San Quentin News

WRITTEN BY INMATES – ADVANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE VOL. 2017 NO. 4 April 2017 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 3,750 William J. Drummond receives prestigious journalism award By Kevin D. Sawyer in February for his work as a Associate Editor journalist and academic. In a speech, Edward Was- The University of California, serman, the dean of the Gradu- Berkeley awarded Professor ate School of Journalism, cited William J. Drummond, an ad- Drummond’s work at the uni- viser to San Quentin News, the versity including a first-of-its- prestigious Leon A. Henkin Ci- kind course on race and media, tation for Distinguished Service his contribution to San Quentin News, and the relationship he established between the newspa- per and the school. “It was kind of like a life- time achievement award,” said Photo by Eddie Herena-San Quentin News Drummond, who has a 33-year history at the university. “When Justin Meskan receives his certificate from I first learned about this award, I Chris Redlitz, Beverly Parenti, and CDCR Undersecretary Ralph Diaz thought, ‘This is something I’ve been doing all my life.’” He said one of his colleagues nominated him for the award, Code.7370 Graduation Day at SQ but he was shocked about win- ning it. “When I was a working By Juan Haines the assistance of an innovative with other people, and coders, journalist I didn’t think about Senior Editor computer programming class on a team level. I also learned awards,” he said, adding that he taught at San Quentin State about responsibility, getting to taught because he wanted to in- Justin Meskan spent the last Prison. work every day and how to put spire students to do well and it seven years behind bars, but Speaking on the occasion of my life first and get away from was his way of giving back. in August he is scheduled to Code.7370’s graduation day, my old habits.” Courtesy of William Drummond get another chance at putting March 23, Meskan, 35, said, “I Leon A. Henkin Award See Drummond on Page 4 his life back on track, with learned a lot about how to work See Code.7370 on Page 9 Titans of CNC Academy offers marketable skills to prisoners Wearing a T-shirt with Titans boxer who signed a contract of CNC on its front and, in large with Top Rank Boxing. Hopes bold letters, Made in the USA for a career in the ring were on the back, Titan Gilroy says derailed when he became em- he is on a quest to ``bring jobs broiled in a nightclub brawl back to America. that landed him a 16 year prison Gilroy’s quest began by sentence, of which he served connecting with his spirituality only three years because of while sitting in solitude, in good behavior. prison. At 18, Gilroy was a talented See Titan on Page 10

Courtesy of the César Chávez Foundation Familias campesinas portan la bandera del sindicato César Chávez: símbolo del activismo y la justicia Por Marco Villa finca que perdieron durante la hacia otro lugar, donde el y Taré Beltranchuc gran depresión. A raíz de esta contratista les ofrecía el siguiente situación se unieron a otras trabajo. Como resultado de este César Estrada Chávez, familias pobres que se dirigían a continuo movimiento, Chávez trabajador agrícola mexicano- California en busca de trabajo en asistió a más de 30 escuelas americano, líder sindical y los campos. La vida campesina diferentes. Chávez Únicamente activista de derechos civiles en California se tornó muy estudió hasta el octavo grado y nació, el 31 de marzo de 1927, difícil para la familia Chávez, dejó de estudiar porque no quería en Yuma Arizona. Hijo de Juana ya que vivían en campamentos que su madre siguiera trabajando Estrada y Librado Chávez, temporales en la que compartían en la agricultura además de no Cesar Chávez creció con sus dos la vivienda con otros campesinos tener una estabilidad en una hermanos Richard y Librado y y sus familias. Debido al tipo sóla escuela. Posteriormente, sus dos hermanas Rita y Vicki, de trabajo, la familia Chávez no Chávez se incorporó al trabajo Photo by Eddie Herena-San Quentin News en una humilde casa de adobe. Su permanecía en el mismo lugar del campo. familia era dueña de una tienda por mucho tiempo. Cuando el Titan Gilroy demonstrating to de abarrotes y una pequeña trabajo terminaba, se mudaban See Chávez on Page 20 students how an edge finder works Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017 Inside Edition #91 Code.7370 Graduation 1 Business owner shares 8 William J. Drummond 1 Tehachapi gets upgrades 8 Titans of CNC Academy 1 Graduation brings media 9 César Chávez: símbolo 1Titans of CNC Academy 10–11 News Briefs 2 Arts & Entertainment 12–13 Corrections 2 Perfil de la nueva 14 Unconstitutional policing 3 Más vivir y menos 14 FDA impounds 3 La tasa de concesiÓn 14 Prisoners strikes to end 3 Parents awarded $750,000 15 Prop 57 proposed new 3 Daughters sues CDCR 15 Governor Brown pardons 4 Parolees having trouble 15 Jamie Lindsey establishes 4 Prisons testing new drug 15 California’s first Latino AG 4 Book Review 16 Over $180 billion a year 5 Asked On The Line 16 Trump’s victory means 5 GEO Group to open 16 President’s deportation policy 5 Victims of sexual abuse 17 Mayors and police chiefs 5 School using restorative 17 Father and son bond over 6 CDCR allocates more than 17 Letters to the Editor 6 DVI’s dairy production 17 Prisons trying to help fathers 6 Sports 18 Kid CAT Speaks 7 Sports 19 Inmates find opportunity 8 César Chávez lucho 20

Printing and distribution of the San Quentin News is supported solely understaffing meant the prison the state’s drug laws. The law by donations and grants from the News Briefs was often in violation of its builds on previous legislation outside community. To make a $29 million annual contract that raised trafficking thresh- donation please visit our website at: 1. Vermont — Disability with the state. The CCA lawyer olds for certain drugs, reduced sanquentinnews.com or send your Rights Vermont filed a lawsuit in explained that the inmates were mandatory sentences for certain tax-deductible check or money order to: federal court in February, alleg- not hurt that badly in the surprise drug trafficking offenses, and Friends of San Quentin News ing that some state prisons are attack and that they could have allowed departures from man- P.O. Box 494 holding inmates in segregation hidden in their cells but instead datory minimum sentences for even when it puts the inmate wanted to fight. He said the unit lower-level drug offenses. San Quentin, CA 94964 in danger. The lawsuit claims a where the inmates were housed 5. Phoenix, Ariz. — (2-16-17) Under the check memo section, please man is in solitary confinement was actually staffed by more One-time Death Row inmate write “Friends of San Quentin News” despite extensive and signifi- employees than was required turned prisoner-rights advocate Thank you for your support. cant histories of self-harming under CCA’s contract with Idaho Shujaa Graham performed Life Prisoners United in the Craft of Journalism behavior, particularly when put on the day of the attack. On Feb. After Death Row at the Her- in collaboration with students from the in segregation, reports Elizabeth 23, a federal jury found that berger Theater, Eric Newman of Murray, Burlington Free Press. CoreCivic had a longstanding The Arizona Republic reports. DRV is asking for a permanent custom of understaffing the The performance is about Gra- order that mandates appropri- prison, and the company was ham’s 11-year experience in the ate medical treatment settings deliberately indifferent to the California prison system, part whenever an inmate needs to be risk of serious harm that’s posed of which included time spent UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY separated from general popula- to inmates. However, jurors also on Death Row for a wrong- Graduate School of Journalism tion inmates. found CoreCivic doesn’t have ful murder conviction. Born in 2. Boise, Idaho — The trial to pay damages because the Louisiana, Graham grew up on in a lawsuit by former inmates inmates who sued failed to prove a plantation in the segregated against the nation’s largest the understaffing happened South of the 1950s. After mov- private prison company, in the hours before they were ing to Southern California, he CoreCivic — formerly called attacked by a prison gang. spent much of his youth in juve- We Want To Hear San Quentin News Corrections Corporation of 3. Columbus, Ohio — (SAT nile institutions and was sent to From You! Current and past copies of the San America — began in February. Press Release) Planned chang- Correctional Training Facility in Quentin News are posted online at: The lawsuit claims that CCA es to the state’s administrative Soledad upon turning 18. Gra- The San Quentin News (www.sanquentinnews.com) encourages inmates, free staff, purposely understaffed the rules include limiting solitary ham taught himself to read and (www.flickr.com/photos/ custody staff, volunteers and sanquentinnews) prison in an effort to boost confinement to 30 days for all write and studied history. He lat- others outside the institution to Permission is granted to reprint articles profits in what they dubbed a individuals with serious mental er became a leader of the Black submit articles. All submissions appearing in the San Quentin News become property of the “ghost worker” scheme, and the illness, juveniles and pregnant Prison Movement within the San Quentin News. provided credit is given to the author understaffing led to an attack in women, according to an SAT California prison system as the and this publication, except for articles Please use the following criteria which the plaintiffs were stabbed press release. Disability Rights Black Panther Party expanded. when submitting: reprinted herein from other publications. • Limit your articles to no more and beaten by other inmates, of Ohio and the American Civil 6. Harrisburg, Pa. — Gov. than 350 words. San Quentin News Staff The Associated Press reports. Liberties Union said the chang- Tom Wolf has proposed a • Know that articles will be edited Editor-in-Chief ...... Richard Richardson The allegations against CCA es are an important first step but new $25 per resident fee on for content and length. Executive Editor ...... Arnulfo T. Garcia include that company officials, do not go far enough. municipalities relying on state • The newspaper is not a medium Senior Editor ...... Juan Haines to file grievances. (For that, use including the vice president, 4. Gainesville, Fla. — Fami- police coverage. Over half of the prison appeals process.) Associate Editor ...... Kevin D. Sawyer knew that the understaffing lies Against Mandatory Mini- the state’s 2,500 municipalities We encourage submitting Managing Editor ...... Wayne Boatwright was compromising safety of mums praised the introduction rely full-time on state police articles that are newsworthy Journalism Guild Chairman ...... inmates and staff and that the of legislation designed to reform protection. and encompass issues that will ...... Marcus Henderson have an impact on the prison Staff Writer ...... Rahsaan Thomas populace. Staff Writer ...... Wesley Eisiminger • Please do not use offensive CORRECTIONS TO LAST MONTH’S PRINTED ISSUE language in your submissions. Staff Writer ...... David Le • Poems and artwork (cartoons Staff Writer ...... Samuel Hearnes • In the Van Jones story, Jessica Sloan is the correct spelling and Curtis Carroll and drawings) are welcomed. Photographer ...... Eddie Herena did not appear in The Brief But Spectacular Moment segment on KQED. • Letters to the editor should be Layout Designer ...... Keung Vanh • In the Veterans paying tribute story, the photo caption for Mary Donovan was misspelled. short and to the point. Layout Designer ...... Jonathan Chiu Send Submissions to: • The San Quentin News printed an article about “The Association of State Correctional Researcher ...... Richard Lindsey High Desert State Prison (HDSP) in the March Administrators found little evidence of overt San Quentin News 1 Main Street Administrative Review 2017 edition titled “Probe finds officers create racism.” San Quentin, CA 94964 Warden’s Office ...... Lt. S. Robinson a culture of racism at HDSP” was inaccurate. ASCA’s assessment team conducted a ...... Sgt. Chris Siino The article stated that the Association of State research from July 15, 2016 through July For inmates that want to receive a copy of the San Quentin News CDCR Information Officer II (Supervisor) ... Correctional Administrators (ASCA) found in 28, 2016. They reported that the assessment in the mail, send $1.61 worth of ...... Krissi Khokhobashvili an investigation a “culture of racism” where team, through, “observations and interviews stamps for postage to the above Adviser ...... Linda Xiques officers used an “excessive” amount of force ... produced no evidence to support the OIG address. Adviser ...... William Drummond against Black inmates. That statement is not allegation.” The process can be repeated Adviser ...... Joan Lisetor true. ASCA concluded that, “Although there are every month if you want to Adviser...... Steve McNamara In an earlier report in 2015, the Office of the differences among staff groups in the strength receive the latest newspaper. Adviser ...... John C. Eagan Inspector General (OIG) stated that there was a of their desire for change and in the cultural Behind the Scenes Adviser ...... Jon Spurlock “culture of racism” at HDSP. The San Quentin components in which they would most like to Adviser ...... Jan Perry News erroneously attributed the conclusions see change, all prefer a culture that is more The San Quentin News is printed by Marin Sun Printing, Adviser ...... Nikki Meredith of the earlier report to a subsequent report by internally focused, more oriented to meeting San Rafael, with Adviser ...... Yukari Kane ASCA. We apologize for this error. human needs, and grounded in mutual trust donations from supporters. Editora En Espańol ...... Lucía de la Fuente According to the Associate Press, and support.” April 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 3 Unconstitutional policing conducted by US police departments

By Charles David Henry Reform Work report published States and the local jurisdiction. a. Investigate cases that be- included data-driven outcome Journalism Guild Writer in January. Their actions, Of the 18 reform agreements gin with the launch of a formal measures designed to provide the report said, are severely resulting from investigations investigation into a law en- clear and objective standards The country is engaged in a undermining both community opened since 2008, all have forcement agency to determine for measuring success and critically important conversa- trust and public safety. been consent decrees, but for whether the agency is engaged determining whether the law tion about community-police The division has entered into those in four jurisdictions (Mis- in a pattern or practice of vio- enforcement agency has met relations, according to a U.S. 40 total reform agreements in soula, Mont.; Suffolk County, lating federal law. An investi- the objectives of the agreement. Department of Justice report. pattern-or-practice policing NY.; Miami, Fla.; and Ala- gation most often consists of a e. At all stages of a pattern- Some of the more than 18,000 cases. mance, NC). comprehensive analysis of the or-practice case, from investi- police departments across the Twenty of those agreements The United States Department policies and practices of polic- gation through resolution, the United States are engaging have been court-enforced con- of Justice is using police ing in a particular community, division emphasizes engage- in unconstitutional policing, sent decrees, and 20 have been reform, police-community trust although an investigation may ment with a wide variety of according to the Department settlement agreements, typi- relations, and public safety also focus on a specific area of stakeholders, including com- of Justice Civil Rights Division cally known as memoranda of as tools to accomplish these policing practice. munity members and people Pattern and Practice Police agreement, between the United policies: b. If the division finds a who have been victims of pattern or practice of police police misconduct or live in misconduct, it issues public the neighborhoods most im- findings in the form of a let- pacted by police misconduct, ter or report made available to police leadership, rank and FDA impounds approximately the local jurisdiction and the file officers, police labor or- public. The division conducts ganizations, and local political a thorough and independent leaders. Each of these groups 1000 vials of Texas execution drugs investigation into allegations brings a different and impor- of police misconduct and sub- tant perspective and plays a State’s supply runs out after nine executions, stantiates any conclusions it critical role in accomplishing draws with evidence set forth and sustaining police reform. it sues to have feds release impounded drugs in its public findings. f. In keeping with the focus c. The division negotiates on systemic problems, the di- The U.S. Food and Drug supply,” the report states. to make drugs. The state has reform agreements resolving vision’s reform agreements Administration (FDA) has The FDA intercepted also sought product from for- those findings, usually in the emphasize institutional re- detained a shipment of ap- a shipment of sodium eign providers. It has restrict- form of a “consent decree” forms such as improving sys- proximately 1,000 vials of thiopental, another barbiturate ed public access to informa- overseen by a federal court tems for supervising officers drugs intended for executions that the state had attempted to tion about where and how it and an independent monitor- and holding them accountable in Texas. After waiting for import from a foreign vendor gets drugs used in lethal in- ing team. The lead indepen- for misconduct. It also em- nearly a year and a half, Texas since July 2015. Government jections. dent monitor is appointed by phasizes ensuring that offi- officials demanded an end to officials said that the drugs “The Texas Department of the court and usually agreed cers have the policy guidance, the delays, filing a lawsuit lacked the required warnings Correctional Justice lawfully upon by both the division and training, equipment and other that seeks to force the federal and directions for use and that ordered and obtained the nec- the investigated party but re- resources necessary for consti- government to turn over the they needed federal approval. essary license to import drugs ports directly to the court. If tutional and effective policing; drugs, according to a report According to the report, the used in the lethal injection an agreement cannot be nego- creating and using data about by the Dallas Morning News. state responded to the FDA, process, yet the FDA stopped tiated, the division will bring police activity to identify and “My office will not allow explaining that the drugs were the shipment and continues to a lawsuit to compel needed re- correct patterns of police mis- the FDA to sit on its hands and legal for importation for law hold it without justification,” forms. conduct; and institutionalizing thereby impair Texas’ respon- enforcement use. In April the report said. d. When the court finds law enforcement agencies’ en- sibility to carry out its law en- 2016, the FDA issued a tenta- TDCJ spokesperson Jason that the law enforcement gagement with and account- forcement duties,” said Texas tive decision denying admis- Clark said that the agency agency has accomplished and ability to the community. Attorney General Ken Paxton. sion of the drugs. Since then, has enough drugs on hand to sustained the requirements At the time of this publica- Lethal injection drugs have the agency hasn’t issued a fi- complete the nine executions of the reform agreement, tion, the division had 18 open not been manufactured or sold nal decision and has kept the scheduled for the first six the case is terminated. In reform agreements, 14 of by American companies in drugs. months of this year. recent years, the division’s which are court-enforced con- recent years, and European “Because FDA’s delay is un- From that point forward, reform agreements have sent decrees. conglomerates no longer sell reasonable, the Texas Depart- “We cannot speculate on the to the U.S. ment of Correctional Justice future availability of drugs, “Amid the drug shortage (TDCJ) requests the Court to so the agency continues to ex- in 2012, Texas switched from declare that the delay is un- plore all options including the Prisoners strike to end the three-drug cocktail it lawful and compel the FDA continued use of pentobarbital used since 1982 to a single to render a final admissibility or alternate drugs to use in overdosing injection of decision,” the lawsuit states. the lethal injection process,” ‘prison slavery’ pentobarbital, a barbiturate, Texas officials have turned Clark said. but that drug, too, is in short to compounding pharmacies –Charles David Henry By David Le prisons pledged to join in the Staff Writer strikes, said Pastor Kenneth Glasgow, a former inmate and Inmates at dozens of pris- supporter of the strike demon- ons across the county were on stration. Prop 57 proposed new credit earnings strike calling for reform to end According to the Wall Street the practice of slavery in pris- Journal, some 400 inmates CURRENT PROPOSED on, The Intercept reported. staged a peaceful protest in a DESCRIPTION OF OFFENDER TYPE CREDIT RATE CREDIT RATE “There are probably 20,000 Michigan prison, and 150 in- prisoners on strike right now, mates suspected of being the Life without parole (LWOP) and condemned 0% 0% at least, which is the biggest “ringleaders” of the protest prison strike in history, but the were transferred to other pris- Indeterminate offenders (lifers) 0% 20% information is really sketchy ons. 15% 20% and spotty,” said Ben Turk, in The details of the prison Violent offenders (determinately sentenced) September 2016. Turk repre- strikes are obscured due to Violent third strike offenders 0% 20% sents the Incarcerated Workers prison security, which makes it Organizing Committee, who difficult to obtain information. Violent offenders earning zero credit 0% 20% helped coordinate the inmate- “What people have to realize led strikes on the outside. is that these men and women Non-violent second strikers (with PC 290) 20% 33.3% The incarcerated strikers are inside prison — they expected hoping that their strikes will to be retaliated against, but they Non-violent second strikers 33.3% 33.3% repeal the exception in the 13th sacrificed,” Glasgow explained. 0% Amendment that authorizes While outside supporters in Non-violent third strikers 33.3% the “involuntary servitude” of many U.S. cities coordinated 1/3 lifers (admissions for certain crimes before 1994) 33.3% 33.3% incarcerated people, The Inter- demonstrations in support cept said. of the inmate-led strikes, the Day-for-day offenders 50% 50% According to The Intercept, strikes gained little attention the issue that unified the pro- from mainstream media, The Violent offenders in fire camps 15% 50% testers is a $2 billion a year Intercept said. prison labor industry. The in- “A nation that imprisons one Day-for-day lifers 50% 50% dustry employs about 900,000 percent of its population has incarcerated people, paying in- an obligation to know what’s Day-for-day minimum custody offenders 66.7% 66.7% mates from nothing to pennies happening to those 2.4 million 66.7% 66.7% on the hour in some states. people,” Ethan Zuckerman, the Day-for-day offenders in fire camps Inmates across 11 states and director of the Center for Civic Non-violent second strikers in fire camps 33.3% 66.7% 20 prisons joined the protest. Media at MIT said. “And right Across 24 states, 40 to 50 more now, we don’t know.” Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017 Governor Brown pardons more than 850 since taking office By Salvador Solorio Clemency applications sent Governor Brown’s actions anger. They’ve already done 1800s, when prison wardens Journalism Guild Writer to the governor describe youth reflect a swing back in favor of their time. It’s not lessening would make lists of inmates indiscretions, lives of poverty, mercy as in Illinois, Michigan their punishment, and they had who should be freed on the holi- Gov. Jerry Brown has given drug addiction, drug deals, ac- and at the federal level. Presi- to prove to the court that they day. more than 850 pardons since cidental shootings and drunken dent Obama commuted more are upstanding citizens and Governor Brown was criti- 2011. This trend contrasts with driving. Applications also de- sentences for people convicted have stayed out of trouble. So cized when he pardoned ce- the three prior governors, who scribe transformations showing of federal crimes than any pres- I don’t view that aspect of his lebrity Robert Downey Jr. on granted a total of 28 pardons, devotion to living clean, steady ident since Woodrow Wilson. role as governor as being soft Christmas Eve 2015 for narcot- reported Laurel Rosenhall of jobs, responsible parenting and “The social landscape is defi- on crime.” ics crimes after Downey donat- CAL Matters. sobriety. nitely changing,” P.S. Ruckman A pardon does not erase a ed money to Brown’s re-elec- Jr., political scientist and edi- criminal record but restores tion campaign. Most pardon tor of Pardon Power blog said. rights to people convicted of recipients are regular people “There is kind of a sea change felonies to get certain profes- who say in their applications Jamie Lindsey establishes going on, with respect to the at- sional licenses and serve on a that a pardon will allow them to titudes about clemency and par- jury. A pardon is not a commu- get a better job, go hunting or don power.” tation, which reduces a prison volunteer in a school. All Faith Religious Grounds Assemblywoman Melissa sentence. Gabriel Chin, a law professor Melendez (R-Riverside), who After the Civil War in 1868, at University of California at By Wesley Eisiminger has been critical of Brown’s President Andrew Johnson Davis, pointed out that America Staff Writer progressive approach to crimi- granted a Christmas Day Par- is the land of second chances. nal justice, is not complaining. don to everyone who could “If somebody does something A new religious site for She said, “I’ve looked at who have committed treason by when they are ... 19 or 20, are Odinists, called the All Faith he is pardoning, and I can’t find rebelling. Christmas time am- they still going to be under this Religious Grounds, is now one particular case that jars my nesty was common in the late shadow when they’re 80?” open at San Quentin. Jamie Lindsey said he is a well-known and outspoken California’s first Latino AG leads fight spokesman for the Odinists, known by both the prisoners and correctional officers. against presidential policies When Lindsey first arrived at San Quentin in March By David Eugene Archer Sr. warming a hoax “created by and 2013, there were no religious Journalism Guild Writer for the Chinese.” The newspaper grounds for him and his fellow story stated the president has kinsmen to hold their blots California Gov. Jerry Brown promised to deport millions of each month. has appointed Congressman migrants and cut federal funding He said that he stayed in Xavier Becerra to be the new to “sanctuary cities,” where local contact with the chaplain’s California attorney general, re- authorities limit their assistance officers, associate wardens ported The Guardian. to federal deportation. and anyone else who would Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Becerra is leading the state’s Mayors of Los Angeles and listen to him. In December Jamie Lindsey court battles with President San Francisco have promised to 2015 his persistence finally Donald Trump over climate protect migrants from Trump’s worked, as he received an All are like air, earth, fire and change, immigration and more, encroachment into local poli- Faith Religious Grounds on water. You need all to live. the newspaper story reported. cies, The Guardian reported. the lower yard. Also, I enjoy hanging out and Becerra is a 24-year veteran California Assembly Speaker Lindsey said he and his working in the grounds with of Congress. He graduated from Anthony Rendon said, “Becerra fellow kinsmen could turn my fellow kinsmen.” Stanford University with a law clearly has the experience to Photo by Sacramento Bee this location into what they He hasn’t been able to go to degree and also worked in the step into this vital role. Just as need. They had to break up the grounds that he helped to Civil Division of the California Xavier Becerra important, he has great tenacity, concrete to make way for a develop as much as he would Attorney General’s Office, The and he respects the rights of all new fence, get lockers and like to, because of his end- Guardian noted on Dec. 1. to protect consumers, advance Californians — much-needed tables and plant plants to make stage liver disease along with He became the highest-rank- criminal justice reform, and, of qualities for an attorney gen- it a place of worship. On June other medical problems, he ing Latino member of Congress. course, keep our families safe. eral, given the troubling times 21 they celebrated Summer said. He is the state’s first Latino at- “California right now is ahead ahead.” Solstice, feeding more than 50 He said he would like to torney general. of the country when it comes Becerra replaces outgoing At- people. The Odinists practice give a special thanks to his “Gov. Brown has presented to clean energy, common sense torney General Kamala Harris, hospitality whenever possible. fellow kinsmen and especially me with an opportunity I can- treatment of immigrants, real who in November won the Sen- When asked what being an his daughter Rocsi. “Being not refuse,” said Becerra. “ I rel- health security and so much ate seat held by Barbara Boxer, Odinist meant to him, Lindsey part of this has changed me in ish the chance to be our state’s more,” he added. who retired this year. Becerra is replied, “Odinism and Odin a positive way,” Lindsey said. chief law enforcement officer Trump has called global 58.

Professor Drummond has utes right before the 12:30 a.m. Drummond worked tirelessly to mentor and deadline. foster the participation of under- “That was the big break- Continued from Page 1 represented minorities in the through and turning point in my field of journalism,” the Senate career,” said Drummond. “Pris- Drummond has been volun- said in a statement, adding that on became my main beat.” teering at San Quentin since his students include a Pulitzer By accident, Drummond 2012, first developing writing Prize winner and The New York found that men in California’s and journalism classes for the Times’ China correspondent. state prison system were edu- Prison University Project and Drummond received his cating themselves. One of these later for the newspaper when undergraduate degree in men was Eldridge Cleaver, the the managing editor asked him journalism from the University Black Panther Party’s minister to help. Before then, there had of California, Berkeley in of information and author of the been no interaction between 1965 and a master’s degree book Soul on Ice. the prison publication and the in journalism from Columbia In October 1968, Drummond journalism school. “These are University in 1966. interviewed Cleaver and wrote two of the oldest institutions in As a 23-year-old cub report- an article titled “Eldridge Cleav- Courtesy of William Drummond the state but there is little inter- er for the Los Angeles Times, er: A Black Militant Forged by UC Berkeley English Professor Donna Jones, Professor action between the two,” said Drummond’s big break came Life.” Two years later he wrote Drummond and Chair of the Academic Senate by chance during a phone call “Blue Denim Jungle: Prison Drummond. at UC Berkeley Robert Powell San Quentin was established in June 1968 while he was cov- Race Trouble.” in 1852 and two years later, in ering the Democratic primary Later, he worked for National 1854, the University of Califor- election between Robert F. Ken- Public Radio and won his first Despite his many accomplish- better,” he said. “I wasn’t able to nia, Berkeley. nedy and Eugene McCarthy. award in 1981 from the National ments, however, Drummond think of one.” According to the university’s When Kennedy was shot and Press Club for a story on Libya. expressed his frustration with He said that his work with San website, the Academic Senate fatally wounded, Drummond Drummond has won about his profession in an interview Quentin News brought him back recognized Drummond “for his had been talking on the phone 20 awards during his career, in- with California Magazine in to the kind of journalism that he exceptional and extraordinary with someone who was at the cluding most recently The John 2012. He said journalists were set out to do in the beginning of service towards the academic scene. The person dropped the Gardner Legacy of Leadership suffering from a “loss of faith” his career. He said prison jour- development of students from receiver, but Drummond was Award in 2015, presented to him in the profession. “I found my- nalists want to get better at what groups who are underrepresent- able to figure out what happened at the White House, and UC self looking back on 40 years as they do and as a result of that, ed.” by continuing to listen on the Berkeley’s Chancellor’s Award a journalist, trying to identify working with them is “much “Throughout his career as other end. He wrote about Ken- for Public Service in the 2014- a story I wrote, any story, that more of a rush than anything an academic and journalist, nedy’s assassination in 10 min- 2015 academic year. made anyone’s life materially I’ve ever done.” April 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 5 Over $180 billion a year spent on mass incarceration Half the money spent on running the correctional system goes to pay staff

By Charles David Henry than the private prison indus- reforms could prevent people towns and cities in the U.S., 50 percent of court expendi- Journalism Guild Writer try’s profits. from being detained in jail be- more than 10 percent of all tures were criminal law relat- - The U.S. Constitution re- cause of their poverty. public revenue is court fines ed. After further investigation, The system of mass incar- quires counsel to be appointed - Specialized phone compa- and fees. In St. Louis County, the report adjusted this figure ceration costs the government for defendants unable to afford nies monopolize contracts and five towns generated more than to $29 billion as criminal law and families at least $182 bil- legal representation, but the charge families up to $24.95 40 percent of their annual rev- related. lion every year, according to a system only spends $4.5 bil- for a 15-minute phone call. enue from court fines and fees With emphasis on the dis- report by the Prison Policy In- lion funding this right. Over - Commissary vendors sell in 2013. parate impact on women and stitute. the last decade, states have goods to incarcerated people The Bureau of Justice Statis- the poor, the report illustrates “Our goal with this report been reducing this figure even who rely largely on money tics reports the combined total the extreme financial burden is to give a hint as to how the as caseloads have grown. sent by family and friends, but of federal, state and local ex- and emotional strain caused criminal justice system works - Private companies that sup- some from in-prison jobs. This penditures on the judicial and by incarceration: families, not by identifying some of the key ply goods to the prison com- industry brings in $1.6 billion legal system was $57.9 billion defendants, typically pay for stakeholders and quantifying missary or provide telephone a year. in 2012. Since these figures in- court-related costs, phone calls their ‘stake’ in the status quo,” service for correctional facili- The report shows the crimi- clude both criminal and civil and visitation, and continue to reported the authors, Peter ties reap profits ($2.9 billion) nal justice fines and fees can law aspects of the court sys- support people upon their re- Wagner and Bernadette Rabuy. — almost as much as govern- be substantial. In at least 38 tem, reporters estimated that lease, the report comments. The report revealed that half ments pay private companies of the money spent on running ($3.9 billion) to operate private the correctional system goes prisons. toward paying staff. This - Feeding and providing Trump’s victory means group is an influential lobby health care for 2.3 million that sometimes prevents reform incarcerated people — rep- and whose influence and jobs resenting a population larger private prison growth are often protected even when than that of 15 different states prison populations drop. — is expensive. By Salvador Solorio capacity to house detainees will Civil War, Southern plantation Below are some lesser- Journalism Guild Writer come under further stress.” owners, who had been deprived ACCORDING TO THE known players in the system of Mass deportation of illegal of slaves, began contracting for REPORT mass incarceration: Donald Trump’s presidential immigrants would likely run services of convicts. That system - Bail bond companies col- victory has breathed new life into legal obstacles, “further ne- continued well into the 1900s.” - Private prison companies lect $1.4 billion in nonrefund- into the for-profit prison indus- cessitating a sizable contract de- The Reagan administration’s act as extensions of the public able fees from defendants and try. After the Department of Jus- tention population,” the analysts “War on Drugs” policy resulted system. The government pay- their families. The industry ac- tice announced phasing out pri- said. in increasing prison populations. roll for corrections employees tively works to block reforms vately run jails in August, shares Former history teacher K.J. After being awarded a contract is more than 100 times higher that threaten its profits, even if in CoreCivic, formerly known McElrath commented two days to operate a jail in Hamilton as Corrections Corporation after the election that Trump’s County, Tenn., CCA offered to of America (CCA), and GEO victory “will be putting the take over the Volunteer State’s Group dropped, but the day after agenda of privatization of our entire correctional system for a the election CoreCivic traded as public institutions — including bargain price of $200 million — President’s deportation much as 60 percent higher be- the corrections system — on ste- and a new industry was born.” fore settling to 34 percent, and roids.” According to McElrath, policy could increase GEO traded 18 percent higher, According to McElrath, “By 2011, the private prison reported Bloomberg News. private prison facilities aren’t industry had grown into a $5 Analysts at Height Securities exactly new. “They were even billion a year industry. This has prison population LLC wrote a note the day used in England in the wake of not been lost on Wall Street, after the election, “Private the American Revolution. ... San which has invested heavily America’s prison popula- particularly profitable be- prisons would likely be a clear Francisco Bay’s infamous San in private prisons. In only 13 tion is likely to rise for the cause they command a higher winner under Trump, as his Quentin Prison started out as a years, the price for CCA stock first time in nearly a decade rate for each inmate bed. ICE administration will likely private prison, built by inmates went from $1 to over $34 per if President Donald Trump holds up to 34,000 immigrants rescind the DOJ’s contract on a prison ship in the early 1850s. share. Journalist Chris Hedges keeps his promise to detain awaiting deportation with phase-out, and Immigration and During the Reconstruction Era calls it a ‘lucrative (and hugely and deport millions of immi- about 73 percent held in pri- Customs Enforcement (ICE) that followed the American profitable)’ industry.” grants, The Associated Press vate facilities. reports. When asked for comment, Such a policy would benefit CCC spokesman Jonathan private for-profit prison com- Burns said the company Mayors and police chiefs push back panies, the story added. After doesn’t take positions on Trump commented on immi- proposals or legislation that grantion policies, their stock determines an individual’s against deportation policies prices jumped, according to a incarceration. Instead, the Nov. 23 AP report. company aims to “educate By John Lam against federal immigration au- “I reiterated to (Trump) that Corrections Corporation of lawmakers on the benefits Journalism Guild Writer thorities by prohibiting officers this city and so many cities America (CCA), re-branded as of public-private partnership from initiating police action around the country will do all CoreCivic Co. (CCC), saw the generally and the solutions Mayors and police chiefs are with the objective of discover- we can to protect our residents biggest percentage gain on the CoreCivic provides.” pushing back against President ing a person’s immigration sta- and to make sure families are New York Stock Exchange at A Department of Homeland Donald Trump’s proposed de- tus. not torn apart,” De Blasio said. 43 percent. Geo Group’s stock Security (DHS) review panel portation policies. In Seattle, Mayor Ed Mur- prices soared 21 percent. concluded immigration au- “I don’t intend on doing any- ray spoke of his city’s commit- Meanwhile, the Obama ad- thorities should continue to thing different,” said Los Ange- ment to remain a sanctuary city, ministration announced in use for-profit prisons despite les Police Chief Charlie Beck in “We can’t allow “These are our neighbors… We August it would phase out pri- safety complaints, poor condi- an interview with the Los An- ourselves to can’t allow ourselves to be di- vate prison use, but this policy tions and inadequate medical geles Times. “We are not going vided and sorted out. That’s not change did not affect Immi- care, reported the Los Angeles to engage in law enforcement be divided and America.” gration and Customs Enforce- Times. activities solely based on some- In Philadelphia, newly elected ment (ICE). The DHS panel determined body’s immigration status. We sorted out. That’s Mayor Jim Kenney signed one “I do think we can do a lot cost to detain immigrants cur- are not going to work in con- not America” of his first acts with an execu- of privatizations and private rently in private and public fa- junction with Homeland Secu- tive order to restore the city’s prisons,” Trump told MSNBC cilities is $3 billion, whereas rity on deportation efforts. That status as a sanctuary city and in March. “It seems to work using government-run prisons is not our job, nor will I make it ABC News noted on Nov. bar most cooperation between a lot better.” He did not offer solely would cost up to $6 bil- our job.” 17 that many major cities with police and Immigration and any details on what that might lion. During Trump’s interview democratic leaderships have Customs Enforcement (ICE). mean for the federal system. Marshall Fitz, a member with CBS’ 60 Minutes, Trump bristled at Trump’s immigra- “I vow to uphold the Fourth “Trump was saying during of the Center for American said that he plans immediately tion proposals. These so-called Amendment of the United his 100-day plan that manda- Progress, who helped draft to deport approximately two “sanctuary cities” discourage States Constitution, yes, by not tory minimums for people re- the DHS report, wrote a dis- to three million undocumented full cooperation with federal holding people in jail without a entering the country would be sent saying evidence “points immigrants. immigration authorities. warrant, which I think is in vio- set at two years – that’s going directly toward the inferiority Trump has threatened to pull In New York City, Mayor lation of the U.S. Constitution,” to require a longer-term need of the private prison model.” federal funding to states and lo- Bill De Blasio said in a press Kenney said. for beds,” said Michael Ko- Although the report passed cal governments that refuse to briefing that Trump’s proposed Under Pres. Obama’s desch, a senior associate at the advisory council, 17 of 23 cooperate with federal law en- initiatives would create a administration, there have been Canaccord Genuity, Inc. members signed on to Fitz’s forcement. rift between police and the more deportations than any Kodesch also stated immi- dissent. Since 1979, the city of Los communities they serve around previous administration, ABC gration detention centers are –Salvador Solorio Angeles has pushed back the country. News reported. Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017 Father and son bond over experiences of San Quentin By Marcus Henderson related homicide. was looking for love, and he Journalism Guild Chairman “I was very irresponsible as started looking for it in other a father,” Anthony Sr. said. “It places.” Anthony Ammons Sr. and Jr. was all about me, even when Anthony Jr. said when his fa- not only share the same name. I had family members, or my ther got out of prison and moved They also share the experience wife, bring him up to see me in to Oakland, the son started of being prisoners in San Quen- prison.” gang-banging, thinking it would tin State Prison. bring his father back to L.A., One in eight African Ameri- but that never happened. can children has an incarcer- “So I tried to live up to my ated parent. In addition, before “I want him to get father’s (gang) name ‘Amp’ and the age of 18, one in 10 children his reputation,” said Anthony Jr. who has an incarcerated parent all he can get out of “My dad’s homeboys knew him will be incarcerated themselves, the prison and the better than me, and they kept according to San Francisco telling me about the things he Children of Incarcerated Par- self-help groups” would do.” ents Partnership (SFCIPP). After 15 years, at their first Anthony Sr. was incarcer- visit Anthony Jr. had so many ated in San Quentin in the early Anthony Jr. now 32, added, “I questions: Why were you never 2000s for drug-related offenses. don’t blame him. We all make there? Did you love me? Did you After his release, he got his life our own decisions. I take re- care? together. Now he regularly trav- sponsibility for what I done.” “I was scared to ask those Courtesy of Anthony Ammons els at least eight hours from Los Anthony Sr. grew up alone in questions,” said Anthony Jr. Anthony Ammons Senior and Junior Angeles to San Quentin to visit one of Watts’ notorious projects “I needed my brother, Michael Anthony “Ant” Jr. after losing both of his parents Ammons there. But once I got said. “But also you have to for- be working for the state after “I can’t help but to think that at the age of 9. He was raised by that first hug from my father, it give your parents.” spending so many years in state I am responsible for my son be- family members but turned to said it all; because of that hug I Through getting to know each prison,” he commented ing there,” said Anthony Sr. “If gang-banging. That led to vio- became a son again.” other, father and son are reform- “I went through the process I was there in his life, he prob- lence, drug addiction and ulti- Anthony Jr. credits a San ing a loving bond. of writing the warden to see my ably wouldn’t have gotten in mately prison. Quentin self-help group, The “My mom (Shelly Warren) is son. I’m trying to be that dad that car.” “I have given the system over House of Healing, for helping my heart and best friend, and now that my kids are in their At age 16, Anthony Jr. was 26 years of my life going in and him forgive his father. now my father is getting there,” 30s. As a parent, you love your sentenced to 102 years-to-life out of prison,” Anthony Sr. said. “They not only teach you how he said. “When I call him, no kids no matter what they do.” in prison for his role in a gang- “I understand now that my son to heal your inner child,” he matter where he’s at or what Anthony Sr., now being a re- he’s doing he will stop and pick sponsible person, is setting a up his cellphone. Even when he better example for his son. misses my call, he let me know “I want him to get all he can Letters To The Editor what’s going on and that showed get out of the prison and the Editor: me how much he has grown.” self-help groups. I want him to Today, Anthony Sr. says he get out and not look back,” said is drug-free and is working for Anthony Sr. “Because one of The January 2017 book review of Hannah Arendt’s book regarding Adolf Eichmann was going well Caltrans, the state transporta- the hardest things I have to do until the senior editor began spouting off about the president of the United States of America. This leads tion department. now is walk away from my son us to believe that the senior editor is a member of the third and unofficial national political party, “The “I never thought I would after a visit.” Mediacratic Party.” Issue is taken with the following: “That being said I couldn’t help but feel uneasy with the negatively tainted rhetoric coming from the U.S. president-elect against Mexicans and Muslims and its similarity to 1930s Germany’s vicious criticisms Prisons trying to help against the Jews that resulted in the holocaust.” The Holocaust was the product of a psychopath attempting genocide of an entire race of people. Many fathers re-establish of my people were needlessly slaughtered because they didn’t fit the psychopath’s ideal of a pure white race. The president is not against Mexicans; he is against illegal aliens. It is a crime to enter the United States relationships of America outside of proper procedures. My ancestors, like many Americans, came here legally through By Harry C. Goodall Jr. opportunity to learn things that Ellis Island. They applied for U.S. citizenship the proper way. They did not scale a wall and sneak in unan- Journalism Guild Writer we didn’t necessary receive nounced. If someone steals something, they are guilty of a crime. If they are not caught for that theft for from our parents.” 10, 15 or 20 years, are they suddenly not guilty of committing the crime? There are 24 million children Dameion “Nation” Brown, a The president is not against Muslims; he is against radicalized Muslim terrorists. It is the duty of the in America, and one out of three former Solano inmate, added, office of the president of the United States of America to protect the citizens of the United States from all lives without their biological fa- “The things that I could not give threats, both foreign and domestic. The president is anti-terrorist, and it makes no difference to him what ther in the home, the U.S. Cen- my children, I gave to the young a person’s ethnicity or faith is. sus Bureau calculated. people in prison.” The senior editor then would potentially chastise “law-abiding government workers” for “executing to the When the father is absent it can He was convicted of physical- best of his or her ability the full force of the law in the United States.” Apparently, in his view, laws were lead to the following: behavioral ly abusing his children and was made to be broken. problems, abuse and neglect, in- sentenced to 23 years-to-life. He To “think about millions of undocumented people in America who are in peril of deportation”… Peril? fant mortality, substance abuse, learned in parenting class of the dropping out of high school, harmful effects of corporal pun- If you run a red light while driving, then you are in “peril” of receiving a citation; that’s how the law works. obesity and increased likelihood ishment. Maybe next time you won’t run the light and potentially kill somebody! of going to prison, according to Brown was granted parole a study by the National Father- after Dr. Mary Jo Bauen, who To compare (Trump) to Adolf Hitler is completely uncalled for, unwarranted, and unprofessional. hood Initiative. works for Community Works To help remedy the problem, West and directed the parenting J. Weston some prisoners at California classes at Solano, advocated for State Prison-Solano have him. joined a parenting class called Since being paroled, Brown Dear J.A. Riccardi: Parenting Inside Out. has been hired as a case manager In class, the men found that by Community Works West, an After receiving your letter to the editor regarding December 2016’s article about Sgt. Cuevas, to be a good father starts with organization that helps formerly digging deep into one’s own incarcerated adults from 18 to members of the editorial board felt it was necessary to print it in San Quentin News. In addition, I felt the relationship with one’s parents, 25. He appeared last summer in need to respond personally, as I cannot imagine how it must have felt being on Death Row. I would as- according to a Justine Lee arti- Marin Shakespeare Company’s sume that it is a very deserted and lonely place. cle, “Being a father, from Inside production of “Othello.” I spoke to Sergeant Cuevas after your letter was printed and he said that he remembered you. He said Prison,” written for KALW. At San Quentin State Prison, he wishes you well where you are. He also commented on how he would sometimes stop by your cell and When asked about their own L. Harrison was interviewed others. He made sure to speak to everyone who wanted to talk. For you to recognize that a correctional experiences of being disciplined concerning the effect of officer took time to speak to you when he didn’t have to seems unforgettable. I also want to highlight the as children, the men said they incarcerated separation from his fact that prisoners and correctional officers work together through jobsites and programs. It is a working believed discipline was nec- children. relationship that sometimes results in correctional officers writing letters of recommendation to the parole essary but so was explaining “I believe due to the fact that board for those prisoners who have made significant changes in their lives. So, thank you for your letter “why” to the child, the article my father was not in my life,” and the promotion of positive behavior. stated. Harrison said, “I didn’t have “Because parenting doesn’t that role model to emulate what I hope that we can get Ms. Roberta Gonzales from KPIX Channel 5 News and Sgt. Cuevas to meet in come with a handbook,” stated a good man is supposed to be. the near future. inmate Abraham Glasper. An important aspect of being “And a lot of times our parents in a child’s life is to help him to Richard “Bonaru” Richardson only gave us what their parents identify with who he is and his Editor-in-Chief gave them, and so this is an importance to his family.” April 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 7 Youth Offender Program gains traction at San Quentin inmate Summit Lal. “Most Kid CAT Speaks! of the programs here in San Quentin are geared toward By John Lam prisoners who are serving life Journalism Guild Writer sentences, which is a problem, because I’m not a lifer. Youth Offender Program “I started attending the sup- (YOP) inmates between the port group in May. At first I felt ages of 18 and 23 are embracing that I had nothing to offer, but a program specially created for since coming here, I learned them at San Quentin. how to put my potential to work “We started a support group and not let life pass me by.” specifically for YOPs origi- One of the distinguishing nally with three guys, and in characteristics of the YOP sup- three months the attendance port group is that the partici- exploded. The YOPs have been pants drive it. The participants recruiting and are spreading the determine the direction of the word and coming up with ideas group, topics to cover, and who Photo by Ralphaele Casale about creating a curriculum,” can be their mentors. Youth Offender Program facilitators and participant (third from right) said Charlie Spence, Kid CAT Selected peer mentors were chairman. once young men when they certain lifestyle,” said George “The most important thing for violence and help kids in my “What’s unique about this started their adult sentences. Torrez, 34, YOP mentor. me are the outside resources, be- neighborhood avoid the route program is that prison officials YOP mentors share a wealth of “I encourage these young men cause once we walk out of these of prison,” said Juarez. “I also aren’t building it. The youth of- prison experiences to help guide to think about the consequences walls that’s the real challenge,” use things I learn here to teach fenders are the ones taking the the next generation of young of- of their decisions and not resort said Mauricio Salazar, 22, YOP teachers and administrators in initiative to expand the pro- fenders toward a path of reha- to violence to deal with issues participant. northern Sacramento how to gram, and it is something they bilitation. and to get their GEDs.” Commenting on the group, deal with students with behavior want, which is perfect because “As a mentor, I often share my Meeting twice a month on Juan Juarez, Kid CAT volun- problems, and it has been suc- no one knows what these young experience of spending six years Sundays, the YOP support teer, said, “Since my time here, cessful.” men want besides themselves,” in the SHU (Security Housing group discusses a range of top- I have seen people change their The YOP support group is said Spence. Unit) for gang validation to ics such as reentry, developing lives. staffed with 12 peer mentors and “The program is very show them what can happen coping skills, and one-on-one “I take what I learn here back four YOP facilitators with an av- important,” said 20-year-old when they are engaged in a mentoring. into my community to end gang erage attendance of 25 YOPs. They Call Us Monsters sheds light on juvenile reform Aiming to de-stigmatize Cowan, one of the documen- was 14. Juan was charged with resulted in the breakup of his now sits on InsideOUT Writers California’s incarcerated juve- tary’s producers — and by the murder, while Jarad and Anto- family,” Youth Today reported. advisory board. niles, a documentary entitled debate among California law- nio were accused of attempted Not shying away from the Since the film’s completion, They Call Us Monsters sheds makers over a bill that would murder. subjects’ culpability, the film California voters approved light on the lives of those in- grant young offenders with “Juan’s older brother drew shows Jarad’s victim, who Proposition 57, which takes carcerated and the state’s leg- lengthy terms a chance at pa- him into gang life as a child describes waking up para- away from prosecutors the de- islative debate over juvenile role after 15 years.” in their native El Salvador, be- lyzed, and shows her trying to cision on whether a teen should sentencing reform. The film discussed Senate fore they moved to California. navigate in her apartment in a stand trial as an adult and puts “Juan Gamez, Antonio Her- Bill 260, which became law in Antonio, a methamphetamine wheelchair. it in the hands of a Juvenile nandez and Jara Nava are the 2013. Supporters of the mea- addict, recounts seeing a man The film includes surveil- Court judge. youthful offenders at the heart sure included the film’s direc- shot to death in front of him lance video of the killing com- “California seems to be well of...a new documentary that tor, Ben Lear. He said, “I feel when he was 8, but insists he’s mitted by Juan, who now says, on the right path, but there are follows their lives in a Los An- as a society that we do have not traumatized: ‘I guess you “I really was a monster.” a lot of states that are much geles juvenile detention cen- the obligation to provide (ju- do kind of get used to it.’ When Antonio admits he feels no further behind in that conver- ter,” Youth Today reported. veniles) an opportunity to earn he was 12, Jarad found his remorse for his actions and be- sation,” Lear said. “I want the “Their stories are framed by a second chance.” stepfather trying to stab him- gan getting into trouble after film to reach those legislative their participation in a screen- Juan and Jarad were 16 when self to death — an unsuccess- his release. buildings, those communities, writing class taught by Gabriel they were arrested; Antonio ful attempt that nonetheless Lear was inspired to make to start a conversation around the documentary after an invi- this population and how it tation to sit in on a scriptwrit- should be treated.” ing class run by InsideOUT Lear acknowledges that Dear Kid CAT Writers, a Los Angeles orga- these kids “have to do their Dear Kid CAT, nization that teaches creative time” and “they have to pay for writing to incarcerated kids. what they did.” But he empha- I have been reading your articles for the past 19 months, and it has opened my consciousness to better myself Expecting to meet scary sizes the point that we “don’t and express that remorse we lifers need, so that one day, we can re-enter society with a healthy mind. characters like those in the know how they will turn out to I have been incarcerated since the age of 16 for murdering a rival gang member, and I am ashamed that it took movies, Lear found merely “a be when they are 25, 26 or 27.” me a long time to change my perspective regarding the death of my victim. classroom full of kids.” Lear –John Lam Throughout my incarceration, I have been an active gang member and been to the SHU (Security Housing Unit) because I was so narrow-minded that my gang membership was my identity. In 2011, I decided to disassociate my- self from the street and prison gang. It has been a long journey to get to where I am today without that false image I dressed myself in. Today, I am a chairman for a lifer group here at my institution, and I would like to make a humble request: Can we get the privilege of duplicating your program (Kid CAT)? I will appreciate your support in helping us transform our lives and become pro-social human beings for our families, society and the many victims we created by our criminal behavior. Kid CAT and The Beat Within hold monthly writing workshops. The On behalf of my group, we all want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Beat Within conducts writing workshops in juvenile detention centers throughout the country. Kid CAT Speaks will publish one topic each Sincerely, month. Your writing should reflect a positive message that may help the youth make a better decision in life. Your stories will be read by the Jose O. youth in detention centers. If published, you will receive a free copy of Chairman of Lifer Group the publication. Your story can make a difference. Tell The Beat Within Chuckawalla Valley State Prison you read about them in Kid CAT Speaks! The Relationship - What relationships matter the most to you? Tell Dear Jose, us about the most important relationships you have and with whom. What makes them important to you? What have you recently done to My name is Charlie Spence, and I am the new chairman of Kid CAT. I first want to thank you for your letter and support these relationships? How can you maintain and improve them? commend you and the positive changes that you have made in your life. Your letter also shows that you care and Describe these important relationships and the role you play. are genuinely searching to find ways to improve the lifer group that you all have there, and we want to commend your leadership for that. The Beat Within P.O. Box 34310 Take care and keep up the good work! San Francisco, CA 94134

Kid CAT (Creating Awareness Together) is a group of men who committed their crimes in their teens and were sentenced as adults to life terms. The group’s mission is to inspire humanity through education, mentorship and restorative practices. Kid CAT Speaks wants to hear from all the juvenile lifers, educators, and policymakers concerning juvenile justice issues and rehabilitation. Contact us at San Quentin News, Attn: Kid CAT Speaks, 1 Main St., San Quentin, CA 94964. Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017 Inmates find opportunity at Folsom’s Braille program

By Harry C. Goodall Jr. “Nemeth (for science nota- reduced and now I’m going Journalism Guild Writer tion) takes about one to one- home in a month,” he said in a and-a-half years to complete recent interview. “A lot of my Since 1989, Folsom State and there are only 400 to 500 accomplishments and positive Prison’s Braille program has people left doing it,” said things I’ve done in here have been transforming lives by tran- Shelton. “There are about 60 shown that I am no longer a scribing books into Braille for people in the world who have threat to society and I can give the blind through the California ever done music, and currently back. Prison Industry Authority. there are about 30 who are ac- “I am convinced that even in It started when the Folsom tive. There are about 12 people prison someone can be a suc- Lions Club was creating audio in the world who have all the cess story and continue that on books on tape. Select prisoners certifications and we have the streets. It’s not just a dead would read the books for blind three of them here. end in here in prison. I have people like Amelia Diaz. Her “Some of us came up be- really learned from the blind favorite reader was an inmate cause it’s a career; some of project and it has been the thing named William. After listen- us came up here because it is that has really inspired me the ing to William read, she would away from the madness. This most.” write back to him in Braille, place is quiet,” noted Shell- Martinez didn’t have any thanking him for the work he Courtesy of CDCR man. “I have been in prison for prior job experience prior to in- did. Inmate inserting words into videos for hearing impaired 38 years. I was a biker; a bad carceration. Not able to read her notes, he dude. I killed a man in Florida “In here we have to meet asked if the prison would teach or science or music, which often received six certifications in six and I am doing time here.” deadlines, we have cubicles, we him how to read Braille. The use similar dot configurations years. Inmate Samuel Martinez have coworkers and the work is warden at Folsom approved and for completely different mean- “I once, during a drug-in- came to prison at 18 years old, meaningful. I really get a sense the Braille program began, ac- ings. Each separate Braille duced state, not making ex- and is a former gang member. of responsibility here and I re- cording to a Jan. 17 story in the course requires lengthy study cuses, but I stole from a blind His efforts at self-rehabilita- ally do feel like I am working at Folsom Telegraph. and certification woman,” said Shellman. “In tion include a college degree, a real job,” he commented. Inmates first learn literary The United English and 1980, I became a Christian, and several trades and two certifi- Martinez’s goal upon release Braille and must pass a certifi- Braille Certification process this is one of the ways you have cations in Braille. is to work with the Department cation process. Later they learn has only 600 people certified. to make amends,” he said, tear- “I used to have life without of Education and community the notations for mathematics Inmate Layale Shellman has ing up. parole, but my sentence was colleges. Business owner shares his knowledge and energy at DVI

By J.R. Abernathy intends to add Latin Ameri- Bohlmann began volunteer- elsewhere across the Contributing Writer can history as well. The Af- ing at DVI more than 20 years nation. rican-American history class ago to help support the mechan- “There’s a high de- Three days a week, you will is based on an undergraduate ical drafting classes being of- mand for mechanical usually find volunteer and busi- course taught at Yale Univer- fered to inmates at the time. He designers nationwide, ness owner Scott Bohlmann de- sity titled “African-American stopped only because the classes and there are cer- voting his valuable time, knowl- History: From Emancipation shut down. In 2013, he returned tainly not enough me- edge and positive energy to to the Present.” The purpose of to DVI under the condition that chanical designers in inmates at Deuel Vocational In- the course is to examine the Af- he wouldn’t be obligated to Silicon Valley,” Bohl- stitution (DVI) in Tracy, Calif. rican-American experience in teach any particular subject. mann said. “Prison is my sanctuary,” said the United States from 1863 to “I’m here to make myself use- CAD doesn’t require Bohlmann, 54, explaining why the present. Prominent themes ful in the capacity of a volun- knowledge of physics, he volunteers his time to teach include the ending of the Civil teer. I’m a tool for DVI,” Bohl- chemistry or biology. three different classes to in- War, the Reconstruction era, mann said. Inmates just need to mates at DVI. the urbanization experience of Currently, Bohlmann is in understanding basic “I’m not into altruism. I do Blacks, the development of the talks with prison officials about arithmetic, have me- this for myself...it helps me.” civil rights movement and an establishing a mechanical engi- chanical aptitude and Bohlmann, who is White examination of notable and his- neering program that includes a good work ethic. The and has a Bachelor of Arts de- torical Black leaders. computer-aided design (CAD) particular skill sets are gree from St. Mary’s College “I just wanted to do something at DVI. The CAD program is selected in accordance in California, teaches an Af- different as a challenge. It’s not a 15-month course that trains with industry demand. rican-American history class like I have a background in inmates in engineering design With time and repeti- Courtesy of Scott Bohlmann composed primarily of Black Black history studies. I came drawing and the use of CAD tion, the development inmates. in knowing nothing about software. Participants will learn of such skills will lead Scott Bohlmann The other two courses he Black history. I’m learning how to design 3-D images, to proficiency and teaches are philosophy and cre- right along with the students. for example. Bohlmann is the marketable skills that are ap- “Scott is very uplifting, ative writing with Keith and These students have taught me owner of a company called Val- plicable to the real-world job informative and inspirational,” Kent Zimmerman, twin broth- more about the experience of ley Engineering Group (VEG), market. said Black student Damian ers who have been teaching being Black in America than in Livermore, Calif. VEG pro- “In my experience, people Scott. “He provided us with creative writing at San Quen- I could’ve ever learned from vides mechanical engineering do really well after receiving something that is lacking in the tin State Prison for the past a book,” Bohlmann said of his resources to companies in the hands-on training in design. prison system ... which is the 14 years. This year Bohlmann inspiration to teach the class. San Francisco Bay Area and Providing this training is love for the self. I consider him a something we’ve done for years friend. He is genuine, honest and at VEG and find those with the transparent.” training tend to out-pace those “To me, Scott is innovating,” without it,” Bohlmann said. said Ray McClenton. “He’s Tehachapi gets upgrades with His goal is to provide inmates trying to provide us with with training skills more in line modern-day learning tools and security and medical clinics with current technology, which technology that will enable us to means that inmates will have a work with our minds instead of Tehachapi State Prison in- and security cameras in all vis- Other noted upgrades were better chance of obtaining more our hands.” mates may soon find them- iting areas. the construction of new medi- advanced and higher-paying Radciffe Walker, who studies selves under new security cam- “We knew that these things cal clinics and examination jobs upon their release. Black history, philosophy eras, according to a Tehachapi needed to be fixed and have rooms. “Currently the prison “Not every inmate wants to and creative writing, says News article. been working to fix them, but has been able to conserve wa- spend eight hours a day working Bohlmann’s understanding of “By knowing they (inmates) money is always the issue,” Lt. ter by decreasing usage by 38 outside on a roof. There are a Black history impresses him are on camera, they will gener- Brian Parriott said. He added percent,” the grand jury noted. lot of smart men in here. These because he’s White. “He’s ally be less likely to do some- that cameras are already used Tehachapi was built in the guys want to seek something passionate about where we thing inappropriate” stated Lt. in some of the visiting rooms to 1920s and ’30s, then added different other than laborious [Blacks] come from, and he’s Brian Parriott. help monitor inmates. Install- on to in the ’60s. The require- jobs after their release. My goal very interested in the cultural Due to an inspection of the ing new ones is an extra mea- ments have obviously changed would be to help provide that to barriers between Whites prison, a Kern County Grand sure. in the years since, Lt. Parriott them. and Blacks. His demeanor in Jury recommended that Cali- The cameras throughout the said. “The students here at DVI are teaching gives me a sense of fornia Correctional Institution institution, except facility B’s The grand jury finished with awesome. I can’t even explain comfort with him being so (CCI) in Tehachapi repair the visiting area, record in loops the statement that “in spite of how much gratitude I have for knowledgeable with history. roads leading to the facility and are kept for 48 hours, ex- its age, the prison remains a these guys. They’ve given so I’m proud that Scott is teaching and also recommended upgrad- cept facility D, which is kept very functional institution.” much more to me than I could us Black history from Yale ing issues with fire suppression for 20 days. –Harry C. Goodall Jr. ever give back,” Bohlmann said. University.” April 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 9 Graduation brings media, celebs and business executives

Code.7370 Continued from Page 1

Dozens of business leaders, tech executives, venture capi- talists and government workers wandered through the class- room inside the California Pris- on Industry Authority building, talking to the graduates and looking over their shoulders while the coders were working on their presentations. “This is the kind of program that we should be doing at all 35 institutions,” said Ralph Diaz, undersecretary of operations for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilita- tion. “These are the opportuni- ties that we are seeking for all 35 institutions.” Meskan sat in front of his double-screen computer as a multi-player chess game’s piec- Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News es floated on its screen. Chris Redlitz addresses business executives, community members, and media outlets International business ana- lyst Fernando Figueriredo executives said. Parenti. and make us proud.” Devine, an ex-offender and praised Meskan’s coding skills. “If you treat a man as he is, “It’s surreal seeing Kenyatta Stockton Mayor Michael former drug dealer, said before “I was extremely surprised he will remain as he is,” Leal here, not in blue,” Redlitz said. Tubbs said he was impressed by meeting Redlitz and Parenti, he considering that he has lim- told the graduating class and “We first met in a broom closet the opportunity for the inmates had only an eighth-grade edu- ited available material,” said audience. “But, if you treat a in the chapel, and he was serv- to learn skills so that when they cation. Figueriredo, who consults for man as he can and should be, ing a life sentence. There were return to their communities It was the third visit to San the Brazilian government on its he will become as he can and a lot of naysayers, but the co- they could fit in. Quentin for vocalist Antoinette farming practices. “When he’s should be.” operation between this public/ “It’s a challenge for me to “Butterscotch” Clinton, a long- outside, he will increase his RocketSpace is an incubator private partnership should be a provide opportunities for folks time fan of the Last Mile pro- knowledge, because of access workspace for startup com- model for the country.” Refer- before they get to prison,” gram, to support Redlitz and to information.” He added. panies. It also assists larger ring to the graduates, he joked, Tubbs said. “I’m not surprised Parenti. “When I heard about this companies that are looking at “This is not fake news. These by the coding skills of people “I find myself getting emo- program, I thought it was a smaller companies for ideas. are real stories.” in San Quentin.” tional listening to the stories great idea to put the prisoners The chief of Workforce De- Pattillo added, “When they In addition, in attendance and through this program find on the right side. There is a velopment for California’s pris- get out of prison, we don’t want was entrepreneur Divine, who a path that they are passionate huge need for coders in the Bay on industries, Milo Fitch, said, to ever see them again. No one created BLAK card (Building about,” Clinton said. “It makes Area. It would be a way to help “These programs give us the wants to see them come back to Leverage Acquiring Knowl- me happy to know that the cy- local companies and a great kind of outcome that we want prison. We want them to get out edge). cle can be broken.” way to give prisoners a new be- as a society. Most prisoners are ginning.” looking for a way out. People Meskan said he spends a lot who take advantage of these of his spare time reading ev- programs find that they can fit erything he can find that relates in with mainstream culture.” to coding. California has about 100 dif- Code.7370 computers cannot ferent businesses in its prisons be connected to the internet, a that employ about 27,000 in- fact of life which creates a huge mates. challenge in teaching program- “The heart of the business is ming techniques, according the offender who never comes to supervising instructor Jon back to prison,” said Charles Gripshover. Pattillo, general manager of Meskan also met with Rock- California Prison Industry Au- etSpace personnel who ap- thority. “Our programs have peared interested in the fact one of the lowest recidivism that he was getting out of pris- rates in the country, which is on. about 7.3 percent.” RocketSpace employs former Pattillo pointed out that the San Quentin prisoners Kenyat- graduating class saves Califor- ta Leal and Vinh Nguyen. nia taxpayers about $520,000 Leal was praised for “keeping per year. everything running smoothly,” He credited Code.7370 to Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News one of the RocketSpace Chris Redlitz and Beverly Jon Gripshover talks to students after the graduation

Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Graduate Jad Salem Graduate Chung Kao Graduate Cordiare McDonald Graduate Adrian Johnson Graduate John Levin Page 10 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017 Titans of CNC Academy opens doors to inmates at San Quentin Titan Continued from Page 1

After being released, he faced a problem many offend- ers returning to the community face—finding employment. His first gig was as a machin- ist paid $9 an hour. It was not enough to support his family. Motivated by a serious work ethic, he developed new ma- chining techniques for the shop. His pay quickly shot up to $14 an hour; a meager raise compared to the increase in company profits generated by his new techniques. Gilroy’s ingenuity inspired him to start his own company in 2005. He attributes his success in building a multi-million dol- lar company to his faith in God. He combined innovative machining techniques with the ability to communicate to both government and corporate America an understanding of the challenges parolees face in finding employment. Gilroy noticed that a lot of machining jobs were being out- sourced to other countries. He knew that part of his plan— helping incarcerated people develop well-paying jobs skills— would bring jobs back to America. Titan America in Rocklin teamed up with California prison officials and indus- try experts to create Titans of CNC Academy. Its graduates can earn from $25 to $40 per hour. “You can earn even more if you’re a top-notch program- mer,” Gilroy said. Titans of CNC Academy les- sons are available online for Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News free through a reality show Titans of CNC Academy’s Main floor at San Quentin’s Maintenance Vocational Building on MAVTV called TITAN— American Built, which features Titans of CNC Academy is us to pay for the upgrades,” inmates. But, we need to do that the ‘each-one-teach-one’ programs about businesses that part of the state’s Career Tech- Valdez said. more,” Valdez said. “There are method takes place.’ ” help to revive American manu- nical Education (CTE) pro- Recidivism rates are falling 129,000 men and women in Carlos Smith, 49, has been at facturing. The software is free gram. Valdez is its vice princi- for CTE participants, accord- California prisons.” San Quentin since 2014. He is to any school that wants it. pal and statewide manager. ing to Valdez. He cites a drop “It is important for us to be serving a life sentence. Prison administrators say “It’s not cheap; we had from about 70 percent in 2012 creative to get folks access to “I’m taking this course be- they want parolees to have vi- to upgrade from the 1940s to about 45 percent today. CTE training near their exit so cause I’ll need a trade to show able work skills so they won’t technology. All of the trades “When the investment began, the skills are viable,” Valdez the board that I am employable. return to a life of crime. have been upgraded. The there were 181 programs that said. “That’s not to say longer- But more important, this state- The plan’s architect, Michael funding came from federal provided training to 5,500 term inmates should not get the of-the-art training gives me a Valdez, said the strategy is grants. Those grants, along with inmates. Today, 304 programs training, too. Longer-term in- usable trade that I can take to working. departmental savings, allow provide training to 9,000 mates could learn the skills so, the streets. This new stuff gives

Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News

Daniel Lucas “Luke” Colondres studying the Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Autodesk program on his computer Titan Gilroy instructing SQ vocational students in the academy’s classroom April 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 11 Titans of CNC Academy opens doors to inmates at San Quentin

Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Machine Shop instructor Jason Johnson

Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News A vocational student setting up Titans of CNC Academy’s Main floor at San Quentin’s Maintenance Vocational Building a work piece for machining

me the advantage that I need to teaching the class. machining program. Students when I get out,” Lopez said. Daniel Lucas “Luke” Colon- be successful. It also makes me “I think it’s great. It’s offer- used touch screen laptop com- The students learn how to dres, 30, has been incarcerated feel like I’m giving back to the ing the guys a trade and learn- puters to manipulate drawings make the part with the correct 6 years. community, instead of tearing ing a trade,” Johnson said. from 2-D to 3-D as the Titans dimensions and various pat- “This is a job opportunity on it down. Titan has a beautiful “They will be getting back into of CNC Academy film crew terns. the streets, and it means doing spirit. He comes from the same society to make the most of the documented the events for its Philip Senegal, 49, is getting something constructive with cloth as we do, being an ex- time they’ve spent in prison.” online classes. instruction from Gilroy on how my time while incarcerated,” convict. If he can do it, I know On the first day of class, a Fernando Lopez, 36, has to use the program. Colondres said. “When I get on that I can, too.” top software designer helped been incarcerated four years “I have no computer skills at the streets, I want to step right With 22 years of machining get things underway as Gilroy and will be released shortly. all,” Senegal said. He has been into a job, so I don’t have to experience, local Bay Area and Johnson walked around “This class is the opportunity incarcerated 28 years. “This is struggle.” resident Jason Johnson will be helping the students learn a for me to do something better interesting and challenging.” –Juan Haines

Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Titan Gilroy overseeing a student as he Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News operates a CNC machine Students waiting with anticipation for final product from the new machine Page 12 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017

Drawing by James Norton Artwork titled Meth Monster done with pencil

Attention All Artists: We are taking submissions of artwork to be placed in the San Quentin News. This includes, drawings, paintings, sketches, etc. Reminder, we will not take any artwork with explicit content. Please bring your artwork down to San Quentin News in Education on the Lower Yard. If you cannot come, send your artwork via U Save ‘EM with your information. If you’re sending your work from another institution, please mail it to: San Quentin News, 1 Main Street, San Quentin, CA 94964

Photo by Bo Kovitz Courtesy of Bev Shelby Bo Kovitz’s cat Ziggy with the SQ News and Trump doll Bev Shelby’s cat Finn perusing the San Quentin News April 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 13 WORDCROSS PUZZLE By Jonathan Chiu / Edited by Jan Perry

Across 1. Once more 1. SNL Trump impersonator Baldwin 2. Best picture nominee __ __ Land 5. Dog’s org. (Abbrev.) 3. Locale in Italy near the of Gulf di Genova Snippets 8. A type of Japanese noodles 4. Stana Katic TV detective series anda are by far the 12. Oldest capitol of Japan 5. A type of bible (Abbrev.) P most expensive 13. Weekend radio game show 6. Monetary unit of Myanmar animals to keep in about the meaning of words 7. Brand name of coolers 17. Dried grape (ML) 8. Host Peter of 21 Across America, five times 18. L-shaped pipes 9. Proceeds history or surgery more than the elephant 19. Northern kingdom in GOT’s Westeros 10. Defraud which is the second 20. Strong wind 11. European beers inclu 39 Across 21. Variety show ____,____, Don’t Tell Me 13. Going alone most expensive. 23. Internet speakers’ conferences 14. A type of sushi tuna that’s also broadcasts on the radio 15. Nonetheless ichmophobia is the 25. Daily record 16. Locale NE of Dusseldorf near fear of needles or 26. Chow time offering the German/Netherlands border A 27. No worries 22. Surprise pointed objects 29. Oil spill company (Init.) 24. ___ Kwon Do 31. Subdue 27. Ironman’s girl enology 32. MGM’s lion 28. Rough and husky (pronoucnced 33. Host Rachel of 42 Across 29. A measurement in nuclear physics O 35. White guy (Slang) 30. A ______Home Companion EE-nawl-oh-gee) is the 39. Type of alphabet or beer (Abbrev.) 31. Prickling and stinging feelings study and science of 40. City in N Ohio, on Lake Erie 32. Host Hunt of City Arts & Lectures wine making. 41. Diem that makes the most of your day 33. Type of pop music in radio (Abbrev.) 42. Network and news variety show 34. Parts of a fork hosted by 33 Across and Steve Inskeep 35. Cereal grass ope Clement VII 47. Classroom necessities 36. Talk of the Nation Science _____ Pwas pope from 1523 48. Synonym for 1 Down 37. Results in skeptical doubt until he ate a poisonous 49. Diagnostic category in a 38. Mt. range west of Newcastle medical system (Abbrev.) in Hunter Range L deathcap mushroom in 50. A son of Zeus and Hera 40. Precedes Alamos or Angeles A 1534 and died. 51. Kathy Bates and James Caan movie 41. British detectives dept. (Abbrev.) S 52. Locale in Honshu SW of Hiroshima 43. Lincoln car model T incoln held a 53. Suffer 45. TV show My Name is ____ 55. Mercedes 2-door model 46. Home improv. projects (Abbrev.) Lliqour license and 56. Rudolph of Bridesmaids 51. Congressional ______honor M even operated several 58. State of mind 53. Scooby or Scrappy O N taverns. 59. Precedes the fan or 54. Chocolate caramel candies the ground running. 56. Wrong (Prefix) T 60. Robert Hurlwich hosts 57. Goddess of wisdom H odels require this storytelling show 58. Fragrant breath ’ Ybreaks between 64. Terry Gross’ radio show 59. Alessia Cara song S high and low notes 69. What you run on someone (2 words) 60. Bug killer 70. Actor Lawrence 61. Wiley Coyote’s company A and it’s the epiglottis, 72. Within (Med) 62. Joey’s catchphrase “How you ____” N a human physiological 73. Artificial likeness (Abbrev.) 63. Body humor that results in a sour disposition S feature, which allows 74. A Seat at the Table artist 64. The end (Fr) W 75. Refuse 65. Govt. guideline (Abbrev.) for emphasizing the E 76. Contradict 66. Wets Indian shrub R 77. Quagmire 67. No value breaks. S 78. On the lee side of the ship 68. A character Down 71. CNN commentator ___ Jones Correction to last month’s puzzle for following Down clue 9: Part of 62 Across not 61 Across

Last Issue’s Sudoku The Month of April Sudoku Corner Solutions • April is the first of four months in a year with only 30 days. In 2017, April has five Sundays and five Saturdays. 6 8 1 7 4 9 2 3 5 • April Fools’ Day is on Saturday, April 1; Earth Day is on 6 5 8 3 5 9 2 1 8 3 6 7 4 Saturday, April 22; Holocaust Remembrance Day is on 4 3 7 5 6 2 9 8 1 Monday, April 24; and Administrative Professionals Day is 2 7 7 5 4 6 9 1 8 2 3 on Wednesday, April 26. 1 6 9 3 2 8 4 5 7 • For Christians, Palm Sunday is on April 9; Holy Thursday 3 2 8 4 7 5 1 9 6 3 2 9 is on April 13; Good Friday is on April 14; Holy Saturday 2 1 6 8 5 7 3 4 7 is on April 15; and Easter Sunday is on April 16. In 2017, 6 4 9 9 4 5 2 3 6 7 1 8 8 7 3 9 1 4 5 6 2 Eastern Orthodox Easter is also on Sunday, April 16. 1 4 9 8 • For Canadian Nationals, Easter Monday is on April 17. 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 • According to the World Almanac, April is National Child 9 4 5 2 5 3 6 4 8 7 1 9 Abuse Prevention Month, National Humor Month, and 6 4 1 9 5 7 3 2 8 Stress Awareness Month 9 3 8 2 7 4 1 6 5 • There are two astrological signs in April: Aries, the sign of 4 8 6 1 6 2 5 3 9 8 7 4 the Ram (March 21 to April 19) and Taurus, the sign of the 7 3 5 7 4 8 6 3 9 3 2 Bull (April 20 to May 20). 8 2 7 4 1 6 5 9 3 • According to the Jewelry Industry Council, the April birth- 3 9 5 7 8 2 6 4 1 stone is the diamond. 2 6 1 5 4 1 6 3 9 5 2 8 7

5 8 3 7 1 San Quentin News would like to know: What prison are you at and how do you receive the San Quentin News? 9 8 7 Does your library provide you with a copy of the San Quentin News? 4 5 Do all facilities/yards at your prison receive the San Quentin News? 7 2 9 4 8 What stories did you like the most and why?

1 5 6 9 7 What story did you like the least and why? What kind of story would you like to read? 5 2 4 9 5 Mail to: San Quentin News 1 Main Street 2 5 6 3 4 San Quentin, CA 94964 Page 14 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017 Perfil de la nueva Más vivir y menos sobrevivir: la justicia que no entiende del perdón humano editora en Español La balanza y la espada que moderna, especialmente en de la noche a la mañana. En la sostiene la mujer de los ojos Estados Unidos, fue construida inmediatez, no vamos a forjar la vendados, representando la en los principios de la “justicia producción de leyes enfocadas que nosotros también la justicia moderna, simbolizan distributiva” del filósofo en el ser humano: aun así, Español provocamos y que cometemos el equilibrio y la ejecución de estadounidense John Rawls, en hay algo que se puede hacer, actos injustos. El sistema las normas de carácter penal. la década de los años setenta. practicar la justicia restaurativa. Por Lucía de la Fuente socioeconómico y político Ésto quiere decir que, en teoría, La justicia distributiva, además Un día más…una noche más. Editora En Espańol en el que vivimos, no fue la ley se aplica a todos por de promover la protección de los Otra vez sentada en el suelo de diseñado para que nosotros igual; pero en la práctica, no bienes materiales y privados, mi habitación, mirando ininter- Mi nombre es Lucía de la existamos; los que tenemos sucede lo mismo. Esta “mujer especifica que las riquezas rumpidamente la pared. Con los Fuente, estudio un doctorado que salir y los que tenemos justiciera” procura las leyes, se distribuyen acorde a las ojos clavados en ese pedazo de en Antropología y Justicia que llegar. Los que nos fuimos pero constantemente las aplica habilidades de la persona y que cemento pintado de color du- Social con una visa de y los que nos vinimos. Pero la únicamente a ciertos sectores “algunas personas nacen sin razno, me he preguntado cientos estudiante extranjero, soy culpa no es únicamente del de la sociedad: en las cárceles talento”. Por ello, según Rawls, de veces “¿qué he hecho mal?”. profesora de un programa sistema; también es nuestra. hay más morenos y pobres, que no todos pueden prosperar He ideado miles de formas para para la prevención de la En el empedrado camino de pieles claras con dinero. económicamente. A la pobreza vengarme de aquellos quienes violencia y soy una editora la inmigración, lastimamos a En Estados Unidos, dos ter- entonces, se le suma el color de me han lastimado. Tengo in- voluntaria del departamento otros. Nos dolemos y hacemos cios de los prisioneros son la piel; y ambas, en conjunto, finitos planes de cómo hacerles de español en el periódico doler. Ésto no es definitivo. africanos y afroamericanos, son la razón por la cual la “mujer daño y de cómo hacerles sen- San Quentin News. También Podemos cambiar; y si no es asiáticos y asiático-americanos, justiciera” castiga más a los tir lo que a mí, en su momento, soy hermana, hija y mujer y a través de lo que el sistema hispanos, nativos y nativo-poli- pobres y a los morenos. me sembraron en la piel. Pero si de algo sé, es de migración. nos ofrece, será, entonces, nesios e indígenas. Sólo en Cali- Dentro de este mismo sistema noche tras noche, ahogada en Como migrante, emigrante a través del trabajo con y fornia, según el Public Policy criminal de justicia, cuando soledad y ardiendo en ira, la e inmigrante, he vivido las por nuestra comunidad. Eso Institute of California (PPIC), el una persona viola una norma misma pregunta me viene a la bondades que el salir de es lo que hago. Desde hace 60% de los presos no son anglo- o comete un crimen, se dice cabeza “¿y qué dirán de mí a mi país me ha traído, pero más de cuatro años, trabajo sajones; y la comunidad hispana que se crea una deuda social los que yo lastimé?”. No tengo también las injusticias, el en grupos de prevención por sí sola, representa el 42%. , y por ello la persona debe de respuesta. Quiero que les duela dolor y la nostalgia que eso de la violencia y justicia The New Observer publicó en ser castigada: saldar sus deudas a los demás, pero ahí afuera hay conlleva. Ser inmigrante es restaurativa, en las cárceles marzo del 2016, que un hom- con la sociedad. El principal otros doliendo por lo que yo he algo que me define; y es vivir de California; porque puedo y bre afroamericano es enviado a problema es que, el estar en hecho. “¿A eso le llamas justi- en una eterna contradicción. debo, como migrante, apoyar prisión a una tasa 6 veces mayor la cárcel o el ser castigado, no cia, Lucía? ¿A querer vengarte Constantemente miro hacia el a quienes dentro del sistema que un anglosajón; y el último mejora, no cambia, ni alivia el sin que se venguen de ti?”. Me futuro, buscando uno mejor se asumen sin oportunidades. reporte del California Sentenc- dolor de las personas que fueron siento atrapada. Aunque lleve para mí y para quienes me Sanar dentro del paradigma ing Institute, indica que la tasa ofendidas. Es decir, se centra en a cabo mis idióticos planes, la rodean, pero también miro de nuestra cultura como de encarcelamiento estatal en la ofensa y no en la persona (ni culpa y la vergüenza van a ter- hacia atrás, para recordar inmigrantes y en nuestro California es de 449.9 hispanos en el ofendido, ni en el ofensor). minar por consumirme. Entonc- de dónde vengo, lo que he propio idioma, el español. Y por cada 1,000 arrestos —esta Más aún, el sistema criminal de es es cuando recuerdo aquellas vivido y lo que mi familia y hoy, escribiendo estas letras, tasa supera la de 434 personas justicia se enfoca en (1) quién palabras que huelen a esperan- mis antepasados han tenido pienso en las razones por las (independientemente de su raza) incumplió la ley, (2) qué ley za: aprender a perdonar. ¿Per- que recorrer, para que yo hoy cuáles me fui de mi país, las por cada 1,000 arrestos en el Es- fue la que se violó y (3) qué donar a quién? ¿Perdonar qué? pueda estar aquí. Concuerdo razones por las cuales trabajo tado. castigo merece el criminal o el Me puse a pensar… con quienes dicen que “ser con los presos del Área Estas cifras muestran que transgresor, acorde a las normas La tercera parte de este inmigrante te orilla a ser de la Bahía: porque todos la justicia no es ciega y que la establecidas. artículo será publicada en presa de la injusticia” y merecemos una segunda mujer de la balanza, en realidad, Siendo realistas, no vamos a el siguiente número de San que estamos expuestos a oportunidad y porque todos no tiene los ojos vendados; pero cambiar al enorme, monstruoso Quentin News. recibirla. Pero he de aceptar podemos cambiar. ¿a qué responde ésto? La justicia y gigante sistema “justiciero” – Lucía de la Fuente

La tasa de concesión de libertad condicional continua incrementando En California existen aproximadamente 35,000 presos con sentencias indeterminadas.

Por Wayne Boatwright En California existen aproxi- condicional basado únicamente Articulo Octavo Constitucional, (BPH). Managing Editor madamente 35,000 presos con en la seriedad y atrocidad de su lo cual ha obligado al estado El Stanford Report muestra sentencias indeterminadas. crimen. La evaluación se debe a tomar varias medidas para un razonamiento estadístico en California esta experi- Esta cantidad representa un 30 basar en “la peligrosidad que reducir la población en las forma de Money Ball-style (al mentando un aumento en el por ciento de la población total. representa” el preso. prisiones. azar) para comprender como se número de presos que reciben Utah se encuentra en segundo Estas leyes fueron compen- El Gobernador Brown toman las decisiones durante su libertad condicional, infor- lugar con un 29.2 por ciento y sadas con la aprobación de la implementó una reforma del las audiencias. El próximo artí- mó un Reporte de la Universi- Nevada en tercer lugar con 21.5 Proposición 9, Marcy’s Law, proceso de la Comisión de culo presentará un modelo es- dad de Stanford. por ciento. En tanto Texas cuen- en Noviembre del 2008. Previo Audiencias (BPH), debido a tadístico para predecir resulta- La tasa de concesión de liber- ta con un poco menos de 9,000 al 2008, el período máximo de que los presos con sentencias dos en el Comité de Audiencias. tad condicional incrementó de presos con sentencias indeter- negación por parte del Comité indefinidas constituyen una Este modelo está basado en el un 8 a un 25 por ciento entre los minadas, equivalente a un 7 por de Audiencias era de un año. porción importante de la conocimiento – lo cual significa años 2008 y 2015. ciento del total de presos. Sin embargo, con la aprobación población en las prisiones. que cualquier información “El Comité de Audiencias Los autores del Standford Re- de la Marcy’s Law, este período Brown seleccionó en el año aumenta tu capacidad para (Board Parole Hearing), ha sido port reconocen que “el número de negación puede extenderse 2011 a Jennifer Shaffer como predecir un resultado. Este percibida como un medio para es enorme y no solo representa hasta 15 años. Esta negación una oficial ejecutiva del Panel conocimiento te ayudará a controlar la población en las un gran porcentaje de los presos sólo puede ser menor “si se en- del Comité de Audiencias realizar predicciones más prisiones estatales”, según el con sentencias indeterminadas cuentra evidencia convincente (BPH). Shaffer ha supervisado acertadas que simplemente Federal Sentencing Reporter en California, sino en toda la que un período de encarcel- los cambios administrativos confiar en tu compañero de (Standford Report) Nación”. ación mas extenso es innecesa- y el nuevo entrenamiento celda. En el Stanford Report, Sin embargo, no siempre ha Las decisiones para el rio tomando en consideración la profesional, que dio como el modelo estadístico tiene más sido así. Entre los años 1980 y desarrollo de la concesión de seguridad pública”. resultado un incremento en de 150 diferentes factores y este 2008, la tasa de concesión de libertad condicional se deben a La tasa de concesión de el otorgamiento de libertad modelo determina el valor que libertad condicional para los las cortes, las legislaciones y al libertad condicional continuó condicional en los presos de tiene cada factor en particular. presos con sentencia de vida Gobernador Jerry Brown. aumentando a pesar de la casi un 30 por ciento en el Una copia del Stanford Re- era prácticamente cero. En Cal- La Corte Suprema de aprobación de la Marcy’s 2015. El Gobernador Brown port esta disponible, solo para ifornia la dependencia en sen- California expidió dos leyes Law. En el 2011 la Suprema rara vez anula las decisiones estudiantes del Proyecto Uni- tencias indeterminadas es muy en el 2008 (In re Lawrence Corte de los Estados Unidos, de elegibilidad. Desde el 2011, versitario de la Prision (Prison marcada que difiere significa- and In re Shaputis) en las que Brown v. Plata, afirmó que la Brown ha revocado menos del University Project). tivamente en relación a otros se especifica que a un preso no sobrepoblación en las prisiones 20 por ciento de las decisiones –TraducciÓn por Marco Villa estados. se le puede negar su libertad de California infringe el del Comité de Audiencias y Taré Beltranchuc

Atención Artistas: Estamos aceptando sumisiones de trabajo artístico para ser colocados en las San Quentin News. Esto incluye, los dibujos, las pinturas, etc. En recordatorio, nosotros no tomaremos ningún trabajo artístico con contenido explícito. Traiga por favor su trabajo artístico a la oficina de San Quentin News en la Educación en la Yarda. Si usted no puede venir, puede mandar su trabajo artístico vía U Save ‘EM con su información. Si usted’re mandar su trabajo de otra institución, por favor envía lo a: San Quentin News, 1 Main Street, San Quentin, CA 94964 April 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 15 Parents awarded $750,000 for wrongful death of prisoner There was a documented serious mental illness in Duran’s prison records

By Tommy Bryant Officer Roy C. Chavez pep- Mule Creek State Prison near son’s death.“The fact of the that much at that stage of the Journalism Guild Writer per-sprayed his face and neck. Sacramento, according to the matter is the people involved proceedings,” Katz said. Duran was using a breathing Bee. in this were promoted...” The case prompted the re- The parents of an inmate tube in his throat at the time Duran’s pepper-spray death The “code of silence” con- opening of a federal court were awarded $750,000 for of the incident, according to was revealed to his parents cealing Duran’s death at the hearing, which resulted in their son’s wrongful death af- an article by Sam Stanton and four months later by a Bee re- prison was broken by psychol- changed rules for using pepper ter he was pepper-sprayed by Denny Walsh of the Sacra- porter. His parents filed a fed- ogist Eric Reininga when he spray on mentally ill inmates. a correctional officer in 2013. mento Bee. eral civil rights lawsuit. They leaked confidential informa- There was a documented seri- When inmate Joseph The Amador County coro- accused corrections officials tion to the Bee. ous mental illness in Duran’s Damien Duran refused to re- ner’s office initially classified of covering up the incident and Several internal investiga- prison records, the Bee says. lease the feed port to his cell, Duran’s death as a “suicide” at failing to notify them of their tions at the prison were con- ducted to find out who had informed the Bee. Reininga “The fact of the was the only person to receive punishment in the case. Du- matter is the people Daughter sues CDCR over ran’s parents thanked him for disclosing details of the death involved in this publicly. (Reininga has sued were promoted ...” father’s negligent death corrections officials claiming he was fired contrary to pub- By Salvador Solorio California State Prison- prison escape. lic policy protecting whistle- Joseph was adopted by the Journalism Guild Writer Sacramento after spending Pinell’s death incited a blowers.) Durans at age 5. His biologi- 43 years in the Security prison riot at the maximum- “It’s outrageous,” said cal parents were addicted to Hugo “Yogi” Pinell’s daugh- Housing Unit. Casimir- security prison. About 70 Stewart Katz, the attorney drugs at his birth. At age 15, ter is suing the California Taylor is suing the California prisoners were involved with representing Duran’s adop- mental illness, drug abuse prison system, claiming her Department of Corrections 29 sustaining injuries, ac- tive parents. “The fact of the and crime kept him locked up father was murdered because and Rehabilitation in federal cording to the Courthouse matter is the people involved much of the time, according to of negligent supervision, ac- court. News article, quoting prison in this were promoted, and the the Bee. cording to a Courthouse News At the age of 19, Pinell was officials. one person who steps outside The Durans received an article by Nick Cahill. convicted of rape and sen- An Oct. 28, 2016 hearing of the box to try and do some- apology from the California Allegra Casimir-Taylor tenced to life in 1965. He was was scheduled at Sacramento thing right winds up getting Department of Corrections claims her father was “re- a participant in the botched County Superior Court for terminated.” and Rehabilitation for failing leased into the general popu- escape attempt at San Quen- Jayson Weaver and Waylong The parties agreed to to send a formal notification lation despite the fact that tin in 1971 that left six people Pitchford, who are accused of a settlement conference of Joseph’s death. they (prison officials) knew dead, including three prison Pinell’s murder. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steps for notifying next of that he was targeted by other employees and Black Panther Casimir-Taylor is suing Kendall Newman. “I don’t kin were modified by the state inmates. They were aware Party activist and prisoner the state for punitive and think they’ve ever paid out after the settlement. of multiple credible death George Jackson. exemplary damages for threats against Pinell, includ- A Marin County jury con- failing to protect Pinell. ing a threat issued by the Ary- victed Pinell of two counts She says the department of an Brotherhood,” the article of felony assault by a pris- corrections knew Pinell was a stated. oner serving a life sentence. target for assassination when Parolees having trouble Pinell was killed five Pinell was given a third life they put him into the general days after his release into sentence for slitting two offi- population, according to the the general population at cers’ throats during the failed article. getting help with treatment programs

Prisons testing new drug By John Lam cure-all,” said Michael Roma- Journalism Guild Writer no, a Stanford law expert who helped draft the proposition. to combat opioid addictions Drug offenders are hav- It succeeded in getting drug ing trouble getting services offenders out of overcrowded By David Eugene Archer Sr. judge into treatment using problems like depression are to help with their addictions prisons and jails, but that’s Journalism Guild Writer Vivitrol. Three months later, crucial for them. once they get out of prison, just “one piece in an extraor- he is clean and said, “I don’t “The disease of addiction is a report by three newspapers dinarily complicated puzzle.” Some U.S. prisons are test- have cravings. I see how much a cunning, baffling and pow- concludes. According to Mother Jones ing a monthly injection that better life is. It gets better erful one, and you need all “The state has not yet in- magazine, “It costs about could help addicted prisoners really fast.” hands on deck,” Garbely said. vested enough money in treat- $20,000 to send someone stay off opioids, reported The Vivitrol targets receptors David Farabee of the Uni- ment programs,” according through inpatient drug treat- Associated Press (AP). in the brain’s reward system, versity of California at Los to a seven-month study con- ment, which typically lasts The drug named Vivitrol is blocking the high and extin- Angeles said, “You couldn’t ducted by the Ventura Coun- six months to a year. It costs injected in the buttocks and guishing urges, according to design something better for ty Star, the Redding Record three times more to keep him lasts for four weeks, the story the AP. the criminal justice system.” Searchlight, and the Salinas in jail or prison for a year. said. He leads a Vivitrol study in Californian. Under Proposition 47, the mil- Each shot costs as much as a New Mexico jail. “There’s lions of dollars saved in prison $1,000, the Nov. 20 AP story “It sounds good, been pushback with other costs were supposed to be ear- noted. medications, people saying, marked for rehabilitation pro- Experts do not agree on how and for some of ‘We’re just changing one drug “The state has grams to help inmates restart well it works, but it eliminates for another.’ That argument not yet invested their lives.” daily doses of an alternative us, it feels like the goes out the window when The study conducted by the like methadone, according to right thing to do” you’re talking about a block- enough money journalists revealed that none the AP. er” like Vivitrol. of the earmarked money was Advocates of Vivitrol in Il- A National Institute on Drug in treatment spent on rehabilitation. linois say it could save money Researchers have recog- Abuse study of about 300 pris- programs” “People die waiting to get when compared to $25,000 a nized addiction as a relapsing oners – most heroin users on treatment,” said David Ram- year to lock up a drug addict. brain disease with medication probation or parole – received age, an administrator at Impact “It sounds good, and for an important part of therapy, Vivitrol or brief counseling The report concluded that Drug and Alcohol Treatment some of us, it feels like the reported the story. and referral to a treatment thousands of addicts and men- Center in Pasadena. right thing to do,” said Dr. Joshua Meador, 28, an in- program. tally ill people have gone from The lack of a suitable drug Joshua Lee, a Vivitrol re- mate in Illinois, said, “When After six months, the Vivi- incarceration to the streets, program has resulted in people searcher. I’m on Vivitrol, I can’t get trol group had a lower rate of without a safety net to help choosing probation versus rehab The opioid epidemic affects high.” The drug has no street relapse, 43 percent compared them deal with substance – because the consequences more than 2 million Ameri- value or abuse potential, the to 64 percent. However, when abuse. for a misdemeanor offense cans and an estimated 15 per- story stated. the injections stopped, many Since 2014, at least 13,500 may be a shorter ordeal and cent of the U.S. prison popula- Dr. Joseph Garbely of relapsed. A year later, relapse inmates left California jails less restrictive. The longest- tion. Many experts see prisons Pennsylvania-based Caron rates looked the same in both and prisons under Proposition running drug court program as a natural place to discover Treatment Centers prefers groups. 47, which reclassified simple in Los Angeles has seen what works, reported the AP. Vivitrol for patients. He said “It does suggest six months drug possession as a misde- enrollment drop from 80 Christopher Wolf is a heroin that counseling, support wasn’t enough,” said Lee, the meanor rather than a felony. people to just four, according addict who was ordered by a groups and treatment for lead author. “Proposition 47 was not a to the reporters. Page 16 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017 Hybrid novel discusses women’s empowerment issues with its illustrations and bilin- poems, the class chimed in Meissner asked the room of obvious political implications, Book Review gual advantage. with comments. about two dozen men. that are relevant today—how Meissner similarly uses un- Outside (a right-side) poem She read The Abyss. the nation’s immigration poli- By Juan Haines orthodox techniques in Let It is about a woman, Sammie, Meissner said that she and cies are working out for people Senior Editor Die Hungry. There are writing who was released from prison her husband were out for a who cross borders. prompts throughout the novel after being incarcerated two morning walk. They discov- The five-part poem, or sto- When Caits (pronounced with open spaces on some of and a half years. She won her ered the body of Omotayo ry, or better said, prose takes cats) Meissner ventured in- the pages for the readers to appeal. floating down the Hudson readers on a personal journey side San Quentin last summer write on. Close attention to its Meissner points out that River. She’d committed sui- about how and why the book to meet with inmates taking a format shows an unusual style their inside relationship had cide, they’d later learn. Meiss- earned the title, Let it Die Hun- creative writing class, she talk- of the text being flush right on affected their outside relation- ner said the poem was written gry. And, truth be told, I found ed about a new kind of writing, the right hand page. She in- ship. Even talking to Sammie to her. this piece just like I said—the at least for me, called “hybrid tended to administer an exer- on the phone once she became To lighten the mood, Meiss- title drew me in literature”. I didn’t realize cise for the brain. a part of the “civilian” world, ner said, “Women always want Meissner is more than just a that Rosemary Jenkins previ- Meissner said much of her like her, shifted their relation- to hear poems involving sex or storyteller and poet. Her art- ously had written in the same writing has been influenced ship in peculiar ways. love.” ful and descriptive pages say style. When I worked my way by the work she does in New 59th Street on the One Train Locating Magic, another something powerful about the through Jenkins’ Leticia in York’s women’s maximum-se- takes listeners on a crowded, flush-right poem, sets the legitimacy of literature from Her Wedding Dress and Other curity prison, Bedford. sweaty, smelly subway ride. In mood with low lights and mu- new perspectives. There’s even Poems (2005) it surprised me After reading several of her that New York environment, sic. However, it gets into real a kind of graphic novel feel in what are the chances that two feelings that include the loneli- some parts. The conversations gay women would meet? This ness and depression that comes are genuine—giving readers story is about empowerment with looking for love and fall- a sense that Let it Die Hun- and owning your identity. ing short of being satisfied. gry comes from a place of au- At the end of the reading, Flipping through Let it Die thority, like Meissner knows, What are the most the applause, all finger snaps, Hungry, like any poetry an- through her experience, that prompted Meissner to say, thology, I look at the titles. she understands living and “Oh, finger snaps! How beat.” The one that drew me in, gre- dying while at the same time popular ways to “Are you willing to go sad?” encards, made sense for its wanting more out of life. eat an egg? breakfast here is on Sunday GEO Group to open re-entry center Asked On The Line because we have fried eggs.” J. Velazquez: “I really like By Angelo Falcone my eggs dry scrambled.” in SF’s Tenderloin District Journalism Guild Writer A. Torres: “I like to eat my eggs over easy with sausage It’s Easter and America’s and toasted bread. I also like love affair with eggs has scrambled eggs with ham, many eating colored eggs. onions, bell peppers and hot Egg production is a billion- sauce.” dollar industry. According V. Nguyen: “I like them to the National Agricultural fried, sunny side up, because Statistics Service, during one it’s raw on the top side and be- month in 2016, the United cause it tastes good on toast.” States egg production was 7.51 M. Saldana: “I love egg om- billion eggs by approximately elets!” 305 million hens. R. Malo: “I like egg omelets Not only are eggs big busi- because they can be a complete ness, they are a versatile source meal. Omelets can have a lot of food. During Easter, billions of different things cooked into of eggs are boiled and decorat- it.” ed for Easter egg hunts. J. Ybarra: “I like fried eggs, “Asked On the Line” posed over easy, but only in the a question to the men on the morning.” mainline, “How do you like H. Robertson: “I really en- your eggs cooked? Of the joy eating eggs soft scrambled 11 popular ways of eating with onions.” eggs, which is your favorite? D. Danny: “I like soft scram- And what would you eat with bled eggs hot off the grill with them?” a side of hash browns.” D. Hill likes his eggs hard- P. Ramirez: “I like to eat om- boiled with French fries or po- elets with cheese, onions, spin- tato wedges. ach and tomatoes.” B. Dooley wants his eggs J. Angulo: “I like to eat fried fried, sunny side up, with po- eggs for breakfast, boiled eggs tato hash browns, bacon and for lunch and omelets for din- Photo by hoodline.com onions. ner.” SoMa facility in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district M. Dickman likes his eggs T. Sayres: “I like my eggs fried, over easy, with cheese, over easy with peppers and By Mike Little to have had abuse allegations to $60 per inmate per day. bacon, and toast. cheese.” Journalism Guild Writer of “sexual touching and The contract requires the G. Mason prefers his eggs R. Zeigler: “I like my eggs voyeurism,” according to the SF Geo Group to provide individ- fried, over easy, with ham, sau- scrambled, with bacon, grits The Geo Group, one of the Weekly. ual and group counseling, as sage and cheese. and toast.” largest prison companies in the well as substance abuse coun- K. McBride chooses eggs D. Le’s favorite is an omelet United States, will open a third seling. In addition, they are cooked in any way except sun- with cheese. re-entry center in the Bay Area, required to provide literacy, ny side up, over hard, or dry H. Nguyen’s favorite is fried reported SF Weekly. “The vast majority employment readiness, com- scrambled and cooked with eggs, over medium, with beans The new San Francisco SoMa of people in prison munity survival skills, and “everything and anything ex- and fish sauce. facility joins the Male Commu- housing assistance programs. cept liver.” A. Ross prefers eating eggs nity Re-entry Program and will are going home, This new facility is part D. Stewart: “I always like to in a frittata with salsa. house up to 80 inmates who are of a trend of private prisons eat my eggs soft fried or over M. Upton likes his eggs close to the end of their sentenc- whether you diversifying into inmate re- easy. I do not like them scram- fried, over easy, with cheese. es and will be released in the like it or not” entry service, even as scrutiny bled.” B. Asey likes his eggs fried, Bay Area. grows over of abuses in the B. Muro: “I like to eat eggs over easy, with grits, toast, They will be required to wear private prisons sector, the mixed with chorizo.” bacon, and a glass of orange electronic ankle monitors at all Regardless of any claims article noted. N. Wimberly: “I like my juice. “Put salt and pepper with times. against the Geo Group, it “won “The vast majority of peo- eggs sunny side up. For me a little sugar on the grits.” The Geo Group also runs a five-year, nearly $13 million ple in prison are going home, they taste the best this way.” N. Bucci enjoys his eggs two other re-entry facilities, state contract to run the re- whether you like it or not,” P. Feliciano: “I like to eat fried, over medium, with a side the Taylor Street Center in San entry center,” SF Weekly re- said Krissi Khokhobashvilli, fried eggs with fried potatoes, of bacon, toast and potatoes. Francisco’s Tenderloin district ported. California Department of Cor- chorizo and tomato sauce, with M. Walters likes his eggs and the Oakland Center in The facility will operate at rections and Rehabilitation a glass of orange juice.” fried, over easy, with a side of Oakland. least through June 2021. The spokesperson. “These facilities P. Benitez: “My favorite bacon. Both facilities were reported state will pay the company $48 help ease that transition.” April 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 17 Victims of sexual abuse speak words of forgiveness By Rahsaan Thomas a meal at McDonald’s, intro- abuse from family members. Staff Writer duced him to alcohol and por- “For many years after that, nography and manipulated him when I was no longer living Many incarcerated people into the world of sexual exploi- with my abuser, I continued to believe sexual crimes commit- tation. be victimized in many situa- ted against women and children “I am a survivor of…sex vio- tions that I walked right into,” warrant extreme punishments, lence against men and male vic- Miller said. “It undermines but two survivors of childhood timization,” he said, adding that your self-worth and your trust sexual abuse visited San Quen- victims often self-harm or harm in your instincts.” tin State Prison and spoke of others until they are able to deal Miller, who mans a crisis therapy as a better solution. with their trauma. hotline for Bay Area Against Chelsea Miller, who was mo- DeBlasi used to investigate Rape and visits sexually as- lested as a child, and Keith De- sex crimes as a Berkeley police saulted women in the hospital, Blasi, a sex trafficking victim, officer, but he changed when believes an offender can’t heal attended a Restorative Justice he came to a Brother’s Keep- unless he can talk about it. Symposium in the Catholic ers support group for suicide “I try in my work to think Chapel on March 3 and empha- awareness and rape trauma at about perpetrators of violence sized the need for healing for San Quentin. He said it was the as people with complicated Courtesy of Keith DeBlasi and Chelsea Miller both the victim and the abuser first time he felt heard. He now stories,” Miller said. “If all we Chelsea Miller and Keith DeBlasi in front of SQ to stop such crimes from occur- sponsors the group in another ever did was serve survivors ring again. prison. and lock up everybody…there truthful and honest in front of But they firmly believe that “Ninety-five percent of the “Man is characterized above will always be another little girl a crowd, takes courage. Instead healing is important. “Every offenders are men, and 80 per- all by what he does with what getting hurt because we have of revenge, they want the per- protective person I’ve ever cent were victims themselves, was done to him,” said DeBla- not talked to this dude.” son to heal.” known, they say I would kill and we aren’t helping them,” si, who also sponsors a group Incarcerated restorative jus- Miller and DeBlasi still that man for you,” she said. “I DeBlasi told an audience of called Wisdom of the Victim: tice member Richard Richard- struggle to forgive their abus- would be better served if every- about 150 incarcerated men and Creative Humanity Building in son, who was at the event, said ers. “He never went to prison, body can build on the ability to 30 community members. “Are a World of Hurt. he was impressed by their talk. and he’s married and he has two tolerate. I need other people, we crazy or what?” The other guest speaker Mill- “For them to come in here and horses, which is really offen- his family and network, to say DeBlasi had been a teenager er also spoke about her struggle speak openly about their past, sive because I love horses,” said ‘I forgive you, and I see you and when his abuser lured him with to overcome her sexual past especially about rape — being Miller about her abuser. you can’t do this again.’” Schools using Restorative Justice practices as a remedy to prison By Forrest Lee Jones their crimes and bring healing to and discussed the teen’s crime hired the lawyer for him, it took Hancock, serving 39 years for Journalism Guild Writer those they victimize, the July 20 and its impact. The meeting re- months to get it adjudicated,” second-degree murder and as- report stated. sulted in a plan for the teen to Garnett said. “They spend all sault with a firearm. American schools and crimi- Boulder, Colorado, District make amends by getting good this time filing motions and ar- “I have learned the ripple ef- nal justice systems are using Re- Attorney Stan Garnett used grades, meeting weekly with a guing whether we violated the fect that my crime has had on storative Justice (RJ) more and RJ in lieu of prosecuting two counselor, and paying restitution Fourth Amendment by search- others through RJ; it created more as a remedy to keep people teens who stole a $600 power for his part of the stolen saw. ing the backpack instead of a great deal of depression and from going to prison, reports saw from a McGuckin Hard- “The whole encounter was thinking, ‘Should I have stolen a economic impact on my victim Rebecca Beitsch of Pew Chari- ware store. One teen agreed to very positive for him,” said Gar- power saw?’” and first responders. It’s created table Trusts. Restorative Justice; the other nett “He felt bad. He met with RJ is being used in many parts a lot of fear in my neighbors, Restorative Justice is a prac- decided to fight the charges, re- people from McGuckin. He of the country, before and after community and family. RJ has tice that originated in ancient ported Beitsch. moved on. He didn’t spend time prison— even in places like San helped me connect emotionally cultures. Schools and courts The cooperating teen sat in in prison, and he didn’t spend Quentin State Prison. It is hav- with remorse and the choices I are using it as an alternative to a meeting with his parents and time meeting other kids always ing a major effect on inmates’ made to murder someone. This punishment. It’s designed to an employee from the hardware coming in and out of the system. lives. is important, because I now real- make offenders accountable for store, along with a facilitator, “The other kid whose parents “RJ has given me a different ize I must have an appreciation outlook on crime and punish- for the lives of others, as well as ment. It has taught me how to empathy. It’s opened up my re- make healing and reparations to sponsibility to be accountable.” CDCR allocates more than my victims,” said San Quentin Restorative Justice is replac- inmate M. Krauter, serving 15 ing punishment in states that are years-to-life for second-degree working to reduce mass incar- $14 million to boost rehab programs murder. “It has given me a dif- ceration. West Virginia provid- The Department of Correc- The money will be divided prisons to community organi- ferent and better perspective on ed RJ funding for the juvenile tions and Rehabilitation has into three parts over a period zations, and that’s important, justice. It allows the offenders to justice system last year. Ver- awarded funding for more reha- of three years, for a total cost because it brings resources to retain their humanity in the eyes mont and Colorado enacted laws bilitation programs, reports Nu- of $9 million. The funds are prisoners that they haven’t been of society.” creating governmental bodies to ala Sawyer of the San Francisco designated for prisons that lack privy to. It also demonstrates Another RJ student is Joe oversee and provide RJ services. Examiner. volunteers and nonprofit orga- to the public the human side of The department has allocated nizations that facilitate existing prisoners who’re giving back to $14.5 million to boost innovative programs. the community they once took programs and increase volun- Additionally, $5.5 million from.” DVI’s dairy production teerism in prisons. will be awarded for one-year GRIP is a one-year program Now in its third funding cycle, programs that serve inmates comprising four elements: stop- the Innovative Grants Program with long-term non-life or life ping violence, developing emo- provides marketable skills will establish 43 programs at 20 sentences. tional intelligence, cultivating By Harry C. Goodall Jr. use in prison kitchens. adult institutions. The funds are Some of the recipients of the mindfulness, and understand- Journalism Guild Writer “The average cow produces 10 allocated for programs that teach monies are Marin Shakespeare ing victim impact. Since incep- gallons (each day),” said Darrol offender accountability, violence Company, GRIP (Guiding Rage tion five years ago, 69 gradu- Inmates at Deuel Vocational Vierra, PIA administrator. prevention and restorative Into Power), Buddhist Pathways ates have been released, and Institution (DVI) near Tracy han- The cost to run the state li- justice skills. Grants have Prison Project, Marley’s Mutts none has returned to prison. dle every aspect of milk produc- censed dairy is about $4 million also been given to programs and Prison Yoga Project. Four years ago a presentation tion from feeding cows, pasteuri- annually, and it must remain a that teach communication Some of the sponsors for was given by GRIP. A former zation and running the machines self-sufficient operation. The and de-escalation skills, dog these programs were asked inmate and a victim participant in the dairy. milk it produces has won ribbons training, prison gardens, family their view on how additional told of GRIP’s impact on their The dairy was built in 1953 on at the state fair for quality, Vierra reunification and computer funding for their programs will lives, before the Public Safety 60 acres of dairy land adjacent to added. coding, Sawyer reports. impact the prison system. and Budget Committee. This 540 acres of farmland at 23500 Inmates who work at this facili- “Positive programs help of- James Fox, sponsor of Prison provided an important impetus Kasson Road. It is still fully func- ty receive training on dairy work, fenders learn important life Yoga Project at S.Q. since 2009, for establishing the funds, allo- tioning. pasteurization and other market- skills, foster peaceful commu- said, “If the mission of CDCR cated in increments of $2.5 mil- The support staff of 75 inmates able skills. “We do get some suc- nication and self-reflection, and is rehabilitation, every penny lion the first year, $3 million the working as California Prison In- cess stories,” said Vierra. contribute to safer prison envi- spent on rehabilitation is money second year, and $14.5 million dustry Authority (PIA) employ- He reported that one inmate ronments for inmates and staff,” well spent and enhances the the third year. ees helps manufacture 6,000 gal- got a pasteurization job at another said Jay Virbel, director of CD- prospect for reducing recidi- The funding has added 188 lons of milk a day. dairy, another got into breeding, CR’s Division of Rehabilitative vism and contributing to public programs not previously of- DVI has a herd of about 1,000 and some got warehouse work Programs. “Expanding programs safety.” fered. However, when the mon- cows, 575 of them are milked as a result of their training and to even more prisons and focus- Fox’s goal is to establish yoga ies run out, it is expected the twice a day at 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. experience. Inmates can earn be- ing on our long-term offender mindfulness in prisons every- programs will continue financ- The dairy produces one percent tween 35 to 90 cents an hour, plus population will enable the state where. ing those programs on their milk and chocolate milk in half- shorten their sentences by up to to see even more success in pre- GRIP sponsor Jacques Ver- own dimes. pint and half-gallon containers, six weeks per year while working paring offenders to return home.” duin said, “It opens up the –Forrest Lee Jones plus larger 3- to 6-gallon bags for at the dairy. Page 18 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017 Spring training brings new talent to the diamond By Marcus Henderson “I was at High Desert State Pris- Journalism Guild Chairman on. This is a positive program. It teaches you to be social. They At least 40 men showed up say as criminals we had antiso- for the San Quentin baseball cial behavior. Since coming to spring training tryouts. The vet- San Quentin I’ve been able to eran players were in rare form, step out of my comfort zone.” Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News demonstrating their batting and To test the baseball IQ of the #3 Rank: D’Romeo Allen #6 Rank: Marvin Cosby #2 Rank: Andre Belion fielding skills. They showed the new recruits, they were taken newcomers the proper baseball through drills called “situa- mechanics while the outside vol- tions,” where the players are Warriors’ coach institutes unteers and coaches scouted the given scenarios to play out. talent for the 17-man roster. Most of the new players struggle “We’re looking to improve with making the proper plays, our pitching staff,” said El- whereas the second-year players no players left behind policy liot Smith, sponsor and general instinctively know what to do. By Rahsaan Thomas Bay Area watching the Golden Lillard in their Brookfield neigh- manger. “We are looking for “Our goal is to have the guys Staff Writer State Warriors. It would be a life- borhood. guys with good attitudes and improve from the beginning to time experience to play against “He taught me a lot of things,” willing to listen.” the end of the season,” Coach On an chilly overcast day, 33 them.” Shields said. “I learned how to Last season the San Quentin Smith said. “You can see that the men tried out for the San Quentin According to Coach Cuevas, score and got a lot of my heart All-Stars struggled from the young guys who came out last Warriors, and none of them were Bandz would have made the and intensity from him.” mound, but the return of star year, with a little experience, cut from the team. Warriors, but was scheduled to The added competition and pitcher Jeff “Dewey” Dumont they are now more polished. We “I love that a lot of people come be released. availability of so much talent had after a two-year hiatus will add hope to see that same type of to try out,” veteran Warrior Mon- Tryouts consisted of full-court an effect on the tryouts. some stability. After the loss of growth with these new guys.” trell “Mad Defense” Vines said. scrimmage games. “Ain’t anybody guaranteed pitchers John Appley and Isa- The March 4 tryouts were “I ain’t seen this in three years.” Among the standouts was a spot,” Vines said. “Ain’t any iah Thompson-Bonilla in the a prelude to see if there were Head Coach Rafael Cuevas D’Romeo Allen, 20. He learned stars. We have to come out here midseason, Gary “Cool Aid” enough skilled players to return and his staff ranked the players how to play basketball in the and get it.” Townes stepped in to help the to two teams or stay with one. from one to 33. The first 12 play- streets and sees making the team During the scrimmage games, team to stay competitive. Now Either way, with the com- ers made the active roster. The as rehabilitative. veteran Tevin Fournette initiated with five new recruits the team petitive nature of the outside next five made the practice team, the new recruits, going strong to has more options to evaluate for teams coming — teams like the and the rest comprised a farm the rack and dunking. the pitching position. Twins, Sonoma Stompers, Team club where they can work on fun- “I always want to encourage “We got some good-looking Mexico, the Mission from San damentals, improve and move up “I’m going to work the younger players to come arms,” said Mike Kremer, vol- Francisco, as well as clubs from in ranking, possibly taking a spot with whoever play,” Fournette said. “They en- unteer and assistant coach. “It Southern California like the Los on the active list. courage me to go harder and play shows that people have been Angeles Loves and the Santa “I’m going to work with who- stays dedicated to better.” working hard on the off season. Monica Suns — the season aims ever stays dedicated to making Juanaeh Newton, 21, at 5-foot- The focus for this season is we to be an exciting one. this team the best it can be,” Cue- making this team 3, scored six points in the paint, win as a team, and we vas said. the best it can be” including a strong layup in the lose as a team.” Tryout ages ranged from 18 to chest of a taller defender that Brendan Terrell, try- 50, including veteran players and evoked cheers from the sidelines. ing out for pitcher and a large group of youngsters who “It would give me something He says he used to play for the shortstop, added, “I was arrived at San Quentin to start to do that takes me away from Oakland Tech Bulldogs. up all night waiting to serving their time at a lower-level being in prison,” Allen said. “It “It would mean a lot to me to get out on the field — I’m prison. Many veterans said it was would give me a sense of pur- make the Warriors,” Newton juiced about this season. the largest group of players to try pose.” said. “I would bring teamwork.” This program helps you out for the team. After seeing Allen’s perfor- Newton showed up late for try- get away from every- “This forces the veteran play- mance, former Warrior Brad outs. Afterward, Coach Cuevas thing.” ers to step their game up because Shell, said, “Romeo did his told him, “You did good, but I Terrell and a group of the younger players are hungry,” thing. He might have stolen him- didn’t get to see enough of you. other players spent more said lead Assistant Coach Aaron self a spot.” Keep coming out.” than three months pre- “Harun” Taylor. Veteran player Greg Eskridge The top 21 Warriors are: 1. Al- paring the field, cleaning Months before tryouts, Isaiah came to tryouts after taking a lan McIntosh, 2. Andre Belion, 3. and cutting the grass. “Zay” Bandz, 19, could be found few years off from playing for D’Romeo Allen, 4. Tevin Fornet- As the men battle for practicing layups or running laps the Warriors. te, 5. Harry “ATL”Smith, 6. Mar- different positions from in the rain. “I’m trying to see how much I vin Cosby, 7. Jason Robinson, the infield to the outfield, “It comes from always playing have left in the tank,” Eskridge 8. Anthony Ammons, 9. Jason the players were still people older than me and bigger said. “I’ll let them do all the fan- Jones, 10. Jonathan Cannnon, 11. encouraging each other than me,” Bandz said. “I always cy stuff, and I’ll do all the think- Lanzelle Green, 12. David Lee, even after dropped balls, had to work harder.” ing. That might be a recipe for 13. Donte Smith, 14. Aaron Sand- over-throws and strike- Bandz said he played for success.” ers, 15. Brad Shells, 16. Cornell outs. Berkeley High School in the Another newcomer who stood Shields, 17. Wilson Nguyen, 18. “I have never seen AAU League. “Making the War- out was Cornell Shields, 30. He Montell “MD” Vines, 19. Deon- hardball played in pris- riors would be a dream come said he used to play with NBA tae King, 20. Charles “Pookie” on,” said Javier Wesson, Photo by Eddie Herena- San Quentin News true,” he said. “I grew up in the Portland Trailblazers Damien Sylvester and 21. Trevor Bird. trying out for centerfield. Brendan Terrell Oliver’s duty to country trumps his childhood dreams Paul Oliver grew up with dreams of Oliver started playing basketball again Warriors staff. Gentry coached Golden had a squad of good cats that had the fight playing in the NBA. When his father, a once in a federal prison. State in the second half, after Steve Kerr in them to never give up.” full-bird colonel, sent him to West Point “In the federal pens, the best ballers left. This year, Oliver made the S.Q. Kings Military Academy, he ran off. played in competitions,” Oliver said. “I In 2016, Oliver played with a bunch of 40-and-over team. “I didn’t want to go to West Point be- saw that Rucker’s like atmosphere and younger men on an intramural team called “I tried out for the Kings to see if I could cause I wanted to be in the NBA,” Oliver wanted to play.” the Bay Area Ballers. He often helped his make the team,” Oliver said. “I want to said. “I had a scholarship to the University One might wonder what Oliver’s game team with double-doubles in scoring and play against outside sponsor Ted Saltveit of Washington. I wanted to be a Huskie, was like when he was a young man after rebounding. In a historic championship and his Bittermen team. I like to kick it then get drafted.” seeing what he’s able to do at 60 years old. game, where the Bay Area Ballers only with him.” Instead of going to college, Oliver en- In 2014 and 2015, he played for the San had three players in a full court game These days, Oliver plays sports for a listed in the Army on his own. He said he Quentin Warriors. against The Franchise roster of five start- much different reason than making the became an Army Ranger and went with- “I didn’t have a lot of playing time,” Oli- ers plus three subs, Oliver had 18 points, NBA. out playing basketball for more than 10 ver said. “I was just happy to sit there talk- 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. “I play sports to tire myself out so I can years. ing to Alvin Gentry.” “Playing with the youngsters gave me sleep at night,” Oliver said. “Every soldier “I was so distraught that I didn’t even Gentry came into the prison for the the sense of being a leader, and it felt like has demons chasing him.” watch any games,” Oliver said. annual game against the Golden State I was back in the Rangers,” Oliver said. “I –Rahsaan Thomas April 2017 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 19

Photo by Roldan Lozada Photo by Roldan Lozada Larry Ford breaking his own 60 and older 3 mile record Chris Skull rounding the track Quarantine staggers 3-Mile Race, changing the results Skull’s first place was short lived; Taylor gains top spot on second day

By Rahsaan Thomas the whole team is out here. But Taylor said. “It goes to show Larry Ford, 61, reran the race the race went on. He finished the Staff Writer knowing me, I probably would you no matter what sickness also, breaking his own 60-and- first mile with a time of 7:52, the have ran with them and given you may have, never give up — over record of last year 22:02 next at 7:40 and the final mile at With West Block locked them a little competition. I was keep pushing. I dedicate this one twice, first with a time of 21:42 7:17, for a total time of 22:52. down, this year’s 1000 Mile gonna gun Eddie down anyway.” to my track family and all the then improving to 21:02. “That’s a sign of somebody Club three-mile race happened After the race, volunteer Mark people suffering from illness — “Running in the first race gave who is fit,” said volunteer Kevin on two different days. Chris Stevens told Skull, “Your pac- never give up.” me a better idea of what pace I Rumon. Skull took first place in the ini- ing was amazing.” Later, Ste- Herena took second with a could run at today,” Ford said. Cardiologist, cardiac rehab tial three-mile race with a time vens said, “I really like coaching time of 18:29, pushing Skull “I’ve been injured a while and specialist and long distance run- of 19:04. However, Markelle Chris.” back into third place. didn’t know what pace I could ner Ben Rosin, M.D., found that Taylor and Eddie Herena re- Stevens, a recruit from the “I had an extra week to pre- go at. Last week felt good, so I people who run marathons live claimed their usual spots at first Tamalpa running club, counted pare,” Herena said. “Which gave ran at a seven-minute-per-mile on average 19 years longer than and second place in the makeup Skull’s laps and noticed he held me an advantage.” pace today.” U.S. men who reached age 40 in race held once West Block got about a 6:42 per mile pace. Skull also ran in the second New member Alvin Timbol 1975, according to a Newswire off lockdown. Just as Skull had gotten used race and improved his time to ran with an MP3 player clipped article. Usually Skull takes second to winning, West Block came off 18:44, as many 1000 Club Mile to his waist while listening to “I Other top finishers included behind Taylor, who holds the lockdown and held the makeup members did. love you, I hate you,” by Gnash Oscar Aguilar at 20:32; Steve most 1000 Mile Club records for race on March 3, where Taylor “He (Skull) ran faster but still featuring Olivia O’Brien. Reitz at 20:33 and Tommy Wick- first place, or third behind Her- beat Skull’s time, coming in at finished third,” said sponsor “The beats per minute help me erd at 20:57. ena, who were both locked down 17:21 and reclaiming first place. Frank Ruona. “Having the com- with my pace when I run,” Tim- The three-mile race was in due to a medical quarantine that He missed beating the record he petition spurred him to improve bol said. “My heart is in tune preparation for running the made them miss the Feb. 24 race. set last year, completing the 12 his performance.” with the beat.” marathon that is scheduled for “I always hope that those guys laps in 16:47. Chris Schuhmacher ran in Timbol completed the course Nov. 17. Filmmaker Christine will be out here,” Skull said. “I was still feeling the effects both races and improved from in 24:33. Yoo plans to film the annual “It’s a lot more motivation when of the cold I had on lockdown,” 20:06 to 20:02. Mike Keyes, 69, ran faster as marathon for a documentary. Commissioner’s addiction won’t affect Intramural League season ‘I regret letting a lot of people down who counted on me. Now I’m clean’

Last year’s San Quentin Intra- venue to compete and, many normal weight back, says it is mural Basketball League ended say, something positive to do on one day at a time. in controversy after the com- Sundays. Men of all ages and Verduin says some ways to missioner missed several games skill levels form teams. Often tell that a person has fully re- due to disciplinary issues tied to teammates who play together on covered from drug addiction drug addiction. Commissioner Saturdays with the San Quentin include: the person has learned Ishmael Freelon promises the Warriors or Kings end up as how to connect with himself 2017 season, which starts April competitors in the league on and others; he has stared down 23, will be much better. Sundays. his demons and made peace; “I had personal issues with “All races play in this league,” and he looks you in the eye and drug addiction that interfered Freelon said. “We need this out- is connected, present. with running the league,” Free- let. It’s a life lesson. It builds up Being connected to basketball lon said. “This year I’m clean, character.” teams and held accountable by and I’m focused.” Freelon, who is also the Kings the teams may help Freelon stay For most of the 2016 season, assistant coach, organizes the drug free. Freelon was confined to his cell Intramural League and refs “One of the biggest things on Sundays because he lost his some of the games. He gained that helps is family. It’s having weekend yard privileges after organized basketball experience a support system that keeps the failing a urine analysis test. playing for Bell High School in person accountable,” Robins “Drug addiction is an expres- Bell, Ca. The 57-year-old says said. “Next, the person has to be sion of someone having emo- serving 35 years in prison has ready.” tional pain that hasn’t been dealt Photo by Michael Nelson taught him that “just because This year the commissioner with,” said Jacques Verduin, Willie Thompson and Ishmael Freelon you lose a game doesn’t mean wants the support of everyone director and facilitator of a self- you lose at life.” to make the league better. help program that takes partici- Freelon said that while strug- lon declared the championship Following that motto, Free- “I’ll take all the input I can pants on a healing journey deep gling through recovery, he a draw between the Bay Area lon has picked himself up. He get on how we can do this bet- inside themselves to come back missed many league games, Ballers and The Franchise. said he has been clean for eight ter, because this is our league,” out transformed and ready to including the 2016 Champion- “I take full responsibility,” months. said Freelon. serve others. ship Finals. The finals ended Freelon said. “I was selfish, and “One of the ways to tell if a Teams will consist of 10-man Robbie Robins, who is in- in dispute after a disagreement I regret letting a lot of people person’s recovery has stuck is: rosters for full court games carcerated and a state-certified about whether a game in the down who counted on me to Are they being consistent?” played on Sundays. Coaches drug counselor, said, “It’s dif- best-of-five series should count run the league, including my Robins said. “Sometimes you should turn in their rosters to ferent for everybody, but they as a forfeit. family.” can see that they are not the Thad Fleeton or Freelon by say a person will relapse seven After hearing different ver- The Intramural League gives same person.” April 9. times before he recovers.” sions of what happened, Free- the yard’s basketball players a Freelon, who has gained his –Rahsaan Thomas Page 20 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2017 César Chávez lucho para mejorar las condiciones de los campesinos cualidades más sobresalientes Chávez de Chávez fue el liderar con el ejemplo: realizando protestas o Continued from Page 1 efectuando huelgas de hambre. Con el paso del tiempo El trabajo en los cultivos Chávez conoció a Fred Ross concientizó a Chávez sobre las y lo acompañó a las reuniones condiciones laborales de los de la CSO (Organización al campesinos. El trabajo en el Servicio de la Comunidad). La campo era laborioso, de poca CSO trabajaba en zonas urbanas paga y peligroso. Los accidentes de California, ayudando a la con las máquinas de cultivo y la gente pobre a registrarse para exposición a los químicos para votar, tener acceso a un servicio erradicar las pestes causaban le- médico y luchar en contra de siones, enfermedades y en oca- la brutalidad policíaca y la siones, hasta la muerte. Además, discriminación racial. En poco los campesinos carecían de las tiempo, Chávez formó parte de necesidades básicas, como agua la organización CSO trabajandó potable y letrinas. tiempo completo. Al término Después de trabajar por dos de diez años, en 1958 ascendió años bajo estas condiciones, a director nacional. Al paso de Chávez decidió unirse a la Ar- cuatro años como director de mada de los Estados Unidos, la CSO, Chávez renuncia a su durante la Segunda Guerra puesto y dos semanas después Mundial, con la esperanza de comienza un sindicato (grupo de salir de la vida de trabajador trabajadores que se organizan, agrícola. Al regresar a su vida combinando su dinero y poder) como civil, Chávez describió su para los trabajadores agrícolas. experiencia en la armada como Los trabajadores sindicaliza- “los dos peores años de mi dos tienen más poder que los vida”. Posteriormente, contrajo trabajadores que no pertenecen matrimonio con Elena Fabela, a un sindicato. Como miem- procreando ocho hijos. Con el bros de un sindicato, los traba- Courtesy of the César Chávez Foundation deseo de un día enviar a sus jadores pueden reclamar ciertos hijos a la universidad, Chávez derechos y beneficios. Cuando Chávez durante una reunión con los campesinos agrícolas y su familia se fueron a vivir un sindicato no está satisfecho a San José, California, con su con las condiciones de trabajo Association) con la ayuda de tuviera éxito. Los huelguistas manifestaciones, si no también hermano Richard, en un barrio puede declararse en huelga, Dolores Huerta, una activista se expandieron en varias promovía la no violencia conocido como “sal si puedes”. rehusarse a trabajar y parali- joven que apoyaba la idea ciudades por todos los Estados por parte de los trabajadores En San José, Chávez conoció zar una industria hasta que se de Chávez. Con el tiempo, Unidos, informando a la gente campesinos. En 1968, Chávez a dos de sus mentores: Donald cumplan las demandas de los la asociación se convirtió sobre las condiciones laborales hizo su primera huelga de McDonnell, un sacerdote trabajadores. Aunque otros sin- en la Unión de Trabajadores inhumanas en las que vivían hambre en Delano, con una católico y Fred Ross, un dicatos habían fracasado hasta del Campo (United Farm los cosechadores de uvas. duración de 25 días. Durante líder comunitario. Chávez ese momento, Chávez tenía la Workers) mejor conocida Los seguidores de Chávez esta huelga, Chávez recibió la transportaba a McDonnell a convicción que un sindicato como la UFW. Este sindicato solicitaron en estas ciudades visita de Robert F. Kennedy, los campos de cultivo para podría mejorar las vidas de los fue el primer movimiento abstenerse de comprar uvas candidato presidencial y dar la misa a los campesinos. trabajadores agrícolas, por lo organizado para obtener los como una manera de apoyar la hermano del Presidente de los Chávez conocía mucho sobre cual creó la famosa frase “sí se derechos de los trabajadores causa. Chávez y sus seguidores Estados Unidos John F. Kennedy, las condiciones deplorables en puede”. agrícolas estadounidenses. tuvieron éxito al lograr un boicot quien apoyaba la causa y lucha la que vivían los campesinos, Al poco tiempo de vivir en Posteriormente, en 1965, (protesta en la que la gente se de Chávez. En 1972, Chávez sin embargo su conocimiento San José, Chávez y su esposa Chávez brindó apoyo a un rehúsa a comprar un producto) ayunó en oposición a una acerca de la parte legal era Elena se fueron a vivir a Dela- grupo de campesinos filipinos que paralizó la comercialización reciente legislación aprobada limitado. Chávez recibió de no, California, donde empezó a quienes se declararon en huelga de las uvas. La razón principal en Arizona, que prohibía los parte del padre McDonnell sostener reuniones en las casas exigiendo un aumento de sueldo. del boicot era exigir mejores boicots y huelgas durante los varios libros sobre la justicia de los campesinos. Estas pláti- Una semana más tarde 1,200 salarios y condiciones laborales días de cosecha. El último ayuno social. Estos libros fueron cas eran acerca de los prob- familias se unieron a la huelga. adecuadas. Este fue considerado que realizó Chávez culminó de gran ayuda para iniciar lemas que existían en el trabajo El sindicato creó una bandera una de las victorias más en agosto de 1988 y tuvo una un movimiento pacifico en agrícola, con el fin de crear un de color rojo con un aguila en importantes del sector sindical duración de 36 días. El motivo beneficio de los trabajadores. plan para formar un sindicato el centro, la cual levantaban en Estados Unidos. de este ayuno era dar a conocer La biografía de Mahatma que peleara por los derechos de con orgullo los trabajadores Las iniciativas de Chávez al público los efectos dañinos K. Ghandi (quien llevó a la los trabajadores del campo. campesinos. a favor de los campesinos, lo que los pesticidas causaban a la India a su independencia del Sus esfuerzos comenzaron Chávez entendió que era llevaron a realizar una serie de salud de los campesinos y sus gobierno británico a través de a dar frutos en 1962 al fundar necesario conseguir el apoyo huelgas de hambre. A través hijos. medios totalmente pacíficos) la Asociación Nacional de más allá del área de Delano de estas acciones, Chávez no A pesar de todos los obstáculos fue una gran inspiración Trabajadores del Campo para que la lucha a favor de solo demostraba su forma que Chávez encontró en su para Chávez. Una de las (The National Farm Workers los trabajadores agrícolas pacífica de llevar a cabo sus trayectoria como líder sindical, su esfuerzo y perseverancia lo llevaron a obtener grandes logros para la fuerza laboral. Chávez continuamente mencionó la frase “los ricos tienen dinero, pero los pobres tenemos tiempo”, haciendo referencia que las metas no se lograrían de la noche a la mañana y que se requeriría mucha paciencia y disciplina. Chávez luchó incansablemente y logró mejorar las condiciones de los trabajadores agrícolas. El 23 de abril de 1993, Ce- sar Chávez falleció a la edad de 66 años. A su funeral, en Del- ano, asistieron más de 50,000 campesinos y partidarios de la UFW para rendir homenaje al valiente y humilde hombre que trabajó arduamente por la digni- dad de los trabajadores agríco- las. Fue el funeral más grande Courtesy of the César Chávez Foundation Courtesy of the César Chávez Foundation realizado para un líder laboral Infomando sobre los daños de los pesticidas Chávez se reune con los Kennedy en los Estados Unidos.