San Quentin News

WRITTEN BY THE INCARCERATED – ADVANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE VOL. 2020 NO. 2 February 2020 Edition 125 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 4,053 SQ keeps tradition of giving Veterans’ Toys for Tots continues to warm the hearts of many

Photo courtesy of Scott Budnick Vlade Divac hugging an incarcerated person When sports turn an

eye toward prison Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN One-and a-half-year-old Zy’ir Lewis chooses his toy By Joe Garcia City Council member Steve Hansen, Journalism Guild Chairperson walked through one of Folsom’s hous- By David Ditto “You should visit me more and “Seeing the little kids’ eyes light ing units—to see for themselves how Staff Writer get more presents,” said Ruelas, up when they see the toys really The Sacramento Kings showed California treats its prisoners. laughing with his nephews. Dur- gives me hope,” said Marine Corps love to Folsom State prisoners during “The men—two to a cramped cell The cheer of Christmas giving ing his 10-year incarceration , they veteran Carl Raybon, the new chair- a special night of community healing. that looked like a cage—stared at us filled the San Quentin State Prison had visited before but this was their man of the Veterans Group at San In a circle within the prison chapel, with hollow eyes,” Ranadive wrote. visiting rooms as children celebrat- first time getting toys. Quentin (VGSQ). The 35-member they shared life experiences before “I know there are victims on the other ed the holidays with their incarcer- The other prisons where Ruelas group of incarcerated veterans or- celebrating Folsom’s newly renovated side of the equation… ated loved ones in December. was before coming to San Quentin ganizes the toy giveaway each year. outdoor basketball court. “But seeing men in such conditions “We got absolutely excited!” in 2018 didn’t have toy giveaways Raybon was one of six veter- Kings players, owner Vivek Rana- is something I will never forget.” said 11-year-old Omar Elias, who for children, but incarcerated vet- ans wearing pointy red and green dive, coach Luke Walton and others What seemed to move Ranadive came to the prison to visit his erans at San Quentin have kept the striped elf hats and blue VGSQ hats joined filmmaker-turned-social activ- the most, however, was the time spent uncle Ramon Ruelas. Elias and Toys for Tots tradition of holiday who offered toys and holiday cheer ist Scott Budnick to hear personal sto- in the circle listening to voices of in- his younger brothers Ismael and giving alive for 31 years. to every family with children vis- ries from incarcerated and formerly carceration. Danny were three of about 100 “It’s a really great act. I really iting during the weekends before incarcerated individuals at the Play “Each person spoke with honesty children who got toys during San appreciate it!” said nine-year-old Christmas and on Christmas Day. For Justice event Dec. 12. and integrity—more than I encounter Quentin’s Annual Holiday Toy Danny to the veterans who gave “My recent visit to Folsom State in daily life,” he said. “There were no Program. them the toys. See Toys for Tots on page 11 Prison hit me in the gut in a way I excuses. have rarely felt before,” Ranadive “Each took complete responsibil- wrote in a Sacramento Bee op/ed. ity for their actions and—even when “140 years of captivity, fear and hope- the hope of leaving prison was slim— Highlighting an early lessness hung in the air.” worked hard every day to better them- Similar to San Quentin State selves.” Prison’s style of public tours, the out- side visitors, including Sacramento Californian abolitionist See Justice on page 23 By Marcus Henderson taurants, and boarding houses. She have been partly financed by her, Editor in Chief was known as a wise investor and according to some historians. The became one of the richest women unsuccessful 1859 raid was led by Offering cultural education The Southern States are the usual in the city, according to the ACLU both Black slaves and White abo- focus of discussions about African report. litionists. American freedom struggles be- Abolitionist John Brown’s raid through Kwanzaa fore the Civil War. But California on Harpers Ferry in Virginia might See History on page 4 had its own prewar struggle against By Anthony Tariq Faulk and his wife Veronica, who assisted racism and slavery. Managing Editor with planning. Speakers included Unlike Dr. Martin Luther King incarcerated artists and social jus- Jr., Rosa Parks or Harriet Tubman, Over 100 San Quentin residents tice organizers who emphasized the Californian Mary Ellen Pleasant’s ushered in Kwanzaa 2019 with a importance of using Kwanzaa as an name is rarely discussed. But Pleas- night of enlightening and cultur- opportunity to celebrate Black cul- ant has been hailed as the mother ally relevant speeches and inspir- ture. of the abolitionist movement in ing performances. The speakers and Dejon Joy, the event’s emcee, led California during the Gold-Rush performers focused on uplifting Af- a group of brothers in the reading era, according to Gold Chains: The rican and African American culture of the seven principles of Kwanzaa Hidden History of Slavery in Cali- and acknowledging the ways they before the performers and speakers fornia, a web-based series created have contributed to society at large. took the stage. by the ACLU of Northern Califor- The December 26 celebration nia. was organized by Arthur D. Jackson See Kwanzaa on page 3 Pleasant was a self-made mil- lionaire and civil rights leader. Like many others, Pleasant and her husband moved to San Francisco seeking to make a fortune during the Gold Rush. Pleasant began working as a cook and she would reportedly eavesdrop on wealthy customers’ conversations in the hopes of over- hearing valuable bits of informa- tion about financial transactions. What she learned helped her make a substantial fortune. She Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN built a strong, diverse portfolio that File photo Lit candles for Kwanzaa celebration included real estate, railroads, res- Mary Ellen Pleasant

BOXER AND TAP NO MORE ESPAÑOL DANCER JOE SPORTS ON PAGE TEARS GRADU- ON PAGE Inside this issue: ORRACH 21-22 ATION 15-16 ON PAGE 3 ON PAGE 2 Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY Thank you Graduate School of Journalism for your support! Two dozen graduated from violence prevention program

A Recipe for Healing By Linda Heiderer In a large bowl combine: a bunch of Rocky’s tenderness a cup of Drew’s enthusiasm stir in the light that shines in Mel’s eyes and a touch of Lee’s deep faith Then fold in Warren’s belly laugh with a slice of D’Angelo’s smile add a sprinkle of Matt’s sincerity, a pound of Dwight’s encouragement, a tablespoon of Reese’s leadership, a handful of Aaron’s softness, a dash of JaJuan’s thoughtfulness, a pint of Shaka’s silver words, a heap of Spike’s vulnerability, all of Adam’s courage, the magic of Nefu’s poetry and a heaping scoop of every graduate here. In a second bowl add all those who love you Combine bowl one and two and add Lonnie Morris to taste Mix thoroughly Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Keep the heat warm and low and watch the healing rise. No More Tears graduates and volunteers with Alameda DA Nancy O'Malley By Juan Haines courageous life, it’s a lifelong said, “I learned about trig- Senior Editor process. When you go back gers when I got in this class. It to your housing unit and talk helped me deal with people on Alameda County District to your cellie or your family, the yard—it helped me a lot.” Attorney Nancy O’Malley you have to share what you’ve O’Malley talked about what joined Alameda County Su- learned here.” she learned from listening to C. Rogers I.L. Bryant D. Adams J. Vick M. Albukhari pervisor Keith Carson on a Carson added, “I can’t talk people impacted by the crimi- trip inside San Quentin to to people on the streets, like nal justice system. The reason watch about two dozen incar- you can. That is the funda- she said was to find a program cerated men graduate from a mental difference in what you that would solve “what is hurt- violence prevention program. do here.” ing our community.” “What I see at this gradua- Lonnie Morris, the lead O’Malley came up with tion is more than what we ask incarcerated facilitator, ad- Developing Impacted Lives H. Sassounion T. Shirriel T. Bradford P. Bellard S. Brooks for in our citizens out there,” dressed the graduates. (DIL). The program reaches O’Malley told the graduates “Everybody has shown out to the youth to supply of No More Tears. “You have their vulnerability,” Morris them employment, housing dug deep to understand your said. “That takes courage. and educational opportuni- life. Most people don’t do that. Every man in this room has ties. It would be easy for you to shared their story and have “We have 18 certified DIL have stayed on the yard, but it torn down barriers—from Peer Support Specialists, and takes courage to come in here that we have developed em- we are working on a second A. Wadsworth L. Dew M. Vines E. Williams A. Williams and do the work and be change pathy. As human beings, we class of certified specialists,” agents.” want to personify. Living a O’Malley said. “The people The theme of the gradua- courageous life is to leave getting out of prison and go- tion was “Living A Coura- negativity behind, and be ing through this training have geous Life.” someone different with core a zero percent recidivism “Change doesn’t start and values that respect all human rate.” stop,” Dwight Kennedy, one beings. We say No More Tears She added, “I will be happy of the incarcerated facilitators for a reason.” to greet you when you come J. Gurley D. Garcia R. Rodriguez R. Brown J. Guzman told the graduates. “When you DeAngelo Hardin-Prince, home, and I will even offer begin your change into this the youngest of the graduates, you a job.” Sheri Mendoza, an outside supporter, said, “I believe in the program, and I believe in you. I don’t have to know you to believe in you.” D. Montalbo D. Collins L. Smothers J. Williams C. Sosa Andrew Wadsworth and Linda Heiderer read poems inspired by the program. Hamisi X. “Ski” Spears ended the graduation with a, Spoken Word performance Photos by Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN that got a standing ovation and Javier Jimenez Alameda DA Nancy O'Malley, volunteers had the audience joining in by W. Corley D. Joy T. Garner S. Wells SQN and graduates at the Muslim Chapel repeating U-N-I-T-Y. February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 3 Inspirational entertainer urges others to claim their unique identity

By Charles Crowe growing up in the Bronx, Staff Writer the son of a Puerto Rican father and an Italian Ameri- Finding your unique voice can mother. The dominant and identity is important for themes in Orrach’s progres- everyone, boxer-tap dancer sion from boyhood to young Joe Orrach illustrated for a man were boxing, dancing, San Quentin Prison audience. and his struggle to gain the The show encouraged in- approval of his hard-to- carcerated people to tell their please father. own stories as part of their re- The show began with Or- habilitation, making the show rach jumping rope on a raised more than just entertainment wooden platform, tapping for San Quentin residents. out a beat each time the rope Nearly 100 people made arced over his head. The slap up the audience in the Protes- of the rope against the wood tant Chapel on Dec. 13 for the blended with the tapping. “I program titled In My Corner. loved when he was able to Orrach told his story with incorporate his jump rope a combination of boxing into his tap rhythm,” said moves and tap dancing, re- San Quentin resident Loren flecting his past as Air Force Mears. welterweight boxing cham- As the story progressed, pion turned professional tap the boxing theme contin- Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN dancer. ued, with Orrach punching The Boxer Joe Orrach showing his tap-dancing skills and punching the speed bag He narrated, danced and a speed-bag to a smooth jazz mimed his authentic tale of beat. Mears smiled when he pantomimed for his San board player Matthew Clark sharing some good-natured recalled this part of the act, Quentin audience. Knocked and percussionist Dan fun with his fellow Spanish “What really impressed me down three times in the first Gonzalez. They skillfully speakers. were his speed-bag skills,” round, he came back to win blended their supporting A promotional flyer ex- Mears said. “Every time he the fight in the second. sounds with Orrach’s move- plained that “Orrach and his threw a punch, his whole He retired from boxing ment and narrative. team work to illustrate the body was in it. You could after five years and moved Pauses in the act were challenges and importance tell he was a very good box- on to a successful career in consistently met with ap- of finding one’s unique er.” dance. As a young boxer, he plause and the audience fre- voice and identity.” “I had never seen anyone had been encouraged to study quently broke into laughter. Orrach has presented the act out his whole life all by ballet by his trainer. He ul- Orrach told his story with show in a juvenile facility, himself,” said Mears. timately found his dancing humor, passion, and intensi- but this was the first perfor- The former boxer ap- niche in tap, touring inter- ty in English (with a Bronx mance in an adult prison. peared to be in fight condi- nationally and dancing with accent) and in Spanish. After the show, audience tion as he moved vigorously, greats like Gregory Hines. When he lapsed into members responded with a without breaks, throughout At one performance, Spanish, it invariably standing ovation and lined the 75-minute show. Hines was in attendance. In evoked laughter from up to shake Orrach’s hand, Orrach reported it was a tribute to Orrach, Hines Spanish-speaking audience thank him, and praise the through his boxing that he “threw his shoes on the members, who seemed to performance. Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN ultimately gained his fa- stage,” said Orrach’s script share an inside joke. Bi- Orrach, perspiring heav- Orrach and friends at San Quentin ther’s approval. That break- writer, Lizbeth Hasse. lingual audience member ily from the intensity of the through came on the night On stage with Orrach Luis Figuera confirmed performance, looked like a San Quentin News of his first fight, which he were composer and key- that Orrach was indeed boxer after a fight. San Quentin News Staff Staff Administrative Review Haile, an ACLU criminal jus- “When we connect with the “It was a culturally enriching Kwanzaa tice program manager, to the traditions of our forefathers experience that I will carry on Richard Richardson, Executive Editor Lt. S. Robinson, Warden’s Office Sgt. R. Gardea, Warden’s Office crowd. we will build healthier re- for years. It was refreshing to Marcus Henderson, Editor-in-Chief Haile, who also taught the lationships with ourselves, hear accounts of Africans’ con- Juan Haines, Senior Editor Joe Orlando, CDCR Continued from Page 1 Information Officer I our family and all commu- tributions to history, an honor Kevin D. Sawyer, Associate Editor Black Studies workshop, estab- Krissi Khokhobashvili, “Kwanzaa represents a lished Africans’ impact on the nities.” to present the fourth principle Anthony Faulk, Managing Editor Deputy Chief CDCR Office Joe Garcia, Journalism Guild striving for freedom, a celebra- world by pointing to Prophet “This was the best Kwan- of Kwanzaa and to share the of External Affairs zaa celebration that I’ve meanings with everyone,” Chairperson Linda Xiques, Adviser tion of liberation and founda- Moses’ presence in Egypt, the Aaron Taylor, Sports Editor William Drummond, Adviser tional principles that we re- first churches in Ethiopia, the been to,” said San Quentin echoed fellow resident John David Ditto, Staff Writer Jan Perry, Adviser connect with at the end of the Islamic migration to Ethiopia, resident Daron Charles. Yahya Johnson. Michael Johnson, Staff Writer Joan Lisetor, Adviser year to take us into the next,” and the African origin of uni- Anthony Caravalho, Staff Writer Stuart Wagner, Adviser said Alyssa Villanueva, a Civil versities. Kwanzaa Principles and Readers Steve McNamara, Adviser Charles Crowe, Staff Writer John C. Eagan, Adviser Rights attorney, who taught a “Part of knowing who we Principle 1 -Umoja; read by Woodrow Riley. Heriberto Arredondo, Staff Writer Jon Spurlock, Adviser Black Studies workshop at SQ are is knowing who we were Principle 2 - Kujichagulia means self-determina- Jesse Blue, Staff Writer Susanne Karch, Adviser for the college program. and who we want to be,” said tion read by Ronald Carter. Kerry Rudd, Staff Writer Nikki Meredith, Adviser “Our minds—our knowl- Haile. Principle 3 - Ujima means Collective Work and Timothy Hicks, Staff Writter Monica Campbell, Adviser edge—is power. To say that it “We are now serving the Responsibility was read by Roosevelt Askari Javier Jimenez, Photographer Lourdes Cárdenas, Editora is threatening is not a cliché,” enemies’ needs at the expense Juan Espinosa, Layout Designer Lisa Adams, Development Manager Johnson. she continued. of the doctors, lawyers, and en- Principle 4 - Ujama, means Cooperative Jonathan Chiu, Layout Designer “This was more informative gineers we could be,” he con- Richard Lindsey, Researcher Economics, read by Yahya Johnson. and entertaining than I thought tinued. Principle 5 - means Purpose, read by Austin Thurman. Current and past stories of the San Quentin News are posted online at: it would be. I’m glad I came,” Tammy Appling-Cabading, (www.sanquentinnews.com) Principle 6 - Kuumba means Creativity, read by said Gene McCallum, an in- a volunteer, also got a standing Troy Dunmore. Follow us on Twitter @SanQuentinNews carcerated resident, referring ovation after reading an uplift- Permission is granted to reprint articles appearing in the San Quentin Principle 7 - Imani means Faith was read by to the speeches and perfor- ing poem she wrote specifically Jamine Gurley. News provided credit is given to the author and this publication, for the event entitled Walk in except for articles reprinted herein from other publications. mances. Villanueva also highlighted Imani. the role that cultural knowl- “Twinkle, twinkle all you We Want To Hear From You! edge played in the successes stars, do you ever wonder who The San Quentin News encourages inmates, free staff, custody of Malcolm X, the Civil Rights you are? You are from the sons staff, volunteers and others outside the institution to submit articles. Movement, and the Black Pan- and daughters of the African All submissions become property of the San Quentin News. thers Party. diaspora lighting up the world Please use the following criteria when submitting: “The individuals and or- …, “ she began. “Speak truth, • Limit your articles to no more than 350 words. ganizations who came before do justice, and walk in the way • Know that articles will be edited for content and length. us fighting for our freedoms of righteousness.” • The newspaper is not a medium to file grievances. looked to these principles— Gregory Morris ended the (For that, use the prison appeals process.) We encourage and they still provide the basic evening with a moving speech submitting articles that are newsworthy and encompass needs to thrive as human be- about the importance of histori- issues that will have an impact on the prison populace. ings.” cal consciousness. • Please do not use offensive language in your submissions. Hamisi X. Spears got a “History gives us a means • Poems and artwork (cartoons and drawings) are welcomed. standing ovation after deliv- to judge our actions by our • Letters to the editor should be short and to the point. ering a powerful rap perfor- cultural traditions. …The way mance with lyrics meant to we treat the women in our lives Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Send Submissions to: inspire people of color to be- doesn’t match with historical San Quentin News come more politically and so- reality,” Morris told the crowd Dr. Appling-Cabading at Kwanzaa celebration 1 Main Street cially conscious. In one verse San Quentin, CA 94964 Spears belted out, “66 never For inmates that want to receive a copy of the San Quentin News had a chance to pass. My broth- in the mail, send $1.61 worth of stamps for postage to ers and sisters wouldn’t get off the above address. The process can be repeated every their a#* to vote—the final re- month if you want to receive the latest newspaper. sult, we lost at the end, and half Behind the Scenes our families are in the pen.” Following Spears, Malik Ali, another resident, gave a moving spoken word piece and Rhashiyd “RawLMNO” Zinnamon performed a lyrical masterpiece titled “Grown- The San Quentin News is printed by ManMusic.” Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Marin Sun Printing, San Rafael. “Peace to you if you’re will- ing to fight for it,” greeted Yoel Auntie June, Yoel Haile, Tammy Appling-Cabading, Arthur Jackson, and Allyssa Villanueva Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020 N.W.A helped set the stage for modern hip hop music By Marcus Henderson The song sparked howls of the group has sold more than consisted of Eazy-E, Dr. Dre Certificate (1991), which fea- Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, The Editor in Chief protest from law enforcement 10 million units in the United and producer Arabian Prince. tured the scathing diss record Game, Kendrick Lamar and agencies. Some police agen- States alone. Ice Cube came later from the No Vaseline, a response to Anderson Paak. N.W.A – Rap Group cies refused to provide security The songs Express Yourself rap group C.I.A. and DJ Yella N.W.A’s 100 Miles and Run- He is regarded as one of the (1987-95) for the group’s concerts. Milt and Gangsta Gangsta were joined as well. Yella and Dre nin, a diss record towards Ice top music producers. He has The N.W.A rap group was Ahlerich, an assistant director also big hits, portraying the an- were both former members of Cube. Both of Ice Cube’s al- won six Grammy awards, in- at first criticized as a misogy- of the FBI, sent a letter to Ruth- ger and worldview of the inner- the World Class Wreckin' Cru, bums went certified platinum. cluding Producer of the Year, nistic hip hop crew that glori- less Records, the company co- city youth. a working group of DJs and His lyrics highlighted harsh non-classical. He is ranked fied drugs and crime. But the founded by Easy-E through But it was the group’s first producers. The two provided socio-political commentary number 56 on the “100 Great- Compton-based rap group Priority Records, warning songs, Boyz-n-the-Hood and the high production values for and storytelling and he was ac- est Artists of All Time” list by bought the political and social the rappers that “advocating 8 Ball, that explained to the Ruthless Records. cused of being anti-White and Rolling Stone. In 2018, he was issues of California’s Black violence and assault is wrong world how the Black and In 1991, the group’s final stu- anti-Semitic. It featured songs ranked the third richest figure youth to the mainstream and and we in the law enforcement Brown communities had to dio album together, Efil4zaggin like Black Korea and My Skin in hip hop, with a net worth of coined the term “ gangsta community take exception to navigate California’s 1980s (Niggaz4Life spelled back- Is My Sin. $820 million. rap.” such action.” gang culture. The song Dope- wards), made its debut at num- Ice Cube transitioned into Dr.Dre has also appeared in Their explicit lyrics were However, the FBI’s letter man captured the inner city ber one on the Billboard 200 acting and business ventures. the films Set It Off, The Wash occasionally offensive, but only helped draw more public- drug epidemic and war on sales charts, becoming the first He starred in Boyz n the and Training Day. their music spot-lighted Cali- ity to the group. The letter has drugs, with lyrics like “You hardcore rap album to do so. Hood (1991), and he wrote Eazy-E was known as the fornia’s gang crisis, illegal a place in the Rock and Roll sold crack to my sister and now Soon afterward the group and starred in the Friday film “Godfather of Gangsta Rap.” drug trade and police abuses Hall of Fame in Cleveland, ac- she sick.” disbanded, due to financial dis- series. Also, he was featured In 1995, he died from AIDS. from a street perspective. cording to Wikipedia. Those songs were released putes. Ice Cube filed a lawsuit in Barbershop. He founded However, he helped set the The group spawned hip Straight Outta Compton be- in 1987 on N.W.A and the Pos- against band manager Jerry Lynch Mob Records and was stage for rappers owning their hop icons, such as Easy-E, came one of the first albums se—the group’s first compila- Heller to gain a larger share of part of the rap group Westside own record labels. He built Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Mc Ren to have the Parental Advisory tion album. The album reached the profits for Straight Outta Connection. Currently, he has Ruthless Records, with acts and many others. In 1988, the label that read, “WARNING: number 39 on Billboard Maga- Compton, arguing that he (Ice founded Big3, a three-on-three such as N.W.A, Bone Thugs in group released Straight Outta Moderate impact coarse lan- zine’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Al- Cube) had written most of the basketball league featuring re- Harmony, J.J. Fad and singer Compton with the highly con- guage and/or themes.” bums chart. lyrics for the project. The case tired NBA players. Michel’le. troversial song F@#k tha Po- The group was banned from Eazy-E is credited for as- was settled out of court. Ice Cube’s contributions MC Ren released several lice, which brought attention many mainstream radio sta- sembling N.W.A and co-found- Ice Cube went solo and pushed the boundaries of lyri- gold and platinum-selling al- to police brutality and racial tions. In spite of that, the al- ed Ruthless Records, with dropped AmeriKKKa’s Most cal content for mainstream bums, including Kizz My Black profiling. bum went double platinum and Jerry Heller. N.W.A originally Wanted (1990) and Death music and film. He still is list- Azz and Shock of the Hour. ed among the best rappers of Ren and Eazy-E resolved their all time. estrangement shortly before Dr. Dre also become a Eazy-E’s death in 1995 after platinum-selling solo artist in two years of not talking to each his own right, releasing The other. Chronic (1992) album under The other group members Death Row Records and Dr. finally reconciled to do more Dre Presents the Aftermath music together in the later and 2001 in 1999 under his years. own record label. He is cred- In 2015, the N.W.A biopic ited for popularizing the West Straight Outta Compton was Coast G-funk music era. released by Universal. The film (Michael Harris, co-founder grossed more than $200 mil- of Death Row Records, is a lion worldwide and received former editor in chief of San positive reviews. Quentin News.) N.W.A ranks number 83 on Dr. Dre left Death Row the “100 Greatest Artists of All Records and founded After- Time” list by Rolling Stone. In math Entertainment and Beats 2016, the group was inducted Electronics. He has produced into the Rock and Roll Hall of albums for and overseen the Fame. Not bad for some kids Photo from Wikipedia Photo from Wikipedia Photo from Wikipedia careers of many rappers such out of Compton and South Dr. Dre Ice Cube Easy-E as 2Pac, Eminem, The D.O.C., Central Los Angeles.

Photo from Wikipedia Arabian Prince, MC Ren, Ice Cube, Easy 'E', DJ Yella and Dr. Dre.

with slaves so long as they against the slave master and fore an appeal could be filed. all the way to the California Pleasant dedicated her en- History did not settle permanently. in favor of Leeʼs freedom. The anti-slavery group began Supreme Court. tire life to fighting racism and “Lee fled when he learned But the pro-slavery Cali- patrolling the San Francisco The court ruled that segre- supporting the advancement Continued from Page 1 Stovall was planning to re- fornia Supreme Court over- harbor. gation on streetcars in Cali- of Black people. Even as a turn to the South,” reported ruled the decision. Lee was Stovall was in the process fornia was illegal. However, young adult she had worked Pleasant also supported the article. Lee hid at the immediately re-arrested. of sneaking Lee aboard a ship the damages awarded Pleas- on the Underground Rail- and gave shelter to fugitive Hackett House, a Sacramento Peter Burnett, one of the jus- when the police arrested them ant in a lower court were re- road, assisting enslaved peo- slave Archy Lee, who was hotel owned by two African tices at the time, went on to both, according to the report. versed by the Supreme Court. ple to escape the South. on the run from his slave American men who were lo- became California’s gover- One of Lee’s supporters had owner. cal abolitionist leaders. nor. The article said Burnett managed to get a court order Lee, a young Black man, Lee was hunted down and had on at least one occasion from a sympathetic judge and brought to California from Stovall had him arrested. The tried to ban Blacks from the stopped the kidnapping, just Mississippi by slave owner African American commu- state. in time. Charles Stovall, became a le- nity rallied and held church The court ruling said that Lee was eventually set gal celebrity of his day. Lee fundraisers and collected although Stovall had broken free when a federal judge escaped his slave master and thousands of dollars to pay the law, the Supreme Court overturned the California Su- waged a successful legal bat- for Leeʼs legal defense. justices were making an ex- preme Court ruling to keep tle for his freedom that went Edwin Crocker, the promi- ception for him due to his him enslaved. Lee went on to all the way to the federal nent civil rights lawyer, ar- inexperience and poor health. join an expedition of African courts. gued that Stovall had violated Lee was ordered sent back to Americans leaving Califor- In the fall of 1857, Stovall, California’s law because he Mississippi. nia to resettle in British Co- the slave master, arrived in had established residency and The court decision sparked lumbia. Sacramento with Archy Lee was not just passing through. widespread outrage. The Pleasant’s own wealth and opened a school. Stovall Stovall claimed Lee was Black community and their could not shield her from rac- hired Lee out as a laborer and “property,” worth $1,500, and white anti-slavery allies ism. In 1866, a conductor pocketed his wages. Califor- insisted California authori- went on high alert, because barred Pleasant from board- nia was technically a “free” ties had to obey the federal they expected slave master ing a streetcar in San Fran- state, but the law allowed fugitive slave law and return Stovall would try to smuggle cisco because she was Black. visiting slaveholders to enter Lee to him. The judge ruled Lee out of town by boat be- She sued and the case went February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 5 Colonel Allen Allensworth, founder of a town in central California By Marcus Henderson eral stores, a post office and self-determination and self- its way to becoming one of a Tuskegee-like institution ported the Black community Editor in Chief comfortable homes. A school respect, said the article. the greatest Black cities in would reinforce educational through hiring for the rail was built that also served as Allensworth became a the U.S. if not the world. But and residential segregation. line, according to the article. After slavery African the center for the towns social member of the county school the school bill fail due to op- The town began to face The company built another Americans took their skills and political activities. The district and a voting precinct position from other Blacks several more crises that led line to neighboring Alpaugh and begin to build thriving cit- public library held more than that elected Oscar Overr the in Los Angeles and San to its eventual decline. The allowing most rail traffic to ies. Blacks in California were a 1,000 book. first African-American justice Francisco, who believed that Santa Fe Railroad never sup- bypass Allensworth. The no different. Between 1912-1915 Al- of the peace in post-Mexican railroad company also re- In 1908, African Ameri- lensworth generated nearly California. fused to change the rail line cans in California built a $5,000 monthly from their The town consisted of 900 name from Solito/Solita to flourishing town called Allen- business ventures. Their vot- acres. It provided youth ser- Allensworth. These act de- sworth, an accomplishment ing registration records listed vices such as: the Owl Club, prived the town of the lucra- seldom taught or discussed. an array of occupations from the campfire Girls, the Girls tive carrying trade. Colonel Allen Allensworth, colonists, farmers, storekeep- Glee Club, and the Children’s The death of Colonel Al- founded the community in a ers, carpenters, nurses and Saving Association. The Glee lensworth sealed the fate of rural area in Tulare County 30 more. Club became internationally the town. In 1914, Colonel miles north of Bakersfield. Allensworths grain ware- known singing at various little Allensworth was ran over The town served as a depot houses, cattle pens and large White towns throughout the by two White youths on a station on the Santa Fe Rail- poultry farms served the nation. speeding motorcycle. He road line from Los Angeles needs of the community and Colonel Allensworth lob- died the next morning. With- to San Francisco. The soil was the railroad post. It had a 10- bied the California State out. fertile and the water seem- room hotel at 75 cents per Legislature for an education- His spiritual guidance and ingly abundant, according to night that included a restau- al institution for the town leadership, the community history.net.com. rant. A cement manufacturing similar to Booker T. Wash- disintegrated. By 1920, the Within a year, 35 families enterprise, plaster and carpen- ington’s Tuskegee Institute lure of jobs in Oakland fur- were residing in the town and try shops. The town also pro- in Alabama. Allensworth ther decimated the town’s by 1912 the population grew duced sugar beets. These suc- envisioned a training and population. But the colo- to 100. Alwortha Hall was the cesses was a way to prove to technical school for black nel’s dream did not die. In first baby born in the town. the White establishment that youths in California and the 1976, the state had acquired The settlement had two gen- Black people were capable of Southwest. The town was on the land and the Department of Parks and Recreation de- veloped a state historic site. While Allensworth ex- isted less than 20 years it Raise the Age Law help young provided an opportunity for Black men and women to transcend race-based limits acussed avoid trial in adult courts photo from Wikipedia and thus control their own Colonel Allen Allensworth destinies. By Harry C. Goodall Jr. on their education, financial op- The new law requires that Journalism Guild Writer portunities and careers. Mecklenburg court and all This new rule will effect court districts create a “jus- North Carolina’s new defendants, defense attorneys, tice partnership” with local Executive forms organization to help Raise the Age law now pre- judges, as well as defendants’ school districts. This is not a vents many non-violent youth families. It is expected to dou- new program and has been in offenders under the age of 18 ble the size of Mecklenburg place since 2015. The district officials curb recidivism from being mandatorily sent County District juvenile court attorney’s office reports the By Alfred King out a change, we could predict the prison population. That is to adult court, according to cases, according to the Meck- program has cut school refer- Journalism Guild Writer what it should do and monitor why Recidiviz decided to go news reports. lenburg County District Attor- rals to county courts by 60%, if it actually hit that goal,” said non-profit, Jacoby said. These new referrals to ney’s office. noted the reports. A top Google executive has Jacoby in the Fast Company Recidiviz is the only non- juvenile court will provide Other major North Carolina formed a non-profit organiza- story. profit at the tech accelerator Y youths 16 and 17 more op- law changes reported by The tion to help prison officials A Bureau of Justice Statis- Combinator and has plans to portunities to receive reha- Associated Press include: understand which programs tics report in 2019 revealed that expand to more states, sharing bilitative services and coun- Kids are different. • Child Abuse: This work and don’t work to curb America had 2.2 million peo- the technology. seling. It also gives them the Their brains new law extends the age that recidivism. ple in either jail or prison at the “Everything that we build chance for their records to a person who suffered from “In the criminal justice sys- end of 2017, the article stated. is open-source. And so part of remain confidential, reported are not fully sexual abuse can sue for civil tem today-an incredibly large This number has been in de- the theory of change is, can we Tribune News Service, Rich- damages. The age is extended and important and impactful cline over the last decade, but get this technology out there, mond County Daily Journal developed,” from 21 to 28. It gives victims system-we have none of those America still has more people so that domain experts in the and The Associated Press. older than 28 a one – time same abilities. It’s millions of incarcerated than any other space can use this infrastruc- “This is big change. Kids window in which to file civil lives, billions of dollars, and country in the world does. ture to support states in doing are different. Their brains “Defendants – as young as suits in the up-coming years we don’t have a good sense of Recidiviz is now working data-driven decision making?” are not fully developed,” 13 – accused of murder and oth- 2020 and 2021. what’s working or a good way with five states. “The people noted Fast Company. said Mecklenburg County er serious violent crimes will • Death By Distribu- to set goals and hit them,” said who are actually running crim- The Fast Company article Juvenile Court Judge Eliza- still be tried as adults. Driving tion (aimed to target opioid Clementine Jacoby, who left inal justice systems are already said that the data analysis also beth Trosch. “This law gives offense will also be excluded, dealers) It modifies existing her job as product manager motivated to decarcerate for a looks at how specific popula- young people the opportu- as well as any teen who has law that enables the prosecu- for Google in June to work on whole variety of reasons-either tions are helped by each pro- nity to, one, be held account- an adult conviction before the tor to severely punish the deal- criminal justice reform. their system may be over- gram, so that programs can able for their wrong and, change takes effect,” the Tri- er, even if the dealer had no in- Jacoby cofounded Recidiviz crowded and they don’t know be better tailored. Ultimately, two, learn that they made a bune News Services noted. tentions to harm to the victim. in order to use data analytics to exactly what the best strategies Jacoby said she hopes that re- mistake without having life- “We were the last state” to It is punishable by seven years solve problems in the criminal are to get a handle on that, or duced incarceration rates will changing consequences.” make the change, said pros- in prison. justice arena. they’re getting legislative pres- allow money saved to go to- Before Raise the Age, when ecutor Heather Taraska, head of • Sexual Assaults. “At Google, we had ex- sure and advocacy pressure to ward successful rehabilitation North Carolina juveniles were Mecklenburg County District Previously North Carolina perimentation frameworks to downsize.” programs instead. tried as adults, their charges Attorney Juvenile Court team. women couldn’t revoke sexual determine which versions of Some tech companies al- “You can actually start to became public record and could “This is definitely the right consent. The new law nullifies a change would have the great- ready work in this space, mak- shift the system from punitive place a lifetime of restrictions thing for North Carolina.” the 1979 court ruling. est impact, and when we rolled ing money without reducing to rehabilitative,” Jacoby said. Eleven years later - SQ Cares stands strong with cancer survivors By Juan Haines for a Cure (SQ CARES) that port of breast cancer, people nect with others to share loss The presentation began “All she talked about was Senior Editor occurred on Oct. 11 and 12. are touched. It’s a vehicle and grief.” with a rap performance by that experience for the rest “I am hugely honored and that allows you to contrib- The original idea for a James Metters, Michael of her life,” Bailey said, Hundreds of San Quen- grateful that you’ve chosen ute. I came for the walk walk and fundraiser in- Kirkpatrick, Derry “Bro- which motivated her to get tin residents contributed $5 Oakland Woman’s Resource and once I met you I found side San Quentin occurred tha-D” Brown, and Raiveon involved with SQ CARES. each, while other prisoners Center,” said chairperson, so much care immediately in 2009 after a prisoner “Ray-Ray” Wooden. The event ended with an produced art to raise more Penni Hudis at the check from you.” watched the Avon Walk “We can beat it this year invitation for those in the than $8,000 for a local wom- presentation in San Quen- Rousse said that he’s open Against Breast Cancer on – victory’s here – SQ’s got audience to come to the an’s center. The fundraiser tin’s Protestant Chapel. “It’s for any kind of art, visual or television. the plan,” were lines that stage to share their personal was a part of the 11th Annual a special place and has been written, “People are enthusi- “I brought it to Laura Bow- brought the audience to experiences with cancer. San Quentin CARES: Walk around 33 years to serve all astic and want to hear from man, who was Community their feet with applause. of Alameda and you.” Partnership Manager at that “We are on a mission to de- Contra Costa.” The last art show raised time. We wrote a letter to the feat this disease – to all the SQ Inside Committee Curator B. more than $1,000, and all warden who approved it—to loved ones who’ve passed Members: Stephen Pas- Rousse of Cords of the money goes to the date we raised about $70,000,” away, we celebrate you on casio, Tien Pham, Carlos Gallery conduct- Oakland Woman’s Resource said Stephen Pascasio, this day.” Meza, John Levin, Alvin ed the art show. Center, said SQ CARES vol- Kim Bailey, there from Volunteer Kim Bailey’s Timbol, Jim Kitlas, Son “Let me paint unteer Samantha Feld. the beginning, said then mother and sister passed Nguyen, Edmond Rich- the picture,” said “I was overwhelmed by Chief Medical Officer, Elena away from cancer within a ardson, Ronell Draper, Rousse. “Tons of the stories and hard work Tootell, was “full on board few months of each other. Rafael Bankston, Terry people come by of the men to support the with the idea of raising Bailey told the audience Hall, Hieu Thai and Cords Gallery broader community,” Feld money and having a two-day about bringing her mother Christopher Khalifah. and when people said. “My commitment walk inside San Quentin.” to one of the SQ CARES SQ Outside Committee learn that the deepened in 2015 when I lost Feld and San Quentin walks, but she was only able Members: Shannon Gord- art is made from my mom to breast cancer. resident Edmond Richardson to sit in a chair. Several men hamer, Kim Bailey, Chris Bailey, Samantha Feld. Photo by Eddie Herena, SQN people in San This has been a special way hosted the check presenta- sat with her to talk, Bailey Steve Pascasio and Shannon Gordhamer Quentin, in sup- for me to honor her and con- tion ceremony. said. Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020 State to pay $1.5 million to family of prisoner who committed suicide By Harry C. Goodall Jr. that she needed,” said Lori Rit- warden of this particular pris- members and was moved into medication and fought with I don’t care where, but just Journalism Guild Writer kin, an attorney on the federal on had known for decades that foster care due to sexual abuse her cellmate, according to the somewhere along the way I court lawsuit. her mental health especially at by a family member. article. want you to take me to a park, California has agreed to Court records indicate that California Institute for Wom- At age 15 in 1996 she shot and I want you to push me in pay $1.5 million to the family Rocha had eight suicide at- en (CIW) at Corona, Calif., and wounded the woman that the swings and roll me in the of Erika Rocha, whose prison tempts between age 7 and 14, was below standard, and they was running the group home grass,’” said Reza. suicide was deemed foresee- according to the Aug. 18 ar- chose not to address it,” said where she lived. “Mom on my way “By doing the settlement able and preventable, the Sac- ticle. Ritkin. She was sentenced to 19 home when you so early in the case, before we ramento Bee reports. “The entire leadership team Erika’s troubled youth years negotiated plea sentence even went through discovery “This is an acknowledge- of California Department of stemmed from her mother for attempted murder. Dur- pick me up, I want and for this much money, they ment that the system com- Corrections and Rehabilita- not being in the home, and ing her time in prison, she at- know they failed my sister,” pletely broke down when it tion (CDCR) from the secre- her father was incarcerated. tempted suicide many times, you to take me to said a sister, Geraldine Rocha. came to providing the care tary all the way down to the She lived with various family the newspaper reported. Her a park, and I want “It wasn’t really about the $1.5 suicide watch on March 31, million; that really doesn’t do 2016 lasted only one day, in you to push me in anything for us mentally or lieu of the procedurally re- the swings and roll emotionally.” quired five-day step-down, ac- “The exact amount of the California gun safety laws cording to the Bee. me in the grass” settlement is $1,501,500, Prison mental health physi- which includes $1,500 the reported strongest in nation cians diagnosed Rocha as hav- family wanted to pay for a ing a number of mental health In the opinion of Erika’s swing set to be built in Las By Alfred King 2011 and 2017 credited to California’s shift in major ailments including antisocial mother, she didn’t seem sui- Flores Park in La Verne,” Journalism Guild Writer the program, according to an public policy is an effort to personality disorder, psychotic cidal and was looking forward said her stepmother, Linda evaluation by Northwestern decrease mass incarcerations disorder, and major depressive to coming home. Reza. California leads the nation University. with the Public Safety Re- disorder, according to the law- “When I saw Erika at one They would like a message when it comes to strongest According to the article, alignment and propositions suit. point and she was talking engraved on a plaque at the gun safety laws and innova- this strategy reshaped the 47 and 57, which resulted in Rocha’s behavior seemed to about coming home,” said swing that states, “In loving tive programs to reduce gun Oakland Police Department’s the release of 40,000 people, escalate as she was reported Linda Reza, her mother. “She honor of Erika Rocha, Nov. 7, violence, according to a Juve- approach to policing. Police though some were transferred punching a locker. Erika also told me, ‘Mom on my way 1980, to April 14, 2016,” ac- nile Justice Information Ex- arrested 60% fewer people in to county jails. refused to take her prescribed home when you pick me up, cording to the article. change article. 2017 than in 2019, while the The Vera Institute credits Giffords Law Center com- number of solved homicides California’s policy changes piles an annual Gun Law grew from 29% to 80% as of for the 40% of the national Scorecard that ranks Califor- 2018. decline in prison populations, Newsom's stance on death penalty nia at the top. A significant Another partnership in Los but efforts are already under- factor is the decline in overall Angeles with the Los Angeles way to reverse these reforms gun deaths and homicides at Mayor’s office of Gang Re- due to the perception among inspires abolitionist movement the state level. duction and Youth Develop- law enforcement and the pub- Nationwide gun homicides ment, the Los Angeles Police lic that the reforms have led to By Kerry Rudd portunity to do long-term eral judge ruled in 2006 that remain the leading cause of Department and Urban Peace an increase in violent crime. Staff Writer planning.” the state’s methods resulted death for Blacks between the reduced gun violence in that The article’s author, Newsom’s moratorium in potentially torturous and ages of 15 and 34, followed by city by 70% over the last 15 Vaughn Crandall, co-director Governor Newsom’s mora- provided temporary reprieves painful deaths to condemned Hispanics of the same age, the years, the story reported. of the California Partnership torium on the death penalty to more than 730 inmates who prisoners. story reported. A partnership in Richmond for Safe Communities, writes in March gave California’s sit stationed on San Quentin’s Newsom’s moratorium Gun violence’s greatest im- implemented by the Office of that the twin policy goals of abolition movement new en- Death Row. The moratorium places California’s capital pact is on people of color, but Neighborhood Safety (ONS) reducing prison populations ergy. also removed California’s re- punishment system back into all California residents pay used cutting edge outreach and increasing public safety “There’s this excitement cently revised lethal injection a legal standstill. the cost. Giffords Law Center and an intervention model. must be obtained before any and energy in our movement procedures. Following Newsom’s estimates that $6.5 billion is That focuses on a small conclusions can be made on that we haven’t had in a long Because the court had re- stand, the efforts of many spent in costs associated with group of young men involved the overall success of these time,” said Natasha Minsker, cently approved the state’s activists have now been di- gun violence, including medi- in the majority of shootings in new programs. a political consultant and new lethal injection proto- rected to the national stage, cal care, lost wages and the Richmond, reducing gun vio- According to Crandall, longtime proponent for abol- col, Newsom was faced with where the Trump adminis- price of operating criminal lence by 66%. changes in prosecutorial ishing capital punishment. the reality of overseeing the tration is planning to resume justice agencies. California has increased practices, sentencing laws “Grappling with the executions of more than 20 capital punishment. More than 50% of all gun funding for local community and police arrest practices all legacy of their two failed inmates who had exhausted Three federal executions violence in California occurs based organizations from $9 play a part in large numbers initiatives, advocates are re- their appeals. The governor were scheduled for December in 24 cities, prompting offi- million to $30 million a year. of men of color who are not assessing their strategy and said he was not willing to let before a judge temporarily cials to try various solutions. States are following Cali- involved in serious crime be- retooling their message,” said that scenario happen. blocked them. These would One such solution is called fornia’s lead. New York, Mas- ing swept into the criminal a recent SF Chronicle article. Prior to Newsom’s deci- have been the first death sen- “Operation Ceasefire or “Fo- sachusetts, Connecticut all in- justice system, with no public “The governor’s moratorium sion, no one had been execut- tences carried out by the U.S. cused Deterrence,” which cre- creasing the amount of money safety benefit. Community has given advocates the op- ed in California since a fed- Government in 16 years. ates a partnership between the dedicated to these types of leaders must work together community and the police. programs. to spend the funds now avail- Oakland experienced a All three states have expe- able on programs that actu- 52% reduction in fatal and rienced reductions in violence ally reduce violence and in- Feds are seeking recall of more non-fatal shootings between and cost savings. carceration. than 3,000 released prisoners By Amir Shabazz caine. For years this dispar- Prior to the passing of the Journalism Guild Writer ity in sentencing has created bill, Obama and his adminis- SF Mayor to close City Hall jail arguments based on race. tration failed to gain any trac- After the release of more The position of the Attor- tion on getting the bill off the By Dillon Kim tives to incarceration. Indeed, decline by the time of the jail than 3,000 federal prison- ney General and the Justice Congress floor. Journalism Guild Writer in 2015 the City of San Fran- closure, the inmates will be ers, the Justice Department Department on this bill is When Trump was elected cisco made a commitment to sent “to an alternative facility is trying to recall their sen- that it is letting out too many one of his aims was to reduce San Francisco Mayor Lon- seek alternatives to incarcer- on a temporary basis.” tences and lock them back- prisoners too fast and that by the federal prison population. don Breed ordered City Hall ation, establishing the Work Haney stated he was “con- up, according to a Washing- letting this many out, it could His son-in-law, Jared Kush- to close down the Hall of Group to Re-envision the Jail cerned about a lack of a plan” ton Post article. cause a backlash not only ner, whose father was jailed Justice, including its jail, by Replacement Project. Matt regarding Mayor Breed’s an- Trump, along with the on them but also on Trump for tax problems, felt crimes July 2021 because the jail is Haney said, nouncement. He continued, Congress and the Senate, and White House staff, who of that nature along with structurally vulnerable to “Without having a plan, my passed a bill back in 2018 helped author the bill. small amounts of crack co- earthquakes. fear is that the result of that is signing-off on releasing caine should be minimized. This deadline has prompt- “I don’t support trying to back us into some- those prisoners who had pos- The attorney general’s of- ed city officials to try to find thing that we should not be sessed minimum amounts of fice and the justice depart- alternatives to rehouse the building a new doing. The sheriff herself crack cocaine. They quali- “Department of ment are challenging the 300 inmates that are current- said that it would be horrible fied for early parole under Justice is pushing interpretation of the bill. ly housed there, according to jail. I do support for us to send people over to a new Bill called the First They feel that the length of a the San Francisco Examiner. a plan for us to Alameda County. Then why Step Act. against the will prisoner’s sentence should be While it searches for a place are we considering that? Why Attorney General Barr of the people, the based on the amount of co- for the inmates, the city is al- move forward are we acting as though that is and the Justice Department caine they possess. ready relocating the other de- and close this a viable option in any way?” are having second thoughts will of Congress Those who voted for the partments also located within Haney apparently believes about the bill which would and the will of passage of the bill, along with the Hall of Justice. facility as soon that Mayor Breed’s “alterna- reduce and restrict severe federal prosecutors and some Possible rehousing options tive facility” is the Alameda sentences, even though the President,” attorney generals, see the bill for inmates include renovat- as possible in an County Jail located across the Trump and those in the righting wrongs from years ing the currently unused jail in effective way” bay in Alameda County. White House are applauding past. The majority of people nearby San Bruno and trans- Board members think the the bill so far. Trump and the White incarcerated under the old ferring the inmates to Alam- Santa Rita facility is a bad “Department of Justice House staff do not see it law were people of color. eda County’s Santa Rita jail. The MacArthur Founda- alternative in part because it is pushing against the will like that. In April of this According to a justice A member of the San Fran- tion awarded $2 million to further distances incarcer- of the people, the will of year the President held spokesman, the government’s cisco Board of Supervisors District Attorney George ated individuals from their Congress and the will of the a celebration touting the position requires the courts Matt Haney said, “I do not Gascon’s office to address ra- families and attorneys. President,” said Holly Har- bill’s progress. He invited to weigh how much crack support sending folks to Al- cial disparities in jails and re- Sandra Fewer, the board’s ris, a conservative activist several recently released cocaine was involved at the ameda County. I don’t sup- ducing the inmate population Chairperson of the Budget and leader of the Justice Ac- prisoners to the function. time of the arrest. port building a new jail. I do to 1,044 within two years. Committee, said she is “look- tion Network, who worked One of them was Gregory The Washington Post has support a plan for us to move Alternatives to incarceration ing to identify strategies to with Congress and the White Allen, who spoke. reviewed a lot of these cases forward and close this facil- can save substantial money. further reduce the jail popu- House to pass the law. Allen stated that two and is finding that cases be- ity as soon as possible in an It costs the city an average of lation” and is seeking alter- Prior to the passing of this months ago he was behind ing recalled or interpreted effective way.” $250.11 per day to incarcerate natives “to avoid a scenario bill people were sentenced prison walls. “Now I am in by the courts and the justice Haney and other supervi- an individual. where we have to send any to the same amount of time the White House.” He had department are not following sors think that a better solu- Mayor London Breed said if people to Santa Rita or jails as those who had larger been in prison since 2001 for the letter of the bill as it was tion would be to find alterna- the inmate population doesn’t out of the county.” amounts of powdered co- selling cocaine. written. February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 7 Oversight report assessed CDCR's prison reform By Kevin D. Sawyer Matched with its July 2018 sensitive needs yard or gen- substance use disorder treat- “The review of vacancy continue compliance with Associate Editor report, “the OIG’s review of eral population yard. ment. During this same pe- rates statewide for career this benchmark,” the OIG rehabilitative programming The CDCR continues to riod, however, there was an technical education showed reported. The Office of the Inspec- found 92% of the academic develop its plan to create two increase in the spaces for pre- that 22 of 35 prisons (63%) “As of May 8, 2019, de- tor General (OIG) produced education and 82% of the ca- options for housing its prison- employment transitions and had a vacancy rate over 10%,” partmental figures show an its 10th independent oversight reer technical education pro- ers as either “programming cognitive-behavioral treat- the OIG reported. “Two in-state prison population report after it evaluated prison grams operating during our and non-programming sensi- ment. prisons had a vacancy rate of 114,471 inmates housed reforms proposed by the Cali- on-site visits,” IG reported. tive needs yards (SNYs),” it In its summary, the OIG exceeding 40%, California in the state’s 34 adult in- fornia Department of Cor- “This was a 2% point in- was reported. It also contin- said the CDCR did not meet State Prison, Corcoran, and stitutions,16 with a design rections and Rehabilitation crease in academic education ues to focus on the expansion its goal of having 70% of Valley State Prison.” capacity of 85,083, equaling (CDCR). State law mandates courses that were in opera- of its NDPFs which are now prisoners in its population re- The OIG report said the 134.5% of design capacity,” that the OIG periodically as- tion.” at 33 of the 35 adult prisons. ceive rehabilitative program- CDCR describes pre-employ- the OIG reported. sess the state’s prison reforms. It was reported that there The OIG noted that the ming “consistent with their ment programs as a means to The OIG also continues to The inspector general’s 55- was no change in career tech- CDCR continues to make criminogenic needs prior to provide prisoners with em- monitor the CDCR’s imple- page Blueprint Monitoring, nical education programs in changes to its population in their release.” ployment skills to prepare mentation of Proposition Tenth Report, scrutinizes re- operation. sensitive needs yards (SNYs). “The department demon- them for successful reentry 57, the class action lawsuit forms identified by the CDCR In addition, the report It noted that SNYs are the strated that only 52% of of- and transition back to society. Ashker v. Brown, the Step in its report titled “The Future noted, “The department is fastest growing population fenders in its target popula- Its staff reviewed the CDCR Down Program, Security of California Corrections.” slowly transitioning its lower- in the prison system, with tion met this objective during records and conducted visits Threat Groups and other le- Some of its many goals are to level housing facilities (I and roughly 41,000 prisoners. fiscal year 2015–16, the last to facilities to evaluate the gal actions. improve the state’s prison sys- II) into Non-Designated Pro- “These facilities (NDPFs) fiscal year the department status of pre-employment The inspector general tem, save taxpayers billions of gramming Facilities (NDPF), are designed to provide re- tracked this benchmark,” the programs. report concluded, in part, dollars and end oversight by as inmates in these facilities habilitative environments for report said. “The OIG found that 1,479 that the CDCR “has shown the federal court. are deemed “programming” offenders who have demon- The inspector general con- of the planned 2,536 daily recent improvements in “The OIG sent staff to each inmates,” the IG reported. strated positive programming cluded in its field work that slots were fully operational,” meeting the Blueprint goals of the department’s 35 adult “The focus of the NDPF is efforts and a desire to refrain 526 of the 572 academic posi- the report said, adding that it regarding filling academic institutions,” IG report said. to offer an environment that from violent behaviors,” the tions in the CDCR were com- was a 58% rate of compliance. education positions, result- “During which time they provides greater rehabilita- OIG reported. pletely operational. That’s This was an increase of 8% ing in a vacancy rate of reviewed and reconciled de- tive opportunities for in- Also, in fiscal year 2018-19, a 92% rate of compliance in compliance since its 2018 8%.” The report did say, partmental documents, inter- mates demonstrating positive there was a “slight decrease” which reflected 2% growth Blueprint report. however, that “standardized viewed staff, and observed programming efforts.” The throughout the CDCR re- in academic programs, which The Blueprint also re- staffing for career technical departmental programs in NDPF’s do not identify pris- habilitative programming included 35 added positions ported “4,669 of the planned education positions remains operation.” oners in them as being on a model in areas allocated for since the 2018 review of the 5,376 daily slots fully opera- problematic, with a rela- Blueprint. tional.” This was an 87% rate tively high vacancy rate of “Our review identified that of compliance which reflected 18%.” the California Institution for a “4% increase in the ratio of The Office of the Inspec- Men had the highest number occupied to available daily tor General recommended of vacant academic educa- program slots since (its) 2018 the CDCR take the follow- tion positions…”, the OIG report…” ing steps to meet its staffing reported. The inspector general level goals for rehabilitative “Our review of vacancy found the CDCR had ex- programming: rates for academic education panded its long-term offender • Promptly advertise and positions shows 23 of 35 pris- program (LTOP) to 30 of its recruit for all statewide va- ons (66%) had a vacancy rate 35 prisons. LTOP is volun- cant academic and career at 10% or below,” the OIG re- tary and provides treatment technical education teacher ported. “Three prisons, Cali- to prisoners who’ve been sen- positions fornia Institution for Men, tenced to a life term in prison, • Prioritize its recruit- High Desert State Prison, with the possibility of parole. ment and filling of both the and California State Prison, These prisoners must appear longest running (over one Solano, had vacancy rates be- before the Board of Parole year, over six months, etc.) tween 21 to 30%.” Hearings to be found suitable and the highest number of In its career technical edu- for release. teacher vacancies. cation, the CDCR recognized The OIG noted the CDCR • Establish an experienced File photo 304 career technical educa- was under a court order to worker program to identify a Mr. Freeman teaching an English class in prison tion positions that it budgeted reduce overcrowding by re- pool of experienced former for fiscal year 2018–19. ducing its prison population teachers, who would be will- “Upon completion of field- to 137.5% of design capacity, ing to come back to work as work, the report “found 249 of and that the department had retired annuitants. Gavin Newsom will introduce a the 304 positions were filled met the court-ordered bench- • Require monthly up- and fully operational,” An mark. dates from each supervisor 82% rate of compliance. “Our “The department’s up- of correctional education broader criminal justice reform review identified that Califor- date noted that the court programs (principal) of By Harry C. Goodall Jr. There was a yearlong in- committee could not force nia State Prison, Corcoran, reaffirmed that the depart- courses that are not opera- Journalism Guild Writer vestigation by McClatchy and counties to construct new or had the highest percentage ment would remain under tional for which a teacher is ProPublica, which exposed safer facilities. This was even of career technical education the jurisdiction of the court assigned, but unable to pro- Gov. Gavin Newsom will that county jails have strug- after billions of dollars had programs not operational.” for as long as necessary to vide instruction. introduce a broader crimi- gled with the influx of inmates been awarded in state financ- nal justice reform package as serving longer sentences after ing to replace decrepit facili- part of his 2020 prison budget the 2011 series of reforms ties. plan. that included a measure that Fresno County jail has ex- His plans include step shifted inmates from the state perienced 47 deaths since the California has made major changes down facilities that focus on prison system to serving their realignment program was rehabilitation and reentry sentences in local county jails. instituted. This is twice the to comply with court orders options for people being re- This was due to the state de- number of people who had leased from custody. He ul- claring that California prisons died in the several years prior By Alfred King lent and /or who complete 52 6. A parole process was ad- timately wants to shut down are unconstitutionally over- to realignment. Journalism Guild Writer hours of programming under opted for medically incapaci- one of the state's 35 prisons, crowded, according to the A bill has been introduced the Rehabilitative Achieve- tated persons, and an elderly according to an article in the article. by Assembly member Kevin California has made major ment Credit program. It went parole program for prisoners Sacramento Bee. McCarty, D-Sacramento. This changes to comply with court into effect on Jan. 9. age 60 or older, who have Governor Newsom’s plans bill would allow counties to orders to reduce overcrowd- 3. The office of Adminis- served at least 25 years of in- are to give the state more create oversight groups with ing and improve medical care trative Law approved emer- carceration. power to oversee local sher- "I'm generally the power to subpoena county in the 35 state prisons, an up- gency regulations for the 7. Contracts are in place iffs and lock up facilities. This sheriffs but was shelved af- date report says. non-violent offender parole with the counties of San Di- is possibly due to California's not satisfied with ter opposition from local law Changes in rules and process to distinguish be- ego, Los Angeles, Butte and surge in homicides in some oversight, period. enforcement. McCarty has regulations have resulted in tween determinately sen- Kern to place eligible incar- of its largest jails. He has vowed to re-submit another the state’s prison population tenced offenders and imple- cerated persons in re-entry sighted that inmates are held Across the board," version of the bill next year. measured at 134.8% of de- ment a parole consideration programs. in inhumane suicide watch The state corrections board sign capacity as of Nov. 13, process for indeterminately 8. California has expanded conditions monitored by lo- cited Kern County's jail due the California Department of sentenced, non-violent of- alternative custody programs cal sheriffs, who rebuff state California lawmakers cre- to suicidal inmates being Corrections and Rehabilita- fenders. It became policy on for females that provide pris- inspectors, according to the ated the California Board of locked in closet-sized rooms tion reported. Jan. 1, 2019. oners with a wide range of re- article. State and Community Correc- with nothing but a grate in This is the 68th report 4. A court decision on July habilitative services to assist "I'm generally not satis- tions to oversee the burden of the floor. These inmates were since a judge ordered the 9, changed CDCR policy so with alcohol and drug recov- fied with oversight, period. realignment. Their role was given a rip resistant yoga mat prison reduction to 137.5% of that the previously mandated ery, employment and social Across the board," Newsom to increase funding for facil- to sleep on. After incidents the design capacity. public safety screening pro- support, education and fam- said on the state's supervision ity construction. The news jail switched to giving the sui- CDCR reported it has cess to be eligible, no longer ily re-unification. of the 70,000 inmates housed agencies found the committee cide watch inmates blankets, been in full compliance with applies. All are eligible both Custody to Community in county jails. "There's not a "toothless," according to the according to the Sacramento the reduction order for four determinately and indeter- Transitional Reentry Pro- lot of accountability and over- article. Some of the reasoning Bee article. years, according to the report minately sentenced. Both grams (CCTRP) are housed sight in terms of these issues was that the committee did McCarty said this is yet issued Dec. 16. groups will be referred to the at facilities located in San and county jails." not monitor jail deaths. another example of mental Changes include: Board of Parole Hearings for Diego, Santa Fe Springs, Ba- Governor Newsom’s ad- "State corrections officials health abuses, negligence and 1. In the wake of Proposi- considerations, regardless of kersfield, Stockton and Sac- ministration is studying what do not have the authority to lack of proper oversight by a tion 57, passed by voters in their in-prison behavior. ramento, noted the report. changes could be made, but make county leaders change, county sheriff's department. November 2016, expanded 5. CDCR continues to As of Nov. 13, 340 female offered no specifics as to what and they generally see them- “This type of lax oversight credit earning opportunities implement other measures to prisoners are participating in changes will be made as of yet. selves as partners, not regu- results in lawsuits and settle- were adopted for incarcerated maintain compliance, con- the CCTRP programs. The Governor Newsom's spokes- lators," said Allison Ganter, ments where taxpayers con- persons. tracting for additional in-state 2019-2020 budget allocates person said the governor will deputy director overseeing the tinue to foot the bill and pay 2. Credit earning oppor- capacity in county jails, com- $7.5 million for reentry fa- announce what changes will inspection team, for the misconduct of our tunities were expanded for munity correctional facilities, cilities and will fund two new be made in January when he When the homicide rate sheriff’s departments across prisoners who achieve a high private prisons and eliminate facilities in Los Angeles for reveals his state budget. soared in these facilities, the California." school diploma or its equiva- of out-of-state beds. 60 females prisoners. Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020 LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK: Letters to the editor

To SQ News,

Since the Row @ CCWF was able to receive SQ News I got to CIM level one minimum yard Feb 22, 2019 monthly about 3 years ago I was faithfully collected as and have yet to see any of the things that they told me much as any issues other rowers had done, so I can send about. At this place it still seems to be about punishment them to my pen pals in other states, including England and not rehab like it says in the title of CDCR. There is and Germany. I’ve taken the task as a privilege to spread- so much division here amongst staff, inmates, free staff, ing the good info to people in free world. it is very discouraging. We were promised microwaves and here at CIM the other two yards has gotten theirs and Tanya Nelson we have yet to receive ours or a reason as to the delay. Jonas Koel - Outside Reader Central California Women’s Facility Some yards are still being stand offish towards the Chowchilla LGBTQ community. They refuse to let them be housed Hello San Quentin News, in the West dorm setting, which is a single cell unit. Just want to say that you are doing a really good job South dorm allows them to house there where I am cur- and San Quentin News is one of the few newspapers that rently housed and there have been no problems between I read regularly. The difference between San Quentin Nuff Blessing ‘n Guidance My Youths! them and the rest of the inmates in here. News and other media is that it is genuine and credible, No one can stop all the things that go on in a prison which in this context means everything. Realistically I’m a 39 year old Fella from New York setting. Violence, drugs, removals, it’s going to happen I am from Sweden myself, live in Denmark and I look City born and raised! because there is nothing new under the sun. What’s done forward to more good articles and hope you all have a I’m of West Indian descent; My parents are natives of has been done and it will continue to be done. Each of us good day, the islands called “Trinidad & Tobago”. True in deed it is created for a purpose, some for honor some for dishon- dawned upon me to holla at you because fact is Life is a or. So in order for things to stop, the good Lord would Best Regards Jonas Test & I’m speaking from the perspective of been there have to create robots with no free will. And according * done that from all the crap you seen on TV or heard in to the Word, that’s not something he is going to do. Or songs bottom line. Be Smart & Think Twice cuz drugs, whoever your higher power is because if he/she was go- gangs, guns & crime is not fun! ing to do it, it would’ve been done long ago. To San Quentin News, I write to you because there is a problem that I’m also a survivor of the 9/11 event & the recent Ve- I have spent the last 10 plus years working my way gas shoot out! The best I can do is instill my advice & down this prison system. You would think the lower you many inmates are having with the interpretation of SB136, the new law that removes the 1-year prison prior philosophy as a Role model that changed from that life- go the better it would be, but no. It gets worse. Some of style. I’m now focused on my purpose in life. To be real us have made mistakes whether it’s the first or however enhancement. The counselors are telling us that they know nothing about it. The case records departments are & up-front Drugs will make you do things you’ll regret. many it’s been. To be on this low yard most of us have It plays tricks with your mind. Stay away from it all—No learned a lesson and just want to go home. I know I am. saying that it is up to the inmate to petition the court, and the courts are saying that it is up to the prison admin Tobacco, No Vape, No Alcohol, No Cocaine, No Crystal Lord willing I’ll be home soon, but I will still try and Meth, No Heroin, Look up the word tobacco it is a poi- fight for the rights and the equality for all inmates no to recalculate your time. On top of that some people are saying that SB136 isn’t retroactive so people already sen- sonous substance. Also, alcohol is poison. matter who they are or what they done. I’m not the judge Enjoy your life & health take vitamins, listen to mom God is. tenced don’t qualify. But even if that’s true SB136 clearly states and I quote, “SB136 removes the 1-year sentence & dad. That’s gangster you heard-getting a job, paying off on a house and going to college. Sincerely, enhancement that is applied to current sentences.” Please can you bring some clarity to this very important issue? J. Arnold Kari Anthony Hunkar California Institute for Men Your loyal reader, S. Chase I get released January 2020, I’ll be okay this time cuz California Rehabilitation Center Norco I’m a new person. In the past I’ve done 20 years…it’s a long story, you just pray & think positive!

CDCR and CCHCS Unveil Expanded Priorities Through Renewed Mission and Vision Statements Affected California Inmates Hope to Challenge Their Restitution Obligations SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Cor- rectional Health Care Services (CCHCS) have unveiled expanded mission and vision statements meant to reflect the joint California inmates have privately expressed hope in reducing or possibly eliminating their restitution obliga- priorities of creating a prison environment that provides the incarcerated population with the tools necessary to be drug-free, tions in the wake of Timbs v. Indiana (Timbs), 2019 US healthy, and employable members of society upon their release. LEXIS 1350,203 L. Ed. 2d 11, the United States Supreme The expanded priorities in the new mission and vision statements focus on enhancing public safety by providing treatment, Court decision that found the Excessive Fines Clause of rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs to our population, in a safe and humane environment. The new vision and mis- the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution sion statements result from legislation in 2016 (AB 2590) that added restorative justice to the purpose of imprisonment, along applies to the states under the Fourteenth Amendment’s with punishment and rehabilitation, and directed CDCR to update its mission statement accordingly. Due process clause. “We are envisioning new ways of fulfilling our mission of public safety that align with our ideals and values for 2020,” said In Timbs, a defendant pled guilty drug and theft of- Ralph Diaz, CDCR Secretary, and J. Clark Kelso, CCHCS Receiver, in a joint statement. “Most of California’s incarcerated fenses. Based on these criminal convictions, the State individuals will one day return to their community. When we address the roots of criminality through addiction treatment, of Indiana initiated a civil suit under its civil forfeiture mental health care, and education, combined with reentry services in the community, we are helping to make California safer laws to seize Defendant’s Land Rover (“vehicle”) since it was used to transport drugs. Since the vehicle’s value and more productive.” ($42,000) exceeded the maximum fine allowed under the Vision applicable penal statutes ($10,000) defendant pled guilty We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and ac- to, the trial court and Court of Appeals found that the for- tive participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. feiture of the vehicle would be “grossly disproportionate Mission to the gravity” of the defendant’s offense and thus, would To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with be unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment. the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and However, the Indiana Supreme Court, without decid- restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment. ing whether the fine was excessive, held that the Exces- Some highlighted examples of how CDCR and CCHCS are fulfilling their new missions: sive Fines Clause only applies to the federal government and does not apply to the fines imposed by a state. Expanding substance use treatment: In 2020, CDCR and CCHCS will roll out an enhanced Integrated Substance Use Disor- In reversing the Indiana Supreme Court, the Timbs der Treatment program, which uses a scientifically based treatment approach to battle the chronic illness of addiction. This court held that the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth program will offer participants medicated assisted treatment, comprehensive cognitive behavioral interventions and safe, Amendment of the United States Constitution applies to therapeutic housing. This initiative will focus on whole-person treatment from incarceration through return to the commu- the states under the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Pro- nity. cess clause and remanded the case back to the Indiana Addressing criminality: CDCR has increased capacity in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention programs focused on courts for further proceedings not inconsistent with its criminal thinking, anger management, family relationships, and victim impact by almost 300 percent over the last five years. holding. Career training: The department has more than doubled the capacity of Career Technical Education opportunities, provid- In California, recent California appellate decisions ing our population with real-world job skills. The new “Microhome” initiatives at Correctional Training Facility in Soledad have come to conflicting decisions on whether a defen- dant must object to the restitution amount at his or her and Folsom State Prison in Sacramento provide in-demand job training to help inmates succeed when they return to society. sentencing. For example, in People v. Frandsen (2019), College education: CDCR offers face-to-face community college programming in 34 prisons, with more oppor- 33 Cal.App. 5th 1126 the Second Appellate District, Di- tunities growing every day. When California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi offered only distance learning college vision Eight, found the restitution challenge forfeited on courses, it averaged 200 to 250 participants a year. When the prison introduced face-to-face courses, in partnership with appeal because the defendant did not object to the resti- Cerro Coso Community College in 2017, enrollment in those classes jumped to 740 with an additional 200 enrolled in dis- tution fine at sentencing. But in People v. Jones (2019) 36 tance learning courses. Providing face-to-face instruction at Kern Valley State Prison, offered through Bakersfield College, Cal.App.5th 1028, the Fourth Appellate District, Divi- increased the number of students from 30 to 498. sion Two, found the restitution challenge not forfeited on Restorative justice: In 2019, CDCR awarded grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to implement victim impact appeal, even if the defendant did not object to the restitu- programs in California prisons. These programs will share a common goal of giving victims the opportunity for their voices tion fine at sentencing. Clearly, many restitution issues will need to be decided by the California Supreme Court to be heard and for incarcerated men and women to fully understand the consequences of their actions. and California Appellate courts to provide guidance to Reentry: Since 2014-2015, CDCR has increased its Transitions reentry program capacity from 2,430 to 20,734, a more than trial courts and the legal bar. 753 percent increase. Transitions is a five-week program provided near the end of an inmate’s incarceration to focus on their If inmates believe that their restitution amounts may community reentry needs; such as, financial literacy, job search skills, and provides community resources. This increase violate the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amend- aligns with our priority of facilitating the successful reintegration of individuals in our care back to their communities. ment, an inmate may obtain relief by exhausting their Community partnerships: We continue to expand our relationships with community partners throughout Cali- administrative remedies through the CDCR 602 process fornia, including an historic undertaking to open the first-ever firefighter training program for recently-paroled firefighters. and, if the issue is not resolved at Third Level Appeal Through a partnership with CAL FIRE, California Conservation Corps and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, the Ventura stage, then filing a petition for a writ of habeas corpus Training Center provides advanced industry training and reentry services aimed at helping those who served as incarcerated with the appropriate court may be necessary. firefighters find success in the fire service field. R. V. Morales ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: (916) 445-4950 California Men’s Colony February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 9 Film producer and social justice activist Scott Budnick visits San Quentin New KidCAT member Ra- a bad week,’ the kid told me. were like 13 for 13 with Gov- KidCAT Speaks! phael Bravo, 28, introduced He said he’d just got sen- ernor Brown. Budnick to the room. tenced to 300-years-to-life. “Our policy work through By Joe Garcia “People say, ‘Who the ‘They stacked everything—I ARC, that’s all done by you Journalism Guild hell is Scott?’ Well, I’ve got washed.’ guys—because you guys are Chairperson known him since I was 16,” “And, this kid looked like up there on Capitol Hill tell- said Bravo. “If anyone in the he was 11. I thought, ‘Oh, ing your stories.” Film producer and social world believed in me, it’s they’ll have a good time with Budnick talked about how justice activist Scott Bud- this man right here. him in prison. This is aw- the lessons he’s learned as a nick kicked it with youth “He appeared one day ful.’” filmmaker tie into affecting offenders and spoke to Kid- when I was in YA [Youth That was one moment social change. CAT members about his ef- Authority]. ‘Are you Rapha- Budnick says changed his “Conflict, struggle, a forts to put the human face el? Your cousin told me to perspective, changed his life. happy ending — that’s what on America’s broken crimi- come find you.’” “How do I live in a country makes a great story, a great nal justice system. Bravo told everyone how that would do this to a child? film,” he said. “And you guys “This is my favorite Budnick eventually got him “I could not comprehend have some of the most pow- group in the whole state,” a job on a movie set. in my mind how we, as a erful stories on earth. said the famed producer of “He offered me the best of country, think this is okay. “No matter who I bring The Hangover and the re- opportunities I could possi- Our system’s so incredibly into prison, everyone chang- cently released Just Mercy. bly have,” said Bravo. “But I racist and unfair. There’s es when they meet you guys “It’s good to be back here.” wasn’t right.” like no White kids in Juve- and see you as human be- Photo by FirstWatch Budnick slid into San Bravo ended up commit- nile Hall.” ings.” Quentin for a couple of ting second degree mur- Budnick related it to his According to Budnick, Film producer Scott Budnick hours Dec. 12 before head- der and being sentenced to own children. “My kid would it’s all about being able to ing to Folsom State Pris- 16-years-to-life. get bailed out, have the best humanize the incarcerated websites on criminal justice since he was 16 in Juvenile on, where the Sacramento “While we’re incarcer- attorney money can buy and through storytelling. reform,” he said. “They’ll be Hall,” she said. “He told me Kings were set to christen ated, this is the time to get get a deal no one could have “There’s such a beauti- able to see Juvenile Hall in- he was going to the Oscars a renovated basketball court right with ourselves right gotten. ful light inside all of you,” formation where they can go that year. for Play For Justice. now,” said Bravo. “We have “If you have money, you’re he said. “That’s the lesson. volunteer. “I’m like, ‘I’ve never been “I’ve been coming to Kid- to be there for each other and not going to get washed. I Talking about you guys as “We want to try and im- to the Oscars. What about CAT for years,” Budnick lift each other up.” couldn’t just teach a writing human beings got voters to mediately activate peo- me?’” said as he looked around at Budnick then explained class and feel like I’m giving say ‘Yes.’ ple—engage them to get in- Mitchell’s career in crimi- about 30 prisoners in SQ to the guys about his experi- back.” “The criminal justice sys- volved.” nal justice reform spans Education’s B-Building. ences seeing the inequities Budnick went on to found tem’s all about scare tactics. Budnick also expressed more than 38 years, and “I literally don’t recognize of the criminal justice sys- the Anti-Recidivism Coali- Think about that — we just his excitement for Play For running. “I’ve been fighting anyone—only a couple of tem firsthand. tion (ARC) in 2013, an or- need to make sure juries Justice, where the Sacramen- for y’all before some of you faces. “When I was working on ganization committed to of- aren’t scared, right?” to Kings, Milwaukee Bucks were even born,” she said. “It’s nuts. Everyone in Old School, a friend of mine fering guidance and help to Budnick is intent on using and other NBA partners are “So much needs to be done KidCAT’s going home.” took me with him to Juvenile the incarcerated and recently his Hollywood platform and visiting prisons to interact out there. Budnick came that day Hall. We volunteered for In- released, as well as advocat- success to illuminate the hu- with incarcerated communi- “I have such a heart for with longtime SQ volunteer side Out Writers, working ing fiercely to affect policy man faces stuck behind the ties, bringing them basket- you guys.” Ayoola Mitchell to speak with a group of 10 kids—all change. walls of mass incarceration. ball — and hope. Budnick asked Mitchell with and meet youth offend- facing life sentences.” “Getting laws passed, With Black Panther and “I’m driving from here what organizations she works ers who may have heard of Budnick recalled asking we’re 4 for 4 so far, with Creed star Michael B. Jor- straight to Folsom,” he told for. “It’s just me—Ayoola. him but have never seen him one of the young men how Governor Newsom,” Bud- dan, Budnick produced Just the SQ guys. “Some people No non-profit. No organiza- face-to-face. their week had been. “‘It was nick said. “And, I think we Mercy, the film version of might think basketball fans tion,” she said. “I’ve always Bryan Stevenson’s nonfic- don’t know anything about believed in redemption. tion account of freeing Wal- criminal justice — we’re go- “I’m old as Hell, but I can’t ter McMillian, a wrongfully ing to change all that.” retire until all y’all are free.” Dear KidCAT Speaks convicted prisoner on Ala- Ayoola Mitchell spoke Budnick commended There are many times that I look back over my life and shake my head, not only because of the bama’s Death Row. about how she first crossed Mitchell for her continued traumatic experiences, but also because of my warped way of thinking. I’ve been through a lot in my McMillian spent years on paths with Budnick. “I met effort and passion, particu- life, but I still understood right from wrong. Death Row due to a convic- Scott four years ago, when larly since she does it mostly Because of the abuse I suffered, I knew what the consequences would be if I did wrong. Therefore, tion based solely on the tes- we both were speaking be- on her own without all the I learned to be “slick.” I did my best to master the concept of “the right way to do the wrong thing.” I timony of a jailhouse infor- fore the Legislature in Sac- fund-raising and support never wanted to experience the humiliation of jail, so when I did wrong, I would talk others into doing mant. And although his jury ramento.” networks he has access to. the brunt of the dirt. We can all see how that turned out. sentenced him to life, the “It really struck me, be- “It’s easy for me to do this I thought I was doing most of what I did to survive, but in the end I only further entangled myself with trial judge intervened and cause, you know, I was work,” he said. drugs, alcohol, the gang life and, believe it or not, depression. The gang life never really meant that ordered a death sentence. dressed all in my adult Some of the SQ guys had much to me, but weed, alcohol and pills gave me meaning. They became my way out, my source of Stevenson founded the clothes,” said Mitchell. “But questions about what kind escapism. If I couldn’t leave the world permanently, I could mentally. Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) him—I swear he had flip of reentry support ARC pro- Something too I soon realized was that if I volunteered to do enough stuff, people thought I was to fight for people like Mc- flops on and was there to vides once they’re released. down. This caused them to want me around. Instead of letting others do all the work, I started to put Millian. address public officials just “We got you,” said Bud- myself on the “front line.” I finally felt needed, and these people became my loved ones. I only have “The entire movie is about like I was. nick. “You’ll have a very myself to blame for my misplaced loyalty and insecurities. humanizing all the people on “Something Scott said that stable place to live and peo- Today, I stand as a man who has gained a great deal of insight. After tapping into my spiritual self Death Row,” said Budnick. day really resonated with ple around you who care. If through embracing Islam, I began to change my thought patterns. I started to understand my behavior “There’s a pretty graphic ex- me. He said, ‘I just don’t that keeps you up at night or for what it was — immoral and abnormal. No matter what my environment presented me with, there ecution scene in there, where give a f--k.’ Me, as a Black gives you pause, don’t worry were always better decisions to be made than the ones I chose. As I changed, I got into college and we show it all. woman—how I look matters. about it.” began to do self-help groups. “By the time the audience When I go in there, I know A big question was about Getting into ARC (Anti-Recidivism Coalition) has sped my change along. Seeing brothers who were gets to that point in the film, I’ll be judged.” getting Budnick involved in in my same predicament get out, stay out, and then come back to assist us, has opened my eyes to we know the guy’s guilty — Budnick chuckled slightly. spreading KidCAT’s First hope. I’ve seen with my own eyes what change and “putting in the work” can do. but they all cry when he’s put “Everyone already sees me Step curriculum to other fa- I’m not just doing this to get out but to be the man that society, my family, friends, children and I, to death.” as ‘the Hangover guy,’ so I cilities. myself, deserve. In conjunction with Just can get away with it.” “The model that was John F. K. Dozier Jr. Mercy’s January release Mitchell continued. “A started here—that should Calipatria State Prison dates, Budnick explained few years later, I was visiting be at High Desert, at these how he and Warner Bros. the ARC offices in Los An- hopeless places,” he said. Dear John, partnered to launch Rep- geles. It’s all about that six “There’s what, like 35 pris- KidCAT really appreciates you sharing your life experience. It’s important for all of us to connect resent Justice, “the largest degrees of separation—the ons in California? through storytelling so that we can learn from one another. political social impact cam- way people’s live intersect. “Your program should be You are well on your way to figuring yourself out. It’s an ongoing process — a lifelong journey toward paign for a movie — ever.” “There was a guy who’d available at all of them— self-awareness. Your spirituality has definitely contributed to your success. Always be on the lookout “We’re using our social gotten out and was working anywhere there’s youth of- for the people around you who can benefit from your progress and insight. None of us live in a bubble. media to send people to for Scott, a guy I’d known fenders looking for hope.” We need to be there for each other. Whether you realize it or not, you are part of our whole community, and we need you to continue Any inmates interested in receiving the KidCAT curriculum must stepping up and being there to support others. It’d be great for you to someday become an ARC guy ask the Community Partnership Manager (CPM) at their facility to and come back inside prisons to help, wouldn’t it? contact the CPM at San Quentin. As of February, 2019, KidCAT’s curriculum can only be distributed to prisoners through their CPM.

KidCAT and The Beat Within hold monthly writing workshops. The Beat Within conducts writing workshops in juvenile detention centers throughout the country. Kid CAT 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 difference. Tell The Beat Within you read about them in Kid CAT Speaks! Picking sides - There are times when all of us are asked to pick sides. Sometimes, it’s as innocent as a basketball game. But often, you’re asked to choose sides in ways that have important consequences. When the neighborhood calls, but your mom/grandma tells you stay home, you have to pick a side. When those who have your back tell you not to smoke or drink, but your friends tell you to do it anyway, you have to pick sides. Have you cho- sen sides that you later wished you had not chosen, or you are glad you chose? Can you share a time with us when you had to pick a side, whether you wanted to or not? Tell us what your choices were, and why you picked the side you did. Looking back, was it the right choice? Why or why not? The Beat Within P.O. Box 34310 San Francisco, CA 94134

KidCAT (Creating Awareness Together) was founded by a group of men who committed their crimes in their teens and 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 February 2020 Christmas Carols in San Quentin By Anthony Manuel The evening started with been caroling at the event for God’s people—while show- said incarcerated person to sing to Death Row so the Caravalho rehearsal after a prayer from 20 years. She remembered the ing unconditional love for Kevin Kelly. The choir left group improvised and sang Staff Writer Chaplain Jackson. The group original organizer, Sam Huron those in need—is the real the first tier to cheers by the in front of the hospital. Their was led by Chester Hall from of Man-to-Man Ministries. miracle.” incarcerated. hope was the sick would be San Quentin’s Chaplain Cornerstone Church in Liver- “Death Row should believe The choir left Garden Cha- Similar songs on the yard able to hear as they saluted Mardi Ralph Jackson and more. in God, and we hope they will pel and circled outside the side of North Block, at the the support of Lt. Robinson dozens of supporters per- Hall has been in charge of be able to hear the choir from pavilion that is in the center rotunda of Death Row, and and his staff. formed live on Dec. 21 at the caroling event the last five the rotunda, as we are not al- of the Captain’s Porch, the at the stairwell of Alpine, Pastor Tom Phan of Open the prison’s 28th Christmas years. lowed inside. No matter what, main entrance, four post and Badger and the Hole in West Arms Church said, “Mother Caroling event. The Chaplain “I have been participat- it’s a blessing, a true high- the AC Center to begin their Block allowed men to hear Jackson has the greatest min- said it was a time of adoration ing since 1988, and through light of our Christmas. Easily performance. carols. istry, and we are proud to help and worship for our Lord’s Garden Chapel we consider our biggest event of the year,” Lt. Sam Robinson and Group leaders like Mr. Al- this chapel in any way as we birth. ourselves all blessed to give said Mrs. Hipple. some of his staff escorted len Roberts, who has been pray everyone lives through Elder Derrick Holloway hope and comfort to men that Before the group began its the performers around the serving the Neighborhood Jesus!” stated that in a normal year cannot be with their fami- tour of the prison, one of the prison. “This is an annual Baptist Church in San Fran- Minister Leslie Arroyo of “Mother” Jackson allows lies,” said the director of the Bay Area’s leading gospel event I take in before I enjoy cisco for 37 years, said, “I From the Well Ministries, a more than 90 churches to as- evening’s choir. singers, Paula Bates, shared my Christmas. This choir still come here to get blessed caroler for years, summed up sist in the spiritual growth Before the choir walked the mission of the night. changes men’s hearts,” said while I carol.” the night. “To all of us this of her ministry. Volunteers around the cell blocks, SQ “Hopefully we can plant a the lieutenant. Minister Randy Fishback is an opportunity to reach assist year round—not just News Advisor John Ea- seed in men who do not yet The group headed to North from Hillside Church in Wal- other people’s hearts for Je- at holidays—and are greatly gan gave insight as to what believe, and they may ask, Block where Pastor Linda nut Creek added, “I’ve been sus. Whether we fight, lie, or appreciated. the night meant. Eagan has what must I do to be saved?” Lopes from Valley Christian doing this for five years, and no matter what sin we have “Through outside leader- performed in the event as a Her operatic voice enables Church said, “This breaks my it is still my favorite event of done, we all must know he ship in Protestant churches member of the Tiburon Bap- others to hear the miracles heart. As a mother and grand- the year. We all receive so forgives.” throughout the Bay Area we tist Church. He has been do- from the group. “It’s truly a mother, I believe men should much from the men.” Singing continued Sunday learn more about evangeli- ing so for 28 years. blessing to share the Christ- not have to live like this…but The Kurtz family came night when more than 300 cal sermons, gospel singing He asks the incarcerated mas Spirit and celebrate the Jesus loves.” to celebrate Christmas with men and women participated and Bible studies. Churches men one question. “I always birth of Jesus Christ….It is all At North Block, men the congregation. “We feel in a candlelight vigil declar- located as far away as Texas ask, when did someone say about Jesus,” said Ms. Bates. stopped watching the For- blessed to participate with ing Jesus’ love. help “Mother” Jackson pre- they are proud of you? In- Another leader in vocals, ty-Niners’ victory over the all of you and get so much in “Christmas lives at San pare her men for the spiritual variably the answer is never,” Jessica from First Church Rams to enjoy Christmas return. It’s truly God’s will Quentin’s Garden Chapel,” warfare we encounter when said Eagan. in Livermore, added, “The songs like “Silent Night,” and totally amazing,” said said incarcerated church we go home,” said incarcer- Kaylyn Hipple, wife of blessing to be with others “Joy to the World” and “O husband Brian Kurtz, wife member Sergio Alvarez. “By ated Elder Derrick Holloway. Minister George Hipple, has who believe and who are Come, All Ye Faithful.” Laura, daughter Naomi and bringing the Spirit of God to “It’s amazing, bitter cat- son Dakota. the cell blocks we give hope. calls turned into a spiritual si- An alarm at North Block It was an honor to serve. Mer- lence I have never observed,” stopped a second attempt ry Christmas to all.”

Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Christmas Caroling volunteers and incarcerated inside North Block Christmas Caroling bring happiness to prisoners inside SQ buildings Semester ends with a Christmas celebration By Juan Haines “The End of the Semes- “I’ve never been here on children know Santa Claus’s cluding I Want to Wish You a “This started off as an end Senior Editor ter Celebration at Christmas a Friday night,” said Diane real identity. The skit hon- Merry Christmas in English of the year celebration about may mean something dif- Kahn, one of APEP’s outside ored parents as Santa Claus and Spanish. the students and teachers get- On the Friday before ferent to each of us,” James facilitators. “I get more inspi- and paid tribute to the season “I’m humbled to be here ting together,” Baylis said. Christmas, Silent Night Metters said. “But, coming ration from the work you men of giving. and to work with some won- “But, after all was done, it played as San Quentin stu- together is something we all do inside San Quentin than Metters, Brown, and derful people,” said Collins, was really about the true dents, their tutors and guests can do.” from people on the outside.” Wooden played their parts who explained that working meaning of Christmas when made their way into a class- Metters is one of the peer- The classroom was set up while APEP volunteers Eu- with ESL (English as a Sec- we’re so far away from fam- room filled with the holiday to-peer tutors in the Aca- with its chairs placed in a genia Maluf and Joanna ond Language) allowed him ily. That’s why we’ve done it spirit. It was to celebrate the demic Peer Education Pro- semi-circle, like a flat amphi- Cornejo played supporting to build a bond. “I speak to for the last seven years.” year’s educational successes. gram (APEP). About eight theater with the head of the roles. the guys in broken Spanish. The following San Francis- Six red stockings draped years ago, the program began class as the stage. After the skit, Metters and “I want to bring joy, even co Bay area volunteers came the classroom’s white board. to support incarcerated stu- The tutors and guests Karen Yoder, another APEP though it’s not easy to do to the celebration in support Below it, Santa’s tiny sled dents pursuing a GED. Also, joined to perform Dad Ruins volunteer, led everyone in here.” of the APEP tutors and stu- rode a golden tinsel as if it at the event were peer educa- the Christmas Spirit. Christmas carols, with Joy After caroling, the stu- dents: Tammy Cabading, Jo- were snow. In front of the tors, Rodney Baylis, Terry The skit was a spinoff to the World getting the most dents, tutors and guests anna Cornejo, Rich Donick, white board, two tiny Christ- Hall, Raiveon “Ray-Ray” from The Grinch Who Stole gusto. played board games, min- Diane Kahn, Eugenia Maluf, mas trees sat on a table with Wooden, Derry “Brotha-D” Christmas. It’s a story about Then a Spanish band gled and talked about future Connie Merron, Madison gifts all around them. Brown and Floyd Collins. parents struggling to let their played Christmas songs, in- educational opportunities. Niesyn and Karen Yoder. Archbishop Cordileone holds San Quentin Christmas mass God can use prison time to Williams spent 26 years as “In this time of war can unite with the tremendous The archbishop said the He expressed his desire turn someone into the person a priest inside prisons during against the enemy, it is time Protestant Chapel Choir next Catholic Church believes for all Christians to main- He wants them to be, Arch- Christmas. He said the holi- for all Christians to unite,” year to carol.” Christmas is becoming tain a silence during prayer bishop Salvatore Cordileone day Mass is usually conducted added choir singer Adriele After the choir sang “O more and more mate- and devotion. told a San Quentin audience at midnight for Catholics. He Jackson. come, all ye faithful,” Arch- rial. “The real meaning of The archbishop then dis- during a special Christmas gave thanks and appreciation Lisa Strawn, who led the bishop Cordileone reminisced Christmas is about God giv- cussed current goals of Chris- Mass. for the archbishop’s assistance Transgender Remembrance about Christmas with a story ing us our gift of His Son tians everywhere. “What mat- “Christmas is a time to re- in the celebration and praised Day at SQ in November, about commercialism of the through the Virgin Mary,” ters most is if we stay true to ceive God’s gift of His Son the work of his choir. commented, “Without Father holiday outside. he said. It took some 2,000 God. How do we show truth while committing to give back The Mass referred to the Williams’ inclusive policy, “This time of year is hectic years to prepare the Jews, to GOD?” more for Him,” the San Fran- Bible’s book of Isaiah, chap- Remembrance Day for the outside. Sales at one store after Israel and the 12 tribes, he His answer: “Walk like cisco archbishop commented. ter 9, verse one which states, transgender community does Thanksgiving included a very added. His Son; show no idolatry, no Cordileone compared the “The people in darkness have not work. Father Williams low price for a DVD player. The archbishop referred pride, no self-doubt in spiritu- prison stays of Jesus and Paul seen a great light.” did not hesitate to support the The price created a wait at the to David’s victory over ality, no addiction to sins. Stay to the incarcerated people at- Father Williams noted community and we are grate- store before it opened, where King Saul and King David’s focused on God by attaining tending. He said while in pris- the chapel at Christmas was ful for him and his church’s long lines created a big rush affair with Bathsheba. He the silence of God through si- on, “God has given us time to standing room only, which is support. He is a real person of for the discounted DVD play- commented that the biblical lent prayer.” grow into what He wants us to a “good thing.” God.” er. A woman who was first stories show that even in The gift of God’s son comes be. Take advantage of it.” After the Mass, choir mem- Incarcerated choir member to get it was trampled uncon- times of strife, David never with responsibility, said the Father George Williams, ber Michael Adams said, John Krueger added that Fa- scious but still held on to the wavered from worshipping archbishop. “He wants this San Quentin’s Catholic chap- “What the light of Christ re- ther Williams always includes DVD player…What tenacity!” the God of Israel — he nev- gift (of dedication) from us in lain, said, “This year’s cele- veals to you about who you are Protestant Chaplain Mardi said the archbishop. er committed idolatry. return.” bration had a wonderful spirit in your life, and what you will Jackson’s congregation next “Why can’t we be that The message noted Jesus that many outside parishes do with this knowledge, will door “in our church’s prayer. tenacious about God?” he came from the lineage of —By Anthony Manuel cannot emulate.” define you as a Christian.” We hope and pray our choir asked. David to unite His kingdom. Caravalho February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 11 “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces brings me happiness”

Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Vincent O’Bannon, with daughter Autumn, holds his grandsons Zy’ir and Zorion Ramon Ruelas with his nephews Omar, Danny and Ismael

Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN

Sergio Alvarez with his sisters Mona and Maria, nieces Aiyana and Jaylah and nephew Javyn VGSQ veterans Adam Sinegal, Carl Raybon, Brian Corder and Kevin Brinkman

in prison children and fami- sodas from the vending ma- Toys for Tots lies can get a Christmas expe- chines to “Papa.” rience, or at least something “Santa Claus is coming to Continued from Page 1 close.” town,” sang a stuffed rein- “It’s a blessing,” said Ser- deer with red bows and bells A banner hung across the gio Alvarez, who was visiting on its antlers. “Merry Christ- main visiting room declaring with his sisters, nieces and mas!” “Merry Christmas.” Snow- nephew. “We’ll do this next VGSQ staff sponsor Ra- flakes, lights and garlands weekend too, so all the fam- chael Murray walked in with with red bows adorned the ily can visit.” Visiting with dozens more toys, including walls. Incarcerated fathers, his family is the highlight of Lite-Brite, Chutes and Lad- uncles and granddads brought his holiday season. Alvarez ders, KerPlunk, Battleship, their visiting little loved ones was visiting with his nephew dolls, Legos, Transformers’ into the children’s playroom for the first time in his seven- Bumblebee, and Hot Wheels. to pick out toys to take home. year incarceration. She said that the San Bruno The tables were full of “Woo woo!” said 2-year- Marines Toys for Tots pro- toys to choose from, includ- old Jaylah, Alvarez’s niece, gram donated hundreds of ing puzzles, charades, trivia smiling and laughing as she toys for this year’s San Quen- games, Candy Land, Frozen II grabbed a toy unicorn that tin event. character sets, Marvel Aveng- began playing music and VGSQ member Earl Orr ers Black Widow and other flashing lights. “It’s a nice gave out the toys in the other hero figures, Vibe metallic surprise,” said Javyn, Alva- visiting room in The Q’s H- spinners, watch and wallet rez’s 11-year-old nephew. It Unit. Children visiting loved sets and “Make Your Own was the first time they and ones on Death Row also got Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Slime.” 13-year-old Aiyana got toys to pick out toys to take home. A giant skee-ball game was in prison. “Seeing the smiles on the A few of the Toys for Tots given to the visiting children the first toy to go. “Thank Festively dressed families kids’ faces brings me hap- you,” said the smiling little smiled for photos in front of piness,” said Army veteran After five years at San Maria helped her little sister in his father Jonathan Weems’ girl. The first boy chose a a 7-foot Christmas tree deco- Adam Sinegal. “It brings Quentin, the Holiday Toy pick out toys: “¿Cuál quieres? arms. Big sister Ja’Leia said, Spalding NBA basketball rated with garlands, balls, back good memories of Program is something of a ¿Cuál otro? ¿Segura?” (Which “I’m just happy to see my fam- and said, “Thank you, Merry and a star on top. Christmas with my chil- Christmas tradition for Vin- do you want? Which other ily.” When her mom Danisha Christmas.” “Every visit is a celebra- dren. I wish I was with them cent O’Bannon and his family. one? Are you sure?) asked about getting a toy in “I have so much fun do- tion, but today is a real joy,” now.” He was celebrating with his The Sanchezes said that be- prison, the 4-year-old replied, ing this,” said Army veteran said Jemain Hunter. He was Danny “Heavy” Pita Jr. wife Cynthia, daughter Au- ing together at Christmas time “Yep, I got a Magic Mat.” Kevin Brinkman, a VGSQ celebrating his first Christ- was visiting with his fiancée tumn, and grandsons Zorion is important for their family. As the visiting hours ended member since arriving at The mas together with his wife Shawna, and his little sister and Zy’ir. The Christmas before, Jose each day at 2:00 p.m., the chil- Q in 2015. “It’s not just giv- Kenya and their 19-month- Harmonie. “I’m happy be- “This family time is so hap- was in county jail. “Me siento dren came back to the play- ing back, It’s giving forward.” old granddaughter Nayani. cause I’m with my sister for py, and toys add to the excite- mejor hoy porque el año pasa- room to pick up their toys to Brinkman helped decorate “It’s a true blessing to see the first time in about two ment,” said the boys’ mother do no pudimos abrazarnos por take home. There were many and gave out toys for his third what lights her up—just like years,” he said with a smile. Autumn. Three-year-old Zori- la ventana,” said Maribel. (I smiles, many thank yous, and year. on the outside,” Hunter said, “Getting a toy was a nice on shook his head yes, smiling feel better today because last even more Felices Navidades. “It’s all about the children,” enjoying his granddaugh- surprise, but getting to see and said, “I love my paw paw.” year we couldn’t hug through Families hugged and kissed said 33-year-old Marine Corps ter’s excitement. Nayani ran my brother is my favorite Maria, a teenager, and the window.) once more and parted with veteran Brian Corder, the new back and forth in front of the Christmas gift,” said 10-year- 4-year-old Frida came in with By the end of the day’s toys in their hands and the VGSQ Vice Chairman. “It’s a playroom and toys, smiling old Harmonie, leaning on her their mom Maribel to visit Christmas excitement, 1-year- warmth of the holiday spirit in beautiful thing that even here and giggling, and delivering big brother. their brother Jose Sanchez. old Ja’Mal was sound asleep their hearts. Page 12 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020 The Tender Moments of Valentine's Day

Chis and Melissa Dnacel Happy Valentine's to my best friend, my wife, my everything

Eduardo and Monique Zavala You're my 1st and only Valentine ever. Let our love ispire others. My Partner in love, life and business! Team AIDA Floyd and Vanessa

Whitney and Larry White The best kiss ever! on one of the best days ever.

Forever love, true love, soulmates Love, Tracy Keller

God's great blessing, My amazing grace! Te amo 9/16/19 Raymond ♥ Janet Armando Gonzales and Dolores Trina Gonzales "Love is patience" I miss you Nini

Shawn, Marlaina, lyn and David Mason Michael Jonshon and Aja Happy Valentine's! I love and miss you all. Happy V-day! Shawn February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 13 The Tender Moments of Valentine's Day

Harry and Domenica Goodall Kate and Eddie A lifetime needing to smile genuinely Happy Valentine's Day Babe ♥ An angel warms my heart Love you always ! A blessing that's made em complete My workd, my life, my wife

My Partner in love, life and business! Team AIDA Floyd and Vanessa

Robert and Erma Guzman Happy Valentine's my precious friend, love and queen xoxo Charlene and James Humprey The essence of compatibility and the willingness to compromise equals true love

To my lovely family, mi sobrina Linda, mi mama Lupe y a Martin en el mejor dia del año . Feliz dia de San Valentin Anthony and Lily Caravalho Los quiere, I call you wife for a reason. Eddie I understand and am Blessed to be your husband. Love me

Larry, Mikell, and Letty Leyba "Happy Valentine's Day beautifuls ! Tommy and Marion Wickerd Love always Happy Valentine's Day Honey your husband, dad... T 26.2 M Team Page 14 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020 Prison University Project Annual Open Mic By Juan Haines you,” Antwan “Banks” Wil- ory “White Eagle” Coates on event and the comedy routines narrative, beginning from the on a halal diet and eating “state Senior Editor liams said after returning to wood flute, Timothy Young got lots of laughs. perspective of a child, then a bologna sandwiches.” San Quentin 64 days after get- on classical guitar, Courtney James Jenkins’ routine on mother and then a father. The Andrew Wadsworth read The Friday after Christ- ting out. Rein on violin and accompa- passing gas rolled the audience poem is about the source of a poem, 16 Bars, as Aaron mas, two former San Quentin Williams was joined by nied by Mark Kinney on key- the most. happiness and love and the Taylor accompanied him on residents returned to a jam- Eric “Maserati-E” Abercrom- board. “Don’t go in the cell with cycle of life. guitar. packed Catholic Chapel to bie, who got out of prison Brian Asey and Dre’Quinn James,” he said about the ru- Standing with his back to A spoken word piece, 16 mingle with old friends and about a month before Wil- Johnson showed a short film mors about himself. “He’ll gas the audience, Timothy “T- Bars, addressed Wadsworth’s perform at the Prison Univer- liams did, said, “Everything they produced, Teaching & you out.” Bone” Hicks read “I am a turbulent life that began going sity Project’s (PUP) Annual I do going forward, I do it for Learning PUP Style. PUP stu- Raphael “Nephew” Human Being.” He said that it bad at 16 years old. He talked Open Mic. you. The change in my life af- dents talked about the impact Bankston rapped about life was inspired by PUP teachers about becoming a dope dealer, “Be encouraged to write fects you. We will spread this that an educational opportuni- from an incarcerated person’s who were determined to get running the streets and living your own reality in the sense like wild fires. We’re chang- ty gave them. Teachers talked perspective with Tim Young the students out of their cells a negative life. The narrative that if you want freedom and ing the culture from in here.” about the power of education. strumming his guitar as ac- for class. shifts to understanding what liberation, you have to find it First Watch Producer Jesse Poetry, spoken word and companiment. Philippi “Kels” Kelly and it means to be accountable in the confines that you have Rose hosted the event. The personal essays dominated the It’s kind of hard to see what Steve “Rhashiyd” Zinnamon for one’s actions and realiz- and let that open the gates for program opened with Greg- we see, but the sun you see is performed a hip-hop rap that ing that the meaning of life is the sun I see. spoke truth to power from love, not hustling, stealing and I see oppression and empa- “unlikely” characters. violating other people’s rights. thy being abused. Andrew Grazzeny read a Anthony “Habib” Watkins Stu Ross read an excerpt personal essay about his years read Fatherless Child. The from his novel, Going Bad of incarceration. poem was about understand- Doesn’t Make Men Less At- “I sleep because it is too ing the power of education and tractive. painful to live. The sunrises literacy as well as living honor- When the barefooted Ronell and forces one more day. I find ably and respectfully. “Roach” Draper took the myself caught in life, like in a Richard Lathan read two stage, he said, “I don’t know rip tide. I never learned to stop poems. The first addressed what I’m going to do. Maybe struggling.” the way people communicate this doesn’t make sense, but Isaiah Love read Carrots, through their actions: I understand that’s a barbed Coffee & Eggs, an inspiration- Is there a way to speak with- wire fence.” al poem about self-confidence, out opening your mouth? Nevertheless, the audience reaching one’s potential and A young woman, who lost seemed to enjoy the humorous living one’s dreams. “It’s what her life, inspired the second performance as there was gen- I fall back on when I too in- poem. erous laughter and applause as spire to build to create,” Love Gerry Sanchez Muratalla he walked off the stage. said. and Berny Marroquin enter- Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Harold Banks read a poem, Wade read My Penal Real- tained the audience with Span- Will Bondurant San Quentin From Grape to Raisin. It’s ity, which described his expe- ish music. Muratalla’s guitar PUP teacher Alex Naeve Andrew Wadsworth reading a poem interestingly about shifting rience in Pelican Bay Prison. brought hand clapping and He wrote the piece more whooping with some people than 12 years ago as a “pretty dancing in the aisle and a angry” person, but “calm came standing ovation. over me,” he said. Deavon Torrence read a Brandon Terrell gave a mo- poem, You Made It. It was tivational and self-confidence about being successful and performance, Believe. overcoming obstacles of dis- “If you believe deeply that crimination in a racist criminal there is no failure, then your justice system. belief would come true,” Ter- • Raiveon “Ray Ray” rell told the audience. He Wooden read a poem about walked up and down the cha- finding self-confidence while pel aisle, encouraging the audi- being persecuted. ence to believe in themselves • Derry “Brotha Dee” and that everyone should be- Brown’s Dancing to Praise lieve in their destiny, believe God had the audience standing that they would be successful and clapping. and get out of prison. • George Mesro El-Cole Aaron “Showtime” Taylor read a fantasy piece that was Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN performed a comedy routine extremely descriptive. that left the audience rolling • Thanh Tran performed a Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Steve "Rashiyd" Zinnamon AKA "RawLMNO" in laughter as he played guitar hip-hop piece about moving Gerry Sanchez Muratalla and Berny Marroquin performming a hip-hop rap and sang parody about being forward in life.

Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Antwan “Banks” Williams Raphael “Nephew” Bankston

Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN (Back) Eric “Maserati-E” Anbercrombie, Philippi “Kels” Kelly, Antwan “Banks” Eric “Maserati-E” Anbercrombie Williams, Thanh Tran, (front) Aaron Taylor and George Mesro El-Cole February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 15 Falta de libros en español aleja a lectores de la biblioteca

Por: Heriberto los internos pueden adquirir En una encuesta recien- cesitamos más variedad. Lo de autoayuda en español. En cer un pedido de libros éstos Arredondo libros es la biblioteca local, te de la comunidad hispana que tenemos está escrito por este momento no tenemos necesitan ser aprobados. “No Reportero pero desafortunadamente la encarcelada de San Quentin, autores mexicanos y uno mucho que ofrecer. Aumen- hemos tenido una orden en cantidad es limitada. 22 de 56 personas expresa- que otro autor de otros paí- tado el inventario y selección por lo menos 10 meses desde El poder de los “Yo pienso que estamos ron que les gustaría tener ses como la escritora chile- traería más personas sin im- que empecé a trabajar aquí, libros va más allá trabajando con la población más variedad de libros en na Isabel Allende y algunas portar el idioma que hablen”. pero estamos esperando el de la educación. El conoci- de E.S.L (Inglés como se- español. traducciones de libros en La necesidad de tener más permiso para comprar más miento y las herramientas gunda lengua). Ellos han es- Hurtado está de acuerdo inglés. Uno de mis objetivos libros ha sido sugerida por libros”, dijo Hurtado. “Esta- para lidiar con diferentes tado viniendo acá a buscar con esta declaración, “ne- es obtener más materiales los empleados. Antes de ha- mos trabajando en ello”. situaciones se obtienen le- libros en nuestra colección”, yendo textos durante el en- añadió Hurtado. carcelamiento. “Tenemos alrededor de Un reciente artículo de la 8,000 a 10,000 libros en in- publicación Mother Jones glés para leer,” dijo Darin (Books Have the Power to Williams, uno de los reos Rehabilitate. But Prisons trabajadores de la bibliote- Are Blocking Access to ca. Them), dice que “Califor- “Las clases de la escuela nia tiene uno de los mejores local de educación traen a programas de bibliotecas. El sus estudiantes cada primer estado gasta $350,000 dóla- y tercer lunes y martes de res anualmente en libros de cada mes. Para la mayoría recreación para prisioneros”. de los individuos que visi- Esto es mucho más de lo que tan la biblioteca el inglés gastan otros estados. es su segunda lengua. Los Sin embargo, el acceso a maestros ayudan a los estu- libros en español en prisio- diantes a familiarizarse con nes como San Quentin es la biblioteca o librería. Pero limitado. su prioridad es inspirarlos a “Solo hay 200 libros en es- leer”, dijo Williams. pañol”, dijo el administrador Hurtado dijo que habría de la biblioteca de San Quen- más interés si las personas tin, Isaiah Hurtado. supieran lo que actualmente Para los prisioneros que está disponible. “(Ayudaría) no dominan totalmente el si pudiéramos notificarles a inglés, la falta de materia- través de los servicios en es- les en español limita sus pañol en la Iglesia y de los oportunidades educativas grupos de autoayuda y de- y por lo tanto su rehabilita- jarles saber de los recursos File photo ción. El único lugar donde que tenemos”, dijo. Presos y trabajadores en la biblioteca de San Quentin Nuevas leyes beneficiarán a personas en prisión Por Juan na en polvo, base de cocaína sados de algún crimen rela- • AB 1394 del asambleís- Departamento de Correc- talla e impulsará seis nuevas Espinosa (crack), heroína, y phency- cionado con drogas. ta Tom Daly, demócrata de ciones y Rehabilitación de propuestas de ley que benefi- Diseñador clidine (PCP). • AB 917 del a asam- Anaheim. Elimina la impo- California (CDCR) a apli- ciaran a más personas. gráfico y • SB 36 del Senador Ro- bleísta Eloise Gómez Re- sición de cuotas del Corte car créditos aplicables por El boceto de Ella Baker periodista bert Hertzberg, demócra- yes demócrata de Terrace. Superior o el Departamento la ley 57 para que personas Center señala que las victo- ta de Van Nuys. Mejora la Acelera la certificación en de Libertad condicional que menores de 25 años senten- rias conseguidas han abierto transparencia de evaluacio- el proceso para víctimas aplican para sellar las car- ciadas sean elegibles a una las puertas para que muchas En el 2019 el gobernador nes de riesgo requiriendo inmigrantes, incluyendo petas en las cortes juveniles. audiencia temprana cuando condenas del pasado sean de California Gavin New- validación regular de herra- cuando la víctima es retira- • AB 965 del asambleísta estos reciban créditos por reconsideradas. “Reciente- som firmó varias iniciativas mientas de evaluación y re- da del proceso, con el pro- Mark Stone demócrata de mérito y que estén sujetos a mente publicamos una guía de ley que benefician a las quiriendo al consejo judicial pósito de obtener una visa Scotts Valley. Le da auto- las regulaciones del CDCR. para ayudar a entender en el personas encarceladas y que publicar un reporte anual en T o visa U. rización al secretario del • AB 45 del asambleísta proceso de resentencias co- entrará en vigor en enero del su página de internet con Mark Stone demócrata de nocido como: Back to Court: 2020. estadísticas relacionada al Scotts Valley. Prohíbe al de- A Resentencing Guide to Estas son algunas de esas resultado al perjuicio poten- partamento de Correcciones the Fair and Just Sentencing iniciativas: cial. y Rehabilitación de Califor- and Reform Act (SB 1393) y • SB 136 del Senador Sco- • AB 1618 del Asambleís- nia (CDCR) y cárceles de la le código penal PC 1170 (d) tt Wiener, demócrata de San ta Reggie Jones-Sawyer, ciudad y municipales cobrar (1). Esta herramienta ha sido Francisco. Esta iniciativa de demócrata de Los Ángeles. a las personas encarceladas diseñada como un recurso ley remueve el año adicional Prohíbe la negociación de el pago por visitas al médi- específico para las personas impuesto por cada crimen sentencias que requiere al co. que han sido impactada por grave cometido previamente ofensor renunciar a futuros Estas nuevas iniciativas el SB 1393 con sentencias o a la actual sentencia servi- beneficios o cambios en la de ley se suman a las ante- adicionales de 5 años a sus da en prisión. ley que puedan ocurrir des- riores que ya han entrado en sentencias corrientes cómo • AB 484 del asambleísta pués de la fecha en la que el efecto. Las nuevas leyes son consecuencia de crímenes Reggie Jones-Sawyer, de- ofensor negoció su periodo parte de los avances para serios del pasado, y también mócrata de Los Ángeles. de encarcelamiento. mejorar la justicia social en un recurso para quien este Remueve la sentencia míni- • AB 1261 del asambleísta el estado. interesado en el PC 1170(d) ma mandatoria de 180 días Reggie Jones-Sawyer. Eli- La organización Ella (1) de re sentencia y cómo de encarcelamiento como mina los requerimientos de Baker Center for Human Ri- esta ha impactado otras sen- condición de libertad condi- registración en la oficina de ghts también menciona que tencias violentas adiciona- cional por la venta de cocaí- policía para individuos acu- Photo stock en el 2020 seguirá con la ba- les”, dice la publicación. Programas de auto ayuda en español hacen posible la rehabilitación Por Oscar llegué hasta el punto de co- les puede ayudar a vivir de Ramírez y Gómez dicen Aguilar meter un crimen. También me una manera más positiva y que sería de mucha ayuda que Periodista ayudan a comprender que los prepararlos para regresar a la programas de rehabilitación pensamientos negativos vie- sociedad de una mejor mane- como los que se ofrecen en nen de la cultura machista”, ra. San Quentin fueran accesibles Los programas en español dijo Ramírez. Martin Gómez, de 52 años también en las escuelas, ya son fundamentales para la Ramírez dice que las ex- y originario de Michoacán, que podrían ayudar a los jóve- rehabilitación de la comuni- presiones que significan falta México, cumple una sentencia nes a saber cómo enfrentar si- dad latina en la prisión de San de respeto no necesariamente de 50 años a cadena perpetua. tuaciones que les podrían lle- Quentin. tienen que generar una reac- Piensa que los programas son var a la violencia. También les Pablo Ramírez de 54 años ción violenta “He aprendido buenos porque ayudan a las ayudarían a sentir compasión de edad, quien cumple una que mi validación viene des- personas a cambiar la menta- y empatía por las personas sentencia de 34 años a cadena de adentro hacia fuera y no lidad negativa y a valorar a las que atraviesan por problemas perpetua, llegó de la prisión de afuera hacia adentro,” dijo personas. de ira. de Solano a la prisión de San Ramírez. “He Participado en cin- Quentin en el 2013. “El programa que más me co programas de español Ramírez ha aprovechado ayudó fue Trasformando la Ira y pienso que vale la pena al máximo los programas en en Poder (conocido en inglés porque me han ayudado a español que se ofrecen en San como GRIP) porque me ayudó conocerme, a lidiar con mis Quentin. Él piensa que estos a identificar las sensaciones emociones y a reaccionar en programas están diseñados de mi cuerpo, las emociones, vez de actuar, Además ha- pare enseñar a las personas a pensamientos y a tomar mejo- cen sentir a las personas que pensar positivamente y regre- res decisiones,” dijo Ramírez. valen mucho, y las personas sarlos a la sociedad rehabilita- Ramírez dice que la comu- que vienen a dar las clases no nidad hispana debe aprove- los miran como presos sino dos. File photo “Los programas me han char los programas ofrecidos como (seres humanos)”, co- ayudado a entender cómo en San Quentin ya que estos mento Gómez. Un prisionero leyendo un texto de Justicia Restaurativa Page 16 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020 Eliminación de becas federales impacta programas educativos en prisiones de Estados Unidos Por Alfred King “Restableciendo las becas a los internos de los programas la prisión en 1996, dos años otros ojos para mi- Journalism Guild Writer Pell a personas encarceladas educacionales es un factor que después que las becas Pell rar el mundo”, dijo permitiría a aproximadamente contribuye a las probabilidades fueron anuladas para los in- Williams. “Si ellos La eliminación de las becas 463,000 internos ser elegibles de futuros encarcelamientos, ternos. regresan las becas federales Pell ha impactado para tomar cursos de colegio indicó el artículo. Williams obtuvo un título Pell, la gente des- dramáticamente los programas gratuitos. “Es tiempo de que el Cuando las becas Pell fue- de Asociado en Artes en San pojada del derecho educativos en las prisiones gobierno no solo restaure esta ron eliminadas en 1994, los Quentin. Él dijo en una en- a estudiar y que es- de Estados Unidos, reportó ayuda critica, sino que la ex- programas de colegio en pri- trevista, que él hubiera llega- peran regresar a la la Agencia de Estadísticas de panda,” reportó prisonpolicy. siones dependieron de otros do más lejos si la becas Pell sociedad, podrían Justicia. org. apoyos financieros y volunta- estaban disponibles. beneficiarse.” La participación de internos Una encuesta entre presos rios, indicó el artículo. “El haber tenido la opor- en programas educativos a lo en 2014 reveló que al 40 por Darin Williams, 57, quien tunidad de recibir cualquier —Traducido largo de la nación bajó un 50 ciento le gustaría inscribirse fue sentenciado en el Conda- tipo de educación ha sido por: Carlos Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN por ciento, de acuerdo con un en un programa de título aso- do de Los Ángeles a 34 años un regalo de Dios. Eso am- Drouaillet, Graduados del Patten University artículo de prisonpolicy.org. ciado o de licenciatura. Excluir a cadena perpetua, llegó a plió mi perspectiva y me dio Reportero Project de San Quentin Compañía de cárceles privadas apoya a partidarios de Trump Por Amir Shabazz riedad de oradores conserva- los mayores beneficiarios de GEO, grupos bancarios a Según Mother Jones, ni donde gente ha sido asesi- Journalism Guild Writer dores, dirigidos por Donald Donald Trump. través del país empezaron a el grupo GEO ni los orga- nada. Ellos albergan niños Trump Jr., y apoyados, en El grupo GEO ha cose- limitar su asociación con la nizadores de la Conferencia en instituciones que parecen Partidarios de extrema de- parte, por la compañía priva- chado numerosos beneficios compañía, retirando sus fon- de Prioridad Americana res- cárceles.” recha, que apoyan a Donald da de prisiones Grupo GEO. desde que Trump tomó la dos y apoyo. pondieron a la petición de co- Friedman concluyó di- Trump, como el grupo po- El Grupo GEO es una de presidencia, asegurando fa- Mientras que las acciones mentario. ciendo a Mother Jones, “En lítico Mayoría Americana y las compañías privadas de vores, préstamos y contratos de la compañía pierden valor, Alex Friedman del Cen- esta conferencia, todos los la Legión Republicana, que administración de prisiones valorados cerca de medio bi- ésta ha incrementado su apo- tro de Defensa de los Dere- otros locos deberían estar venden sombreros MAGA más grandes en el país y ha llón de dólares para albergar yo a Trump, contribuyendo a chos Humanos no cree que mortificados y avergonza- en internet, celebraron su se- sido objeto de controversia a inmigrantes detenidos, según su campaña y al acto inaugu- el grupo GEO se preocupe dos de estar asociados con gunda Conferencia Anual de nivel nacional debido al po- Mother Jones. ICE ha llegado ral de su presidencia. Además por la mala publicidad; des- el grupo GEO, y no al con- Prioridad Americana el 10 de bre manejo de las cárceles. a ser la mayor fuente de in- ha tenido juntas anuales en el pués de todo, él dice, “esta trario”. octubre pasado, en el ‘Trump Según la publicación Mother gresos de la compañía. centro-vacacional de Trump es una compañía que encar- National Doral Miami Golf Jones y la Fundación Nacio- Después de varios inciden- el ‘Doral Resort’ y patroci- cela gente con la intención —Traducido por: Carlos Club’ en Florida. En la confe- nal para el Progreso, el Gru- tes, demandas e investiga- nado la reciente conferencia de generar ganancias… Drouaillet, rencia se presentaron una va- po GEO es también uno de ciones relacionadas al grupo conservativa ahí. Ellos manejan instituciones Reportero VIETNAMESE Miền nam cali và công tố viên Tác Giả: Michael Jace Gascon là một cựu cảnh sát hoàn toàn không thể tách ra Tuy nhiên, tài liệu Lacey bà ta trở thành người phụ nữ lại từ công tố viên về luật tử Hội Đoàn Tác Giả Nhà Báo của quận Los Angeles và được với sự kỳ thị và hung đưa ra đều trái ngược với lời da đen đầu tiên được đảm hình tại quận Los Angeles. tuyên bố sẽ chống đối với bạo, một hành hình không xác nhận. Ông Robinson nói, nhận vai trò của văn phòng Theo tôi nghĩ điều này rất Công tố viên Jackie Lacey Lacey trong lần bầu cử kỳ cần đến xử lý tòa án nào," "Điều quan trọng của các này. Ba ta được sự ủng hộ của quan trọng cho những người của quận Los Angeles đang này vào lúc 2020, tờ báo Los Robinson nói thêm. yếu tố làm thêm trầm trọng các đảng viên tự do và mong đi bầu cử tại quận Los Ange- đối đầu với sự chỉ trích gay Angeles Times tường thuật Lacey vẫn duy trì sự kỳ của từng vụ án là màu da của mỏi sẽ có một phương án mới les yêu cầu bà ta chịu trách go vì liên can tới những vấn vào ngày 21 tháng 6. thị chủng tộc không phải là nạn nhân. Cộng thêm vào về tư pháp hình luật. nhiệm đó." đề truy tố về hình sự, bao ACLU điều tra và tìm ra một yếu tố trong việc truy yếu tố thứ hai làm cho vụ án Thị trưởng của quận Los Lacey đã từng tuyên bố gồm đến luật án tử hình, theo được danh sách của 22 người tố phạm nhân qua hình phạt càng thêm trầm trọng là màu Angeles nói thêm rằng, "Bà ta ủng hộ luật án tử hình, chú lời tường thuật từ hội đoàn bị tuyên án tử hình từ lúc tử hình và cũng biện hộ về da của can phạm." rất thông minh, hiệu quả với ý thêm vào luật pháp trong bảo vệ nhân quyền Ameri- Lacey đảm nhiệm chức vụ từ cách thức quyết định và lựa Gascon giữ kín tất cả tầm nhìn rõ ràng và lúc nào tiểu bang và người bầu cử can Civil Liberties Union năm 2012, với một số người chọn phạm nhân nào để yêu những tài liệu có liên quan cũng đặt trách nhiệm về pháp cũng đồng thời ủng hộ luật (ACLU). da màu: 13 người Nam Mỹ, 8 cầu chính phủ tiểu bang tử đến nghi phạm nhằm ngăn lý trên hết bất cứ việc gì." này. Văn phòng Lacey vẫn Lacey với việc hiện tại kết người da đen và một người hình. chặn công tố viên nhìn thấy Cassandra Stubbs, một tiếp tục theo đuổi các vụ án án tử tù là một việc làm vô Á Châu. Tất cả 22 can phạm "Nếu luật tử hình vẫn còn được trong lúc thảo luận đến giám đốc của hội đoàn bảo tử hình mới nhất. Hiện tại cùng "xấu hổ" và đặt ra nhiều đều ở quận Los Angeles. hợp pháp tại tiểu bang Cali, về luật án tử hình, tờ báo vệ nhân quyền về dự án tử bà ta đang mong muốn được câu hỏi dính dáng đến việc "Quận Los Angeles là một ủy ban gồm nhiều công Times tường trình. hình, đưa ra một đánh giá tái cử trong năm 2020, theo kỳ thị của nhiều vụ án. chổ có nhiều kẻ sát nhân tố viên sẽ xem xét lại từng Cũng từ tờ báo Times, từ khác hẳn, "Không công bằng lời tường thuật của tờ báo Những qui định của Lac- nhất trong nước Mỹ khi đòi vụ án và áp dụng một hình khi Lacey được ứng cử thành và kỳ thị," Stubbs tuyên bố. Times. ey hoàn toàn trái ngược với hỏi đến hình phạt tử hình," thức kiểm duyệt thận trọng công tố viên vào năm 2012, "Đó là một di sản được để — Dịch giả-Tú Trần qui định của công tố viên theo lời tường thuật từ Jef- nhất dựa vào chứng cớ hơn George Gascon tại quận San frey Robinson của hội đoàn là vì màu da và chủng tộc Francisco. Gascon chưa bao ACLU. của can phạm và nạn nhân," giờ trừng phạt bất cứ một tù "Luật tử hình tại Hoa Kỳ Lacey tuyên bố trên mạng nhân nào với mức án tử hình. đã trở thành một di sản và The Appeal. Hội hổ trợ tù nhân chung thân Tác Giả: Kevin D. Sawyer nhân chung thân như sau: để chuẩn bị chu đáo. Một Hội Đoàn Tác Giả Nhà Báo 73% của những người trả số khác thì không thông Tử vong tại San Diego lời cuộc thăm dò này bị từ hiểu những điểm tế nhị của Sự chuẩn bị và cách làm chối không được tha ra, phiên xử. Một luật sư đã nói Tác Giả: Alfred King trầm trọng bị đưa lộn thuốc thần chữa trị qua màn hình, việc của luật sư tại những 26% được thả, và 1% đồng với thân chủ của mình rằng, Hội Đoàn Tác Giả Nhà Báo và than khó thở. và gia tăng sự giám thị. phiên xử tha tù là một vấn ý không thích hợp được thả. “Tôi đã làm hỏng việc.” Hơn một thập niên qua Những tù nhân bị giam đề lớn đối với nam và nữ BPH đang trong quá trình Tù nhân cho biết một Nhà tù của quận San Di- quận này đã trả $19.9 triệu để trong khu giám thị cao được đang bị tù chung thân tại thẩm định lại việc chọn lựa phần ba của số luật sư bổ ego báo cáo 140 tù nhân bị tử giàn xếp việc thưa kiện và chi cho mền, thảm, hoặc giường Cali, theo một sự thăm dò luật sư cho tù nhân. nhiệm, sau khi gặp riêng vong từ năm 2009, trội hơn phí cho luật sư. ngủ đã được sữa lại, tất cả với của một hội hổ trợ tù nhân với hội đồng xét xử, khuyên tất cả những quận khác. Việc "Thước đo của một xã hội chút ít thành công. Cuối năm chung thân, Life Support họ nên đồng ý rằng họ chưa này trùng hợp với cùng năm là cách chúng ta cư xử những 2015, thêm 6 tù nhân tự sát; 5 Alliance (LSA). thích hợp để được thả ra. Sheriff Bill Gore tiếp quản. người dể bị tổn thương; dùng người nữa trong năm 2016, và “Tuy cuộc thăm dò này “Tù nhân cho Khuynh hướng này gây ra Thập niên vừa qua, trung thước đo đấy thì quận San ít nhất 6 người từ năm 2017. không phải là một kết luận biết một phần ba mối lo ngại cho tù nhân. bình mỗi tháng một tù nhân Diego thất bại thê thảm," luật Disability Rights Califor- dựa trên sự phân tích khoa LSA nói rằng không phải tử vong. Nguyên nhân gồm sư Julia Yoo phát biểu, người nia (quyền tàn tật) vừa đưa ra học, nhưng nó rất thú vị và của số luật sư tất cả luật sư bổ nhiệm làm có bệnh kinh niên, xài thuốc đã thành công kiện quận này một thông báo rằng hệ thống xác định cái khuynh hướng bổ nhiệm, sau việc thiếu hiệu quả. Thật quá liều, tự tử và cố sát, cho gia đình của tù nhân bị tử nhà tù đang trong tình trạng và phạm vi quan tâm.” LSA ra, có một luật sư bổ nhiệm theo báo cáo của San Diego vong. khủng hoảng và nói rằng: phát biểu trong tin thư Lifer- khi gặp riêng với được đánh giá rất cao, thời Union-Tribune. Đa số những tử vong này "Hồ sơ công cộng ghi lại Line. gian dành cho thân chủ của Thuộc hạ của ông Gore xảy ra do nguyên nhân tự những thương vong do thiếu LSA báo cáo hơn một nửa hội đồng xét xử, cô là 90 phút. nói rằng họ đã làm tất cả để nhiên; tuy nhiên những báo sự giám sát gây ra. Gia đình tù nhân trả lời cuộc thăm dò khuyên họ nên Một luật sư khác nói nhận diện và chữa trị những cáo khám thi thể cho thấy của nạn nhân đã gởi đơn kiện nói họ “không cảm thấy luật với thân chủ rằng, “cứ nói tù nhân bị bệnh tâm thần. rằng đa số những cái chết này nhân viên nhà tù về tội cố sư chuẩn bị đại diện họ tại đồng ý rằng họ những gì họ muốn nghe, bất Tờ báo mở một cuộc điều có thể ngăn ngừa nếu những tình làm ngơ đến tù nhân bị những phiên xét xử này. Lý chưa thích hợp chấp đó có phải là sự thật tra dài 6 tháng và cho biết tù nhân này được chăm sóc bệnh tâm thần." do đưa ra là phần lớn luật hay không.” rằng số tử vong tại nhà tù này chu đáo. Luật sư Eugene Iradale, sư không bỏ đủ thời gian và để được thả ra” Sự thăm dò cũng cho biết là cao nhất trong tiểu bang Tài liệu cũng cho thấy một trong những người thưa xem xét lại hồ sơ của thân rằng có vài luật sư riêng Cali và không thấy dấu hiệu rằng có nhiều tù nhân chết từ kiện quận hạt, nói rằng công chủ. cũng thiếu kiến thức, chuẩn giảm bớt. những bệnh có thể trị được, chức của San Diego có một “Tù nhân nói rằng luật sư Theo CCR Title 15, “Một bị, và hiệu quả bởi họ chưa Những nhà phê bình nói như tiểu đường, viêm phổi, cái nhìn thiển cận khi nói thường gặp họ chỉ có một tù nhân có thể tình nguyện có kinh nghiệm trong những rằng nhà tù không làm tận hoặc đau dạ dày. đến chăm sóc sức khỏe cho lần vài ngày trước phiên xử. từ bỏ việc cứu xét được phiên xét xử này. lực, như làm hàng rào để ngăn Hệ thống nhà tù Los Ange- tù nhân. Thời gian gặp thường ít hơn thả ra với bất cứ lý do nào, Trong tin thư Lifer-Line chặn những tù nhân muốn tự les lớn gấp ba lần San Diego, "Quận hạt San Diego đã 20 phút, có lúc ngắn chừng nhưng phải trình lên bằng tháng 9 vừa qua, LSA đã sát khỏi nhảy lầu hoặc tăng nhưng chỉ có 158 vụ tử vong. thử làm việc theo cách rẻ tiền 10 phút.” văn bản.” nói rằng, “cho dù luật sư có thêm nhân viên chăm sóc Trong một vụ sát nhân thay vì mướn các bác sĩ giỏi Kết luận của sự thăm dò Theo sự thăm dò của giỏi đến đâu, nếu tù nhân bệnh nhân tâm thần. khác, một người 70 tuổi bị với mức lượng cao, họ mang đã được đề trình lên ban điều LSA, có rất nhiều luật sư tự mình thiếu chuẩn bị thì Có một vụ liên quan đến bệnh tâm thần bị đánh chết ra đấu thầu," Iredale nói. "Nếu hành tha tù, Board of Parole do chính phủ bổ nhiệm để không có cơ hội thành công một anh thanh niên nhiều lần bởi một tù nhân to lớn với chúng ta nhìn đến những phí Hearings (BPH) trong một đại diện tù nhân đến những được thả ra. Trái lại, luật sư hăm dọa muốn tự sát. Anh biệt danh "Evil". tổn để giàn xếp những vụ buổi họp mà quần chúng có phiên xử thiếu chuẩn bị và có dở đến đâu cũng không ta dùng bao ni-lông làm cho Cảnh sát nhà tù đã thực kiện, họ cũng không có lợi thể đóng góp ý kiến. thậm chí không mang theo đánh chìm cơ hội của những mình nghẹt thở đến khi chết. hiện những thay đổi để cải được bao nhiêu." Một cuộc thăm dò không giấy tờ mà thân chủ đã gửi tù nhân chuẩn bị kỹ càng.” Một vụ tử vong khác là một tiến hoàn cảnh trong tù như chính thức đưa ra những cho họ. Vài luật sư thú nhận người 34 tuổi với bệnh tim ngăn chặn tự tử, bác sĩ tâm — Dịch giả: Dũng Trần vấn đề quan tâm của tù rằng họ không có thời gian — Dịch giả: Dũng Trần February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 17 Homelessness is a serious problem for America’s formerly incarcerated By Vincent O’Bannon according to the Journal of 37% who registered homeless A 2012 study by the U.K.’s labeled a transient in Alam- In the United States, there Journalism Guild Writer Community Corrections. post-release. In 2018, there Ministry Of Justice reported eda County. I don’t want to are an estimated 550,000 peo- Nine-million are released were 320,000 people home- that 37% of formerly incar- parole to my county of com- ple homeless, many of which Homelessness is a serious from county jails annually. less in Britain, reported The- cerated people have nowhere mitment. I want something have some sort of criminal problem for America’s for- Ten percent of the individu- Conversation.com. to live and that two-thirds of different. The other part is justice system contact, Pris- merly incarcerated people, als leaving or entering prisons Figures from a 2017 analy- them will re-offend within a that I don’t have anything onPolicy.org reported. and it’s even worse in the and jails are homeless in the sis by the Housing Charity year. solid for where I want to go.” With the passage of Brit- United Kingdom, published months preceding and follow- Shelter shows a 13,000 person “In my experience, hous- Another San Quentin resi- ain’s Homeless Reduction reports say. ing incarceration, the report rise in homelessness through- ing is one of the most difficult dent said, “Well, to be hon- Act, prisons are now re- In the United States there said. out the U.K., equivalent to needs to be met for returning est, I’m scared that when I quired to inform the local are approximately 700,000 In the UK, 15% of prison- one in every 200 people being ex-offenders upon release,” get released, I’ll be homeless. authorities when someone individuals returning home ers reported being homeless at homeless, the Nov. 4 article Patricia McKernan reported I’m not from California, and I deemed homeless is about to from state prisons each year, sentencing, compared to the reported. in the Journal of Community have no one in California. be released, and has made it Corrections. Two hundred dollars gate obligatory for local authori- The reasons given by the money is not enough for me ties to provide help to (all) formerly incarcerated in the to just go back out into so- homeless people, whether Florida aims at reducing UK for their recidivism are: ciety and say, ‘Alright, I’m they have a local connection the loss of housing accommo- ready to do it right this time.’ or not, TheConversation.com dations at the time of arrest, I believe a lot of people are report said. a failing judicial system that homeless because they have A national survey of U.S. recidivism does little to combat home- no family, fresh out of jail or state parole agencies found By Steve Brooks with criminal convictions be- say they needed desperately lessness, and inadequate prison with no support, and that 60%, had no housing Journalism Guild Writer come gainfully employed. when their son was murdered resources post-release, The- with mental illnesses.” assistance program for post- 14 years ago. Conversation.com reported. Both men had these sug- released individuals, the Florida has adopted major The bill seeks to reduce Unstable housing compli- gestions to improve their Prison Policy Initiative noted criminal justice reforms aimed probation violations to help cates all other targets of in- chances of a successful tran- in 2006. at reducing recidivism, aiding “We are finally alleviate overcrowded prison tervention for ex-offenders, sition back into society: more Potential solutions to crime victims and reducing seeing this conditions. said McKernan. proactive participation from homeless problems men- prison populations. Thomas wrote the article Incarcerated people are 10 the prisons, local govern- tioned by advocates include: “We are finally seeing this state change its that concludes, “We see the times more likely to be home- ment agencies, and programs • States should devel- state change its approach to approach to public changes contained in HB7125 less in the United States than aimed at the short-termed of- op more efficient interagency public safety to be ‘smart on as a beginning, not the end, of the general public, reported fender, just as there are tar- systems to help formerly in- crime,’” said Aswad Thomas, safety to be ‘smart tackling these issues.” the Prison Policy Initiative in geted programs for lifers. carcerated people find homes. a crime survivor. He is man- He also believes that, with on crime,’” August 2018. • States should re- aging director of Crime Sur- the help of crime survivors, Data from a Bureau of Jus- move the systematic barriers vivors for Safety and Justice, it brings new hope that law- tice Statistics survey showed that the formerly incarcerated a national network of 30,000 makers will change the state’s that past incarceration and “I believe a lot face, such as, ending aggres- crime survivors. It seeks to meet the needs system of court fines and fees, homelessness were directly sive enforcement of quality- The reforms are contained of crime victims by increasing something other states are con- linked, the Prison Policy re- of people are of-life ordinances which pro- in HB7125, the most expan- the amount of time victims can sidering to help reduce the debt port stated. homeless because hibits people from acquiring sive criminal justice reform access recovery support for of those formally incarcerated. A hopeful sign for the housing based on past crimi- bill adopted in over 20 years. funerals, trauma counseling, According to Thomas, there formerly incarcerated in the they have no nal offences. It went into effect in October, mental health treatment, and are 45 other states that have U.K. was passage in 2018 of family, fresh out • Systems like “Hous- tampabay.com reported Oct. access to compensation while policies that incentivize re- the Homelessness Reduction ing First” programs should be 16. police investigations into the habilitation for those who are Act. It paved the way for local of jail or prison implemented that assure the The reforms seek to reduce incarcerated, and almost all of crime are still on-going. authorities to provide help to with no support, formerly incarcerated will recidivism by changing occu- This is something Darla and them are seeing measurable re- all homeless people, TheCon- have a successful approach to pational licensing to help those Elliot Saunders from Tampa ductions in recidivism. versation.com reported. and with mental reintegration into society. Prior to the passage of the • Expand social ser- HRA, Britain’s homeless illnesses” vices, and provide reentry legislation provided that the programs that are all-inclu- Prison and Jail phones formerly incarcerated could sive. not receive help from the lo- “Excluding formerly in- • States should mir- cal authorities, where they carcerated people from safe ror Utah’s approach which monitored by AI served their prison term un- and stable housing has dev- has made it a budget priority less they could prove a local astating side effects. It can to provide permanent housing By Harry C. Goodall Jr. a global revolution in neural states, according to company connection, the report said. reduce access to healthcare for the chronically homeless. Journalism Guild Writer networks, the article stated. officials. Frequently in California services (including addiction This approach acknowledges The prison phone system Prison pressing priorities parolees are sent back to the and mental health treatment), that stable living arrange- A new artificial intelligence is a $1.2 billion a year indus- are (1) controlling prison con- county where they were sen- make it harder to secure a job, ments are necessary before (AI) system targets key words try, according to data by the traband, (2) inmate attacks tenced. San Quentin inmate and prevent formerly incar- people can address unem- and phrases during monitored Prison Policy Initiative. It was on infrastructure security Kerry Rudd’s reaction was, cerated people from access- ployment, illness, substance phone calls from inside pris- also once used to track the systems, and (3) unmonitored “I don’t want to go back to ing educational programs,” use disorders and other prob- ons and jails, according to an locations of people called by inmate communication. This where I was arrested. Being PrisonPolicy.org reported. lems. ABC News article. the inmates until the U.S. Su- data was provided by a Na- Sheriffs’ and wardens’ na- preme court ruled that prac- tional Institute of Justice study tionwide use AI technology tice illegal. of our nation’s nearly 7,000 to aid in unsolved crimes such correctional institutions. The Ruling makes more prisoners as drug smuggling, attempted data was published this year suicides and violence in real by the RAND Corporation, time. “One of the biggest according to the article. eligible for parole hearings under Legally mandated warn- operational issues “One of the biggest opera- ings precede every phone call tional issues that has plagued to inform the patrons their has been the this industry of automated Proposition 57 call is being recorded. A vast lack of staffing inmate telephone recording By Kerry Rudd consideration if they were upon completion of “the full amount of inmates still re- has been the lack of staffing Staff Writer also convicted of a non-violent term of his or her primary of- veals incriminating informa- to monitor every to monitor every single call,” felony offense and had served fense.” tion, according to data given said John Shaffer, a correc- A new court ruling makes the full term of their primary “The phrase ‘a’ nonvio- to ABC news by the technol- single call,” tions technology expert. “And more prisoners eligible for pa- offense. lent felony offense takes the ogy company. frankly, most inmate calls are role hearings, according to the Mohammad Mohammad singular form, which indi- “If I got to stay longer than innocuous.” Second Appellate District's was convicted of nine counts cates it applies to an inmate November…I’m killing all of LEO Technologies is the “There (have) been dif- recent decision. of second degree robbery, so long as he or she commits them when I get out…and I leader in this innovative tech- ferent approaches over the The ruling makes persons which are violent felonies un- ‘a’ single nonviolent felony mean it,” said one person dur- nology and has its own inves- years,” he said. “I remember with violent convictions eli- der PC 667.5©. He was also offense-even if that offense is ing a phone call, according to tigation division outside of Walla Walla penitentiary out gible for parole consideration convicted of six counts of re- not his or her only offense,” the article. the prison system. This divi- in the state of Washington under Prop. 57—if their ceiving stolen property, which the court of appeals stated in Corrections officials in sion feeds the databases with used to have officers sitting crimes include a non-violent are non-violent felonies. He their Nov. 26 publication. Alabama intercepted a phone keywords, phrases and prison there in the towers at night offense. was deemed ineligible for pa- The court relied heavily call in which a prisoner in- slang based on the region listening to inmate calls for Previously, inmates with role eligibility due to his vio- upon the text of Prop. 57. The structed his wife on how to and area of the prison. LEO hours and hours – and that was violent offenses were not giv- lent felony convictions. plain meaning of the law’s smuggle Suboxone, an opioid Technologies then promptly their solution. And it never re- en parole consideration even Mohammad filed an unsuc- words compelled their deci- withdrawal aid, into the pris- notifies its law enforcement ally worked as an operational if they had a nonviolent of- cessful administrative appeal sion. on. He told her to first dilute partners if the system picks opportunity.” fense that they were also serv- to grieve his lack of eligibil- New regulations are on it in water, then use a makeup up phrasing or suspicious LEO Technologies’ system ing time for. CDCR Title 15, ity. He then filed a writ of ha- the way. The Mohammed brush to paint it on postcards language. The technology can range in price, gener- subsection 3490(a) describes beas corpus with the superior decision may set a prec- to be mailed into the prison. is near real time and offers ally between $500,000 and a “determinately-sentenced court. It was denied. He then edent for cases throughout This is just one of many situ- rapid response. The company $600,000 a year per 1,000 in- non-violent offender” through petitioned the court of appeals the state. ations in which inmates have states that it has thwarted mates monitored in the facil- a system of exclusion. Six case with a writ of habeas corpus However, it’s important to made incriminating state- dozens of attempted suicides ity in which is installed. factors are listed, which make arguing that he should be eli- note that just because a per- ments via a previously warned the past two years over sev- Jails and prisons “are look- an inmate ineligible for non- gible for Prop. 57 parole due to son is eligible for a parole recorded call. eral states. ing at this very seriously, and violent parole consideration. his base term being a receiv- hearing under this new in- The AI systems in these GTL and Securus, the na- several are using it – trying Factor #5 excludes an inmate ing stolen property convic- terpretation of the law does cases utilized speech-recog- tion’s two largest providers of to figure out the right bal- from Prop. 57 eligibility if he tion. His petition was granted. not mean he will be paroled. nition technology, semantic phone service to prisons and ance and mix of human and or she is “currently serving Section 32(a)(1) of the Cali- The parole board will take analytics and machine learn- jails, are developing their own technology,” said Jonathan a term of incarceration for a fornia Constitution makes into account that person’s ing software. The system then call analytics technologies. Thompson, executive director ‘violent felony.’” early parole hearings available full criminal history when builds an expanding database LEO, which contracts with of the National Sheriff’s As- The court’s ruling now al- to “any person convicted of a determining whether he of searchable words, part of GTL, is operating in five U.S. sociation. lows violent offenders parole non-violent felony offense” poses a risk to public safety. Page 18 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 CROSSWORD Edited by Jan Perry Same First/Last 13 14 15 Across Down Snippets 16 17 18 1. Actor who starred on The West Wing 1. Movie who starred the ards to commemo- 6. ‘90s alternative rock band Muscles from Brussels 19 20 21 22 23 Crate the first Val- 9. Peabody winner Michael of 2. Collection of musical numbers entine's Day were sent Bay Area NBC Investigates 3. A, B, and C in medicine (Abbr.) 24 25 26 in 1415. The first card 13. Type of footwear 4. Scottish refusal was credited to France's 14. Woman’s name 5. Actor who starred in 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Duke of Orleans who 15. Tape 20,000 Years in Sing Sing 35 36 37 sent a card to his beloved 16. Deadly snake or a car model 6. Dierks Bentley album wife while imprisoned 17. Regular 7. City in Netherlands 38 39 40 41 in the Tower of London. 18. An expression that means the 8. Damon or Dilion opposite of the word’s unusual sense 9. Ancient galley 42 43 44 ncommitted 19. Two (Sp) 10. Bouquet Ulovers worldwide 20. Japan P.M. 11. Nashville st. 45 46 47 48 change their status 22. Drinking holes 12. Dolls or action figures more on Valentines' 24. Honda alternative 15. Actress who starred in 49 50 51 Day than any other day 26. Pacific ___ Gone With the Wind 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 with more marriage 27. Politicos Abrams and Dash 21. You get thrown under this proposals occurring 30. ______meet 23. Alan of Little Miss Sunshine 60 61 62 63 64 on the day than any 35. Ray of Fresh off the Boat 24. Topnotch other day of the year. 36. Ackerman of The Heartbreak Kid 25. Person who collects 65 66 67 37. Talent 27. _____ Thing leasure centers in 38. “This feels so good” 28. Hair accessory 68 69 70 Pthe brain produce 39. Actress who starred in The Hateful Eight 29. Jacob’s eighth son dopamine when one 41. Cartoon bartender 31. Lotion ingredient By U S P A B C S T B D finds love which is the 42. Army meal (Abbr.) 32. Identities same effect as a high- 43. Shrub native to Europe 33. Surveillance tool Jonathan Chiu S A E S L A T B A L I powered pain killer. 44. Suvari of American Pie 34. Giveaway S T A L K P A L E I R O N 45. Country music band 36. Actress Winningham R E L I E F B E V E R A G E nteramna (now a part 47. River in the E. Netherlands 39. Actress who starred in Alias Iof Italy) is where a 49. Man’s name 40. Actress Angelina N I G H B E R T bishop originated from 50. Denzel character 44. ‘90s email account D O R O T H E A MARTIN H O R T and became one of the 52. Gym staff 46. Author Norman S three saints honored for 56. Mt. near SQ 47. Lyric: “__ _ Yankee Doodle Dandy” A N A H I L L S P A R the traditional holiday . 57. Government benefits (Abbr.) 48. Actor who starred in Rebel Without a Cause N E W DAVID J A M E S ELLIOT E Y E 60. Berry of X-Men 51. Ocean mammal ating--speed dating T I A N A L E G R O N 61. Lifesaver (Abbr.) 52. This and ____ was invented by D 63. Atmosphere 53. L.A. football team E L T O N JOHN S I L O X A N E Rabbi Yaacov Deyo in 65. 311 song 54. Jessica of Sin City J A W S S L U R 1999 which popularized 66. Visit 55. Remainder a longtome Jewish tradi- O T T O M A N S S L A C K S 67. Jewish principle 57. Type of butter tion of chaperoned gath- 68. Ruler (historical) 58. Partial P A R K Y E A R D Y L A N erings of Jewish singles. 69. Cigarette residue 59. Conflicted state Last Issue’s A L O E N A N A A T A 70. Actor who starred as Superman on TV 62. ___ culpa (Lat.) Answer L E T E K G S M O P 64. Weed ingredient Last Issue’s Sudoku Solutions Sudoku Corner 9 8 6 4 3 7 5 1 2 3 1 9 6 4 8 5 2 7 7 4 2 1 9 5 3 6 8 6 5 7 2 3 1 9 8 4 5 1 3 6 8 2 9 7 4 4 8 2 9 7 5 6 3 1 8 3 9 7 2 4 1 5 6 9 4 6 1 2 7 8 5 3 3 8 6 4 1 5 1 6 7 8 5 9 2 4 3 8 7 5 3 6 4 1 9 2 2 5 4 3 6 1 8 9 7 2 3 1 8 5 9 4 7 6 7 1 4 3 9 8 5 4 6 7 2 1 1 9 4 7 8 2 3 6 5 6 7 5 2 1 8 4 3 9 7 6 8 5 1 3 2 4 9 9 3 6 4 2 1 9 7 3 6 8 5 5 2 3 4 9 6 7 1 8

2 5 4 Last month's Brain Teasers answers BRAIN TEASERS 9 CHANGE THE RABBIT MATCH STICK 2 8 9 Move two matchsticks to make three K's 1 2 4 instead of just two. 3 6 2

6 2 8 5 9 1 Decorative Cards 1 and 3 must be turned. Most people turn 1 and 4 this is not correct. 1 must be turned; if it has a triangle the answer is 5 3 8 4 6 yes; if not, it is no. 2 does not need to be turned. If 4 is turned black the answer is 7 8 1 yes; if white, it is no. This does not help Easy Equation as it gives no information about 3. Card 3 needs to be turned to see if its other side Correct this equation so that it makes sense by freely 8 7 is black. If it is black the answer is no; moving the given four digits but without introducing if white then it is yes. Therefore 1 and 3 1 2 3 5 must be truned. any additional mathematical symbols. 3 8 7 76=24 5 4 1 6 5 7 7 is a prime number, cross out all the A's and E's If seven valentine card makers below;The square root of 625 is 25, cross out the 9 8 1 I's and R's. If 0oC and 10oF are not the same so can make seven valentine cards cross out the X's. What do you have left? in one hour and forty minutes, 1 7 5 2 3 C A O X L E U E M I B R U X S E COLUMBUS IS THE ANSWER how long does it take fourteen If you would like to submit a photograph to be placed in SQ News just because, please valentine card makers to make send it with name(s) and a brief message to go with your photo. Please understand, we will not be able to return your photo so send a copy and address the letter to: fourteen valentines ? San Quentin News, 1 Main Street, San Quentin, CA 94964 February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 19 Prison Truth: The Story of the San Quentin News

more than eight years to mentor ists and written about by at least no internet access, slow access Prison Truth examines the BOOK REVIEW incarcerated journalists. five major newspapers. to outside sources, no smart advantages of having stories Prison Truth: The Story of Drummond began his own phones and a literal wall that told by people directly affected By Juan Haines the San Quentin News, (2020) relationship with SQN in mid- keeps the staffers away from by incarceration. The resulting Senior Editor is a detailed account of the 2012 by holding a college class the community. Drummond news narratives are from the journey that led to SQN be- in the newsroom. Since then notes, “What is lacking in con- vantage point of embedded re- Veteran journalist Ted Kop- coming a first-rate prisoner more than 80 of his students venience is made up for with porters. pel got it right when he said produced newspaper. The have helped incarcerated jour- grit and determination.” One of the newspaper’s orig- William J. Drummond proves newspaper was reborn in 2008 nalists develop and structure Much of the grit and deter- inal mandates is to scrutinize to be the right person to tell after a 20-year hiatus. Mav- their stories before handing mination came from SQN’s programs designed for rehabili- the tale of San Quentin News erick warden Robert Ayers, them over to the more than half- third editor in chief, the late tation. (SQN). Drummond’s credibili- Jr. wanted to break down the dozen advisers. At SQN, the Arnulfo Timoteo Garcia, who “Accountability interviews,” ty as the storyteller comes from rumor mill and give prisoners advisers, who are professional frequently spoke about how ones in which incarcerated his long and eventful career as trustworthy information about journalists, do the final editing Federal Judge Thelton Hender- people talk about what they did a journalist, UC Berkeley jour- life at the Q. and proofing and have done so son impacted him. After Hen- to land in prison, appear regu- nalism professor and his once Since then, SQN has been since its 2008 resurgence. derson had visited San Quentin larly. The stories not only teach or twice a week venture inside honored with an award for “ex- Drummond has witnessed in the summer of 2010, he urged by example, they reveal the re- the SQN newsroom office for traordinary journalism” by the the monthly paper go to press Garcia to invite as many people silience of the human spirit. For Society of Professional Journal- in spite of major limitations: as possible to come inside San prisoners who are committed to Quentin to see the rehabilitative rehabilitation, the articles serve efforts of the prisoners. as guides. incarcerated people read sto- Garcia followed that advice Prison officials recognize ries about redemption, recov- Rock guitarist Craig Bartock shares by inviting judges, district at- these benefits so it’s not sur- ery and returning to the com- torneys, county sheriffs, state prising that the newspaper and munity, they are inspired to do and federal lawmakers to at- its staff writers have gained the same. his talent in prison tend and participate in San the support of an assortment of I have heard free people talk his longevity to the The questions kept com- Quentin forums— we’ve now public safety officials. about the ways that articles in time when rock ing, and at one point Bartock had more than two dozen of Drummond asks, “Are the SQN have changed their own legends such as was asked to repeat a lick he them—where prisoners talk inmate staff’s efforts journal- incarcerated loved ones. I’ve Jimi Hendrix, Led did in passing on the song about their incarceration expe- ism? The question he poses also heard free people talk Zepplin and The “The Wind Cries Mary” by rience, rehabilitative efforts and is bold, because traditionally, about how heartening it is, for Rolling Stones Hendrix. He also demon- reentry plans. journalism has been viewed as the first time, to read positive ruled the airwaves. strated how Hendrix used his The forums, modeled after impartial and objective with- words about their sons, fathers, “I got so excited thumb to play bass lines on restorative justice circles, give out an advocacy role. So, if it brothers, husbands and boy- about the class chords to get a unique sound the outside public safety offi- isn’t traditional journalism, is friends. today, I almost from bar chords leaving the G cials an authentic and intimate what we are doing worth it? He I have witnessed children forgot to sign in,” string to ring open. view of prisons and its occu- concludes in the affirmative: reunite with parents and in- said Louis Calvin When asked about play- pants. “I believe journalism is an ef- carcerated men drop gangs, whose been play- ing the bass, Bartock said As a direct result of the fective tool for rehabilitating dope and bad behavior after ing guitar for al- “The best thing to do is lock forums, San Francisco dis- people in prison...Journalism taking advantage of available most two years. in with the drummer.” Huget trict attorneys created a For- places an additional burden on programs to reunite with their Because some then played a blues rhythm on merly Incarcerated Advisory writers: What they write must families. So, is what we do of the men in the the guitar as Bartock played Board. Newly elected District be accurate, true, and above all good journalism? Photo courtesy of Craig Bartock workshop were a bass line to demonstrate for Attorney Chesa Boudin said fair.” Prison Truth gives readers Guitarist Craig Bartock beginning guitar the class. that he intends to keep the I can attest to Drummond’s the chance to answer this ques- students, Bartock Bartock’s visit turned board. claim. I have learned that when tion. By Kevin D. Sawyer discussed the im- out to be a crash course in Associate Editor portance of a guitar’s “action” equipment, guitar playing (the height of the strings from and on-the-road touring with Rock guitarist Craig Bar- the fret board) and the gauge other bands. He discussed tock, who plays for the band of strings when perform- audiences, monitor mixes, Heart, earned a star for com- ing. He said he uses medium the loudness of music during ing to prison. In December he strings (9 to 11 gauge) on elec- shows and how “so many mu- visited the Thursday after- tric guitar but heavy and me- sicians are almost deaf.” noon guitar workshop spon- dium can vary from electric to “It’s like three companies sored by the William James acoustic guitar. coming together for a show Association and taught by “You can never go wrong and going their separate Kurt Huget. playing on an acoustic be- ways,” Bartock said when de- One of the many treats par- cause it builds up your fin- scribing a tour. “Sometimes ticipants get out of attending gers,” said Bartock. He said you don’t hear the audience” the guitar workshop is meet- he plays a 12-string acoustic with the in-ears headphones, ing great musicians like Bar- guitar, and when touring he he said adding, “It’s really tock, who gave the men ad- takes 14 guitars on the road easy to let your mind wan- vice and showed them a few with him that are cared for der,” but “You can save your tricks on the guitar. by a guitar technician, who hearing so much better.” “The most important part keeps them tuned and main- “It’s a real pleasure to have of playing the guitar is hav- tains his amplifiers. him come in and share his ing fun,” Bartock said to the Bartock explained alternate talent,” said Huget, who oc- nine students in attendance. guitar tunings like drop-D casionally brings in guests to warded to the Ohio Parole Pelican Bay — More Their skill levels ranged from tuning (D, A, D, G, B, E) and inspire the men. NEWS BRIEFS Board for expedited pardon than a dozen men tell stories beginner to advanced. “Just double drop-D tuning (D, A, Bartock was cool and laid recommendations from years about their incarceration enjoy playing the guitar is the D, G, B, D). Then he used a back. Unlike some newer USA — Private prison to within six months. lives and the transforma- best thing I can tell you.” ball point pen to demonstrate young artists, he wasn’t pre- companies GEO and Core- Ohio — Republican Gov. tions they made on a new The class and Huget how to play slide guitar blues tentious and didn’t put on any Civic are being sued for forc- Mike DeWine said last Feb- podcast, Unlocked. The first strummed chords to the song songs using those tunings. He airs. Over the decades, he’s ing detainees in their private ruary that Ohio “certainly episode gave each member “Let The Good Times Roll,” said musicians Richie Havens seen it all. It wasn’t his first prisons to work for free, or, could have no executions” of the production team a and Bartock joined in casual- and Joni Mitchell use these al- time visiting San Quentin. in some cases, $1 per day. while a search for obtainable, chance to introduce him- ly, firing off lead guitar licks ternate tunings. He’s performed at shows here Refusal to comply is met with allowable drugs was under- self as well as interspersed and improvised rhythms. Af- One of the students asked with the organization Bread threats of punishment and way. State lawmakers are excerpts from one-on-one terword, he answered a vari- about the hit song “Barracuda” & Roses. deprivation of basic neces- contemplating becoming the interviews and panel dis- ety of questions. by Heart. Bartock answered “Hey, man, I love it,” said sities. The lawsuits began in 21st state to abolish the death cussions. “I’m a Fender Tele-Strat the question by showing the Bartock. “I’ll be back.” 2014 and were filed in federal penalty as the costs of having Colorado — State prison kind of guy,” said Bartock, class how to play courts from Washington to a death penalty that can’t be officials want to reopen a when asked what kind of gui- the opening gal- Georgia, Mother Jones re- carried out is a major con- prison that shut down in tars he plays. “I prefer play- loping rhythm of ports. cern, the Dayton Daily News 2013 when the prison popu- ing electric guitar.” Then he the song using the Nashville, Tenn. — Lee reports. Current state law lation dropped and the state showed the class a few more “power chords” Hall, 53, was executed De- only allows for lethal injec- moved away from the use of licks as he played an Arts E, F sharp, and cember 5, 2019 by electric tion as an execution method. solitary confinement. The in Corrections black Fender G ending on two chair, USA Today reports. Ohio — Formerly incar- new plan is to end a contract Squire Stratocaster through harmonics. He Hall was the 138th person put cerated Harley Blakeman, with a privately run prison. a small Fender amplifier that explained the to death in Tennessee since who graduated from Ohio New Jersey — Gov. Phil he dialed in to get the tones usefulness of bar 1916, and the sixth inmate State University with a busi- Murphy signed a bill last needed to make his impres- chords and varia- executed since the state re- ness degree, recently started December that allows un- sion. tions of them on sumed capital punishment in honestjobs.co to help com- documented immigrants to “I use a Vox AC 30 ampli- the neck of the August 2018. He is believed panies connect with other obtain a driver’s licenses, fier,” said Bartock. “I think guitar. to be only the second legally formerly incarcerated people the National Review re- they’re like the perfect am- Huget dis- blind death row inmate exe- seeking work, The Columbus ports. “Expanding access plifier for rock.” His taste in cussed some of cuted since the U.S. reinstat- Dispatch reports. to driver’s licenses is criti- instruments and equipment the songs the ed the death penalty in 1976. Louisiana — About 15 % cal for the safety of New comes from playing guitar class was work- Ohio — Republican Gov. of the state's prison population Jerseyans and a step toward for what he said has been ing on. Then the Mike DeWine announced consists of people serving life building a stronger and more than 50 years. class and Huget last December a way to sim- without parole—the highest fairer New Jersey for all,” Bartock didn’t look old played “The Jok- plify and expedite the par- percentage in the US. Those the governor said in a state- enough to be a musician for er” by the Steve don process for rehabilitated numbers are the result of sen- ment. “Allowing residents half a century; dressed in Miller Band, fol- one-time offenders who have tencing laws enacted decades the opportunity to obtain a black hoodie, black shirt, lowed by “Ram- led model lives for at least ago — including mandatory driver’s licenses regardless black pants, brown boots blin’ Man” by the a decade following release minimums and a 1979 deci- of their immigration status wearing tinted glasses that Allman Brothers Photo courtesy of Craig Bartock from prison, The Columbus sion from state legislators to will decrease the number matched his brown hair. His as Bartock played Dispatch reports. Qualified abolish parole for all life sen- of uninsured drivers and in- years playing easily connects lead guitar. Guitarist Craig Bartock applicants’ cases will be for- tences, The Advocate reports. crease safety on our roads.” Page 20 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020 State prosecutors not compliying with Brady Law

By Salvador Solorio help their defense at trial, the The year-long probe in Because Brady’s crime other, and the jury believed to Brady requirements, the Journalism Guild Writer newspaper reported Oct. 17. thousands of counties mea- partner admitted he had done Officer Lindsey. Because story said. The union repre- “That includes sharing sured compliance with the actual killing, the Supreme of prior convictions, Vara senting Los Angeles County Thousands of people have details about police officers 1963 Brady v. Maryland Su- Court ruled this omission of was sentenced to 25 years in sheriff’s deputies went to gone to prison or face crimi- who have committed crimes, preme Court decision. discovery denied Brady due prison. He spent a decade in court to stop the department nal charges based on ques- lied on the job or whose hon- That decision resulted process as guaranteed by prison for a crime he did not from disclosing 300 officers tionable testimony from law esty has been called into when prosecutors did not the U.S. Constitution’s 14th commit, his attorney said. with misconduct histories. enforcement officers, USA doubt,” the story stated. reveal to John L. Brady his amendment. The ruling is an Places that do not track The California State Su- Today reports. The newspaper reported crime partner had confessed extension of Mooney v. Ho- dishonest or untrustworthy preme Court ruled against “At least 300 prosecutors’ its investigation found that to committing the murder lohan, 294 U.S., where the officers include large cities the deputies in August. offices are not taking steps many police departments in which John had been court ruled that nondisclo- such as Chicago and Little Twenty-five Baltimore necessary to comply with the and prosecutors failed to charged. This omission of in- sure by a prosecutor violates Rock, and small venues such officers were investigated Supreme Court mandate” track problem officers. formation should have been due process. as Jackson County, Minn., last year because of mis- that prosecutors must tell The investigation partners part of the discovery given to The story refers to the and Columbia County, Pa. conduct charges, the news- anyone accused of a crime included the Invisible defendants prior to trial, the case of Revat Vara, who In some places that keep paper noted. Baltimore about all evidence that might Institute. decision said. was pulled over in 2006 by lists, police and prosecutors prosecutors recently began a Houston police officer for refuse to make them public. asking the courts to vacate a missing license plate. Vara USA Today identified at least nearly 800 convictions that passed a sobriety test, but 1,200 officers with proven involved questionable testi- police officer William Lind- histories of lying and other mony. Formerly incarcerated sey said otherwise. At trial, serious misconduct, who had Since 1988, data from the jurors were told about Vara’s not been flagged by prosecu- National Registry of Exon- two previous DWIs. What ju- tors. It reported 261 officers eration shows 987 people rors were not told was that of- were specifically disciplined have been convicted, then training for conflict resolution ficer Lindsey had been found for dishonesty on the job. exonerated, in cases involv- By William Earl Tolbert Employees are taught how The Examiner interviewed guilty of misconduct by his The National Registry of ing a combination of official Journalism Guild Writer to administer the opioid an- six Tenderloin community department 35 times, and Exonerations shows that cas- misconduct by prosecutors tidote Narcan. They’re also members, and all felt harassed was investigated for padding es overturned because of per- and perjury or a false state- Formerly incarcerated certified to carry handcuffs by the program’s employees. his overtime by manipulating jury and misconduct by pros- ment by police or other wit- people are getting trained in and make “citizen’s arrests” A 61-year-old commu- DWI arrests so he would be ecutors or police more than nesses. The 987 unlawfully San Francisco in the art of in accordance with Penal nity member identified as called to testify. doubled from 2008 to 2018. convicted spent an average conflict resolution in a neigh- Code 837. Mike told the Examiner he Vara’s case came down to Police unions are espe- of 12 years behind bars, ac- borhood notorious for home- Approximately 40 em- felt threatened by the pro- one man’s word against an- cially outspoken opponents cording to USA Today. lessness and street crime. ployees strong, St. Antho- gram’s employees patrol- Graduates of the St. An- ny’s has recently contracted ling the block in front of the thony’s Foundation program out its security force to oth- Christian Science Church on are then offered jobs patrol- er organization and business O’Farrell Street. ling Tenderloin sidewalks, in the Tenderloin section at “It’s a mystery to me why Prison law libraries provide reported the San Francisco roughly $35 a hour. someone like him thinks he’s Examiner on Nov. 10. got the authority to run ev- “Client Safety Services erybody off a sidewalk no inadequate access to legal started with the idea that matter what they are doing, instead of enforcing rules “We are trying to and to threaten you physi- or laws or calling the police cally like he’s going to fight resources all the time on behavior, we provide safety you if you don’t,” said Mike. have a relationship with the for all parties A program employee iden- By Alfred King preme court and its federal States often cut corners folks where we are meeting tified as Charles said, “We Journalism Guild Writer court jurisdictions, to satisfy Bounds v. Smith them where they are at. We involved,” are basically up here to pre- Wisconsin prisoner Greg- while spending as little are trying to provide safety vent the guys (from) being a Across the country, pris- ory Tucker filed a lawsuit in money as possible. South for all parties involved,” said nuisance here, (those) leav- oners and their advocates the state of Wisconsin alleg- Dakota, for example, got rid St. Anthony’s Advocacy Pro- “What we’re seeing is ing trash and needles (and) contend that prison law li- ing that the state considers of its old system of providing gram Manager Calder Lo- multiple organizations and smoking drugs or stuff like braries provide inadequate law library access a “lei- a contract lawyer to inmates, renz. businesses hiring through a that – that’s what we are up access to legal resources, sure activity.” Tucker had and instead now provides Seven days a week from 7 single contract and identify- here to do.” according to an article by to apply for a special pass inmates with tablets, which a.m. to 5 p.m. the program’s ing which area on the block David Knego, executive Law360. to use the library, which he saves about $200,000. employees are paid $20 an supports the work or via an director of the Curry Senior The United States Su- said hindered his access to Despite the fact that South hour to walk or ride Segways agreement with the safety Center on Turk Street, said his preme Court established resources he had a right to Dakota inmates lack both to roust and direct homeless block groups,” Lorenz told staff felt overwhelmed by the that prisons must provide use. physical libraries and trained people to public services. the Examiner. drug dealing and other safety inmates with “adequate law But, a 1996 Supreme professionals, the tablets will The program is a sympa- “We wanted to create a issues outside of the center. books or adequate assis- Court decision, Lewis v. provide them greater access thetic replacement to the po- blueprint that the Tender- “One of our nurses got tance from persons trained Casey, makes it difficult to to resources than those in lice being alerted to homeless loin neighborhood or other assaulted in the neighbor- in the law” in the 1977 case challenge the adequacy of a many other states. Tablets, individuals using drugs, sit- parts of the City would be hood store,” said Knego. “I Bounds v. Smith. But, most prison’s law library. The de- provided they are functional ting and sleeping in the vicin- interested in using, so a cur- thought we had to do some- states provide only limited, cision states that a prisoner and haven’t been confis- ity of businesses. riculum was set up.” thing.” local and outdated materi- must prove that a specific cated, allow access to law als, and even those can be shortfall in a prison library library data bases 24/7. difficult to obtain. hindered his or her case. Margo Schlanger, a civil Anders Ganten, a Lexis- Tucker lost his case. In rights expert at the Universi- Campaign under way to raise the Nexis executive in charge its decision the court said, ty of Michigan Law School, of providing electronic legal “The plaintiff has not al- believes access to courts for resources to departments of leged any facts indicating prisoners would improve if age for criminal prosecution corrections, testified in a that he is suffering any- federal and state authorities By Vincent E. O’Bannon evating, keeping the things justice programs, the article South Dakota federal court thing more than an inconve- adopt common guidelines Journalism Guild Writer that we’re trying to expand noted. that prisoners are often re- nience in being allowed to and set universal standards on … that’s really at the heart “They’re right at the stricted to legal opinions go to the prison library only for law library materials, A campaign is under way of what we’re trying to build threshold where they’re start- from their own state and once a week,” according to hours of operation and other to increase from 18 to 20 on,” said Karen Pank, CPOC ing to close juvenile justice only from their state’s su- Law360. procedures. the age where young people executive director. halls and promote community accused of crimes are pro- Young people are prone reinvestment. Raising the age cessed as juveniles instead of to be more impulsive, less to 20 would ensure that the adults. future-oriented, volatile in juvenile justice system pre- Anti-semitic judge frequently used “Young adults would ben- emotionally charged set- serves itself, and everybody efit more from the juvenile tings; and highly susceptible stays happy, under the illusion system and early diversion to peer and outside influenc- that there’s some progressive racial slurs programs than adult incar- es, according to the Office of reform, “Macallair said. By Brian Corder remaining six, including Hal- a statement, “Today’s deci- ceration,” said Stephanie Juvenile Justice and Delin- “The state legislature has Journalism Guild Writer prin, were convicted of kill- sion to stay Randy Halprin’s James, president of the Chief quency Prevention. placed a great emphasis on ing Hawkins and sentenced to scheduled execution is a sig- Probation Officers of Cali- Between 75 and 95% of brain development in recent A Jewish Death Row pris- death. nal that bigotry and bias are fornia. “Such diversion pro- system-involved youth “ex- years as it has pursued a bevy oner’s execution won a re- Halprin claims his trial unacceptable in the crimi- grams have proven success- hibit symptoms of trauma of juvenile justice reforms, prieve after allegations that judge, Vickers Cunningham, nal justice system.” ful, and have been used for due to exposure to violence,” and I believe that any pro- the trial judge was anti-Semit- used racial slurs and anti- As it relates to California, decades,” t he a r t icle not e d . posal that recognizes the dif- ic and frequently used racial Semitic language to refer to the National Association for The plan is to introduce The plan is opposed by the ference in the brain develop- slurs. Halprin and the other “Texas the Advancement of Col- legislation in 2020 in an ef- San Francisco-based Center ment of juveniles and adults The reprieve came six days 7” prisoners. ored People reports there fort to see more juveniles on Juvenile and Criminal is worth full discussion,” said before the scheduled execu- He was scheduled to re- are 2,721 people on Death benefitting from rehabilita- Justice. Its executive direc- Reginald Jones-Sawyer Sr., tion of Randy Halprin, The ceive a lethal injection on Oct. Row as of October 2018. By tive programs, the Chronicle tor, Daniel Macallair, said Democratic chair of the As- Associated Press reported. 10,2019. However, The Texas halting the Death Penalty of Social Change reported on the change is “just a strategy sembly Public Safety Com- Halprin was a member of Court of Appeals granted a in California, Gov. Galvin Dec. 12. to fill the juvenile halls.” mittee. the “Texas 7,” a group that stay of execution on Oct. 4, Newsom’s moratorium af- Researchers have reported Juvenile halls in Cali- Jones-Sawyer also report- escaped from a South Texas 2019. The appellant court fected more than a quar- that a person’s brain is still fornia are operating now at ed he believes that punish- prison in 2000. vacated the decision and re- ter of the country’s Death developing between the ages about 25% of capacity, said ment should be our last resort The “Texas 7” commit- manded Halprin’s case back to Row prisoners. California’s of 18 and 24, the story said. Macallair. for juveniles. ted numerous robberies; one the Dallas County court that Death Row population is That group makes up 10% of The proposal, called the El- Juveniles in county-run fa- resulted in the death of Ir- convicted him, with instruc- 737 prisoners. the U.S. population. evate Justice Act, would also cilities have dropped from a ving Police Officer Aubrey tions to review his claim of As of May 2019, the Unit- “We’ve been working on seal more juvenile records, re- high of about 4,000 to about Hawkins, who was shot 11 the trial judges’ biased against ed States had executed 1,476 this for almost a year. We quire probation departments 800 youth over the past 15 times. As officers closed in, Halprin for being Jewish. since 1976, according to the want to build on what works to petition for termination of years, according to data from one of the seven killed himself He is seeking a new trial. Washington Post. Mean- and what has been success- probation, and expand pro- the Board of State and Com- just before the six-week man- One of Halprin’s attor- while, 162 Death Row pris- ful. (It’s about) evolving, el- bation-supervised restorative munity Corrections. hunt ended in Colorado. The neys, Tivon Schardl, said in oners have been exonerated. February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 21 Hit Squad: “Now? They respect our game”

AT: I wanted to play, but, Valley. There was more I started feeling like people politics my first term. I was didn’t respect us. I stepped on a Level III… the point back because I heard about system changed, so I be- Coach JB. I went to him came a higher security risk asked for his help. I’ll do and that’s where the politics whatever it takes – includ- became more serious. Now, ing coming out of jersey – my points dropped after because I wanna win. So, I seven months, so I’m here gave up part of the respon- at The Q. No write ups, and sibility and became JB’s I’m programming. I’m clos- student. But, it’s still my er to home at The Q (Hay- creation, and I’m proud of ward), more visits! where we are. Q: I can feel that. There’s Q: How long have you a kid out there that’s going been involved in sports? to read this interview… AT: My whole life. this kid, male or female, Q: Is this the first prison is thinking about joining a where you had a chance to gang; talk directly to that be involved in interracial person and speak truth to sports? them. AT: No, at Pleasant Val- AT: Don’t give up your ley on the Level III, we dreams for a decision that played interracial sports as forces you to grow up. En- well. My first team was the joy your time as kid. I was Warriors football team; we once that kid and I was told won in 2017. to make realistic decisions, Q: So what kind of self- not fleeting ones. help groups have you taken Q: I want to thank you for during this incarceration? sitting down for this inter- AT: CGA (Criminals and view. Do you have a closing Gangsters Anonymous), NA statement? Photo by Adamu Chan, First Watch (Narcotics Anonymous), AT: I thank everybody Anthony Torres (#22) and Brian Corder (#19) and the rest of the squad GoGi (Getting Out by Go- who supports me and has ing In) all while at Pleasant accepted me here at The By Aaron Taylor ‘New York’ Thomas. After personal evolution as a per- SQ Warriors. Did they change Valley. Here at The Q, I’m a Q. Those who’ve embraced Sports Editor that, the team changed their son and a competitor. the chemistry of the team or part of SQUIRES. me, helped me be involved name to “Hit Squad,” and Q: In the beginning, with was it coaching from Jerry Q: What’s different about in multiple programs and Anthony Torres (#22) advanced to the final round exception of Brian Corder Brown? (SQ News Sept. 2019 being at The Q in relation to groups as well as the sports loves sports. In 2019, he of three of the 2019 play- (#19) and Derrick Gray (not for Jerry Brown interview) your first term in prison? programs. Shout out to my formed an SQ Intramural offs. Although the Intramu- pictured), no one on your team AT: It was some of both. AT: The environment team Hit Squad and lets go League team called “Free ral League ended without a played for the SQ Kings or Q: But, you were on the and the individuals are way Raiders! Super Bowl! Bands.” Starting 0-4, they champion, Torres sat down SQ Warriors. Now, you have team as a player. Then, you different than I’m used to; (Unfortunately, the Raid- didn’t get their first win un- for this interview during Jareyd ‘Deep Ball’ Newton of stepped back and became it wasn’t too many Black ers didn’t make the playoffs. til they defeated the winless their playoff run to talk about the SQ Kings and Kia’Endre more of a general manager. dudes because of the ‘val- You can see the Raiders in Knicks, coached by Rahsaan the team, respect, and his ‘Big Baby’ Arrington of the Explain that. ley fever’ issue at Pleasant Las Vegas in 2020.) The Big One That Got Away Winning “The Big One” that’s the point. The 2001 Ra- guaranteed Hall of Famers Reggie Miller didn’t have a • 10-time Art Ross There’s some truth in that and being successful in a vens defense was voted as the on their rosters, yet, all went successful career? Trophy (Point Scoring Lead- statement. However, success sports career aren’t the same second best in the history of down in flames to the Bulls. In 1993, the Montreal Ca- er), ‘81-’87, Oilers; ‘90-‘91, isn’t always about winning. thing. the NFL behind the ’85 Bears. Not to mention the teams in nadians faced off against the ‘94 Kings. Success is about playing Sound confusing? It’s not. You think football prog- the Eastern Conferences that L.A. Kings in the Stanley Cup Yes that Wayne Gretzky. the game the right way. There are players in all nosticators are saying “Yeah! were bulldozed (no pun in- Finals. Kings defenseman All hockey fans – Kings Success is uplifting your sports who have had success- Trent Dilfer won that Super tended) by Jordan. Robert Taylor had an 18-year fans or not – wanted to see opponent when you win. ful careers, however, they Bowl!” Uh, not exactly. True, There were successful ca- career in the NHL. He’d never Taylor get a chance to lift up Success is recognizing that haven’t won “The Big One.” he was the QB but it was the reers, yet, didn’t win “The had a finals appearance until Lord Stanley’s Cup and make to become a champion, you Think of Jim Kelly and the Ravens’ defence that really Big One.” his last season as a player in a circuit around the ice. had to defeat someone who Buffalo Bills. This team went won the 34-7 game against the Two-time NBA champion 1993 with the L.A. Kings. It wasn’t his destiny. The was striving for the same goal. to four straight Super Bowls New York Giants. It’s more and #7 on the all-time NBA The Kings got Wayne Kings’ loss and Taylor’s op- Success is a handshake af- – a record that no other team like a sports trivia question. assist leader Isaiah ‘Zeke’ Gretzky from the Edmonton portunity to hoist The Cup ter the contest. has duplicated in the NFL “I got one for you: Who Thomas refused to shake Jor- Oilers in 1989, a blockbuster passed him by. Success has no need to den- – yet, they lost four straight was the quarterback for Bal- dan’s hand after the Pistons signing at the time. Here are Taylor’s career is still stel- igrate the defeated. times. timore Ravens in Super Bowl lost to the Bulls in the Eastern his all-time statistics: lar and successful. Success is congratulating Admit it: if you were XXXV?” Conference finals in the ‘90- • Most goals in a sea- (If you’re wondering how those who had a better game watching the Bills in the ‘90s, “Wasn’t that the year (2001) ‘91 season. son: ‘81-‘82: 92; ‘82-‘83: 71; a Black man from L.A. than you that day. you were cheering for them to that Ray Lewis got away with Yeah, that cost Thomas – ‘83-‘84: 87, with the Oilers. knows so much about hock- Success is giving your all win the fourth time they made murder?” one of best point guards of • All-time regular ey, you can thank Intellevi- and leaving it on the ice/court/ it, C’mon, be honest. “Yeah, he did. But, who his era – a spot on the Dream season scoring leader with sion, Atari, Nintendo and field/diamond. There’s also Frantic Fran was that quarterback?” Look Team in the 1992 Olympics. 894 goals, 1,963 assists and Genesis for their hockey Success is knowing that Tarkenton and the Purple it up. Indiana Pacer Reggie Mill- 2,857 points. games back in the ‘80s and you did everything you could, People Eaters (Minnesota Vi- (Cue Final Jeopardy theme er – the Knick Killer - is #2 • 9-time Hart Memo- ‘90s.) whether you won or lost. kings) of the ‘70s. They went music.) All-Time 3-Point Field Goals rial (MVP) Trophy winner, Many players across Success is an attribute that to four Super Bowls too, yet, Think of all the NBA Attempted; #9 All-Time ‘80-’87, ‘89 Oilers. North American sports we need more of in our pro- never won. players that were denied a Minutes Played & Games • 2-time Conn haven’t won “The Big One.” fessional, collegiate, high In contrast, Trent Dilfer championship, thanks to Air Played; #10 on the All-Time Smythe (MVP) Trophy win- Even so, that doesn’t mean school and yes, even inside of won a Super Bowl with the Jordan and the Bulls in the free throw percentage. He ner, ’88, Oilers. that they weren’t successful. the prison sports culture. Baltimore Ravens. 1990s: Phoenix Suns, Seattle was also chosen as one the 50 • Lady Byng Memo- Sports wisdom: “Winners That’s how you win “The If you’re thinking “Who Supersonics, Utah Jazz and Greatest Players of the 20th rial (Most Gentlemanly) Tro- make adjustments, and los- Big One.” the hell is Trent Dilfer?” then Portland Trailblazers all had century. Who’s going to say phy winner, ‘91 L.A. Kings. ers make excuses.” —By Aaron Taylor An unusual family visit at San Quentin On the first day of 2020, Marion said she was just documentary ’26.2 to Life’ that there was a part of him Marion Wickerd --wife of as excited as she would’ve sizzle reel. There were other that wanted to be running 1000 Mile Club member been watching the iconic runners that my husband with his ‘Band of Brothers’ Tommy Wickerd—shared a Boston Marathon. pointed out to me, explain- that day. I was so lucky to special moment with her hus- Tommy put on his SQ ing their running techniques be a part of and actually band of 15 years: The Wick- 1000 Mile Club hat, while and strategies. I felt like I participate in something erds were spending a family his wife put on her 26.2 to knew them all,” she said. that makes my husband a visit together at The Q. Life hoodie, and they stood The Wickerds, standing part of who he is. I just want However, instead of in the family visiting area in the small outdoor yard to thank everyone that took watching the New Year’s and looked through three set aside for family visits, part in the run that day.” Day Rose Parade on televi- sets of fencing to watch cheered the runners on, en- The Wickerd’s both said sion, the two were going to the runners line up to start couraging them together. that the day was one that watch to the 4th Annual San the run. Marion held on to “Tommy was trying to they will remember for the Quentin New Year’s “Buddy her husband’s arm tightly, show me where the ‘Field of rest of their lives. Bar” Half Marathon. watching and waiting as Dream’ scoreboard was, so Thank you to Tommy “I’ve never awakened on a an alarm delayed the start I could orientate myself to and Marion Wickerd for New Year’s Day in prison,” time. After the alarm, the where they hang their ban- sharing part of their family Marion said. “It’s definitely half marathon began, and ner during their running visit with San Quentin News 100% my choice to be here, Tommy did a running com- events,” she said. “Honestly, sports department. Marion and, I must say, I’m one hap- mentary for his wife. I was so thrilled to be shar- Wickerd contributed to this py gal to be here at good ole “I recognized Rahsaan ing something with Tommy story. Photo courtersy fo Tommy Wicherd San Quentin at the start of a ‘New York’ Thomas and that he loves. His heart be- new decade.” Jonathan Chiu from the longs to me, but I also know —By Aaron Taylor Page 22 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020 In-Depth: Thaddeus Fleeton By Aaron Taylor Boys Club and introduced That I am somebody. That Sports Editor me to Sonny Carter and they see me now, as the man Johnny Keys –two ex-pro I've become, not who I was. Thaddeus Fleeton is nick- fighters. I fell in love with AT: Is it safe to say that named “The Beast” because the road work and structure; you have formed some solid of his offensive low-post however, I struggled with the associations and friendships game and his intense physi- discipline. They stayed in my with the guys that come in- cality defensively. ear and eventually I went to side to compete? He is, arguably, one of the the Junior Golden Gloves in TF: Most definitely. best undersized big men that 1979. AT: During this past 2019 I’ve seen in my 25 years in- AT: What happened after season, you suspended your- side CDCR. that? Seems like you were self for a couple of games. I He was born in Mobile, moving in the right direction don’t want to talk about the Ala., and came to San Fran- at this point. situation that caused it but cisco in 1965 at the age of TF: I was, but at the same more to why you felt that you two. time I was gaining a rep as a needed to sit yourself down Thad had to work his way street fighter. So the struggle rather than waiting for the down from higher security became do I want to fight in coaching staff to do it? levels to reach the Q, while the ring or the street? I saw TF: I place myself in a others have come straight to the boxing circuit, the fight- position as a leader, so that San Quentin without spend- ers with the clothes, money, means my responsibilities are Photo by Eddie Herena SQN ing time at the higher secu- cars and all that, and I wanted more than others. My peers rity designations, where vio- it. But, it was taking too long see me a certain way, so I G.S. Warrior Coach Kerr, C Festus Azele, Fleeton, GM Bob Meyers lence is a way of life, Thad so I wanted a shortcut, which had to hold myself account- and Kings guard Tare Beltranchuc, 2014 Warriors v. Warriors. has spent time on some of the took me to street fighting. able. If I don’t, then I’m like most violent and racially vol- AT: Wait, let’s go back everyone else that wants a atile facilities in the state, but to your sister; tell me about title but not the responsibility as you’re about to discover, what your parents told you that goes with the title. And, that didn’t change who he is and how that took you to be- to be honest? It felt good to at his core. ing a street fighter. stand up and say to everyone AT: You – like many of us TF: My parents told me “I was wrong, so I'm going to – came into the system when to protect the females. Yet, I sit myself down and hold my- learning self-discipline was a took it a step further: I pro- self accountable.” matter of life and death; how tected them, the nerds and AT: You’re definitely on did you transfer those lessons even the boys that couldn’t point about people with titles over to basketball? fight. That eventually led me who don’t want the responsi- TF: Well, first it was know- to getting paid to beat people bilities of the title. ing my surroundings, who up, protecting my neighbor- TF: That’s right. I'm playing against. Keeping hood. I didn’t ask for money AT: All right, I'm going to in mind that at any moment, though. I was getting paid mention a name and you say a foul could easily turn into with food, which built up the first word that comes to an assault.. trust in the neighborhood for mind. AT: Did you play ball on me. When I did do wrong, the TF: All right. the higher levels as well? neighborhood would protect Ryan ‘The Rifleman’ TF: Yeah, at New & Old me from law enforcement. Steer: Good person, damn Folsom, Calaptaria Corco- Also, I had went to the local good ball player. Cyn- ran, Salinas Valley and Kern stores and told them, “What thia Cooper: Angel. Will Valley. All Level IV’s. if I can stop people from ‘2-Piece’ Wheatly: Close AT: I heard that you are a stealing outta your store? friend. Draymond Green: boxer; talk about the sweet You don’t have to pay me Beast! LeBron James: Ver- science and how you got in- nothing, just hide me from satile. Joe Montana: Legend- volved. the police if I need it.” And ary. Old Man Basketball: fes- TF: When I was seven, I they did it. Now that I reflect tive. Lisa Leslie: Beautiful. had made a clay ashtray for back, this is how I how I de- Steph Curry: Awesome. Bill Photo by Eddie Herena SQN Photo by Eddie Herena SQN my father at school. On the veloped my criminal think- Epling: Special. Bob Myers: 6’0 Fleeton v. way home, A 15-year-old ing and behavior. Great! 6’5 Jason Robinson Fleeton shooting over 6’4 Hoov dude took my ashtray. I tried AT: I think everyone can AT: Okay, it’s Black His- to fight him, but he was too appreciate how honest you tory Month, so let’s do some- the world that Black people AT: Tell the people – in- AT: Thank you for taking big. I went home to my pops are. Okay, you’ve been with thing a little different. Who aren’t just athletes and en- side and out – who Thad is: some time to talk with me, and my uncle -- who had just the SQ Kings, barring inju- are your top three iconic fig- tertainers, that we are also TF: I'm a family man. I'm and Happy Black History returned from Vietnam -- ries, since your arrival. How ures in Black History? academic and esoteric when glad that I listened to people Month. You get the last state- and asked them to teach me has playing against outside TF: Muhammad Ali, he it comes to worldwide lead- throughout the years of this ment. how to fight bigger guys. The competition helped you de- spoke up at a time when ership. Harriet Tubman, journey in here; you can find TF: Thank you to every- next year, a 12-year-old boy velop holistically? we all couldn’t. President ‘Mama Moses’, she was diamonds in a pile of s—t. one for taking time with slapped my sister and I beat TF: It helps me realize that Barack Obama, he walked brave and smart. She put a But it helped to carve and me – inside and out -- and I the crap out of him. My dad I have a worth beyond the the walk and talked the talk. plan together and went for- shape me into the positive wish for peace on earth, be- then walked me over to the crime that brought me here. He showed America and ward, in spite of the times. person that I am today. lieve that. Jeffery ‘Paranormal’ Dumont For the most prolific pitcher in The Q’s baseball history, it’s focus and technique. It’s how he maintains a 200 pitch count. However, it’s the eyes that tell you why I nicknamed him “Paranormal.” —Aaron Taylor

All photos by Eddie Herena, 2016 February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 23

Photo courtesy of Scott Budnick

Prisoners, formerly incarcerated and Sacramento Kings circle together in Folsom Chapel

Trevor Ariza and Marvin alongside the Budnick- “Many of the [visiting part in this unique crimi- families will be allowed to Play for Justice Bagley III, developmental produced film, Just Mercy, youth offenders] said it was nal justice initiative to hear come watch them play. coach Rico Hines and oth- which co-stars Jamie Foxx, the first time they felt free in the stories of our commu- “We are looking for- ers. Michael B. Jordan and Sac- years,” said Budnick. “The nity members and the chal- ward to sharing in this ex- Continued from Page 1 Ariza pointed to prisoners ramento native Brie Larson. day was a reminder that peo- lenges they face on a daily perience with them while in their cells and noted how Larson and the cast intend ple cared about them. basis,” said Brown. also identifying how we Organized through Bud- some were physically bigger to participate in future Play “They felt heard, loved Nike also came on board can further this important nick’s REPRESENT JUS- than him yet unable to fully For Justice initiatives, re- and had a sense of hope and to donate shoes and other conversation nationwide TICE, the Play For Justice stand up within their own ported The Undefeated, an inspiration for their futures.” gear to the incarcerated through basketball,” added group also featured former living spaces. online publication. The Kings’ Folsom event Wisconsin athletes, whose Brown. Kings center Vlade Divac, The Represent Justice “We know that showing had also included a Play For current Kings forwards Campaign launched itself the humanity, resilience and Justice basketball game— transformation of those be- right there on the prison hind bars leads to more em- yard. The game showcased a pathetic and humane laws— restored outdoor court under and a system more rooted in a newly added pavilion roof justice and rehabilitation,” complete with full-scale said Budnick, as quoted by lighting. The Hollywood Reporter. “We’re proud to be the Represent Justice and first participant in the Play Budnick later delivered a For Justice initiative, which Christmas treat to 11 young is shining a bright light on men and women housed at the unique issues facing in- the Ventura Youth Correc- carcerated people in com- tional Facility, taking them munities around the coun- by bus on a field trip to the try,” said Ranadive. Los Angeles Lakers’ prac- The Milwaukee Bucks tice gym Dec. 23. plan to bring Play For Jus- Lakers forward LeBron tice to correctional facili- James and Just Mercy ac- ties throughout Wisconsin, tor Michael B. Jordan hung starting in February and out with all the youths and featuring Bucks guards Ster- joined them in a roundtable ling Brown and George Hill. discussion. Brown currently holds a Later the kids split up civil lawsuit against the city into 5-on-5 Play For Justice of Milwaukee, after the po- teams, coached by former lice used a stun gun on him Laker Champions Robert during a publicized arrest Horry and Metta World for allegedly double-parking Peace, and played ball on in a disabled person spot. Photo courtesy of Scott Budnick Photo courtesy of Scott Budnick the training facility’s hard “My teammates, coaches Luke Walton during the game court. and I are honored to take Scott Budnick, Vivek Ranadive and Trevor Ariza inside North Block

Photo courtesy of Scott Budnick

King's forward Marvin Bagley III loving every minute with the Folsom crowd February 2020 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 24

Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Incarcerated graduates from Rehabilitative Programs program 144 graduate from Division of Rehabilitative Programs By Anthony Manuel worked for several institu- en, finances and keeping the man, who does a lot around and SUDT (Substance Use ments and what they com- Caravalho tions and in the community dignity you earned here. San Quentin. Nelson intro- Disorder Treatment) gave pleted made him realize the Staff Writer with parolees,” said the com- • “If you’re not doing duced Mr. Raphael “Neph- him tools to figure out his programs made a difference. mencement speaker. nothing in here you do the ew” Bankston. emotions in present time. “I truly believe in the suc- San Quentin’s gym in- “Participants get a sense same out there. Keep resolve; “The program began as “I’m taking everything I cess of this program. One of cludes a sign stating “a sec- of completion because we if you’re weak you will be milestones for me but five learned to the streets,” said the current provider’s coun- ond chance at a first class become role models to moti- drug back in here.” and a half months of ‘family’ Washington, who is to be re- selors was on my caseload life.” One hundred and forty- vate them. The old way is out “I got my GED here like changed my purpose. Staff leased in February. several years ago, when I was five incarcerated people cel- as hard love does not work some of you-- everything I changed my purpose. I real- The daylong ceremony in- a CCI….quite frankly, I want ebrated completing the initial anymore,” said the program learned here-- got my (pro- ize we need to rewrite our cluded insight from Johnny that success repeated from step to acquire that second manager. fessional) license at 50; script and shift our purpose,” Whittaker & Director Good- this year’s graduates,” said chance on December 18. CCIII Collins who hosted bought a car, paid insurance said the valedictorian. win, who founded the gradu- Collins. One-hundred and forty- the event reinforced gradu- and drove legally, waiting to San Quentin’s DRP Coor- ate phase of CBT called Of- Farez added, “After 20 five men graduated from re- ation by asking all partici- be pulled over,” he laughed. dinator M. Farez introduced fender Mentor Certificate years at San Quentin, I covery and life skills classes pants to make this a family “I now come home to my the 144 graduates. From Program (OMCP). still believe that a man can designed for transitioning affair. own place in the Sunset dis- Terry Adams to Gregory OMCP gives graduates of change—and if that change is home, allowing men a chance “Although we bump heads trict; I signed the lease and Washington, all received di- a chance to become licensed genuine and sincere, he will to further their education. like real family, remember have my own mailbox. It’s plomas. counselors. “Today is a day find the assistance to change The graduation was at the the program’s creed and treat nothing but a bunch of bills Farez said that the key to to hold your head high. We here. With programs through Garden Chapel, where 200 us as your guests—you sup- and junk mail, but it’s mine,” succeeding in CBT’s pro- believed you could do it. Be- DRP the likelihood of a suc- people including staff, dig- port me and I’ll support you,” said counselor Davis. gram and life are two-fold. lieve in yourself. Go beyond cessful change is increased nitaries and participating in- said the program manager. Davis continued, “I sur- “It takes two items for suc- yourself,” was the theme by f o r t h e r e t u r n i n g c i t i z e n . ” carcerated took the stage— Keynote speaker Kenny prised my parole officer, how cess—the man’s internal de- the mentors. men in their caps and gowns. Davis said have a plan when well I was living. Now I’m in cision to excel and support The originator of LTOP —Juan Haines Incarcerated Jose L tear- transitioning home. San Francisco willing to you from the program. It’s my job (Long Term Offender Pro- contributed to this story fully asked to get a picture The mentor and licensed do the same.” to support that decision,” said gram), CCIII Chiu, now at of the graduation, because counselor with San Fran- Retired gang member Da- Farez. Solano said, “Folks don’t **After this story was he “never wore a cap and cisco’s Urban Alchemy dis- vis represented three letters. Participants assessed the take a look at themselves written, a bulletin was placed gown…never” and stated, cussed the following: “Now I represent three new program: until they have to. At Solano in the resident buildings that “I just want to send it to my • Experience differences letters, CBT. I am CBT,” he “Little Brother” Jimmy we stress not keeping what stated the following: family…” between visits and going said to a cheering crowd. Wynn received a date to you’ve learned to yourself… • All DRP/Centerpoint CDCR’s Division of Re- home—you deserve it. CBT stands for DRP’s Cog- go home after advice from teach one to teach five is what programs are closed until habilitative Programs (DRP) • Now, family, friends, nitive Behavioral Therapy board officers. They suggest- we strive for,” said Chiu. further notice designed classes to achieve partners don’t know you — program. ed he address anger issues— DRP program analysts • Statewide changes for rehabilitation. Centerpoint, they will test you. Dr. D. Jones, a counselor he recommends the program Heather Bruglia, AmanDeep 2020 are currently in pro- the contract provider, man- • I too, changed appear- stated the participants looked for all. Kaur , Ruzanna Sargsyan cess ages the programs for DRP. ance, emotions and feelings like scholars. “I didn’t realize I had an- and Leslie Hamilton collec- • Prior waiting lists are no Graduation opened with a in prison. “Your families would be ger issues until the board told tively shared their enthusi- longer valid solo from David Rodriquez • The first 60 days relax so proud of you.” She re- me. I addressed ever since I asm for the graduation. They • You will only be as- and the San Quentin band and enjoy. Get used to free- cited a poem she created joined CBT.” said graduation was very signed thru clinical referrals known as Treasures Out of dom. called “Beautiful Queen.” Pastor Terrance was inspiring and was a wonder- • Voluntary assignments Darkness. • You may need help— The poem shows strength of Wynn’s counselor. ful graduation. The analysts to programs are no longer in 27 years ago Michael Da- ask. An example he used women everywhere and re- “Mr. T’s class opened me stated it is an exciting time effect vila sat where the graduates was shopping for toothpaste; minds us “forever she (wom- up because of the informa- for change in CDCR and saw • There is nothing you or were. “Now I get to oversee in canteen, you have three en) reigns (as) the precious tion he teaches. Using it daily firsthand from the graduation your CCI can affect at this this program,” said Center- choices, in a store, you’ll queen.” I am now suitable because I how amazing and rewarding time. point’s operations leader. have a whole aisle. Supervisor Michael Nel- addressed my anger. I will CBT & SUDT were. YOUR PATIENCE IS “I have been on both sides • Things aren’t the same son introduced Centerpoint’s never forget my class or Mr. CCIII Collins took over for ACCEPTED and had to tell myself that anymore…there’s no Won- valedictorian. Nelson said T,” said Wynn, incarcerated the recently promoted CCIII San Quentin News will I’ll never live like that again. der Bread… gone he said to a the man pushed supervisors in 2001. Palmer. The new supervisor keep you informed as to any I have a passion to help in- laughing crowd. “Challenges and counselors, yet turned Inmate Gregory Washing- said his beliefs of the incar- additional information it re- carcerated people, so I have include relationships, wom- out to be a real sharp young ton said anger management cerated person’s achieve- ceives.

Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN

Incarcerated graduates from Substance Use Disorder Treatment program