San Quentin News
THE PULSE OF SAN QUENTIN Award Winner VOL. 2016 NO. 5 May 2016 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 3,922 CDCR’s New Secretary Plans Rehabilitative Efforts By Noel Scott Journalism Guild Writer
California’s new prison boss says he plans major changes to boost rehabilitation efforts and cut back on inmate abuses. Scott Kernan said altering the Photo by Jane Tyska prison culture is his top prior- Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Richmond Center ity as the new secretary of the California Department of Cor- rections and Rehabilitation, The Richmond Gets Associated Press reported on Feb. 10. It’s an us-against-them cul- ture that often pits prison guards Re-entry Center against inmates and outsiders, Kernan told the AP in an inter- By David Eugene Archer Sr. KQED reports. view. Courtesy of Sacramento Bee Journalism Guild Writer The center is located in Kernan, 55, worked his way CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan downtown Richmond to be eas- up through management starting The new Richmond Re-entry ily accessible to formerly incar- rehabilitation. by Inspector General Robert Success Center is designed to cerated people, reported Sukey According to the AP, Kernan To accomplish this, Kernan Barton, who says the California help people recently released Lewis for KQED. reported the prisons are less - from prison or jail to get back crowded, and state policy- sociation, which is the guards’ on their feet, broadcast station See Richmond’s on Page 4 makers are emphasizing inmate programs for supervisors, and union, “encouraging a code of a search for methods that have silence.” worked in other states. This follows a scathing report See Secretary on Page 4 Outside Guests Flock To SQ Financial Literacy Class
By Rahsaan Thomas Despite being a 2012 Yale Journalism Guild Chairman graduate, she knew nothing about investing. Outside guests and young in- “Yeah, I am one of the people ! \ # - % # % - tis “Wall Street” Carroll’s Fi- ing an elite game,” said Laslie. nancial Education Class to hear “My parents are lawyers and I
Photo by Sam Hearnes him translate investment jargon am well-educated but I never into terms they understand. # % # Jeri Jones, Audrey Auld and Pam Delgado performing at Peace Day 2015 $ ! !! and assets management. I’m Taylor Laslie drove up from similar to a bunch of the guys Los Angeles to check out the starting out in this program.” A Look at Peace Day’s History class. She heard about it from a Life of the Law podcast. See Financial on Page 20 By Juan Haines In 2006, interracial strife the administration to ask for a Senior Editor kept San Quentin State Prison Day of Peace. on repeated lockdowns. Just Each year the Day of Peace The San Quentin Day of before a yard event to celebrate event draws support from high- Peace committee was estab- Black history, all came to a ranking administrators sup- lished to show fellow inmates head as a race riot erupted. Af- porting the efforts of peaceful- ways to reject violence and sup- terward, a multiracial group of minded inmates. port peace. The tradition con- men, most serving life sentenc- “Open dialogue, violence tinued May 7. es, came together and went to prevention workshops, and the annual Day of Peace celebra- tion serve as alternatives to vio- lence and thus stem the tide of Important Notice: violence by saturating prisons as well as society with peace,” San Quentin News raises funds through Chairman Chris Schumacher & ' said at last year’s celebration. Please send tax-deductible donations to: In support of peace, hundreds of inmates wearing white T- Social Good, P.O. Box 5473 Richmond, CA 94805 shirts along with prison staffers Under check memo section, please write and local community members “Friends of San Quentin News” walk together around the pris- on’s Lower Yard. Thank you for your patience and support. Photo by Eddie Herena -San Quentin News See Day of Peace on Page 4 Curtis Carroll, (right) talking with students after class Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 San Quentin Nurse Heals CDCR’s Secretary Q&A 1 Brown’s 309 appointees 8 Richmond’s re-entry 1 CPAP panel 8 Merle Haggard 9 One Inmate at a Time Peace Day’s history 1 Mother’s Day 10-11 Elina Appleton 2 Arts & Entertainment 12 By Tommy Bryant “This class Psychiatric treatment 2 News Briefs 13 Journalism Guild Writer helped me to see DA Gascon’s roadblocks 3 Wordcross 13 people cared more Prop. 47’s being blamed 3 Cinco de Mayo’s historia 14 Diabetes is a serious problem about my life than SF immigration policy 3 Cinco de Mayo’s history 14 at San Quentin and Elina I did, so I’m grate- Appleton has made it her ful,” said Morlin Divide over Prop. 47 3 Easter Day banquet 15 mission to help those affected. Dorgan, an inmate Racially biased shootings 5 Prisoners learn meaning 15 “Most inmates have no idea at H-Unit. He add- Police force on Blacks 5 CDCR losing battle 15 what the disease is or how it af- ed, “Some of my Minority incarcerations 5 Yard Talk 16 fects them until they start los- peers have gotten Outrageous tactics 5 MAC Corner 16 ing toes, feet, legs, kidneys, go parts cut off.” blind, have heart attacks and/ “I now have the NYC settles death suits 5 Texas law helps parolee 16 or strokes,” said Appleton a li- power to take con- Editorial 6 censed vocational nurse best trol of my diabe- American prisons 6 Book Review 17 known as “Red.” tes,” said another Former inmates 6 Watch This 17 The legendary H-Unit nurse student inmate. Kid CAT Speaks 7 Soledad’s VSO 17 # (# Inmate Dennis Elderly inmates’ burdens 8 Sports 18-19 and symptoms a week. Often Bagwell, a diabetic the answers indicate diabetes. + * Criminalization and poverty 8 Judge and CCPOA 20 About 20 San Quentin inmates “I have…lost sight in H-Unit are on regular insulin in one eye due to treatment. diabetic complica- “Inmates with borderline tions. It is up to A1C blood levels approaching individuals to take Photo by Raphaele Casale UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY ) ! * - control of diabe- Elina Appleton dates for Type II diabetes,” adds tes before diabetes Graduate School of Journalism Appleton. Avoiding painful am- takes control of them.” to thank all of the San Quentin putation and expensive medical “The tough part is keeping medical staff for the help and care is clearly a win-win for in- sugar levels down with limited continuous support they have mates and taxpayers, she says. diet options,” inmate Demetrius afforded me.” She teaches a 10-week Verdun said. Inmate Robert Appleton said she entered a Prisoners United in the Craft of Journalism class that covers diabetes Craig suggested, “Everyone on 100-Mile bike ride sponsored issues including using the the planet should be taking a by Tour de Cure American Dia- in collaboration with students from the glucose meter for healthcare program like this, whether you betes Association, which raised management. “Once inmates are diabetic or not.” $1 million for research on dia- observe their glucose levels Philip Budweiser said he used betes. most begin to watch what they to ignore diabetes because “I She said diabetes affects more eat and exercise after meals,” was depressed…I used food and than 24 million people in the states Appleton. sweets as a crutch. I would like United States.
San Quentin News strives to report on forward- Early Psychiatric Treatment thinking approaches in criminal justice policies that support positive changes in prisoner behavior, particularly through rehabilitative efforts. Reduces Violent Incidents
We Want To Hear By Thomas Gardner by cop,” he walked into a local said Shafer. San Journalism Guild Writer ; - = & - From You! session of a handgun, reported suit against the Napa hospi- The San Quentin News Quentin Early access to psychiatric Shafer. tal alleging negligence for not encourages inmates, free staff, care for people who are mental- “He was wanting to die,” says keeping their son safe, the re- custody staff, volunteers and News Frank Brackin, Shawn’s father, others outside the institution to ly ill may result in fewer violent port notes. submit articles. All submissions Current and past copies of the San incidents and hospitalizations, who explained that his son had Violence remains an ongoing become property of the Quentin News are posted online at: reports public television station struggled since the age of 6, problem at the state psychiat- San Quentin News. (www.sanquentinnews.com) KQED. after having suffered a severe ric facilities, Shafer says. “Five Please use the following criteria (www.flickr.com/photos/san- When the opportunity to treat head injury as a result of being years ago…a staff member when submitting: quentinnews) struck by a car, the report adds. beginning-stage mental health (psychiatric technician Diana than 350 words. Permission is granted to reprint articles disorder is missed, then a sort On that tragic day at the po- Gross) was murdered by a pa- appearing in the San Quentin News of “snowball” dynamic can be lice station, Shawn was shot but tient at Napa State Hospital.” for content and length. provided credit is given to the author set in motion, where violence # & & < & In response, many changes and this publication, except for articles and then more violence often was shot and killed accidentally have been made, most of which reprinted herein from other publications. by a fellow cop, the story noted. the prison appeals process.) We is the result, according to Scott are designed to protect staff. encourage submitting articles that Administrative Review Shafer’s story for The Crime The hospital is now allowed to are newsworthy and encompass Lt. S. Robinson Report. isolate the most dangerous pa- issues that will have an impact on ...... Sgt. Chris Siino O R & tients, the report states. the prison populace. psychiatric hospitals, patients “We need to make Although most are minor, " ## ...... language in your submissions...... Kristina Khokhobashvili are mostly criminal defendants more treatment @ #! ++ - " $ Adviser ...... Linda Xiques found not guilty by reason of saults within the last year, ac- and drawings) are welcomed. Adviser ...... William Drummond insanity or incompetent to stand available in cording to the report. Adviser ...... Joan Lisetor trial,” said Shafer. “We have made tremendous short and to the point. the community Adviser ...... Jon Spurlock Many families of patients at progress in safety improvements Send Submissions to: the psychiatric hospitals feel whenever possible” and in mitigating violence at CSP - San Quentin San Quentin News Staff that their loved ones are now the hospital,” Napa Executive Education Dept. / SQ News Editor-in-Chief ...... R. Malik Harris * - Director Dolly Matteucci told 1 Main Street San Quentin, CA 94964 Executive Editor ...... Arnulfo T. Garcia ment that they should have got- The sentencing court recog- Shafer. To receive a copy of the Senior Editor...... Juan Haines ten before the tragedy happened nized Shawn’s mental illness, The mother of one Napa pa- San Quentin News in the mail, Managing Editor ...... Richard Richardson that sent them there, Shafer re- and as part of a plea deal agree- tient, who was found not guilty send $1.61 worth of stamps for Associate Editor ...... Kevin D. Sawyer ports. ment, he was found “not guilty by reason of insanity after hav- postage to: Journalism Guild Chairman ...... “Advocates for the mentally by reason of insanity.” Shawn ing killed a person in the Berke- San Quentin News ...... Rahsaan Thomas ill say we need to make more has now been a patient at Napa ley Hills, said her son is slowly 1 Main Street Staff Writer ...... Marcus Henderson treatment available in the com- State Psychiatric Hospital for getting better, adding, “It was San Quentin, CA 94964 Staff Writer ...... Miguel Quezada munity whenever possible – nearly 20 years, Shafer reports. only because of the sustained The process can be repeated Staff Writer ...... Emile DeWeaver rather than in locked state hos- Yet, as if trapped in a repeti- treatment we had through every month if you want to Staff Writer ...... Chung Kao pitals like Napa,” Shafer said. tive cycle, violence continues Napa,” Shafer reported. receive the latest newspaper. Staff Writer ...... Wesley Eisiminger Recent high school gradu- as part of his life. Shawn has “Despite the complaints and Behind the Scenes Photographer ...... Eddie Herena ate Shawn Brackin had become suffered numerous assaults by problems at California’s state The San Quentin News is printed Researcher ...... Richard Lindsey increasingly depressed and other patients over the years mental hospitals, there’s a long by Marin Sun Printing, San Rafael, Layout Designer ...... Keung Vanh withdrawn. In what his family while at Napa and now appears waiting list to get into them,” with donations from supporters. Layout Designer ...... Jonathan Chiu says was an attempt at “suicide to have severe brain damage, Shafer notes. May 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 3 DA Gascon’s Reforms Encounter Roadblocks By Charles David Henry “You have to understand, if I really wanted to look at future practices. Journalism Guild Writer you sit in my place and you see electability, would I be pissing Ho revealed the trajectory of all this stuff, off every single police union that Gascon San Francisco District Attor- it’s been one thing after anoth- in the country and certainly in faces discord in ney George Gascon’s attempt to er,” Gascon said of police criti- this state? If you’re looking for reform law enforcement is gen- cism. a position in the state, you want where he took erating an all-out battle with po- Vivian Ho, who wrote the their support.” control of that # * story, said the union representa- This confrontation has cre- department af- the San Francisco Chronicle re- tives blasted back at him, deny- ated uproar in the city’s law ter never pros- ported. ing that there is racism in their enforcement community. “It’s ecuting a single Gascon is a former career ranks. However, they accused not surprising that many cops case. cop, who ascended to become Gascon at a dinner in 2010 of feel that they’re being painted There are the city’s top prosecutor. He “making racially insensitive re- by a broad brush,” said Tony some prosecu- ! # * # marks.” Ribera, a former San Francisco tors who op- with Police Chief Greg Suhr [ police chief and director of the posed their R # Breen accused Gascon of mak- International Institute of Law boss’ support This animosity stems from how ing disparaging statements, af- Enforcement Leadership at the of Proposition he proposes to set priorities for ter Gascon consumed a great University of San Francisco. 47. Some think ! * - deal of red wine, about Black Others applauded Gascon’s it was political cording to the Chronicle. scrutiny at a time of heightened grandstanding The rift escalated when Los Angeles Police Depart- & at the cost of Gascon lambasted the Police ment. This caused an African- and police brutality, according their ability to * American man seated nearby to to the story. do their jobs. SF District Attorney George Gascon year in a statement to a blue ask him to quiet down because According to Ho’s story, The story said, ribbon panel of retired judges he he was offending his family. “A prime source of friction “Their boss’ growing police re- er day-to-day has been bruised used to investigate corruption Gascon denies the allegations. emerged when Gascon co-au- form efforts hold the potential by “a lot of generalizations in the San Francisco Police To complicate matters, the thored Proposition 47, a ballot to further complicate their rela- about the police department that Department, the story said. Gascon recently charged three initiative that reduced six nonvi- tionships with police detectives P Gascon described the city’s San Francisco deputy sheriffs olent felonies to misdemeanors. ! * said Ribera. law enforcement community O #%P It passed in November 2014, and rely upon to testify in court.” County Public Defender Jeff as “an old boys club.” These jail inmates. That prompted the supporters and opponents are !# Adachi said, “You have the remarks upset the rank-and- deputies’ union to join its police increasingly debating whether disclose information that affects district attorney and the (po- ! * * counterpart in accusing Gascon it’s helping people or spurring an assistant district attorney’s lice union) arguing about rac- about Gascon coming in and of padding his resume for high- a surge of property crime.” The ability to prosecute the defen- ! & * * they never have let him forget = police union is sponsoring radio dant. The competency of police wouldn’t even acknowledge it; it, the story continued. Gascon told the reporter, “If ads attacking Gascon for his and prosecutors to work togeth- that’s progress.” Proposition 47 Being Blamed for Rise in Urban Crime
A number of sources have Lansdowne told the Sacramen- the Post, “California’s decision responsible for the urban crime nals and endangered the rest of responded to Proposition 47 to Bee, “There’s no data prov- to cede authority over low-level increase in early 2015, as some us. Remember, the same dire critics’ claims that reducing ing such a link.” offenders to its counties has sources are arguing, then cit- predictions of a crime surge certain non-violent, non-seri- Two professors of criminol- been, for the most part, remark- ies in counties with the largest accompanied the state’s 2011 ous offenses from felonies to ogy, law and society in the ably effective public policy and reductions in jail populations adoption of realignment, which misdemeanors is to blame for School of Social Ecology at the an extraordinarily rich case in 2015 would show the biggest shifted responsibility for tens California’s 2015 increase in University of California at Ir- study in governance.” increases in crime; however, of thousand of felons from the urban crime, The Washington vine and a professor from Stan- Mike Males, Ph.D., senior the data suggest this is not the state to the counties. And a sim- Post reported. ford Law School told the Post, research fellow at the Center of case.” ilar chorus of warnings rang out Since it passed, critics of the “No such crime wave is likely Juvenile and Criminal Justice, A nonpartisan Pew Chari- when voters softened the state’s initiative have abundantly tried to occur.” wrote in a research report, “If table Trusts study “found that Three-Strike laws in 2012,” to blame Proposition 47 for a When disputing this assump- the reduction in local jail pop- raising the felony threshold has Lansdowne said. rise in crime. However, former tion, Charles E. Kubrin, Carroll ulations after Proposition 47 no impact on property crime San Diego Police Chief William Seron and Joan Petersilia told passed in November 2014, was or larceny rates. It also showed that states that increased their thresholds saw crime drop “No such crime about the same amount as the wave is likely San Francisco Sheriff Responds 27 states that did not change their theft laws.” The threshold to occur” amount has no bearing on prop- To Federal Immigration Policy erty crime and larceny rates. Harsher penalties cost tax- The Post reported the coun- By David Eugene Archer Sr. defeated in the last election, had & # - payers a bundle to build and ties that invested in offender Journalism Guild Writer said he was bound by city laws cials they will turn the inmates maintain prisons. “They do not re-entry in the aftermath of barring cooperation with federal to ICE custody once their crimi- automatically cut crime, just realignment had better perfor- San Francisco’s newly elected !! nal cases have ended. as lighter penalties don’t auto- mances in terms of recidivism sheriff says there are open en- U.S. Attorney General Lynch’s announcement was matically invite more crime. than counties that focused re- forcement questions about a new Loretta Lynch told the House less than a year after a man Offenders act for a wide variety sources on enforcement. policy that gives federal immi- Appropriations Committee that %* !! of reasons, and whether they “As other states and the ^# # * _ * might be convicted of a felony federal government contemplate agencies priority over inmates offer Immigration and Customs old Kate Steinle on a San Fran- than a misdemeanor isn’t a their own proposals for prison wanted for deportation. Enforcement (ICE) the option to ^# # - large part of their thinking,” the downsizing, they should take Sheriff Vicki Hennessy said take inmates facing deportation cials had transferred the suspect Bee reported. a close look at what these she awaits details on how the into custody. to San Francisco, where he was “In California, these latest California counties are doing policy will be enforced, The As- Lynch said law enforcement released instead of being de- results should help put the lie right,” the three professors sociated Press reported Feb. 24. agencies seeking to prosecute ported for a sixth time, reported \ ! * ! - concluded. Former Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi, those inmates on other crimes the AP. tion 47 has emboldened crimi- –Charles David Henry Law Enforcement is Divided Over Prop. 47’s Implementation By Tommy Bryant Los Angeles Times article. # ` to sign up, Los Angeles County ACLU. Journalism Guild Writer “Some are making irrespon- County Sheriff Jim McDon- authorities told Poston. Petty crimes are being sible and inaccurate statements nell, blame a rise in crime on “I don’t know how they dropped without charges at Many law enforcement per- linking Proposition 47 and minor consequences for repeat solve that problem,” said Marc some jails, while others detain sonnel are resisting imple- crime,” the ACLU said. “Oth- offenders under Proposition 47, Debbaudt, president of the Los offenders, according to the menting Proposition 47, which ers are falsely claiming they the Times reported. Angeles County Association of ACLU study. reduced some drug felonies to are no longer able to arrest The Sacramento County Deputy District Attorneys. The jail population with misdemeanors, according to people for petty crimes or that Sheriff’s Department reported Noticeable drops in jail misdemeanors doubled in the American Civil Liberties a misdemeanor is not a ‘real arrests for Proposition 47 population occurred after Riverside County in March Union (ACLU). penalty.’” { the passage of Proposition when compared to the same There is “a disappointing The ACLU strongly support- Enrollments are down in drug 47, but that number has since month a year before. During the level of resistance,” the ACLU ed the California ballot propo- treatment programs because a risen as county jails continue same period San Bernardino’s states in their report, as report- sition. threat of a felony can no longer modifying early release and misdemeanors dropped by ed by Ben Poston in a Nov. 11 Some law enforcement of- be used to persuade offenders sentencing structures, said the one-quarter. Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 Secretary Kernan Committed to Rehabilitation
Continued from Page 1 to singularly keep an inmate, walls? tors are implementing promis- ward, or parolee behind bars A. Inside, we rebounded from ing and innovative programs The Inspector General report is evolving to an expectation # # that are evidence-based and found that guards at High that all staff be professional educational and Career Techni- creating results in reducing re- Desert State Prison had created role models and participate cal Education (CTE) programs. cidivism. CDCR is tapping into a culture of racism and used in the rehabilitation process. We hired teachers and vocation- these resources. I am open to a startling amount of force We have to understand the al instructors, updated curricu- innovative and creative ways to against inmates, among many % * # & ! lum, invested in learning tech- impact our inmate population other problems. that staff work under each day nologies, and expanded college positively. We will once again The new training will include and give them the training and education programs throughout strive to be a national leader in stress management and diversity tools to protect public safety, the system. Our Prison Industry the corrections industry by be- classes for all employees and a emotionally survive themselves, Authority (CALPIA) expanded ing open to change, listening to national executive training class while also changing the lives of cooperative agreements with the what works, and shaping cor- for wardens, Kernan said. the inmates under our charge. private sector and implemented rections policy. O| ! That is public safety at its core. a number of cutting-edge pro- Q. You have an extensive have, the better suited they We cannot tolerate abuse or ! % % background with the agency. are to contributing to a bias toward inmates just as we and rehabilitative. How do you see that helping better correctional system,” can’t tolerate abuse, violence, I will see that we build on the you do your job? said Nichol Gomez-Pryde, a and bias from inmates against improvements and expand these A. } * + * spokeswoman for the guards’ other inmates or staff. I have programs. The evidence clearly CDCR and worked from a Cor- union. # * # Courtesy of CDCR shows that an inmate with an !* # | # & # critics paint us with a broad Secretary Scott Kernan # | appointment as Secretary. I re- against the department and the brush of being insensitive, member living with my mom at } ~ R & biased, racist, and abusive. needs and more complex chal- transferable to the private sector San Quentin as she pioneered the months-long investigation at But I also challenge us to not lenges that require response if is more successful. the female role in a previously High Desert. paint the same broad brush we are going to protect public Outside, CDCR is taking male-dominated system. She Kerman also said California toward inmates. I know that a safety. No matter that complex- a larger role in coordinating \# !* & is on its way toward regaining vast majority of staff come to * + # ! with federal, state and local corrections and all the employ- control over its prison medical work each day and do the right complete their sentence and are agencies to supervise and ees that are dedicated to the de- system. CDCR lost control of & # # released to our communities. program offenders to prepare partment. I made plenty of mis- its medical department more how to continue to evolve our Our challenge is to address them for transition to society. takes in my career and learned than 10 years ago by federal profession and help an inmate the individual inmate’s criminal We are building on our existing from them all. court order due to inadequate who will ultimately be our thinking and give them the collaboration with agencies and I am humbled to be appointed prisoner care. neighbor. skills to not perpetuate their developing new partnerships. I to this leadership position and The following Q&A with Q. What challenges are criminality and create more see the partnerships addressing strive every day to improve our Secretary Kernan was provided there in managing inmates & ! } _+ + housing and employment needs, organization. I’m extremely by the CDCR’s Public Informa- after all the population + ! access to medical and mental proud of the work we do and % _ reduction measures? of the victims we would save, health care, transitional services understand that we must Q. What do you see in store A. The monumental shift in the money California taxpayers for long-term offenders, and continue to evolve and expand for CDCR staff? criminal justice practices in would save, and the lives we re-entry services for offenders our strategies to improve prison A. I see an evolving role & * * would change. preparing for release. operations and public safety. I for all CDCR staff in a fast- impacted our population de- Q. How do you see CDCR’s Q. What can CDCR do to am positive about the future and changing criminal justice mographics. We have a tougher rehabilitation efforts working further reduce recidivism? our contribution to the larger system. The expectation of staff inmate with greater supervision – both inside and outside the A. The public and private sec- criminal justice system. Richmond’s New Re-entry Center Helps Ex-Prisoners
Continued from Page 1 worked over the last decade, it’s months behind bars people looking for help feel really been unsuccessful...over on a felony assault more empowered. King said, “I The center is key to the coun- half of people tend to go back charge. When he got know that when I came home, ty’s plan to help keep people out into incarceration...the bar is out about a year ago, there was nothing like this,” of jail, said Contra Costa County pretty low, unfortunately.” he had lost his hous- The center has helped Supervisor John Gioia. “If we “Part of why re-entry work ing and job. He said, about 100 people from across can show this center works and has failed is that people can be “You have to gather the county since opening in these programs work, it’ll hope- denied employment and housing your thoughts...and October 2015. Contra Costa fully help build the case for in- based on their criminal history,” you have to just take has invested about $10 million vesting more money in this type Alexander added. The center’s every step a little in community-based re-entry of work, it makes quality of life holistic approach is designed to step at a time.” services and $400,000 in the better for people who are re- help its clients navigate those le- McDowell wants center, the March 10 story leased from jail and return, and gal barriers. to become a chef, but reported. it makes our community safer. “As a whole we’re working he is working as a Supervisor Gioia said as more So it’s a win-win.” more collaboratively, so less janitor at the center. people hear about the center and Center director Nicholas people are going to slip through Fifteen years ago, Dameion possession. Now he’s a coach at get the help they need, he hopes Alexander commented, “If the cracks.” King was serving a three-year the center. it will become a model for the we look back at how re-entry & ! # The space is designed to make rest of the state. Day of Peace Established in 2006 to Discourage Violence
Continued from Page 1 erans Healing Veterans from the Inside Out; Ifa Foundation; Supporters take to a makeshift No More Tears; The Work; stage in the middle of the yard Protestant Church; Project to give speeches, recite poetry LA; TRUST; ELITE; Brother’s and entertain participants about Keeper; SQ CARES; Native Ha- what the event means to them. waiians; Diabetes Project; Free During the last couple of to Succeed; REACH; Vietnam events, The Native Hawaiian Veterans Group of San Quen- Religious Group of San Quen- tin; Catholic Church; Center- tin entertained the walkers with ing Prayer; Restorative Justice; dances. A Asian group called Karros; SQUIRES; TEDx, Heiwa Taiko, drummed for the San Quentin Prison Report; walkers. Hope For Lifers; Guiding Rage Music is provided by Bread & Into Power; Freeman Capital; Roses each year. California Reentry Institute;
Last year, the late folk singer Photo by Samuel Hearnes Criminal and Gang Members Audrey Auld entertained the The Heiwa Taiko drummers performing at the 2015 Peace Day celebration Anonymous; Shakespeare at walkers with songs that were San Quentin; The Richmond created in a workshop with in- to the Day of Peace, with more participants snacks donated by across the yard with various Project; Alliance for Change; mates. than 100 exhibits last year. Walkenhorst’s package vendor. self-help groups giving out in- The Last Mile; Restoring Our The sidewalk art contest is Josh Walkenhorst and Natalie Over the years of the celebra- formation about their organiza- Original True Selves; Kid Creat- one of the biggest attractions Tovar bring Day of Peace tion, tables have been sprawled tion. The groups include: Vet- ing Awareness Together. May 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 5 Test May Explain Racially Biased Police Shootings By Kevin D. Sawyer as wallets. culture that shapes the way their a gun, when it’s actually just a Categorizing the differences Associate Editor | brain is wired, the article re- tool, right after seeing a Black between Blacks and Whites to press a “Shoot” or “Don’t ported. face,” the article reported. produces rapid or automatic “Uncontrolled prejudice” Shoot” button for each image. Other research, according assumptions about their char- may explain why White police % to Mooney, suggests the men acteristics, the article asserted. * # ^ ! than community members when “You think of who killed Michael Brown and “Common stereotypes with the so often, according to an article deciding whether a subject was Trayvon Martin did not have to category ‘African-Americans,’ published in Mother Jones mag- armed, but they still showed yourself as a be conscious, overt racists to for example, include ‘loud,’ azine. bias against Black targets. pull the trigger. ‘good dancers’ and ‘good at The conclusion is based on The IAT “asks you to rap- person who strives O #R * #R sports.’” the Implicit Association Test idly categorize images of faces to be unprejudiced, pumping adrenaline, you don’t One key to correcting racial (IAT). It is designed to measure as either ‘African American’ have time to evaluate whether bias, according to the article, is racial prejudice that people can- or ‘European American,’” re- but you can’t your implicit bias is driving to shift the behavior of people not consciously control, and 51 ported Mother Jones. “You also your behavior,” Phillip Atiba and make them aware of how percent of those who have taken categorize words like ‘evil,’ control these split- Goff, president of the Center for “cultural assumptions merge the test online demonstrate a ‘happy,’ ‘awful’ and ‘peace’ as second reactions” Policing Equity, told Mooney. with natural cognitive processes “moderate to strong bias,” re- either ‘good’ or ‘bad.’” There “doesn’t need to be in- to create biases.” ported the Dec. 1, 2014, article “As words and faces keep tent, doesn’t need to be desire; The article suggested plac- by Chris Mooney, a book author \ %* * # # “Police are considerably there could even be desire in the ing people in scenarios where and staff writer for The Wash- to make too many sorting mis- slower to press the ‘Don’t opposite direction. But, biased a Black person is an ally, add- ington Post. takes,” Mooney reported. “You Shoot’ button for an unarmed results can still occur,” Brian ing that it is possible to alter in- The article described a study think of yourself as a person Black man than they are for an Nosek, a psychologist at the stincts to decrease prejudice by & - who strives to be unprejudiced, unarmed White man, and faster University of Virginia and IAT including other races as part of cers and community members but you can’t control these split- to shoot an armed Black man researcher, told Mooney. the same team. viewed photos of Black and second reactions.” than an armed White man,” re- The article said people regu- “A good start may simply be White men. Some of these men Negative words paired with ported Mooney. larly categorize and sort things making people aware of just in the photos held guns and oth- Black faces suggest racial bias “You might also be more in- such as furniture, animals and how unconsciously biased they ers held “harmless objects” such that may come from someone’s clined to wrongly think you see concepts. These things are au- can be. That’s particularly criti- ! * % cal in law enforcement, where various folders in the brain to implicit biases can lead to tragic Blacks Experience More help us function. But some ways outcomes,” Mooney wrote. of categorizing may be errone- The IAT can be taken online ous which can lead to “preju- at: Police Force Than Other Races dice and stereotyping.” understandingprejudice.org.
By Charles David Henry The report stated that of those likely than Whites (0.7 percent) Journalism Guild Writer who experienced force dur- to experience force during con- Wealth Is Irrelevant to ing their most recent contact, tacts that did not involve a per- Blacks experience high- approximately three-quarters sonal search. er rates of police force than of the persons confronted de- Statistically, males and per- Minority Incarcerations Whites and Hispanics, a federal scribed the verbal (71 percent) sons 16 to 25 were subjected report says. or physical (75 percent) force as to more police contact and the By Marcus Henderson economic positions. “Blacks (14 percent) were excessive. use of force during their most Staff Writer “About 2.7 percent of the more likely than Hispanics Persons in urban neighbor- recent contact than females and poorest White young people – ; * ! hoods (2.1 percent) were more persons age 26 or older, the re- A new study reveals that rich those whose household wealth ) likely than those in suburban port adds. Black kids are more likely to was in the poorest 10th of the experience nonfatal force dur- communities (1.5 percent) to The information also showed go to prison than poor White %# ; * ing street stops,” the U.S. De- experience nonfatal force with that “a lower percentage of kids, The Washington Post re- % _+ _ * partment of Justice reported. law enforcement. Among those persons who were shouted or ports. old – ultimately went to prison,” “Blacks were twice as likely as who did not experience the cursed at by police believed the according to the article. “In the Whites (0.7 percent) to experi- use of force during their most & { - + # ! * ence force during contacts in- recent police contact, Whites cent) compared to those who “Race trumps went to prison.” volving a personal search.” * # %% It also stated that “their chanc- In the period from 2002- likely than Blacks (70 percent) - class, at least es of being imprisoned were far 2011, Whites (20 percent) had to report one contact during the cent), had a pepper spray used less than those of Black youth a greater rate of police contact prior 12 months. ! when it comes to ! !# ! \# - than Blacks (17 percent) and The report shows Blacks were # ! incarceration” cumstances.” Hispanic (16 percent). How- more likely to experience force percent).” The information indicated 10 ever, during the most recent by police regardless of whether In addition, among the resi- \# ^ * # contact with police, “Whites the contact also involved a per- dents who experienced force “Race trumps class, at least ; # & # * were slightly less likely than sonal search. Blacks (1.4 per- during their most recent con- when it comes to incarcera- prison. Hispanics to experience exces- cent) were twice as likely as tact with police (1.6 percent tion,” said Darrick Hamilton In 2012, the household wealth sive nonfatal force in their en- Whites (0.7 percent) to experi- % - of the New School, one of the of Black participants in the counters with police through- ence force while also being per- lieved the police behaved prop- researchers who produced the study who had never been incar- out 2002-2011, the 2015 report * ^ * study, according to the March cerated was $16,200. added. percent) were also slightly more the report concluded. _ Post article. Whites who had never been Hispanics were incarcerated incarcerated had an average more than Whites with similar # _ +++ Report Claims Outrageous Tactics wealth, but less than Blacks, the Blacks who had been in prison study concluded. had zero wealth at the median; | # * % Whites that had been in prison Used to Build Bogus Criminal Cases and followed a group of young reported wealth of $5,000, the people of various races and article reported. By Larry Smith stash house that actually was a prior plea bargain agreement. Journalism Guild Writer government “sting” operation However, while issuing the with fake drugs. denial, Judge Edward Leavy NYC Settles Two Inmate The government is using out- Cota-Ruiz was a sheet-rocker of the Ninth Circuit Court of rageous tactics to build bogus with no previous criminal his- & - criminal cases, The Crime Re- tory, unemployed, and desper- demnation saying the “manifest Deaths at Rikers Island port claims. ately searching for money to buy injustice” by ATF agents should The tactics include making food, clothes and school sup- have led to a dismissal of the By Rudy Moralez allegedly ignored his pleas for up crimes, the report alleges. plies for his children, according original case due to “outrageous Journalism Guild Writer medical help after he ingested Is it OK when the government to Wisnieski. The sting was in- government conduct.” a toxic “soap ball” used to makes up crimes to catch vented by agents to catch some A Crime Report investigation New York City has agreed to clean cells. criminals? What if they are of the “most violent players” in found that from August 2014 * ; ! ! - The family of Carlos not criminals? Writer Adam the drug trade who prey on fel- through 2015, 126 motions to lies of two inmates who died Mercado, who died of diabetes Wisnieski posed such questions low drug dealers, according to dismiss a case based on “out- at Rikers Island jail, Reuters complications within hours in a special report, “Outrageous the report. rageous government conduct” reported. of arriving at the jail in June Government Conduct.” The Cota-Ruiz and three friends, | & ! * The settlement was an- _+ & ; ! * ) * who also were involved in the them were denied. nounced in November by Nick | # ! ! & old Mexican immigrant, sting, pleaded guilty to avoid The report said government Paolucci, spokesman for the months after a federal judge Emanuel Gerardo Cota-Ruiz, a longer sentence than the 10 * # city law department. sentenced a former guard to living in Arizona. He was years they received. Later one of sting operations because of the } & ! & * %- sentenced to 10 years in prison # * # the family of Jason Echevarria, erately ignoring Echevarria’s for conspiring to rob a cocaine which was denied because of the activities. 25, who died after guards medical problem. Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 CDCR’s Answer to Mental Issues and Suicide
Dr. Timothy Belavich an- uations completed by mental clinician must assess the inmate swered San Quentin News ques- health staff have been developed and determine if the inmate 1) tions last December about the and implemented. Additionally, understands the order 2) has dif- delivery of health care services Editorial a system for monitoring compli- # * ! * to prisoners. Dr. Belavich was ance with CDCR’s suicide pre- ! R ! formerly acting director of the prevention posters are located in istrative segregation units and vention policies was developed health symptoms are likely to Division of Health Care Ser- every institution. Custody staff initiated the use of intake cells and will become part of the de- get worse if force is used. The vices and deputy director of the carries pocket cards that iden- (cells that have been designed partment’s regular monitoring. mental health clinician will Statewide Mental Health Pro- tify suicide warning signs and to be suicide-resistant) in ASU. Statewide suicide prevention work with the inmate if he is gram. He is now employed by risk factors. We have created CDCR also developed a work- video conferences occur month- suffering from a mental health Los Angeles County. In previous workbooks for inmates placed in book for all inmates placed ly and include medical, nursing, related condition. Furthermore, editions San Quentin News re- restricted housing, and we have in ASU, and purchased hand- custody, legal and mental health nursing staff will review the ported his views on the Coleman disseminated informational cranked radios for inmate’s use representation at all institutions. health care record to ensure that lawsuit and custody and prison pamphlets for inmates and their while in ASU. The workbooks Every institution has an assigned the use of a chemical agent will culture. This edition focuses on families and friends. In addi- and radios were distributed be- Suicide Prevention Coordinator. not adversely affect an existing Suicide and Use of Force. Trans- tion, every institution has an as- cause it was recognized that Q. What changes have been health condition. Decisions to gender Special Needs will ap- signed suicide prevention coor- initial placement in ASU can made in the Use of Force poli- use force are now a team deci- pear next month. dinator who is required to attend % ! * # cies and procedures? sion that involves custody, men- By Dr. Timothy Belavich the Men’s Advisory Council and it is important for inmates to A. Mental health is now in- tal health, nursing and medical Contributing Writer Inmate Family Council in order be able to have a diversion in volved in all situations that may staff. If the team cannot agree, to provide education about sui- an isolating environment. The require controlled use of force, the decision about whether to cide prevention and to answer workbooks contain some suicide whether or not the inmate is a use force is elevated to custody the programs and policies that questions about mental health prevention messages and coping participant in the mental health and mental health (and medical, have been implemented to re- concerns. strategies. program, also known as the as appropriate) management. duce the suicide rate. In order to try to reduce the Training for health care and Mental Health Services Delivery Mental health is now involved in A. Education for staff, pa- suicide rate in Administra- custody staff has been revised * ! = * all institutional reviews of con- tients and families is an im- tive Segregation Units (ASU), and expanded. In addition, new when controlled use of force is trolled use of force and immedi- portant piece of any suicide CDCR increased the frequency training modules and methods considered, a “cool-down peri- ate use of force incidents involv- prevention program. Suicide of welfare checks in all admin- for enhancing suicide risk eval- od” is required. A mental health ing patients in the MHSDS. American Prisons Can Take Cue from Nations Abroad By Charles David Henry tice style of punishment seems prisons, where one in 10 is sex- Journalism Guild Writer to always be chosen. According ually assaulted. “We are one of to Dreisinger, this system “is not just nine countries who punish The most punitive and rapidly normal, natural or inevitable.” (with) both life sentences and growing prison systems in the “Western democracies, par- the death penalty,” Dreisinger world are located in countries ticularly America, have chosen continues. with brutal histories, a noted capital punishment, solitary Different approaches to writer states. ! ! * ! - incarceration are being pursued These histories include co- mum sentences, Three-Strike in other parts of the world, lonialism or slavery, combined laws, militarized police forces often with greater success, with capitalist exploitation of and building of prisons unlike Dresinger said. “In Rwanda, prison labor, said Michelle Al- anywhere in the world,” Alex- an entire nation has committed exander, author and senior fel- ander wrote. itself to healing, forgiveness, low at the Ford Foundation. “America has the world’s reconciliation and restorative
In a review written for The highest incarceration rate and File Photo justice following a genocide in Washington Post, Alexander an abysmal recidivism rate of Norway prison which neighbors hacked one describes how Baz Dreisinger, 60 percent. However, the ra- another to death in the streets.” a professor at John Jay College tios of Aboriginal people jailed Dreisinger explains. It’s “a _ ! The country of Norway, of Criminal Justices, introduced in Western Australia are now tangle of legal, business, and % % P # O \ “a wide range of approaches to worse than the racial disparities government interest that has ex- or 7 million people, are under egalitarian culture and spirit of crime, punishment and ques- for Blacks in the United States,” isted for centuries.” Despite that some correctional control. More communitarianism, a spirit that tions of justice in diverse coun- Alexander narrated. explanation, Alexander doesn’t Blacks are in some criminal re- extends to its prisons,” has a 20 tries.” In her review of Incarcera- think the author really answered straint today than were enslaved percent recidivism rate. Dreisinger’s intriguing new tion Nations, Alexander won- these questions. ;+ $ _; “We in America might one book, Incarceration Nations, ders whether it’s possible that In a released statement, adult population in prison also day overcome our own history searches for clues that might privatization has something to Dreisinger told the press. suffers from mental illness, of genocide, slavery, discrimi- “answer the question of what !# O ! ! * Dreisinger adds. nation and oppression and cre- justice is or, rather, what it margin that’s feeding the Aus- beginning to tackle the legacy America considers juveniles ate a justice system that is truly ought to be.” tralian appetite for mass incar- of punishment and human too immature to vote or buy a source of international pride When the world is forced to ceration. warehousing coldly captured by alcohol; however, our crimi- rather than shame,” Alexander look at the reality of incarcera- “These are the roots of the the term mass incarceration.” nal justice system deems them concludes. tion, the American criminal jus- prison industrial complex,” “We are the world’s largest mature enough to live in adult Former Inmates Face Multiple Barriers to Successful Re-entry
By Forrest Lee Jones a sentence.” report. whelmingly provide housing, The study showed a strong Journalism Guild Writer This past year, there has been “We know that this country’s food and employment opportu- connection between poverty bipartisan support for prison long history of racial injustices nities for their previously incar- and criminal behavior, both Even with a new skill set and reform in Congress, which has led to communities of color cerated love ones. Among those making it nearly impossible to good behavior, returning home demonstrates the nation getting being overwhelmingly targeted surveyed in the “Who Pays?” set formerly incarcerated peo- after years of incarceration can serious about prison reform, by the criminal justice system { ! - ple up for success. % # ! ! _ * = - and disproportionately suffer- ; &- “Aside from the economic and the communities they ever, there is a critical element ing from poverty,” according to ing under the poverty line were devastation, other unmitigated return to, according to a report missing from the conversation Norris. “To effectively end this unable to afford the fees and factors prove equally harmful in Ebony magazine. of mass incarceration reform, cycle of criminalization, incar- % to the re-entry process. The “As we work to reduce mass which is how to reinvest in com- ceration and poverty, we need a their economic despair. stigma, isolation and trauma of incarceration, we must not ne- munities that will help people serious plan to reinvest in men- The study shows the aver- incarceration have a sizeable glect to address the barriers the succeed once they come home, tal health care, housing, food age debt incurred for court- and terrible impact on the fam- formerly incarcerated will ulti- writes Norris, who is executive and employment services in the ilies and communities of the mately have to face,” the op-ed director of the Ella Baker Cen- communities most at risk.” those facing incarceration was formerly incarcerated,” says by Zachary Norris says. ter for Human Rights. A study done by 20 com- )+ the report. “Once they leave the iron Reducing mandatory sen- munity organizations entitled “It’s no surprise then that The “Who Pays?” report con- gates and stone walls of prison, tencing for nonviolent offend- “Who Pays? The True Cost of nearly two out of three families cluded that 50 percent of all for- they should not have to begin ers is front and center in the na- Incarceration of Families” re- (65 percent) with an incarcer- merly incarcerated persons and a new sentence on the outside. tional debate on prison reform, & ated family member were un- 50 percent of the family mem- Without ample opportunities but there is little discussion barriers faced by the formerly able to pay their family’s basic bers surveyed suffered nega- and reinvestment in poor and among the nation’s policymak- incarcerated can dramatically needs, with nearly half unable tive health conditions, such as struggling communities, life ers and leaders about ensur- impact not only their future, to afford enough food or pay post-traumatic stress disorder, after prison easily becomes ing successful re-entry for the but also that of their families. for their housing,” according to hopelessness, depression, anxi- nothing more than extension of formerly incarcerated, says the For example, families over- Norris. ety and nightmares. May 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 7 The Effects of PTSD on Juvenile Inmates Part 1
By John Lam the self is wounded, or when a because my top priority was Journalism Guild Writer person who directly experienc- about survival. I was numb and es, witnesses or learns about a # Kid CAT Speaks! violent event is ‘damaged.’” This relating to the crazy events hap- a two-part series detailing the was my experience of prison. pening around me (let alone) to impact of trauma on incarcer- pacts. Since I have been incarcerated Within several months after what I had done to get to prison.” ated men’s likelihood of success Trauma has created a seri- at San Quentin, I have taken coming to prison, a numbness This numbness is particularly at the parole board. # % \ advantage of self-help groups set in that allowed me to survive troubling as I sit in groups with In the many group discussions many people, including myself. and a new environment in the fear for being targeted and men who are attempting to pro- held each day in San Quentin, it For those incarcerated with which many people value the trauma of witnessing vio- cess their culpability and to take is not uncommon to hear men lengthy sentences those for \ }R& % # lence. Though they may not been responsibility for the harm they raise their hands and say, “I whom the parole board will de- suspect that living under violent diagnosed with actual PTSD di- caused. The goal in these group don’t know how to connect with termine the time of their release conditions may cause people agnosis, incarcerated people of- settings is to truly empathize myself.” \ to develop Post Traumatic ten respond to the violence they with and feel remorse for the I felt this way, too, for many prove disastrous: The parole Stress Disorder (PTSD), which have experienced with indiffer- victim(s), but men I have known years. I thought I was alone in board often cites “lack of in- has long-term mental health ence, hyper-vigilance, or other #!% - that feeling, but I wasn’t. I real- sight” in issuing denials. consequences. PTSD symptoms. vents them from doing so. ized many incarcerated people When I came to prison at age People develop coping mech- The U.S. Department of In addition, I have seen numb- were disconnected from their & ! anisms to survive the violence Veterans Affairs reports: “All ness keep people from under- emotions, due in part to a lack ! %# & #- and fear in prisons, but these people (who) lived through a standing the factors leading to of awareness about trauma’s im- ally fear became the norm. mechanisms are at odds with traumatic event that caused their crime; such understanding \ them to fear for their lives, see is essential to being found suit- This issue has become in- horrible things, . . . feel helpless. able for parole. creasingly relevant as Califor- . . (and experience) changes “When I was in LA county Letter to Kid CAT nia’s sentencing law reform in the brain that may result in jail, people were getting raped, allows more people to come be- PTSD.” I believe everyone with beat up and robbed, so I put up My name is Jeffrey Hall. I am serving a life without parole fore the parole board. whom I have been incarcerated a shield and never took it down sentence at Solano State Prison. I’ve been in prison for 25 has experienced these changes so that people would not mess years in July. TRAUMA to some degree. with me,” said Falao Toalepai, }R& % | G } “ I h a v e b e e n t h r o u g h f o u r 52, serving 25 years to life for them intriguing. We have a fair amount of programs here at In the worst moments of all in- riots since I have been incarcer- !# ` & * } * * * # # carceration, trauma strips away ated and numerous violent alter- “I had no one I could trust to Is there something LWOPs can do to help under the Kid the ability to empathize, to re- * P talk to about why I am in prison CAT banner and/or to create a branch of Kid CAT? I’d be late to other people, and to have ! ; (because) I was worried about very grateful for any information/guidance you can offer. self-awareness. “If you asked me three years how other people would look at The Diagnostic and Statisti- ago (prior to coming to San ! N ! _ * Kid CAT Response: cal Manual of Mental Disorders Quentin), I would have told you prison. I have been to the board #! O & that I didn’t care about my vic- & ! We appreciate your letter and willingness to be of service which there is physical harm, tims or what they went through time for a lack of insight.” to your community. We receive letters from juvenile lifers including those with LWOP sentences who desire to contrib- ute to rehabilitative programs. It is encouraging to see lead- Juvenile Interrogation Techniques ership in various prisons reaches out and steps up with the desire to create programs such as Kid CAT. We would like to help by creating an informational packet Can Result in False Confessions of the Kid CAT group so that our community partnership manager could send it to the community partnership man- Children are now being ex- “Bottom line: using … potent that these pressures (of psycho- ager at Solano. We would work to secure approval to make posed to a controversial inter- techniques like the Reid Tech- logical interrogation generally, this packet available. rogation technique by adults nique on students is … a recipe [ | - Meanwhile, Kid CAT holds monthly writing workshops that can lead to false confessions for disaster,” the ABA reported. nique) can induce a frighten- with The Beat Within. The workshops are based on pre-se- the American Bar Association Some of these vulnerabilities ingly high percentage of people lected quotes and writing prompts created by juvenile lifers. (ABA) reports. are attributed to what is called to confess to crimes they never The participants discuss the prompts, then break off to write The ABA newsletter urges the “juvenile brain,” which is committed,’” the ABA added. responses. Thereafter, the participants read their pieces. The more prone to traits like impul- False confessions played a prompts are general and intended to stimulate thought. the use of the Reid Technique siveness, vulnerability, as well * + You may contribute by writing about your personal trans- in their schools. It encourages as a tendency to be motivated by wrongful convictions that have formation, realities, and experiences as a juvenile serving parents to demand that they be short-term rewards. This can in- been uncovered by DNA evi- LWOP. If published, you will receive a copy of the issue in % clude giving in to the pressures dence, according to the Inno- which your story is featured. When possible, beginning this to interrogate their child. of interrogation by deciding that cence Project. month, we will publish in Kid CAT Speaks one prompt from John E. Reid & Associates, a confession is the only way out There were 221 exonerations the monthly workshop so other incarcerated men and women the developers of the Reid Tech- # # - & & & may contribute their stories. Please keep us updated on your nique, “appears to be expanding less of its truth, the ABA notes. false confessions, according to struggles and achievements. the use of its technique on kids. The Reid website cautions that the National Registry of Exon- In addition to training police it is “well-accepted that juvenile erations. Send writings to: The Beat Within interrogators, the company is suspects are more susceptible to Children are two to three ^ { + now marketing its technique to falsely confess than adults.” The times more likely to falsely con- { { school administrators across the site warns that “every interroga- fess during interrogation than country,” the ABA reported. So tor must exercise extreme cau- adults, according to the ABA. Writing Prompt: far, this training has occurred in tion and care when interviewing “Confessions are incredibly Send word: Write a letter to the youth in the Juvenile Hall at least 12 states. or interrogating a juvenile.” # & # that you came from. Write the letter as if you would read it The Reid Technique is a set of The consequences of using percent of proven false confes- in person to them. Write the letter so it is gender neutral. Ex- psychological tactics designed the Reid Technique on children sors whose case went to trial plain what juvenile hall you were in, what unit, when, why, for one purpose: “to extract con- are not lost on the U.S. Supreme & N - and your age at the time. Were you in and out? Were you re- fessions …. The technique is a Court, the ABA reports. ure does not account for those leased, sent to CYA, tried as an adult and sent to county jail guilt-presumptive, accusatory, O} ! )) - false confessors who pled guilty or prison? What is your sentence, how long have you been manipulative process,” the ABA sion Miranda v. Arizona, the % _; incarcerated, and what is your age now? This is your letter; reported. court cited the Reid Technique DNA exonerees who falsely tell your truth. Include what can be valuable to the youth. Children have a greater pro- to conclude that the ‘heavy toll’ confessed, 11 percent pled Keep in mind the advice or message you would or would not pensity toward false confes- of custodial interrogation may guilty.) People, including judges have listened to at that age and time. Avoid preaching and sions due to the use of psycho- result in false confessions,” the and juries, are very reluctant to talking down to them or at them; instead go to them where logical interrogation techniques ABA noted. believe that a confession might they are at in their life. If you were never in juvenile hall, designed for seasoned adult “The court went even further be false — and the result, too write a letter anyway. criminals that exploit the devel- _++ Corley v. United often, can be a wrongful convic- Prompt by Miguel Quezada opmental vulnerabilities of kids, States, stating that ‘there is tion,” the newsletter stated. according to the ABA. mounting empirical evidence –John Lam
&' & ' ( # # *+ sentenced as adults to life terms. The group’s mission is to inspire humanity through education, mentorship and restorative &' 2 $ # 7 # $ 7 7 & 2 8 ; ' < &' 2 $ = > 2 2 8 &' ?@?G@ Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 Elderly Inmates Burden State Prisons
By David Eugene Archer Sr. By 2014, Virginia’s elderly Trey Fuller, the state’s prisons’ ed in the get-tough-on crimi- according to the Vera Institute Journalism Guild Writer prisoners had grown in number acting health services director. + # of Justice. to 7,202, or 20 percent of all in- “Over time we’ll need more prison sentences, the March 17 When aging prisoners reach The elderly population in mates. and more money... because they story reported. the end of their sentences, cor- state prisons continues to climb, The consequence of this for will need more drugs, more “It was the push for manda- & # %# state prisons is it costs more specialist visits, more nursing tory sentences and three strikes hard time placing them. “Pri- other problems, reports Mi- money for health care for the hours, more everything,” Fuller you’re out,” said Linda Redford, vate nursing homes don’t want chael Ollove for the Pew Chari- aged – between four and eight said. director of aging and geriatrics to take elderly offenders...,” table Trusts. times that of younger prisoners, programs at the University of said Virginia’s Fuller. State and federal prisoners according to the report. two factors that cause this in- Kansas Medical Center. Studies have found that older 65 and older outpaced the to- } _+ * ; crease in older prisoners. The People in prison generally are ex-offenders are less likely than # %* { ! million Virginia spent on off- less healthy than the general younger ones to commit addi- 2007 to 2010, according to Hu- site prisoner health care was for adults are entering prison. The population. They have abused tional crimes after their release, man Right’s Watch. older prisoners, according to second factor is changes enact- drugs and alcohol or neglected Ollove noted. But politicians their health for many years, the and the public don’t seem will- story noted. They have higher ing to release former murder- Criminalization and Poverty rates of cardiac disease, high ers and sex offenders, though blood pressure, hepatitis C, dia- they are decades removed from betes and other chronic diseas- their crimes and physically in- es than the general population. capable of repeating them, said Linked to Nation’s Prisons “Prisons weren’t designed Liz Gaynes, president of the By Charles David Henry In fact, the ACLU of Ohio led these as a “non-criminal fee,” for patients who are getting Osborne Association. Journalism Guild Writer ground-breaking reform to meaning that a person cannot older. They were ... for people “It comes down to they did a combat debtors’ prison with its be incarcerated for failure to ;; P # * bad thing, and they should be Criminalization and poverty _+ The Outskirts of pay them, but in practice, they chief physician for Correctional punished,” Gaynes said. are intertwined within the na- Hope. operate with little difference Managed Care, University of “States will be forced to pay tion’s incarceration system, a # from a modern-day debtors’ Texas Medical Branch. One in more and more for that atti- report by the American Civil over 100 jails throughout the prison, The Outskirts of Hope & | tude,” Gaynes added. Liberties Union (ACLU). state. This report shows that reported. than 50. O * # # # * “It is almost always the poor- 75 facilities are full-service “Any amount unpaid will re- States have had to install get them out of the prison sys- est among us who fall prey to jails. “Out of the 75 county fa- main on the person’s account ramps and shower handles and tem and on to Medicare, or ... the two-tiered system of jus- cilities, 40 charge a pay-to-stay and will be counted against ! * ! - you need to fund those facilities tice that separates the haves fee for incarceration, either them if they are incarcerated in tions. Many prisons have had and care services that are nec- and the have-nots,” the ACLU through a booking fee, a daily the jail again,” the report add- to create assisted-living centers essary,” said Texas’ Murray. stated. fee or both.” ed. “Collections are processed with full-time nursing staffs. At So far, most states have opted “Pay-to-stay jail fees are the “In Jail & In Debt: Ohio’s through Intellitech Corpora- least 75 prisons provide hospice for the second approach, report- next generation of unending Pay-to-Stay fees” reported that tion. If someone were jailed in services for dying prisoners, ed Ollove. debts that seek to tether low- Williams County, home to the @ + * * income people to the criminal Corrections Center of North- # % # ) _+ P justice system,” the ACLU west Ohio (CCNO), charges According to the ACLU, reported in 2015, pointing to the highest pay-to-stay fees. individuals are typically ex- ^ R + booking fees and daily fees. | ) % !# # * pected to pay their debts while An inmate may be assessed a correctional facility houses in- incarcerated, either directly or booking fee upon arrival, re- ! ! & # } through commissary funds. If Judicial Appointees ferred to as a processing fee, one of the highest booking fees the jail is unable to collect all a reception fee, or administra- at $100. The jail then charges of the fees before the prisoner tive fee. )) + * is released, the debt is turned in Five Years Some people are charged a “Williams County does not & } + daily fee. This should not ex- consider whether a person is days. If not, it will be reported By Salvador Solorio \ ! ceed the cost of housing and indigent when they assess the on the person’s credit history. Journalism Guild Writer the “tough on crime” trends feeding the person for each fees, so all people regardless In materials provided to the + * _+++ day of incarceration, the report of income must pay the same ACLU, Intellitech claimed it Many of the judges Gov. maintains. Additionally, a few daily fee. When a person is does not pursue collections Jerry Brown appointed in the beyond capacity and led to a counties charge release fees, released, money may be taken against people who are indi- & * & #% federal court order to reduce covering the cost of processing from their commissary ac- gent, yet this does not appear defender background, accord- the state’s prison population, a person out of jail, the report count to pay their pay-to-stay to be the practice. In inter- ing to KQED’s The California according to the report. added. balance if the amount is above views with people who were Report. A more-diverse bench will The report revealed that $25,” the report noted. clearly indigent and had been “Observers said the sizeable make a more-balanced system, courts in Ferguson, Mo. and These charges are imposed declared so by the court, they number of public defender ap- said Michael Ogul, president Concord, N.H. are illegally in- against a person simply be- reported receiving many calls pointments is a big shift from of the California Public De- carcerating people who cannot cause they are in jail, the report and letters and the debts were Brown’s predecessors, who fenders Association. * # | # & reported on their credit history. largely appointed prosecu- “Now, the hope is that the tors,” noted the report. new era of public defender O & judges will actually be people * ^ ! + who are not jaded, who are CPAC Panel Takes on appointments to the bench. A genuinely open-minded, open KQED analysis shows that 26 to considering the totality of & - the evidence, and trying to un- Criminal Justice Reform ed, have been public defenders derstand the background of the at one point in their careers,” individual who appears before By Wayne Boatwright recent reform efforts, saying, and other nonviolent drug of- the report states. “About 14 them,” Ogul said. Journalism Guild Writer “All this is going to do, at fenders, Baptiste reported. percent were district attorneys, Brown has said he believes best, is shift the costs” down Clarke countered that such ! diversity extends beyond The conservative take on to the state and local level attempts to reduce incarcera- prosecutorial background.” someone’s race, ethnicity, criminal justice reform was as with California’s prison tion may simply be normaliz- Since Brown’s election to his sexual orientation or gender— debated at this year’s Conser- Realignment. ing criminal behavior in com- third term in 2010, the justice it also includes their life and vative Political Action Confer- Alternatively, the former munities that can least afford system has undergone a host of work experience. ence (CPAC). attorney general of Virginia, it. dramatic changes. The chang- The governor also said that A CPAC panel discussed Ken Cuccinelli, supports re- “If you’re a struggling mom es engineered or supported by “using and manipulating the policy tools that would send form efforts and noted that living in a slum or a ghetto...” Brown were made in large part fear of crime has allowed one fewer people to prison while “Over the last 10 years, (Tex- Clarke said “...you’re doing ev- to ease overcrowding in the segment of our society” – law maintaining public safety, as) has reduced both their bud- erything that you can to keep state’s prison system. enforcement – to dominate reported Nathalie Baptiste of get for prisons and their crime your kid away from that dope Brown pushed through Re- the bench. But prosecutors Prospect.org. rate by double-digit percent- dealer standing on the cor- alignment, which shifted the R * (# - The strongest advocate for ages.” ner....” responsibility for the supervi- yers “The judges are supposed maintaining the status quo Pat Nolan of the American In at-risk communities, sion of thousands of offenders to be independent. You want was David A. Clarke Jr., the Conservative Union supports without support structures in from state prisons to local jails. judges that have a commercial African-American sheriff a move toward an evidence- place for social alternatives to Recently Brown proposed a background, you want judg- of Milwaukee County since driven public health model: the incarceration like those man- ballot measure that aims to let es that have a prosecutorial 2002. Clarke acknowledged government would only pros- dated by California’s Proposi- nonviolent offenders qualify background, city attorneys, or that the United States spends ecute certain crimes like rape, tion 47, Clarke does not believe earlier for parole if they par- county counsel, or small prac- ! * + % murder and robbery while tar- that the most effective way to ticipate in rehabilitation pro- tice, plaintiffs’ practice – you year on its criminal justice geting major drug traffickers keep a community healthy is grams, want a diversity, instead of system. But he dismissed most as opposed to street dealers “by cuddling up to criminals.” Brown’s appointments re- P May 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 9 Merle Haggard: San Quentin Parolee, Music Icon
By Thomas Winfrey a guitar-driven blend of blues, Art Editor jazz, pop and honky-tonk,” ac- cording to the New York Times. “I turned 21 in prison doing Four years after his release life without parole,” music leg- from San Quentin, Haggard end Merle Haggard sang in his reunited with Martin, who was ! # ) O ! | P ){ - The song was Haggard’s public called how Haggard had already apology to a religious mother, become a success, “so much so Flossie Mae, and his acknowl- # +++ edgement that “she tried to bet at one of the tables.” raise (him) right.” } _ Merle Ronald Haggard Gov. Ronald Reagan granted passed away on his birthday, Haggard a rare full pardon. April 6, 2016, at his ranch in But Haggard never forgot = where he came from. In his years old. song, “Branded Man,” which Haggard was only 15 years ) = % sang, “But no matter where I’m bars for a robbery. In the next living, the black mark follows & * # me/I’m branded with a number other petty crimes until, at the on my name.” age of 20, he was sent to San Martin, who has been back Quentin State Prison for bur- ) * ; = * murder conviction, considers spent behind the San Quentin Haggard’s transformation a walls ultimately impacted both triumph. Haggard’s music and his life and the music he made. File Photo the stories he told with his songs Curly Ray Martin, 76, Merle Haggard in San Quentin North Block on June 20, 1994 have resonated with millions of lived several years alongside fans over the years. Haggard, inside and outside of said Haggard hopped a freight Merle sitting by himself near “I’ll tell you what the pub- “Merle made everyone prison walls. Both grew up in train and was chased all the the old steam plant, up against lic likes more than anything,” proud,” Martin said of his old Oildale, Calif., a small town on way to Fresno, where police the fence, writing songs, and Haggard once told the Boston friend. # ^ retrieved him. He spent his everyone would just leave him Globe. “It’s the most rare com- Haggard is survived by a sis- “I drove my grandmother youth engaging in petty crime alone,” Martin said. “He would modity in the world – honesty.” ter, Lillian; his wife, Theresa over to Mrs. Haggard’s house and truancy from school. Even play a lot of his own music, but I On top of his honesty, Hag- Lane; their two children, Ben because they both were church- when he was in reform schools, would also hear him play music gard stood out in country music and Jenessa; four children from going women, and that’s where he attempted to escape, only to from Lefty Frizzell and George for “defying the conventions of ! I met Merle,” recalls Martin. be thrown back in again, ac- Jones.” the Nashville musical establish- Marty and Noel; and a son, “About three months later, I cording to Henderson. When Haggard wasn’t alone ment,” and was “an architect of Scott, from a previous relation- heard he was in trouble — and Nearly a year after Haggard with his musical muse, Martin * ^ # ship. he ended up in San Quentin.” landed at San Quentin, Martin would join Haggard in the yard, But Haggard was in trouble followed in his friend’s where they’d drink and play ! % = footsteps, and reunited with music. years in the abandoned boxcar Haggard at San Quentin for O} ; } that his father, James, a railroad similar burglary charges. to The Hole twice for getting carpenter, had turned into a During their time spent together, drunk and raising hell -- once makeshift home for his family, Haggard taught Martin how to on his birthday, once on mine,” according to Nancy Henderson play the bass guitar. said Martin. in the New York Times. Soon, Long before Haggard got his The wild side that had Merle lost his father to a stroke. % !# # - sparked in Haggard’s youth had “It was a devastating event try (he was hired to play bass in followed him into prison, where for the young boy, who was * R % ) he spent his 21st birthday in sol- very close to his father,” writes Haggard honed his craft of mu- * ! Henderson. sic on the San Quentin yard, While incarcerated at San Haggard spiraled into a re- Martin remembered. Quentin, Haggard saw Johnny bellious way of life. Henderson “Sometimes you’d see ol’ ! & ; | File Photo experience convinced Haggard to take his talents more seri- ously. After he was paroled in )+ = becoming a country singer like his role models -- Lefty Frizzell and Jimmie Rodgers. He took his guitar and per- formed in the bars of Bakers- - tion and help from those around him. “Liz Anderson, Ken Nelson, Buck Owens, Wynn Stewart and Tommy Collins all helped Merle because he was good and he deserved to be helped,” Martin said. ^* ){ = the Country Top 40 with “Just Between the Two of Us,” a duet with Bonnie Owens, the former wife of country singer Buck Owens, and Haggard’s second wife. Johnny Cash once introduced Haggard as a “man who writes about his own life and has a life to write about.” Haggard’s honesty became a staple of his unique music. He wrote about his drinking in his number one hit, “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink,” one of many songs in which Haggard was candid about his File Photo life and the questionable deci- File Photo Merle Haggard’s live performance sions he had made in life. ! " "" Page 10 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 11 Mother’s Day: A Chance to Honor Our Mothers
By Angelo Falcone been there for each other I hope you have a happy and pendence. My mother never let Sam Johnson: “Mariah John- Journalism Guild Writer through good times and bad blessed Mother’s Day.” the circumstances overcome son, Elizabeth Johnson, Connie times. I have done a lot of bad Christopher Scull: “My her; she rose above them. She Herbert and Deloris Williams: In honor of Mother’s Day, we things in my life and she was mother was truly the most lov- also, by her diligent attention to You all loved me with so much wondered: How much do the always there for me when I was ing, caring and helpful woman * * # P unconditional love, even with men in blue love their moth- on the streets and in here. I am I have ever known in my life. I Matthew Edwards: “I ad- !* \ } ers? More than their girlfriends happy that we still have that miss her very much. I will al- mire my mother’s love, strength, good enough or when I was or spouses? Do their emotions bond. We love each other and I ways love her. I will always re- * ! weak with low self-esteem. You r match those of men on the other can talk to her about anything, member her because she loved pregnant by force, rejected her love wrapped my heart gently side of the wall? so I thank God for blessing me me the most.” racist family’s disapproval, and and warmly. Your love assured “There is a higher volume (of with my mom and long as we Forrest Jones: “My biologi- still chose to birth me with love. me that I was a gift from God. \ R * live.” cal mother, Genova Jones, died Through disrespect, adversity, Through my 25 years, your than for Valentine’s Day,” ac- Jose Flores: “Women come when I was a baby. My god- or heartache for me coming to love kept me from being alone. and go. Girlfriends can be here mother, Elvira Miles, raised me prison, my mother’s uncondi- Thank you for your wisdom, by Amy Stewart. today and gone tomorrow. But just like she raised her own chil- tional love, strength, and self- understanding, strength and life “There may be a reason for there is only one Mom, with a dren and she instilled in me the ! # - lessons. When the walls of my that. Valentine’s Day is all capital M. The love from Mom same qualities that she instilled able and everlasting.” cell felt like they were closing about roses. But when people is truly unconditional. It doesn’t in her own children. I admire Ray Monde: “My mom’s in, your love penetrated the cold \ ! matter what I do or say, who I her for that. My godmother died - darkness with the light and love they tend to send arrangements, am, or what choices I make, my last year.” ! % # of Jesus. To all my mothers who not just a dozen roses ... so you Mom loves me no matter what. Cody Brown: “Mom, you inspired me not to be easily in- raised me with their uncondi- might send more stems to your But the love of a girlfriend or are honest, loving, courageous, \# %* P tional love, hugs and kisses, I, Markee Carter and his mother mother at Mother’s Day than wife is conditional. There are # \ #!% - Matthew Nguyen: “What I your loving son, love you and you do to your wife at Valen- things that I can do, say or be spectful, resilient, tolerant, admire most about my mom, adore you in the mighty name tine’s Day,” Stewart reports. that will cause a girlfriend or beautiful, and you have an aside from the fact that she car- of Jesus Christ.” Asked On the Line posed this wife to stop loving me. Only amazing sense of humor. No- & ! ! A. Alvarez: “I am the lucki- question to men on the main- Mom loves forever.” body is perfect, but in my eyes, to America and that she gave est man for being born to my line: What do you admire most Walter Johnson: “Moms, you are the embodiment of a birth to seven children, is that mom. She cherished me in a about your mom (or the woman thank you for always being un- perfect mother. I love you so she gave birth to me, I was her way I couldn’t understand until * # derstanding with me, for always much.” last one, and I was an 11-pound, I became a parent. Thank you, Jarray D. Birdon’s mother Markee Carter: “My mama being there for me, and for al- Phil Phillips: “My mother 12-ounce baby. I love you mom, for loving me and not Celestine Belton is my heart and soul. We have ways being truthful. Moms, is a pillar of strength and inde- Mommy!” judging me.” Happy Mother’s Day
David Harrison, with his mother and father Kathleen and Steve
Jim Snider’s mother, Margaret
Aunt Opal, Timothy Holmes his mother, Pearl Holmes
Joyce Smith
and family members Shelly Warrens, Anthony Ammons, Shenique Ammons Orlando Harris and his mother Page 12 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 Arts & Entertainment
Photo by P. Jo Bonneville Salt Flats Photo Effect Snippets ercury, also Mknown as quick- Sudoku Corner silver has a silvery \ & metallic nature. Last Issue’s Sudoku 974 8 Solutions n all of India’s I100,000 year history, *473 it has never invaded 4876*3591 9*6784153 another country. 17 35*491786 81753694* 61978543* 5431*9876 unlight can reach a 65 9 1*6847953 764958*31 Sdepth of around 262 57493*168 *95317684 feet in the ocean. 938156*74 38146*597 *96 *93564817 4386917*5 & + 1768413796*5 679*45318 Osuccess rate for 765*18349 15*873469 catching their prey. 45 ucha Libre wres- The Month of May Ltlers are generally 57 8 3 divided into two types: rudos and técnicos. *986 The rudos are the “bad # * & ! * * guys” and the técnicos | * * & # * & * & Tuesdays. are the “good guys.” # Holocaust Remembrance Day and Cinco de Mayo (The Battle of Puebla) are on Thursday, May 5. ctopuses have 8*1# R * # * * < R * Othree hearts, which is on Tuesday, May 10. are all located in their 41 # Armed Forces Day is on Saturday, May 21 and Memorial heads. * * * + # For the Christian community, Eastern Orthodox Easter old is so mal- *49 is on Sunday, May 1; the Ascension of the Lord is on Gleable that a thread Thursday, May 5; Pentecost is on Sunday, May 15; The drawn from one ton of 5849 6 Most Holy Trinity is on Sunday, May 22; Mary, The gold can stretch over Help of Christians is on Tuesday, May 24 and The Body { + +++ ! ! - 34 and Blood of Christ is on Thursday, May 26. # The World Almanac reports May is Clean Air Month, rable to stretching from Get Caught Reading Month, National Barbecue Month, the earth to the moon 97351 ! = @ and back again. Inventors Month, and National Mental Health Month. 79 4 # There are two astrological signs in May: Taurus, the oga comes from sign of the Bull (April 20 to May 20) and Gemini, the Ythe Sanskrit term 7 3 sign of the Twins (May 21 to June 21). word “yui” meaning “to # The May birthstone is the emerald. unite”. 96 1 May 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 13
1. Sacramento, Calif. — Gov. * ! # Jerry Brown granted clemency of prisoners, making conditions ; # % News Briefs “more humane and more just,” Sunday. Most were convicted of reports the Associated Press. nonviolent drug-related crimes. * ! All of those pardoned have ob- a “drastic and punitive designa- # - tion, one that should be used ing that they are now rehabili- only as a last resort and for the tated. A gubernatorial pardon shortest possible time to serve may be granted to people who the penal purposes for which it have demonstrated exemplary 5 is designed.” behavior and have lived pro- 67 10. Williamsport, Pa. — ductive and law-abiding lives 10 Lycoming County Coroner following their conviction. Charles Kiessling Jr. has started 2. Los Angeles — Robert 1 ruling heroin overdose deaths as Contreras will be paid nearly homicides. Kiessling says drug ) ! # 11 dealers are murderers. He said after police shot him and left he wants to raise awareness of him paralyzed, reports the a heroin epidemic that contrib- 2 Associated Press 4 # * # overdose deaths in the state in toward them with something in one year. “If you chose to sell his hand—it was a cellphone. heroin, you’re killing people 3. Colorado — A 2015 change and you’re murdering people. in the law regarding parole re- You’re just as dead from a shot vocation cut in half recidivism 12 of heroin as if someone puts a rates for technical violations bullet in you,” Kiessling told and reduced the state’s prison The Daily Item of Sunbury. population. 11. Frankfort, Ky. — Pro- 4. Oklahoma — The Okla- posed new legislation would homa Corrections Depart- give some nonviolent felons a ! _ ! | prison before his conviction agnosed with borderline charac- second chance by letting them Tennessee-based Corrections demonstrations follow another was overturned, and he was ter disorder, mood disorder and seek to have their criminal re- Corporation of America and protest at Kinross Correctional freed. While Rosario was in anti-social personality disorder, cords erased. Republican Gov. Florida-based GEO Group, Inc. Facility, the Detroit Free Press Florida, he was convicted of a spent much of those three years Matt Bevin said he looked to house state prisoners for one reports. shooting that happened in New * ! - forward to signing the bill, if year, according to prison of- 6. Hartford, Conn., — In York City even though he said peated rules violations. She had it clears the state House and _++{ 2007 Connecticut raised the age % faced new charges of criminal Senate, reports the Associated % # ; ! at which juveniles can be tried ! * mischief, harassment, obstruct- Press. as adults to 17. Gov. Dannel P. Associated Press. Rosario’s ing government administration 12. Ocala, Fla. — Johnny private prison companies, the Malloy says he now wants the case adds to the more than 25 and assault, all from her stay Edward Ostane was freed Oklahoman reports. The state’s age to be raised to 20 by July New York City convictions that in jail. The charges were dis- after serving more than two prison system is operating at _+ *R - have been overturned in the last missed in March. years for battery of a police 122 percent of capacity, prison cludes research that shows de- & * 9. New York — U.S. District veloping brains can make bad, 8. New York, N.Y. — A jury Judge Shira Scheindlin ap- Ostane’s release came after 5. Kincheloe, Mich. — In- impulsive decisions that can = * _ proved a plan in March to re- a follow-up investigation mates at Chippewa Correction- lead younger people into the free after dismissing a charge # * ! found inconsistencies with the al Facility in Michigan’s Upper criminal justice system, reports on which she had spent more the state’s prisons. Scheindlin R Peninsula have participated in a the Associated Press. than three years in a New York says the “historic settlement” with inconsistencies in other peaceful protest over the qual- 7. New York — Richard City jail, reports the Associated will greatly reduce the frequen- %* ! ity of food provided by a state Rosario spent 20 years in Press. Hailey, who has been di- cy, duration and severity of sol- Ocala Star-Banner reports. WORDCROSS PUZZLE
ACROSS Switzerland [ @ R # * 1. Nautical way to say yes 52. Tragedy emotion |* # 4. Cable movie network 54. Southeast Asian spicy Nutella 7. Food measuring label cuisine 10. Shumer of “Trainwreck” (Abbrev.) 55. To rotate, spin 11. Lifers’ obstacle 10. “Blackish” network 57. Beloved 12. Asian comedian [ & ; %# Margaret 14. Gun toting group (Prison Slang) * ! 15. U.S. medical doctor’s 61. Weather condition a sore or wound group (Acronym.) limiting movement 20. To be frank with 16. Car speed rating in prison someone (Abbrev.) 64. Whiskey alternative 22. Oversharing of 17. FOX TV show about ) | & personal stories crime solving angel triumph in Spanish _ * R # %* # ) - 24. To be high spirits horses port agency (Slang) 21. 4:00 p.m. prison number 70. Mr. Tina Turner 25. Genre “___-Fi” crunch (Prison Slang) 71. Human blood types _ | ! & & * 46. Out of, tall, or call to LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS _ @^ | = R 72. Sound made when _ | 47. A type of detection test 26. Matt of “The Martian” winning a game + ! { $ ! # # _ Q + | ! (Abbrev.) { * ! “Miami ____” writes, etc. _ R & 51. A spade’s job | 74. Adds style to a web page Drew ; ! *!% Kevin _____ 75. The dot character in { * SQN April’s ! (Abbrev.) ~ ! Morse code Documentary 55. To stretch, taut { Down ) *! ! 56. What a person’s ; | #! R 1. ___-or-nothing term of decreased body uses to get by R 2. Any person ` & (# ; ! # ! * [ # [ (Abbrev.) observance 40. School fitness subject (Abbrev.) 41. Used to express delight 60. Petitioning other people (Abbrev.) 4. Intelligence (Slang) 42. Retirement govt. agency 61. 10 across comedy show 41. Navy depth charge 5. Sigmund (Abbrev.) about a Chinese family (Slang) 6. Spiderman comic book { ! (Abbrev.) 65. TV show 45. Gov. Schwarzenegger villain “Grey’s Anatomy” 62. Forming commercial “Breaking ___” { O R 7. TV show”Blindspot” 44. Every January 1st is a? names (Suffix) 66. Brown sash worn with Eleven” story line revolves 45. Able to live only ) [#%* a Kimono 50. City in Central around these where oxygen is present or diamond 67. Like it or ___ Page 14 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 Cinco de Mayo: De Historia y Cultura a Comercialización
Por Tare Beltranchuc un acuerdo con los gobiernos y Marco Villa europeos. Contribuidores En respuesta Francia, España, } & # \ El Cinco de Mayo es el día de guerra a ocupar el puerto de festivo que probablemente la Veracruz para exigir el pago de mayoría de personas en los Es- la deuda al gobierno mexicano. tados Unidos confunde con la Los ingleses y los españoles se Independencia de México, la marcharon después de haber cual se celebra el 16 de Sep- llegado a un acuerdo en el cual tiembre. México garantizaba continuar A pesar que el Cinco de Mayo con el pago tan pronto como a ganado popularidad en los le fuera posible. Sin embargo, Estados Unidos todavía existen los franceses gobernados por personas que desconocen la el Emperador Napoleón III historia que dio origen a la aprovecharon la oportunidad celebración. y trataron de conquistar y es- | ! ' ) tablecer un imperio frances en cuando Benito Juárez llego territorio mexicano que favore- a ser presidente de un país ciera los intereses de Francia. económicamente arruinado. ; * )_ Los conservadores habían ejercito frances bajo el mando derrochado el Tesoro Nacional, de el General, Charles Latrille Courtesy of History.com obligando al Presidente Juárez de Lorencez ataco a el ejército Cinco de Mayo celebración en San Francisco a suspender los pagos de la mexicano encabezados por el deuda externa hasta llegar a General Ignacio Zaragoza en dados. La batalla se extendió canos acogieron la festividad festivo nacional en México, el Estado de desde el amanecer hasta el at- ! # ! sin embargo, en el Estado de Puebla. La ardecer. dignidad entre México-Ameri- Puebla donde se llevo a cabo la armada fran- Sorpresivamente y en contra canos”, Jose Alamillo expreso, batalla, si es considerado un día cesa estaba de toda predicción los mexi- Jose es un profesor en estudios & ` !# completa- canos derrotaron a el ejercito étnicos en la Universidad de de poblanos organizan un des- mente segu- frances, considerado en esa Washington en Pullman. ! * !# % ra de obtener época como “el primer ejercito +R de Puebla para conmemorar la una victoria del mundo”. El cual no había esta festividad empezó a tener victoria del Cinco de Mayo. fácil, ya que conocido derrota alguna por 50 una publicidad a gran es- En los Estados Unidos algu- superaba años, escribió Ignacio González cala, lo cual de acuerdo a Jose nos miembros de la comunidad al ejército # ! O !% - celebran el Cinco de Mayo ex- mexicano de Mayo. do de una celebración enfocada hibiendo banderas mexicanas y en número y El triunfo de la batalla de a la comunidad a una festividad en ciertos vecindarios las calles experiencia. Puebla constituyo una gran de alcohol”. son cerradas para celebrar en Los frances- victoria moral para el gobierno El Cinco de Mayo es aho- grande. es contaban Mexicano, representando su ha- ra una celebración mexicana En las escuelas algunos estu- con más de bilidad de proteger la soberanía donde los platillos mexicanos y diantes decoran sus salones de 6,000 sol- de la Nación. La revista Time las bebidas alcohólicas son el in- clases y cocinan comidas mexi- dados bien Magazine comento que “La grediente primordial. Grandes canas básicas. Varios restauran- armados y victoria de la batalla de Puebla corporaciones cerveceras como tes deleitan a los consumidores disciplina- simboliza unidad y orgullo, lo la Dos Equis, Tecate, Corona con platillos mexicanos (mole dos, contra cual aparento ser una batalla y Anehuser-Bush (Budweiser) poblano, barbacoa, tamales, un ejército entre un David mexicano derro- han tomado ventaja de la cre- burritos, enchiladas, tostadas mexicano tando a un Goliat frances”. ciente comunidad hispana para con guacamole, salsa picante) pobremente En los Estados Unidos, el comercializar este día festivo. y disfrutan de sus bebidas fa- armado con Cinco de Mayo ha obtenido más Actualmente la conmemo- voritas (margaritas, cervezas, y menos de popularidad que en México. En ración de la batalla de Puebla tragos de tequila) al ritmo de la 2,000 sol- los años 60’s “Activistas chi- no se considera como un día música de Mariachis. Cinco de Mayo: From History and Culture to Commercialism Cinco de Mayo is probably & * * ; )_ the most misunderstood holi- over 6,000 well-armed French holiday. The day celebrated in the United soldiers, led by Gen. Charles community of States. The defeat of a French Latrille de Lorencez, attacked Poblanos stag- army is often mistaken for a poorly equipped Mexican es a military Mexican Independence Day, army of less than 2,000, led parade and which is observed on Sept. 16. by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. The mock battle to Cinco de Mayo, translated battled lasted from daybreak to commemorate Fifth of May, has gained popu- early evening. the Cinco de larity in the U.S. where many Surprisingly and against all Mayo victory. people are unaware of the his- odds, the Mexicans defeated In the United toric battle that inspired the the French army, considered States, com- celebration. “the premier army of the munity mem- } ) world,” which had not been bers display Benito Juarez became president defeated for almost 50 years, Cinco de Mayo # * # wrote Ignacio Gonzalez, au- banners and | \ & & | in some plac- emptied the national treasury, Cinco de Mayo. es the streets forcing President Juarez to The victorious Battle of are closed for suspend all payments on Puebla represented a great neighborhood foreign debts until he could moral victory for the Mexican gatherings. make new arrangements with government, for it symbolized Students the European governments. the country’s ability to protect Mexico’s Flag decorate their In response, France, Britain its sovereignty against other classrooms and and Spain sent their troops to nations. ican-Americans,” José Alamil- ditions, culture — and booze. try their hand at cooking some Veracruz to demand repay- As Time magazine noted, lo said. He is a professor of Beer corporations like Dos basic Mexican food. Some res- ment. The British and the “The Puebla victory came to ethnic studies at Washington Equis, Tecate, Corona and taurants spice up their menu Spaniards negotiated their own symbolize unity and pride for State University in Pullman. Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser) with Mexican dishes (mole po- settlements with Mexican au- what seemed like a Mexican ^* + * % - have taken advantage of the blano, barbacoa, tamales, bur- thorities and headed back to David defeating a French Go- gan to be advertised on a wider ever-growing Hispanic com- ritos, enchiladas, tostadas con Europe. However, France was liath.” scale, “changing the meaning munity to commercialize this guacamole, salsa picante) and ruled by Napoleon III, who saw In the United States, Cinco of the celebration from com- holiday. enjoy their drinks (margari- an opportunity to conquer and de Mayo has attained greater munity self-determination to Today, the commemoration tas, beer and shots of tequila) establish an empire in Mexico a drinking holiday for many of the battle is not observed as to the rhythm of the mariachi that would favor French inter- ^* )+ O &- people,” Alamillo declared. a national holiday in Mexico; bands. ests. ists embrace the holiday as a Now Cinco de Mayo is a day however, in Puebla, Mexico, –Tare Beltranchuc | !* - way to build pride among Mex- to celebrate Mexican food, tra- where the battle took place, it and Marco Villa May 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 15 Easter Day Banquet Celebration at SQ
By Arnulfo Garcia and of Jesus Christ,” he added. to honor Jesus Christ who died as we come to share these pre- son said. Charles David Henry Michael Adams opened the for us is what gives reverence cious moments with other men S. Woige said, “It’s a blessed San Quentin News Staff Easter Day assemblage with to the spirit of the church. I of faith.” day. God is good all day. To- these words: “We are all shar- want to give a special thanks day serves as a reminder that The doors of the Catholic ing the love of Jesus Christ to Father George for his tire- there are times when we must Chapel were swung open to ap- here today. The church wel- less dedication to the men here “It’s the coming come to appreciate the sacri- proximately 250 invited guests comes all men of all races and at San Quentin.” fices that are taking place all # * | * ! all interfaith dominations to Stephen Pascascio said, “It’s together of people around us every day.” to dine, fellowship and listen share Jesus’ love and to rejoice a blessing to see everyone en- in the church and “Mother Earlene,” a regular to the smooth sounds of jazz in God’s love.” joying a pleasant meal and visitor to the various religious pianist Matthew Lee Jaspar, a After Father Williams the warmth it brings to share non-members that affairs at San Quentin, was quartet of Spanish musicians blessed the provisions, 12 line God’s blessings and to thank ecstatic. “I’m so happy to be and songs by Michael Adams. servers filled the plates of the Father George for his dedica- brings the gift of fellowshipping with the guys As Father George Williams invited guests. tion and tireless work.” sharing love...” during Easter Week. Every- welcomed the congregation, The Easter Banquet had spe- Jessie Skinner said, “It’s a body should come and join us he told them, “The doors to the cial meaning for many. Robert glorious day at San Quentin.” in the name of Jesus Christ.” church are always open and Tyler explained his feelings: “God is benevolent and mer- B. Chandler, a man of Jew- Marischal Brijido closed not just to come to eat food. “It’s the coming together of ciful,” said Bernard “Abdur– ish faith, said, “I’m here seek- with these remarks: “I feel We are here to serve all, at all people in the church and non- Raheem” Ballard, a Muslim ing the experiences of other blessed to see all the brothers times. members that brings the gift of who was invited to attend. religious worships.” come together from all around “Easter is the most impor- sharing love as a blessing.” “It’s interfaith events like this “I’m very grateful and the prison to be in one place tant celebration of the Catholic Roger Chavez commented, that show how gracious and blessed to be here with the for a worthwhile purpose. Church; it’s the Resurrection “The celebration of Easter and merciful God’s blessings are, men of San Quentin,” C. Jack- They are my rock.” Prisoners Learn Meaning Behind Good Friday
By Juan Haines Choir. In the background four uled special guests were unable took innocent blood for man to working for God or doing God’s Senior Editor large palm leaves uniformly to get into the prison, and the have a way back to God.” work needs to be the driving decorated the wall, a reminder Final Four college basketball Ferrari Moody described force behind being a Christian. # )+ of Jesus’ triumphal entry to Je- tournament was underway. Christ as “the trustworthy, the “Whatever God has placed in standing out in a sea of blue- rusalem on what became known Church leaders delivered a sinless leader of man.” front of you, complete your as- shirted inmates, Greg Dixon’s as Palm Sunday. A tall wooden ! % # - Moody addressed the power signment,” Holloway said. “Peo- soft keyboard melody gave San cross, nailed to the back wall, cance of Good Friday. of being washed in the incor- | * * # - Quentin’s Protestant Chapel invoked Jesus’ death by cru- Trent Capell and Michael ruptible blood of Jesus. “Have day, and they’re gone tomorrow. a type of pleasantness rarely # Hampton focused on the power you been washed in the blood of Just keep walking for Jesus.” found in a prison setting. slight askew, reading, “Jesus of redemption. the Lord?” he asked. “The deeds Holloway’s sermon examined Pats on the back and hugging King of the Jews.” They let the men know the in- of the earth do not matter, if sin, and he admonished the au- repeatedly took place as the The services began with all escapable nature of sin and the you haven’t been washed in the dience to understand that com- men-in-blue mingled about in the men standing with heads gift Jesus Christ gave to every- blood of Jesus.” pleting their assignment could the place of worship. % * ! # % Other church leaders added to “cost you your personal posses- Adding to the relaxing mood, in Spanish caused all hands to created the covenant between the meaning of Good Friday and sions, your family or even your Albert Flagg’s keyboard and a rise skyward. It ended with a God and man, allowing every- # life.” * !# \ % # long applause. one entrance to the kingdom of Holloway then took the po- Holloway praised Chaplain ' # Again hands rose while the heaven. dium and began his sermon - dozens of incarcerated men men were swaying in rhythm to “The blood. Why is the blood that took the church-goers from can-American woman to work waited for Good Friday services the choir singing halloo-lo-yah. P ! & ~ # - in the prison’s Garden Chapel. to begin. Elder Derrick Holloway gave asked. “Why did it take the sus Christ. “That’s got to be the work of Seven microphones were thanks to all of the men-in-blue blood of Christ to make a differ- Holloway emphasized “com- God,” he said. evenly posted on the stage for for coming to Good Friday ser- ence? Without the remission of pleting your assignment,” as a The sermon ended with the the 25-member Garden Chapel vices, even though the sched- blood, there is no forgiving. It way to let the men know that singing of Amazing Grace. CDCR Losing Battle in Disrupting Cell Phones in Prisons
By Kevin D. Sawyer leader in the prison phone in- But the prisons where MAS (CCST) to analyze the issue of “Managed access as pro- Associate Editor dustry, has the contract with is operating was not disclosed contraband cell phones and the posed will not do the job that CDCR to provide inmate call- because of “safety and secu- viability of proposed technol- the CDCR wants done,” a 71- The state’s prison system is ing service and MAS technolo- rity reasons,” she said. ogy to manage cell phone ac- page CCST study said. losing its battle to disrupt cell gy. Taxpayers, however, do not AP reported the state in- cess in state prisons. “MAS is not the only tech- phone use by inmates in its pay for its cost, according to stalled MAS “to prevent un- “As for the proposed MAS nology that could be used,” the { The Associated the AP. The company “recoups authorized cell phone signals recently contracted for by CCST wrote. “Several other Press reported. from reaching their destina- the CDCR for managing cell technological options, includ- The California Department tion.” phone access in prisons, our ing some that were identified of Corrections and Rehabilita- However, the technology conclusions are clear: the tech- during the development of this tion (CDCR) has so far failed in used previously to carry cell nology shows promise, but it is report, should be considered, its attempt to block cellphone phone traffic switched over to not ready for deployment,” the tested and weighed before signals in the prisons, AP said. the new Long Term Evolution CCST stated in a 2012 letter. committing to a full invest- Because of rapid technological (LTE), 4G technology, which ment in MAS.” advances, the CDCR may have transmits voice calls over a The CCST letter concluded, to shift gears and find new wireless network, and the pris- “…we believe California must methods to combat illegal cell ons’ system does not capture “...we believe plan carefully how best to phone use by inmates. Wi-Fi transmissions, The AP California must manage the issue of contra- “It’s been difficult to make reported. band cell phones in prisons, sure the technology can han- The CDCR no longer plans plan carefully and invest in research and de- dle those upgrades,” CDCR to expand MAS technology in velopment that will produce a spokeswoman Dana Simas its remaining 16 prisons, the how best to system which meets the needs told the AP, adding, “Wheth- article noted. manage the issue of the state through deploy- er we’re going to scrap it or GTL spokeswoman Megan ment of mature and tested whether we can find solutions Humphreys said in an email to of contraband technology.” to these issues, that will be de- the AP that the company can- cell phones in The AP reported that the termined later.” not comment because it is cur- CDCR has asserted that Glob- CDCR reported in 2011 that rently in discussions with the prisons...” al Tel-Link will be able to it had run tests using Man- CDCR. keep up with developing tech- aged Access Systems (MAS) In 2012, state legislators nology. technology to interrupt con- its cost from the fees inmates raised concern over whether The CCST said the pre- The number of cell phones traband cell phone signals at pay…using (GTL) land lines.” GTL’s professed MAS technol- liminary testing conducted in confiscated in California state two of its prisons. At that time In 2014, Deputy CDCR Press ogy would be able to keep pace California at the time was “ex- prisons has dropped, the AP there were plans to have MAS Secretary Terry Thornton said, with industry development. tremely limited in scope and reported. In 2011 there were installed “at all institutions by “Eighteen CDCR prisons have Members of the state Senate scale,” proving only a concept about 15,000 phones confis- 2015.” Managed Access System tech- asked the California Council trial and not a full pilot pro- cated. In 2015 there were less Global Tel-Link (GTL), the nology installed and in use.” on Science and Technology gram. +++ ' Page 16 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 Topic of Discussion: Felons’ Voting Rights, Part 2
By Rahsaan Thomas in Selma, Ala., in which many generation to generation.” Journalism Guild Chairman people were attacked for par- Many provision of the Vot- ticipating. His leadership and Yard Talk [ ); There was a time when it courage led to the passing of The expiration date was reset took rampaging terrorists to [ ); _++) # _+ keep people from the polls, now which granted protections that voting changed. We had Black one goal and the game is over, Wikipedia. it’s voter apathy discouraging allowed Blacks to return to the senators, members of Congress: instead of pushing for more is- many Americans from the bal- polls. Harim Revels, P.B.S. Pitchback, sues.” lot box. A Yard Talk panel met in San and Ida B. Wells. They changed Jamie Sanchez: “You would “They have to have Emancipation left Blacks as Quentin State Prison’s Lower the whole Southern society in be able to get more votes when the majority in the South. Freed Yard gym to brainstor m on how 10-20 years. Then President more people are affected. They the impression that ^ & # to get people back to using this Rutherford B. Hayes pulled out have to have the impression outnumbered Whites. During right many died to make avail- the federal troops and southern- that their vote really matters their vote really this period, which was around able. ers started attacking the vote, because it really makes a differ- matters because ) ! - Q. How can we motivate so we know that the power is ence.” ed electing Black senators, ac- people to go to the polls? there. We have to bring folks Johnson: “We are not the it really makes cording to the history book En- John “Yahya” Johnson: back into the remembrance. spearheads or champions of leg- a difference” during Vision by Paul S. Boyer, “The solution is simple: know- “Although we don’t like many islation -- even though we made et al. ing the power is in the people. things about the system, if you these things happen by power The Ku Klux Klan was Apathy in colored communities can get enough people galva- of the vote. The conception of Q. What do you think about formed in Tennessee back in is because we show our discon- nized around an issue, you can these things came from parts of the fact that certain parts of )) } # & - tent and nothing gets done. We change it.” the system, and we became the the Voters Right Act have to rorism to stop Blacks from vot- have to start teaching the peo- Eric Curtis: “There have assistants. When we realize we be renewed? ing, according to Enduring Vi- ple what the power of voting re- been things that changed – peo- have the same power, we can Johnson: “The implica- sion. ally means. ple of color were able to do it – make things happen.” tions of the Freedom and Vot- Much later Dr. Martin Luther “When the slaves were freed the Rockefeller law, Proposition Curtis: O^ * - ers’ Right Acts are we have to King Jr. led non-violent protests in the South, look at how much ) = & R # ! # be protected by law to have an are listened to more often; they inalienable right granted to us, can do blogs and web sites to and that’s insane. Why haven’t get people to vote.” we passed a law that makes the Inmate Computer Usage Johnson: “Rock the Vote Freedom Act and Voters’ Right was big, but on a more Act permanent?” sustainable level, it takes us Sanchez: “I think the reason For Laudatory Chronos in a grassroots movement to they do laws in that way is be- start organizations…we have cause they don’t want to lose By Angelo Falcone to make this a profession. Start control. They want to be able to Journalism Guild Writer with making social institutions take it away.” for change. We can’t rely on If we aren’t using our right to Updated security protocols MAC Corner stars; we need to have things vote, maybe they already have will affect all inmate workers in place we can sustain from taken it away. and clerks who use computers document is a security threat, cludes staff computers. Instead as well as inmate workers with there will be no adverse action of Access, staff will use Share pay numbers. taken at this time.” Point and inmates may only use In a meeting with Chief When it comes to inmate Microsoft Word, Excel, and Ac- Texas Law Helps Deputy Warden Kelly Mitch- groups and ILTAGs, Mitchell robat.” ell, the MAC Executive Coun- said, “Inmates cannot be in- Inmate computers will no cil learned that all computers volved in making chronos or longer be connected to local Parolee Re-entry for inmate use must be modi- having control of waiting lists printers. “All printing must go & & for programs or have access to through staff. We will be tran- By David B. Le still deny people with crimi- and waiting lists must be in the any type of database, inmate lo- sitioning to central printers Journalism Guild Writer nal histories without violating hands of staff sponsors, local cators, or attendance sheets for accessible by state employees the Fair Housing Act accord- printing will no longer be sup- programs. only,” said Mitchell. Former prisoners have a ing to the newspaper. ported, and inmates with pay “Inmates may not print or Concerning inmates with better chance of finding rental Testifying for the bill, Doug- numbers will be audited in the & * - paid job assignments, Mitchell housing in Texas, thanks to a las Smith of the Texas Crimi- near future. mation about other inmates, said, “We will be conducting new state law. nal Justice Coalition said he “We reviewed the hard drives including names, CDCR num- audits of inmates with pay num- The new law exempts land- had a criminal record and of about 40 inmate computers bers, housing, and race or bers. Job assignments take pre- lords from civil liability for recounted a conversation he # P ethnicity on their computers. cedence. Inmates may not par- renting to people with crimi- had with a landlord: “I asked Mitchell. “No personal inmate Inmates are also not allowed ticipate in groups during their nal records, the Austin Chron- if they ever made exceptions. documents should be on any to have control over other in- work hours. An inmate is paid icle reported in January. He said, ‘No! If we made an computer. This includes per- mates’ documents, especially to be at work, not at a group. If Even with the help of HB exception for you, a White #! # those that can affect a release an inmate is attending groups 1510, formerly incarcerated person, and not someone else, as letters, homework, canteen date or Milestone credits. during his work hours and he people find it difficult to at- then we’d be violating the Fair and package lists, legal work “Also, Microsoft Access will is getting paid, that is fraud and tain housing because of hous- Housing Act.’ I was shocked.” and letters to victims. Unless a no longer be supported. This in- he will be issued a 115.” ing shortages. Landlords can Smith paroled in 2014 and reported he had been living in his parents’ garage apartment. [ } ! ! City Councilman Greg Casar said increasing more California’s new corrections health problems, cautioned Accessory Dwelling Units secretary says he plans to use Berkeley Professor Frank would improve affordable more county jail prisoners in- Zimring, who studied Califor- housing opportunities for ev- stead of state prisoners for the & + * eryone. firefighters program, The As- Kernan could have extended “We’re in a landlord’s mar- sociated Press reported. the program to include first- ket,” said Casar. “If we don’t “As we expand to the coun- time offenders with certain have more than enough hous- ty level, I think it’s going to violent convictions who have ing, landlords are going to be able to keep our fire camp “remained disciplinary-free, have that advantage. It’s really population at a right, reason- continued positive program- important for us to have more able level,” said Scott Kernan, ming, and clear of mental than enough housing for our who recently took over as sec- health issues,” inmate Alvin population so that landlords retary of the Department of Timbol said in an interview. have to compete for tenants.” Corrections and Rehabilita- Inmate Somveng Thongsy Isa Arizola said she had tion. commented that it is rehabili- rented an Accessory Dwelling Kernan said he has made tation, job skills, and respon- Unit with her family without agreements with 12 county sibility that will help give him incident until the new land- sheriffs and four more are a better transition back into lord asked her to file a new pending to send county in- society. application in which Arizola’s mates to the state’s fire camp Both Timbol and Thongsy criminal record was revealed. program. Courtesy of CDCR concluded that Kernan’s de- At that point, she and her fam- About 40 percent of the # $ " cision diminished opportuni- ily were asked by the landlord ! * ++ ! ties for people like themselves to move out . firefighters committed man- inmates are reviewed for any the firefighter program. who are working toward their “My kids are suffering the slaughter, assaults, batter- risk of danger that they may County jail inmates may rehabilitation. consequence of what I did sev- ies, or robberies. However, pose before they are sent to have active drug or mental –David B. Le eral years later,” Arizola said. May 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 17 Navigating the New World Through Virtual Reality By Juan Haines quest and family by probing into Senior Editor a willingness to be open-minded while journeying into the un- For someone who has never Book Review known. experienced 21st century tech- This is quite different than nology, understanding new tech- more than the circumstances of about these convicts, seeking Cline’s characters who leave the nologies, like the internet, can be the game. adventure: every one says their “real world” in order to immerse challenging. But placing these @ & * (# !# % % themselves into a make-believe new developments in the context understands reality: solutions to anti-social behavior. place. of a world from which you are I come to see my rig for what They want to be do-gooders. Hans in Journey to the Center separated while incarcerated is it was: an elaborate contraption Two classic stories—As I Lay of the Earth contemplates the even harder. for deceiving my sense, to allow Dying by William Faulkner and quest toward the center of the Ernest Cline explores these el- me to live in a world that didn’t Journey to the Center of the earth with his uncle: exist. Each component of my rig ements in his book Ready Player Earth by Jules Verne—also use It must be that a man who was a bar in the cell where I had One (2011), in which he touches well-developed characters to shuts himself up between four on themes of individuality, com- willingly imprisoned myself. # \ # walls must lose the faculty of ing of age, and technology. Some San Quentin inmates adventure and quest. associating ideas and words. Set in 2045, the story revolves are also gamers who, like Cline, The premise of Faulkner’s sto- How many persons condemned around a future internet called have created their own avatars ry is quite simple: after family to the horrors of solitary con- OASIS. Its creator, the reclu- ! % in images seemingly in perfect matriarch Addie Bundren dies, sive and wealthy bachelor James to chance the world for the bet- rehabilitative form. Everyday the father, Anse, and his children simply because the thinking Donavan Halliday, passes away, ter. Parzial’s sidekick, Aech, is San Quentin gamers sit around want to honor her dying wish to faculties have lain dormant! leaving behind his entire $240 on the quest for himself. with their thick reference books, be buried a long way from home, These interesting works of billion fortune to anyone who The characters in Ready Play- making up fantasy worlds that Jefferson City. literature seem consistent with can solve a puzzle he has built er One bond together in an effort have all-imaginable technology, The character interaction in Cline’s theme that is a rich and inside the internet. to beat the powerful corpora- ! * As I Lay Dying holds onto a dys- layered storyline of social re- Wearing a virtual reality tions. understand. Their avatars have functional Southern world view sponsibility. mask, the main protagonist, Cline’s use of gaming is an im- superpowers that include force- that draws sympathy for all the Ready Player One takes on Wade Watts, enters the digital portant element in this futuristic & % * Bundrens. The long journey global warming, corporate world as an avatar named Parzial fantasy novel. They lay their cardboard gave Faulkner apt opportunity greed, and poverty in a way for and plays a game to solve the It creates two distinct worlds: worlds on tables and go on ad- to dissect family values. Read- readers to identify. Even though puzzle. the virtual world of OASIS, ventures that get them away from ers learn the Bundrens, in spite the story occurs at a time and in Parzial wants to solve Halli- and reality. Cline’s characters the stale life of incarceration; of challenges, are a family that a place unfamiliar to most incar- day’s puzzle, get the money and struggle with this dichotomy, but an activity easily understood, sticks together, no matter what. cerated readers, it earns a “read become someone of importance, come to the realization that real- looking from the inside and In Journey to the Center of it” mark because of its fast pace while the girl he cares about, ity, and the people in it, matter out. The most interesting thing the Earth, Jules Verne combines that keeps the mind working. Tomorrowland Inspires Dreamers to Change the World
By Jonathan Chiu movie highlights are global Staff Writer warming, terrorism, and wealth Watch This disparity. The story’s villain is Finding solutions to Earth’s Governor Nix (Hugh Laurie). biggest problems is a major He feels such a sense of hope- theme of Tomorrowland, a Dis- socially conscious movie that for the future without taking lessness for the world that his neyland attraction and name of pits worldwide epidemics steps to make concrete changes solution is to destroy Earth an alternate dimension movie. against dreamers seeking to right now.” with all of its inhabitants. Casey Newton, the main change the world. “I hear you,” said Rahsaan “Ironically, the bad guy character in Tomorrowland, is San Quentin Reviews meets Thomas. “But you have to wasn’t wrong about his assess- recruited to save the world by in the lot between the Educa- hope. It goes back to that say- ment of the world,” I said. “We Athena, a child android. When tion Department and San Quen- ing, ‘Whether you think you do face epidemics of starvation murderous robots try to kill tin News to discuss the movie’s can or think you can’t, you’re in Third World countries while them, they turn to Frank Walk- message of hope. right.’ You create your own the United States faces a rise in er (George Clooney), a former “I feel cynical today,” said # * Type II diabetes due to obesity. citizen of Tomorrowland, to Emile DeWeaver. “Tomorrow- you have no hope, you’re hope- I like the parallels between To- help them complete their jour- land portrays hope as salvation, less; then there are no solu- morrowland and real life. Peo- ney. but it nags at me that hope can tions.” * % ! %# Tomorrowland is a fun and sometimes be an excuse to pine Some of the problems the they’re hindered by politics and people with money and power wanting to keep them.” preciate the plug, but are you Juan Meza agreed with me saying I’m a little girl an- R & that bureaucracy and politics droid?” get in the way of many so- “Man,” Thomas says and lutions. “And we see this in bounces to the edge of his seat. Assists Re-entry Inmates prison. If I designed a positive, In the movie there’s a strange healing program that works, I dynamic between the android By Tommy Bryant “Back at Base.” and their dependants receive may never be able to implement girl and George Clooney’s J o u r n a l i s m G u i l d W r i t e r Lytle reflects, “I think over $15 million in benefits it because of the bureaucracy. character, who fell in love with because I was in prison, I for the past 10 years. It makes me think about the the android when he was a boy. The Veteran Service Office couldn’t deal directly with The Monterey County Vet- struggle to educate the public “What’s up with George Cloo- at Correctional Training Fa- them. I was dealing with them eran Service Officers assist about restorative justice. How ney holding a torch for a 12- cility in Soledad is assisting through the mail, the only pro- the prison office in submitting can we introduce restorative year-old girl? It was weird.” incarcerated vets in obtaining cess I had.” paperwork after reviewing ideas into a system that’s insti- We erupt with agreement. benefits. Lytle eventually transferred claims. tutionally retributive? That’s a & % Ed Munis had worked as a to CTF Salinas Valley. This is “And plus we can access big problem, and I don’t know of laughter, “I felt like some- lobbyist for veterans’ issues where he heard about the Vet- and check status on appeals if we have a solution.” times they were about to kiss, in Sacramento before his in- eran Service Office. on the outside,” says George “The solution is easy.” because the music and the mo- carceration. He was recruited The office assisted Lytle in Dixon of the Monterey County Thomas throws his hands in the ment was there! What is wrong by originator inmate Michael obtaining his disability com- office, adding that they are air, exaggerating his hyperbole. with Disney?” “Doc” Piper. With the war- pensation. He was entitled to here to assist all veterans, not “We have dreamers like Emile “Nothing is wrong with Dis- den’s approval, they started $1,000 a month for exposure to judge them. ‘Dreamweaver,’ who thought ney,” Meza says, straight face. the Veteran Affairs Office 10 to Agent Orange and also suf- “An awful lot of people that up the Prison Renaissance to “What’s so weird about a dude years ago. fered from PTSD after serving are in the VA ... that are not too build a culture of community, obsessed with internet, lives Inmate Jerry Lytle recalled, in Vietnam. excited about helping out con- mentorship, collaboration and alone, keeps older women out “In 2004, I met up with another Due to his current incarcer- victed felons, so that’s been a rehabilitation. And it’s focused of his house but takes in run- veteran who was getting ben- ation, Lytle can only receive struggle,” acknowledged Mu- on recruiting the biggest dream- aways? Totally normal.” efits, and he said, ‘You know 10 percent of that amount or n i s . “ S o f a r , w e ’ v e p r e v a i l e d . ” ers: artists and educators.” I get the last word. “So the you should get your benefits. about $100 per month. “I plan on paroling ... con- The members of SQ Review message of the movie is: ‘Wake You’re entitled to them.’” Similar offices assist incar- tinuing to do this until ... they laugh, and we close out the day the dreamers inside of you.’ We Filing for the disability & _ bury me,” says inmate Munis. telling jokes. all need to come together to benefits never seemed to get and all California prisons via “Back at Base” is part of a “Wait,” DeWeaver says to save ourselves, this planet, and anywhere, reported Krista mail, Almanzan reported. series broadcasting on seven Thomas, whose comment emu- to create a world where George Almanzan on radio station The office has helped about NPR radio stations throughout lates the android in the movie Clooney can fall in love with KAZU in an NPR series titled 1,000 incarcerated veterans the country. who recruits dreamers. “I ap- adult robots.” Page 18 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 San Quentin Giants and A’s Get Revamp
By Marcus Henderson # !# ment. On the streets, you really Staff Writer to test their baseball IQ and me- don’t get that. With positive chanics. reinforcement, you gain the ; “You can be athletic and tal- * # *- men displayed their skills and ented, but you have to know thing.” athleticism at San Quentin’s what to do in real time on the The younger men were not 2016 baseball try-outs. P } O[ !P the only ones that came out to The San Quentin A’s and Thompson-Bonilla. “For the show and prove. The 52-year- Giants coaching staff observed * # old Robert Hollis has skills in many new players with raw what play to turn in any given ! # ! talent. # | # the roster. “This is one is our biggest to know their cut-off points.” “I wanted to leave my mark turnouts, since they opened The mechanics consisted of: on second base and show the West Block,” said Giants spon- the proper way to grip the ball youngsters that I’ve still got it,” sor and Head Coach Elliot and transition to a smooth throw, said Hollis. “I pray that every- Smith. “We lost a lot of players how to hold the bat, laying down thing goes well for everybody.” from last year and we want to a bunt and base-running. Now the task for the coaches replace that talent.” Photo by Sam Robinson “I grew up around baseball; is to decide if there is enough | \# * # SQ Coaches Elliot Smith and Steve Reichardt I played in junior league,” said talent to build two teams – the made up the majority of players Aaron “Duddah” Sanders. “I’m A’s and Giants -- or just one. ! R going home. Steve Reichardt said, “It was here to show the best of my abil- “We are looking to have a 17-man roster. “This program teaches you ! ities. If I’m up to par, I can make team with integrity and cohe- “As a youth, being active is a cooperation and that teaches players. The key points we will something out of this.” siveness,” said A’s Head Coach part of our rehabilitation,” said you jobs skills. Because when focus on are our pitching staff, Player hopeful Vance “DT” John “Yahya” Parratt. “We will Cordiare McDonald. “Playing you do get home you will have fundamentals on defense, and Farland said, “I’d rather play have more team management and talking to outside teams will to work with other people.” discipline when at bat.” than watch the game. The train- this year. We will come out fo- help me restructure my life for A’s volunteer and Manager The energetic players went ing given is positive reinforce- cused to go undefeated.” Six-Mile Run Brings Out Runners of All Ages
Over loud cheers and con- ing me the mental and physical great story,” said Sovern. “I New member Tommy Lee to let someone older than me stant encouragement, 70-year- strength to endure,” said Tay- R beat me, like Larry Ford and old Steve Wilson completed the lor. “I notice people are getting guys set goals and accomplish ! # { + Mr. Wilson. No, for real, my San Quentin 1000 Mile Club’s excited to see me accomplish them.” “I decided 14 years ago to ! annual Six-Mile Run with the these goals, and that gives me a After the GQ article, some eliminate all negativity from Those guys are my inspiration.” time of 62:17. chance to give witness. of the runners had mixed emo- life,” said Wickerd. “So doing The March 25 event saw two “The guys wouldn’t let me “It’s starting to motivate peo- tions about media coverage. something good in prison and veteran runners struggle and quit,” said Wilson. “Too many ple to come out and accomplish O} # ; with support is priceless. My drop out at the halfway mark, people get in their 60s and their goals, and that motivates article was good. It talked about wife pushes me to be the son while four walk-ons pushed stop doing things. They just sit me. People I don’t even know rehabilitation and the team’s ca- my mom and dad raised me to * # around the tables playing cards are starting to ask me for run- maraderie,” said Chris Schuh- be.” line. and dominoes. If you think ning pointers, and that is hum- macher. Troy Dunmore, who is 52 and “These events are for the you’re old, you will be.” bling.” “I was disappointed because following his doctor’s orders to yard. More people should come Wilson has been running less Community volunteer Coach I thought it took the easy route { out and test their mettle against than a year and has become the Kevin Rumon said, “He makes and played into the criminal “I have a heart condition the time,” said long-time vet- club’s inspiration. it look easy. It’s like Stephen stereotypes. We all know what and I mainly run for that,” said eran Tone Evans. “I had triple bypass surgery Curry -- you know the guy is we are in for, but most of the Dunmore. “But my goal is not –Marcus Henderson a few years back,” said John working, but he makes it look guys committed their crimes 15 Levin, Wilson’s running part- easy.” or 20 years ago. I believe these O} # # Reporter Doug Sovern of ra- guys have mended their lives there and run; I knew I could dio news station KCBS 740 AM and are very remorseful and not do it.” +) ! & that same people.” After weeks of rain and a event. # ! cancellation, the 24 runners “That guy Taylor runs ! { + % # * - smooth. I ran back when I was Chris Skull, who sees run- ing the Six-Mile Run. in school, but I wasn’t that ning as a power to transform, Front-runner Markelle Taylor smooth,” said Sovern. took second at 40:02. was on the road to perfection as He said the idea to cover the “This was a great experi- predicted. He shattered the six- 1000 Mile Club came when his ence,” said Skull. “Running mile record by three and half editor read the February GQ puts everything in perspec- ! # ! {_ article on the San Quentin 2015 tive for me -- my frustrations % ;) marathon. Sovern did not read and disappointments. This This is the third record Tay- it; he wanted to experience the feels good. I was a person who lor has broken this year. race for himself. # R * < Photo by Krissi KKhokhokashvili “I thank Jehovah God for giv- “I thought this would be a this is a great feat for me.” Member Markelle Taylor running the 6-mile race | $ & * nervousness and fear,” said SQ Verbeek shared that he had above the net, each about a rack- The March 26 event ended Tigers tennis team broke barri- member Clay Long. “When the best four years of his ca- et length high. The higher the with a spirited exhibition game ers and built bonds through an they see something different, reer in Stockton and that it is balls are hit offensively gives % R # *- exhibition game with San Quen- then they don’t want to leave. I a very real and sincere place the opposing player enough ers, giving the small crowd a tin’s Inside Tennis Team. think it’s important to share our that shaped him as a person time to regroup defensively. show of quality play. “Prison life is a part of the stories.” He also said their com- and player. The college also has The lower the balls are hit cuts “It was really nice of these American society that most ing in “helps me to be a better something else to smile about: down on your opponents’ reac- college kids to come out and people don’t know about, and citizen.” it just hired former NBA star tion times. show us love,” said SQ tennis if you think your students are The Tigers were ranked 56 in Damon Stoudamire as its head “It’s about skills develop- member Chris Schuhmacher. highly educated, then they need the NCAA. They have recruited basketball coach. ment, toughness and character,” All the members of the SQ to come here and understand players from around the world, “You are always representing said Redondo. “Some matches team were moved to be reunit- P - including India, Brazil and Ec- something bigger than yourself. can take three or four hours, so ed with volunteer Leslie Lava, rector Ted Lellan. uador. You represent the culture and you have to be in physical shape. who brought the Tigers in. Lava After an hour drive from Their star player, senior Sam the program,” Verbeek added. That’s why we train with a lot of broke her ankle picking up one Stockton, the Tigers started the Verbeek, is from the Nether- = [* visualizations and meditation.” of her 70-pound show dogs. day by partnering with the mem- lands. He plans to turn pro after Redondo shared his experience The tennis players then She came down the Lower Yard bers of the San Quentin tennis graduation. and deep passion for the game played king of the court, where ramp with a smile and an ankle team for doubles matches. The “It’s refreshing coming here. by taking the men through a % # & ! | boot. lively games found the guys You can get caught up in your workshop. * “I made it,” said Lava. “I bonding, being openly support- own bubble,” said Verbeek. In They performed hitting and the court, then the next team couldn’t let the team down.” ive and offering congratulations San Quentin, “You get exposed serving drills. Coach taught steps up. The team with the By the look of joy on every- with each great play or return. to a different part of life you about net zones, where you most wins becomes the king of one’s face, she didn’t. “Most visitors come here with don’t get on campus.” have to visualize invisible lines the court. –Marcus Henderson May 2016 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 19 SQ Kings Beat Bittermen in Pre-Season Opener
By Rahsaan Thomas ; ; ! # Journalism Guild Chairman the fourth. Ryan tried a three-pointer The San Quentin Kings bas- from the top of the key, but it ketball team held off a fourth- missed. The Kings failed to quarter surge to beat the visit- score and Ryan missed another ing Bittermen in the surprise trey. ) ; Bittermen Timmy Hall “They got out to an early lead fouled-out intentionally grab- and held on for dear life,” said bing Holloway to stop the Trailblazer Ryan Williams, clock. Holloway sank one free who also plays for the Bitter- throw, increasing the lead to men. “We’ll put our feet un- ; ; der us and come back ready to Bittermen Rob Enber shot rock.” for a three from the top of the Before the game, seven visit- key that clanked off the rim ing Bittermen trooped onto the and landed in the hands of King ¤# * Tare “Cancun” Beltran. He expecting the Kings to be there broke down court to score his ready to play the season-open- sixth point, putting the game er. Photo by Raphaele Casale out of reach for the Bittermen “It feels fantastic,” said SQ Kings’ Demond Lewis (left) and Bittermen Timmy Hall guarding Oris Pep Williams as time ran out. Williams. “We’ve been waiting “It’s a good start,” said all winter to come back here.” The Kings jumped out to a _ points scored on back-to-back Beltran. “New guys, new However, nobody told the + + (# For Quimel, a junior high plays including an and-one and chemistry. My prediction is Kings that the Bittermen were the shooting of Demond Lewis % % \ | we’re going to be undefeated coming. More than half the and Oris “Pep” Williams, who time playing inside a prison. { { (# this year.” Kings were locked in their cells ! ; “People can tell you or give “It feels great being out here King Charles Sylvester stood watching March Madness on and 12 points, respectively. you a scouting report, but with the guys,” said Lewis. beside Beltran, nodding his | Toward the end of the period, you’ll never experience it until “We added nice new pieces and head in agreement. The two While King Head Coach Ryan hit a three-pointer while it’s game speed,” said Quimel. it made us better.” guards borrow a movie title to Orlando Harris scrambled to falling to the ground. That ig- “Basketball has been really Lewis was referring to call themselves Rush Hour for assemble his team, the Bitter- nited a Bittermen 10-2 run with really good to me. This is an new King members Derrick their coordinated fast breaks men watched the SQ Warriors new recruit Ron Quimel con- opportunity to give back to Holloway, D. “Zayd” Nickolson, and slight resemblance to Chris tryouts and chatted with fellow tributing an assist. The score the game that I love and make and Whitney Vardel Jackson. Tucker and Jackie Chan. basketball enthusiasts. By the _ _+ somebody’s day.” | * * ! Bittermen and former semi- time the sun broke through the after Ryan scored through con- In the third, Lewis dropped a white uniforms with the gold pro Will Wheatly was held to overcast, the Kings were in uni- tact, but missed the free throw. trey to help push the King’s lead crown crests on them. eight points. Quimel and Ted form, ready to go. = % # & The Bittermen closed the gap Salviet also dropped eight each. SQ Warriors’ New Season Brings New Talent
Twenty-three incarcerated you.” ! & % # basketball players showed up in Potential new re- and 5 rebounds a game. He the Lower Yard to compete for a cruits included Don- played with NBA player Tyreke chance to play for the San Quen- nelly Thompson, a Evans at the alma mater of tin Warriors. muscular guy who Derrick Rose, who now plays The group included most of played youth league for the Chicago Bulls. His team last year’s team and several new ball, and David Silva, made the NCAA tournament’s guys eager to earn one of the 12 * Sweet 16, but he didn’t get to spots. would have started play because of a suspension Making the Warriors is a huge his prison time in a over off-court problems. Playing opportunity. They play against higher security level for the Warriors represents an former NBA players from the prison, if not for the opportunity for redemption. Golden State Warriors coaching Youthful Offender He missed a chance to go to staff, as well as former college Program. Under this the NBA because of “not being basketball players and former new law, incarcer- # } # < overseas pros. They have even ated teenagers are nobody taught me anything played active college teams like sent to lower-level growing up in Oakland,” said
*R $ prisons instead of Photo by Eddie Herena -San Quentin News Simekins. “I’d tell kids to stay “It would mean a lot. It would maximum-security Warriors’ Luke Walton playing against the SQ Warriors focused. Don’t lose track of mean I accomplished a feat over facilities. your goals, and listen to good _ # } ! } & “It’s a fantastic opportunity – Thompson had a quiet, solid a former John Marshall High mentors or you’ll be in my posi- some talent,” said Edward Moss. better than being on a level three game, playing good defensive School player, who made the tion – all this talent and I ended No one is guaranteed a spot, with all that serious mentality,” and scoring a couple of baskets, team. up in prison.” said SQ Warrior Head Coach said Silva. but Silva stood out to Wright. Noticeably missing was Warriors from last year who Daniel Wright. “I don’t care who The tryouts consisted of full- Silva put himself in position to 6-foot-7 former Memphis Uni- re-earned their spots included: you were last year. You have to court scrimmage games, com- make easy baskets by being the versity player Mack Simekins. Allan McIntosh, Harry “ATL” earn your spot.” plete with referees. % The 26-year-old was on a visit Smith, Montrell “Mad De- (# - “Your game isn’t judged by “I didn’t think he was going to during the tryouts. fense” Vines, Rafael Cuevas, tions for being a Warrior as: what you did in pickup games,” make it, but for what he did, he Simekins still made the team Jason Jones and Anthony Am- having a great attitude, dominat- said Wright. “The game is earned a spot,” said Wright. because of his experience, mons. ing a game without scoring, and # The tryouts ended with a height and talent. He said he was Other new Warriors are Four- making him say, “I got to keep clocks.” slam-dunk by Tevin Fournette, the sixth man on the Memphis nette, Maurice Gipson, Darrell Benford, Harold Malbrouga and Dave Lee. Benford said, “I’m excited. Inside Tennis Team Opens Season I came at the beginning of last year and didn’t make tryouts. By Marcus Henderson ented women, who have sup- Metairie and the women in yourself and your partner. I like everybody’s attitude and Staff Writer ported the program for years. said coming in gives them the “It felt like a visit,” said how they move the ball around. The women said they came chance to learn about the guys’ Paul Oliver, SQ tennis team I like how everybody plays The San Quentin tennis pro- to share their passion for the life journeys and how their member. “I thank San Quen- together. I like how (outside gram opened its 2016 season sport of tennis, and it’s about games have improved. tin for providing this outlet. teams) come in here and devote with intensive fun and compet- community involvement. “It’s always a good time Playing is a great stress re- their time-- it gives me hope itive games of mixed-doubles. “I always wondered what playing here,” adds Metairie. liever. It’s a thinking game, that society doesn’t look at us “You always want to have it was like in prison,” said “You don’t always get that in and that helps me keep my like we’re just prisoners.” a good match no matter who Metairie. “I never wanted to go the outside world.” wits. The whole program is Lee said, “Hopefully as a you’re playing,” said volunteer to prison. Then I saw the tennis As the volunteers packed up about being positive and good point guard, I can dictate the Eddie Metairie. “Even if it’s documentary, when the double their rackets and shook hands, health.” \ # ! }R % % doctors or lawyers, you ap- champions Bryan Brothers the goals for the season were | & help keep the team under con- proach the game the same.” came in. Then I thought, that’s set: to have respect for each up to its excitement with good trol – cool, calm and collected.” Metairie came with three tal- was a good way to get in.” other, to have patience, to trust competition and friendships. –Rahsaan Thomas Page 20 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com May 2016 Financial Literacy’s Solutions for Everyone Continued from Page 1 uses unconventional methods with his younger students. “The Her lack of investing knowl- same old status quo doesn’t edge is the norm for Black peo- work. I’m here (in prison, so ple. Only 25 percent of Black for him) the battle was lost. households have over $10,000 We’ll lose the war if we don’t saved for retirement, compared do something different. It took to about double that percent of me 10 years to realize I needed White people, according to the to make some changes. We have telecast Nightly Business News. ! “That means the odds are (young students) to see the need * # & % * to make a change.” sound,” said Carroll. “You’re Carroll also instructed the screwed...so what’s your alter- class on how to evaluate when ative – drugs, robbery? When I a disaster could mean a compa- heard that, I almost cried.” ny’s stock is undervalued. Echoing the statistics of non- O} & # %* stock-owning African-Amer- the storms, because people that icans were other guests at the run from a storm leave all their March 10 class, including Ma- stuff behind,” said Carroll. “Oil rio Catley, author of Why Not is the crisis which means oil is You: Nine Steps to Reprogram- the value. For the people in the ming Your Family’s Health, and Photo by Eddie Herena San Quentin News streets, they love it because oil his cousin, stay-at-home mother % is cheap. With money they are Travina Catley. saving, they are thinking of “I want to get educated; If I’m stock market. age cookies and chips ... then Laslie said, “Wall Street’s buying a new car...they are con- educated, I’ll be able to educate Now his classes are chang- you can’t manage money. We ability to take seemingly scary sumers. They aren’t thinking others as well,” said Travina. ing the landscape of investors. are trying to change that tide. # # % # % ! & * “This is something that we Of the 50 incarcerated men You can’t keep your mom from them into understandable terms thing that is saving them money didn’t grow up learning, so it who braved the rain to attend, going to a home ... you are is incredible, because teaching – lower oil stock prices.” would be nice to be able to help at least 17 were men under 25 broke. It ain’t your choice. We is a really hard thing to do. It The San Quentin Prison Re- * # - years old. ain’t even in a position to take says a lot about his patience and port, the prison’s TV-crew, cially free as well.” Carroll commanded the at- care of our elderly.” passion.” ! Carroll gained national fame tention of the class with his can- [ % ^ * Joe Hancock, Carroll’s assis- tool in other places. for teaching fellow-incarcerat- did dialogue and use of prison old Hispanic student with VL tant teacher, handed out small “It seems like it is a blessing ed men the money management analogies. tattooed on his face, said “It’s packs of cookies to youngsters that this gentleman has gotten and investing skills he devel- “It’s not about the money; it’s fairly simple. It’s not that hard who could tell him what a P/E the opportunity to educate him- oped in prison after learning about style of management,” to understand the way they are ratio is. self in the system, and now he’s how to read and studying the said Carroll. “If you can’t man- teaching it.” Carroll explained why he educating others,” said Catley. Sacramento Judge and CCPOA President Visit SQ
By Salvador Solorio with individual students. has been a very effective and Journalism Guild Writer Their visit came after an in- influential lobbying organiza- vitation from Prison Univer- tion that pursued an agenda A judge and peace officer sity Project Executive Director that made correctional offi- leader, who visited San Quen- Jody Lewen. cers some of the highest-paid tin recently, said they want to Both Judge White and Al- and benefit-endowed public support reforms in the crimi- exander understand public servants in the state. nal justice system. anxiety about: crime, sentenc- The Don Novey era of the They visited the Compara- ing reform, the impact of the CCPOA influenced policy- tive Religion class at San Three Strikes Law, and man- making legislators to pass Quentin to observe up close datory sentencing. Both want laws that did eventually lead one of the prison’s more than to analyze data and inquire to state prisons becoming 70 rehabilitation, educational into what things are being overcrowded to the point fed- and vocational programs. done wrong in the current jus- eral jurists determined prison “You guys are here of your tice system process. conditions had become uncon- own accord, on your own Judge White wants to change stitutional. time,” Chuck Alexander told the influence of law-making Photo by Eddie Herena -San Quentin News Statistics have shown in- the students. He is president that historically was emotion- Lewen tours of San Quentin’s Education building mates that educate themselves of the California Correctional ally driven and instead use have much lower rate of re- Peace Officers Association data that will rationally influ- advocates that stakeholders in approves of the educational cidivism, which translates into (CCPOA). ence law-making and criminal the prison system work togeth- opportunities such as Prison savings for the state. Studies He was accompanied by justice policy. er and focus upon programs University Project’s program show that job skills learned in Judge Steve White of Sacra- Alexander, a successor to that will benefit public safety. at San Quentin. prison translate into employ- mento, who spent time talking CCPOA President Don Novey, Alexander said he strongly Historically the CCPOA ability on the street.
Photo by Eddie Herena -San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena -San Quentin News Judge White talking with a Prison University Project student Chuck Alexander speaking to the Comparative Religion class