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THE PULSE OF SAN QUENTIN Award Winner VOL. 2015 NO. 4 April 2015 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 3,858 The Last Mile Presents The ‘Future of Work’

Photo courtesy of CDCR Women prisoners in the middle of a long day Women Prisoners On Fire Lines By Adnan Khan fires and clear potential fuel Photo by Harold Meeks Journalism Guild Writer for future blazes. Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, (A) Warden Ron Davis “We wouldn’t be able to do and Chief Deputy Warden Kelly Mitchell at the Last Mile Graduation Wearing orange pants and this without them,” said Ste- vests marked CDCR, an all- phen Scatolini, restoration By Juan Haines 300 business executives, public cepts were developed from the women inmate crew is help- Managing Editor safety offi cials and fellow in- entrepreneurs’ experiences of ing California fight forest See Women on Page 4 mates on March 27. what was lacking in their own Inmate entrepreneurs en- The presenters’ business environments growing up. rolled in The Last Mile, an concepts were all phone ap- “I wish I’d had something to Change Should Start entrepreneurship training pro- plications that focused on such help me understand my emo- gram at San Quentin State topics as youth empowerment, tions then,” said participant Prison, presented their business culture preservation and fi re- While Incarcerated proposals to an audience of arm safety. Many of the con- See Last Mile’s on Page 10 ‘You need to start working on Gov. Brown Gets Second yourself while still in prison’ Chance to Reshape Courts By Chung Kao court, the California Supreme E. Bird, to the California Su- Staff Writer Court, according to The New preme Court. Bird had never York Times. served as a judge and, along Gov. Jerry Brown has had his In his fi rst term, nearly 40 with two other judges Brown second chance to reshape the years ago, Brown appointed the nation’s most infl uential state fi rst female chief justice, Rose See Governor on Page 7

File Photo Douglas Butler By James R. Abernathy Jr. start when you get out, that Journalism Guild Writer won’t work, Douglas But- ler recently told members of If you want to change your the San Quentin Journalism life, you need to start work- Guild. ing on yourself while still in “You have to practice in prison, a former cop-turned- here, right now, to get clean convict-turned-counselor ad- Photo courtesy of CDCR Photo courtesy of CDCR Photo courtesy of CDCR and sober,” he added. vised a group of inmate writ- Butler served seven years Justice Justice Justice ers. Mariano-Florentino Cuellar Leondra Kruger Goodwin Liu If you think change will See Changing on Page 8 Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2015 Inside Edition #67 Father Williams Shares His Women Prisoners 1 Sen. question pris. plan 8 The Last Mile Presents 1 Single-drug execution 8 Views of God and Other Regions Change while incar. 1 PUP’s Art History Class 9 By Gino Sevacos fundamentalism in any reli- San Quentin is the people in it Gov. Brown gets chance 1 Arts & Entertainment 12 Journalism Guild Writer gion that ends up creating a god – both those wearing blue and Father Williams’ views 2 An ‘OG’s’ Perspective 13 in our image – a.k.a. an idol. those wearing green. Inmates await sentencing 3 PIA jobs lead to careers 13 This is the second half of an People become like the God I have found the staff here S.F. Jails 3 Brian Arnold passes 13 interview with Father George they worship, so if they worship easy to work with and very 67% favors drug treat. 3 Kid CAT Speaks 14 Williams, the Catholic Chap- an intolerant, punishing, judge- professional. In Massachu- lain for San Quentin. in-the-sky kind of god, then it setts, they looked at chaplains A.G. Support reduce sen. 3 Book Review 15 Would you share your view is no wonder they end up being (and sometimes with good rea- L.A. D.A. expects suit 4 Asked On The Line 15 of the various faiths represent- intolerant, vengeful and judg- son) with suspicion and dis- Offi cer Davis retires 5 Movie Review 15 ed here at San Quentin? mental in their own lives. Fear trust. Here I have felt welcome Alliance for Change 5 Yard Talk 16 One of my ancestors was a of God isn’t about being afraid and have been treated as a col- Editorial 6 Back in the Days 16 Puritan pastor named Roger of God; it’s about honoring and league, not a nuisance. Scrutiny of death pen. 6 News Briefs 17 Williams. respecting the power of God as The men in blue who I en- He left the narrow counter most often Letter to the Editor 6 Sports 18 and intolerant Puri- are a pleasure to Brown signs bill 7 Sports 19 tan church in Bos- work with – there Elderly pris. early parole 7 Icon Alfredo Santos 20 ton (well, he was aren’t a lot of dif- sort of kicked out ferences with the UUNIVERSITYNIVERSITY OFOF CALIFORNIA,CALIFORNIA, BERKELEYBERKELEY of it) and moved to guys here and those what is now Rhode I knew in Massa- GGraduateraduate SSchoolchool ooff JJournalismournalism Island (he founded chusetts, except of the city of Provi- course no one here dence) and created a speaks with a wick- place that welcomed ed “Bastin” accent. people from other I have enjoyed religious denomina- working with men tions and faiths. on Death Row too. He was way ahead That is a place of Prisoners United in the Craft of Journalism of his time – Provi- contrasts. There In collaboration with students from the dence offered to are deep and trou- provide sanctuary bling shadows there to Jews and Quak- – spiritually it is ers, even Catholics, a dark place – but while back in Mas- there is also light sachusetts they were and humor and hu- hanging people for manity there – and witchcraft in Salem. that outweighs the (Another one of my heaviness and dark- ancestors was ac- ness of the place. cused of witchcraft In your opinion, BEHIND THE SCENES but was found not what is good and The San Quentin News is printed by Marin Sun Printing, guilty!) bad about the crimi- San Rafael, with donations from supporters. Anyway, Roger nal justice system? Williams was a I think we have to We Want To Hear tolerant man with own up to the insti- San an open mind. I ei- tutionalized racism From You! ther inherited those in our criminal jus- The San Quentin News Quentin genes or I am just tice system. That’s encourages inmates, inspired to follow the most obvious free staff, custody staff, News his example in my fl aw I think and volunteers and others outside life. I have always because of it many the institution to submit Current and past copies of the been interested in lives and commu- articles. All submissions San Quentin News are posted how other people nities have been become property of the online at: view God – and I disrupted and dam- San Quentin News. (www.sanquentinnews. believe there is good aged. com) Please use the following and truth in every I’m working on a criteria when submitting: (www.fl ickr.com/photos/ sanquentinnews) faith tradition. Ph.D. now in crimi- • Limit your articles to no I believe Jesus nal justice. I started more than 350 words. Permission is granted to reprint ar- ticles appearing in the San Quentin Christ is the savior in 2007, when I was • Know that articles will be Photo by Sam Hearnes edited for content and length. News provided credit is given to the of the world – but in Boston, long be- • The newspaper is not a author and this publication, except God can save people Father George Williams in front of the Chapel fore I knew I’d be medium to fi le grievances. for articles reprinted herein from through him without out here. Our pris- (For that, use the prison other publications. necessarily adopting ons could be more appeals process.) We Christianity – in other words, something so much greater than humane places than they gener- Administrative Review encourage submitting God’s mercy extends to all peo- our own power. ally are (San Quentin being an articles that are newsworthy Warden’s Offi ce ...... Lt. S. Robinson ple who live and follow their I think that is why I found exception) – and it’s a serious and encompass issues ...... Sgt. Chris Siino faith tradition with devotion. So the late Bo Lozoff such a good problem that we imprison so that will have an impact CDCR Public Information Offi cer ...... for me, it’s not about needing to teacher. I knew Bo well and many of our people – way more on the prison populace...... K. Khokhobashvili convert people to Catholicism, am still in contact with his than any other advanced coun- • Please do not use Adviser ...... Joan Lisetor even though I think there is wife, Sita. He modeled for me tries do. offensive language in Adviser ...... Linda Xiques great beauty and wisdom in my a love of God that respected all My impression of correc- your submissions. Adviser ...... Jennifer Lyons faith tradition. people’s spiritual path as some- tions workers is that they do • Poems and art work Adviser ...... John C. Eagan For me, it is more important thing holy and good. the best job they can – but the (cartoons and drawings) Adviser ...... Steve McNamara to help men here come to know Not all paths are straight public seems uninformed and are welcomed. Adviser ...... William Drummond God as they understand God – paths, but Bo taught, and I be- oblivious to many of the issues • Letters to the editor should Adviser ...... Jon Spurlock and to deepen their spiritual around prisons. be short and to the point. lieve, that all paths, when lived connection with the Divine. with Catholicism – the word I think too that starting in Send Submissions to: S. Q. News Staff I believe that God draws all Catholic means “universal” – the 1980s the U.S. went on a CSP - San Quentin Editor-in-Chief ..... Arnulfo T. Garcia of us closer to him and to the that doesn’t mean we believe prison binge that was fueled by Education Dept. / SQ News Managing Editor ...... Juan Haines truth as long as our hearts are any or everything that others a cynical political “get tough 1 Main Street Deputy Editor ...... R. Malik Harris open to receive that love and believe, that is impossible – but on crime” mentality that has San Quentin, CA 94964 Journalism Guild Chairman ...... truth. it does mean that we see in hu- not served our society well. To receive a mailed ...... Kevin D. Sawyer So if a guy is Muslim, I manity, a universal longing for So fairly radical change has to copy of the San Quentin News, send $1.61 worth of Staff Writer ...... Miguel Quezada would want him to be the best union with God. happen – but I imagine it will stamps for postage to: Staff Writer ...... Emile DeWeaver Muslim he can be, same for What’s good about San take time for us as a society to Staff Writer ...... Chung Kao Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Quentin and what needs to be fi gure a way out of it. San Quentin News Staff Writer ...... Westley Eisiminger Mormons, Hindus or what- changed? I see many hopeful signs 1 Main Street Sports Editor ...... Rahsaan Thomas ever faith group you can imag- I have always been impressed though – such as the changes San Quentin, CA 94974 Photographer ...... Sam Hearnes ine. The key is that the person with the number and quality of in the Three Strikes law and The process can be repeated Independent Researcher ..... R. Lindsey needs to be willing to be open programs here – it makes the the way that a lot more lifers every month if you want to Graphic Designer ...... Phoeun You to the power of love in his life. place much more humane than are getting a chance for parole, receive the latest newspaper. Design Editor ..... Richard Richardson The danger to the spiritual other prisons I worked in back which wasn’t possible only a life is any kind of excessive East. But the best thing about few years back. April 2015 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 3 Report: 4 in 10 County Jail Inmates Await Sentencing

By Charles David Henry est jail jurisdictions held 3 and June 30, 2013),” it was re- Journalism Guild Writer percent of all jail jurisdic- ported. tions…Combined, these jail During a 12-month period, In a report published by the jurisdictions accounted for local jails processed 11.7 mil- Office of Justice Programs 18 percent of all inmates. Jail lion inmates. The report not- Bureau of Justice Statistics, jurisdictions with an aver- ed, “The number of persons nationwide, “Four in 10 [jail] age daily population of 250 admitted in 2013 was 16 times inmates were sentenced of- to 999 inmates accounted for the size of the average daily fenders or convicted offenders 17 percent of all jail jurisdic- population (731,352).” awaiting sentencing.” White tions, but held 31 percent of all At the end of June 2013, inmates were 47 percent, inmates at midyear 2013,” the more than a third of inmates blacks represented 36 percent report said. admitted were sent to the larg- and Hispanics comprised 15 est jails. According to the re- File Photo percent of the male popula- port, “In comparison, jail ju- San Francisco County Jail tion incarcerated by the end of “The number of risdictions holding fewer than June 2013. 50 inmates accounted for 7 About six out of 10 jail in- persons admitted percent of all jail admissions. mates were not convicted dur- For these jails, the number S.F. Jail Explores ing this period but were incar- in 2013 was 16 of inmates admitted was 34 cerated awaiting court action times the size times the size of the ADP.” on a current charge, a rate un- The female inmate popula- Restorative Justice changed since 2005. The re- of the average tion increased 10.9 percent port said, “The majority of the daily population (up 10,000 inmates) between By Tommy Bryant for the shower and toilet areas. jail inmates were held in less midyear 2010 and 2013, an av- Journalism Guild Writer Instructor Barb Toews, a re- than 10 percent of the jails. (731,352)” erage of 1 percent each year storative justice practitioner, The largest jails (those with between 2005 and 2013. A jail in San Francisco is conducted a 13-inmate work- an average daily population of California jails experienced exploring a new concept in shop at a Pennsylvania prison, 1,000 or more inmates) held “The average daily popula- an increase of approximately criminal justice called restor- with most participants having 48 percent of the inmate pop- tion (ADP) is derived by the 12,000 inmates between mid- ative justice – an alternative committed murder. The men ulation at midyear 2013 but sum of inmates in jail each year 2011 and midyear 2013 to traditional criminal justice were defensive and reluctant accounted for 6 percent of all day for a year, divided by the following the passage of the that focuses on healing vic- to share their feelings. She jail jurisdictions nationwide.” number of days in the year California Public Safety Re- tims and offenders alike. asked, “What would a room “In comparison, the small- (i.e., between July 1, 2012, alignment. “The most important thing look like where you could face is to be accountable, but in anything you’ve done and be order to work on yourself, you accountable for it” Togeth- 67% in U.S. Favor Treatment have to be comfortable,” said er they created a vision and Christopher Gillis, 44, facing called it “Do No Harm” room. murder and commercial bur- Designer Deanna VanBuren Over Jail for Drug Users glary charges. encourages big architectural Gillis was one of 48 men en- firms to hold similar work- By Wesley R. Eisiminger vor and 32 percent against. panics favor treatment. rolled in a four-day restorative shops, “The goal is to empow- Staff Writer U.S. drug policy is at a piv- On the issue of marijuana, justice workshop focusing on er those inside the institutions otal time of national debate Pew reports about 76 percent jail design, the Los Angeles and prod architects to actually Sixty-seven percent of on how to deal with drug of Americans say if marijua- Times reported Aug. 19. talk to the people they are de- Americans favor drug treat- abuse. A bipartisan effort in na is not legalized, the pen- “I feel an extra sense of signing for” because “that’s ment rather than jail or prison Congress would give federal alty for possession of small purpose today,” said Lamar how an architect would prac- for non-violent drug users, a judges discretion for sentenc- amounts should not be jail Paschall, 32, charged with tice in any other setting.” Pew Research Center report ing low-level cases that now time, compared with 22 per- kidnapping, rape and robbery. Critics of restorative justice concludes. require lengthy mandatory cent favoring jail time. “Hopefully this can become contend the process could lead “The public appears ready sentences. “The federal government’s fruitful and turn into some- to disparate remedies, making for a truce in the long-run- annual survey on drug use in thing real down the line.” some victim organizations and ning war on drugs,” the Pew the United States finds that The workshop was for men hard-line prosecutors reject it. report says. “The public the use of illicit drugs has awaiting trial in the San Fran- Nonetheless, the practice has Just 26 percent of Ameri- increased over the past de- cisco jail who agreed to par- spread globally. cans think the government’s appears ready cade, in part because of a rise ticipate in a program called Theorist Howard Zehr pro- focus should be on prosecut- in marijuana use,” the report “Resolve to Stop the Vio- moted restorative justice con- ing users of illegal drugs such for a truce in the says. lence.” cepts in the 1970s. As con- as heroin and cocaine. long-running “The government treats This workshop allows them sensus builds that traditional The Pew report issued in marijuana as an illicit drug; to explore their feelings about criminal justice models are April says the public is now war on drugs” marijuana is now legal for the system that landed them failing to prevent recidivism, looking at treatment of drug medicinal use in 18 states and there. VanBuren and fellow instruc- users as a change in the long- the District of Columbia and Regarding jail design, An- tor Toews, an academic, have running war on drugs. The Pew report says 81 per- for recreational use in two thony Pratt, 29, pictures an joined a small chorus of de- The report says the public cent of blacks want the gov- others (Colorado and Wash- airy room with a skylight to al- signers, researchers, judges has positive views of doing ernment to focus on treatment ington).” low for sunlight and a fountain and wardens calling for new away with mandatory jail of illegal drug users. The eth- The Pew survey was con- with cascading waterfalls to spaces to match the tenets of times for non-violent drug nic difference is 66 percent of ducted in February among represent resilience. He added restorative justice, the Times crimes, with 63 percent in fa- whites and 61 percent of His- 1,821 adults. windows and privacy barriers reported. Attorney General Eric Holder Supports Obama’s Effort to Reduce Sentences for Nonviolent Offenders U.S. Attorney General Eric makers. really based on social justice.” other skills that would help criminal justice debate by ap- Holder, with support from The meeting was arranged He contends that “hoped-for them make their voices heard. pealing to the compassion and President Obama, “created by the U.S. Attorney General reduction is not as farfetched common sense of Americans. the federal reentry council Offi ce’s Interagency Reentry as it may seem, considering DIALOGUE According to The Crime in 2011 as part of an effort to Council to focus on equita- that New York state has cut its One of the offi cials at the Report, momentum for chang- reduce sentences for drug and ble sentencing and introduce prison population by about 25 meeting in Washington D.C. ing America’s sentencing and other nonviolent offenders, and Washington policymakers to percent over the last 18 years.” was Amy Solomon, a senior incarceration policies got a thereby reduce prison popula- the shareholders of nonprofi t Martin, who launched adviser at the U.S. Justice De- boost with a $50 million Open tions,” explained Katti Gray organizations like Just Leader- Leadership USA, hosted a partment, who administers Society Foundation grant to in an article for The Crime Re- ship USA. 10-month-long training for Holder’s federal reentry coun- the American Civil Liberties port. ex-inmates wanting to partici- cil. She “agrees that it’s impor- Union “for its efforts to tackle According to Gray, eight for- INTERVIEW pate in the national debate over tant that anyone with a stake in incarceration rates that have merly incarcerated persons and In an interview with Gray, crime, courts and corrections criminal justice be a part of the remained relatively steady offi cials from the Obama ad- former inmate Glenn Martin, policy and reform. Their train- dialogue about that system.” even as the nation’s crime rate ministration met in late Octo- who participated in the meet- ing focused on organizational Martin told Gray that Just overall has declined in recent ber to discuss America’s prison ing, said, “What we are ask- development, fundraising, Leadership USA’s mission is years.” crisis and tough-on-crime law- ing for is a system … that is marketing, public relations and to shift the paradigm of the –By Charles David Henry Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWSwww.sanquentinnews.com April 2015 L.A. County D.A. Expects Jail Overcrowding Lawsuit By Tommy Bryant next.” Sheriff’s Capt. Daniel Dyer gri- Journalism Guild Writer Imagine triple-stacked bunk maced during a recent inspec- beds spaced one foot apart with tion as he pointed out the men Los Angeles expects a law- toilets placed in the middle having to eat and sleep a few suit will challenge the over- rows without partitions. This feet from the toilets. “That’s crowding and poor conditions describes one of the temporary just wrong,” he said. in its jails resulting from Re- living quarters crammed with MCJ was built in 1963 and alignment, the county district more than 200 inmates at the has a long history of failing attorney says. Men’s Central Jail (MCJ) in pipes, rusted gates, broken “You know another lawsuit Los Angeles. doors, leaking sewage, failing is coming,” says L.A. District According to Christina Vil- air conditioning systems. Most Attorney Jackie Lacey. “We’re lacorte of the L.A. Daily News, of the businesses that produced replacement parts to repair these problems no longer exist. Juan Hernandez, a drug of- fender said, “Attitudes are popping off.” Another drug of- fender, Andy Gurule, said he preferred being homeless on the streets rather than being held at MCJ. Prison Realignment (AB 109) has pushed this overcrowd- ing to the point of forcing L.A. County to hold more than two or three state prison popula- tions. MCJ’s population was about 15,000 three years ago and it now holds 19,000 – 4,000 more than government regula- tions allow, the newspaper re- ported. Gov. Jerry Brown has created File Photo a crisis by requiring counties to L.A. District Attorney Jackie Lacey keep low-level offenders who were once shipped to a state prison, noted County Assistant crowded they violate the Con- molish the facility and build a Chief Executive Offi cer Ryan stitution’s ban on cruel and un- modern corrections facility on Alsop. usual punishment. that site, according to a recent The federal courts prompted The price tag to fi x the MCJ environmental study requested File Photo Realignment when California situation permanently is a by the county Board of Super- Los Angeles County jail sheriffs and prisoners prisons were declared so over- whopping $1.7 billion to de- visors. Women Firefi ghters Work Hard to Give Back to Society ‘We wouldn’t be able to do this without them,’ says State Parks offi cial Continued from Page 1 Lt. Harriet Woods. “We have a six-week program that in- specialist for California State cludes physical fitness, fire Parks, as the female workers suppression and emergency worked to clear dying Torrey response.” pine trees infested with bark The women on the crews are beetles. paid less than $1.50 an hour “The trees we have to take and often send the money out are the big, thick trees that home, the story said. take a long time to die,” Scato- “They can receive a useful lini told the San Diego Reader, job reference, and they know which reported the story Jan. they can apply to CAL FIRE 23. – it has actually happened that “The trees weigh tons,” said CAL FIRE has hired our crew CAL FIRE Capt. Mitch Hub- members,” Woods said. “They bard. come away with a skill set that CAL FIRE shared space and will help them transition when training with a carefully select- they’re released.” ed and trained group of state- “They are minimum custo- prison inmates who deployed to dy – lower offenders and are fi ght fi res, clear brush and work more trustworthy and trusted. on state and county park land For a lot of the women, this is projects, the article reads. the first time they have been trained and supported and are working for an hourly wage.” “They come away One of the women firefight- ers said, “I feel like I’m giving with a skill set back for what I did.” Another of the women said, that will help them “We live together; we eat to- transition when gether; we’re like a family. It can get tricky out here, and we File Photo they’re released” look out for each other.” Female prisoners cut down trees and clear fl ammable branches and leaves

The California Department Website Offers Help to Families of Those Incarcerated of Corrections and Rehabilita- tion made history when Rain- A new and free search engine, www.PrisonPath.com, provides information for the public. Th e bow Conservation Camp #2 became an all-female camp in site helps users in clarifying confusion and fear of the unknown when a loved one is charged and 1983, the article reports. CDCR arrested, or sentenced to imprisonment in the United States. PrisonPath provides information also has a number of all-male including the ability to fi nd a person incarcerated, visitation rules, contact numbers, and inmate fi refi ghter crews around more about every American prisons or jails. It also allows families and friends of inmates to California. “It’s a very rigorous train- communicate with each other on a specifi c page. ing,” said camp commander April 2015 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 5 Offi cer Davis Walks His Last Mile in San Quentin

By JulianGlenn Padgett “Lengthy incarceration is a it’s in currently. his retirement to continue to After all these years, Davis Contributing Writer waste of human potential and “Being at this prison has fi ght for justice for his son who said those who can help him tax money. It puts people in a taught me a great deal about was murdered Dec. 28, 2012. gain closure still refuse to come For three decades, Cor- time vacuum where life has the human condition, why “There are still no arrests but forward. The man who did this rectional Offi cer Keith Davis ceased and doesn’t move for- people make the choices that three of the four shooters are has committed similar crimes in walked the gun rails and halls of Texas. San Quentin State Prison. Now “The person that killed my on the eve of his retirement, he son arranged robberies and then says the California Department later kills his partners,” And of Corrections and Rehabilita- he’s done this in California too. tion still has work to do. This is a pattern for him,” said Davis, 57, said that in all the Davis. time he has been a correctional Davis said his son was killed offi cer at San Quentin, it has because he looked like another only been in the last few years young man. The perpetrator that the CDCR made strides to- knew Davis’ son was not the ward creating better conditions person he wanted, but he used for inmates. a weapon that sprayed bullets at “San Quentin is the fl agship the area where his son was sit- of CDCR, but there’s still much ting with his friends. work to be done in the area of “Yeah, my son was trapped providing education and viable on the porch area. There was no trades, so that those leaving way for him to get away from prison will be better prepared to that, absolutely no way at all,” stay free of criminal activity,” said Davis. Davis said. “Certain people, who’ve pro- CDCR needs to be more fessed love for my son, know inmate-asset driven instead who killed my son, so how can of punishment by incarcera- you profess love for my son and tion driven, said Davis. This he on a daily basis you let his killer thinks can only be done through stay free?” asked Davis. “It’s re- education that is innovative, like ally simple; he shot my son so the computer coding class at San he’ll probably do it to those pro- Quentin. tecting him sooner or later.” “On this issue San Quentin Davis said while the pain of did a great job. We are produc- losing his son is one that he feels ing men who will be able to every day, he is moving forward code when they parole. Now that and will miss several of his col- is how it should be. Give these leagues at San Quentin. men a viable trade, and they “I’ve met and made some won’t recidivate,” said Davis. good friends over the years. Davis said he learned from in- And I’ve learned that what mates by listening to them and makes a good correctional of- by watching how lengthy prison fi cer is a large dose of common terms shape those behind bars. Photo by Lt. Robinson sense, the ability to apply that “I got the chance to see what Offi cer K. Davis working at the West Block desk common sense, and the willing- time does to men who spend, ness to see inmates as human 10, 20, even 30 years or more ward or backward, it just ex- shape their lives and those lives dead. I guess it was the life they beings, not something that’s less behind bars. I’ve witnessed the ists,” said Davis. around them,” Davis said. “This chose to lead,” said Davis. “I than human. Now a bad correc- psychological deterioration of Davis said the dynamics of is why a man or woman making know where the fourth one is. tional offi cer is one who uses those I thought would make it incarceration are built on people decisions from behind a desk Some reliable people have told his or her position to belittle through this experience, juxta- and that no one can sit in an of- and not on prison grounds will me where he’s at, but it’s not my an inmate. One thing I know posed against others who were fi ce and determine how to relate hurt the department, as it al- job to take the law into my own is anyone can make a mistake weak when they arrived at San to people in prison. That’s why ready has.” hands. My job is let this matter and come to prison, and that’s a Quentin but became stronger. he thinks CDCR is in the shape Davis said he would also use unfold as it will.” fact,” he said. Alliance for Change Wonders: ‘What Would You Do?’ By Richard Richardson open a bank account and ap- So far three parolees in the the community. • Transformative Justice is a Design Editor ply for government assistance, Virtual Community have al- • Retributive Justice is a theory that justice cannot be if necessary. The course in- ready violated parole because theory of justice that consid- obtained by mass incarcera- To prepare inmates for re- cludes filling out an applica- they lacked the support system ers punishment, if proportion- tion, but through community lease from prison, one of San tion for an identification card that they needed and relapsed ate, to be the best response to involvement. Quentin’s self-help groups and taking the DMV written back into their drug-addicted crime. The retributive model After graduation, AFC en- puts them through real-life test for driving. behavior. The other four are emphasizes deterrence and courages inmates to continue situations with all sorts of Seven participants in the struggling to stay focused on punishment through the crimi- participating in their virtual typical complications thrown current class have been “virtu- becoming productive citizens nal justice process. world while learning to deal at them. ally” released from a half-way in their neighborhoods. (See • Transitional Justice refers with the challenges that parol- Known as Alliance for house and forced to reintegrate note below: What Would You to various types of measures ees face as returning citizens. CHANGE (Creating Hope and back into society on their own. Do?) throughout the world that deal The latest group of 29 par- New Goals Ethically), or AFC, They are assumed to be living These are some of the typical with human rights issues, in- ticipants began training in the group’s mission is to facil- in an area where the crime rate scenarios thrown at the partici- cluding criminal prosecu- February. itate the pre- and post-release is high and the income is low. pants in the Virtual Commu- tions, truth commissions, rep- Graduates who complete the socialization of prisoners, in The AFC Virtual Commu- nity. arations programs and various AFC program are welcomed order to increase successful nity “provided” the return- Aside from the Virtual Com- kinds of institutional reforms. back as mentors to new par- reintegration into the commu- ing citizens with good-paying munity training, the prisoners • Community Justice con- ticipants. nity. jobs and helped them fill out learn social justice theories, fronts crime by active prob- AFC pursues its mission by an application for an apart- such as Procedure, Distribu- lem-solving aimed at pre- creating a unique “virtual” ment. They had the choice of tive, Retributive, Transitional, vention, control, reduction What Would environment, utilizing real- whether or not to have a room- Community, Restorative Jus- and reparations of the harm istic situations, to teach and mate. tices and Transformative Jus- wrongdoing has caused. The You Do? encourage participants to em- Within the first 72 hours, tice. goal is creating and maintain- brace community standards. these returning citizens had to • Procedural Justice has to do ing vital, healthy, safe and just Tell us what you would The Virtual Community report to a parole officer. with how decisions are made communities, and improving do if you were in the helps participants develop pa- Complications arise, how- and fairly implemented, which the quality of life for all citi- same predicament of ei- role and relapse-prevention ever. One individual called makes people feel respected. zens. ther Tick or Tack. Or, plans. They also learn how to “Tick” bumps into a “home- Consistency, impartiality, par- • Restorative Justice fo- if you have a suggestion fill out job applications, create boy” from his old neighbor- ticipation and transparency are cuses on victims’ and of- about a problem you’d resumes and their own cover hood gang. Tick considers the all key principles underlying fenders’ needs, as well as the like AFC to address. letters. guy a lifetime friend. Procedural Justice. community’s needs, instead Send your response to Participating inmates are Another participant, “Tack” • Distributive Justice means of abstract legal principles San Quentin News, 1 taught what to wear and how runs into his ex-girlfriend, that community rights and re- or punishment. It is based on Main St., San Quentin, to conduct themselves during who invites him to come over sources are evenly applied and the belief that offenses oc- CA 94974. a job interview, how to estab- to her house whenever he that there are common advan- cur against individuals or the lish credit, create a budget, finds the time. tages and common burdens in community, not the state. Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWSwww.sanquentinnews.com April 2015 Paroled ‘Lifers’ Deserve Drug Diversion By Arnulfo T. Garcia suitability hearing. The ques- Editor-in-Chief tion the board should asks it- self is basic: “Did using drugs A decade and a half ago, EDITORIAL while on parole make you a Californians passed a bal- danger to public safety?” If lot measure to provide drug voice blaring over a loud brought about when I didn’t diction is not a crime, but a the answer it finds is “yes,” offenders with treatment in- speaker, chow release fifth want to feel left out by not disease. the inmate has to reappear be- stead of jail time. Recently, tier, work release, the yard joining the party. Back then Looking back on my life, fore the board in a year and try a state appeals court clarified opening or hearing my name I failed those tests by not rec- what I’ve learned is that it again. This process can go on Proposition 36, saying addic- being called to report some- ognizing how peer pressure doesn’t matter where an ad- indefinitely. tion treatment must be given, where. It will be a new life made my addiction harder to dict is — if they ask for help The same dilemma has an- unless the offender poses a once I get out of prison, and deal with. and are not helped, their neg- other feature for lifers who danger to the public. there will be a set of rules dif- It took me years of incarcer- ative behavior will continue. are doing time and need to The case stems from a pa- ferent from those I have dealt ation and programs to under- Addicts who are locked up establish a parole date: If that rolee who was sentenced to with while locked up. stand why I felt the way I did. need more opportunities for person is caught using drugs county jail for drug posses- I learned I had abandonment treatment. If not, bad choices in prison and given a rules sion. After the jail term, he issues and was afraid, and that will continue to negatively violation, then he or she has to was given a parole violation I wanted to be accepted — to affect everybody — guards, explain to the board why they and sent to state prison. He “You didn’t learn fit in. prisoners and, once released, were using drugs and why challenged the prison sen- the fi rst time. My drug and alcohol addic- the community again. treatment was not sought. tence, saying he should have tion led me to commit crime The solution is not so dif- Most of the time, the board been given drug treatment Maybe this time after crime. Each time, when ficult. No matter the crime, tells the person to get treat- according to the 2000 ballot I was caught and put in jail, I if an individual is suffering ment and schedules the next measure, and the court agreed you’ll learn would beg for help. However, from addiction, the best policy parole date at three years. that he should not have been something” the system wasn’t geared to is treatment. Treating the ad- There’s a provision that allows sent to prison. look at my addiction and how diction would stop the crimi- the person to come back in As I reflect on my own I dealt with it differently. nal behavior that drives them one year, if there are extraor- struggles, the concept of drug I envision having a job and In 1974, a judge told me, to support the drug habit. It dinary circumstances or new rehabilitation instead of pris- making new friends. My new “You didn’t learn the first would make the community evidence to support an earlier on is personal because all the friends will probably be ac- time. Maybe this time you’ll safer by default. hearing. But, in the extreme crimes I committed were di- customed to going out for a learn something.” I was sent Lately, some lifers are being case, the board is fully au- rectly tied to my addiction. beer or two after work. When to prison, where the help I sent back to prison because thorized to schedule the next Now, as I wait to see if I will they do, I won’t be able to join needed was not available, yet of substance abuse. They’re hearing 15 years later. qualify for the elderly parole them because I can’t drink. I drugs were everywhere. explaining where they went In California, there are mul- program known as SB 224, don’t want to be in an environ- It wasn’t that I didn’t want wrong to the board, to their tiple ways to deal with ad- which would allow me to ap- ment where I could easily slip to learn as the judge said; I fellow inmates and to their diction, depending on who pear before the parole board up. just didn’t know what I had supporters. is evaluating the person and and seek suitability, I envision But as much as I try to be to learn. I didn’t know about Seeing inmates returned to where that person is living. getting out of prison after 15 careful, there’s always “The techniques that would help prison for being under the in- If the addict is on the streets, or 25 years and going home Test.” me change my criminal or fluence made me consider the there is one set of rules. If the to my loved ones. Release in It will happen one day when addictive thinking or how to idea behind Prop. 36 and the person is locked up, there’s 15 years would be contingent one of my new friends edges manage my emotions. That’s different set of rules applied another. upon SB 224 passing, while me on, not understanding that what addiction does to you, to convicts and parolees. I end with this question: If release within 25 years would I must abide by a different set and it’s something the crimi- All of the lifers who are someone has cancer and treat- be possible under the current of rules. nal justice system needs to back because they violated ment requires several doses policy. I’m familiar with this type understand. Many courts and the substance abuse clause in of chemotherapy to cure him, I’m excited by the prospect of peer pressure. The old me substance abuse experts have their parole terms must appear is locking him up for treat- of not waking up to a guard’s had so many tests like this, only recently found that ad- before the parole board for a ment necessary? State Court Increases Scrutiny of Death Penalty Cases GOV. BROWN APPOINTED JUDGES CONSIDER NEW FORENSIC TESTIMONY LAW By Chung Kao Jerry Brown, Mariano-Floren- ing, and some anticipated it the dissenters in deciding to later passed a bill adding dis- Staff Writer tino Cuellar and Leondra R. would. Grimes was convicted rehear the case in the prior rul- credited forensic testimony as Kruger, were sworn into the of capital murder committed ing, as did Justices Goodwin grounds for a new trial. The In January, the California court on Jan. 5. during a home invasion. In the Liu, another of Brown’s ap- California Innocence Project Supreme Court ruled that the On the date they were sworn penalty phase of the trial, the pointees, and Kathryn M. Wer- has asked the California Su- death sentence of a man with in, the previously constituted trial judge excluded testimony deger. The decision vacated the preme Court to consider the a long criminal record was ap- court issued a 4-3 ruling leav- that would have supported evi- prior ruling and set the case for case again in light of the new propriate. On March 11, that ing in place a death sentence dence that Grimes was not the a new hearing. law. ruling was rescinded. for Gary Lee Grimes. actual killer, and the judge sen- None of the three Brown ap- The turnaround came after Grimes’ lawyer requested tenced him to death. pointees previously served as two justices appointed by Gov. the court to reconsider its rul- Cuellar and Kruger joined judges. Liu and Cuellar were law professors, and Kruger “Brown certainly was a U.S. Assistant Attorney seems to have Dedicated Volunteer Backs SQ Programs General. The Brown appointees may reshaped this steer the court to decide to take a second look at another death court in a fairly LETTER TO THE EDITOR penalty case, that of William dramatic way” Richards. Liu dissented in a 4-3 From: Susanne Karch intelligent and thoughtful they decision in 2012 that upheld were. Since my fi rst day, I’ve Richards’ murder conviction. “Brown certainly seems to Please accept my congratu- witnessed human potential at After three trials, Richards have reshaped this court in a lations and gratitude for the its very best. was convicted of killing his fairly dramatic way,” said Jan high quality journalism your I’ve seen people who have wife. Two of the trials resulted Stiglitz, a co-founder of the paper provides. I’m a volun- EVERYTHING stacked in hung juries. A dental ex- California Innocence Project. teer for The Last Mile pro- against them triumph personal- pert in the third trial identi- “Brown has brought in not just gram, and just as you give ly by learning skills that every fi ed Richards’ bite mark on people from the outside but voice to prisoners across the high school and college student his wife, but recanted the testi- also people who don’t have this state, I’d like to give voice to should learn. I have witnessed mony after the jury returned a background that sort of pre- my experiences here at San a desire to learn and a level of File Photo guilty verdict. disposes them to be cynical in Quentin. I live in Marin Coun- gratitude for everything re- Susanne Karch The California Legislature criminal cases.” ty where I drove by San Quen- ceived that humbles anything tin for 25 years without giving I’ve seen among my more en- for providing me with the oc- CORRECTIONS: much thought to what goes on lightened Marin friends. I’ve casion to learn about myself. inside prison. seen the possibility of what Here’s wishing that more and Mach issue Editorial by Arnulfo T. Garcia, The men I saw on the fi rst day can happen when someone is more prisons in the United Editor-in-Chief, “Figuring out I was in Fact a I volunteered were what people seen and heard, and given an States see the light and seri- Gang Member,” it said that Tracy Smith was “... generally expect: men with tat- opportunity to shine. ously focus on the “R-Word” toos and troubled pasts. Then I’m grateful to The Last – Rehabilitation. an innocent young woman...” Tracy Smith was an I met the men, talked to them, Mile for giving so many men To read the full letter, go to innocent young man. and they stunned me with how this opportunity to shine and thelastmile.org. April 2015 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 7 Brown Signs Bill to Trim Obstacles for Applicants with Criminal Records By Thomas Gardner of The East Bay Blog News, an automatic rejection of nurs- many health- Journalism Guild Writer Seven Days. ing assistant license, Levin care professions, The bill removes the prac- notes. such as dentists Gov. Jerry Brown has signed tice of automatic rejections, Supporters of SB 1384 call and mental health legislation aimed at eliminat- or mandatory denials, while it a reform and point out that a workers, are not au- ing obstacles faced by people keeping in place the depart- key element to reducing recidi- tomatically denied with criminal records apply- ment’s ability to deny indi- vism is access to employment, licenses or certifi - ing for certified nursing assis- viduals found not suitable for and that past criminal convic- cations as result of tant licenses. certification, Levin reported. tions do not necessarily dictate a conviction. The measure, Senate Bill “The blanket exclusion of that a prospective employee’s “SB 1384 gives 1384, removes the requirement women who apply for CNA performance will be less than people the chance that the state Department of jobs solely on the basis of their satisfactory, adds Levin. to prove – through Public Health deny certified conviction history means that “SB 1384 would limit (the character and em- nursing assistant licenses for they are being punished once health department’s) ability ployment refer- applicants who have certain again after they have served to deny a nursing assistant ap- ences, certifi cates convictions on their records. their time. These are women plication ... and removes (its) of training and Sen. Holly Mitchell, D-Los who ... are rehabilitated, and ability to adequately protect treatment, and Angeles, introduced the bill. who are trying to make a liv- patients,” says an opposition other relevant evi- It was supported by the San ing wage to support their fam- letter signed by Monica Wag- dence — that they Francisco-based civil rights ilies,” Mitchell said in a state- oner, a deputy health depart- have overcome the organization Equal Rights Ad- ment. ment director, according to signifi cant life ob- vocates but was opposed by Under current law, there are Levin. stacles that led to File Photo the health department, accord- approximately 70 offenses, Levin adds some SB 1384 their convictions,” California Sen. ing to a report by Sam Levin some non-violent, that lead to supporters pointed out that Mitchell noted. D-Los Angeles Holly Mitchell Gobernador Firma Proyecto de ley en Bien de Ex-Convictos Por Thomas Gardner que enfrentan las personas con partamento de Salud Publica del Senadora Holly Mitchell, D- del SB 1384 exigen una reforma Escritor del Gremio registro criminal que aplican estado impone y que les niega el Los Angeles, presento la póliza. y señalan que un elemento clave Periodístico para obtener licencias certifi ca- derecho a licencias certifi cadas Esta fue apoyada por la orga- para reducir la reincidencia es das para asistentes de enfer- para asistentes de enfermería a nización de derechos civiles, el acceso a un empleo, y que El gobernador Jerry Brown mería. solicitantes que tienen ciertas Defensores de la Igualdad de condenas criminales previas no ha fi rmado una legislación di- La acción, Senate Bill 1384, condenas en su historial crimi- Derechos, con base en San Fran- necesariamente indican que el rigida a eliminar los obstáculos elimina el requisito que el De- nal. cisco, pero fue bloqueada por el desempeño del posible emplea- departamento de salud, de acu- do será menos satisfactorio. erdo a un reporte de Sam Levin “SB 1384 limitara la habilidad Proposed Bill May Give Elderly del East Bay Blog News, Seven del (departamento de salud) para Days. negar una solicitud de asistente Levin informo, que esta póliza de enfermería…y por lo cual Prisoners a Chance at Early Parole elimina la práctica de rechazos retira (su) capacidad para prote- automáticos o negaciones ob- ger adecuadamente a pacientes” By Kevin D. Sawyer have served 15 years of their of inmates who were 55 years of ligatorias, mientras el departa- indica una carta de oposición Journalism Guild Chairman sentence.” age and older was 14,856. mento retiene su capacidad para fi rmada por Monica Wagoner, Legislation for the existing In the 15-year period between negar la certifi cación de individ- representante del director del A newly proposed bill would Elderly Parole Program also 1995 and 2010 the population of uos que no son elegibles. departamento de salud, de acu- give more elderly inmates came in response to prison prisoners 55 years of age and “La exclusión general de las erdo a Levin. serving long sentences and in- overcrowding. In a class action older increased four times, Hu- mujeres que solicitan empleo Levin añade que algunos par- determinate (life) sentences an case, Coleman v. Brown, the man Rights Watch reported. It en la CNA basados únicamente tidarios del SB 1384 señalan que early chance at parole if it be- federal court issued an order re- estimated that by the year 2030 en su historial delictivo signifi - profesiones de asistencia médi- comes law. quiring the state to “implement one-third of the prison popula- ca que están siendo castigadas ca, tales como dentistas y traba- Senate Bill 224 (SB 224), the an Elderly Parole Program so tion will be seniors. nuevamente, después de haber jadores de salud mental, no nie- Elderly Parole Program, intro- that prisoners who are 60 years “The bill (SB 224) would cumplido sus sentencias. Estas gan automáticamente licencias o duced in February by Senator of age or older and who have require the Board of Parole son mujeres que….están rehabil- certifi caciones como resultado Carol Liu, D-Glendale, and co- been incarcerated 25 years on Hearings to consider whether itadas, y que están tratando de de una convicción. authored by Mark Leno, D-San their current sentence will be a prisoner will qualify for the ganarse la vida para sustentar a “SB 1384 otorga una opor- Francisco, is one more piece of referred to the Board of Parole program when determining the sus familias,” Mitchell comento tunidad a la gente de probar - a legislation in a string of laws Hearings (BPH) to determine prisoner’s next parole suitabil- en un comunicado. través de carácter y referencias written to help reduce the size suitability for parole.” ity hearing,” the proposed leg- Levin comento que, bajo la de trabajo, certifi cados de entre- of California’s state prison On October 1, 2014, the BPH islation says. ley actual, existen aproximada- namiento y tratamiento, y otra population. implemented the existing El- Those interested in this bill mente 70 ofensas, algunas no evidencia relevante - que han The proposed legislation derly Parole Program. may contact their state assem- incluyen violencia, que llevan a superado los obstáculos mas says in part, “This bill would Two years ago the CDCR re- bly member and state sena- una rechazo automático de una importantes de sus vidas que los establish the Elderly Parole ported that there were 27,580 tor at http://assembly.ca.gov/ licencia para asistente de enfer- llevaron a sus condenas,” Mitch- Program, for prisoners who are inmates 50 years of age and old- assemblymembers,and http:// mería. ell agrego. 50 years of age or older, who er. At the same time the number senate.ca.gov/senators. Levin agrego que, partidarios –Traducción Tare Beltranchuc Governor Aims to Change California Supreme Court Continued from Page 1 usual ability?” School. Kruger’s confirmation has most influential in the nation, “The three nominees share “There is always a tension restored the court to a female having been cited the most by named to the court, was re- certain characteristics: They between appointing people majority. other courts in the preceding called by voters in an election are quite young, they have who have already been judges “Legal scholars said that 65 years. in 1986. impeccable qualifications and and appointing people who aside from Brown’s effort to With the new appointments, This time around Brown they are by all accounts bril- have not previously been judg- inject more intellectual heft “the court is well poised to has made three more nomina- liant,” said Erwin Chemerin- es, but I think that’s an inter- to the court, they expected really make a mark,” said tions to the court. His choices sky, dean of the law school at esting balance for any court to that these appointments would Gerald F. Uelmen, a professor “were the product of a long the University of California, have,” said Margaret H. Mar- move the court to the left,” at the Santa Clara University search that included consul- Irvine. shall, a former chief justice of The New York Times wrote. School of Law. “And, I think tations with two members of Like Bird, none of the three the Massachusetts Supreme For Brown, the new appoint- that is what Gov. Brown is the U.S. Supreme Court,” The people Brown nominated had Judicial Court. ments were like “an opportu- looking for: leaving a lega- New York Times wrote. ever served a day as a judge. Brown’s selections have nity for a bit of a do-over after cy that will restore the lus- “I was looking for peo- Justices Goodwin Liu and also brought diversified back- the troubled appointment of ter of the Supreme Court he ple who you could say were Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar grounds to the court. Liu is the Ms. Bird,” opined The New knew when he clerked for the ‘learned in the law’ – a phrase were law professors, and Jus- child of Taiwanese parents; York Times. court.” you might not hear too much tice Leondra R. Kruger was Cuéllar was born in Mexico; A 2007 study by the Univer- In his four terms as gover- anymore,” said Brown. “I put an associate attorney general. and Kruger is the first Afri- sity of California, Davis, Law nor, Brown has appointed 11 the word out: Are there peo- They are all under 45 and are can-American to serve on the Review said that the Califor- justices to the state Supreme ple who are scholars or of un- all graduates of the Yale Law court since 2005. nia Supreme Court was the Court. Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2015 Senators Question Brown On $1 Billion Prison Plan “When, if ever, will the state be able to reduce prison spending?” By Wesley R. Eisiminger Budget Committee, which he ministration offi cials replied Staff Writer chairs. by saying that the planning “Where is the Realignment of the new medical prison did State senators are question- dividend?“ added Vice Chair not allow for the physical plant ing Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget Jim Nielsen, R-Chico, an oppo- design of the large number of plan to hike prison spending by nent of Brown’s Realignment high acuity beds. $1 billion despite a decrease of plan that shifted responsibility Sen. Holly Mitchell, D-Los 40,000 prisoners. for some low-level crimes from Angeles, has questioned the state prisons to county jails. Brown administration revenue Leno asked representatives estimates, which have been a of the Department of Finance lot lower than state revenue in “Where is the why the Brown administration past years, Lindburg wrote. is requesting double the staff at Mitchell later said the ad- Realignment the new health care prison fa- ministration has drawn criti- dividend?” cility in Stockton that provides cism from others for failing long-term medical care and to “restore many of the $15 mental health treatment to in- billion in cuts to safety net “When, if ever, will the mates, according to a report by programs since the Great Re- state be able to reduce prison Jim Lindburg of Californians cession.” This is not poverty File Photo spending?” Sen. Mark Leno, United for a Responsible Bud- reduction,” Mitchell declared. California Sen. D-San Francisco D-San Francisco, asked at a get, who attended the hearing. “This is poverty mainte- Jan. 27 hearing of the Senate Lindburg reported the ad- nance.” Mark Leno leaving a conference Victims’ Rights Group Files Single-Drug Execution Suit California Is Home to the Largest Death Row Population in the Country By Isaiah Thompson-Bonilla be carried out. The procedure ing is not yet final. However, affected by the delays. What was not mentioned Journalism Guild Writer being sought is single drug it will take effect if officials The argument is that eight is that even if the ruling is (barbiturate only) system. are unable to change Chang’s other states are using a court- adopted, there are still many California must find a way Chang did find that the decision. approved one-drug process barriers that could stop ex- to execute condemned prison- CDCR does have the respon- for lethal injections and that ecutions. For some time now, ers without using a controver- sibility of finding a new sys- California should align itself the length of time in which sial three-drug lethal injec- tem but made it clear that it with those states. a Death Row inmate spends tion procedure, a Sacramento also has sole discretion as to “This is an area The tentative ruling has locked up and awaiting lethal judge has ruled. how the procedure will be that has been been received as a victory injection, amounts to cruel Corrections officials can- carried out. for crime victims, according and unusual punishment, U.S. not wait any longer to find a The AP reported that Gov. evolving in the to Kent Scheidegger, legal District Judge Cormac Car- new way to conduct execu- Jerry Brown said in April director for the Sacramento- ney ruled in July 2014. tions if they are reinstated, 2012 that the state would law, whether based Criminal Justice Legal California is home to the said Sacramento Superior switch to a single-drug lethal victims have any Foundation. largest Death Row population Court Judge Shellyanne injection. At present, Califor- “This is an area that has in the country. While state Chang, as reported by The nia has not received a single rights at all” been evolving in the law, officials continue to fight for Associated Press. drug lethal injection cocktail, whether victims have any reinstatement of the lethal in- A lawsuit filed by crime the report said. rights at all,” he said. jections, no definitive infor- victims is asking that the In response to the single- A victims’ rights organi- This ruling answers that mation has been disseminated California Department of drug procedure, department zation is responsible for fil- question in the affirmative. on the matter. Corrections and Rehabilita- spokeswoman Deborah Hoff- ing the suit on behalf of two Victims do have rights when The report stated that At- tion quickly adopt new proce- man said, the department is family members of murder it comes to influencing state torney General Kamala Har- dures in which executions can reviewing the ruling. The rul- victims, citing that they are policies, he added. ris is appealing the ruling. Changing Your Life Should Start While You Are in Prison Continued from Page 1 his freedom by all positive be successful, you have to be nity activist involved in com- begin at $18 an hour. means necessary. resilient,” said Butler. munity programs such as Men as a police officer in Oakland, “I surrounded myself with He told Journalism Guild of Valor, a transitional hous- RECIDIVISM but later spent 20 years inside like-minded people, and as- writers that he kept both the ing program for parolees. Butler talked about how San Quentin State Prison for sociated with other men who district attorney and the po- lifers have the lowest recidi- second-degree murder. shared my goals and commit- lice officer who arrested him MEN OF VALOR vism rate of committing new He has returned to San ments.” abreast of his rehabilitative He proudly revealed that crimes and returning back to Quentin several times, en- He made a pact with anoth- efforts and progress in prison. former lifer and San Quentin prison. couraging inmates to turn er inmate, promising that they News staff member Watani “The success rate of the their lives around and to join both would work hard to get SUPPORT SYSTEM Stiner is currently occupy- guys we work with is very outside rehabilitation pro- out of prison. He emphasized the im- ing one of the beds at Men of good,” said Butler. grams, such as those he works portance of networking and Valor. “People who get out and get with. PROGRAMS maintaining a support system. Butler also works for a into his program get treated After being free for nearly Butler took advantage of “When you get out of prison, community program called with respect,” said Arnulfo T. 11 years, Butler spoke Feb. 13 many of the programs San you’re going to need some the Cypress Mandela Train- Garcia, editor-in-chief of the to the Journalism Guild – a Quentin has to offer. “San type of support,” said Butler. ing Center (CMTC), based in San Quentin News. “I’ve got a group of prisoners who write Quentin is considered the “If you don’t have a support Oakland. lot of respect for the man. He articles for the San Quentin Mecca for programs in the system, then create one.” CMTC is a pre-apprentice- keeps coming back.” News. prison system,” he said. The police officer who ar- ship construction training “What is character?” But- He spent a lot of time in the rested Butler was promoted program that began in 1993 ler asked. “Knowledge builds HISTORY IN PRISON prison law library, studying to captain. This same captain in response to the 1989 San character… it’s never a waste As a source of inspiration, and doing research. He even- wrote a support letter to the Francisco Bay Area Loma of time,” he continued. “A he discussed the history of tually started working inside parole board saying he felt Prieta earthquake. man with real character is his case and how life in San the library. Butler was no longer a threat The program provides the same way all the time, Quentin from 1984 to 2004 He explained how he was to society. training, certification and even when he thinks no one motivated him to change into denied parole numerous On Aug. 17, 2004, Butler employment in a wide array is watching ….and you never a better man. times. “Every time I was de- was granted parole and re- of construction trades such know who is watching.” “The very first time I nied parole, I would challenge leased by then-Gov. Arnold as carpentry, ironworkers, ce- The CMTC website is www. stepped foot inside my cell, I it in court,” said Butler. Schwarzenegger. ment masons, operating engi- cypressmandela.org. took one look around and told Even when he didn’t win Since his release, Butler, neers and green-collar jobs. –Contributing writers myself, ‘I don’t belong here,’” relief at the board or in the now 60, has achieved many CMTC is available to all to this article: Wesley R. said Butler. courts, he said he still man- accomplishments on his road members of the public, in- Eisiminger, Rudy Moralez, From that point forward, aged to learn something new. to redemption. He has estab- cluding ex-felons. Construc- Marcus Henderson and Butler was determined to gain “I believe in order for you to lished himself as a commu- tion jobs are union jobs and Kevin D. Sawyer April 2015 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 9 PUP’s Art History Class Takes a Field Trip By Tommy Winfrey Arts Editor

A college class consisting of prisoners going on a fi eld trip inside the prison is almost im- possible to imagine, but Patten University at San Quentin’s Art History class did just that. Thanks to the generosity of the artists housed inside San Quentin, students were able to view artwork fi rst hand in the prison’s art studio. Kara Urion, Program Director for the Prison University Pro- gram, arranged for the class to take the fi eld trip. “I think to be able to utilize the visual analy- sis skills they learned in class on their peers’ artwork is impor- tant,” said Urion. The Art History class, led by instructors Mathew Culler, Eliz- abeth Eager and Grace Harpster, hopes to teach students to “gain a familiarity with the major movements, artists and events in the history of western art since the Renaissance,” according to their syllabus. The art studio in San Quen- tin used to be named “Arts-in- Photo by Sam Hearnes Corrections,” but the program was shelved by the state in 2010 Instructor Grace Harpster explaining the angles of the artwork that is displayed

Photo by Sam Hearnes Photo by Sam Hearnes James Norton putting close touch-ups on a painting Phoeun You asking the instructor about the contrast of a painting after budget cuts. The art stu- Inside the art studio at San studio is a mural that is being their work.” said Herena. dio was kept open after losing Quentin prisoners paint, draw, constructed and will eventu- “I was happy to see that “Arts-in-Cor rections was state funding due to work of the block print, build dioramas ally be mounted on one of the our instructor was able to the perfect place for our art nonprofit William James As- and make music. walls in a dining hall at San view some of the high-quali- history class to discuss how sociation. “The art was pretty amaz- Quentin. ty art being produced at San being in the presence of an Recently, the California De- ing. There was one block print “We looked at the mural and Quentin,” said student Carlos artwork alters our perception partment of Corrections and that jumped out at me. I was discussed perspective while Flores. of its meaning,” Harpster said. Rehabilitation has once again blown away,” said prisoner comparing different styles “All of my teachers know “Material, scale, display con- started to fund art programs Eddie Herena after viewing that the artists used to create what they’re talking about. I text, technique — this all mat- within prisons by distributing the artwork in the art studio. it,” said Herena, adding, “We enjoy listening to them teach ters in a work of art, whether funds to nonprofits such as the One of the art projects that also talked about what the art- because they bring their pas- produced in the 19th century or William James Association. students analyzed in the art ists were trying to say with sion into the conversation,” present-day San Quentin.”

Photo by Sam Hearnes Photo by Sam Hearnes Prisoners working on personal artwork Photo of paintings that are displayed in the Art-in-Corrections room Page 10 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April Last Mile’s Aspiring Entrepreneu Continued from Page 1 ful times. The application, people a tool that could pre- tial because it equips inmates scheduled to have its first graduation on “Moodringer,” monitors the vent them from making the with the necessary skills to Redlitz said he advises TLM particip Vinh Nguyen, referring to the wearer’s vital signs to alert same mistake I made,” Nguy- keep up with a swiftly ad- passions; then, “they swim in a shark ta circumstances that led him to the wearer of elevated levels; en said. “You are only a ring vancing global society. in a professional manner,” Redlitz said. commit first-degree murder. it also sends an instant notifi- away from mindfulness.” “Ten years ago, Twitter was community, they’re transformed into con Nguyen’s proposal was an cation to the wearer’s “support According to California still a sound. Facebook didn’t Indeed, confident and professional wa application that helps young team,” a group of people with Lieutenant Governor Gavin exist. The cloud was in the entrepreneur and musician MC Hammer, people identify and process close ties to the wearer. Newsom, who attended the sky. 4G was a parking space. tations were well thought-out. “These m their emotions during stress- “This device will give young presentation, TLM is essen- LinkedIn was a prison. Those The men’s business proposals covered things didn’t exist. Now Participant Azraal Ford said he wante they’re ubiquitous in our by creating an online community called lives,” Newsom said. “Un- ex-bully, wants to give the teenage comm less you have the skills that forum to express themselves fully. can adapt to that new reality “Schooligans would allow teens to id — and programs like TLM same struggles they’re having,” Ford sai provide those new, fresh Participating teenagers would be able skills of tomorrow — you’re with other teenagers via online messagin not going to fare well.” Reginald Hola created “My Tribe,” a s “A vast majority of these with online tools to understand and pres people are going to be back own profile, complete with generations o out on the streets, and we “A person without knowledge of his h want them educated, and we said. “My Tribe is home to everyone. A t want them empowered, and is waiting for you.” want them to have the kind Sam Hearnes was inspired to create “T of confidence they’re going to help locate missing persons, because h to need to enter a workforce a child. The Village aims to upload crit that’s radically changing sons and to update both law enforcemen day in and day out,” New- called “Village Angels,” in a more time- som added. “The first three hours are critical in fi TLM is the brainchild of Jason James presented his application venture capitalists Beverly which monitors the grades of high sch Parenti and Chris Redlitz academically are rewarded with the W and provides inmates with the Heisman Trophy. The application pro the opportunity to develop learn while focusing on their athletic pu innovative business con- s “Combat Chess” is an animated, b

Photo by Harold Meeks cepts. created from favorite action figures. It’s Parenti and Redlitz “in- ence. Azraal Ford vented something from “VocaLock,” a voice-activated firearm nothing,” said TLM board member John Hamm. “They got things that impeded the program out of the way. They never considered giving up. They are the most humble and committed people I’ve ever met.” Parenti said the purpose behind TLM originally was to reduce recidivism and reduce the cost of prison spending. They have since ex- panded the program to include a com- puter coding class, called Code 7370. “The results are ex- ceeding expecta- tions and show what is possible in a pris- Photo by Harold Meeks on setting,” she said. Keith Wroten Code 7370 is Sam H

Photo by Harold Meeks Chung Kao Vinh N 2015 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 11 urs Pitch Start-Ups on Demo Day n April 20. ed, was created by participant potential behind these ideas. sought after as talent to build dom not as a tangible place, but pants to build businesses based on their Chung Kao. It comes com- “The potential for growth in businesses.” instead a mindset. ank and learn how to present their ideas plete with a GPS and is tam- this industry is incredible. All MC Hammer acknowledged San Quentin News thanks “In the end, when the men return to the per-proof. you need is hard work and per- the band “Contagious” and Nancy Mullane, indepen- nfident businessmen.” Participant A. Terrell Mer- sistence,” said keynote speaker Emily Mesko who provided dent reporter and producer as how the men appeared. According to ritt brought to the table “Win- B. Bonin Bough, vice president the music for the event. James of The Life of the Law, www. , a longtime TLM adviser, all the presen- dows of Praise,” a social of Global Media and Consumer Cavitt also performed his lifeofthelaw.org , who record- men are committed,” Hammer said. media platform that allows Engagement at Mondelez. “The spoken word piece, “Where I ed the quotes of Lt. Governor a wide range of social needs. church choirs to compete skillset that you’re learning are Live,” which described free- Gavin Newsom. ed to confront high school peer pressure against one another in an d “Schooligans.” Ford, a self-identified American Idol-like event. munity a safe, online support system and The platform’s slogan is “Look in, Listen, and Be dentify with others who are having the Inspired.” TLM graduates id. are testament to the ef- to create their own profiles and connect fectiveness of the lessons ng, Ford said. learned through the pro- social media platform that provides users gram. Chrisfino Kenyatta erve their cultures. Families create their Leal, Darnell Hill, James of family documentation. Houston and Heracio Harts, istory is like a tree without roots,” Hola all past graduates of TLM, tribe can say where your heart is. A tribe are currently out of prison, employed and applying the The Village,” an online command center skillset learned in TLM to his own father was abducted when he was their daily work lives. tical information regarding missing per- Leal is employed at Rock- nt and select members of the community, etSpace, a San Francisco- -efficient manner. based tech incubator. inding missing children,” Hearnes said. Hill works as an adver- n “Getting Parents’ Attention” (GPA), tising agent with ePantry. hool student athletes. Those who excel Houston is a youth coordi- Wiseman Trophy, not to be mistaken for nator in Richmond, serving ovides students with interactive ways to as a mentor to at-risk teen- rsuits at the same time. age boys and girls. blitz-speed chess game with characters “I started taking pro- also a spectator sport for an online audi- grams to show my son that Photo by Harold Meeks people can change. I found m trigger lock that is password-protect- my voice and used it to help A. Terrell Merritt all those around me,” Houston said. “My passion was helping the youth avoid the problems that caused me to come to prison.” Harts is a sales- person for an In- ternet marketing firm called Doz. “In order for dreams to come true, all the prepa- ration means noth- ing, unless you ex- ecute the action,” Harts said regard- ing his training through TLM. Several busi- ness executives who mentor TLM participants ap- plauded the work that graduates ac- Photo by Harold Meeks complished and Photo by Harold Meeks Hearnes encouraged the Jason James

Photo by Harold Meeks Photo by Harold Meeks Nguyen Reginald Hola Page 12 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2015 Arts & Entertainment Snippets

hocolatier reportedly Cproduced the World’s largest egg. It was made with at least 50,000 cholate bars and measured 27.3 ft . high, and 4,299 pounds. Twenty six Guylian master choco- late makers was credited for making the egg in eight days. ares diff er from rab- Hbits in size. Hares are noticeably larger than rab- bits and they do not burrow. onops domesticus is a Otiny pink spider that lives in European homes. It lays the least amount of spider eggs than any other spider, which is only two. ut some fl owers and Cput them in a vase and add a spoon full of sugar. It is said that this will pro- long the life of your fl owers. Photo by Steve McNamara rchids are considered Tokyo resident Nina McNamara, age 2½, takes her copy of the San Quentin News to the Maruko Sanno Hie Othe largest family of Shinto Shrine near her apartment to practice her English. Nina is the daughter of Yoko and Morgan McNamara fl owering plants with over and granddaughter of Kay McNamara and SQ News adviser Steve McNamara. 100,000 diff erent purebreds and hybrids. 800 diff er- ent new species of plants are created each year. ots of Gideons Bibles Lare distributed through- out the U.S. Other than hotel rooms, the Bible is passed out to members of the military, hospitals, nurs- ing homes and prisons. nglo-Saxon’s language Afor the name God means good. he largest Easter egg Thunt was recorded in 2007 by the Guinness Book of World Record was held in Cypress Gardens. It’s a theme park close to Win- ter Haven, Fl., and 510,000 eggs were hidden all around the park. All eggs were col- lected in less than one hour. aster comes in a close Esecond place to Hal- loween for the most candy- eating occasion of the year. According to the National Confectioner’s Associa- tion, Americans eat 7 billion pounds of candy in 2001.

Last Issue’s Sudoku Solution File Photo File Photo Holly Clevenger standing in front of the Liberty Bell in A wonderful lady whose name will remain unknown Philadelphia, Pa., the City of Brotherly Love. sends in her photo all the way from Puerto Vallarta. 681749235 592183674 437562981 Sudoku Corner 754691823 169328457 31 5 7 328475196 41 216857349 59 385 945236718 873914562 923 5 17 5 9

18 24 1956 789123456 253648719 623 829 641957328 84 5 7 783 4 938274165 162539874 61 2 5 9172574861932 5 6 394 827416593 395782641 8974 51 416395287 April 2015 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 13 Freedom Is a Relationship, Not a Thing By Watani Stiner can never get back. SQ News Columnist No matter how much free- An ‘OG’s’ Perspective dom you have or think you By the time this article goes have, a lost relationship with to print in April, I will have your children can never be been out of prison for 90 days. ror, “I can still see smoke rising retrieved even when you are If you’ll notice, I did not say from the wreckage behind me.” released from prison. No mat- that I have been “free” for 90 The pleasures I have on this ter how hard I try, I can never days. Freedom is perhaps one side of the wall are burdened recover the missed birthdays, of the most diffi cult subjects with the years and years of loss proms, late night chats, inside one could write about. It is a and aggressive obstruction of jokes, graduations and marriag- subtle concept, a concept that relationships exacted by the es. Because of my incarceration requires context to ground it or prison system. I lost the ability to be the father it becomes entirely ambiguous The freedom I am now expe- I could have been. Paradoxical- and elusive. Freedom is not an riencing cannot be measured by ly, prison also was never able to object or thing. Freedom is es- how far removed I am from the cage the unbreakable connec- sentially a relationship. There walls of San Quentin State Pris- tion that I have with my chil- are relationships that refl ect on nor by the inhumane treat- dren and family. In some sense, the demeaning and oppressive ment so pervasive in prison life. I remained free throughout my environments they arise from Freedom from those kinds of incarceration through our mu- (like prisons, human exploita- relationships, though important tual love – even when I spent tion, abusive marriages, and enough, is far less important to years without being able to wars); and others that are mutu- me than the freedom to reclaim even communicate with them. ally benefi cial and allow one to my once captured life and be The origin of the word “free” exercise his or her creative po- with my family and communi- comes from a word meaning tential, make meaningful con- File Photo ty. Each day I realize my free- “to love.” It is the same word tributions and to fl ourish in the Watani Stiner in front of Sproul Hall at U.C. Berkley dom through my renewed rela- that “friend” comes from. I context of family, community, tionship with my children: the want to focus on this meaning society and true friendships. two decades since my volun- decades of captivity, the parole freedom to embrace them, to of freedom, and not the shal- Twenty-one years after my tary return. I consistently main- board has fi nally set me “free.” hear their stories and to be fully low defi nition it usually has in voluntary surrender I have sud- tained that the 1969 shootout Of course I’m thrilled to be out present in their lives. That’s American culture: having lots denly been deemed suitable on the UCLA campus in which of prison and fortunate enough the type of freedom I choose of options and doing whatever for parole, declared “no lon- two human beings tragically to be surrounded by so many of to write about for this column. you want. Freedom is relation- ger a danger to society.” My lost their lives (and I was con- my family and friends, but like I celebrate that freedom, at the ship, and it is something close insistence of innocence hasn’t victed) was not the result of any my son has stated in a recent same time that I mourn the to the heart of every human be- changed one iota during the “conspiracy!” Now, after two article about that rearview mir- huge pieces of my life, which I ing. PIA Prison Jobs Can Lead to Later Careers By Marcus Henderson Corcoran in California’s Central cessing at Corcoran. heavy equipment. “We just build which they worked while incar- Journalism Guild Writer Valley is a high-security prison The dairy sits on 30 acres of on it,” Roehlk told Morehouse. cerated. that supplies milk for most Cali- land. The inmates earn 35 to 95 The milk processing facility The PIA agency does suggest For inmates, California Prison fornia state prisons. Since the cents an hour working fi ve days allows inmates to earn a number that CALPIA inmate employees Industry Authority jobs are one dairy operation is located out- a week at various jobs. of licenses used in processing return to prison about 30 percent way to sustain a livelihood while side the prison’s secure perim- Most inmates coming from milk. These inmates work in the less frequently than the general behind bars and after release. eter, only low-risk inmates are urban areas lack experience at labs testing milk for bacteria. prison population. CALPIA employs a select utilized. working with animals or agri- “I’ve never been involved in The NPR report noted, how- group of inmates. Out of Cali- “Our payoff as an organiza- culture. things like this, but I would like ever, that it’s hard to compare fornia’s 116,000 inmates in 35 tion is to employ inmates and “They come in and they to pursue it back in society,” the two estimates since the PIA prisons, just under 7,000 are em- teach them a job skill, so that haven’t really seen a cow be- said Corcoran inmate Edward workers are carefully selected. ployed with CALPIA, according when they are released, they fore, haven’t milked a cow be- Wilson. Still, no matter what the data to a report by Lisa Morehouse/ can get out there and sustain a fore.” Some inmates come from There is no fi rm data on how says, inmate Wilson maintains a NPR for KPBS. living,” said Rob Roehlk, who a construction background; many former inmates ultimately positive outlook about fi nding a California State Prison- oversees the dairy and milk pro- some have experience operating get employed in the fi elds in job in his fi eld. San Quentin Kairos Legend Brian Arnold Passes Brian Arnold short course in Christianity. ros group 39. me to him the most,” adding, Whenever I went to a reunion I died Sat., Feb 21. Chaplains within San Quentin “He was a wonderful indi- “He was funny. He kept me looked forward to seeing him.” select up to 42 inmates to attend. vidual,” Randall said. “He was laughing. I don’t do too much Kairos members, outside and Arnold was a part of Kairos, a Inmate Kimani Randall said down to earth, very loving au- laughing, but he kept me laugh- inside San Quentin, continue Christian ministry brought into that he fi rst met Arnold in Kai- thentic. That’s what gravitated ing and brought joy to my day. to gather for monthly reunions. San Quentin and other prisons In addition to inside weekends, all over the world by volunteers Kairos provides “Kairos Out- and residents serving to share side” weekends for wives, girl- their love of Christ. friends, daughters and sisters of “I’ve known Brian since incarcerated men and “Torch” group 42,” inmate Clinton Mar- weekends for youth offenders. tin said. “Brian taught me how Randall said the best way to to be a man and Christian and be describe Arnold is that he was both together.” “caring, non-judgmental and Martin added that Arnold funny.” loved to play harmless practical “Brian was very intelligent jokes on his friends. and gifted,” Kairos volunteer “Brian would tell people to Ronald Lew said. “He would do things, knowing they’d be give himself to anyone who was uncomfortable doing them, and ready. He showed me how a per- he’d sit back and laugh. He was son should act.” a jokester. It’s a bittersweet day. “Brian taught me many les- I’m sad he’s no longer with us, sons in loving and letting go,” but there’s no doubt, he’s in Lew said. “He also corrected me heaven with the Father right in my thinking and understand- now.” ing in how I viewed things in my “The three best words to de- little world.” scribe Brian,” Martin said, “are He is survived by his wife, faith, beauty and love.” Alison Arnold; son Joe Hughes; Karios, a mix of interdenomi- his brother, Jerere Arnold and national Christians, is organized his wife, Denise; nephews Dan- with well-trained teams of men iel Arnold and Ronnie Arnold; and women from Christian nieces Tangina Sarnold, Jessica communities surrounding San Borberg, Sena, Cara and Jordan Quentin. They present a three- Family Photo Hughes; and his father-in-law day weekend, described as a Brian Arnold taking time out to just relax on a boat in the middle of a lake Lawrence Hughes. Page 14 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com April 2015 Concerns of Youth Are the Same, In and Out of Prison By Miguel Quezada as government policies, family Staff Writer violence, and racial biases, that factor into the incarceration of High school and college these individuals.” students discovered they have Kid CAT Speaks Leeanne: “One memory from many of the same concerns as this class that will stick with me for a long time was when Editor’s Note: one of the high-school students, The American Recovery and Rein- Some of these vestment Act of 2009 “allocated $70.6 billion in funding for K-12 education, quotes were tak- of which $6.8 billion was awarded to states through new and existing pro- grams.” Unfortunately, many of the en from minors, states and districts are too strapped for funds to implement ARRA reforms. therefore only fi rst names appear: Kristin: “Wit- nessing their ideas come to life and seeing their inspira-

Due to overcrowded classrooms in low tion to change the income schools, students of color often do not get enough attention from teachers lives of other youth resulting in low academic performance. really inspired me to be an advocate for underprivileged

Poor inner city schools are more likely youth in my own to suffer from inadequate funding in comparison to those located in wealth- community.” ier area. These marginalized areas are also more likely to be populated Valerie: “Work- by people of color living in poverty. ing with the Kid Maria, explained to me her CAT guys was an perception of the way society eye-opening expe- views her. As a minority stu- rience. Their sto- dent in a low-income school, ries concretized the she believed that society’s view school-to-prison of her is someone who is inca- pipeline for me. pable and should not be taken Many of the Kid seriously. Maria’s goal in life is CAT members were to prove them wrong, and, now, Work Cited Biddle, Bruce J., and David C. Berliner. “Unequal School Funding In The United States.” Educational Leadership 59.8 (2002): 48. Academic Search Complete. Web 12 Nov. 2014. Casey, Leo. “Still Separate, Still Unequal.” Dissent (00123846) 51.1 (2004): 117-125. Academic Search Complete. Web 12 Nov. 2014.Logan, John r., Elisabeta Minca, and Sinem Adar. “The involved in gangs my goal is to be part of the solu- Geography of Inequality: Why Separate Means Unequal In American Public Schools.” Sociology of Education 85.3 (2012): 287-301. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Nov. 2014. N.P. “GO College >> Cornerstones >> Aligning Programming.” ALIGNING IN-SCHOOL AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING TO IMPROVE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT. Go College, 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.. at a young age and tion that helps her.” ended up commit- Cecilia: “Going into these ting crimes and collaborations with the guys young inmates at San Quentin high school students generated ties and their leaders do to help they had to pay for it. If they inside and with the high school Prison on educational equality. visual and written responses to build bridges between cul- would have been provided equal students did not seem like a big Top concerns included the vital questions, such as: What tures? opportunity in education, and deal to me at fi rst. I just thought disparity between needs and is the relationship between ed- How can two different many of them confi rmed this ‘Oh, these men and students are resources to meet those needs, ucation and democracy? What schools have two different re- in the interviews we watched in just going to bring up a couple the high rate of incarceration is the relationship between a sources? class, their lives would have all points and we will just discuss of juveniles in adult prisons, democratic education and the How does poverty shape been very different.” it in class.’ I was surprised at and racial and cultural divi- arts? one’s way of thinking? Francis: “Prior to beginning how strongly I felt about the sions in communities. The class was conducted When the feeling of being the semester, I assumed that points that were brought up. “Education provides the through a series of workshops. abandoned comes up, what does the inmates who were primar- Not only did I feel like I want- foundation for all people to The Kid CAT members and the one need in that moment? ily of color committed crimes ed to advocate for the men in- have the opportunity to par- students each held their own How does a bi-racial person because of personal reasons. side, but I wanted to advocate ticipate, question, challenge meetings where they separate- choose what race defi nes them? However, I have learned that for the children who were not and experience both the rights ly discussed these important If we are all human beings, there are many elements, such receiving a proper education.” and responsibilities inherent questions. Kid CAT and the why do we still separate in a democratic society,” said students refl ected on the ways ourselves? Julia van der Ryn, who helped in which their educational ex- Why are we blind to in- teach the class. “Lack of access perience was impacted by the equality when we are not to a positive educational expe- larger dimensions of history, the ones facing it? rience and inequity is the root culture, economics, politics Why is society so afraid cause of many social issues and spirituality. of difference? and perpetuates Can dialogue about cycles.” their cultural back- The concerns grounds empower stu- were expressed dents? in a class taught Why is knowledge dan- separately at gerous? San Rafael High Through the class, School, Domini- college and high school can University students broadened their and with San understanding of issues Quentin inmates related to zero tolerance, who are members of Kid CAT Discussing questions they school discipline, chal- (Creating Awareness Togeth- raised, the students discovered lenges to documented and er). many shared themes. They undocumented students The fall 2014 class was co- were very surprised to fi nd out and English learners, lack ordinated by Dominican pro- that many of the most resonat- of restorative interven- fessors van der Ryn and Lynn ing questions, ones that closely tions and unequal school Sondag. mirrored their own concerns, funding. The high school and the uni- were actually generated by ju- While the students are versity students participated veniles serving terms of life in not art majors, they ap- in the art studio portion of the prison. plied themselves passion- class. Some of the younger Here is a sampling of ques- ately to synthesizing im- students -- primarily the low- tions they raised: portant information about income Latino immigrants What can local communities these issues into fi ve info -- provided important perspec- and schools do to help youth graphs and eight different tives and had experience in the (fi rst generation immigrants) T-shirt designs. issue. be accepted with opportunity The class was greatly Through reading, dialogue to retain their identity? enriched through the and refl ection, college and What can local communi- co-creation of art proj- ects that came from col- Kid CAT Creating Awareness Together is a group laborating with Kid CAT of men who committed their crimes as teenagers members out of San Quentin Prison, who pro- and were sentenced as adults to life terms. The vided an invaluable per- group’s mission is to inspire humanity through spective on education. education, mentorship and restorative practices. Here is a sampling of the students’ comments: April 2015 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 15 Jennifer Richter’s ‘Threshold’ of Poetry By Juan Haines ter’s stiff recovery, she recog- hearing, you’ll be fi ne, seem Managing Editor BOOK REVIEW nizes at the last minute what you comforting in spite of the pain. can’t part with and rushing to it, The insight contained in The When I read fi ction, there is a readers are able to grasp her out there. Her lyric poetry de- Last Word shows Richter’s abil- pleasure in traveling through an perspective of what it means to fi nes its own beauty by valuing ity to understand that faith is author’s character development, endure. She is serious about life family above all, which makes the guiding force behind a full a new plot twist, and that au- and the challenges that rise up recovery. thentic boom of good storytell- against it. Threshold: Spring, and It Starts to Snow: ing. However, when I read poet- Readers learn they must in- where mothers prop them- is a moment in time when you ry, it’s an investment in learning vest themselves in order to un- selves, welcoming, waving, think that you’re a life giver, about my emotions. Poetry puts derstand the rehabilitative value mostly wanting. You but reality snaps you back to me at the edge of life, moves me of projecting the emotional roll- are a frame your child the here and now, and It’s hard in ways no other pedantic pur- er-coaster of fi ghting for one’s passes through, the safest sometimes, to live. suit could. and wife, made recovery a re- life. It is a fi ght that is deeply place to stand when the What Is My Body Without Through poetry, I always dis- occurring theme in the anthol- personal for Richter and that has shaking starts. You brace You: This poem gives readers cover words and phrases that ogy. That it took six sections to made Recovery a poetic reality yourself. He draws you like the sense of what childbearing is warm my heart – words that I complete Threshold may not be in her own life — seen in her this, arms straight like, emotionally. Richter guides want to repeat, mostly to those incidental, as the seventh day is struggle to overcome cancer and out, too stick-thin but the us through her entire pregnan- I cherish. It is poetry that allows needed for recovery. recover from chemotherapy. hands are perfect, splayed cy—leading up to that moment me to embrace tenderness in this “To me, the Recovery poems Recovery 3 made me ap- like suns, long in time when she watches her place, where it is sometimes so are the real backbone of the preciate Richter’s bravery and fi ngers, the hands he draws child leave her body to be in this hard to fi nd. book,” Richter said in an inter- strength. for you are huge. Thresh, world — an awesome moment. When I got my hands on view. “The manuscript didn’t It forced me to consider hold: separate the I come away from Thresh- Threshold, a collection of po- feel grounded enough, whole Threshold in unexpected, ways: seeds, gather them back. old with a sense of intimately ems by Jennifer Richter (2010), enough, till I realized that each Now you can’t break down... In his pictures you all come knowing Richter’s mindset as I went through it with the same section needed to end with a Re- People are waiting for you. close to holding a mother and wife confl ict- questions I always ask of an- covery poem.” Lingering on Recovery 3’s pur- hands, though the fi ngers ing with all the struggles that a thologies: What is the theme and Recovery to Richter means posely placed line breaks draws of your family never touch; life-threatening illness brings why? more than simply getting back readers into Richter’s sensations you’re in the middle — which made me understand, Richter’s struggle with life to a natural state. and intense stoicism. of all this reaching. in a deeper sense, what it truly and death, while being a mother Through Richter’s poetry, Nevertheless, even in Rich- means to recover. What Was Your Favorite Easter Moment Like? ner like?” going to the park with my fam- and listen to old family stories. Jesus Flores said that he loved ily. We used to eat barbecue. I My favorite food to eat during AAskedsked OOnn TThehe LLineine the family reunions during Eas- loved the barbecue.” Easter was homemade maca- ter. “When I was a kid, Eas- Tim Thompson recalled, roni and cheese and fried perch By Angelo Falcone Passover begins at sundown on ter was a big celebration, like “When I was younger, I used to fi sh.” Journalism Guild Writer Friday, April 3. Christmas, and we always got go to Sunday School and then Lenny Rideout remembered, According to the World Al- dressed up and went to church we’d have Easter egg hunts. I “My favorite thing to do was April is the fi rst of four manac, April is National Child on Easter morning. Then, we would like eating the Easter to get together with my family. months with only 30 days. Abuse Prevention Month, Na- came home to have lunch and eggs. We’d get in our Sunday best and April Fools’ Day is the fi rst tional Humor Month and Stress visit with relatives and then had Phil Phillips said that dur- go to church with the family. I day of the month. Mid-month Awareness Month. a big dinner. My favorite thing ing Easter he loved to sleep in loved to eat ham, turkey, potato on April 15, income tax returns The two astrological signs to eat was all the Easter candy!” because it was one of the few salad and everything that my are due. Offi cially, April 22 is in April are Aries, the sign of said Flores. times he didn’t have to get up mother and grandmother used Administrative Assistants Day the Ram (March 21 to April Juan Arballo said, “We used early. “We’d have boiled eggs to cook. It was a family tradi- — little noted except by admin- 19) and Taurus, the sign of the to go to a procession in a small for Easter egg hunts, but I tion to get together, eat and go istrators and their employees. Bull (April 20 to May 20). Ac- town about 3km from where we didn’t like them. I liked choco- to church.” For the Christian community, cording to the Jewelry Indus- lived. I liked it because they late eggs.” Quinton Walker said, “My fa- April holds signifi cant celebra- try Council, the birthstone for made it look real, like the Pas- David Le explained, “My vorite thing to do during Easter tions. On Thursday, April 2, it April is the diamond. sion of the Christ. We used to family is not Christian; we are was the Easter egg hunts! My is Holy Thursday, on Friday, Easter is a celebration that eat Mexican staples like enchi- Buddhists. But I liked the Eas- favorite thing to eat during Eas- April 3, it is Good Friday, on many of the men in blue cel- ladas, carnitas, cueritos (boiled ter bunny and Easter eggs. Who ter was chocolate. The choco- Saturday, April 4, it is Holy Sat- ebrated with their families, so pig skin) and chicharrones with doesn’t like Easter candy? Who late-fl avored Easter eggs.” urday, and on Sunday, April 5, it brings back good memories. salsa and lemon.” doesn’t like chocolate-covered Raymond Bodine said, “For it is Easter Sunday. Moreover, Asked on the Line posed two Eddie Herena said, “When eggs? Go to Walgreens!” Easter, I liked attending Holy on Sunday, April 12, Christians questions to mainliners: “What I refl ect on my Easter experi- Eddie Hollingsworth said, “I Saturday services at church. I observe Divine Mercy Sunday. was your favorite Easter activ- ences as a kid, religion was not used to like to go over to fam- liked to eat See’s Candy’s choc- For the Jewish community, ity? What was your Easter din- a part of it, but I really liked ily gatherings and eat, drink olate Easter eggs.” An Inside Review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes By SQ Reviews need. But what’s the quality that describes this taking-mentality, Director Matt Reeves’ Dawn MOVIE REVIEW since we’re trying to pinpoint of the Planet of the Apes con- tragic elements?” tinues the franchise tradition of us, fears that drove us, and cir- “Caesar used intelligence to Thomas covers his mouth exploring prejudice and power. cumstances that swallowed us. avoid war, so intelligence isn’t while he thinks. “In the movie, Reeves’ contribution to the Apes We know fi rsthand how tragedy evil per se,” Thomas continues. it was the us/them mentality – us mythos is a sense of inevitable often stems from some weak- “It all fell apart because Koba humans against those apes.” catastrophe that pushes Dawn ness or moral failing in char- couldn’t forgive humans, and DeWeaver closes the meet- across a spectrum of genres: acter that make an otherwise the humans like Carver blamed ing with a last thought. “I think from allegory to action movie to avoidable catastrophe inevi- apes for the fl u epidemic that the tragic element was fear. tragedy. table. Emile DeWeaver poses killed off most of the humans.” When I look at why some apes Humanity’s struggle to fi nd the question: why was war in- Meza holds up one fi nger, hated humans or why humans its place in a new world where evitable and why was the utopia seeking to clarify his point. mistrusted talking apes, I see apes talk and hunt with spears created by the apes doomed? “What I’m trying to say about anger and mistrust as defenses drives events, but the movie “I think intelligence ruined intelligence is that it brings against something feared in the centers on Caesar (Andy Ser- everything for the apes,” says ambition with it. For me, Koba future. Koba said he didn’t want kis), a chimpanzee who embod- Juan Meza. “Before intelli- wanted to be the leader. Caesar humans to have power because ies all that is noble and good in gence, there were no evil apes. humans like Carver. “I think was trying to stop war, but Koba they would enslave apes with it. ape culture. He contends with It reminds me of Adam and Eve the tragedy came from the in- wanted to be in charge so he People who are loath to forgive a prejudices and grudges in an at- in the garden. When they got ability to forgive,” he says. could go to war.” slight often fear they’ll be slight- tempt to preserve a utopia and knowledge, that’s when the bad “Koba couldn’t understand why “Caesar was just stalling war ed again, but what I took from avoid war with humanity. came.” Caesar worked with humans, out,” Thomas says. “Eventually the movie is that letting fear rule SQ Reviewers gather in the “I see your point,” said De- but Caesar knew the humans it was going to happen anyway. us leads right back to the catas- lot behind San Quentin’s educa- Weaver. “But it breaks down weren’t going to give up on that Humans were going to grow and trophe we’re trying to avoid.” tion department to discuss the for me because in the movie dam.” need more space. And the histo- We rated Dawn of the Planet tragic elements in Dawn of the the apes built a utopia, and they In Dawn of the Planet of the ry of America is that when they of the Apes 3.5 dinner cookies Planet of the Apes. needed intelligence to do that.” Apes, the central confl ict re- need more space, they take it.” out of 5. As men in prison, each of us Rahsaan Thomas locates the volves around a hydraulic dam “OK,” DeWeaver says. “Hu- Contributors: Emile De- has an element of tragedy in tragic elements in a vengeful in ape territory that humans will manity defi nitely has a history Weaver, Rahsaan Thomas, Juan our stories: anger that blinded ape named Koba and a bigoted stop at nothing to restore. of taking the space we think we Meza, John Chiu Page 16 SAN QUENTIN NEWSwww.sanquentinnews.com April 2015 The Effects of Family and Contact Visits

By Rahsaan Thomas conducted from 2004 to 2006 in a productive part of their fam- Sports Editor the fi ve states that allowed con- ily. They say you, you, you, but Yard Talk jugal visits then. they don’t look at how they cre- Rehabilitation is necessary “If I could have family visits, ate bitter feelings toward the for public safety, yet some However, in California, fam- tually taken out of prison while I would be able to be more of a department and system because states’ prison systems are lean- ily visits are not permitted for: in prison, put in a two-bedroom father to my son and husband you have taken my family visits ing more and more toward ham- • inmates with death sentenc- home with TV, bath, kitchen. to my wife,” commented Le- away.” pering the best rehabilitation es You are able to cater to your mar Harrison. “It would be an Lewis is serving 109 years tool: family and contact visit- • inmates sentenced to life wife’s needs, child’s needs. In- incentive to be an upstanding for shooting a man in the leg as ing, two studies say. without parole side family visits, there are no prisoner. It would make my ties a third strike. He has three kids “Revising prison visitation • inmates sentenced to life lockdowns, you are home in a with my wife and son that much but isn’t eligible for family visit policies to make them more without a parole date established sense,” said Antwan Williams, stronger. It would help us do this as a lifer. ‘visitor friendly’ could yield by the Board of Parole Hearings an inmate. time.” “I would love to be able to sit public safety benefi ts by help- • inmates convicted of a vio- Williams has family visits Harrison is a married lifer down and see my 88-year-old ing offenders establish a con- lent offense involving a minor or with his wife and daughter. He with a son. He has been con- grandma,” added Eric Curtis, a tinuum of social support from a family member is serving 15 years for kidnap/ victed of murder/robbery and three-striker. prison to the community,” sug- sex offenders robbery. (He moved somebody a sentenced to 25 years to life. He Recent studies also show the gests one study. • inmates in reception centers few feet during a holdup.) receives regular visits weekly. huge difference family visits can The Minnesota study by • inmates in administrative Conjugal visits help “improve Several lifer inmates who have on child development. Grant Duwe and Valerie Clark segregation units the functioning of a marriage by aren’t married or eligible for “Signifi cant health problems is called Blessed Be the Social • inmates guilty of narcotics maintaining an inmate’s role as family visits see them as a ben- and behavioral issues were as- Tie That Binds: The Effects of infractions while incarcerated husband or wife, improve the efi t well beyond their potential sociated with the children of Prison Visitation on Offender incarcerated parents, and that Recidivism, published in the parental incarceration may be Criminal Justice Policy Re- more harmful to children’s view 2013. Another report was health than divorce or death of by Kristina Hall, titled Visiting a parent,” says a study presented a Prisoner Can Help Reduce at the 109th annual meeting of Crimes after Release. the American Sociological As- California Gov. Jerry Brown sociation, according to Hoaip has ordered the state’s pris- Tran Bui’s article in USA Today ons to conduct more thorough on Aug. 25, 2014. searches of people who enter “It makes a huge difference prisons. on child’s development,” agrees Those who don’t clear a metal Williams. “My presence isn’t detector may be subject to ad- just on the phone. You can’t un- ditional screening, which could derstand sleep apnea or night- include “a hand-held wand in- mares through Global Tel Link. spection in conjunction with …to have that taken away says a clothed body search of the the needs of the child do not visitor’s body; a clothed-body matter … it would stunt her search alone; or an unclothed growth.” (skin) body search.” (Notice of Duwe and Clark wrote, “Vis- Change of Regulations #12-07 Photo courtesy of San Quentin Archives its from family and friends offer to Section(s): 3173.2 and 3174 San Quentin’s family visiting home in 1972 a means for establishing, main- 10/5/2012) taining, or enhancing social sup- Family (conjugal) visits have “You lock a man in a cage to inmate’s behavior while incar- for conjugal contact. port networks. Strengthening been cut from Mississippi and punish him, then further pun- cerated, counter the effects of “Family visits aren’t all about social bonds for incarcerated of- New Mexico in 2014, leav- ish him by hampering visits,” prisonization, and improve post- sex,” said Demond Lewis. fenders may be important, not ing California, New York and said John “YaYah” Johnson. “It release success by enhancing the “Family visits would give us a only because it can help prevent Washington the only remaining makes him socially dysfunc- inmate’s ability to maintain ties chance to bond and be a part of them from assuming a criminal states that allow them. Prison tional.” with his or her family,” found re- the family. It would give you a identity, but also because many Legal News of May 2014 re- The difference between fam- searchers at Florida Internation- couple of days to talk to your released prisoners rely on fam- ported Research Finds That ily (conjugal) visiting and regu- al University (FIU) according to little brother. He’s going to ily and friends for employment Conjugal Visits Correlate with lar visiting are huge. an article published in the Pris- see he can leave, and we can’t. opportunities, fi nancial assis- Fewer Sexual Assaults. “On a family visit, you are ac- on Legal News. That study was A lot of dudes just want to be tance, and housing.” The Infamous History of San Quentin State Prison

By A. Kevin Valvardi fi fth tier while stalking winged Journalism Guild Writer prey. Back in the Days March 3, 1972—The director Jan. 28, 1972—Former San of California’s Adult Authority Quentin Warden Clinton T. temporarily suspends all com- Duffy continues his push for munity release passes. prison reforms. March 3, 1972—Bob Roberts Jan. 28, 1972—Educational takes over duties as San Quen- program enables prisoners in tin News’ new sports editor. maximum-security control March 9, 1972—One-hun- units to receive high school di- dred and sixty-two outside plomas. guests attend the 31st anniver- Jan. 28, 1972—Prisoner sary celebration of San Quen- Clyde Hall and three other in- tin’s Alcoholics Anonymous mates wound up in isolation chapter. after Hall was discovered at the March 9, 1972—Former bottom of a large hole in the state and federal prisoner Dr. South Block basement during Thomas H. Cox becomes assis- an apparent escape attempt. tant professor of law and justice Jan. 28, 1972—Canine “Reb- studies at Glassboro State Col- el” Adams becomes the offi - lege and pioneers a new college cial mascot of the San Quentin program at Leesburg State Pris- News. on in New Jersey. Jan. 28, 1972—Group psy- March 9, 1972—Arab terror- chotherapy offered to San Photo courtesy of San Quentin Archives ist organization The Black Sep- Quentin prisoners as a means to An outdated picture of prisoners stepping inside of the gym on the Lower Yard tember Group demands release improve mental health. of Sirhan Sirhan in exchange for Jan. 28, 1972—Skyline Gym Feb. 4, 1972—New SATE Center their third straight var- at two institutions. diplomatic hostages in Sudan. introduces a new boxing con- program provides educational sity basketball loss. March 3, 1972—San Quen- March 9, 1972—Seventy tract. opportunities and support for March 3, 1972—The Cali- tin’s population drops to 1,975, county prisoners are shipped Feb. 4, 1972—The new West San Quentin’s African-Ameri- fornia Supreme Court rules the its lowest in over 50 years. to San Quentin for temporary Block canteen project known as can men. death penalty unconstitutional, March 3, 1972—“Psycho,” housing following a distur- Canteen West proves success- Feb. 4, 1972—The San Quen- allowing 107 men and women one of East Block’s resident bance and fi re at local county ful. tin Pirates hand U.C. Medical to be released from Death Row cats, survives a free fall from jail. April 2015 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 17 1. Sacramento — Scott prevent such attacks. Kernan, 54, of West Sacra- 9. Oklahoma— A bill mento, has been appointed un- passed the state’s House of dersecretary for operations at NNewsews BBriefsriefs Representatives by a margin of the CDCR. Previously Kernan 85-10 that would allow the ex- served as undersecretary for ecution of death row inmates by operations from 2008 to 2011, using nitrogen gas, The Associ- chief deputy secretary of adult ated Press reports. The bill fol- operations from 2007 to 2008, lows a botched lethal injection and deputy director of adult 10 in the spring that led the U.S. institutions from 2006 to 2007. 8 7,12 Supreme Court to consider the He also was warden at CSP- constitutionality of the state’s Sacramento, from 2004 to 2006, three-drug method. and warden at Mule Creek State 10. Albany, NY. — New Prison from 2003 to 2004, 1 York Universit y began sponsor- 3 2 where he was a chief deputy 4 ing college-level English class- warden from 2001 to 2003 es at the state’s Wallkill Cor- and a correctional administra- rectional Facility in the Hudson tor from 2000 to 2001. Russell 6 Valley. Thirty-six inmates are Nichols, 47, of Cameron Park, 9 taking the weekly classes that is the new director of the divi- 5 can lead to an associate’s de- sion of Enterprise Information gree. The Ford Foundation is Services at the CDCR, where funding the program with a he has served as acting director 11 $500,000 grant. Gov. Andrew since 2015 and was project di- Cuomo last year proposed rector of the strategic offender funding college programs at management system (SOMS) 10 prisons, saying it would cut from 2012 to 2014. recidivism and crime, The As- 2. Rancho Cordova — Cali- sociated Press reports. But, he fornia Medical Facility staff dropped the idea because of op- took a chilly plunge into Lake because of the cells’ extreme state has put a moratorium on state’s Supreme Court over- position from legislators. Natoma in Rancho Cordova to isolation. The California De- executions after questioning turned a 100-year prison sen- 11. Tallahassee, FL— The raise funds for Special Olym- partment of Corrections and the “origin and effectiveness of tence that was imposed on Ack- two videos made by a previous- pics. Using the Sacramento Rehabilitation claims SHUs increasingly hard-to-get lethal eem Rile, who was 17 when he ly high-ranking prison offi cial State Aquatic Center at Lake are necessary to remove violent injection drugs,” The Atlanta killed a 16-year-old honor stu- depicting deplorable conditions Natoma, the team raised $1,000 gang members from the prison Journal-Constitution reports. dent in a 2006 drive-by shoot- in the state’s prison system were prior to the Feb. 8 event, and system’s general population. The Georgia Department of ing, the Connecticut Law Tri- delivered to state legislators in during the event they raised an- 4. St. Joseph, Mo. — The Corrections postponed the ex- bune reports. The state court spite of the governor’s order not other $350 for a total of $1,350. state’s population of prison- ecutions of Kelly Gissendaner cited a U.S. Supreme Court to show them. The videos high- They dubbed the event the Polar ers older than 50 has steadily and Brian Keith Terrell. case (2012) ruling that manda- lighted chronic under funding Plunge for Special Olympics. increased over the last decade, 6. Nashville, Tenn. — A tory sentences of life without and understaffi ng at the state’s 3. Oakland, CA — A fed- The Associated Press reports. bill has been fi led in the state the possibility of parole are prisons, the Herald/Times Tal- eral judge has allowed inmates According to state prison offi - legislature that would permit unconstitutional for juvenile of- lahassee reported. in California Correctional In- cials, the population of over-50 the Corrections Corporation of fenders. 12. Hartford, CT. — As the stitution, Tehachapi, to be in- inmates has grown from 10.1 America to be sued only where 8. Mineola, N.Y. — T.J. Par- total number of inmates keeps cluded into a court case fi led percent in 2004 to 17.5 percent the private prison operates, The sell is producing videos focused falling, Gov. Daniel P. Mal- by inmates at Pelican Bay State in 2013. Inmates have a high Associated Press reports. The on how prisoners could protect loy wants to shut down one of Prison, reports The Associated risk of health issues due to their bill follows the state Supreme themselves from being raped its prisons. The Republican- Press. All of the inmates are lifestyle choices, regardless of Court decision saying that a while incarcerated, The Asso- American reports the inmate held in security housing units ages, George Lombardi, direc- state law requiring inmates to ciated Press reports. In the re- population is at a 10-year low of (SHU). The lawsuit claims liv- tor of the department, said in sue in the county where the port, Parsell said that he wanted 16,167 this year and is expected ing conditions in SHUs violate the report. prison is located does not apply to present the issue from the to decrease to 15,686 next by the constitutional ban against 5. Atlanta, Ga. — For the to private prisons. prisoners’ perspective, with Jan. 1, the lowest since Septem- cruel and unusual punishment second time in four years, the 7. Connecticut — The prisoners talking about how to ber 1997. We Can Use Your Help The San Quentin News is not supported fi nancially by the California prison system and depends on outside assistance. If you would like to help, there are two ways, both of which are tax-deductable. To contribute with a check, send it to Prison Media Project, c/o Media Alliance, 1904 Franklin Street, No. 818, Oakland, CA 94612. Do not use this address for general correspondence. Instead, write to the San Quentin News, 1 Main Street, San Quentin, CA 94964. To contribute with a credit card, go to our website, www.sanquentinnews.com, click on Support, and then on that page go to the bottom paragraph and click on Here. That will take you to the page where you can use a credit card. A special thanks goes to Marin Sun Printing in San Rafael where our paper is printed. 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I learned to watch Lava, Kent and Patti Anderson University of Maryland and is swept, 4-0, by ITT players lobs,” said Kau. “I had to pick ball contact and connect with and some new competition. on the Maryland Tennis Club Rick Hunt and Paul Oliver. it off the rise.” the strings,” said Patti. “I’m ITT won three out the fi ve team. Also included was Tom “She’s not playing consis- “I’m looking forward to dis- also dropping my back knee. matches. Rosencrantz, who started play- tently; she’s a little rusty,” said playing my new skills,” said It allows you to follow through “We have an outstanding ing tennis in college and does Lisa, who couldn’t play due to ITT’s Clay Long before his and stay down on the stroke, season coming up with top more triathlons now. a rotator cuff shoulder injury. match. “I want to test my skills which gives you top spin and players in the community com- Ricardo and Lisa Capretta Bianca, teamed up with Kau, against people from the out- helps you give a full stroke.” ing in,” said Lava. “They will visited San Quentin’s Lower also lost her second match, 4-1, side who have been playing for The last match was Kent and have USTA 4.0 ratings and Yard with their 19-year-old versus Ke Lam Nghiep and years.” Rosencrantz pitted against ITT better. The University of San daughter, Bianca, who is on the Darryl “Green Eyes” Perkins. “He has Michael Jordan members Oliver and Calix. Francisco will be back in May.” All-Marin Tennis Team and “I’m going to practice a lot shorts on; he’s ready,” joked ITT won 4-1. Patti Anderson added, “It’s was on the number one doubles and come back to redeem my- Lava about Long. “Blocking out Raphael was great to be back. I’m so thrilled team for Branson High School. self,” said Bianca. Chris Schuhmacher and the key to my success,” joked to be here on opening day, and The Caprettas felt comfort- The matches started with N. Long teamed up against guests Oliver about his partner. we brought some new guests.” able among the ITT players. Young and Raphael Calix fac- Patti and Kent and lost, 0-4. The day ended in good cheer, She sees tennis as good for “You guys are all nice,” said ing Rosencrantz and Kau. “They won just barely,” said with the guests and ITT circled rehabilitation. “Tennis is fun, Lisa. “It’s a great experience. The Inside Tennis Team Schuhmacher. “It was a really in a huddle. Tim Thompson and fun is happy,” she said. We love to give back to the started strong. Young met a close 0-4.” thanked the guests for “bless- “Happy thoughts are very heal- community.” slow lob at the net and sent it “Clay hit some really tough ing us with your presence.” ing to your mind, body and Ricardo added, “We wanted over Kau’s head for the point. shots, and he had a good volley Then everyone put a hand in soul.” to come out and spend time “He’s got his A game going too,” Patti noted. the middle and yelled, “Inside The new guests included with you guys.” today,” said Kent about Young. “My partner had to warm up; Tennis Team!” Basketball Game Unites Muslims and Christians By Marcus Henderson “As with faith and all we do, 92. Stay Ready fi nished the sec- After the game, the Chris- Journalism Guild Writer we should keep it 100,” said Stay Ready put in fresh ond quarter with a 50-32 lead for tians, Muslims and non-denom- Juan Meza of Graced-Out, who guards Burton and Talib Bat- the half. inational players formed a circle Muslims and Christians came played for Teamwork. ten. Both attacked Teamwork’s Harun Taylor took over the of brotherhood and ended in together for a full court basket- Both teams gave 100 percent. defense, making their way to the coaching for Teamwork from prayers. ball game to promote unity be- Joshua Burton of Stay Ready free-throw line to end their scor- Andre Yancy. He stayed with a “It’s good to come together fore a crowd of hundreds gath- ended the game with a free- ing drought. smaller lineup, allowing his big as brothers; it’s a lot going on ered on San Quentin’s Lower throw that stopped Teamwork’s In the fi rst quarter, Teamwork men to rest. This strategy helped with (Islamic State) killing both Yard. comeback short. started off with an 8-0 lead. Teamwork cut the lead to 69-59. Christians and Muslims. It’s Before the game started, Der- Teamwork overcame a Stay Ready regrouped using Coach Holmes countered by good to show unity and toler- rick Holloway, the Graced Out 15-point defi cit in the fourth team height and dominated the putting back in his big men, ance,” said H. Smith. Ministries team captain, and quarter. Then Teamwork start- boards with center Lawrence Donte Smith, David Bennett and “To see Christians, Muslims Thomas “Hakeem” Holmes ed to pressure Stay Ready’s in- Pela. Stay Ready took the fi rst Pela. They turned the tide back and non-denominational broth- of team Deen-u-Haqq (Way bound passes, which resulted in quarter, 25-16. to Stay Ready by controlling all ers showing unity can be heal- of Truth) agreed to mix up the fi ve turnovers. Stay Ready stayed on a roll the loose rebounds. ing,” added J. “Mailman” Ratch- teams in the spirit of unity. The Harry “ATL” Smith stole the with the dual guard play of Stay Ready ended the third ford. blending of the players gave ball and fi nished with a mon- Batten and Alias Jones. They quarter 76-62. Teamwork fi n- Deacon Yancy said, “This birth to teams, Stay Ready and ster dunk. Teammates Mar- pushed Stay Ready to a 32-16 ished with a push by their own is the example the OGs should Teamwork. vin Cosby and Aubra-Lamont lead. big men: H. Smith, Greg Es- show the youngsters, that no The winner would be the fi rst “Coocoo” McNeely both aided Teamwork responded with kridge and F. Hicks. They one is alone here.” to score 100 points with each with buckets off the turnovers. a smaller lineup. This change brought Teamwork within one Coach Taylor fi nished with, quarter ending at 25-point in- Cosby hit two short jumpers, forced Stay Ready to go smaller, point to Stay Ready’s 99-98, but “To see a group of believers tervals. Stay Ready withstood a and McNeely added two three- but their smalls were still too big foul trouble put Stay Ready on come together means the whole late game push and won 100-98. pointers to close the gap to 95- for Teamwork. the line to seal the deal. yard won.” Vincent Mackey Crowned San Quentin’s Chess King Vincent “Osiris” Mackey was “After losing the fi rst game, to overcome because there is position I couldn’t win in the “People felt I’m in a favor- crowned the chess king after I set the pieces back up, slowed always a way to overcome. deciding game.” able position in the Holiday winning a tournament that was my game down and made sure Kings used to wage war based Mackey has also dominated Tournaments,” said Mackey. open to all mainline units in I paid full attention,” said on chess.” in other chess tournaments. He “They wanted a completely dif- San Quentin. Mackey. “He (Mackey) is a very good is the reigning champion in the ferent format, and they got it.” “We held the tournament to Mackey won the next two player,” said Hutchison. “He games held on holidays where, The tournament was the fi rst settle who was the best chess games and the tournament. waits for you to make a mis- as the champ, he only plays put together by Sam Johnson player between North and West “Whatever it is I play or do, take. I lost focus and gave away whoever emerges to the fi nals. and Smith. They want to have blocks,” said Darrel Smith. I put my all in, with the intent a knight. From that point he In this tournament, he had to a chess club that plays people “Also, we wanted to see who to win,” said Mackey. “I look traded pieces and got me in a start from the bottom. from the outside. He said they would be interested in being need a sponsor, space and part of a chess club we are in equipment. the beginning phases of trying “We have our eyes on a spon- to start.” sor. If they say ‘yes,’ then we’ll Approximately 23 players try to get the Berkeley Chess participated, including two Federal involved,” said John- from H-unit. Each round was a son. best of a three-game series. “I would love to join a chess “The competition was stiff,” club, be its president and a play- said Smith. “There were a lot er,” joked Hutchison. “Hopeful- of quality players although ly, we can get ranking with the a great deal of good players U.S. Chess Federation.” missed the tournament. One “I’m going to be the club’s had to forfeit because he went president,” said Smith. on a family visit.” Hutchison said the lack of After defeating four oppo- space affected his game. He nents in straight sets to reach faced Mackey at the tables on the fi nals, Mackey lost the fi rst the Lower Yard, where people game of the series to North kept walking by. Block contender Zakee Hutchi- “I was distracted by out- son. side infl uences,” said Hutchi- “I overwhelmed him with son. “We need to have an area my offense and tricked him where we can focus in on the into a position he couldn’t win Photo by Sam Hearnes game.” from,” said Hutchison. Zakee Hutchison battling Vincent Mackey –By Rahsaan Thomas April 2015 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 19 ASA Clinic Helps Umpires Get the Calls Right

By Rahsaan Thomas “When ASA Offi cial Rules of Softball Sports Editor these guys get Participant Manual, its supple- out, they can ment and the 2015 ASA umpire A group of veteran umpires come join the exam, compliments of Kevin staged a training session for San Sacramento Ryan, the ASA/USA director of Quentin prisoners to help im- Association umpires. prove their softball play calling. and make “The test is based on champi- “This is a clinic to make us some money onship play – by the book,” Cole better and prepare us for new umpiring,” said. fast-pitch softball league we are said Beaton. The ASA umpires described trying to start,” said Damian “We’ll put some of the hardest things about Mitchell, a San Quentin umpire. them to work.” the task. “We’re learning a lot of things “It’s a hob- “Self-judgment is the hardest we didn’t know, like technique by I get paid part of being an umpire,” said and technical things that will be to do,” com- Long. “I don’t care what other enforced this year.” mented Elze. people think, but I know when I “They’re in the perfect envi- “Some um- screw up, it hurts.” ronment to learn the rules of the pires do it full- “The hardest thing about game and practice them,” said time.” umpiring is dealing with the Larry Long, a 20-year umpire Elze um- coaches and fans,” said Elze. veteran. “I want to help anytime pires numer- “You can regulate the players, anybody is interested in the ous college but fans are a different story.” sport; I want to give back like Photo by Sam Hearnes softball games “It’s hard trying to get parents people have given to me.” Umpire Damian Mitchell running into position to see and the ASA and spectators to understand the Top offi cials from Amateur John Windham trying to stop the runner from taking home plate 16-under Na- rules of the game,” said Cole. Softball Association, the gov- tional Cham- “Umpires have to have thick erning body of umpires, held pionship, as skin,” said Beaton. the clinic March 1 on the Lower They have umpired every level Oregon border. He has 40 years well as high school and junior “Make calls with authority so Yard. The group of expert um- of softball from age 10 and un- of experience. high games. no one will argue with it,” said pires consisted of Jim Cole, the der, high school, all divisions “I’m just an umpire,” he said. “You have to know the rules Cole. Northern California Umpiring of college, International Cham- “I’ve wanted to come here for to be a good umpire,” said Elze. “I ignore unruly fans at the Chief of the ASA, his deputy pionships and even Olympic years.” “That takes practice and home- adult level,” said Long. “They chief, CO Beaton, Long and teams on their tours. Beaton is having the San work. There are different rules paid for their ticket, so they get Chris Elze. Cole has 540 umpires work- Quentin residents take the um- for each level of softball, but to do whatever they want to try The veteran crew has a com- ing under him in 28 counties pire test and seeks to get them they are all based on the ASA and make my life miserable.” bined 75 years of experience. from Redwood City north to the registered with the ASA. rule book.” “Coaches, players and fans The opportunity to learn how are all going to say something. to umpire attracted current San You have to block them out,” Quentin softball and baseball said Elze. umpires, players and others. “Having fun is the important “I like to watch, so I fi gured it thing,” said Long. “Everything would be fun to be an umpire,” else will come, but if you’re said inmate Ralph Cendejas, not having fun, it’s going to be who is new to umpiring. painful.” The inmates were taught “We are learning the offi cial umpiring plate and base me- rules,” said Willie Thompson, chanics. They received on-the- the home plate umpire for San fi eld instruction and watched a Quentin hardball and softball video. The video demonstrated games. “It’s helping a lot.” the various positions umpires “The people here really want should run to view the play and to learn and they have shown make the call. tremendous progress in one “They never make a call from day,” said Long. “I didn’t know behind the base,” softball player what I would see.” John Windham noticed as he “I’m really impressed with the File Photo watched. noticeable improvement,” said Jim Cole, Chris Elze, Offi cer Beaton and Larry Long They were also given the 2015 Beaton. Carlos Ramirez Takes First in Six-Mile Race By Marcus Henderson “This is my first Journalism Guild Writer time taking third place,” said Reitz. “In Carlos Ramirez took fi rst other races I tied for place in the 1000 Mile Club six- third.” mile race with a time of 41:34 Reitz credits his and a 6-minute and 56-second improvement to read- mile pace. ing a book called Ramirez credits his victory to Born to Run. It helped his coaches’ training schedule him change his style. and help with preparation. He also credits the “I have a winner’s mentality,” competition push- said Ramirez. “Most of the time ing him, along with I came in second, so I pushed the running logs and myself a little harder to see advice from the 1000 what would happen.” Mile coaches Frank It was a warm sunny day with Ruona, Kevin Rumon a light breeze. Chris Scull took and Diana Fitzpatrick. the lead for the fi rst lap, but Larry Ford, who is Ramirez shot in front for good 59 years old, came in from the second lap on. fourth with a time of Scull came in second with 42:56. Ford is a men- Photo by Kristine Stolakis a time of 42:36. Steve Reitz tor to those in the run- Jesus Sanchez, Abel Armengol, Eddie Herena, finished third with a time of ning club. Ralph Ligons, Carlos Ramirez and Clifton Williams 42:46. “It’s great (that) the “It’s a good accomplish- runners work togeth- ment,” said Scull. “First, sec- er,” said Fitzpatrick. “Running camp,” said fi rst-time 1000 ish line. Simon Liu, who got a healthy is good; a lot of us ond and third are like gold, across different boundaries, Mile race runner B. Wells Jr. late start, came in with a time aren’t spring chickens any- silver and bronze.” you see the guys support each “This gives legitimacy to run- of 44:51 in the Feb. 27 event. more,” said Jerry Gearin, 48, Scull uses running to keep other, and that gives them all ners you see running long dis- However, it was Andrew Gaz- who fi nished with a time of everything in perspective. It the values of rehabilitation,” tances, that it can be done.” zeny, 48, who fi nished last with 47:52. “Running gives us a bet- helps to focus his mind, body said Fitzpatrick. The coaches stood by until a time of 56:11. ter understanding of our physi- and spirit. “I haven’t run since boot the last man crossed the fi n- “Just to fi nish and stay cal capabilities.” Page 20 SAN QUENTIN NEWSwww.sanquentinnews.com April 2015 San Quentin’s Iconic Painter Alfredo Santos Dies at 87 By Tommy Winfrey contest to paint a mural on one With the help of two fel- depict an advanced use of only one color; offi cials feared Arts Editor of the 100-foot-long dining low prisoners, Santos worked perspective that allows ob- inmates might steal paint and hall walls and began painting nights painting the murals. jects such as a giant plane and dye their clothes in an effort to Alfredo Santos, a San Quen- in 1953. The murals depict scenes trolley to look as if they are escape,” reported the Los An- tin legend, died at the age of 87, After completion of the fi rst from California’s early history headed straight at a viewer no geles Times. at 6:15 a.m. at Jacob Healthcare mural, prison offi cials decided and through its golden years. matter which side of the dining In 1951, Santos was convict- in San Diego on Friday, March to allow Santos to continue Movie stars and soldiers crowd hall he’s viewing from. San- ed of possession of heroin. He 15. painting, and he has gener- the walls. A space rocket is pic- tos also interjected humor and had limited training as an art- Famed for his creation of the ally been credited with all six tured in one of the murals. This risqué scenes into his murals. ist before being incarcerated. murals in San Quentin’s South 12-foot-high murals on the early illustration was painted He painted a “peeping Tom” After he was freed from Dining Hall, Santos gained walls of the dining hall. in the infancy of the space race watching a woman undress prison in 1955, “Santos worked recognition for this work in between the U.S. from a rooftop in one of the at Disneyland as a caricatur- 2003 when he returned to the and Russia and may murals. ist and then opened a studio prison to view the work he be the earliest ex- There is a common myth at and gallery in San Diego, his completed almost 50 years ample of spaceship San Quentin that Santos used hometown,” the New York prior. art in murals. coffee grounds or shoe polish Times wrote. Santos won a prison art Santos’ murals to paint the murals, but the According to the same arti- truth is he applied raw cle, Santos again found himself sienna oil paint direct- on the wrong side of the law ly to the plaster. and fl ed to Mexico after plead- “Santos was allowed ing guilty to possession of marijuana. He returned to the U.S. in 1967, where he contin- ued his work as an artist. Over the years, he ran several suc- cessful art galleries in Mexico and New York. Although Santos had many accomplishments as an artist in his 87 years, “San Quentin Another one of Alfredo Alfredo Santos working diligently A pastel drawing Certifi cate of is where I became an artist,” he once told the New York Times. Santos’ pastel drawings on some of his early paintings of Eartha Kitt Commendation

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