San Quentin News

WRITTEN BY PRISONERS – ADVANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE VOL. 2018 NO. 3 March 2018 Edition 102 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 3,746 United States leads world in locking up women

Photo courtesy of CALPIAi Mireya Flores showing off a tasty dish

Women complete File Photo A woman sitting in one of the United States’ many jail cells around the country By Marcus Henderson nearly 30 percent of the world’s im- ican states,” said the researchers. culinary program Journalism Guild Chairman prisoned women, cites the report, Approximately 206,000 women titled The States of Women’s Incar- are currently confined in U.S. By William Earl Tolbert adjunct professor and executive Individual states of the U.S., ceration: The Global Context , by prisons and jails. The United States Journalism Guild Writer chef, started the program in along with the federal government, Aleks Kajstura and Russ Immari- jails women at twice the percentage 2017 and taught their students lead the world in putting women geon of the Prison Policy Initiative. rate of China and four times that of Eleven inmates graduated everything from serving to behind bars, according to a 2017 “Across the globe, the 25 juris- Russia. from the first Culinary Arts cooking, as well as restaurant report by the Prison Policy Initia- dictions with the highest rates of Management program at Folsom management, reported The Folsom tive (PPI). incarcerating women are all Amer- See United States on page 4 Women’s Facility. Telegraph. Women in the U.S. represent Vincent Moralez, supervisor of only 5 percent of the world’s fe- the program, and Jason Doolittle, See Culinary page 6 male population, but account for Code.7370 host Lance Armstrong

A prison chapel served as a the- ater to dance, sing, rap and use spoken-word for an inmate per- formance, called Site Unseen. The audience of free people and men-in-blue walked across a makeshift stage and sat side by side to enjoy San Quentin’s Ar- tistic Ensemble.

Page 10 Photo by Adnan Khan Kevin Neang (center) with his mom and sister ROOTS graduates learn inter-generational trauma By Rahsaan Thomas tator Roger “The Professor” Chung Staff Writer said. ROOTS is an Asian Pacific Is- Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News The audience cried and laughed lander culture awareness group that Lance Armstrong and Chris Redlitz walking across San Quentin’s Lower Yard with recent graduates of the Re- focuses on teaching intergenera- storing Our Original True Selves tional trauma, domestic violence, By Juan Haines top cyclist, Lance Armstrong. (ROOTS) program as they told sto- LGBT tolerance and transformative When the San Quentin News Senior Editor “I’ve never been in jail. But I ries of healing generations of inter- justice. was revived nearly 10 years ago, know what it’s like to run afoul generational trauma and jokes. On Jan. 21, ROOTS held a gradu- a staff of five put together a four- In a small classroom with popu- of the system,” Armstrong said, “For a lot of groups coming from ation ceremony at San Quentin refugee and war-torn situations that page issue and distributed it to lar catch phrases like Think Differ- on Jan. 11, to inmates enrolled in State Prison hosted by incarcer- ent and Believe in the Process on its a highly touted computer coding have strong disconnections with the ated facilitators Phoeun You and 5,000 inmates inside the prison walls, about two dozen San Quen- program. generations before them, intergen- Anouthinh “Choy” Pangthong. tin prisoners waited for a surprise eration trauma is definitely one of Page 20 guest—the world-renowned, once See Code.7370 on page 8 the keys to healing,” ROOTS Facili- See R.O.O.T.S on page 15 Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com March 2018

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY Graduate School of Journalism

San Quentin News Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s Valentine visit By Juan Haines San Quentin News Reports on Rehabilitative Efforts to the program gave them the Increase Public Safety and Achieve Social Justice Senior Editor confidence to continue their education, once returned to San Quentin News Staff Staff Administrative Review About a year and half ago, the community, and taught Aly Tamboura returned home them how to think indepen- Arnulfo T. Garcia, Editor (2011-2017) Lt. S. Robinson, Warden’s Office after serving almost 14 years Richard Richardson, Editor-in-Chief Sgt. R. Gardea , Warden’s Office dently. Jesse Vasquez, Managing Editor Krissi Khokhobashvili, CDCR behind bars. He came back to However, even with pro- Juan Haines, Senior Editor Information Officer II (Supervisor) San Quentin on Valentine’s grams at San Quentin, such as Kevin D. Sawyer, Associate Editor Linda Xiques, Adviser Day with several of his co- ones designed to address vic- Marcus Henderson, Journalism William Drummond, Adviser workers at the Chan Zuck- tim awareness and impulse Guild Chairman Jan Perry, Adviser erberg Initiative (CZI) for a Rahsaan Thomas, Staff Writer Yukari Kane, Adviser control, Tamboura pointed to Wesley Eisiminger, Staff Writer Joan Lisetor, Adviser tour of the highly touted re- waiting lists of three to five David Lê, Staff Writer Steve McNamara, Adviser habilitative prison. years for enrollment as well Curtis Roberts, Staff Writer John C. Eagan, Adviser CZI advocates for social as the prisoners’ huge tech- Wayne Boatwright, Staff Writer Jon Spurlock, Adviser justice and criminal justice nology gap. Eddie Herena, Photographer Nikki Meredith, Adviser reform. They seek to provide Jonathan Chiu, Layout Designer Lucia de la Fuente, Editora Khan brought up the extra Richard Lindsey, Researcher Lisa Adams, Development Manager affordable housing in the challenge of having youth of- Bay Area. The organization fenders intermixed with an Current and past stories of the San Quentin News are posted online at: has social media operations older population—sometimes (www.sanquentinnews.com) aimed at changing the crimi- the interactions add tension (www.facebook.com) nal justice narrative, specifi- Photo by Lt. S. Robinson to the prison’s rehabilitative Permission is granted to reprint articles appearing in the San Quentin cally how prisons operate. Anthony Ammons talking to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative group routine. News provided credit is given to the author and this publication, Tamboura is a manager for The purpose of keeping except for articles reprinted herein from other publications. technology and program de- security prison. He brought ways, from reducing recidi- the youngsters at San Quen- livery. He is currently work- up some of the obstacles to vism to reuniting families. tin is two-fold—prevent their We Want To Hear From You! ing on a housing program. rehabilitation in violent and She said one of PUP’s goals is exposure to the violent and The San Quentin News encourages inmates, free CZI got a look at the pris- disruptive prisons, such as to change how the public per- oppressive nature of maxi- staff, custody staff, volunteers and others outside on’s mental health services, lockdowns and violence. The ceives incarcerated people. mum-security prisons and the institution to submit articles. All submissions the cellblocks and prison yard traumatic experiences, he Several PUP students give them an opportunity to become property of the San Quentin News. and had a conversation with said, transformed him into chimed in on their experience partake in the rehabilitative Please use the following criteria when submitting: inmates enrolled in college. only wanting to survive rac- of attending college while in- services at San Quentin. • Limit your articles to no more than 350 words. “Why do we have pris- ism was rampant. carcerated. However, they must sign • Know that articles will be edited for content and length. ons?” Adnan Khan asked the Once Khan transferred “I dropped out of school contracts, stating that they • The newspaper is not a medium to file grievances. CZI employees prior to the to San Quentin, its 70-plus around the sixth grade,” said will remain discipline-free. If (For that, use the prison appeals process.) We encourage tour. rehabilitative programs sur- PUP clerk Corey McNeil. they break the contract, they submitting articles that are newsworthy and encompass Their answers varied: “re- prised him. He said hearing “While in prison, I got my transfer to a higher-level pris- issues that will have an impact on the prison populace. form people,” “punishment” collegiate-level conversations GED but was stuck as far as on, which happens a lot. • Please do not use offensive language in your submissions. and “rehabilitation.” Khan seemed foreign. going further in my educa- With 90 percent of the • Poems and artwork (cartoons and drawings) are welcomed. told the group a tourist once Jody Lewen, executive tion. I needed more hands- incarcerated getting out of • Letters to the editor should be short and to the point. said, “That’s where we hide director of the Prison Uni- on teaching, and I got that at prison, Khan asked CZI, “So, the bad people.” versity Project (PUP), said PUP.” He added, “PUP didn’t how would you like them to Send Submissions to: Khan gave a short lec- giving incarcerated people save me. It fostered the stuff get out? Going through one San Quentin News ture about the challenges of a first-rate education helps that was naturally in me.” of these kinds of programs or 1 Main Street serving time in a maximum- the public in immeasurable Other PUP students said not?” San Quentin, CA 94964 For inmates that want to receive a copy of the San Quentin News in the mail, send $1.61 worth of stamps for postage Actor Danny Trejo escaped the death penalty to the above address. The process can be repeated every month if you want to receive the latest newspaper. By Joe Garcia and say, ‘Trejo, what’s up? would appear in Runaway Behind the Scenes Journalism Guild Writer You helped me years ago.’ Train and soon film role of- The San Quentin News is printed by So that’s been a blessing.” fers came pouring in. Marin Sun Printing, San Rafael. After facing a possible Mentoring one of the kids, “I learned how not to be- death penalty, Danny Trejo Trejo got called to the guy’s have on a movie set from wove his prison experience workplace to help him avoid Eric Roberts,” explained the and tough-guy persona into the temptation of freely affable Trejo. “He was very a successful movie career. flowing cocaine. That work- demanding.” The now well-known actor place turned out to be the Trejo has been a favorite spoke of how striking a cor- film set for Runaway Train, of directors Quentin Taran- rections officer in the head starring Jon Voight and Eric tino and Robert Rodriguez with a rock during a prison Roberts. for years,; he was notably riot inevitably changed his “You have to understand featured in Desperado, and life, as contained in a Dec. that this was 1985, and on starred as Machete alongside 16 article for LADbible. movie sets you could walk Jessica Alba. “I was throwing it at a into production and cocaine The actor’s endearingly

group of guys, and he hap- Photo courtesy of Nane Alejandrez lines were right there on the gruff demeanor is currently pened to be hit,” Trejo said. Danny Trejo holding SQ News table,” Trejo recalled. “It on display in a series of tele- “So we all had gas chamber wasn’t even hidden.” vision ads for SlingTV. offenses, and we were taken of prison for various armed The film’s screenwriter “I remember the first time to the hole. robberies and drug offenses, instantly recognized Trejo anyone interviewed me,” “I remember saying, Trejo realized it was time to and all his tattoos from Tre- said the 73-year-old Trejo. ‘God, if you’re there, every- give up alcohol and narcot- jo’s days as a prison boxing “It was this young Chicana, thing will turn out the way ics once and for all upon his champion. just out of college, real into it’s supposed to. If you’re release. “I was lightweight or wel- La Raza – ‘Danny, don’t not, I’m f---ed.’” “I discovered AA and terweight champion of every you feel you’re being stereo- No one came forward to Narcotics Anonymous,” Tre- penitentiary I’ve been in,” typed? You’re always play- testify against him, Trejo ex- jo said. “My sponsor took Trejo once told TMZ. “And ing the mean Chicano dude plained. Being able to walk me to a program called RIF I’ve been in all of ‘em.” with tattoos.’ away from the hole without – Recover, Independence “He’d seen me box in San “So I lifted up my shirt any charges was the wake- and Freedom – working with Quentin,” said Trejo, who and said, ‘What are you talk- Photo courtesy of Nane Alejandrez up call he drastically needed. teen drug addicts. was hired on the spot to train ing about? I am the mean A friend of Danny Trejo, Trejo himself and Daniel ‘Nane’ Alejandrez After 11 years in and out “Even now, kids come up Roberts. Trejo ultimately Chicano dude with tattoos.’” March 2018 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 3 Unibody turns excons into personal trainers By Joe Garcia article. Unibody is trying to U.S. fitness market as a $30 Journalism Guild Writer improve those statistics one billion industry with plenty personal trainer at a time. of room for growth and up- A successful fitness entre- After five years of work- ward mobility. Within this preneur recently launched ing in the fitness commu- burgeoning network, A Sec- his own nonprofit organi- nity, Guadalupe started New ond U provides support and zation to train and prepare York-based Unibody, along resources to help soften the ex-convicts for employment with its nonprofit branch, A challenging reentry from as personal trainers in the Second U. incarceration to the societal thriving fitness industry. “Through job creation and workplace. “I spent 10 years in fed- the cultivation of a commu- Guadalupe said his goal eral prison and spent most of nity, Unibody Fitness helps within the next six months is my time there in the gym,” to reduce recidivism and im- “to raise additional funding said Hector Guadalupe, prove morale post incarcera- for A Second U so that we founder of Unibody Fitness. tion,” Guadalupe stated. “We can expand to every major “When I left, I had to decide have employed close to 70 city throughout the country what to do for my career. I formerly incarcerated indi- with a high recidivism rate became a certified personal viduals in our first two years, and a strong market for fit- trainer and immediately which is more than most New ness.” found employment in a New York City businesses can say. “I’d love to be in touch York City Sports Club.” “We have personal train- with Jay-Z, who is committed The unemployment rate ing directors, recruiters and to exposing the injustices for formerly incarcerated fitness managers all over of the prison system,” he people is eight times higher New York City seeking to added. He said he has “a lot than the average person, ac- File Photo hire our trainers.” to discuss” with the cultural cording to an AlleyWatch Unibody Fitness members Guadalupe estimates the icon. John Jay College’s new president worked for Obama By Harry C. Goodall Jr society. (CUNY) with a student with social service organi- brought together academics, Journalism Guild Writer “Criminal justice is not body of nearly 15,000. zations in diversionary pro- practitioners and advocates. something that operates in a “We’re a safe space for grams that focus on drug “There’s power when you John Jay College, the silo,” Mason said. “The need people to have tough con- treatment, mental health, have people come together leading educational institu- for reform reflects back on versations about justice is- education and housing, re- from different walks of life tion on criminal justice in other failures in other parts sues,” Mason said. ported the article. and different perspectives the nation, has a new presi- of the system.” Mason believes the criti- “Many people in our who all agree we need crim- dent. Karol Mason, a former “People are (already) cal tools for a “holistic” ap- criminal justice system inal justice reform,” Mason assistant attorney general thinking outside their silos,” proach to criminal justice (now) were victims first,” said. in charge of the Office of Mason said. “They are rec- reform are in social services said Mason. The conference, Mason Justice Programs under the ognizing that the justice sys- such as educational train- Mason plans to con- said, demonstrated a move- Obama administration, took tem is the last resort, the last ing, family counseling, sub- tinue John Jay’s Prison-to- ment for change around the over the position in Au- response to other failures.” stance abuse treatment, and College Pipeline program, country, especially at state gust 2017, according to The Under Mason’s leader- job counseling, reported the which brings students and and local levels. Crime Report. ship, John Jay College will article. faculty members into pris- To reform the U.S. justice Mason said that there is continue to be a resource “We shouldn’t be putting ons to help to prepare those system requires “thinking already a large amount of File photo for research and innovative people in jail for addiction,” inmates who are about to be outside the silos” (the box) research and evaluation that Karol Mason alternatives to traditional stated Mason, commenting released for higher educa- and providing alternative demonstrates the long-term approaches to crime and on the current opiate crisis. tion, reported to the article. pathways to help justice- value of programs focusing those currently imprisoned punishment. It is a branch Many jurisdictions Last September, John Jay involved people become on the “front end” of the to develop the skills for suc- of the publicly funded City around the country are al- held a “Smart on Crime-In- productive, law-abiding citi- justice system and helping cessful reintegration into University of New York ready beginning to work novations” conference that zens, Mason said. Video calls replace contact visits at many institutions A growing trend to end in- manize,” Norris said. tact is an attempt to address of Jefferson Parish, La., my child,” said Henderson, person visits throughout the “How you gonna stop peo- security concerns aimed at said the video program al- former prisoner. nation has had a huge impact ple’s families from coming to controlling the introduction locates resources “where we One exception to the fee on inmates and their fami- see them? That’s messed up. of contraband to the prison. think they’re needed, on the policy is Jefferson Parish, lies, forcing them pay $12.99 I thought that was a privilege Many types of contraband, streets.” where each week the prison for a 20-minute video call, we got here,” added Chris- including drugs and weap- However, according to offers one 20-minute call at according to, Shannon Sims hon Brown, an accused bank ons, can be introduced to the research published by the an offsite video visitation in The Guardian. robber incarcerated in New prison even in no-contact Criminal Justice Policy Re- center for free. Yet there A study by The Prison Pol- Orleans, voicing his frustra- facilities, where glass sepa- view, face-to-face visits are problems with the new icy Initiative shows that 74 tion on the new video-calling rates inmates and visitors, decrease recidivism. Even system, and those who want percent of U.S. correctional procedures. according to Gary York, a though visits may be behind more than one call per week facilities that implement The prison phone sys- retired Florida prison inspec- thick glass, they are critical have to pay. video calling end up either tem is a $1.2 billion-a-year tor. to the emotional health of in- “We had to pay money for reducing in-person visits, or industry, according to the “Inmate orderlies and of- mates. something that didn’t work,” eliminating them altogether. Guardian article. Prisons ficers might be picking up a “Visitation is so important said Brown, the accused “We should be moving can receive as much as a 20 bag of marijuana that a visi- to maintaining a prisoner’s bank robber. “I couldn’t even toward more human contact percent commission on each tor leaves in the trash can and faith, so important. I can’t hear what she was saying, and people connecting with call, said Lucius Couloute of getting paid off to deliver it believe they would simply File photo and I couldn’t really see her.” other people, not less,” stated the Prison Policy Initiative. to the inmate. I’ve seen it take that away,” stated Sister Webcam There are even more com- Norris Henderson, a former Video chatting has re- hundreds of times,” York Alison McCrary, executive plications with the new video inmate from Louisiana and duced in-person visits or said. director of the National Po- requires in-person visitation system. A family must sched- the founder and director of eliminated them completely, Proponents of the new lice Accountability Project. to be maintained. ule an appointment ahead of the not-for-profit organiza- according to the Guardian system think it frees up of- She added, “The impact is It “goes deeper than this time for the video call. They tion Voice of the Ex-Offend- article. ficers to be in other areas. going to be so real.” issue of contraband. This also must possess an updated er. “When you move away In some states, ending in- In a Times-Picayune ar- California and Texas have is about money. I shouldn’t tablet or phone. from that, it’s easy to dehu- person visits that allow con- ticle, Sheriff Joe LoPinto both passed legislation that have to pay you to come see – Harry C. Goodall Jr. Documentary reveals men’s struggles before and after incarceration By Forrest Lee Jones The film “Life After Life,” “In my experience, film face on people who are in- After testifying about his impart) would be to treat Journalism Guild Writer was shown to a live audience is a very effective teach- carcerated, who otherwise life, Jordan gave his perspec- people fairly. Allow people by its makers, the Law, Soci- ing medium,” LSJ Professor might have a very negative tive on the documentary. to have access, and I’m say- A documentary film on eties and Justice Department Katherine Beckett said. “And stigma attached to them,” “One of the things that ing people so I’m not la- ex-cons returning to freedom at the University of Washing- I think we saw this today. It’s said Dolphy Jordan, who stuck out the most to me was beling someone who was helps educate the public on ton. a much more intimate kind of spoke after the documentary that feeling of anxiety,” Jor- formerly incarcerated or the struggles these men face The purpose of the film real-life, textured portrait.” concluded. “When you hear dan said. “The emotions that labeling someone on race or before and after release. is to change the perception “We are trying to frame about someone released from these guys are going through from a different country,” The documentary follows that the public has about the (incarceration) in terms of prison (many of whom) have are real.” said Jordan. the lives of three formerly prison system. a human rights issue,” said committed a terrible crime, Jordan talked about the “We’re all people; we all incarcerated men (Noel, The film is directed by Ta- Emily Keller, the political you dehumanize that person, obstacles facing the formerly live in this community to- Harrison and Chris) outside mara Perkins and shown as science and public policy li- and it’s easy to exclude them incarcerated, such as fear gether, and what kind of of prison. All three were im- part of a series titled: Human brarian. “We talk about hu- from the basic necessities we and uncertainty and how it is community do you want prisoned at a young age and Rights at Home: Punishment man rights issues as some- have in life.” important to initiate the re- to foster, to build? Do you spent decades behind bars. in Contemporary America thing that happens in other Jordan was incarcerated entry process once a person want to build a strong and They talk about their differ- by the department in con- counties, and incarceration from the ages of 16 to 37. enters prison. He stressed healthy one, or a divided, ent parole experiences, fam- junction with the University is a human rights issue here He is employed as a re-entry the importance of provid- broken one? I would encour- ily reunions, locating work of Washington Libraries and in the United States. That’s transition specialist. His job ing those opportunities be- age people to give everybody and enrollment in college, supported by the Friends of something we want to em- centers on intervention, pre- fore they are released from fair and equal opportunities according to a Dec. 1 new- the Library Award, says the phasize.” vention and reduction in in- prison. -- to education, to housing, to suw.com story. report. “This film puts a human carceration and recidivism. “The message (I want to employment.” Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com March 2018 San Quentin accommodates all Notice: If you would like to submit a photograph By Jesse Vasquez Tehachapi. “There seems to be an place where I’ve felt free and Managing Editor The department says it rec- intentional security over- have been able to program to be placed in SQ News for Mother’s Day, ognizes and respects people’s sight. I would have thought because it has so many op- Father’s Day, or just because, please send it San Quentin State Prison right to association and has that inmates who asked for portunities,” Melendez said. with name(s) and a brief message to go with is the first general-population flexible housing regulations protective custody would San Quentin is the first, but male California institution to that contribute to a safer en- never want to come back to not the last, to benefit from your photo. Please understand, we may not be accommodate inmates based vironment. the mainline,” said Harlon the state prison system’s mis- able to return your photo so send a copy and on their program needs and Now, corrections officials Lacapa, incarcerated since sion to make California safer address the letter to: their desire to interact with have devised a positive pro- 2001. “This change could by offering alternative pro- one another in spite of race, gramming model to help possibly negatively affect the gramming options that in- San Quentin News affiliation and custody con- prisoners on their journey of programming of impacted in- crease public safety and suc- 1 Main Street cern. rehabilitation and reentry. stitutions.” cessful reentry. San Quentin, CA 94964 The new configuration The department’s objec- Many prisoners’ lives have “Out in the real world, effective Jan. 2 contains no tive is to create prison envi- been changed by San Quen- everyone co-exists without General Population or Sen- ronments that resemble the tin‘s academic and rehabili- worrying about what anyone sitive Needs designations, community at-large, have tative atmosphere, and now else is doing, so eventually Questions linger over which separated prisoners open-race relations and com- more inmates will be eligible everyone has to learn those into categories. The mainline munity support, are condu- to participate. pro-social skills,” Burton category is open to anyone cive to personal growth and “San Quentin is the first said. informant program with a Secure Level I or II responsibility, and foster re- By Achilles Williams 2010, and as recently as 2013 housing designation who has habilitation. Journalism Guild Writer in two other cases, includ- been selected by a counselor Programming prisons ben- ing one argued by Assistant to go there. efit all inmates, especially Committee recommends Orange County District District Attorney Howard Death Row will continue those preparing for parole Attorney Tony Rackauckus Gundy. to include inmates in East hearings and re-entry. better youth treatment denied the existence of an in- Despite a line in Cleve- Block, the top floor in North However, the shift will formant program in his coun- land’s file labeling him as a Segregation, and a few tiers negatively affect certain By John Lam recommended the following: ty’s jail to a “60 Minutes” “problem informant,” pros- in the Donner section of groups in the GP because Journalism Guild Writer Facilities must document correspondent, the Huffing- ecutors continued to rely on South Block. Reception will the alternative to adjusting the use of pepper spray on ton Post reported. his information. continue to be parts of Bad- to a programming prison is A committee made sweep- youth. The District Attorney’s The use of jail informants ger and Donner sections of transferring to an institution ing recommendations on the This requirement is a step Office faces three investiga- with shady character is wide- South Block. with limited programs or no use of pepper spray, shack- in the right direction but us- tions over the use of infor- spread in Orange County, “This is my community programming at all. ling, visitation rights and ing pepper spray should not mants, whose credibility has and this practice was used and I respect everyone’s “I feel uncomfortable vegetarian meal options for be tolerated, said Sara Kru- been brought into question. by Rackauckus himself. He opinion,” said Terry Bur- about the change because incarcerated youths. zan, a formerly incarcerated However, Rackauckus told admitted that he used infor- ton, inmate coach of the San I don’t know what kind of “This time around was youth and program coordina- “60 Minutes” correspondent mants in “several cases” go- Quentin Giants. “I already mentality the new guys might historic; we are advocating tor at Healing Dialogue and Sharyn Alfonsi that infor- ing back all the way to 1985. deal with everyone regard- have,” said Jose Melendez, for changes that have never Action. mants shouldn’t be believed. Rackauckus even went as less of their background and a Hispanic inmate. “I don’t been addressed before,” New regulations would “I think you should as- far as using one informant, affiliation.” know what kind of thinking said Israel Villa, a formerly require individualized as- sume you’re talking to an in- James Cochrum, who the Los The new accommodations the administration has done incarcerated youth and pro- sessment before the use of formant, and if he’s talking, Angeles Times labeled, “the are a part of the Department regarding the negative impli- gram and policy coordinator shackles on young detainees. he’s probably lying,” Rack- most used informant,” and of Corrections and Rehabili- cations of this shift on those for Motivating Individual “I’m concerned about who auckas said. who Sanders called, “a con- tation’s commitment to pro- of us that have already been Leadership for Public Ad- will be making that discre- This “60 Minutes” seg- summate scam artist.” mote public safety and suc- programming.” vancement. tion regarding shackles and ment featured an interview Cochrum has a colorful cessful reentry. Prison officials understand The Executive Steer- why we are still OK with with a frequently used Or- history of using 13 different California prisons have that decades of incarceration ing Committee of the State shackles being used on our ange County informant, names during the commis- been criticized, and sued, and exposure to a specific Board of State and Commu- youth,” said Kruzan. Mark Cleveland, who de- sion of crimes across three for being the only race- and set of prison values and cir- nity Corrections held a panel Facilities should be re- scribed how he has helped states and while in the mili- gang-segregated institutions cumstances can contribute with youth advocates in No- quired to process requests Rackauckas and his office for tary. in the nation. to an abnormal perspective vember in preparation for a for vegetarian meals years. A California appeals This same informant said The Ashker settlement led on race, authority, and group Feb. 8 meeting, when the full Supportive adults should court decision also declared he “overheard murder con- to the end of indeterminate identity. Therefore, there is a board will vote on revising not be barred from visiting there to be an informant pro- fessions and testified in three Security Housing Unit (SHU) need for an environment that statewide regulations for in- incarcerated youth because gram. of them.” He was considered terms for prison gang mem- allows individuals to make carcerated youth. of adults’ conviction history. “The magnitude of the so valuable that Rackauckus bers and their release back decisions for themselves. “Executive Steering Com- These regulations should systemic problems cannot be himself accompanied this into the general population The change aims to give all mittee meetings are de- guide facilities to treat youth overlooked,” the California informant back to Utah and of the prison. The settlement prisoners the opportunity for signed to provide direction in a trauma-informed man- appeals court ruled. spoke to the parole board on also changed the depart- personal growth and rehabili- and…identifying critical ner, rather than with a puni- Assistant Public Defender his behalf, according to the ment’s approach to dealing tation, state officials report. issues, providing direction tive approach, said Kruzan. Scott Sanders uncovered the Huffington Post. with inmates based on their Programming prisons pro- to workgroups that propose “In my case, my trauma use of the informant program Rackauckas maintains that individual behavior instead vide the rehabilitative envi- revisions and making a final was never acknowledged, by obtaining records main- his office has not abused the of their gang affiliation. ronment in which inmates recommendation to the full and the phrase ‘child sex- tained by the D.A.’s office. jail informant program. A That settlement resulted can learn cooperation, expe- board,” the Juvenile Justice trafficking survivor’ was Additional motions used Justice Department investi- from a class action lawsuit rience growth, and demon- Information Exchange re- never used. No one knew by Sanders revealed infor- gation into Orange County’s by segregated prisoners in strate accountability for their ported. how to handle me, so I was mant Cleveland testified in questionable practices is un- Pelican Bay, Corcoran and actions. The executive committee criminalized.” five cases between 2008 and derway.

California, New York, and United States New Jersey are the few states that have reversed course and began sending women home Continued from page 1 from state prisons. “States continue to ‘widen Thailand is the first non- the net’ of criminal justice U.S. state that appears high involvement by criminal- on the list at number 26. izing women’s responses to The United States also in- gender-based abuse and dis- carcerated women at a rate crimination,” wrote Sawyer. eight to 25 times higher than “Policy changes have led to some of our closest allies mandatory or ‘dual’ arrests from NATO countries. for fighting back against The U.S. incarceration domestic violence, [and] in- rate for women is 127 per creasing criminalization of 100,000, while in countries school-aged girls’ misbehav- such as the United Kingdom, ior.” the rate is 13 per 100,000, in Offenses include run- Canada 11 per 100,000 and ning away for survival or in France it’s 6 per 100,000. women turning to sex work, Denmark is the lowest of noted Sawyer. Drug use and the NATO countries at 5 per minor involvement in drug 100,000. networks also have driven “Women have become the women’s prison growth. fastest-growing segment of “Women’s incarceration the incarcerated population, demands more attention be- but despite recent interest in cause of the distinct ways in the alarming national trend, which prisons and jails fail few people know what’s hap- File Photo women and their families,” wrote Sawyer. “Research pening in their own states,” Women locked up behind bars in a United States jail wrote Wendy Sawyer of PPI consistently shows that incar- in The Gender Divide: Track- cerated women face different ing women’s state prison Context report. New Hamp- ally, the incarceration rate for made to reduce men’s prison cut its men’s prison popula- problems than men and pris- growth, a January 2018 re- shire is on par with Russia, women is eight times higher populations,” wrote Sawyer tion by 6,000, but added ons often make those prob- port. and New York with Rwanda. than Portugal, said the report. in her report. 1,100 women into its prison lems worse.” Illinois’ incarceration rate Rhode Island has the low- “Perhaps the most trou- Between 2009-2015, Mich- system. PPI used two incarceration for women is on par with El est incarceration rate for bling finding about women’s igan state prisons reduced the Idaho refilled half of the datasets from the Institute Salvador, where abortion is women, but has a rate twice incarceration is how little number of men incarcerated prison beds it emptied from for Criminal Policy Research illegal and women are rou- that of Portugal. If Rhode Is- progress states have made in by 8 percent, but women im- its men’s prisons by adding and population data from the tinely jailed for having mis- land were a country it would curbing its growth — espe- prisonment grew 30 percent 25 percent more women to United Nations and other carriages, noted The Global rank 15 on the list. Nation- cially in light of the progress over the same period. Texas its prisons, reported Sawyer. sources for its reports. March 2018 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 5 La pesadilla de un soñador encarcelado By Tare Beltranchuc nistración del Presidente De acuerdo al artículo otros, significaría regresar a y Marco Villa Donald Trump anunció su The Number Behaind The sus países de origen de los Contributing Writers intención de terminar con Dreamers of the Daily Call- cuales huyeron y conocen el DACA (Acción Deferida er By Will Racke, “desde la muy poco. Luis Ojeda de 23 años, para la Llegada de Adol- implementación de DACA Luis expresó, “antes de la se encuentra en la Prisión ecentes), los Soñadores en- en el 2012, un total de 2,139 creación de DACA, cuando de San Quentin cumpliendo frentan a un futuro incierto. (cerca del 0.3%) Soñadores tenía la edad de 11 años, me una condena de seis años por Sí las amenazas de ter- han perdido su estatus mi- estresaba pensando que la asalto agravado. Después de minar con Daca se ma- gratorio por un comporta- migra (ICE) me iba agarrar cumplir su sentencia, Ojeda terializan, Luis y Jennie miento criminal”. y separar de mi familia. A será deportado a la Ciudad enfrentarán una eminente A pesar de estar en los 18 años obtuve DACA de México. Jennie de 21 separación. prisión, Luis expresa que se y esto me ayudo a obtener años, hermana de Luis, ac- Jennie mencionó, “me benefició del DACA. Tenía mi licencia de manejar y un tualmente reside, estudia y siento preocupada”, “si no en su mente que su futuro se permiso de trabajo, con el trabaja en San Jose, Jennie, hacen nada al respecto, basaba en el Sueño Ameri- cual obtuve un trabajo como a pesar de ser una ciudadana no solo mi familia será a- cano. cocinero en un restaurante y modelo, teme ser deportada. fectada, sino también mucha Luis admite sus errores y continué con mi educación”. Luis comentó en una gente. Destruirán nuestros acepta el castigo impuesto Sin embargo, el futuro de entrevista, “quería ser sueños, no podremos se- por sus malas decisiones. los Soñadores tales como abogado para ayudar a guir asistiendo a la escuela Sin embargo, las amenazas Luis y Jennie es incierto mis padres, pero la regué y tampoco podremos seguir de Trump “afecta emocio- a partir de que la adminis- y perdí la oportunidad trabajando legalmente”. nalmente” a los Soñadores tración de Trump anunciara que DACA me ofreció. Me Jennie recuerda como como Jennie, quienes con- la posible cancelación de siento avergonzado por DACA cambio su vida. El tribuyen a la economía de DACA. El futuro de DACA haber cometido un crimen. programa le permitió tra- este país y obedecen las es un tópico de debate en el Desperdicie la oportunidad bajar legalmente en los Es- leyes. Congreso y las cortes fede- que se me otorgó en este tados Unidos. Actualmente Jennie revela, “estoy muy rales. país. También me siento Jennie trabaja como secre- asustada y me da tristeza cu- Jennie mencionó, “mis mal de que nos estén usando taria en una compañía de ando miro las noticias – pa- padres me trajeron a este (DACA presos) como excusa plomería durante el día y por rece que están jugando con país cuando tenía 9 años, mi para no renovar el DACA. la noche asiste al Colegio De nuestras emociones, no nos hermanito y yo fuimos afor- Pienso que no es justo”. Anza. Una de sus metas es toman en serio. ¿Cómo po- tunados por no tener que En el año 2012, el ex- llegar a ser una arqueóloga y dremos tener un futuro? Me brincar el muro fronterizo presidente Barack Obama antropóloga. da mucha tristeza, me preo- como lo hicieron mi madre creó el programa DACA Jennie enfatizó, “me cupo y me causa estrés”. y mi hermano mayor. Mi para proteger de la depor- gusta aprender acerca de Roberto G. Gonzales un padre nos trajo a este país tación a los niños que en- las personas que vivieron investigador de Harvard para tener un mejor futuro. traron a los Estados Unidos aquí hace mucho tiempo, del llevo a cabo una encuesta a Mi madre me ayudo a in- antes de cumplir los 16 años significado de las religio- 2,000 portadores de DACA. vestigar acerca del DACA Photo Courtesy of Luis Ojeda de edad. nes, sus diferentes puntos de Gonzales descubrió que el y a reunir todos los docu- La historia de la familia vista y las civilizaciones an- 22% de Soñadores han ob- Jennie Ojeda, Luis Ojeda, and Lourdes Ortiz mentos necesarios. También Ojeda muestra como la tiguas”, “sí llegára a ser una tenido un licenciatura, com- contratamos los servicios cancelación del programa antropóloga podría explorar parado con un 32% de la po- canas, aprendieron el idioma no conocía a nadie y no de un abogado y realizamos DACA puede llegar a sepa- el mundo”. blación total de los Estados inglés, adoptaron la cultura sabía cómo comunicarme”. los pagos por el trámite del rar a una familia. Luis y Jen- Es importante mencio- Unidos que cuentan con un Americana y llegaron a for- La cancelación del DACA DACA”. nie están entre los 800,000 nar que la mayoría de los licentiatura, de acuerdo al mar parte de la esencia de creará estrés a los Soñadores Jennie agregó, “tengo es- inmigrantes indocumenta- Soñadores contribuyen a National UnDACAmented América. porque la mayoría tendrán peranza que el Congreso haga dos que fueron traídos por la economía de los Esta- Research Project. “Jennie mencionó, “es- que realizar cambios drásti- algo respecto al DACA”, para sus padres a los Estados dos Unidos y acabar con el Jennie y Luis llegaron a taba muy nerviosa el primer cos en sus vidas. Algunos traer alivio a todos los po- Unidos a muy temprana DACA afectaría a todos los los Estados Unidos con sus día en la escuela porque no tendrán otra alternativa seedores de DACA y así man- edad, y ahora son conocidos Soñadores –Incluyendo a los padres y hermanito al igual no sabía hablar inglés. Al que regresar a vivir en las tener su estado legal en este como Soñadores. que no han cometido delito que muchos Soñadores. siguiente día no quería re- sombras – en constante te- país para que sus sueños se Una vez que la admi- alguno. Asistieron escuelas Ameri- gresar a la escuela porque mor a la deportación. Para vuelvan realidad. A nightmare for one incarcerated dreamer Luis Ojeda, 23, is serving ishment for his bad choices. constant fear of deporta- a six-year sentence in San However, Trump’s threat tion. For others, it might Quentin State Prison after “plays an emotional” game mean going back to coun- a conviction for assault with with the Dreamers, like his tries from which they fled or great bodily injury. Upon sister Jennie, who contrib- know little about. his release, he faces depor- utes to the country’s econo- “Before DACA at 11-years tation to Mexico. His sister, my and obeys the law. old, I often stressed thinking Jennie, 21, is a law-abiding “I am super afraid. It about La Migra (ICE) com- resident of San Jose, where makes me sad,” Jennie said. ing to get me and separate she is studying and working. “When I just saw the news me from my family,” Luis Nevertheless, she also fears — they are playing with our said. “I received DACA at deportation. feelings. They are not taking 18-years old. This helped me “I wanted to be a lawyer us serious. How can we have to get a driver’s license, and and help out my parents,” a future? It makes me sad, a work permit with which I Luis said. “But, I messed worried, stressed out.” got my first job as a cook in up the opportunity DACA Harvard researcher Ro- a restaurant while I contin- offered me. I feel ashamed berto G. Gonzalez surveyed ued with my education.” for committing a crime. I 2,000 DACA participants. However, the future of squandered the opportunity Gonzalez found that 22 Dreamers like the Ojeda given to me in this country. percent of Dreamers have siblings lingers in limbo And, I feel bad they are us- earned a bachelor’s degree, since the Trump administra- ing us as an excuse to not compared to about 32 per- tion announced the termina- renew DACA. I don’t think cent of the US population tion of DACA. The issue of it is fair.” as a whole who hold a bach- DACA’s future is a topic of Former President Barack elor’s degree, according to debate in Congress. It is also Obama created DACA in National UnDACAmented tied up in the federal courts. 2012 to protect undocu- Research Project. “I was brought to this mented children from de- Jennie and Luis came to country by my parents when portation if they entered the U.S. like most Dream- I was 9-years old,” Jennie the U.S. before they turned ers with their parents and a said. “My baby brother, Luis

16-years old. Photo Courtesy of Luis Ojeda little brother. They became and I were fortunate because The Ojeda family’s sto- part of the fabric of Ameri- we didn’t have to climb the ry shows how ending the Hoga Ojeda, Lourdes Ortiz, Hilario Ojeda, and Luis Ojeda in San Quentin’s visiting room ca. They attended American fence like my mom and DACA program could sepa- schools, learned English and older brother did. My father rate a family. Luis and Jen- nent separation if DACA goal is to become an arche- ted a crime. embraced the dominant cul- brought us to this country nie are among the 800,000 ends. ologist and an anthropolo- “Since DACA was imple- ture. to have a better future. My undocumented immigrants “I feel worried,” Jennie gist. mented in 2012, a total of “First day in school I mom helped me start do- brought by their parents to said. “If they don’t do any- “I like learning about 2,139 (about 0.3 percent) was super nervous,” Jennie ing the research for DACA, the U.S. at a young age, and thing, not just my family people that were here for Dreamers have lost their sta- said. “I didn’t know how to gathering all documents and who are called Dreamers. will be affected, but a lot a long time ago, about the tus because of criminal be- speak English. The next day, we have to pay a lawyer and Since President Donald J. of people. It will crush our significance of religions, havior,” according to the ar- I didn`t want to go back to DACA fees,” Jennie said. Trump’s administration an- dreams. We will not be able their views, ancient civiliza- ticle “The Numbers Behind school. I didn`t know any- She continues to “have nounced his intention to end to go to school or to work.” tions,” Jennie said. “If I be- The Dreamers” By Will one. I didn’t know how to hope the Congress will do the humanitarian program Jennie remembers how come an archeologist I will Racke of the Daily Caller. communicate.” something about” DACA known officially as Deferred DACA changed her life. get to explore the world,” Although in prison, Luis Ending DACA creates to bring relief to all the Action for Childhood Ar- The program allowed her to Jennie said. said he also benefited from stress for Dreamers because DACA participants and rival (DACA), the Dream- work legally in the US. She The majority of Dreamers DACA. He thought his fu- many would have to make maintain their legal status ers are facing an uncertain works now as a secretary at contribute to the U.S. econ- ture lay in the American sudden changes in their in this country to make their future. a plumbing company dur- omy. Ending DACA would Dream. lives. Some would have no dreams come true. Siblings Jennie and older ing the day, and attends De affect all Dreamers — even Luis acknowledges his alternative than to return to –Taré Beltranchuc brother Luis are facing emi- Anza College at night. Her those who have not commit- wrongs and accepts the pun- living in the shadows — in and Marcos Villa Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com March 2018 Program making chefs Training workshop gives ex-cons a chance to succeed By Harry C. Goodall Jr. coaches teach newly re- by CEO, they are also work- Journalism Guild Writer leased participants about ing at paying jobs provided new technologies, resources, through CEO’s partnership The Center for Employ- employment practices, and with CalTrans and San Ber- ment Opportunities (CEO) financial resources. They nardino Public Works. Their offers a training workshop also stage mock interviews; work days typically begin at for formerly incarcerated participants often wear suits 6 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. They inmates to give them skills for their interviews donated work on removing roadside they need for a new life, by Men’s Wearhouse. litter throughout the county. the San Bernardino Sun re- “Putting on a suit made The pay rate is $11 an hour. ported. me feel presentable, made For many, this is their first “I got goals. I’m aiming me feel like I was 10 feet paid employment. high. I’m very focused on high,” Cazares said. “I Wahome told the San what I’m trying to do with couldn’t be more grateful for Bernardino Sun, “The nature my life, and I thank CEO for the opportunity they present of our program is they’re here File Photo that,” said Carlos Cazares, us. I have never been to an- because they want to be here. DC Central Kitchen class in session who was formerly incarcer- other program where they’ve They may be referred here, ated. been really focused on better- but it is not mandated.” By Marcus Henderson record are less likely to re- for its graduates as well as CEO San Bernardino was ing people and helping them “What gets me through Journalism Guild offend and return to prison hiring graduates to its own started in 2013 and part- get to a better point in life.” the day is knowing I’m doing Chairman than the national average, staff. nered with the California The program gives op- something in life,” said saving taxpayers money, the “We put our money where State Reentry Initiative, the portunities to both men and Minerva Rivera, a former DC Central Kitchen is a program highlighted. our mission is,” said the web- San Bernardino Community women. It accepts all people inmate. “I’m getting myself nonprofit catering and educa- Billy, a class participant, site. Of the organization’s College District and Cal- regardless of their commit- stable, realizing I’m doing tional organization. Its focus added, “You always have to 151 staff members, there are Trans. ment offense. The program what I need to do to become is to provide careers through keep your past in the front of 66 graduates of the Culinary There are 27 CEO cen- serves around 35 to 45 people a productive member of its culinary job training pro- your mind; you have to have Job Training program work- ters in six different states, at a time who are on parole or society.” gram for overlooked citizens a ‘why’ when you’re going ing across five departments. including New York. The probation. Wahome summed up; “We with histories of poverty, through life, because you can All DC Central Kitchen overall program has placed “If you’re ready to change, have in-depth conversations incarceration and homeless- make it.” staff earn above the DC liv- more than 25,000 of the for- if you’re ready to turn that about financial education, ness. The program teaches ing wage and are provided merly incarcerated over the corner this way and not that goal setting. We help them “We care about our stu- hands-on knife skills, cu- with full health insurance past decade into full-time way, we’re here for you” said build their vision of their dents’ potential much more linary theory, food sensi- coverage, among other ben- employment positions. Michael Wahome, the CEO future—any future they want than their pasts,” said Erica tivity awareness, and food efits such as medical, dental, The work program starts program manager. other than incarceration— Teti-Zilinskas, the organiza- sanitation. Students learn life and disability insurance with a four-day life skills While participants are be- and light a fire under that tion’s director of communi- interviewing skills, how to policies. workshop, where CEO ing coached and counseled vision.” cations and marketing, in a write a winning resume and “I have a second chance phone interview. “We spe- workplace ethics. They are now,” said William, a gradu- cialize in equipping adults trained to obtain a nation- ate. “I had a chance to work with those histories with the ally recognized ServSafe other places after graduation hands-on training and sup- Food Handler’s Certification. from the program, but I de- Formerly incarcerated man port they need to begin a cu- Also, students receive help cided to stay here because linary career.” with referrals for childcare giving back is really what I DC Central Kitchen helps and housing, for a minimum want to do. now successful business owner provide self-sufficient job of one year after graduation. “When I see a homeless Former inmate Malik 14-year sentence in federal some lessons as an entrepre- skills to troubled people “Thanks to our generous person on the street, I can Wade launched a successful prison. neur on the streets. “In the looking to transform their donors, all admitted students now say that I am helping business called Malik Wade “When I went off to pris- drug game, I learned how to lives in the nation’s capital. receive full scholarships to him because of the work I do Ventures LLC, an umbrella on, I completely shifted my do a SWOT analysis, which The organization partners attend our program,” Teti- here,” William continued. company that houses a pub- paradigm,” Wade said. “I is to analyze your strengths, with different nonprofits and Zilinskas said. “So there is The program provides lishing and consulting busi- started to change my thought weaknesses, opportunities small businesses to produce no cost to our students at any food and services to at-risk ness. process. I started to educate and threats.” healthy snacks and meals point in their training or in afterschool programs, do- Wade, a 46-year-old au- myself.” from would-be wasted food. the two years of post-gradua- mestic violence shelters and thor and mentor, is one of the He said he spent 10 to 12 Scessuc “Each of our social ven- tion support we provide.” transitional housing. It won success stories, according to hours a day studying. tures is designed to address After seven weeks in the the Golden Carrot Award, a Black Enterprise article. Now a successful busi- the deeper intergenerational training facility, students a national honor for healthy Wade is a San Francisco T rANSFORMATION nessman, Wade has started challenges of hunger, home- have guaranteed internships school improvement, and two native who started selling a nonprofit that helps at-risk lessness, incarceration and where they are paired with Champion of Change Awards crack during his teenage Wade’s transformation youth. In the past few years, ultimately, poverty,” said a mentoring chef at an area from the White House. years. from drug dealer to legiti- he has taken 15 young men Michael Curtin, Jr., the chief hotel, restaurant or cafete- Entrepreneur Robert Eg- mate entrepreneur came on an all-expenses paid col- executive officer. ria. There, they spend four ger founded the organiza- Hstoryi from his spiritual introspec- lege tour and chaperoned The 14-week program is weeks, gaining hands-on ex- tion in 1988 and built on that tion and the mentoring he young inner-city students on tuition-free and provides perience and building a pro- model to form L.A. Kitchen “I started selling drugs at received from other men in a trip to Ghana in Africa. weekly transportation fees fessional network. on the West Coast. The com- 15, and by the time I gradu- prison, according to the ar- Wade has guest-lectured to help students attend class- “I didn’t want to just learn panies are not affiliated. ated from high school, I was ticle. at U.C. Berkeley’s African es. Most classes are held in how to do something and get “We’re empowering the already being investigated “If a young person com- American Studies and Crim- downtown Washington, D.C. a job; I wanted to acquire a next generation of leaders to by the FBI,” Wade said. “At mitted a heinous crime at inal Justice departments. He Many students are over- skill that I could use to get fight hunger and food waste,” the age of 21, I was actually the age of 14 or 15 and they also attended Stanford Law coming and dealing with other jobs,” said Crystal, the website concluded. “We indicted by the FBI, and they spend the last 25 to 30 years School’s Project ReMADE the trauma of addiction, a class participant. “So, I believe that hunger is a were seeking a life sentence, in prison, they’re not the program, a training program homelessness and release focused on learning, as op- symptom of the deeper prob- so I fled the country…and I same person,” he said. “A that gives the formerly incar- from prison. Some are immi- posed to just being there. I lem of poverty and that food remained a fugitive for the person can redeem them- cerated the tools to become grants, who take the course showed up every morning is our chosen tool for chang- next several years.” self. A person can transform successful business owners. to enhance their job quali- on time, excited about being ing individual lives while ad- Wade was placed on the themself.” Recently Wade document- fications, according to the there.” dressing systemic failures.” FBI’s most wanted list for Regarding his own trans- ed his life story in a memoir website. The program touts a large –Ahna Straube his role in narcotics distribu- formation, Wade said, titled Pressure: From FBI Graduates with a criminal percentage of job placement contributed to this story tion in San Francisco. “There were a lot of dif- Fugitive to Freedom. Arrested at age 29 and ferent challenges because I “When I got out, I knew facing a life sentence, Wade never had a job before, so I that I wanted to make a dif- Culinary pled guilty to conspiracy to had to teach myself a lot of ference in my community,” distribute cocaine and gun things.” Wade said. Continued from page 1 possession. He received a He realized he had learned –Harry C. Goodall Jr.

“It feels amazing and grati- fying to finish the program because it makes me feel like Tablets benefit the incarcerated I can accomplish anything,” By William Earl Tolbert to tablets, inmates would able insights into the personal said Cherish Velez, class par- Journalism Guild Writer have to submit requests and networks of inmates.” ticipant. File Photo staff would then track down Inmates can also use the The women are taught by The women of the first Culinary Arts Management program with Amid public controversy, the necessary materials, be- tablets to access entertain- the inmates of St. Lawrence instructors from Cosumnes their instructor cause inmates couldn’t eas- ment, which is controlled by River College. They learn County Jail in Canton, Ohio, ily browse for the materials, the jail. This has been criti- cooking, using the kitchen another class participant. “I’m the recipes by themselves. I were issued tablets in 2016 said Jail Administrator Peggy cized by some, but Harper equipment correctly and basic also really looking forward to remember when I was a young and have since reaped the Harper. The tablets have im- told NCNow News that both management principles. The continuing my education be- chef and how I felt, so it’s excit- benefits of the digital tech- proved access to such mate- inmates and staff have bene- women will receive a culinary cause there is so much to learn ing to see.” nology, according to a recent rial. fitted from the tablets, which college certificate and college in cooking.” With these skills of basic report from North Country NCNow News reported have “really improved [the] credit from this 10-month pro- Flores said her favorite cooking technique, teamwork, Now News (NCNow News). that “according to the manu- efficiency of many services at gram. thing about the culinary pro- and proper sanitation the wom- The tablets allow the coun- facturer the tablets are linked the jail.” Velez, who has always liked gram was working with others. en will be prepared to find ty to provide many services to Telmate Verified, an auto- The tablets, which are paid cooking, said it is now her pas- She enjoyed cooking Mexican work and benefit the commu- to inmates that were previ- mated identity verification for through the commissary sion. When she paroles, she dishes and, with her certifica- nity when they parole. ously only available on paper. system that authenticates ev- system, provide the inmates hopes to travel to France, Italy tion, plans to open a taco truck. The program doesn’t teach Inmates with tablets can use ery system user and action with better access to legal and Spain to expand her culi- Speaking of the cooking everything, Doolittle said. them to place commissary or- including deposits, photos help. These tablets were first nary skills and experience as a demonstrations the students He hopes the women keep on ders, file Prison Rape Elimi- and messages; and Telmate offered to inmates four years chef, reported the Telegraph. have to perform, Doolittle learning and trying to better nation Act (PREA) reports, Investigator, an advanced ago and are now available in “It’s a really awesome pro- said, “They were all so excited themselves after they are file paperless grievances and suite of crime solving tools nearly 70 correctional facili- gram,” said Mireya Flores, when they were able to pull off released. many other services.“Prior that gives investigators valu- ties nationwide. March 2018 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 7 Kid CAT Speaks! Professor teaches next generation through video By John Lam Zagelbaum said. passion for working with the sions, Zagelbaum said, “I helped the men gain insight. Journalism Guild Writer The film offers a unique underprivileged and disen- was very impressed when I “Although he is a profes- opportunity for counselors to franchised to his father. met the guys in the group. I sor, he doesn’t talk down to A Sonoma State Uni- see what a collaborative ap- “My dad was a high school was astounded by their level us; he is genuine and caring, versity professor filmed an proach can accomplish in an teacher in a very rough neigh- of accountability and dedica- and he means a lot to us,” said educational video of the Kid institutional setting. borhood in New York. Grow- tion they had to serve their Gregory Coates, Kid CAT CAT Youth Offender Support “It is not just about pro- ing up, he would often bring community—and I wanted member. “He has helped me Group to teach the next gen- fessional counselors bring- me to class with him,” Zagel- to help them accomplish that gain a greater awareness of eration of professional coun- ing knowledge and dictating baum said. “What stood out goal.” my negative choices and how selors. what should be done. It is to me from this experience it has affected my life.” “I wanted to create a train- about mutual collaboration. was the students’ motivation Zagelbaum’s work with ing video to teach my gradu- “Mostly, what my stu- to learn. Kid CAT has not only ate students, social workers dents and I do here in San “These students were there “In the same sense, changed the lives of those he and community-based coun- Quentin has been about sup- to learn and connect with my has helped, but his own as selors that counseling can be porting and empowering the dad because he always pro- my work with Kid well. done in nontraditional and guys to lead discussions and vided a safe space that took CAT has been “People would not think difficult settings,” said Dr. help each other process what them away from the troubles that you could find leader- Adam Zagelbaum, Counsel- they’re going through,” Za- they faced each day. about creating ship in a place like San Quen- ing Department chair at So- gelbaum said. “In the same sense, my tin, but that’s exactly what noma State University and “It is significant what we work with Kid CAT has been safe spaces where I found. These men have Kid CAT volunteer. do in this setting because it is about creating safe spaces taught me how to be a more Photo courtesy of Adam Zagelbaum men can talk” “I got my inspiration to Adam Zagelbaum what a lot of people need. We where men can talk.” effective leader in my per- create this film because I am help provide the environment Zagelbaum has been vol- sonal and professional life.” interested in bringing more be viewed at www.alexander- that allows people to accom- unteering with Kid CAT for Zagelbaum has published counselors into serving pop- streetpress.com. plish their goals of having the past nine years since he It wasn’t long before Zagel- two books, “Working with ulations that are underserved The film features the dy- greater clarity. was introduced to the pro- baum began inviting his stu- the Immigrant Family: a or don’t have the resources to namics of peer group discus- “If people don’t have a safe gram by Kid CAT co-founder dents into San Quentin. Practical Guide for Coun- obtain professional counsel- sions on guilt, shame and space to talk in a real way, Nou Phang Thao. “Many of my students selors” (2010) and “School ing.” remorse, led by Kid CAT’s then they are missing out on a “He was doing a lecture have told me that they get Counseling and the Student The training video is called chairman, Charlie Spence. huge opportunity to make the in another group I attended renewed energy to focus on Athlete: College Career Cul- “Working with Incarcerated “I believe professional best strides they can,” Zagel- that was really eye-opening the work they want to do pro- ture and Identity (2014). Individuals: San Quentin counselors can learn a lot baum said. for me,” Thao said. “At the fessionally, and also how to The Youth Offender Sup- Group Counseling,” and can from the men on the inside,” Zagelbaum attributes his time we were also trying reach more people in main- port Group that was filmed to create a curriculum, so I stream society, because of meets twice a month on Sun- thought he could probably the work they do with Kid days. Discussions include help us, so I invited him to CAT,” said Zagelbaum. parole board preparation, meet the guys.” Zagelbaum’s ability to family struggles, and what it New law keeps peace officers Recalling his first impres- convey genuine concern has means to be a man. from interrogating juveniles Irrational fear harms mental health A new law makes it il- waiving any of the above “Additionally, a large People who experience Sometimes, they use amygdala requires admit- legal for peace officers to specified rights,” the bill body of research has es- long-term hyper-vigilance the time productively like ting unease and fear, the interrogate youths 15 years states. tablished that adolescent may have unintended nega- studying, reading or exer- Journal reported. old or younger without first The law was sponsored thinking tend to either ig- tive mental health conse- cising. Inevitably, with ex- “You are actually stron- allowing them to consult by California Senator Ri- nore or discount future quences, some scientists tra time on their hands, the ger if you can acknowledge with an attorney. cardo Lara. outcomes and implications, say. mind may wander to family, fear,” said Leon Hoffman, “The bill would require “People under 18 years and disregard long-term “Remaining in this state friends or their future, caus- co-director of Pacella Re- that a youth 15 years of age of age have lesser ability consequences of important of wary hyper vigilance ing stress or fear. search Center at the New or younger consult with le- as compared to adults to decisions.” can contribute to issues like York Psychoanalytic Society gal counsel in person, by comprehend the meaning of The bill was approved social anxiety, hypochon- and Institute in Manhattan. telephone, or by video con- their rights and the conse- by the governor on Oct. 11, dria, post-traumatic stress On the flip-side, when ference prior to a custodial quences of waiver,” the bill 2017. disorder, insomnia and all “Remaining in someone ignores their feel- interrogation and before states. – John Lam manner of phobias,” accord- this state of wary ings of fear, they may com- ing to an article in The Wall pound the consequences. Street Journal. hyper vigilance can “The more you try to sup- Kid CAT curriculum now available The amygdala is respon- contribute to issues press fear, either by ignoring sible for the feeling of fear. it or doing something else to Attention Readers: The curriculum’s objec- is broken into eight mod- It primes you to react – like social anxiety, displace it, the more you will Kid CAT Childhood tive is to help participants ules: quickens your pulse, creates hypochondria, actually experience it,” said development curriculum address the root causes of • Masculinity muscle tension and dilates Kristy Dalrymple, a clinical and facilitator manual is criminal thinking, child- • Self-identity your pupils when you sense post-traumatic assistant professor of psy- now available. hood trauma and violent • Identifying danger, according to Ahmad stress disorder, chiatry and human behavior If you are interested in behavior. It accomplishes emotions Hariri, a professor of psy- at Alpert Medical School of creating a Kid CAT branch/ this by helping participants • Consequences chology and neuroscience at insomnia and Brown University. youth offender support explore three phases of their • Communication Duke University. all manner of Healthy coping skills to re- group at your institution, lives: • Environmental The amygdala served us duce fear: please have your sponsor/ • Past (childhood to influences well as cave dwellers warn- phobias” Talking to someone you volunteer or community pre-conviction) • Compassion ing us of lions and lurking trust about your fears partnership manager contact • Present • Empathy and tigers, but it can get in the Remembering that you are Kid CAT chief sponsor (current forgiveness way of our modern life. “We essentially drive loved or could be loved Ronda Wisher at (415) 454- incarceration) “Change has occurred so ourselves nuts worrying Actively engaging your 1460 or email her at ronda. A typical session consists rapidly for our species that about things because we analytical thinking [email protected] for a • Future (post- of written assignments, release). now we are equipped with have too much time and Sense and appreciate the copy of our curriculum and self-exploration, lectures brains that are super sensi- don’t have many real threats fear The 26-week curriculum facilitators manual. and group discussion. tive to threat,” said Hariri. on our survival, so fear gets Having a commitment to For some inmates doing expressed in these really overcome fear that is consis- time, being locked in a cell strange, maladaptive ways,” tent with who you want to for days to months at a time said Hariri. become Kid CAT Speaks is normal. To calm an overactive – John Lam Dear Kid CAT, participated in a corre- A. Cooper, spondence college pro- United States Penitentiary I have been in prison go- gram, obtained numerous Hazelton, West Virginia ing on 15 years, and I’ve certificates. I was also a tried to change my life for suicide companion for the Dear Mr. Cooper, the best. I was 16 years old psychology department. I Kid CAT and The Beat Within hold monthly writing workshops. The Beat Within conducts when I was alleged to be also taught several busi- Thank you for your tes- writing workshops in juvenile detention centers throughout the country. Kid CAT Speaks will a part of a violent cocaine ness and screen-writing timony of self-transfor- publish one topic each month. Your writing should reflect a positive message that may help racketeering enterprise classes. mation. You serve as an and was charged and con- I can truly say that I’ve inspiration to many youth the youth make a better decision in life. Your stories will be read by the youth in detention victed of murder and aid- been rehabilitating myself offenders as to what is centers. If published, you will receive a free copy of the publication. Your story can make a ing and abetting under the and trying to make some- possible when we put our difference. Tell The Beat Within you read about them in Kid CAT Speaks! RICO act (Racketeer Influ- thing out of my life. In ad- minds toward rehabili- enced and Corrupt Organi- dition, I have published tation. It doesn’t matter Students must have initiative; they should not be mere imitators. They must learn to think zation) and was sentenced four books. One of those where we are incarcerat- and act for themselves and be free – Cesar Chavez (1927-1993) civic rights activist and co- to life in federal prison. books is called “Bullied,” ed—whether in California founder of the United Farm Workers union. Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Share Despite the fact that I which I wrote at my sons or in West Virginia, we all was a juvenile and incar- urging. It’s a story geared want an opportunity to im- your thoughts from your own experiences and observations. cerated at a young age, I to at-risk youth being bul- prove our lives and become basically grew up to be- lied and can be obtained productive members of our The Beat Within come a man behind these through Amazon. Thank communities. We are proud P.O. Box 34310 walls. you for your time. of you; keep up the good I have obtained my GED, Sincerely, 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 March 2018 Vietnam war allies’ children face deportation for felonies By John Lam community-based organiza- “It was at that camp where reason. He told me my fa- resource-poor areas in the 18 years from the age of 16. Journalism Guild Writer tion in Philadelphia. my father was executed by ther was a traitor and that he U.S. As a result, they faced “However, there is still All that has now changed. the Communist party in would kill me for wasting his extreme poverty and racism such a stigma in our commu- Children of American al- “President Donald front of my family. time,” Nguyen said. “I kept in their adopted communi- nity that keeps us silent on lies that fought alongside U.S. Trump’s ‘get tough’ ap- “At the camp, we faced it to myself because it was ties, leaving many re-trau- these issues.” troops in Vietnam are facing proach to immigration is constant starvation. Each normal for people to treat me matized and isolated,” the deportation if they have a now impacting—of all peo- week the camp allowed two and my family this way.” news agency reported. felony conviction. ple— (those) who fought scoops of rice and one scoop In 1994, under a hu- Many Vietnamese chil- Prior to the Trump admin- alongside the Green Berets of salt for a family of five. So manitarian operation led by dren, who grew up in this “It was at that camp istration, many Vietnamese in the Vietnam War,” Polit- me and my brother would re- America, Hieu and his fam- environment, were swept where my father children of war did not have ico reported. sort to digging for tree roots ily received an opportunity up in the rise of the prison to fear deportation due to a One of those affected is and manioc to eat.” to come to the U.S. industrial complex in the was executed by unique U.S.-Vietnam repa- Hieu Nguyen, a Vietnamese After four years in the In total, more than a mil- 1980s and 1990s, according the Communist triation agreement that lim- immigrant and inmate at San camp, “My grandmother sold lion refugees from Cam- to the report. its the removal of individuals Quentin who may face de- her land and bought us out of bodia, Thailand, Laos and “When we came to Amer- party in front who came to the U.S. prior portation next year. the camp,” said Nguyen. Vietnam sought asylum in ica we had no money; the of my family” to 1995, according to Asian “My dad was a colonel Life did not become much the United States between only thing we had was some American Press (AAP). with the South Vietnamese easier for Hieu and his family 1975 and 1995. clothes that our neighbors “Due to the specific pro- Army fighting alongside the as they faced constant perse- Those who resettled es- gave us,” Nguyen said. The recent roundup of visions in the Vietnamese Americans,” said Nguyen, cution from their neighbors. caped violence, genocide and “We settled in a gang-in- Vietnamese immigrants by agreement, our community 37. “When the U.S. pulled “My teacher was a Com- starvation—the by-products fested neighborhood in San immigration officials is due thought they would be pro- out of the war in 1975, the munist soldier. He lost one of of the Vietnam War accord- Jose,” Nguyen said. to “White House pressure on tected from deportation,” Communist army threw my his legs during the Vietnam ing to the Asian American “When I went to school, Hanoi to … clear the back- said Nancy Nguyen, execu- family into the concentration War, so he always abused me Press. “Vietnamese refugees I got teased all the time log of deportation orders for tive director of VietLead, a labor camp. in school, beating me for no were primarily resettled in and bullied because I didn’t Vietnamese nationals con- speak English. So I began victed of felony crimes in the cliquing up with other Viet- U.S.,” Politico reported. namese immigrants and Another person swept up joined a gang to find protec- in the fervor to remove im- Reflections of a veteran: Davis Bennett tion.” migrants was Chuh A, whose By Wesley Eisiminger First Sergeant. After a year in America, father fought alongside Staff Writer The Bennett family moved at 15, the police arrested Green Berets in the Vietnam to California, along with an him for assault with a deadly War. Davis Bennett, 75, enlisted uncle, in 1955. They moved to weapon. By age 18 he com- “Chuh was being held at in the U.S. Army in 1961. He Oakland the following year. mitted his life crime of a an ICE detention facility in is one of the many combat Bennett was living with gang-related murder at his Irwin County, Georgia. He veterans serving time at San one of his brothers in 2008. high school. had completed a state prison Quentin State Prison. There they befriended a “I know it’s wrong to term for a first-time felony Bennett served in Vietnam homeless man, Nemo. They commit crimes; it’s wrong to conviction in North Carolina in October 1967 and Decem- would let him hang around hurt other people, I deserved (for) trafficking … ecstasy,” ber 1970. their house and sleep in their to be punished and to do Politico reported. “I was assigned to the 1st yard. Bennett would also help time; however, today I un- After a video conference Armored Division and was a Nemo by giving him $5 a day, derstand my background to that lasted five minutes and machine gunner on an APC and from time to time they’d understand why I did what I two seconds to determine his (Armored Personnel Car- have a drink. did, and it helped me grow to status in the U.S., Immigra- rier),” Bennett said. His unit One day in 2012, Bennett understand to become a dif- tion Court Judge William A. consisted of three tanks, went to the bank and with- ferent person,” Hieu said. Cassidy of Atlanta ordered three APCs, a company of drew $3,000. He sat on his “Regardless of what hap- him deported and told Chuh about 150 infantry men and porch counting the money. pens to me, I want to help “Buenos dias,” according to a mortar squad of about 12 File Photo Nemo asked for some. the next generation make Politico. men. Davis Bennett, far right, toasting with army brothers and sisters “I give you money all the better choices than I had and Shortly afterward, ICE “I was wounded three times time, and I am not going to to value what their parents sent Chuh back to Vietnam, while in an APC. Once a VC the wounded, and there were Ribbons give you anymore,” Bennett have gone through to give a country he hadn’t seen (Viet Cong) rocket-propelled body parts on the ground and Vietnam Gallantry Cross said. us the opportunity to be in since the age of 13. grenade, better known as an in the trees. I’ll never forget with Palm Unit Citation Bennett says Nemo threat- America.” “I cry every night,” Chuh RPG, was fired at the vehicle, that day.” His APC unit was Vietnam Campaign Medal ened to beat him up. Bennett “I have to be honest; I’m said. “They were grabbing and it exploded on the side awarded the Vietnam Gal- Combat Infantry Badge picked up a shovel and told afraid to go back to Vietnam. and dragging me out on the of the APC. I was hit in the lantry Cross. Expert Rifle M-16 Nemo to leave. However, They might kill me because ramp … I told them (ICE jaw by shrapnel fragments. It Bennett was awarded sev- Today, Bennett is being Nemo responded by attack- of my father, and I have no agents), ‘You know I cannot took two of my teeth.” eral medals and ribbons for treated at the prison hospital ing and punching Bennett. one there,” Nguyen added. get on the plane. I fear for my Bennett was wounded his service: for cancer that developed in In the chaos, Bennett said he Sadly, what happens to life to go back to my coun- twice more. He was hit in his Bronze Star with two Oak his jaw. He thinks the cancer got his handgun. Nemo hit Nguyen isn’t an isolated in- try.” lower back side, coming out Leaf Clusters is related to the old war injury him once again, and Bennett cident. Chuh left behind four of the APC’s turret. The other Three Purple Hearts he sustained when the RPG shot Nemo in the chest. Nemo “More Vietnamese came children ranging from ages injury came after his APC hit Five Good Conduct hit his APC. walked away and died later. into contact with the crimi- 5 to 12 and his common-law a mine, throwing him off the Medals Bennett was born Feb.10, “They at first wanted to nal justice system than any wife. turret and damaging his right National Defense Ribbon 1942. He was raised in Wino- charge me with first-degree other Southeast Asian Com- ICE estimates there are arm. When the APC hit the Vietnam Service Medal na, Miss., and is the youngest murder and then second- munity,” said Tung Nguyen, about 8,500 removal orders mine, most of its crew was Three Non-Commissioned of 10 brothers and six sisters. degree. They lowered it to founder of Asian Pacific outstanding for Vietnamese killed and the rest were seri- Officer Development Rib- All the boys have served in manslaughter. I received a Islander Re-Entry Orange nationals; this total does ously wounded. bons the U.S. Army. Bennett was seven-year sentence. I will County and former San not make the distinction be- “It was very bad,” Bennett Army Service Ribbon in the U.S. Army 21 years and be released on June 5, 2018,” Quentin inmate and Kid tween those who came be- said. “We were trying to help Two Overseas Service nine months. He retired as a Bennett said. CAT co-founder, who served fore or after 1995.

thinking differently after address his conflicted past, Code.7370 meeting Redlitz. Armstrong hosts a weekly “When I asked Chris podcast, called Forward. [Redlitz] how many people According to Outside Continued from page 1 got out and came back, and he Magazine, “Forward is a very told me none, I was surprised. deliberately chosen word, Venture capitalists Bever- That’s the brand. That’s a su- and in fact, it defines Arm- ly Parenti and Chris Redlitz per powerful message. You strong’s new narrative: oth- created Code.7370 in con- guys are part of a movement ers may want to or expect to junction with the California that is pretty damn surpris- see him curled up in a fetal Department of Corrections ing.” position in the dark, but he is and Rehabilitation and Cali- He suggested that the men moving ahead, not allowing fornia Prison Industry Au- embrace their pasts and go himself to be crushed by the thority. forward. “It’s never straight. weight of the past.” “What do you expect?” You can’t run from it,” Arm- Ultimately, Armstrong Redlitz probed the students strong said. “In 2018, every- believes that having close about Armstrong’s visit. body knows everything.” friends and family are the “The unexpected,” several “Your reputation precedes most important things in life. inmates chimed in. “You you. Mine precedes me,” he “Some of your friends guys can relate to how life said. “That’s a hurdle, but stay with you,” Armstrong changes,” Redlitz replied. you have to get over it. Most said. “Some lean in. Some Armstrong told the class Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News people don’t even get to the lean out. When you get out that his life previously re- Code.7370 and their instructors posing with Lance Armstrong door.” of here, you’re going to know volved around cycling and af- “You guys are the exam- who your real friends are.” ter falling from grace, he had doping investigation by how face of sports doping. He told the students that ple of forward,” Armstrong Armstrong, the ultimate to rebuild his life. badly he treated people. “The fall was so dramatic they didn’t have to endure the said, after learning that Mark competitor, walked out of “I barely squeaked through “It was the level of ar- that people didn’t want to as- kind of public ridicule that he Zuckerberg visited the pro- the classroom and across the high school and didn’t attend rogance that got me,” Arm- sociate with me,” he said. underwent. They could build gram in 2015. prison yard. He saw the pull- college,” Armstrong said, strong said. “Once they com- Armstrong has continued a fresh start. However, he Damon Cooke graduated up bar and jumped right on adding, “If it weren’t for cy- piled all the evidence, the to address his past. previously thought it would from the coding program in it, pumping to 10 quick chin- cling, hell, I may have ended case was made against me.” In an article written last be difficult to convince an 2015. ups. up here.” In an attempt to rebuild year by Outside Magazine, employer to hire someone “Once I decided it wasn’t Not to outdo himself, af- The classroom went silent, his image after his fall from Armstrong was portrayed as who had been in prison for about what is done to me, ter finding out about the San and then everyone burst out grace, Armstrong went on “a humbled man who is work- murder. but how I respond, I found a Quentin Marathon, he chal- laughing. Oprah and sheepishly admit- ing to try to deserve the for- Armstrong, a huge be- deeper meaning to my life,” lenged the reigning champi- Armstrong said he made ted wrongdoing... It did not giveness of millions of people liever in image rebuilding Cooke said. on, Markelle Taylor, to a run- himself an easy target for the go over well – he became the who once believed in him.” and branding, said he began In a continuing effort to off at the November meet. March 2018 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 9 Protestant banquet honors Chaplain Mardi Jackson By Marcus Henderson from Well Christian Com- Their vocal chemistry put and A.J. Gonzales rocked Journalism Guild munity Church. “It’s nothing one in the mind of gospel the house with “Oh Lord,” a Chairman like the family of God. The team CeCe and BeBe Wi- rap and singing duet. local churches need you out nans. “It’s encouraging to see The sounds of gospel there. You have many teach- “Being a part of this con- how many volunteers are shook San Quentin’s Prot- ers but no fathers. There is gregation keeps me ground- committed to these men,” estant Chapel as it hosted no prison like San Quentin, ed in my relationship with said Mattie Zito, a certificate more than 250 inmates and so pray for your brothers at God,” said Mike Boutta, recipient from the Urban 60 guests at its Annual other prisons, for much is singer with Prodigal Son. Ministry Institute. “Men are Christian Banquet to close given, much is required.” “Mother Jackson holds us being paroled and you can out 2017. Holloway added, “Mother accountable. She is commit- recognize that hope is rais- Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jackson helps us become ted to God’s work, and she ing and that’s reassuring.” Jackson and 30 Christian leaders and that leadership instills that in us.” After receiving his certifi- volunteers were honored at is about helping others. She Sister Linda Jackson (no cate, Pastor Bernard Emer- the Dec. 9 event for their is the model of that for me. relation) and Tammy Crane’s son said, “God is building an service within the institu- She teaches us to be a light soulful voices bought the au- army here to take back our tion. Certificates of Appre- in this dark world. I thank dience to its feet when they streets for Jesus. These men ciation were also presented her and what I have learned performed their individual are being prepared not to be to multiple churches and from her will always be a sets. paid pastors but pastors who organizations for their con- part of my life.” “It’s an honor to walk are trying to get to heaven.” tributions. The audience enjoyed a with a sister like Chaplain Others who received Derrick Holloway, repre- variety of performances. Jackson,” Linda Jackson awards were Cornerstone senting the prison congrega- The Praise and Worship said. “Many chaplains have Church, the New Faith tion, surprised Jackson with Team (the prison choir) had walked through that door, Cathedral Church, Valley a wooden plaque for her tire- people dancing in the aisles but none like her.” Christ Center, and Pastor Tom less work, sacrifices, and for when they sung “Jesus a Charles “Pookie” Sylves- Pham of Red Hill Vietnamese nurturing the spirits of the Wonderful Child.” The in- ter told a couple of jokes Church. David Mack and men in blue. mate group Prodigal Son about family and church. Aldo Yannon were honored “I’m so humble to be hon- sang an original piece called One that had the audience for conducting services when ored by God,” said Jackson, “Encourage” that received a laughing: “Our congre- Chaplain Jackson wasn’t who paused for several sec- Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News standing ovation. gation reminds me of the available. In addition, the onds as tears rolled from her Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jackson Volunteers Elder Rash Smurfs with all these men- Well Community Church; eyes. “I’m honored to stand and Pamela Bates had the in-blue and one female.” the Malachi Brothers, who in a place of men of the Al- fort” in Los Angeles while always open to the young, congregation bowing their The youth of the prison taught a fatherhood class; mighty God. I understand she is miles away doing the old, and men of different heads and swaying their flock represented with gos- Mervin Watkins; Citizens who you are,” added the God’s work. Jackson, re- faiths. hands in the air as their pow- pel rap. Wisdom Arbee and of Zion Baptist Church in small-statured woman with spectfully known as Mother “It’s obvious—these men erful voices echoed through- Jamere Harris performed Compton; and San Quentin the big heart. Jackson, knows most of the needed a good mom while out the chapel. They sang “I “I’m Doing Better” and re- News adviser John Eagan Jackson thanked her hus- large prison congregation by they are here,” said Minister Love You Jesus More Than ceived a round of applause. of Tiburon Church were band for “holding down the name and her office door is Linsie Arroyo, a volunteer Anything.” LeMar “Maverick” Harrison recognized. Javier Stuaring brings victims and offenders together By Rahsaan Thomas The awards stem from that prevented volunteers at Staff Writer speaking out to stop deten- the county jail from speak- tion facilities from hous- ing with the media without Javier Stuaring organizes ing children 17 and under permission from the sheriff. healing dialogues between in what he calls, “the worst “Javier is one of the best families of people who have place I’ve ever been too — humans in the world,” said a loved one murdered with 23-hour lockup in tiny cells.” Alex Mallick, formerly of families of loved ones serv- At the time, Stuaring was Human Rights Watch, who is ing life sentences for murder. doing a detention ministry now the executive director of He wants to see the criminal for the Archdiocese of Los Restore Justice. justice system changed to in- Angeles. The Catholic lay Stuaring evolved from corporate the healing needs chaplain held that job for 27 doing detention ministry to of both families. years. the director of the Office of “Our current system over- He took action after see- Restorative Justice while relies on punishment,” said ing what he deemed the mis- holding support groups for Stuaring, the executive di- treatment of juveniles in the parents with children sen- rector of Healing Dialogue Los Angeles County Jail. tenced to life sentences. As and Action. “We have a jus- “It took years of organiz- time went by, he realized he tice system where a crime ing and working with pro- needed to address the harm occurs, we punish them and bation, sheriffs, DAs — ev- to victims—hence the need that’s it. That really just con- erybody who had a hand in for restorative justice, which tinues the cycle of hurt and sending kids to the juvenile focuses on dialogues to heal pain.” module,” Stuaring said. “I both the person harmed and He told a story about a met with the LA Times. It the person who committed mother whose son was killed. wasn’t until two young men the harmful act. “My son was murdered 17 Photo by Sam Hearnes tried to commit suicide that He believes people who years ago, and nothing has Antione Brown, Javier Stuaring and Borey ‘PJ’ Ai the LA Times picked up the have committed acts of vio- helped me more than sitting story. We had a press confer- lence and participate in self- with the mom of the son who Action team has suffered say, ‘This person is up for pa- if the person offended wants ence at the jail, They pulled help, figure out where that committed the murder; noth- firsthand experiences like role. You need to testify, and to, they can receive the epis- my clearance for sharing behavior came from and seek ing has healed me more,” the the ones they help people you need to be there or this tles expressing remorse. confidential information, to make amends, can have a mother told him. heal from. Weiker’s sister person is gonna get out.’” In the past, Stuaring has and I had to sue to get clear- huge value to society. Stuaring said, “I’ve al- was murdered. Ramirez had Stuaring feels the system won awards for success- ance back.” “Those inside go deep. ways thought of the work I a 16-year-old brother sen- keeps the idea going that fully advocating changes in After the press coverage, I don’t see the type of re- do in spiritual terms — hor- tenced to life without pos- the person who committed treatment of juveniles. He the juvenile module was flection out here,” Stuaring rible things happen in the sibility of parole (LWOP). the offense is the same old received the 2004 Human shut down, and 16-year-olds said. “It’s unique and creates world because people have Kruzan herself was sen- evil person and that this bur- Rights Watch Award and could no longer be shipped unique people — people we free will, but the true divine tenced to LWOP at 16. She dens survivors with having The Children’s Nobel Peace to adult prison yards. Addi- want to mentor our kids and moments happen with how served 20 years before mak- to speak out against parole Prize from Sweden. tionally, a rule was changed help our communities heal.” folks respond after a tragedy ing it home. grants instead of creating happens. Those are God’s “These are folks that have ways for survivors to find out moments— when you see experienced horrible situa- how the person who commit- humanity at its best.” tions and gone through the ted the offense used their He has seen many of those processes of reflection,” Stu- time, whether they felt re- kinds of interactions. The aring said. “They have made morse and whether they have organization’s team holds a commitment to turn that changed their lives. full-day retreats where they pain into a light that they can Seeking to improve the break into small groups with share with others.” system, he sat in a circle moms of a murdered child Stuaring believes the jus- with survivors of crime; of- and moms of a child serving tice system continues the fenders; prosecutors; Execu- life for murder. cycle of pain by failing to tive Officer Jennifer Shaffer The team includes Stuar- address the needs of crime of the Board of Parole Hear- ing, Brenda Ramirez, Sara survivors. ings; and Nolice Edwards, Kruzan and Rebecca Weiker. “I’ve met families who the chief, Office of Victim and “What happens is they find murder happened 20 years Survivor Rights and Servic- a piece they identify with in ago, but the pain is still pres- es. They brainstormed ways each other,” Stuaring said. ent and so raw. We don’t do to improve the system for “The mom with a child sen- enough to offer support to survivors. tenced to life talking about survivors. What’s worse is He wants to see more op- her struggle, and the mom that the system contributes portunities for victims and with a murdered child see toward that anger. offenders to come together the similarities. That kind “The system many times for healing dialogues and of human interaction has the encourages people to stay in create a letter bank system Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News power to be transformative.” that angry place. There are where people inside can Javier Stuaring (center) sits in a circle dialoguing with officials, people harmed by crime and men The Healing Dialogue and too many times DAs call and write letters of apology and, convicted of crimes about how best to meet both parties needs. Page 10 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com March 2018 Artistic Ensemble showcases its talents

Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Artistic Ensemble group showing separation by a wall Ira Perry being detain by ICE By Juan Haines “It’s a metaphor that those SITE UNSEEN: running into him as he tried to began saying in different lan- doing. We need you outside.” Senior Editor in them can be trans- stand his ground. guages. He then began telling George Galvis of All of Us formed.” SCENE TO SCENE “Your piece was the most his history from living in Los or None: “We have to speak A prison chapel served By way of spoken-word and visceral,” an audience mem- Angeles. in our own voice. Culture is as a theater to dance, sing, Te h OpENING rap, Nythell “Nate” Collins ber told Richardson during During the Q&A session, healing.” rap and use spoken-word Scene took the stage to talk about so- a Q&A session afterward. “I the actors were asked what Harrison: “We have to find for an inmate performance, cial justice and equality. felt it when your body was they found out about their the truth. Before we can help called Site Unseen. The Rauch Draper sat on the Next to Collins, four actors being hit. Your storytelling lives from participating in the others, we have to ourselves. audience of free people top of a desk in the middle sat in chairs to form a square. in that piece was amazing. artistic project. That’s what IPP teaches us.” and men-in-blue walked of the stage. His white tie In the distance, two others sat I don’t know how you con- “Some guys have move- One inmate said, “Look at across a makeshift stage and oversized glasses gave with bowed heads; two others trolled yourself.” ment, some language. There what we can do, if we come and sat side by side to enjoy him the look of a news- stood stoically with fists in the are many talents, and we put together. I have never in my San Quentin’s Artistic caster. His dreadlocks hung air — like the Black athletes’ THE SCENES it together to make it work,” 23 years in doing time, seen Ensemble. over his shoulders as he read civil rights protests at the Anouthinh “Choy” Pangth- anything like this. I would “Prisoners, equality from cue cards. 1968 Olympics. CONSTANTLY ong said. “We are stronger like to encourage you, broth- is not important to them “I have to keep reflecting Jimi Hendricks’ “Star- CHANGED together, more efficient.” ers, to continue. It was flaw- … they like their plight. on how I see myself,” Drap- Spangled Banner” blared as Collins added, “The diver- less.” Like Prisoners, they like er said referring to collabo- actors kneeled, stood at atten- Chris Marshall played a sity helps us become better at Bay Area Media Coalition their plight,” expounded rating with the other actors. tion, held hands over hearts quarterback and lined the things we may not be good… filmed the performance. Chris Marshall at the “It’s really hard to deal with and saluted as inspired by the actors in an offensive forma- being able to take experiences Jan. 24 performance. His everybody. Before, it used music. tion—the point, “my body is in our life, and tell them in Performers: Anouthinh commanding voice echoed to be all their fault. Now, LeMar “Maverick” Har- a tool,” Marshall said. “To be ways that society could under- “Choy” Pangthong; An- as the audience found their I’m able to look at myself rison stood in front of a USA connected, you have to ‘listen’ stand what we experience.” twan “Banks” Williams; seats. and see I have issues, too.” map with mysterious borders. to body language. These are When asked how they are Chris Marshall, Sr.; “I’ve been in this room Cell doors painted on Harrison used spoken-word to stories told without words.” about working together, Emile Emile DeWeaver; Gary hundreds of times and sheets hung in the stage’s talk about the effect of U.S. Collins talked about prison DeWeaver said, “We argue Harrell; Ira Perry; Carlos each time it’s transformed background to create a pris- criminal justice policy on so- being a dark safe place of a lot, then we make up and “Juancito” Meza; LeMar differently,” observed on look. ciety. sanctuary— “there I could hug. Draper added, “It’s really “Maverick” Harrison; Billie Mizell, executive “At this time, you may Draper cut in: “Many na- escape ridicule and judgment. tricky.” Maurice “Reese” Reed; director of Insight Prison choose to use your perspec- tions choose to round-up its I dreamed the impossible. In A spokeswoman from Cali- Nythell “Nate” Collins; Project. tive adjustor,” Rauch told men with the criminal gene.” my space, I became limitless.” fornia Lawyers for the Arts: “I Rauch Draper; Edmond Amie Dowling directed the audience. Edmond Richardson took came here for inspiration, and Richardson; Amie Dowl- the performance for an A small square cut-out center stage to talk about the Te h FiNAL Scene you gave that to me. You are ing; Freddy Gutier- audience of about 125. hole in the program’s cen- adversity he faced as a young- doing good work for our coun- rez; Selby Wynn; Tiersa “It’s amazing the amount ter served a viewer for the ster. His absent father affected Ira Perry sat center stage try. We want to expose the na- Nureyev; Sebastian Alva- of spaces that we occupy audience to look through him emotionally. Several ac- and indicated he was hiding in tion to the artists in prisons. rez; Soundboard Opera- and then occupy them in as “God Bless America” tors represented Richardson’s plain sight. Other states need to know tor; Stephen Pascascio. new ways,” Dowling said. blared. emotional pain by violently “You don’t know me,” he about the work that you are

Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Chris Marshall, Nythell “Nate” Collins, Carlos “Juancito” Meza and LeMar “Maverick” Harrison Nythell “Nate” Collins explaining how incarceration affects him

Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News The perspective adjustor Edmond Richardson dealing with life as a youngster March 2018 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 11 Prison University Project wins ethics debate

Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Audience member questioning PUP debate team Kyle Robertson moderating the debate

A team of philosophy stu- to higher education to more thinkers, doers and change stability of government offi- During the intermission, against corporations that dents from University of Cali- prisons as well as the need for makers.” cials focused on the Goldwa- several of the outside guests profit from oppression. It al- fornia at Santa Cruz ventured criminal justice reform. The San Quentin team con- ter rule. agreed that the inmates came lows people to understand the inside San Quentin on Feb. 13 “Teaching here isn’t that sisted of Forrest Jones, Nelson The Goldwater rule forbids out better in the first part of power that corporations have for an ethics debate against different,” said moderator Butler, Wayne Boatwright, psychiatrists from assessing the debate and that their argu- over people, they agreed. inmates from the prison’s col- Kyle Robertson about his ex- Angel Falcone and Randy public officials whom they ment was clearer. The guests The PUP students replied lege program. perience teaching at UC Santa Akins. have not personally inter- thought that because the in- by asking for the reason for Nearly 100 people sat in Cruz and the Prison Univer- “I always wanted to leave viewed. mates are older, they have a building the wall and sug- the audience, including fellow sity Project, adding, “UC stu- prison with a college educa- “Should we change the better grasp on the issue. gested that the wall was built inmates, more than a dozen dents can access information tion,” Akins said. “I want to Goldwater rule and if so, After intermission, the San- because the actions of Hez- volunteer teachers from the easily, where incarcerated go out a better person than how?” ta Cruz students proposed that bollah. They also questioned Prison University Project students can’t, but are just as when I came in. I have to After the UC students divestment from companies that economics could solve a (PUP, also known as Patten inquisitive.” study every day to keep up. brought up the mental sta- that do business with Israel is political problem. College), Deputy Warden Ron The debate topics were: as- I’ve been doing it for two bility of President Donald J. an ethical way to seek a non- The UC students stated Broomfield and Warden Ron sessing the mental stability of years, so I’m entrenched into Trump, the inmates replied violent solution to something that democracy is absent in Davis. government officials and the it. When the ethics bowl came that Trump is democratically “the world recognizes as ille- the West Bank, and it’s not a Davis acknowledged the social impact of building a up, it was my dream. At least elected. Furthermore, if the gal,” referring to the wall that free and fair society—that the volunteers and their contribu- wall to separate Palestinians I believe it is, to expand my public wanted him out, they’d separates Palestinians on the economic and political factors tion to public safety. on the West Bank from Israel. horizon.” He added, “I would go to the polls in the next elec- West Bank from Israel. are the same. The UC students “As a warden, who comes Judging were Sandra Dreis- like to educate myself in life tion and choose a different They argued that it is cited Israel’s history of eth- from a security background, bach, Robert Ladenson and until I earn my Ph.D. and be president. They also claimed wrong for a country to profit nic cleansing. “Human rights when we held a TEDx a couple Kareem Weaver. called Dr. Akins.” that changing the rule would from oppression and that the come first, national rights years ago, the lights went out The debate used a format Akins has been at San politicize psychiatry and that sanctions are aimed at bring- come second,” one of the UC and the lieutenant governor invented by Ladenson in 1996, Quentin for three years. He the American Psychiatric As- ing awareness to the problem. students said. “Israel is doing was in the audience. I couldn’t called The Intercollegiate Eth- is serving a life term with sociation instituted the rule. The key is that it is a nonvio- the same thing as other colo- relax. I didn’t sit down,” Davis ics Bowl (IEB). The IEB has the possibility of parole. He Finally, the inmates said that lent means of protest, the stu- nizing nations have done, like said. “But, now I understand grown into an annual national is scheduled to appear before nothing precludes congress dents argued. in South America.” the impact of having volun- event with more than 200 uni- the parole board sometime in from setting limits on presi- According to the students, Weaver questioned the UC teers come in to give their versities fielding teams. The 2019; however, recent changes dential powers. it’s not an anti-Semitic argu- students about the passive time for programs that add to top 32 teams, determined by in law may allow him to ap- The Santa Cruz students ment. It is an anti-oppression violence from boycotts and public safety. I’m appreciative a set of regional around the pear this summer. responded that for the sake of action. The movement is not sanctions and that “any unjust and proud to see rehabilitation country, compete at the nation The UC Santa Cruz Team openness, psychiatrists should targeted at individuals, but in- barrier creates harm.” first-hand.” every year. consisted of philosophy stu- be able to give their expert stitutions and companies. The The final score cards from In addition to providing IEB is one kind of event dents Marlo Eslao, Anna Fey- opinion more freely. students seek to recognize hu- judge Sandra Dreisbach read higher education to incarcer- that UC Santa Cruz’s philoso- gin, Pedro Enriquez, Carissa They argued that Trump man rights under international SQ 54 UC 51; Robert Laden- ated people at San Quentin, phy department organizes Chu, Emma Hair, and Pablo is an exceptional case, so he law for the Palestinians. son, SQ 51 UC 46; and Ka- PUP brings awareness about to “foster more thoughtful Fitten. should be treated exception- Sanctions and boycotts in- reem Weaver, SQ 52 UC 41. the need to expand access and engaged communities of The debate on the mental ally. spire people to do something – Juan Haines

Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News PUP students discussing their strategy to argue UC Santa Cruz Team trying to figure out their solutions to win

Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Jessie Rothman discussing the event with the guest Warden R. Davis watching the event with the audience Page 12 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com March 2018 Around the World

Photo courtesy of Zoe Mullery Creative writing teacher Zoe Mullery with family and friends at the palace of Emperor Menelik II in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

File Photo Correctional Supervising Cook, S. Sylvester with San Quentin News at the Great Wall of China February 2, 2018 March 2018 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 13

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 13 14 15 16 By Jonathan Chiu / Edited by Jan Perry Snippets 17 18 19 niverse, in Across Down 20 21 22 which we 1. Former commercial jet airline 1. Disney princess U (Abbrv.) 2. Daily prayer 23 24 25 live, is thought to be 4. Extremely small 3. Swinton of Snowpiercer 13.75 billion years 9. Passing grades 4. Central Cali. city 26 27 old. 13. Brand of hair remover 5. I’m sorry that... 15. Poet Wilcox and 6. Instructor’s domain 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 singer Henderson 7. Dashed 37 38 39 acteria are the 16. Type of fruit or shape 8. Film’s music, (Abbrv.) oldest living 17. Ye ____ Shoppe 9. Sleep disrupter B 40 41 42 organisms on Earth. 18. Cheerful 10. Existence 19. Robert De ____ 11. Rooney Mara movie 43 44 20. Line placed along the 12. Spy craft odine is an continental shelf of 14. Trustworthy 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Ielement essential Southeast Asia 21. Actor Guinness for health and 22. Type of wood saw 22. Shipbuilding lumber 54 55 23. Large Eurasia 24. Authorize derives from the fish-eating bird 25. Curves 56 57 58 59 Greek words 26. Medical saver at Walmart 28. Reservoir Dogs character meaning Violent or 27. US org. founded in 1871 29. Secret WWII British 60 61 62 28. Morning Joe network military service (Abbrv.) Purple. 31. Cop car, for example 30. A goose egg 63 64 65 37. His temper was in a ____ 31. Cornrow ach year, 38. Brand of footwear 32. Actor Chaney Southern 39. Syphilis 33. Actor born Alphonso E 40. Expensive possession Joseph D’Abruzzo California has about DACA MMAANOM you’re happy to get rid of 34. Ruler’s enforcer L 10,000 earthquakes. 42. Azerbaijan’s monetary unit 35. US crime fighting org. A EBONSOILULEMA Most of them are so 43. Okinawa dagger 36. Blackest opp. S RESIDENCERADAR 44. Michael ___ Black 38. Sudan’s neighbor T small, they’re not 45. US chief justice from 41. Prison lockdown reports (Abbrv.) ATTA SNICK felt. 1910-21 appointed by Taft 42. ____ chauvinist pigs M HOME FORTHEHOLIDAYS O 54. Farm buildings 44. American lizard RENEES KIN uatara, a beak- 55. Romantic’s quest 45. Screenwriter and critic Roger N 56. Sportscaster Andrews 46. MTV’s cartoon char. T UCSD STINGQTY headed reptile of H T 57. Bible queen 47. Carpel Tunnel victim NAE HOME SWEET HOME URE the Rhychocephalia, 59. Squirrel’s nest 48. Actresses Hathaway ’ S SLTTCOENS LEIA has sidestepped 60. Get up and Bancroft 61. Niall of “Too Much To Ask” 49. SNL alum Cheri ORA KAISER extinction for at least A 62. Proficient 50. Keith of “‘Til Summer N HOME RSOMETIMESNODS 200 million years. 63. Prisoners’ art Comes Around” S FERRI NORI 64. City near SW Minneapolis 51. People from Brandenburg W awning is called 65. Catholic’s Peter 52. Slender or elegant E RETINAPARTMENT Pandiculation and Paul (Abbrv.) 53. Small Old World songbirds R YLANGPUNYERIN Y 57. ___-devil S in scientific terms. 58. A coal scuttle SGSOTS WALT

Last Issue’s SUM TOTAL Replace the question marks with Sudoku Corner Sudoku Solutions mathematical symbols (+, -, x or ) 6 1 2 5 3 8 9 7 4 to make a working sum. 9 8 7 1 4 6 3 2 5 1 5 6 3 2 3 5 4 2 7 9 8 1 6 4 2 1 3 8 7 5 6 9 2 8 5 8 3 5 9 6 1 7 4 2 9 ? 2 ? 3 ? 9 = 6 7 6 9 4 5 2 1 8 3 7 1 2 4 8 7 9 3 6 5 1 5 9 6 8 1 4 2 3 7 9 5 7 6 1 7 3 6 2 5 4 9 8 5 1 6 4 3 1 8 7 9 2 5 1 8 5 9 2 4 7 3 6 X and O 3 2 7 5 2 9 7 5 3 6 8 1 4 The numbers around the edge of the grid 7 3 8 2 5 1 6 4 9 describe the number of X’s in the vertical, 4 1 9 6 7 3 2 5 8 horizontal and diagonal lines connecting with 5 1 5 2 6 8 4 9 3 7 1 3 7 1 4 6 8 5 9 2 that square. Complete the grid so that there is 2 4 1 8 5 4 3 9 2 1 6 7 an X or O in every square. 9 6 2 7 1 5 4 8 3 4 1 5 2 9

2 6 8 7 9 9 1 6 1 2 4 4 3 2 7 5 Answer to last month's Brain Teaser: 6 4 3 7 9 3 4 1 4 18 2 X 3 6 3 2 7 11 2 X 1 9 3 3 4 7 2 3 2 2 5 1 7 8 2 2 1 3 4 1 8 3 5 7 Page 14 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com March 2018 A man’s life conversion testimony from Death Row Jeffrey Theodore night in October 1993, with and was awakened in the my spirit and soul more 7:1) and to reconcile me to Contributing Writer that quiet cell door closed, I twilight hours by the Spirit clearly than any mere blade a glorious relationship with fell to my knees on that floor of God so that in these early could do (see Hebrews 4:12). Him (see 2 Cor. 5:18; Eph. I was arrested on Oct. 1, with tears streaming down quiet hours I could read and Soon I began doing Bible 2:16; Col. 1:20; and Heb. 1983, just 55 days after my my face and I begged God to re-read God’s Word. studies by mail and listening 2:17). 21st birthday. A jury in Cali- help and repented of all my Everywhere I went and to Christian radio and tele- God had both forgiven and fornia then convicted me of sins. everything I did, my faith vision programs whenever pardoned me of my sin-debt, the charges, which were held I had been reading the grew ever stronger and the I could. Praise and worship as; “I, even I, am he who against me, and sentenced Bible, but my dyslexia had Holy Spirit, Jesus, God and music began filling my idle blots out your transgressions me to death. The very next made it quite hard to under- His Word became more and hours as the Lord taught me for my own sake; and I will morning, in the early hours, I stand. I was on that floor, de- more real to me. The very the meaning of faith! …so not remember your sins” (see was abruptly taken out of the spondent and brokenhearted first thing I wanted each and then faith comes by hearing Isaiah 43:25 and Hebrews county jail and transported (see Psalms 51:17) when a every morning was more of and hearing by the Word of 10:17). to San Quentin State Prison, peace I had never known be- God’s presence, peace and God (see Romans 10:17), for The Holy Spirit, Word and where I was handed over to fore came washing over me His love. As I began living “…without faith it is impos- God’s holy presence repeat- the warden on California’s Fille Photo (see Philippians 4:7). Jesus my life through God, with sible to please Him, for he edly convicted me of my death row. Jeffrey Theodore had become my Lord and his son, Jesus, as my high who comes to God must be- sins and upon repentance I The classification board Savior that night. I started priest, I began taking baby lieve that He is and that He is was duly converted so that cleared me to participate in here eight years. The first reading the Bible more, es- steps in my life’s renewal. I a rewarder of those who dili- my sins were blotted out en- the exercise yard program, was in April 1992 and the pecially the first thing in the began fasting, just a couple gently seek Him (Hebrews tirely in the presence of the so each morning after being second followed in August morning, and the Spirit and of meals at a time at first, in 11:16).” I found that the more Lord (see Acts 3:19, 4:29, and strip-searched and hand- 1993. In the eight years pre- the Word became my teacher order to clear my mind and I was denying my “self” (see 13:52). cuffed, I am escorted to a vious, I had come to know and my counselor (see John body, and before long I was Mark 8:34), the easier it be- I have been praying to concrete “yard,” 40 by 60 these two men quite well 14:26, 15:26, and 16:13; 1 able to fast for several days came to allow myself to be reach out to others whom Sa- feet in size, where I may out on the exercise yard and John 2:20 and 2:27). I was at a time, consuming nothing led by his Spirit. tan has in bondage. It is my mingle with other inmates when each of their execu- transformed into a new cre- but water. God’s control over I learned that He is my desire to reach, teach, com- for several hours before be- tions took place something ation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) my life and the sheer power heavenly Father and that fort and encourage our youth ing escorted back inside. very profound happened to and then the renewing on my of his Holy Spirit surpassed He sent His only begotten in juvenile hall centers all The first executions to oc- me. I took their deaths very mind (see Romans 12:2 and anything I had ever known or son, Jesus (see John 3:16) to over the world. cur in my time on Death Row hard at first and soon became Eph 4:23). I soon began go- experienced before and read- cleanse me of all my sins (see I hope this testimony has occurred after I had been depressed. In my cell one ing to sleep earlier each night ing his living Word pierced Acts 2:38; Heb. 9:22; 2 Cor. been a blessing to you. Low execution Governor may stall death penalty By Charles David Henry rate in 2017 Former Staff Writer By Forrest Lee Jones atively impacting his case. Gov. Jerry Brown is in con- Journalism Guild Writer trol of how fast executions re- DNA sume in California, according Though 2017 had the sec- to the Los Angeles Times. ond fewest annual prison After receiving new law- Currently, there is an in- executions in several de- yers, Lee’s legal team re- junction against further exe- cades—23 executions to be quested DNA testing of hair cutions pending in state court exact—the controversies samples that were used as while an injection protocol is surrounding capital punish- exculpatory evidence. The being litigated. ment have yet to decline, re- request was denied despite Litigation has stalled any ports Newsweek. the fact that the sample used execution in the state for In the five death penalty to put Lee behind bars had more than 12 years. cases Newsweek featured, been discredited by the FBI In November 2016 Califor- issues of mental health, and the Department of Jus- nia voters approved Proposi- overlooked or incorrect use tice. tion 66, a process to speed up of evidence and neglect of Mark James Asay was on executions. inmates’ rights were brought Death Row for 18 years as the After the California Su- to the forefront. Similarly, first White man in Florida to preme Court upheld Propo- since all of the inmates were be put on death row for kill- sition 66, “both backers and executed by lethal injection, ing a Black man. He also was opponents of the death pen- disputes over the use of a convicted for killing a White alty concede that executions new drug in the cocktails and Hispanic man who was at San Quentin Prison might were also featured. dressed as a woman. be more than a year away,” Asay was Florida’s first the Times reported. If Brown “doesn’t want it Fringi squad prisoner to be executed with File photo a cocktail containing the to move forward quickly, it Ricky Jovan Gray was on drug etomide. His lawyers won’t move forward quick- Gas chamber Death Row for 10 years for argued before the court that ly,” said Michele Hanisee, brutally murdering seven the drug cocktail was uncon- president of the Association of role, but the California Con- tors to pressure the state to founder of the Criminal Jus- people on a six-day killing stitutional due to the pain it Deputy District Attorneys for stitution limits his power. He move quickly to overturn any tice Legal Foundation, told the spree in 2006. His lawyer can cause. Los Angeles County. would need support from four court orders preventing ex- Times. “There are laws in this requested he be killed by fir- Further complicating his CDCR has unveiled a sin- of the seven Supreme Court ecutions, but he represents state that if the administration ing squad as lethal injection case, Asay also faced inef- gle-drug method of execution justices to commute the death Brown and the Department doesn’t want to enforce, they was essentially “chemical fective assistance of counsel - On January 29, 2018, CDCR sentence. of Corrections and Rehabili- don’t, and this is one of them.” torture.” when his lawyer was placed gave notice to OAL that it Brown has three appoin- tation, an aide said to the LA Before his retirement Judge The judge denied the under investigation for miss- will not proceed with that tees on the court and a fourth Times. Alex Kozinski of the U.S. argument on the grounds ing critical deadlines for ap- rulemaking action and filed a vacancy to fill. “Two of them, U.S. District Judge Rich- 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that Gray’s lawyers were peals and for storing Asay’s new lethal injection protocol Justices Goodwin Liu and ard Seeborg, who presides wrote, California “has no func- given the option of the elec- records in a shed, where they in compliance with Proposi- Mariano-Florentino Cuellar, over the Northern California tional death penalty,” despite tric chair and also failed to were destroyed by water and tion 66. are moderately liberal, but federal case that stopped the the law to speed up executions. prove the drugs in the cock- vermin. Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean Justice Leondra Kruger, the state from performing execu- “It’s as if we’re all perform- tail would cause Gray un- As 2017 progressed, law- of UC Berkeley School of third, has voted with conser- tions, could allow crime vic- ers in a Gilbert and Sullivan necessary suffering. yers continued to argue the Law, along with other law- vatives on criminal justice is- tims or Proposition 66 spon- operetta. We make exagger- Ledell Lee was on Death use of lethal injection as cru- yers said it’s conceivable that sues,” the Times reported. sors to intervene, but he is ated gestures and generate Row for 21 years for mur- el and unusual punishment the governor could postpone Attorney General Xavier not required to do so by law, much fanfare. But in the end dering and sexually as- under the Constitution’s execution until his term of of- Becerra testified that despite Chemerinsky said. it amounts to nothing,” Koz- saulting 26-year-old Debra Eighth Amendment to little fice ends in January 2019. supporting the death penalty, “There is no enthusiasm inski wrote. California has Reese in 1993. Lee’s first avail. Some witnessed what Brown could try to com- he disagrees with how it has inside the administration failed to come up with “a lawyer had been drunk dur- onlookers called botched ex- mute death sentences to life been handled. to do anything to hasten ex- workable protocol” for more ing court proceedings, neg- ecutions. without the possibility of pa- Becerra expects prosecu- ecutions,” Michael Rushford, than 10 years. Texas executes Mexican national regardless of public’s disapproval The state of Texas ex- cence up until his execution Cardenas sent a written ing with booze and cocaine, “This guy is guilty as sin,” Carrying out the execu- ecuted a Mexican national on Nov. 8. note to his family before the but after hours of intense Hidalgo County prosecutor tion without more testing despite international outcry The victim’s sister, Rox- execution. It said, “I love you questioning, admitted to her Ted Hake said. “violates the most basic no- and his repeated claims of in- anna Laguna, said, “Justice all very much. And I know murder. According to court docu- tions of fairness and justice,” nocence, according to a news was finally served.” She said that you love me too. … I will After the admission, au- ments, Hidalgo County did Levin said. report. The state also denied she witnessed a man coming not and cannot apologize for thorities claimed Cardenas not inform Mexican authori- “I am extraordinarily dis- a request for new DNA test- through their bedroom win- someone else’s crime, but I led them to Mayra’s body, ties about Cardenas’ arrest or appointed with this outcome ing of the victim. dow and kidnapping her sis- will be back for justice.” which had been tossed in a apprise him of his rights to and at the same time over- Ruben Cardenas Ramirez ter from the bed they shared. Police closed in on the canal. talk with a Mexican consul- come with pride at the efforts claimed innocence of the International organiza- Guanajuato native as the key But defense counsel ate, a violation of Article 36 made by his lawyer, Maurie rape and murder of his tions such as Amnesty In- suspect hours after Mayra claimed the opposite: police of the Vienna Convention on Levin, and her team of law- 16-year-old cousin from 20 ternational, the Inter-Amer- Laguna’s disappearance on forced Cardenas into con- Consular Relations. yers,” said Gregory Kuyk- years ago in the Rio Grande ican Commission on Human Feb. 22, 1997. Investigators fessing to the killing, and the Cardenas’ attorney, Mau- endall, an Arizona attorney Valley, reports the Houston Rights, and the United Na- questioned Cardenas and police led him to the body, rie Levin, filed several ap- authorized to speak on behalf Chronicle. tions criticized the handling his friend Tony Castillo. The rather than the other way peals in the federal courts of Mexico. Cardenas professed inno- of the case. two first confessed to party- around. requesting new DNA tests. – Forrest Lee Jones March 2018 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 15 Lawyer says: ‘Get prepared for freedom’ By Juan Haines stayed in trouble. But then the state capitol to meet with cepts the case, it could be Senior Editor Prop. 36 passed in 2012, and lawmakers and show them two years before they decide I wanted to go home bad, so what a rehabilitated returned on it,” Romano said. “That The path to freedom is I changed my behavior to citizen looks like. gives you guys two years— narrow for the men and show that I wasn’t the same The legislators, intrigued stay out of trouble. Get pro- women incarcerated in Cali- person as before.” by Chatman, listened care- grams. The best case is that fornia’s prisons, Stanford Romano said passing fully to his story. a lot of you guys would go law professor Mike Romano Prop. 36 was “historic.” He Romano said that he was before the parole board.” told an audience of about 150 said that he believes it was “a upset at the state leadership Many of the questions the inmates, on Jan. 19, in San first in the nation”—a voter- because they were the very inmates asked Romano con- Quentin’s Catholic Chapel. approved law, releasing peo- people who created prison centrated on how the parole “I know it’s very difficult ple from prison. overcrowding. board operates. Romano re- for Mike to come here and The new law allowed “They were the same peo- sponded to most of the ques- tell you these things,” said Chatman’s release in 2013. ple who sent him to prison,” tions by saying that Gov. Jer- Kevin “Bilal” Chatman, who He attained employment Romano said. “They acted ry Brown wants to let more accompanied Romano with as an operations manager like they met someone who people out of prison, but two of his staffers. “I had six at a logistics company. He survived a plane crash. They wants inmates to take more life sentences and 150 years. Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News also works at Levi Stadium, created the plane crash.” programs. I thought I’d never get out. I Mike Romano speaking in the Catholic Chapel where in 2014 he was em- Romano and his staff “I didn’t know how ployee of the year. worked successfully with blessed I was to have all “There are jobs out there,” other prison reform groups these programs at San he told the audience as he to roll back mandatory sen- Quentin,” Chatman said. “If spoke about ending the prac- tencing guidelines. The team you’re not getting into pro- CDCR ordered to rewrite tice of employers asking job of prison reformers is seek- grams and getting in touch applicants if they’d been in ing to expand time reduction with yourself, you’re making prison. credits for prisoners. They a mistake.” regulations for Prop. 57 “We are working on ban- are also asking the Califor- Romano added, “Keep the-box,” Chatman said. nia Supreme Court to force getting prepared so when By Forrest Lee Jones and president of Alliance for Bellucci. “We believe we’ve “We are returning citizens. prison officials to consider you come before a court, Journalism Guild Writer Constitutional Sex Offense won a battle, but the war con- We don’t call ourselves ex- early parole for nonviolent the board, or the governor, Laws, who filed a lawsuit on tinues.” cons.” three-strikers. you are showing that you’re Sacramento County Supe- behalf of non-violent sex of- Mark Zahner, chief execu- Romano took Chatman to “Even if the court ac- ready.” rior Court judge Allen Sum- fenders, said the ruling could tive of the California District ner preliminarily ordered allow early parole for half of Attorneys Association who prison officials to rewrite the the 20,000 sex offenders in- opposed the Prop. 57 initia- Court ruling aids sex offenders early parole regulations con- carcerated in state prison. tive, told the AP, “There’s a sistent with Proposition 57’s Bellucci argued in her suit great danger of truly violent language. that the regulations written people being released early in early parole consideration Sumner ruled the state of by CDCR conflicted with the and people who commit, in By Rahsaan Thomas violent offender as someone intimate part of another per- California erred when writ- proposition’s language and this case, sex offenses that Staff Writer who, among other things, son while that person is un- ing regulations that didn’t the voters’ intent. She further involve violence being re- has not been convicted of a lawfully restrained; pimping specifically exclude some argued that only those crimes leased early.” California’s latest attempt- sexual offense requiring reg- a minor; incest; sodomy with non-violent sex offenders defined under the penal code Karen Pank of the Chief ed to regulate who qualifies istration. a person confined to state from early parole consider- as violent offenses, such as Probation Officers of Cali- for early parole consider- The case before Sumner prison; sending or exhibiting ation, reports The Associated murder, kidnapping and forc- fornia countered that she still ation hit a snag when its Su- was brought by the Alli- certain harmful (i.e., sexual) Press. The voter-approved ible rape, are excluded. believes the measure does perior Court ruled that the ance for Constitutional Sex matter to a minor; sexual Proposition 57 allows many According to the AP re- exclude sex offenders. state cannot automatically Offense Laws and an incar- penetration with a foreign California prisoners to be port, that could potentially “We hope the issue will be exclude sex offenders from cerated person identified as object while the victim is considered for early release. allow early parole for those more fully vetted on appeal,” the list of eligible people. John Doe. unconscious; and advertis- However, during the 2016 convicted for crimes not said Pank. Under Proposition 57, They argued that CDCR’s ing or possessing child por- general election, Gov. Jerry defined as violent under Currently the California voted into law in November definition is in conflict with nography. Brown told voters that all sex the penal code, such as rap- Public Safety Partnership is 2016, the California Depart- the California penal code, Still, some of those reg- offenders would be excluded ing an unconscious person, sponsoring a 2018 ballot ini- ment of Corrections and under which some sex of- isterable sex offenses which from consideration under the inappropriately touching tiative (entitled: “Reducing Rehabilitation (CDCR) can fenses are not listed as vio- the Legislature has not des- proposition, according to the someone who is unlawfully Crime and Keeping Califor- make nonviolent offenders lent crimes. ignated “violent felonies” article. restrained, incest, pimping nia Safe Act of 2018”). eligible for parole consid- According to the writ may not be violent, for ex- In his Feb. 9, 2018 deci- a minor, indecent exposure Asked how this new ini- eration after they complete filed, the Alliance also ar- ample indecent exposure. sion, Sumner said CDCR and possessing child pornog- tiative might affect Sum- the full term for their pri- gued that CDCR’s regula- The court also found that does not have broad author- raphy. ner’s recent ruling, Attorney mary offense. Now, CDCR tions are also overbroad be- CDCR did not point to any ity to exclude certain inmates Sumner said corrections Milena Blake of the Stanford needs to determine what cause they “preclude early “language in Proposition 57” from parole consideration. officials may make the case Three-Strike Project told the constitutes a violent crime, a parole consideration for any that barred a person serving Specifically, the judge said for excluding these offenders San Quentin News that it definition that varies across one ever convicted of a reg- time for a current nonviolent the exclusion exceeded CD- as they rewrite the regula- would reduce the number of state, federal and CDCR isterable sex offense, even if offense for a past sex of- CR’s authority, which had to tions, even though they are crimes that would qualify for regulations. the person is not currently fense. be consistent with the lan- not on the violent felony list the Proposition 57 early pa- Sacramento Superior incarcerated” for such a Superior Court remanded guage in Proposition 57. (Penal Code 667.5(c)). Bel- role consideration. Court Judge Allen Sumner crime. the case back to CDCR to “If the voters had intended lucci said she will sue again “If the November initia- ruled that the regulation’s Though some sex crimes define what a nonviolent of- to exclude all registered sex if the rewritten regulations tive qualifies for the Novem- definition of all sex offens- requiring registration aren’t fender is under Proposition offenders from early parole go too far. ber ballot and passes, it will es as violent crimes is too listed in the penal code as 57 (see Alliance for Consti- consideration under Propo- “Until they figure some- supersede any future court broad. Sumner sent the case violent crimes, some people tutional Sex Offense Laws, sition 57, they presumably thing else out, they have to ruling in favor of nonviolent back to prison administra- may agree that they are vio- et al., v. California Depart- would have said so,” said the consider anybody convicted offenders and eliminate the tors to define “nonviolent lent. Those crimes include: ment of Corrections and judge. of a nonviolent offense even number of people who qual- crime.” rape of a drugged or uncon- Rehabilitation, case number Janice Bellucci, attorney if it was a sex offense,” said ify,” Blake said. The CDCR defines a non- scious person; touching the 34-2017-80002581).

don’t have to hurt alone no ing with family in Cambodia. designer Jonathan Chiu fol- 2012, stepped down from the the process. R.O.O.T.S more.’” ROOTS helped my family get lowed. The mixed crowd chairman role. Cambodian volunteer Lina She visited and opened up stronger.” gave each other permission Ké Lam, known as “Mr. Khoeur added, “I never re- Continued from page 1 about being a little girl run Graduate Si Dang followed to laugh at his unique sense San Quentin” for participat- ally had the experience work- out of her home by Khmer with his quest to know his of humor. ing in everything from base- ing South East Asian iden- Those in the program Rouge, seeing kid soldiers history. ROOTS sparked him The evening ended with ball to ROOTS before parol- tities. So coming here and housed in H-Unit couldn’t at- killing, blood everywhere, to ask his mother about their skits performed by volun- ing, visited. learning about the trauma tend due to a lockdown. finding her father with his family history. She told him teers, graduates and facilita- “I cried the first time I helps me bring that back to Graduate Kevin “K” Ne- throat slit, hands and feet cut about growing up in Viet- tors. drove by here because I my family.” ang, a 23-year-old from San off and chest opened, whole nam during the war. Helicop- The other graduates were: miss y’all,” Ké Lam said. “I Volunteer Xanh Tran, a Jose, shared a story that family being executed, and ters fired on her village. She Raven Jenkins, Yeng Lee, don’t have that same sense jack of many trades, said, made many “eyes sweat.” about her being tied to a tree, saved a child, but that same Wilson Nguyen, Ezequiel of brotherhood out there that “All of our traumas are The ABC (American-Born shoes taken, and beaten. She child was killed a little while Roman, Sou Saechao, Vah I have here. A lot of people passed down from our fami- Cambodian) lived a gang took off her shoes in the visit- later—survivor’s guilt. Saechao, Satnam Singh, out there are still in prison lies. If we don’t heal, the fruit lifestyle that glamorized ing room and showed Neang Dang, born in 1975, said Glen Tufuga, Angel Villafan, because they never learned will be rotten. If we can heal the streets and Khmer pride the scars on her feet. his father was in a re-educa- Phouc Vong, Jimmy Vue, how to deal with their emo- ourselves, we don’t have to while not even knowing what “I couldn’t take the visit no tion camp until 1981. Tith Ton, Jerome Watts, and tional trauma. We need more pass down those rotten ap- that meant. more,” Neang said. “We were In the United States, they Vadim Zakharchenko. strong men to be role models, ples.” “All I knew was that Ange- both crying. She told me, were poor and discriminated Facilitators also received not just for other men, but for Tracy Nguyen, who taught lina Jolie loves our country,” ‘Please do not have hatred to- against. certificates. They were Ra- kids and people in leadership the LGBT segment, said, “If Neang said. When the audi- ward Khmer Rouge because In 1989, a car accident fael Cuevas, You, Pangthong, today.” we really dissect our lived ence laughed, he responded, they too were victims.’” claimed the lives of his father, Moua Vue, Lamar “Maver- Ké Lam gives back to his experiences as LGBT people “What? She even adopted a When Neang called her af- two uncles and a pregnant ick” Harrison, Lee Xiong, community as an Asian Pris- and incarcerated people, you baby K.” ter the visit, she said, “Thank aunt. Despite everything, his Chanthon Bun, Eusebeo oners Support Committee will find that our oppressions He learned from ROOTS you. I’ve been needing to let mother raised six children. Gonzales, David B. Le, Joe reentry coordinator. He helps are similar—that is other- that he needed to know his that out. I love you.” “I see courage, sacrifice Hancock, Damon Cooke, and with getting identification, ization from society, shame history in order to heal. Neang added, “That and hope when I see my Kamsan Suon. peer support, counseling, within our communities, “It allowed me to go back very first moment my mom mother,” Dang said. The day also marked the transportation, mediating policies that restrict our free- and call my mom and asked opened up to me about her The Hawaiian community retirement of You and the re- with parole officers and pick- dom. When we get in front of about her history—the Kill- life is when I started living lifted spirits back up with a turn of Nighiep Ké Lam. ing people up from the gate each other to share those sto- ing Fields,” Neang said. “I my own. Now conversations Haka dance performance. You, who had been with on their release dates. ries, the unity and power we told her, ‘I need to know have begun throughout the A comedy routine by San ROOTS since Eddie Zheng Many volunteers who can build is part of the path- where I came from. You family. Now we’re reconnect- Quentin News crossword and Ben Wang started it in came in to teach, learned in way to our shared liberation.” Page 16 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com March 2018 California’s skyrocketing prison budget By William Earl Tolbert CDCR’s spending budget decrease in CDCR’s staff prisons because to do so crime laws that continue to Zimring told PolitiFact Journalism Guild Writer has ballooned from around numbers, and prison staffing would reduce our capacity, fill prisons. that California’s tough $40 million in 1970-71 to costs have climbed. thereby pushing us back “California’s prison sentencing schemes, like California leads the rest of $12 billion this year. Prison PolitiFact found that above 137.5 percent” level population exploded from the Three Strikes Law, the nation in prison spending spending will make up California now leads the of prison crowding, state 1980 through the late had increased the prison with a skyrocketing prison almost 9 percent of this nation in per capita inmate prisons spokesman Jeffrey 1990s, and prison building population during the 1980s budget, according to a report year’s state budget. cost, but because of the Callison told PolitiFact. metastasized in the state,” and ’90s. Since the 2009 by PolitiFact. Brown has been following court order to eliminate In his address, Brown said Franklin Zimring, a U.C. federal order, California’s During Gov. Jerry Brown’s a 2009 order from the U.S. overcrowding, the state cautioned legislators to Berkeley criminal justice prison population has 16th and final State of the Supreme Court to work to cannot close prisons to consider legislation that professor. “We went from a sharply fallen. This year the State Address, he lectured end prison overcrowding. alleviate some of the excess supports the criminal justice little over 24,000 prisoners estimated inmate population legislators on California But despite a decrease in spending. system as a whole by taking in California prisons to over is about 119,000, compared Department of Corrections the inmate population, there “So long as the order is a holistic approach rather 170,000 prisoners in 2010 to the population peak of and Rehabilitation’s budget. has been no corresponding in effect we cannot close than passing more and more and 2011.” 163,000 in 2006. Restuarando una comunidad por medio del dialogo Por Jorge Heredia tatal de San Quentin por toda positivo en un sistema que lo desde el comienzo de los pro- Escritor Contribuyente la programación de autoa- necesita muy desesperada- cedimientos en las cortes. yuda que ofrece, porque es- mente.” “En este diálogo de sa- Más de dos docenas de tos programas me ayudaron La siguiente mañana todos nación yo pude expresar mis sobrevivientes de crimen hacer el trabajo de introspec- se abrazaban con amabilidad, sentimientos en como los cruzaron las pesadas y cau- ción acerca de mi niñez para empatía y cariño. sobrevivientes son tratados tivantes puertas de acero en conectar los puntos de cómo El momento culminante en corte y como somos entre- San Quentin para enfrentar y porque yo fui tan destruc- del día llegó después de nados para odiar al acusado y a prisioneros convictos de tivo, provocándole la muerte que los grupos pequeños cuán inquietante eso era para crímenes serios, incluyendo a una persona inocente por la se reunie-ron después de mí mientras yo estaba in- asesinato. Una de las conclu- violencia callejera entre pan- hacer una puesta en común tentando encontrarle sentido siones claves fue de que el dillas.” de ideas y sugerencias a algo tan sin sentido. No- diálogo de sanación es nece- Pangthong reconoció que en cómo satisfacer mejor sotros no podemos aprender sario para mejorar la comuni- él no puede cambiar el daño las necesidades de los el uno del otro si nos tenemos cación entre sobrevivientes y que ocasionó, pero “Yo pue- sobrevivientes. Un portavoz miedo.” ofensores. do cambiar cómo reaccionar fue escogido de cada grupo Gilbert reflexiono, “Yo esta- El evento tomo lugar en hoy al estar al servicio de pequeño para informar ba increíblemente conmo-vida Oct.27-28 en la Iglesia Prot- mi comunidad,” añadiendo, acerca de sus sugerencias. con las conversaciones que estante. Participantes inclui- “Éste es el por qué hoy estoy Asombrosamente, la nosotros tuvimos dentro de mi dos prisioneros, víctimas de aquí, como mi promesa hacia sugerencia número uno círculo pequeño. Nosotros es- crimen y familiares de vícti- ustedes y a quienes lastimé y para dar comienzo al tablecimos una casi inmediata mas, fiscales y organizacio- pasaré el resto de mi vida pro- dialogo de sanación — confianza mutua, quizás por nes del sistema penal. moviendo la no-violencia.” proveer comunicación entre nuestras experiencias compar- Dina Phillips ha vivido el Pangthong hizo una pausa s o b r e v i v i e n t e y o f e n s o r e s . tidas o tal vez por la manera en efecto del crimen en ambos para contener sus emociones Clare Senchyna reflexionó, que el día fue organizado. No- lados. y terminó al compartir que “En el segundo día los sotros pudimos dejar nuestras “Hace más de 22 años mi después de 21 años tras las reclusos en mi círculo historias desarrollarse al natu- mundo fue sacudido – no es rejas, fue encontrado elegible expresaron que ellos ral, de manera más orgánica, dé que hubiera estabilidad para salir bajo libertad condi- esperaban que nosotros los envés de comenzar con el alguna antes, pero esta fue cional. sobrevivientes estuviéramos crimen. Esto nos permitió co- mucho peor. Perdí a mi so- Después, todos los partici- bien después del día anterior, menzar con el lado humano de brina a los 2 meses de haber pantes del simposio formaron ya que ellos temían nuestro nuestras historias, lo cual nos nacido y mi hermano de 16 siete grupos pequeños. Photo courtesy of Dina Phillips trauma hubiera sido re- ayudó para conocernos uno al años de edad fue enviado a Los círculos proveyeron “Estos zapatitos representan nuestra buena disposición de activado. Yo les conté otro como personas primero.” prisión,” Phillips dijo. El evento no solo impacto espacio para que cada per- caminar en los mismos zapatos de ustedes hombro con hom- como estaba reflexionando “Escogí reprimir mis sen- sona hablara o escuchara las las vidas de los sobrevivientes bro de hoy en adelante,” un recluso dijo. “Y para unir esfuerzos mientras manejaba a San timientos y evadí cualquier desgarradoras historias sobre Quentin esa mañana lo presentes pero también las vi- en contra de nuestra violencia sin sentido para vivir en paz y conversación acerca de esa cómo se siente ser un ofensor mucho más ligera que me das de sus familiares ausentes. parte de mi vida. Esa era una o sobreviviente de crimen. armonía.” sentí, que haber participado Una de las sobrevivientes, muy sensitiva y destrozada Un sobreviviente dijo, en el círculo el día anterior me a quien le asesinaron un hijo parte de mi corazón y alma “Durante todo el proceso para llegar al punto donde creado victimización y ser había dado ese regalo, que yo dos años antes del evento de que yo no permitía a nadie desde el asesinato de mi hija ellos ven cual daño ellos han capaces de llegar a una mu- sé que tengo todo el derecho este simposio, comento que mirar debido al miedo de ser y nieta, a mi familia y a mí causado y su deseo en contri- tua conclusión que necesita- de sentir odio y coraje y ella estaba escéptica al venir a criticada.” nunca se nos preguntó sobre buir a la sociedad. Cada hom- mos más acción, yo me sentí rabia hacia la persona quien San Quentin. Sin embargo, al Por casi dos años, Phil- nuestras necesidades. Me bre ha trabajado muy duro validada y escuchada.” asesino mi único hijo. Pero final del primer día, ella había lips sacó a todos de su vida, sentí sin apoyo y utilizado para lograr ser el maravilloso Lucas añadió, “Durante eso en sí mismo es una tan cambiado su pensar, diciendo, porque ella creía que nadie por la oficina del fiscal. A- hombre en quien ellos ahora el simposio también llega- pesada carga de soportar, y el “Antes de venir a esta reunión entendería su dolor, hasta que nhelábamos el apoyo emocio- se han convertido. Yo estoy mos a un acuerdo mutuo que haber pasado el día anterior yo pensaba acerca de los ella se puso en contacto con nal. En su lugar nos sentimos muy orgullosa en llamarlos necesitamos un camino que con ellos, esa carga fue presos como si fuesen mon- el director de Healing Dia- presionados para asegurar mis amigos.” podamos recorrer juntos para aligerada un poco. struos. Después de escuchar logue and Action. la más larga condena po- A pesar del hecho de que remover la barrera que la so- “Yo participe en estos cír- sus historias, yo pude ver su “Nunca ni en un millón de sible contra la persona quien los sobrevivientes y reclusos ciedad a impuesto entre la re- culos para ayudarme a con- humanidad y arrepentimiento años me hubiera imaginado asesino mis seres queridos, eran completos extraños, los lación de la víctima-ofensor tinuar viviendo, para tran- por los crímenes que ustedes que había tantas personas como si esto fuese ayudar a reclusos dejaron salir sus así para poder unirnos y crear quilizar los demonios que han cometido. Yo pude sentir afuera a quien les importó mi familia y a mí a encontrar encrudecidas emociones sin un mejor camino de sanación aparecieron después de la sus emociones lo cual me ayu- escuchar mi historia sin la paz que desesperadamente restricciones. unificado, y nosotros poder muerte de mi hijo. Esto ha do a cambiar mi percepción juzgar,” Phillips dijo. “Heal- necesitábamos. Eusebio González compar- derrumbar la actual creencia sido una de las formas más acerca de los prisioneros.” ing Dialogue and Action, “Así de que mi esposa y tió la historia de su niñez. que estos grupos devén per- terapéuticas para encontrar Al final del primer día, ella Human Rights Watch, ARC yo tomamos la oportunidad “Nunca conocí a mi padre, manecer separados el uno del paz. ¿Quién lo hubiera pen- compartió su experiencia con (Anti-Recidivism Collation), de este simposio del diálogo y mi madre me abandonó otro. sado? El estar en un círculo una de sus hijas quien le había Restore Justice y todos los de sanación para ver qué nos por irse con su novio cuando “Continuando hacia adel- con esos quienes han cometi- aconsejado no venir a San hombres de San Quentin, ofrece este proceso para con- yo tenía 4 años de edad, ante no podemos mirar a las do homicidio y esos quienes Quentin. todos ustedes son parte del tinuar encontrando clausura dejándome con mis abuelos. personas como criminales han sido victimizados, y por “Después que yo le conté a camino a mi sanación.” en nuestras vidas.” No la he mirado desde y como víctimas. Nosotros momentos darme cuenta que mi hija sobre la tan poderosa No fue la primera vez, den- Para pintar un retrato de entonces,” González dijo. necesitamos mirarlos como todos nosotros hubiéramos experiencia que tuve, ella es- tro de San Quentin para No- sus queridos difuntos, los “A los 14 años de edad mis sanadores, personas que podido estar en los mismos taba intrigada y le gustaría to- elle Swan Gilbert. Ella asistió sobrevivientes compartieron abuelos me enviaron a vivir quieren trabajar juntos para zapatos. Todos somos hu- mar parte del proceso de este al evento del 2016. la personalidad de esos seres con parientes aquí en los crear una paz común, una manos imperfectos compar- dialogo de sanación la próxima Aunque Gilbert sabía que queridos que perdieron a EE.UU., en donde nunca me que todos anhelamos, una por tiendo nuestra humanidad vez que la oportunidad se pre- los reclusos estaban nervio- manos de la violencia. Ellos enviaron a la escuela. la que todos soñamos. En el común. Nosotros no tene- sente.” sos, se sintió tranquila porque hablaron acerca del amor a “Durante mi crianza mire simposio de San Quentin, se mos esa oportunidad muy Gilbert compartió que los los hombres “(han) estado ha- sus seres queridos, sus me- a mi abuelo y tíos beber alco- nos dio la oportunidad para seguido en el mundo diario.” simposios son un paso impor- ciendo la ardua labor de tra- tas en la vida y su actividad hol para cubrir sus sentimien- hacer esos sueños una reali- Jody Ketcheside también tante para que las personas bajar en sí mismos mientras favorita durante reuniones tos y emociones. Yo seguí sus dad.” reflexiono, “De esa sesión de independientes y oficiales cumplen sus condenas.” familiares. pasos e implemente su siste- La sobreviviente Jody Ket- la puesta en común de ideas encargados de la seguridad Gilbert sabía que la may- La sobreviviente Nora ma de creencias de que los cheside reflexiono del evento, y sugerencias salieron ideas pública, “entiendan que los oría de ellos son también so- Agredano más tarde revelo, hombres controlan-el-uso-del “Como sobrevivientes de para ayudar a las personas sobrevivientes y personas brevivientes de crímenes. “Al sentarme con los mara- alcohol y no al revés.” homicidio, se nos pregunta encarceladas tener acceso a quienes han cometido un cri- “Ellos son hombres valien- villosos hombres de San Mariah Lucas más tarde constantemente el compartir los servicios para víctimas, men violento, están conecta- tes al confrontar sus pasados Quentin y contar mi historia, reflexiono diciendo, “Yo nuestras historias. Algunas ayudar a sobrevivientes tener dos por el dolor. Dolor es y al aceptar responsabilidad ellos escucharon con inten- siento que como víctimas y veces esto es en un esfuerzo acceso a información para dolor. Nosotros necesitamos por sus crímenes,” Gilbert sidad, y ellos estuvieron muy sobrevivientes somos cons- para educar, algunas veces aliviar sus preocupaciones reconocer esto para comen- dijo. “Esto es más de lo que la pendientes con mi bienestar. tantemente relegados al olvi- para ayudar a legisladores con respecto a la libertad zar a sanar y para ser un me- mayoría de las personas fuera Se tomaron el tiempo para do cuando se trata del sistema entender los desafíos y de- condicional, y una oportuni- jor sistema de apoyo para los de prisión tienen el coraje de asegurarse que yo estuviera penal – nuestras preocupacio- seos de los sobrevivientes. dad para muchos sobrevi- sobrevivientes de crimen vio- hacer.” bien por el resto del día. nes, nuestras necesidades, y Algunas veces esto es para vientes de poder hablar sobre lento. Existe dolor en ambos Con ojos llorosos, “Escuche la historia de nuestras voces no le importan vincularse con los hombres como la mayoría de nosotros lados de un crimen, y este va Anouthinh Pangthong dijo al cada hombre y que los trajo a a nadie. Sin embargo, ir a la en prisión, trayendo enten- no queremos prisiones que más allá de las familias inme- recinto de casi 150 personas, este lugar con intensidad. Es- prisión y compartir mis expe- dimiento y sanación para to- son dirigidas punitivamente diatas por años, y el dolor no “Estoy agradecido a la ad- cuche (el) cuán lejos cada uno riencias con otras víctimas y dos nosotros, y algunas veces y nuestra preocupación con acaba con una sentencia en ministración de la prisión es- de los hombres ha recorrido con los hombres quienes han esto es para crear cambio el proceso del sistema penal prisión.” March 2018 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 17 Arnulfo’s dream continues to prosper By Ted Swain the Arnulfo T. Garcia system. One of the biggest fulfilled. Paroling inmates Contributing Writer Foundation to carry on difficulties for paroling in- will learn to provide for Arnulfo’s dream. Supported mates is successful reentry horses while learning to This newspaper has pre- by the Horse Club back into the community. reenter the community as a viously reported on the Foundation and the Con-Ex As Arnulfo and his fam- contributing member. life and untimely death of Restorative Justice Project, ily grew up with horses, he From illegal immigra- former editor Arnulfo T. the Arnulfo T. Garcia knew the value of caring tion and reentry facilities Garcia. However, Garcia Foundation is developing its and providing for horses as to criminal justice news, was much more than editor initial program of a horse a way to learn responsibil- Arnulfo had broad and ex- of the San Quentin News ranch style reentry facility. ity. tensive ideas to be part of (SQN), he was a towering As a former writer on this With over 150 years of the solution, not part of the visionary and dreamer. newspaper, I had both the combined horse experience, problem. He continuously Unlike most dreamers, he honor and pleasure to know the value of horse sense is reported that it all begins had the rarely bestowed per- and work with Garcia. Ar- well recognized in the Gar- with acknowledging re- sistence and determination nulfo’s powerful impact cia family. The Arnulfo T. sponsibility for our actions. to carry out his dream. The on inmates and aspects of Garcia Foundation associ- From that basis, Arnulfo result was the newspaper’s the corrections system, led ated with the Horse Club to taught that one can then be- Social Forums and the re- me to believe that Garcia’s allow paroling inmates to gin a new journey of prog- spect of news organizations dreams were built on a solid experience the responsibil- ress. from around the world. foundation. He had expan- ity associated with being an As directors of the foun- Under the guidance of sive dreams and wanted to equestrian. dation, Arnulfo’s siblings. Garcia, the San Quentin provide solutions and re- The Horse Club is a mem- Carmelita, Nick, Jesus and News transitioned from Photo courtesy of the Garcias forms that would generate bership association provid- Art, are committed to the being a reporter of news One of many horses that will be part of the program results, not more effort. ing sanctuary, refuge and a fulfillment of Arnulfo’s to being a source of news. Arnulfo’s idea related to retirement haven to horses dream. Arnulfo’s sisters Through the News forums, were then able to get feed- determination to make SQN reentry facilities and ex- for which there is no care- Leilani and Maria are also Garcia was able to let crimi- back from inmates regard- into a respected source of panding San Quentin News taker. By teaching parolees pledged to the pursuit of nal justice decision makers ing inmate families and the criminal justice informa- as the voice of the voice- how to care for horses, the Arnulfo’s dream. Through experience the results of communities. The reach of tion cannot be overstated. less. He wanted to address Arnulfo T. Garcia Founda- Arnulfo T. Garcia Founda- their decisions. Garcia’s work went well be- In December 2017, inequalities created by tion believes that Arnulfo’s tion, Arnulfo’s dream, mis- Those decision makers yond the prison walls. His Garcia’s family began flaws in the criminal justice dream and mission will be sion and legacy live on.

News Briefs Book Review

USA – According to new By Juan Haines data from the government’s Senior Editor Bureau of Justice Statistics, the number of people The famed incarcerated incarcerated decreased poet, Ed “Foots” Lipman 1 percent to 1,505,400 was born New Year’s Day people by the end of 2016. 1941. After he spent nearly At the end of that year, half his of 34 years behind states had about 1,316,205 bars, he died of natural incarcerated, while the causes on Sept. 8, 1975. federal system had 189,192. “I have never been so Maine has the lowest affected by poetry…I looked incarceration rate with 137 up his name on the internet, people incarcerated per found little to nothing, 100,000 residents, while and felt overwhelmingly Louisiana has the highest compelled to change that,” rate at 760 per 100,000. said researcher. S.J. Lawrie. USA – The New Jim By publishing Only By Crow, a book by Michelle said in a sworn affidavit. Chris Redlitz and Beverly Flashlight, Lawrie brought Alexander that explores US Supreme Court Chief Parenti, along with program to life Lipman’s collection the phenomenon of mass Justice John Roberts and graduate Kenyatta Leal. of 55 raw and blunt poems. incarceration, has sold Justice Anthony Kennedy Indiana will first begin I had the opportunity well over a million copies joined the high court’s training women how to code to experience Lipman’s in the eight years since its liberal justices in the 6-3 at the Indiana Women’s work while attending Zoe debut, The New York Times decision. Prison as part of the pilot Mullery’s creative writing reports. But for the adults in Trenton, NJ — A state program. The Last Mile class. Our group of about prison in Florida, the book law that limits what phone coding program, Code.7370, a dozen incarcerated men is banned. The book points companies can charge for debuted in 2014 at San sat around and read some to the racial disparities in phone service for prison Quentin State Prison. of his 1970s-style poems. sentencing policy, and the inmates has led to a court Indiana – The Indiana We smiled, shook our way that mass incarceration fight between the state Department of Workforce heads to affirm a familiar has negatively affected the and a Texas firm that has Development found 15,000 feeling reading his work Black population. contracts with two of the ex-offenders are released gave us. We understood USA – According to state’s county jails, KYW from state prisons each Lipman’s perspective. Immigration and Customs Newsradio reports. “These year, The Associated Press It wasn’t surprising for Enforcement (ICE), 12 private phone vendors reports. Currently the us that the outside world immigrants died in detention were charging absolutely recidivism rate is at 38 missed literature relevant in the 2017 fiscal year, the astronomical rates for percent. The Indianapolis to how society operates. We most since fiscal year 2009, folks to call loved ones Business Journal reports constantly discuss and write the Houston Chronicle and on the outside,” attorney that the state wants to about the ease of overlooking Injustice Watch report. Liza Weisberg told KYW expand its job placement the locked away population Nationwide, more than Newsradio, “and the program for ex-offenders. — out of sight, out of incarcerated perspective. this prison tells its own 30,000 immigrants are facilities themselves were Gov. Eric Holcomb said his mind. As a consequence, Outsider readers discover tales held at any one time in collecting kickbacks from administration would work outsiders aren’t well-versed the damaging effects of ICE detention facilities. these phone vendors.” to grow training programs in how incarceration can i listen & am unable to accepting the powerlessness decipher Last May, two people died Tennessee –Three death in prisons and “reduce the evoke penitence in so many created through mass in Georgia facilities and row inmates are scheduled revolving doors that we different ways. any particular moral; incarceration. you have hidden on May 31, a 44-year- for execution this year, which so often see in our prison When I opened Only Only By Flashlight old Honduran immigrant, would be first executions in system.” By Flashlight, I did what I in your rustic gaze delves into topics relevant any hope of my salvation, Vicente Caceres-Maradiaga the state since 2009, USA Minnesota –A proposed always do when reviewing to San Quentin, such as any died at Adelanto Detention reports. The state’s Supreme class action lawsuit was an anthology of poetry. I how correctional officers Facility in Southern Court and Department of filed in Los Angeles federal scanned through the titles and prisoners treat each chance of my survival California. He was the third Corrections confirmed the court against Sunrise and read the ones that stood other, medical care (or lack What I appreciate are immigrant to die at Adelanto executions, scheduled to Banks and the prepaid card out to me. thereof ), or doing time while Lawrie’s effort to bring in 2017 and the sixth death start in May. Neysa Taylor, company JPay for forcing “Because Truth is missing the tender touch of a quality literature to light at the privately owned GEO a spokeswoman for the thousands of prison inmates Seldom Silent” is about loved one, and of course, the by investing time, energy, Group facility since 2011. department, said the state nationwide to accept high- poetry’s ability to speak food. and money into giving a Since ICE was created in “has the drugs necessary to fee debit cards to receive truth to power. “Losing & Many of Lipman’s poems respected place in history 2003, 85 detention centers carry out execution by lethal their own money when Lasting” is about guarding are short and to the point: to someone, despite nationwide have reported injection.” they are released, reports one’s dignity in spite the Untitled for brjw reservations: “I am aware 176 deaths. inhumane nature of prisons. that to speak about a man Indianapolis, Indiana– Reuters. The lawsuit Sitting at this grill-gate Washington, DC – Keith The state will become alleged “unconscionable “Harry Houdini was Right having never met him is a Early in the morning Tharpe will have another the first state outside of profiteering and self- After All,” a poem ahead dangerous endeavor.” chance in federal court to California to adopt the dealing” by forcing the of its time as Lipman spoke Waiting for something He relied on scant history prove that his death sentence program known as The cards on financially about the failure of mass beautiful about the man – history that was tainted by a white Last Mile, which prepares unsophisticated ex-inmates. incarceration. Reminds me to write was obscure in every facet juror’s reference to Tharpe inmates for employment The cards have a $3 monthly Going through Only By this poem slowly except his criminal history. as a “n-----” and other upon release, Inside Indiana maintenance fee and a $9.95 Flashlight, poem by poem, because Beauty passes Lipman now has a way racist remarks, USA Today Business reports. Governor fee to cancel the card and is an adventure worth quickly to speak in a very silent reports. “I have wondered Eric Holcomb announced receive money with a check taking. and doesn’t carry keys way to the moral costs mass if Black people even have the coding program with or money order, according Lipman thrusts readers untitled number 30 for incarceration inflicts on our souls,” juror Barney Gattie The Last Mile founders, to the lawsuit. into the sense of an susan communities. Page 18 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com March 2018 Formerly incarcerated helps reduces violence in Richmond By Rahsaan Thomas formed, it made sense to con- A self-help group that normal that aren’t normal— community is a target. You Staff Writer nect with the community,” helped prepare Houston for like losing one of their peers. feel like you are alone, like no Houston said. “It made sense his walk is Victim Offender It’s not normal for a 14-year- one cares about you. (You’re) James Houston used what for men who have created or Education Group (VOEG). old to go to a funeral for an- not listening, and I believe it’s he learned in San Quen- furthered the problems in “From my perspective, other 14-year-old that’s been because they weren’t listen- tin Prison to help reduce prison, to give solutions and VOEG is a restorative jus- murdered. You come away ing. When most people fear the murder rate and mentor let them (the youth) know tice program,” Houston said. with something, a sense of a you, so they cross the street, young men in Richmond, the the consequences of their ac- “It helped me understand the lack of security in your com- you become that person that city across the bay. tions.” trauma that I went through, munity. they fear.” After paroling in 2013, he The meetings with com- and it changed who I was. I “It makes you more sus- During: “The right kind took on the job of program munity members like Boggan never knew the impact my ceptible to committing that of community is so impor- coordinator for the Office of and Gail McLaughlin, the File Photo trauma had on my life on a crime; you’re just trying to tant. You hear so much about Neighborhood Safety (ONS). former mayor of Richmond, James Houston day-to-day basis or the im- survive. You’ll shoot some- people preying on each other. The organization was now a City Council mem- pact that trauma had on oth- one over the smallest thing. But when I was there, men started by DeVone Boggan ber, resulted in a curriculum, we have a responsibility— ers’ lives and my community. It’s different in that we tailor who had done twice as much in 2007. He believed that the Public Service Announce- whether it’s just to your blood “One of the main things the language to meet them time as me were working to- worst offenders needed to be ments with the flair of posi- relatives—we have a respon- was I grew up with a single where they’re at.” ward helping me get my time hunted down, not to arrest, tive hip-hop videos, an es- sibility to hold ourselves with mother: I had no male fig- Houston learned the value reduced, pointing me in the but to transform. say contest asking the youth, integrity, to show the young ure. So what I thought was of community while get- right directions. It blew me When the program began, “What would you do if you men in our community. Even a man was totally opposite ting his education through away; I kept looking for the Richmond had the ninth- were the mayor?” and other if they’re just seeing me from to what I learned inside. I the Prison University Proj- flaws. Men before prison worst murder rate in the ideas. a distance, it’s important to (used to) overreact and had ect, mentoring youth in the came at me for a reason; they United States with 45 kill- The San Quentin adminis- show integrity.” a lot of anger. It could never SQUIRES program, learning had an angle, something they ings per 106,000 people. By tration shut down the Rich- On the transformative be too much violence. Vio- how to be a counselor in the were trying to get out of it.” 2013, the rate dropped to 15 mond Project in 2016. trips, they take rivals to plac- lence, that’s what a man does, Addiction Recovery Program After: “Transitional place, per 100,000, according to a In the Richmond com- es as far as Africa to show so that’s…what I lived by…I and playing flag football on each step to get my life back 2014 Mother Jones Magazine munity, Houston seeks out them the world is bigger than didn’t want you to get close, the San Quentin Lower Yard. on course: The Last Mile, the article by Tim Murphy. young men who are active Richmond, and their beefs. because…I was in fear…of “I grew up playing Pop men who went above and be- Boggan met Houston when firearm offenders to present A recent trip to Tahoe paired being hurt.” Warner,” Houston said. “Kids yond to help me gave me the he visited the Richmond credible alternatives to vio- five young men from North Now Houston understands from different sides of the feeling that I hadn’t lost so Project at San Quentin State lence. Some of the Office of Richmond with five rivals that anger is a secondary city all played on the same much, that I was going to be Prison. From inside, Houston Neighborhood Safety tech- from South Richmond. emotion fueled by pain and team. I had a good relation- all right.” worked to make Richmond niques involve street out- “Transformative travel sadness. ship with a lot of people from Houston, who is now mar- safer while serving 15-to-life reach, transformative travel gets young people to see “To release emotions like different areas. Even at SQ, it ried and has a son, has this for second-degree murder. and both referring the youth something different,” Hous- that in front of men...was life- bridged a lot of gaps; people I advice for the men awaiting a As the chairman of the to different resources, walk- ton said. changing,” Houston said. wouldn’t have otherwise met, release date: Richmond Project, he led in- ing them through the process Young men who have been He currently works with even though it’s such a small “Come out knowing that carcerated residents from ri- of obtaining help, and pay- in the program for at least the Insight Prison Project place.” it’s not the ‘pink cloud.’ val Richmond neighborhoods ing stipends for meeting life nine months can receive a (IPP) to create a VOEG cur- Houston talked about his Know that you still have to in a think tank that met with goals. stipend between $300-$1,000 riculum for the youth in Rich- views toward community apply yourself and it’s going city officials. They posed so- “Every day I go out into for reaching milestones on mond. before, during, and after his to be hard work; there will lutions to street violence. the neighborhood and look their “life maps,” a list of “It’s a little bit different: release. be hurdles. To the Richmond “Because San Quentin and for ways to support them with goals set to achieve a produc- some of the youths haven’t Before: “When it feels like Project: if you ever get out, Richmond are so close, and resources,” Houston said. “I tive life. Sacramento is now committed a crime,” Houston you’re not a part of the com- you know you got a job.” there was all that violence go- enjoy what I do. From the adopting the program, Hous- said. “I’m focused on some of munity, it makes it easier to —Katie Wolffe ing on, especially when it was men (inside), I’ve learned that ton said. the things that they consider paint the picture that like, the contributed to this story Retired NFL Player Devon Still visits SQ Just weeks after Defensive my body living my dream his leg. It took him a year to Lineman Devon Still retired and take away from my kid’s recover, but the injury ended from the National Football dreams?” his NFL dreams. League at 28 years old, he Still spoke about how foot- He realized he couldn’t visited San Quentin State ball prepared him to be a mo- rehab with a typical resis- Prison to record an episode tivational speaker and help tance band because of his in- for his new podcast, Unde- save his daughter. jury. Todd, a personal fitness feated. ”Basically ... every les- trainer, designed his own at- Undefeated features the son we learned in sports we tached to a vest, and he mass stories of people who over- can apply in life,” Still said. markets it under Total Resis- came huge obstacles. “That’s what I taught my tance. Scheduled for the first sea- daughter. She didn’t know “Once I found what my son is Curtis “Wall Street” how to beat cancer. Football true calling would be, I Carroll, whose TED talk re- was conditioning me to think didn’t care about football,” ceived more than 2.8 million a certain way. I conditioned the CEO/co-owner said. “Af- views. my girl to think like an ath- ter that, I put the same energy “His TED talk caught my lete, and it worked.” into the fitness lifestyle. Peo- attention,” Still said. “I work His daughter is in her third ple can make millions of dol- with a lot of people who are year of remission. The expe- lars by selling water bottles, trapped mentally. To see rience has brought Still clos- by convincing you that their someone in prison so free— er to God. water bottle is better than you can always find the good He went on to say that you your water bottle.” in any situation as long as must prepare your mind for Todd mentioned that he you change how you think.” the success you want so when Googled San Quentin before Still proceeded to inter- your chance comes, you will arriving. view Carroll, digging into be prepared to accept and “What you see on TV his upbringing on the streets Photo by Adnan Khan make the most of that chance. clearly ain’t real to me now,” of Oakland. Alexandra Diaz, Charlie Todd, Anna Pons, Devon Still, Corey Pinkney and Tamara Reyes “Don’t make these per- Todd said. “Now that I kind Carroll shared that his manent decisions because of of see what’s going on, I mother and grandmother the events. Selling his jersey raised fifth major injury, he decid- temporary circumstances,” knew it. I met people 10 were addicted to drugs, so no Still commented, “To see more than $1 million, and the ed to retire and use what he Still said. “I had to put in 13 times smarter than me; I’m one held him accountable as this kind of turnout at Wall Bengals re-signed him, just learned as an athlete to be a years of work for no money to feeling stupid. I just want to he ran the streets. His peers Street’s class—that’s moti- so he could have medical in- motivational speaker with his make it to the league. Players listen.” praised him for committing vating to me. That changes surance for his daughter. own business called Still in play until the clock hits zero.” Still valued himself over crimes, and he eventually the way I look at life.” Ultimately Still received the Game. Later Todd told his story: the money he made playing landed in prison. Once incar- When Still was inter- an Espy award for his work “I grew up thinking foot- While a college football football. cerated, he took an interest in viewed, he spoke of the piv- for children with cancer. ball was the only way to player, Todd showed out at “Trump has said he made the stock market. He was mo- otal event in his life: A week He returned to the foot- make money, but I don’t have his pro-day before scouts. $600 mill one year and to all tivated to learn to read in or- after he and his wife were ball field as a Houston Texan to beat my body up,” Still That night he celebrated by his friends that wasn’t a lot der to study the market. After baptized, doctors diagnosed while his daughter’s cancer said. “If I didn’t go through drinking at clubs in Phila- of money and I’m risking my making money on his first his daughter with cancer. was in remission. Early in the the injuries, I would still delphia. When he left the body for $2 mill,” Still said. successful trade, he began Still gained notoriety season, he ripped a ligament want to play. But with the party, a car flipped over and “We risking our body and it’s to see himself as a financial when he walked away from in his foot, which required injuries, how could I beat up smashed into him, breaking their entertainment. wizard and so became one. the Cincinnati Bengals to be screws. While healing, he “I grew up thinking foot- His focus evolved to teaching by his 4-year-old daughter’s contemplated his next move. ball was the only way to financial empowerment and side. The distraught 6-foot- Injuries had haunted Still make money, but I don’t have emotional literacy to others. 5 man cried in front of his his whole career. At Penn to beat my body up. We think On Jan. 12, Still walked teammates and on camera. State, he blew out his knee. football is a career, but it’s an through the Lower Yard He couldn’t focus on football Doctors thought he wouldn’t opportunity. What can I do with Charlie Todd and Co- and had to break away. make it back, but he did. As to make sure I’m making this rey Pinkney—two friends of In sharing his pain, he cre- a Bengal, he dislocated his kind of money when foot- his from Wilmington, Del., ated a movement not only elbow. Once healed, he then ball is over? It’s believing in where Still was raised, to about his daughter’s life but blew out his back in a game yourself.” visit Carroll’s class. also for other kids fighting against the Steelers. Next, he Addressing his audience, The day ended with Car- cancer. Showing his vulner- suffered from blood clots. he urged, “You have to train roll interviewing both Still ability created an atmosphere “Nothing was going right,” your mind to be outside these and Todd before 70 students where people felt safe enough Still said. “I worked hard to walls. If you don’t have a at the Financial Literacy to share their traumatic expe- get to that level but never got plan, you are going to be class. Pinkney, of House of riences on his social media to enjoy it.” Photo by Adnan Khan right back here.” Visionz, helped video-record pages. After he healed from his Curtis “Wall Street” Carroll interviewed by Devon Still –Rahsaan Thomas March 2018 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 19 The Religion of Sports reaches behind the wall

By Rahsaan Thomas killed his best friend. He was though he didn’t play baseball. Staff Writer subsequently incarcerated for “The walls don’t just keep manslaughter. people in; they keep people Sports is a religion accord- “When he played baseball, out,” Mutch said “The best ing to Tom Brady, Michael he was a sophomore playing thing you can do as a prisoner Strahan and the other produc- with the seniors,” Branden’s is throw tethers over the wall. ers of The Religion of Sports dad, Doug Joerger, said. “He The more people that see the TV series. On Jan. 9, The Reli- was that good. He might have lives locked up in prison, the gion of Sports screened an epi- had a chance at a higher level.” more people will ask about sode at San Quentin featuring Now Riddle-Terrel, pitches the things being done in their Forty-Niner Pastor Earl Smith, for the SQ A’s as he pays for name. formerly incarcerated legends his mistakes. “I was always eager to like Marvin Mutch, current “It’s therapeutic coming out have people come in. I believe San Quentin A’s players and here,” Riddle-Terrel, said. in sports programs. I never their families. Chris “Stretch” Rich pitched bought into the boundaries. In The documentary, produced for the San Quentin baseball 1975 there were a lot of bound- by NFL icons Brady and Stra- program before he paroled af- aries, until baseball crossed han (who didn’t attend but sent ter serving 21 years. His broth- those boundaries.” best wishes) along with Go- er, a police chief, supported The question came up as to tham Chopra, Chris Uttwiller, him the whole time. what wasn’t shown in the one- Gattanella and Giselle Parets, In society, C. Rich went hour film. makes the case that sports is a astray after a freak accident “The life I was living, I de- religion. Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News cracked his chin and destroyed served a life sentence,” said “Baseball is the religion; it a promising baseball career. In Riddle-Terrel, who is serving is the faith,” said Chopra, ex- Branden Riddle-Terrel, Marvin Mutch, producer Mike Gattanella and John “Dunnie” Windham prison, he found light on the 11 years. “What wasn’t shown ecutive producer and creator of diamond. in this story is: you have thou- the series. “Sports is universal. Terrel, Chris “Stretch” Rich you no longer have to be what anything from an incarcerated “Some of my best games sands of inmates in the state of Every religion, every race, ev- and Mutch. others think of you.” person and two: the staff do were here, and some of my last California that are doing life ery lifestyle—baseball brings Smith, who resurrected the Windham, Riddle-Terrel not negotiate for the return of games were here,” Rich said for something they should have them all together.” baseball program when he was and Rich shared their crimes, hostages. Mutch, the other formerly been home for.” Executive Producer Uttwill- a minister at San Quentin, pro- remorse and how baseball From there, the film avoids incarcerated man featured, Someone asked how the er added, “I think sports is vided perspective. played a role in helping them the typical “Lockup” sensa- served 41 years in prison on a producers kept from sensation- more inclusive than religion.” “My job as a minister was cope and better themselves. tionalism by digging into past seven-to-life sentence. For 38 alizing the film. The Thomas Leach-directed to give guys a sense of hope, The movie opens with SQ issues that contributed to the of those years, he represented “We had an amazing leader documentary is told through a sense of light, and baseball baseball sponsor Elliot Smith crimes committed and the re- incarcerated people before the and partner, DirecTV, that al- glimpse into the lives of four does that,” Smith said. “Big warning a visiting team about habilitation. administration as a member of lowed us to tell the show,” characters: John “Dunnie” games transform people. It the rules for entering a prison. Windham’s journey from the Inmate Advisory Board. Co-Executive Producer Parets Windham, Branden Riddle- gives you a sense of hope that One: you can’t give or accept troubled latch-key kid to aid- Mutch still fights for incar- said. “Sam (Robinson) and Bill ing in a homicide focuses on cerated people as the director Sessa really paved the way; how baseball helped him inter- of advocacy for the Prison Re- we never thought we would be act with folks from all walks entry Network. able to have a screening inside of life. While he didn’t play base- San Quentin.” Windham walks the viewers ball, he said he did help to get Uttwiller added, “Being able around a yard self-segregated the field put in through bring- to tell authentic stories—we by race and onto a baseball ing Metallica into the prison. can only do that when people diamond, where all races play The rock band donated $10,000 are authentic with us. You guys together as one team. to make it happen. really opened up in a world “Baseball is my way of heal- In the film, Mutch provided you might be more guarded ing,” Windham, a power hit- a philosophical view by com- in. That took strength and vul- ter, said in the film. “You want paring prison to Plato’s Alle- nerability. We use sports as a us out on that field because it gory of the Cave. background. Interesting stories builds community.” He attended the film screen- is the tapestry for it.” His sister talked about ing in the Protestant Chapel After seeing the movie, SQ growth. and participated in a question- baseball player Trevor Bird ap- “He was 18 when it hap- and-answer session along with proached a producer and said, pened,” Kathy Williams said. Windham, Riddle-Terrel and “Seeing film of the Pirates “He was a child, but he grew Producer Mike Gattanella. playing at San Quentin from into this amazing man behind San Quentin Public In- another prison kept me walk- bars.” formation Officer Lt. Sam ing the straight and narrow for Riddle-Terrel shared the Robinson fielded the first few the possibility of getting to San night he broke his mother and questions. He asked producer Quentin to play baseball. Now Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News father’s heart by going into Gattanella how his precon- the possibility has become a Lt. Robinson, Branden Riddle-Terrel, Marvin Mutch, Mike Gattanella, Gotham Chopra, a drug-and-alcohol-induced ceived perceptions evolved reality, and seeing this film John “Dunnie” Windham, Chris Uttwiller and Giselle Parets blackout during which he over the course of filming the brought it full circle.” documentary. Windham revealed that he “From the start everybody saw the film just in time. The was friendly and open,” Gat- next day, he was shipped to ‘Future of SQ Warriors’ learned to play in prison tanella said. “And I’m like, all Jamestown, a minimum-secu- right, who’s trying to play me? rity prison, which he views as San Quentin Warrior Mon- players. G.S. General Man- I became comfortable after a one step closer to home. trell Vines goes by many ager Bob Myers, Assistant couple of days. Once we talked “It’s the best documentary nicknames on the basketball GM Kirk Lacob and Ben to John and Branden, I knew I’ve seen yet,” said SQ’s in- court. Some people call him Draa came in occasionally on it was going to be awesome. carcerated play-by-play an- “Mad Defense” for his lock- Saturdays to play against the This is my favorite thing that nouncer Aaron “Showtime” down dee. Other’s call him SQ Kings over-40 basketball I put together. I never expected Taylor. “The honesty and raw “Jack that thing up” for his team. Originally, they sched- that.” emotion… that was raw— quick release three-point at- uled NBA Hall of Famer Mark Riddle-Terrel was asked probably the best documentary tempts. His coach, Rafael Jackson to come in with them how it felt to see how much he representing who we are as a Cuevas, calls him the future and play against the Kings, let his dad down. whole.” of the team. What many peo- until Wright got wind of the “It was a reminder of the Gattanella said, “My big- ple don’t know is that Vines game. let down and how much he re- gest fear was putting together never played basketball on the “I convinced them that they ally does love me and what he something that wasn’t honest. streets. should play the Warriors be- thought of me as a kid,” Rid- It felt like a responsibility…it’s “I learned to play basket- cause we’re the better team,” dle-Terrel said. “We still have having an effect. It’s at a film ball in prison,” Vines said. “I said Wright. “When Duck a future ahead of us and just festival in Montana. I don’t never thought I would make (Orlando Harris, coach of the because we let someone down care if it wins; that you guys the team, then I did and I got Kings) found out, he agreed doesn’t mean they stay down liked it is all that matters.” to foul Mark Jackson a few Photo by Sam Hearnes - SQ News with me. We added a couple of forever.” The Religion of Sports airs times.” Montrell Vines (#7) looks as Mark Jackson cries foul in 2012 his players to make it like an Mike Adam asked Mutch on DirecTV Audience Net- Vines’ upbringing didn’t all-star game.” what motivated him to be work and, internationally, on include a path to the blacktop. brother, Alvin McEldry, in “He went on a visit and In 2012, the SQ Warriors part of the documentary, even Netflix. He grew up without a father 2001, and his mother, Patricia missed tryouts,” said former became the prison team, rep- figure. His mother raised six Vines, in 2008. SQ Warriors’ Coach Daniel resenting San Quentin in the kids, with Vines being the old- “Basketball is a stress re- “Bear” Wright. “I told him annual games against the est, in a low-income housing liever; when I’m on the court, he could come to ‘hell week’ Golden State Warriors coach- project in San Francisco’s Bay nothing else exists,” Vines practice. I didn’t believe he es and front office staff. View Area. He dropped out of said. “It’s therapy. It’s crazy would make the team, but he Vines has played every year high school in the 10th grade that I came to prison and came and worked hard. I love since he made the team, even and sold drugs. Caught up in found that out.” his game and his positive at- when new Warriors coach the fast life, he said he didn’t He started developing his titude.” Cuevas took over in 2017. play games. game where most people just Vines said, “It meant a lot to Cuevas views Vines, Jessy His lifestyle resulted in a learning how to play do—on me. I appreciate him (Wright) Blue and point guard Tyrell conviction for attempted mur- the defensive end. He out-hus- for giving me a chance to be Price Sr. as the future of the der. Vines started playing bas- tles and harasses opponents. a part of this organization. team. ketball at Pelican Bay Prison, From there, his game devel- Nobody has ever done that “I expect him (Vines) to on the mainline, back in 2001. oped a long-range shot. for me. It’s just amazing. I’ll step into a bigger role as a He used basketball as a When he arrived at SQ in never forget.” leader and player this year,” way to cope with the stress 2012, he wanted to play for the Making the Warriors Cuevas said. “He’s well on his of serving a life sentence and Warriors but almost missed wasn’t supposed to include way to doing so.” Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News dealing with the passing of his out. playing against Golden State –Rahsaan Thomas Tommy Wickerd and Branden Riddle-Terrel watching the screening Page 20 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com March 2018 Prison’s newspaper celebrates 100th edition By Kate Wolffe UC Berkeley Contributing Writer

When the San Quentin News was revived nearly 10 years ago, a staff of five put together a four-page issue and distributed it to 5,000 inmates inside the prison. Today, the newspaper has a circulation of 30,000, distrib- uted across 36 prisons across the state as well as to indi- vidual inmates in 43 states. In addition to news stories and features, the paper includes Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News a crossword puzzle, cartoon, Steve and Kay McNamara’s family at the event book reviews and columns. San Quentin News staff, volunteers and supporters in and outside of the prison cel- ebrated the publication of its 100th issue in a sun-drenched Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News hall at the Protestant Chapel Supporters, volunteers and advisors honored for their contributions to and for the SQ News in late January. the benefit of inmates sharing The pews were removed information. In the last de- for the evening and replaced cade alone, the paper has sur- with small tables, decorated vived numerous challenges with shiny, gold and blue cen- including the print shop shut- terpieces. Outside guests and ting down, limited funding, a friends of San Quentin News 45-day suspension, and tight mingled with blue uniform- deadlines to work around clad inmates and prison of- lockdowns. ficials. More than 200 guests Sawyer also spoke about attended the event. Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News the advisers, donors, vol- Aly Tamboura and Harry Hemphill after the event Editor-in-Chief Richard unteers and fellow prison “Bonaru” Richardson opened media, who helped the staff justice system, and a program the event by honoring Warden reach the milestone. In 2014, to bring awareness to prison Ron Davis with a plaque for the San Quentin News won culture. his support of the newspaper. the James Madison Freedom In an interview after the The warden shared a story of Information Award from event, Marisa Rodriguez, of how he had visited the the Society of Professional assistant district attorney newsroom during his first Journalists, which the staff and director of community week on the job three years belong to. “We’ve become, in relations for San Francisco ago, and the staff had spoken Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News effect, a professional journal- County, expressed a desire to him about wanting their Michael Bott, Kate Wolffe and Yukari Kane watching the event ism organization,” Sawyer to further strengthen the re- newspaper to be distributed said. lationship between the dis- in every prison in California. because every story, every tion by Associate Editor Kev- Some of the men, who have trict attorney’s office and the A short while later after at- achievement, every mile- in D. Sawyer, the paper first worked for the newspaper, people incarcerated in the tending a wardens’ meeting, stone, every accomplishment, began in the 1920s as a news- have gone onto be criminal state. San Francisco district he convinced the other war- every step the San Quentin letter under the name Wall justice advocates after their attorney George Gascón had dens to allow the paper inside News makes is because of City News. It got shut down release. The crowd applauded been one of the first to partici- their prisons. you.” once in the mid-1930s and when Sawyer spoke about the pate in the district attorney’s Richardson told a story of Television staff member then again in the mid-1980s zero percent recidivism rate forum started by Garcia in a childhood bereft of love and Eric Phillips also spoke about when the U.S. Supreme Court of former staffers. 2012. Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News a criminal history that began what his involvement with ruled that prisoner-run news- The joy in the room, how- “We want to continue the Lisa Adams when he was just 10 years old. the newspaper has meant to papers could not be censored ever, was also accompanied dialogue so the criminal jus- “Today, as I stand before him. “We never thought that by prison administrations. by an undertone of grief as tice system is working not you as editor-in-chief of a we could be here,” he said. In April 2008, then-warden the community mourned the only for society, but also for newspaper that so many peo- “It shows that we can go any- Robert Ayers Jr. decided to absence of former editor-in- those affected by it,” said Ro- ple are invested in, I am hum- where.” take a chance and revive the chief Arnulfo T. Garcia, who driguez. bled,” he said. “I am humbled According to a presenta- newspaper because he saw died in a car accident last Also in attendance was September. Garcia’s family Richard Alden Feldon, the represented him at the cer- director of programs and a emony. board member for the Jona- “He would want us to move than Logan Family Founda- forward and I will move for- tion, which granted $250,000 ward with him with me,” to the San Quentin News over Richardson said after a trib- the past two years. The fund- ute video was shown in his ing has allowed the newspa- memory. per to plan its long-term vi- During the ceremony, for- sion and expansion plans. mer warden Ayers challenged “We empower world- the staff to be a news agency changing work, and we think of integrity that challenges San Quentin News is a world- the status quo and changes changing newspaper,” said the prison mentality in ad- Feldon. dition to the public’s percep- tion of criminal justice. “A Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News medium like the San Quentin Nick Garcia, Angela Seven, Arturo Garcia and Carmelita Vargas News can be a conduit for Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News change,” he said. Marcus Henderson Managing Editor Jesse Vasquez shared plans for upcoming projects such as a Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News forum with law enforcement, Richard “Bonaru” Richardson a newsletter for the juvenile

Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News File Photo Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Photo by Eddie Herena - SQ News Kevin Sawyer Eddie Herena and David le SQ News staff and writers answering questions Artist Bruce Fowler Jesse Vasquez