands situation and use it to learn ten come to mind. However, basketball. I played football Madden flag football team. hurt anyone. and brought new equipment and expanding on who I am Danny Pita, Lay Maka and and rugby for Laney College It’s part of staying connected AT: And is that why you with him and real organized as a person and as father, a Andy Sione are more than in Oakland. to my brother when I’m on make the distinction of saying sports. That’s huge to have soon to be husband; an un- just large men that play AS: (Smiling) I played bas- the field. that you’re both Samoan and different villages together cle, nephew, a son. I’m still sports. They are intelli- ketball at Phillip & Salabur- AT: During the ROOTS Tongan, but, still connected playing football rather than evolving into full manhood. gent, thoughtful, introspec- ton in San Francisco; it used island cultural history pre- through heritage? warring with each other. He LM: (Introspectively) I’m tive, and, as you’re about to be called Woodrow Wilson sentation, Andy, you went DP: (Serious) We rep Sa- did that in 2010-13. Building myself into a bet- see, they are fully in touch High back in the day. I also into the Samoan language; moa and Tonga, period. We’re AS: (Leaning into the ta- ter husband and son; to be with who they are and what played AAU for the Street talk to the people about the one people. We aren’t allowing ble to make his point) Also, more productive and right they represent. As mem- Soldiers with Dr. Joe Mar- importance of learning ones anyone to make a false separa- Isaac Sopoaga – SF 49ers; I my wrongs. The future has bers of ROOTS (Restoring shall. original tongue. tion of our people ever again. was in Samoa when he came something in store for ev- Our Original True Selves) LM: (Nodding his head) I AS: (Thoughtfully) The LM: (Nodding in agree- and it was like a real football erybody, so I wanna pay it they’ve learned to tap back played football and rugby for most important thing about it ment) We’re still connected via camp out there. It was cool. forward with good energy. into their heritage, history, Bountiful High (Utah); and is that it is a part of the pre- language, religion, culture, etc. Then, after the tsunami in I wanna be an example of culture, language and reli- WoodsCross High in Wood- sentation of who we are, of We are still part of the Polyne- 2010, they came back: Samo- never being too late to chase gious beliefs. sCross, Utah. who I am. I have to use the sian landscape, don’t ever get it an & Tongan NFL stars came your dream and what you be- As a team, they played AT So, how do y’all con- “Fa’a Samoa” (pure phoneti- twisted. We’re one people. to help and that showed us lieve. in the 2019 Intramural Bas- nect what you do in sports to cally correct Samoan tongue), AT: Where were you all who they were, in the deepest DP: (After a long pause) ketball League at The Q as your overall approach to your and in that, the “Alofa A’ ku” born? form, with a full relief team. My name is Danny Pita Jr, “Top Shotta’z,” as well as Island heritage? (phonetic sound) which AS: Samoa, Faga’alu; It’s like when Nipsey Hustle and my nickname is “Uso Maka and Pita playing on LM: (Lowering his head; means “we send our love in LM; Oakland, Ca. Town died. and Bloods came Heavy.” I did stuff I’m not the All Madden Flag Foot- speakly softly at first, his the highest respects.” That Business! (we all laugh.) together in Los Angeles, put- proud of as Uso Heavy; what ball team, where Pita plays voice gained volume and connects us and connects me DP: San Francisco, Ca. City ting their differences to the I’m doing now is moving both offense and defense. strength as he went into his to my heritage and culture. It Life! (still laughing.) side, and focused on what’s past my heavy heart. I’m a Maka plays on defense as response) Well, for me, as lets our guest know that we AT: Who are some of your right for a change and not the man from Samoa. At the end well as on the offensive line. far as connecting through have the utmost humility and heroes or role models in sports BS. of the day, I round every- AT: What’s up with my football, my older brother respect for them. and why? AT: I appreciate you thing I do around my culture. nephews! (Everyone starts was going to NFL but he DP: (Here, Danny perked DP & LM: Lofa Tatupu – young Uso’s coming into I’m trying to be the man that laughing, sharing genuine was killed before he could up in his chair to add on) he played for the Seattle Se- the newsroom and doing this I want my son to be when he smiles and hugs.) Okay, get to camp. I come from an And that, in the simplest way, ahawks; Jesse Sapolu – SF interview. I’m going to give grows up. Sports Pics @The Q

2019 SQ Hardtimers Softball Team season record: 15-3

Corrections to last issue’s sports article: In the sports article about Alexandru Sinigur had his name misspelled. We apologize for this error. Page 22 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020

Strong turnout and finish for the 13th Annual 1000 Mile Club Marathon

On a clear and crisp Friday morning, 30 of The Q’s 1000 Mile Club members started the race at 8am for 13th Annual SQ Marathon. 1st Mark Jarosik 3:16:38 One of the runners was going to be crowned a champion because the five previous winners were no longer housed at The Q. The 2nd Fidelio Marin 3:18:24 favorite for the title, Fidelio Marin, took an early lead and held it for most of the run, but in mile 21, he twisted his ankle. The man 3rd Steve Reitz 3:41:53 right behind, Mark Jarosik, then took the lead and went on to win the marathon. Jarosik is now the sixth man to be crowned champion of the marathon, joining the ranks of Markelle ‘The Gazelle’ Taylor, Lorinzo Hopkins, Eddie Herena, Stephen Yair, and Chris Scull. Other runners who completed 26.2 miles: The annual marathon is supported by coaches Frank Ruona, Kevin Rumon, Diana Fitzpatrick, Jim Maloney and many others and Vicente Gomez, Moua Vue, Martin Gomez, Darren is the culmination of the 2019 running calendar, the team having ran a total of 12 races in 2019. The next racing schedule begins in Settlemeyer, Tommy Wickerd, Michael Johnson, Steven late January/early February 2020. —Aaron Taylor Brooks, Darrel Mora, Dan McCoy, Alberto Mendez, Oscar Aguilar, Heriberto Escalera, Tien Pham, Ben Tobin, Michael Keyes, Ramon Ruelas and Jonathan Chiu 22.5 miles Ernie Soltero 20 miles Wallace Jackson 18 miles John Levin 17.0 miles Jorge Lopezmaza 15.5 miles Christian Dominguez 14¼ miles Daniel Arreola 11 miles Larry Ford 10 miles Charles ‘Pookie’ Sylvester 6 miles Derrick ‘Out Loud’ Gray 5 miles Rahsaan ‘New York’ Thomas

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN 2019 Marathon winner Coach Frank Ruona hands Finisher Finishers Moua Vue and Steve Finisher Alberto Mark Jarosik at 3:16:38 Fidelio Marin an energy pak Reitz rounding the track Mendez

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Finishers Dan McCoy Finishers Heriberto Escalera, 1000 Mile Coaches Diana Fitzpatrick, Runoa and Jason Finishers Darrell Mora, Darren Settlemeyer, John Levin, and Steven Brooks Tien Pham and Oscar Aguilar Thompson counting laps for San Quentin club runners Ben Tobin, Michael Keeyes and Vicente Gomez In-Depth: Charles ‘Pookie’ Sylvester striving to be part of SQ’s sports program By Aaron Taylor Sports Editor

When we are thinking of iconic athletes that have been housed at The Q, there has been only one who has personified what it actually means to be a teammate. Charles Sylvester – also known as Pookie – made his mark in sports at The Q in 2012 when the West Block Warlocks beat All Madden Flag Football team on MLK Jr. holiday game in January 2012. Pookie was open for a pass in the end zone, howev- er, qb John Windham didn’t Photo by Eddie Herena Photo by Eddie Herena Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN see him, leaving the pocket Sylvester guarding GS Warriors Sylvester going for a pass Sylvester and Jacques Verdun at Sylvester in the 2019 Annual and running for a touch- Asst. GM Kirk Lacob in 2016 for All Madden in 2015 GRIP graduation in June 2019 1000 Mile ClubMarathon down. It was Pookie who threw the block that got the He finally won a champi- Los Angeles City College saying or chanting “Pookie! AT: Name your top five Pookie: “Respect your qb over the line. In March onship at The Q in the CBL to play ball, but it was a big Pookie!” all-time favorite R&B parents,” It’s as simple as of 2012, Pookie was passed with No Fair Ones in 2014. mess so I didn’t play. AT: (Laughing) What self- songs. that. over when he tried out for Pookie personifies the AT: You first appeared in help groups have you taken? Pookie: “Fortunately” AT: Thanks for giving the the 40 & Over SQ Kings. hashtag #Sports@TheQ and The Show at CTF-Soledad Pookie: (Catching his by Maxwell, “Lets Chill” people some of your time He then tried out for the SQ it is my honor to introduce during the flag football breath from the laughter) by Guy, “Let’s Get It On” Pookie, its appreciated. It Warriors, and was passed him to our readers. season in 2011, then here at Alternatives to Violence by Marvin Gaye, “The took some time to get around over again. AT: You’ve been playing The Q for two years. Now, Program, Restorative Justice, Whole Town is Laughing at to this interview, so you have Pookie has never quit try- sports all your life? you’re being interviewed Criminals and Gangsters Me” by Harold Melvin & the closing word. ing nor has he ever waivered Pookie: Yeah, since ele- for the San Quentin Sports; Anonymous, Project LA and the Blue Notes, and “Can Pookie: My hats off to in his striving to be a part mentary school. Football and what have you actually done GRIP (Guiding Rage Into You Stand The Rain” by The Q for all the love and of the sports programs at Basketball. in sports to get so much Power). New Edition. publicity to me, Pookie, The Q. He finally made both AT: You played High recognition and publicity? AT: Did you get your GED AT: Name your top five and I’d like to thank all the teams, and although he never School ball? Pookie: That’s the big since you’ve been inside? all-time favorite basketball brown card holders that started a game, he played his Pookie: Yeah, for Fremont question! (We both start Pookie: Yeah, in 2010. I players. come in and facilitate these role as a supporter from the High in Los Angeles. Point laughing at this) My hustle? graduated in full regalia. Pookie: Magic Johnson, sports programs. Also to bench until it was his time to guard for the varsity, But, no My defense? Everybody AT: Okay, fun time. Name Michael Cooper, Kobe the game officials and to the play. football. keep my name in their your top five favorite movies. Bryant, Tim Duncan and people that take part on the Pookie is also known for AT: Did you play any col- mouth so much (he laughs Pookie: Hills Scottie Pippen. court and field, thanks. And, his trademark Intramural lege ball? even harder), so I guess Cop 1, Enemy of the State, AT: You get to say one to the fans because, without Basketball League teams, Pookie: I went to West I’m a somebody! Whether I Independence Day, Friday sentence to a group of 13 them, the game wouldn’t be called “Pookie & The Boys.” L.A. in Culver City and to do good or bad, everybody the 13th and Phantasm. year olds. What do you say? exciting. Appreciate yall. January 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 23 Ground-breaking event of Trans Remembrance Day at SQ

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Officer M. Hauwert in attendance Michael Acosta Azzaraya Rodriguez James Villa with Nah.na Reed on stage CDCR mental health clini- who’ve been killed for no rea- TRANS cians J. Lopez and C. Spohn son.” helped establish SQ’s first Godfrey asked everyone to Continued from Page 1 transgender support group in join him in a prayer for inclu- May. They followed that up sion, compassion and nonjudg- Audience members for the soon after with another group ment. groundbreaking SQ event for the entire LGBTQ+ com- “I believe each of us is beau- included California Depart- munity. tiful. Each of us deserves to be ment of Corrections and Re- treated with dignity and love.” habilitation (CDCR) officials Nah.na Reed, with James Kris Applegate and Amy Villa beside her, spoke the Miller, trans Corrections Of- “Today is not just names of 2019’s transgender ficer M. Hauwert and Califor- victims while lighting electric nia State Senator Scott Wie- about 22 people, candles. Throughout the event, ner (D-San Francisco). it’s about the the chapel’s video screens con- “This is a really beautiful tinuously ran individual pho- community of people who hundreds around tos. are supporting each other to the world who’ve With most of the victim’s make San Quentin—and the being nonWhite, Strawn made world—a better place,” Sena- been killed for sure to highlight awareness for tor Wiener told SQ News after the heightened risks and extra the event. no reason” discrimination Black trans- “It’s really moving to hear women face daily. from incarcerated persons “Racism is a key factor that Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN about the need for more love, “Guess what—San Quen- pushes transwomen of color to Calif. State Senator Scott Wiener, Lisa Strawn and Max Hickson after the event less violence, more peace and tin got it right this year,” said be homeless and in part leads less hatred.” Strawn as she welcomed Lo- them to prostitution in order to trans sisters who’ve died or Max Hickson met Strawn Asst. Secretary for CDCR’s Wiener and his policy team pez and Spohn up onstage. survive,” she said. been killed. almost two years ago and has Office of Legislation Kris Ap- wrote Senate Bill 132 and are “It’s hard to be out at San When Michael Adams “I am going to let the cared for her deeply ever since. plegate agreed. working to get it approved. Quentin,” said Spohn, who walked onstage, he pointed world know who I am before “It’s been a lot of long days “What the women of San SB132 aims to improve hous- moderates SQ’s Queer Sup- to the video screens and said, the world tells me,” said and long nights putting this Quentin put together was re- ing options for incarcer- port Group. “It takes a lot of “Looking at those faces, what Rodriguez. event together,” he said. “I’m markable and emotional,” said ated transwomen—whether bravery. You’re going to see I saw was beauty—but the Gouda Preston, a Black trans overwhelmed by all the sup- Applegate. “Seeing their dedi- they’ve had gender reassign- a lot of brave people up here struggle inside was not re- woman new to SQ, personally port—the attendance, the cation and the support of the ment surgery or not. today.” vealed. addressed the issue of violence laughs, the cheers, the mes- rest of the incarcerated people Although the first two rows The afternoon event fea- “They walked in a courage against transwomen of color. sages that were given today. and staff who attended was in- of pews were reserved with tured a diversity of performers that I didn’t have. LGBTQ- “Many times we are killed “To take an hour or two and spirational.” signs for “outside guests,” and speakers who took turns IA—all of that—call us the because people who don’t hear this message about our J. Lopez moderates SQ’s Senator Wiener and his aides honoring the fallen members alphabet people. What matters know who we are,” said community, they see us in a Trans Support Group. sat in the third row with SQ of the trans community. is that you just be true to your- Preston. “But in complete more positive way—see us as “They’ve been amazing,” prisoners. “Today is not just about self…” darkness we are all the same. human.” she said about Applegate and “Thank you for being a these 22 people,” said Father “…because some people just “Hatred can never do Hauwert, now on special Miller. “I’m blown away by part of what inclusion looks Donal Godfrey from the So- don’t wanna know,” he said, in- anything but take good people assignment for CDCR in Sac- how supportive they’ve been.” like today,” Strawn said to ciety of Jesuits. “It’s about the troducing his song. away.” ramento, experienced many Strawn said Applegate and Wiener and the entire chapel. hundreds around the world Adriel Ramirez sang Michael Acosta gave a personal hurdles herself as a Miller have become her “new “Amazing Grace,” but first poetic and scathing indictment transwoman corrections offi- pen pals—whether they like it she said, “By God’s love I’m of toxic masculinity. “You love cer at SQ in 2014. or not.” still here today to represent the to hate and hate to love,” he “I was very emotional and “We planned this Trans- trans community.” said. “So go ahead and call her upset by my treatment at first, gender Day of Remembrance Thanh Tran spoke before a fag again. but they got better,” Hauw- on only three weeks’ notice,” performing. “Lisa said to me, “But like Taylor Swift says, ert said about her transition. said Lopez. “It literally took ‘It’s so important for men who ‘Shade never made anybody “Now, all I’m feeling is an in- us 100-150 hours of work and identify as cis and straight to less gay.’” flux of love and acceptance. rehearsals. stand in solidarity with us,’” he Michael Mackey and Tim “They’re trying hard—not “All the hatred and preju- said. “And that made me stop Young brought the crowd to its just to me, but to the entire dice comes from a place of and think… feet with their original song, trans community.” not understanding what it’s “Why would anyone who “Why Me?” Amy Miller serves as an like to be transgender, to be feels marginalized want to With Young plucking away associate director for CDCR’s different from the norm. It’s marginalize anyone else?” melodically on guitar beside Female Offender Programs just biology—your brain,” For those who don’t yet him, Mackey rapped, “This and Services/Special Housing. “Gender dysphoria, it’s know, cis is the adjective now for every transgender that “The support for the trans- scary for them to face. We used to describe a person who done passed away.” Every gender community from the all need to show empathy identifies with the same gender time he sang the hook about non-trans inmate population and understanding for what they were biologically born. the governor, “I hope me and and from staff makes me be- they’re going through.” added Soon to be released Azza- Gavin Newsom get to play lieve that as an agency, we are Lopez. Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN raya Rodriguez said she came this song together,” the crowd moving in the right direction,” —Alfred King CDCR Mental Health Primary Clinicians C. Spohn and J. Lopez to show solidarity for all her responded in raucous cheer said Miller for Inside CDCR. contributed to the article

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Chris Wallace holding a Black Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Father Donal Godfrey of The Society Gouda Preston in the crowd Trans Lives Matter sign Tim Young and Michael Mackey performing on stage of Jesuits and Adriel Ramirez Page 24 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com January 2020 World renowned magicians tour and perform at SQ By Joe Garcia standard-looking cardboard Journalism Guild box. Chairperson “Caution—Heavy Load,” Strange read the label, taking An international team of a jab at his partner’s some- escape artists, grand illusion- what portly girth. ists, mind readers and trick- Strange then thrust 17 sters descended on San Quen- spears, one after another, tin State Prison for a special straight through the box from Nov. 26 performance right all sides. Young’s hand popped before Thanksgiving. out the top—waving a white Set to make their Broadway flag in surrender. San Francisco debut later that Strange drove one last spear night, Champions of Magic smack down the center, a ma- chose to first visit SQ and niacal grin across his face. The dazzle prisoners with theatri- standing-room-only crowd cal wizardry and humor. “oohed” in amazement. “On paper, I’m sure a room Young gladly emerged after full of 300-plus criminals Strange pulled each and every seems terrifying,” said Los stick out. The holes left behind Angeles magician Kayla Dre- clearly went through-and- scher. “But we didn’t view through. anyone we met as their crime Mentalist Alex McAleer, or their number. another Brit, took the stage Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN “We were just happy to next. “I don’t read palms or Kayla Drescher, Alex McAleer, Fernando Velasco, Producer Alex Jarrett and duo Richard Young and Sam Strange meet and perform for a great talk to the dead,” he said. “I audience of human beings.” talk to the living. your eyes,” McAleer said. Next came a boisterous and The duo then inverted their “I’ll always attend beauti- The British duo Young and “I can see you wondering, “I can tell you’re picturing a cheeky performance from the hands without letting go. The ful events like this because it Strange opened the show in ‘How can this British guy read name in your mind. It starts wide-eyed Drescher. Reen- simple move proved impos- keeps me grounded—keeps the SQ chapel with their origi- my mind? Will it hurt?’” with a ‘K.’ Am I right? acting her teen years as a po- sible for the audience to dupli- me going without going crazy.” nal signature illusion. McAleer turned his back “She’s not here, but you’re liceman’s daughter, she chose cate. Drescher and Jarrett later “We weren’t sure what while two prisoners wrote thinking of Karen, your sister. “three young gentleman” from The real magic, however, emailed about the impact SQ equipment to bring inside the questions on slips of paper. And she’s 21.” their seats to join her. took place afterwards. The made on Champions. prison,” said Richard Young. Brian Holliday put down Holliday stood there in awe. “No way. That’s the name magicians, along with produc- “San Fran shows were good, “We came up with this trick the name of someone he cared “I’m still trying to figure out of the guy I went on my first er Alex Jarrett and Broadway but I can honestly say we all when we were two broke teen- about. “Give me some other in- how he did it,” he said later. date with,” she said coyly after SF’s Scott Walton, toured SQ’s enjoyed our performance with agers—nothing but cardboard formation, too,” McAleer told “There’s no way he saw me asking Brandon Riddle-Terrell North Block, Death Row and you more,” said Jarrett. “We’ve and some sharp wood.” him. “But not too fast—nice writing anything. Guys keep his first name. “Ooh, and look Main Chow Halls. told many people what a posi- With a bit of slapstick and and slowly for me.” asking me if I was in on the at those big muscles—just like “My castmates and I are re- tive experience it was for us. I comedic flare, Sam Strange Answers were placed in trick.” him, too.” ally passionate about politics, hope it will inspire other per- got Young squeezed into a envelopes and sealed. “Close Fernando Velasco, the Each man answered ques- documentaries, etc.,” Drescher formers to make themselves 21-year-old magician from El tions, trying to merit the one told SQ News. “I remember available if permitted.” Grullo, Mexico, performed sealed envelope out of four watching, with my dad, trials Drescher added, “Growing next. with a “date” card inside. “Sor- of some of the people whose up with a dad that’s a police of- “There’s a number of things ry, you didn’t pass my dad’s cells we passed on Death Row. ficer, you’d think I would view you need to be an escape art- background check,” Drescher “That was an amazing expe- criminals as ‘bad guys.’ I was ist,” he said. “I’m going to said, dismissing them one by rience, but also understanding lucky to learn from him that show you some of them.” one. that the justice and prison sys- one bad decision doesn’t mean Lisa Strawn volunteered Drescher’s expressive per- tem in this country is… well… someone is a horrible human. to help bind Velasco securely sonality kept the crowd en- a mess. I was excited to learn The visit to San Quentin cer- with plastic wrap and duct gaged while her sleight of hand from people who’ve experi- tainly showcased all of that. tape. “Oh, I’ve got this,” she kept the final envelope and enced it firsthand.” “Later that night [in San said. “I’ll make sure he’s good “date” card from the hands of When Champions of Magic Francisco] was the first time and tight.” any would-be suitor. walked inside North Block, in a while our show hadn’t got- The other magicians began Young and Strange returned Jerry Drawhorn, 26 years in- ten a standing ovation. I just raising a four-sided curtain, to close out the performance carcerated, told them what yelled from the stage, ‘THEY yet almost instantly Velasco and asked everyone to join their performance meant. STOOD FASTER IN SAN pulled it down. He’d gotten them in their final illusion. “I’ve never seen a mag- QUENTIN!’ free—plastic and tape still “This is crazy. We’re going ic show in prison,” said “We’d do a show for all of intact. to totally blow your minds,” Drawhorn. “Being down all you every day if we could — “The single most important said Strange. “Lock your fin- these years around bad, ugly, haven’t stopped talking about Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN thing you need to escape is gers up tight—and don’t let evil—it’s hard to keep your how lucky we are to have had Mentalist Alex McAleer reading Brian Holliday‘s mind luck. Lots of luck,” he said. go.” humanity. this experience.”

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Kayla Drescher reveals Lisa Strawn wrapping Fernando Velasco in plastic Kayla Drescher revealing one of the four “date” cards with volunteers Brandon Riddell-Terrell gets no “date” 1 2 3

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Sam Strange puts Richard Young into a box Strange thrusts wooden spears through the cardboard box Strange removes all the spears and Young comes out of the box unscathed