Number 24  Winter 2005

Graphic by Gabriel Reyes Survival

In Prison LETTERS We have to ask: What is it that we seek? have their foot on our necks. LETTERS High-powered speech doesn’t equal action We may never see canteen and Fulfi llment of a dream is what brings packages here because no one SURVIVAL IS TO OVERCOME satisfaction! cares and worst of all, the in- Dear CPF: To dream a dream is just a start – mates don’t want to stand up Greetings! My name is Mikhail Makhasen The fruit of deeds is fi rst sown in the heart. for themselves. As long as they and I’m 26 years old. I’m writing from the Behind these walls what glitters isn’t gold have a T.V. in their cells, they Corcoran SHU, where I’ve spent the last And plans miscarry when they have no seem to be satisfi ed. I don’t seven years of my life. I’m serving LWOP. aim. think that’s the right way of This brief letter and the attached poem are When seeking emptiness and foolish fame thinking. That’s how the admin- in response to your issue #24 topic, “Sur- The spark of life grows dim and cold – istration wants you to think! vival in Prison. We rave and blame, but things remain the I am 20 years old and have Survival in prison means something dif- same… already spent eight years in prison. ferent to each of us. It is improbable that a Life is a rocky journey, but the goal is This is time out of my life. I wish I could single answer will suffi ciently cover each clear: help make prison better for myself and circumstance or solve every problem that There is no boogie man conspiracy to fear, others but there are very few people who one will face behind these walls. Life is Just look within – you’ll fi nd the answer want change and are willing to risk their always complicated, and unique situations near! necks trying. It seems they’d much rather confront us on a regular basis. For one man, Survival means strength to change, sit around and watch T.V. and sleep all survival means fi nishing his sentence and And it begins with a desire – day! Change will not come unless there are getting back to his family in the free world. An outlook on life that’s rearranged. enough of us who want it. For another, it is staying away from drugs A worthy goal will spark the action’s fi re, Think about it. This is time out of your or not getting stabbed. For some, survival A renewed mind to lift you out of the life. Wake up and make the best of it. There is an accomplishment of some particular fi lthy mire. are 24 hours in a day. How do you do your goal, the fulfi llment of a task. We all are But you must seek and for it you must time? different in this respect. yearn —Andrew Redd, The essence of survival is to overcome; Don’t be discouraged if you slip or fall – Salinas Valley State Prison to rise above ourselves, our mistakes. It is This happens to us all. to confront our peculiar situation and reach Just get back up and let the fi re burn, ATTACKING ‘THE ROAD AHEAD’ for higher ground. Adversity and weakness Consuming obstacles both great and small. Dear CPF: are a part of life, and survival means sur- It may be hard, but you must be I am a little disappointed that you gave mounting them both. From experience I’ve courageous – Mr. C. Landrum six entire pages in your learned that my most formidable enemy is Step forward and let your heart expand, newsletter to rant and rave in his critique the one within myself, and oftentimes sur- It starts with you, and then becomes entitled, “The Road Ahead.” He attacks ev- vival simply boils down to remaining hu- contagious. erything that is oppressive to the common man in an inhumane environment. The time has come to lend your hand. prisoner then turns around and attacks those The following poem is a humble expres- Don’t be afraid to show love and who have fought long and tirelessly to try sion–a brief overview, if you will–of a path compassion and lift the burden off the convicts’ backs. which I myself have traveled, as a Chris- If someone falls, try to understand It is obvious that C.L., although seem- tian, the confl ict between good and evil is Let loving others be your joy and passion ingly very articulate, prepared his exposé my daily reality, and so I’ve entitled my An all-consuming goal for benefi t of all. without taking time to conduct any “legal” poem “Overcoming.” To survive doesn’t The dream is now a goal and not a fable, research into the history of the California mean to stand in place; it is a call to move To seek great things each man is able Department of Corrections and Rehabili- forward, to make progress. Be it in prison or without tation (CDCR). For one he advocates that Thank you for your time and for this If you will move beyond the fear and all prisoners abandon use of the prison griev- opportunity. May God bless your labor of doubt ance system and seek other ways to fi nd love! You will survive. redress. Since he knows little about the —Mikhal Makhasen, Corcoran, CA This doesn’t mean “staying alive,” legal aspects of challenging conditions of But overcoming every circumstance – confi nement he needs to be educated on the OVERCOMING A purpose-driving life is a worthy stance fact that pursuant to both state and federal Without a vision people perish, And with God’s help, it makes a law, no prisoner can challenge any aspect In darkness groping without light difference. of their conditions of confi nement without Ourselves we lose what we cherish fi rst exhausting their administrative rem- Without guidance no wind is right. HOW DO YOU DO YOUR TIME? edies, i.e., the prison grievance system. We hope for progress minus the struggle, Dear CPF: He attacked the newly created Sensitive Achievement’s glory without a fi ght, I am a prisoner at Salinas Valley State Needs Yard (SNY) referring to those who Savoring peachy dreams in a bubble – Prison and am writing to let you know that have opted to reside therein as “soft,” and Yet unwilling to reach for new heights… it is just as bad here as all the other prisons. By sitting still, we’ll never fi nd our peak We get almost no program. The c/os here Continued on page 23 2 PRISON FOCUS CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE Computers and Rehabilitation ...... 4

Prison Focus is a publication of Cali- Survival In Prison ...... 6 fornia Prison Focus, a nonprofi t orga- nization that works with and on behalf LSPC Pregnant Prisoner Campaign ...... 16 of prisoners in California’s control units and other institutions. Horrors at Chowchilla ...... 17 Permission is granted to reprint orig- Immigrants: Locked In/Locked Out ...... 20 inal articles from Prison Focus. Credit Prison Focus and California Prison Modest Proposal to Abolish Slavery in America ...... 21 Focus. And please send us a copy of the publication in which the article ap- Amnesty for Prisoners of Katrina ...... 21 pears. Prison Focus welcomes articles, sto- Recent Visit to Corcoran ...... 23 ries, opinion columns, news reports, poetry, photos, cartoons and other artwork. Send contributions to Editors, Prison Focus, 2940 16th Street, Suite DEPARTMENTS B5, San Francisco, CA 94103. Web: Pelican Bay ...... 9 http://www.prisons.org. Subscribe to Prison Focus for $20 Corcoran ...... 10 ($5 for prisoners) and receive four is- sues. Prison Focus is available free to HIV and Hep C in Prison ...... 11 California SHU prisoners. Others can send for one free sample copy. For fur- ther information, call (415) 252-9211. © 2005 California Prison Focus REGULAR FEATURES

EDITORS Letters ...... 2 Leslie DiBenedetto - Ed Mead Editorial Comments ...... 4

PRINTING Prisoner Writing Pages ...... 13 Sonoma Valley Publishers Recent History ...... 18 CONTRIBUTORS Poetry Page ...... 22 Christopher A. Keith Reese Bato Mary Rubach M. Beristianos V. J. Sanders Wendy Bess Diana Sands Marilyn Bromley D. C. Scott Sean Bromley D. Sheldon Sally Bystroff Cynthia Skow C. Carruthers Brandi Taliano Larry D. Corey Weinstein Eugene A. Dey Laura Whitehorn W. J. Farmer Henry Hill Craig Gilmore Andre Johnson Sondai Kamdibe Vivian Moen Kiilu Nyasha Sara Olson Robert Perrine

NUMBER 24 3 EDITORIAL COMMENTS COMPUTERS AND By Ed Mead REHABILITATION t is the monthly volunteer night here at 78 of those prisoners we’ve been sending Taking Responsibility for the Future the California Prison Focus offi ce, and the newsletter to have been released, trans- By Ed Mead Ithis evening we CPF volunteers are ferred, died, etc. In other words, in just that or many years I have railed against gathered around the big table answering small sample, half of the prisoners were no the approach taken by the prison- prisoner letters. While every prisoner letter longer at the address we had for them. Fcrats in connection with their role is read, there is no way we can answer them We have a print run of 5,000 copies, vis-a-vis the public’s interest in being free all. So we try to pick out the most impor- nearly 4,000 of which are sent to prison- from criminal victimization. It has been my tant ones and respond to them. ers. We are sending 732 copies in to Peli- position that the Departments’ real objec- To help us with this process, letter writers can Bay, 788 copies in to Corcoran, and the tive lies in maintaining a smooth running should understand that we are not a legal rest to other prisons. Given the number of prison system, not in serving the commu- aid service for prisoners. We cannot pro- bad addresses, we could easily be sending nity’s need for public safety. In addition vide legal advice, do your legal copying, two thousand copies to people who are no to operating quiet prisons, DOCs seeks help you obtain an investigator, fi nd you a longer there. That’s a lot of printing and to project a public image that refl ects the lawyer, do mail forwarding, or support you postage money we could be using for other currently popular viewpoint on criminal in other areas dealing with your criminal purposes. justice issues. Today that outlook is one of conviction. We wish it were different, but So here’s the deal, the CPF Board of Di- being tough on criminals. CPF is made up of a small handful of vol- rectors has decided that we will put a notice Despite an unprecedented prison build- unteers with limited resources who simply in this issue of the newsletter saying that ing binge and the systematic overcrowding cannot meet the huge demand for various if you want to keep receiving it you must of prisoners, not just in California but na- forms of legal assistance and/or logisti- send us a card or letter saying so. tionally, the crime rate continues to happen. cal support for your appeals. If your issue Our database is a total mess. People who The state refuses to look at the social roots involves a class of prisoners, on the ohter should be subscribed are not, and perhaps of this problem, such as high unemploy- hand, and addresses statewide or institution thousands who should not be are. With ment, widespread poverty, the growing gap wide issues, CPF can be of assistance. your help we are going to make the mailing between rich and poor, racism, etc., and in- As a former prisoner activist who sup- list correct. Send a card or letter to: stead they focus all their attention on the ported the outside organizations that sup- California Prison Focus errant individual. “So what,” they say, “if ported prisoners, I fi nd it interesting to read c/o Subscription Verifi cation capitalism is incapable of providing enough the letters coming in. They are nearly all 2940 16th Street, Suite B5 jobs for everyone; the fact that you don’t “take” and very little “give.” They want to San Francisco, CA 94103 have work is proof that you are scum.” In take energy from our struggle rather than Be sure that your return address legibly short, you are the sole cause of the problem give it. When I was on the inside, even written. If we can’t read your name and ad- and must accept all responsibility. Well, we when slammed down, I could always hustle dress you’ve wasted a card and you’re off can take a modicum of responsibility for up a little something for my favorite publi- the mailing list. You can futher help us by changing that perception. cations and organizations. If not some mon- letting us know when you are transferred Some prisoners have been working to en- ey or stamps, then I could send them other or released. sure that we are able to obtain employment forms of support or an article about what’s But wait, there’s more. This address cor- when released to the outside world. One going on inside the prison. That does not rection is the fi rst step in making this news- means of accomplishing this is to develop seem to be the case with many of today’s letter into a vehicle that can help bridge the the skills necessary for fi nding a job. While class of prisoners—the “me” generation. gap between us and our loved ones on the the prison system does have some voca- As the new president of California Pris- outside, and to move our struggle for human tional programs it occasionally touts to the on Focus I am going to make some mod- and democratic rights forward. The second public as proof of its efforts to rehabilitate est changes. One of these changes will be step is to buy in to this struggle by materi- prisoners, these are generally both outdated channelling our limited resources toward ally supporting the Prison Focus newslet- and ineffective. In the last prison I was in, building CPF’s membership, both inside ter. While I am not going to dwell on this for example, we had a vocational machine and out, and to spend less time and energy point here, I will be revisiting the subject in shop in which all of the heavy machine hand-holding those who are thinking only future issues. You see what we are doing; tools, lathes, etc., came off of a World War about themselves. If we are going to shut you see what we stand for. If this is your II navy ship. Whereas in the real world of down the SHU and address other pressing cup of tea then materially support us with modern machining practices, machine tools issues inside of California’s prisons, we your material and human resources. such as lathes are newly built and guided will need you to give us your energy and At present Leslie and I do all of the se- by computers. that of your friends and family members. lecting, editing, proofi ng, and layout of the We are already disadvantaged as a result While in the process of preparing a mass newsletter. We would like to form a news- of our status as convicted felons; in order to mailer to SHU prisoners around the issue letter committee of CPF. Let me know if get hired and to keep a job we almost have of 602s we recently had occasion to use the there are folks out here in minimum cus- to be better at our duties than other work- inmate locater to verify the addresses of 155 tody who would like to become part of this ers. Since the hardware available to us for SHU prisoners at Corcoran who were on soon-to-be-formed CPF newsletter com- learning job skills is mostly outdated and the CPF mailing list. Much to our surprise mittee. We could use the help. + our access to it limited, we need to focus on

4 PRISON FOCUS learning skills that we can develop in our computers. There are many others. Of the this alarm. cells, independently of any state-run pro- fi fty some prisoners who owned personal I am not trying to pass personally owned gram. One of the few ways we can accom- computers, about twenty of them were re- computers off as some sort of penal pana- plish this is by building computer skills, leased while I was on the inside and shortly cea, but rather as a single example of what learned in our cells on personally owned after my release. We tracked their post-re- can be accomplished if prisoners them- computers. While a prisoner at the Monroe lease progress. Not a single one of them re- selves are able to implement vocational prison in Washington State, we tried to de- turned to prison! According to the federal programs. The computers provide prison- velop our abilities in the computer fi eld by government, the national recidivism rate is ers with job skills they would not otherwise fi rst getting approval for having personally 67 percent. The point being, of course, that have. With decent employment we don’t owned computers in our cells. prisoners themselves implemented a train- return to prison. Progress is made. More, This was a long and diffi cult struggle. In ing program that made the prison easier to since the computers are purchased at in- the mid-1980s we spent 2½ years fi ghting run and reduced recidivism. mate expense, this progress is made at no to get permission to have personally owned The program was so successful that the cost to the tax-payers. What could possibly computers. There was excuse after excuse, Assistant Director of Corrections sent a be the objection to such programs? but with persistence and right on our side memo to every prison in the state, autho- Conservatives admit that the “get tough” we slowly wore them down. Computers rizing them to implement a similar inmate philosophy has not succeeded, but argue were eventually approved and we had them computer ownership program at their facili- that what we need is yet larger doses of the for three years without a single computer- ties, and he attached a copy of Monroe’s in- same old ineffective punishment medicine. related infraction being issued. During this mate computer ownership policy for them They will cling to this belief, and have period many prisoners were able to learn to use as an example. Notwithstanding done so historically, until even minor of- skills they would not have otherwise ob- this progress and the absence of problems, fenses warrant the death penalty. More fear tained, and are today working on the streets a new director of the division of prisons and terror and repression is always their in the computer fi eld as a direct result of was named who opposed the program. He only solution. this program. promptly terminated it. We were given 30 In feudal England this trend played it- There are many examples. Someone days to ship our computers home. self out until such “crimes” as killing a I’ll call Bob was a construction worker on Will allowing prisoners to have person- rabbit on private land, cutting down a tree the outside. While on the job he fell from ally owned computers in their cells be cod- on a public lane, or picking a pocket were a roof he was working on and sustained a dling people who have offended against capital offenses. The ineffectiveness of this serious back injury. Because of his injury, society? Herein lies the basis for the seem- approach was demonstrated by the pick Bob was physically unable to work. His ingly endless debate between effi cacy of pockets who would ply their trade at the disability payments were held up by red the punishment versus the rehabilitation crowd that gathered for the public hanging tape, leaving him both broke and disabled. approach to crime control. These philo- of a fellow pick pocket. In other words, the He turned to dealing “speed” to make ends sophical concepts mask a very real social punishment mongers will continue to pre- meet, an activity which ultimately landed question. As demonstrated earlier in the ex- scribe larger and larger doses of violence, him in prison. Bob’s compensation pay- ample of the computers, the rehabilitative even after such things as jay-walking have ment fi nally arrived, years after he was model has never been more than half-heart- become capital crimes subject to summary imprisoned. Since his injury prevented him edly implemented by prison offi cials, de- execution. It’s the logical outcome of to- from going back into construction work, spite the public’s will. Oh, wardens became day’s justice policies. Bob bought a computer and learned how superintendents, guards became correction- One thing is made clear by the over- to use it in the privacy of his cell. When al offi cers, prisoners became residents, and whelming failure of the punishment ap- he was released he applied for a job in the prisons themselves were transformed in to proach, and that is that current trends in computer fi eld. Competing for the position correctional institutions. But other than the criminal justice thinking are terribly wrong. were two people who had just obtained de- verbiage, very little actually changed. Then The answers are complex and well beyond grees in computer science. After interview- the absence of progress was blamed as the the scope of this brief article, but a step in ing the two graduates, the employer talked reason for going back to the punishment the right direction can be taken by allowing to Bob for two minutes and hired him on approach. The death penalty was restored, prisoners to organize and implement their the spot (prior record and all). Why? Be- prison sentences signifi cantly lengthened, own rehabilitation programs. When this cause Bob knew what he was talking about, paroles limited, prison living conditions task has been left to the prisoncrats it has on a machine language level, when it came eroded, training programs gutted, and so always been less than half-heartedly imple- to computers. John is another case. Today on. That is where we are at today. mented and inevitably fails. We as prison- he owns his own computer business in Se- What has this cruel, vindictive, and mur- ers must take the responsibility for our own attle. While he’s not rich, John has made derous approach to a social problem netted rehabilitation. Fighting for access the tools enough to buy himself a house and to be the community? Some years ago Washing- necessary to accomplish this task, such as driving a new Dodge RAM pickup truck. ton state’s top prisoncrat, Chase Riveland, personally owned computers, is a good step Indeed, today my job title is “Computer was quoted in the Seattle Times as saying in the right direction. Although working Systems Manager” for a company I have that “if the state continues to lock up crimi- for greater computer access won’t by itself been working for in San Francisco for the nals at its current rate everybody in Wash- make the revolution, it is nonetheless an is- past eight years. ington will be in a prison or working for sue we as rights conscious prisoners should These are just some of the successes one by the year 2056.” Incarceration rates be working on. It is an important step to- achieved during the three years we had and costs show there are valid reasons for ward our collective empowerment. +

NUMBER 24 5 SURVIVAL IN PRISON EDITORS’ NOTE The topic for this issue of Prison Focus is surviving in prison. We sent out a call for stories, tactics, strategies and philosophies on how people are making it inside and received a fair amount of submissions that you will fi nd represented in many parts of this newslet- ter. Inside there is a letter and poem in “Letters,” essays in the prisoner writing section such as “Cell Study” by Keith Reese, poetry, a new page that sends get well wishes to ailing prisoners, and excerpts from CPF’s Survivors Manual published in 1997 that is still relevant today. We hope this newsletter inspires or helps to further empower you to make the best of your situation. Please send topic ideas for the next year as well as submissions of artwork, letters and essays. PF25 is already in production but we are ready for your guidance on the rest. May you have a fulfi lling and peaceful new year. —Leslie DiBenedetto CONTROLLING THE CONTROL UNIT By Laura Whitehorn o me the over-riding thing of impor- (This is why so many prisoners turn out good thing to be hated by the enemy. tance in surviving my various stints incredible drawings in ballpoint pen!). Finally, one thing about control units is Tin control units was to refuse to re- • Learn something – undertake to study that, since their goal is to dehumanize, to linquish control! By that I mean: keeping something and use the mind so I left destroy one’s personality, each individual always in mind the purpose of the control each unit having grown rather than been kind of needs to design her/his own pro- unit – i.e., remembering what the state was diminished by the experience. gram for survival, based in her/his identity trying to accomplish by putting me there, • Write letters – get pen pals if needed; and sense of what makes each of us human. and then using my own powers of under- some active communication with the How one person expresses and controls standing to resist their plan. Among other outside. rage is not necessarily right for another things, this meant: • For me, as a political creature, it was es- – for example, for some people, keep busy • Making a schedule of my days, instead sential to get a subscription to a major is important; for others, maybe stillness of allowing the cops to determine my newspaper (I then managed to share it and inward thought is important. What re- days. by smuggling it to another prisoner in sources – internal and external – each pris- • Having several different schedules, and the unit). I was fortunate to have friends oner has available make a big difference, alternating them, to avoid having the who chipped in to get me the paper. I too. (One reason why activist groups are so days all melt into sameness, and to keep wonder if the Campaign to Stop Control important!) track of what day and date it was, etc. Units could somehow get money or get Finally, really, I do believe that every • Using exterior signals, such as changes in people to get subs to weekly news maga- one who has spent time in prison, double light, shift changes, regular noises from zines – Time or Newsweek, or a daily or for control units, suffers physical if not also outside my cell, to keep track of time. weekly decent newspaper – for people mental damage. Having this recognized – The fi rst few weeks I’d note a sound or in control units? In women’s prisons and say, by the international anti-torture forces other objective occurrence, then yell for most control units, no news media are – helps. I think it was Stuart Grassian who the cops to fi nd out what time it was, provided. observed that the women in the Lexington etc. • I fought for every shred of what I was High Security Unit developed illnesses as • Developing several different forms of supposed to have a “right” to, based in a result of the unit. When I read that, it exercise for different days and condi- the Code of Federal Regs, which gov- helped me understand the damage to my tions. One technique of control used in erns the BOP. But it’s hard not to get full own health that resulted or was exacerbated every unit I’ve been in is withholding or of rage and frustration while doing this, by the control unit time.+ postponing rec time. Since exercise was so once in a while I would write a furi- Venceremos! a very important way I controlled my ous letter to the warden or someone else, anger so that I didn’t become upset or saying everything I wanted and then tear SURVIVORS MANUAL stressed, it was crucial for me to develop it up. Therapeutic, to a point. In 1997 California Prison Focus ways to avoid letting this necessity for Warden Burkhardt of Alderson respond- and the American Friends’ Service exercise become one more tool for them ed to my BP-9 (fed prison grievance form) Committee published a book en- to use against me. I learned yoga and did protesting my isolation – he said I was be- titled Survivors Manual. Under the isometric weight-training in my cell, and ing held in solitary because of my “asso- editorship of Holbrook Teter es- I ran on the occasions I was able to go ciations and beliefs.” Knowing what your says and letters by prisoners were out to the rec yards. enemy’s goals are helps you a lot in resist- compiled on the subject of how • Developed some creative activity that ing giving ground. In my case, on days they survive while incarcerated. allowed me to admire my own human when I felt (and was) particularly abused From practical to philosophical, creativity – i.e., draw, write, make things and mistreated, I could always fi nd hope prisoners from across the country from what is available, etc. Reminding and strength in feeling it was an honor to be explained what they did on a daily myself that my place in the universe was held in conditions of control – in the way basis and from where they were as a sentient, loving, creative human be- Chairman Mao meant it in that old quote coming. Here are three represen- ing, not a caged animal, was helpful. we used to love so much about it being a tative pieces from the book.

6 PRISON FOCUS A REVOLUTIONARY STATEMENT ON SURVIVAL ACTIVE By Sondai Kamdibe By D.Sheldon was asked by a friend what is the dif- The state is allowed full latitude in exercis- o keep one’s self mentally and phys- ference for someone who maintains ing its authority in crushing political dis- ically healthy through a period of strength and others who often cave in? sent. Sure these units contain prisoners who Tlong-term isolation has been a chal- I lenge for myself as I know it has for others. My response was simple: “I use history are anything but revolutionary or political- as my guide.” Afrikans have a “historical ly conscious, but then again how else is the Though I’m one of those rare persons who obligation” and duty to carry on the legacy state to accomplish its objectives without have beaten the million-to-one odds (at least and struggle of our ancestors. The terms reactionary tools to fuel its motor? Here in to date). By doing one simple thing…keep- upon which we exist here have always been California the political prisoner/prisoner- ing thyself extremely active, occupying the that of a slave in service of the master. of-war class exists alongside perhaps the loads of free timed with a daily crammed The entire fabric of Amerikan society is largest reactionary prisoner class in the na- schedule. It all starts with a hour long riddled with racism and enforced via its in- tion who willingly offers itself as tools for exercise regiment which includes doing stitutions which ensure that Afrikans/blacks the state – aiding it in its fascist political push-ups, jumping jacks, running in place, will not succeed or be given an opportunity objective of discouraging political dissent crunches, pull ups, chin ups, and stretch- to carve out meaningful existence or make and wholesales murder under the guise of ing different muscle groups yet the most an honest living by which to support one’s “rival gang” warfare fi ghting to survive to unique way I have discovered to keep the family unless one is willing to part with control the prison. upper body in shape, is by taking a pillow his/her cultural identity and awareness. To survive a control unit, one must have case and fi lling it with heavy books and/or To be revolutionary calls for the ability grasped the understanding that struggle is tons of personal and legal documents (you to practice revolution as a religion mean- a life-long commitment, that it embodied know the kind which are stuffed in clasp ing you must study it to understand its all kinds of consequences none of which envelopes) and then using the open end of a principles, just as you would your Bible should deter one from continuing on. One pillow case as a handle to lift the one-half to or Koran, etc. You must dig deep down must have grasped the principles of the rev- three-fourth fi lled bag four different ways. within yourself and remove any impurities olutionary and be willing to die for those (lifting with each arm, then both arms in the instilled by a diseased society. Just as you principles, - principles that are not swayed front of the body and behind, right above would when asking God to forgive your by the promise of some petty prison privi- the shoulder blades. In all exercise is very sins, one must be equally committed to de- lege or the assurance of leniency because important in a forced sedentary lifestyle, stroying within oneself all the vestiges of the cave-in or surrender will not halt the that to linger in a bunk all day long only that society which he/she desires to change. fascist machine from moving forward with results in health problem such as irregular This means eliminating the values of the its objectives of total authoritarian rule. heartbeats, hypertension, depress immune ruling class of that society and right petty Professor W.E.B. DuBois recognized system and atrophy of muscles, which even aspirations of wanting to be like that class. this when he wrote nearly 45 years ago. He I have been effected by after six years of If an individual was a liar and a cheat prior said that Amerika would eventually and in- isolation. The next thing I do is write. What to embracing the revolutionary ideal, then evitably come to a basic decision – either it I mean by this is drafting up articles/essays a deep critical self-examination would be would move toward workers self-manage- and now and then a poem mostly for the in order so as to purge all vestiges of that ment, anti-racism and a new democratic small press to counter-attack the hysteria lie and cheat. Because to be revolutionary state apparatus, or it would lapse into au- dished-out against the prisoner class. This is to be as good as your word! This process thoritarian, racial barbarism and militariza- includes telling about the conditions within does not and cannot occur over night. Thus tion of the work force and a descend into America’s dungeon and the impracticali- before any real transformation can occur, military fascism. ties of the criminal (in) justice system. This the struggle must be waged and won with Comrade George echoed this powerful activity alone takes up the majority of my oneself! sentiment when he made the call for us to: time and has had one positive effect and Control units exist with their sole pur- Settle your quarrels, come together. that’s bringing the public’s attention to the pose being to crush the revolutionary spirit Understand the reality of our situation. repressive conditions here at the Iowa state embodied without certain prisoners of con- Understand that fascism is already here, “warehouse” and the reality of the Ameri- sciousness aimed at crushing their resis- that people are already dying who could can prison system as a whole. In fact I en- tance to fascist control and inevitably mak- be saved, that generations more will die courage those similarly situated to pick up ing them a tool of reaction for the state. The or live poor butchered half-lives as we those ink pens or pencils, which ever is al- ideas of the state are embodied within the do now if you fail to act. lowed and make a habit of communicating functions of the prison regime. The state Amerika has proven consistently that it your experiences either as simply as keep- is able to continue executing its political is an enemy of the Afrikans, who mobi- ing a journal which I do on a daily basis or agenda through the prison regime is con- lizes as we speak to deliver her fi nal blow sending letters to editors of the local news- vincing the public through its vast propa- of dearth, destruction and total fascist rule. paper to criticize an article or opinion you ganda network (the media) and intrigue, Control units are but a consequence of may have read which may have not been that control units are designed to preclude those who resist us, to deter those who dare the or what one of those “let’s get tougher the consolidated functioning of some of the to think about it. Therefore, using history on the criminal” opinions, that needs a per- most violent prison gangs, with little public as your guide, you will fi nd the strength is son from the inside to rebut. Just keep in resistance to this overt display of fascism. already there. + mind occasionally the editor will print the Continued on page 20 NUMBER 24 7 BARS NONE ars None is a small greeting card through, my husband’s health failed and will allow it to be. Our greeting cards are company my family started in we lost our home. How could we help our made of high quality card stock, double B2002, the year my son was con- son now? I began to write, it became a form folded to help with keeping the cost down, victed of a crime that sent him to prison of therapy for me. As we dove deeper into and this leaves more room for writing a for the rest of his life. Our family’s lives the legal system of appeals, we realized letter inside. The covers are mostly pho- changed that day. How trusting and naive we could do nothing for our son because tographs we’ve taken ourselves. We also we were. We relied on our judicial system we were poor. So we created “Bars None,” have art and poetry from inmates. We have - attorneys, judges, and courts to deliver at fi rst… as a way to fund our fi ght. a variety of over 170 cards to choose from justice that never happened. Our family An Innocence Project took on my son’s including Birthday, Spiritual, Congratula- fell into the black hole of tangled rules case. What a blessing! As we work with tions, Encouragement, Holiday, Humor, and regulations, prisons, appeals, more them, we are fi nding so many voices not Inmate created cards, Love, Sympathy, rules and regulations, phone lines going heard. So many incarcerated people des- and Thank You categories. They are avail- in circles, lack of funding statements, time perate for help, with no one to turn to, able online for anyone with Internet ac- limitations, and not surprisingly a system with unfair deadlines and unattainable cess or you can write for a free catalog. that does not function in accordance with price tags. Our mission for Bars None has The cards are inexpensive and available what it is intended. changed. We hope one day to support the to inmates with no charge for shipping What could we do? We were in shock Innocence Projects that are so needed for and inmates can pay with stamps if they and scared to death. There are no support our lost and desperate incarcerated. choose. Please visit our website at: www. systems for the families of incarcerated We chose Bars None as the name be- storesonline.com/site/barsnone or write to loved ones, and certainly little to no help. cause through our belief in God, my fam- the address below. + Nothing made sense; the more questions ily found a way to hold on. We truly be- Bars None we asked, the more questions we had. To lieve that no matter if you are behind bars PO Box 78016 add to the legal nightmare we were going or not, our spirit is as free as we ourselves Stockton, CA 95267 Photo credit, Bernie Fox [email protected] THE CDoC CHANGES ITS NAME his is a time of momentous change for this agency, as well as for the Tboards and departments that report to the newly created California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It is also a time of transition, as the state migrates toward an evidence-based ap- proach to corrections and rehabilitation…. In May, Governor Schwarzenegger signed legislation that created necessary re- forms to the California’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Mission. On July 1, the Youth and Adult Cor- rectional Agency and the departments and boards within the agency became the California Department of Corrections and Comrade activists Mo Nishida and Bato Talamantez meet to discuss future political prisoner Rehabilitation. This plan replaces a man- conference (Los Angeles, October 2005). agement structure that has been in place for more than 25 years and provides for better ong time prison activist “Mo” prisoners that the public has little or no in- management of one of the largest correc- Nishida from the national Jericho formation about. tional systems in the nation. + Lmovement and fi eld rep Bato from It has long been estimated by prison ac- The address is: California Prison Focus met on Bunker Hill tivist ... That amerikkka has literally thou- Roderick Q. Hickman downtown Los Angeles to continue discus- sands of politically active behind-the-walls Secretary, California Department of sion planning for a much needed national prisoners doing a combined tens-of-thou- Corrections and Rehabilitation conference that brings together support for sands of years. Inside a hundred relatively 1515 S Street, Suite 502 Asian, Chicano, Latino, middle-eastern and unknown prison gulags across amerikkka Sacramento, CA 95814 black political prisoners forgotten and often and elsewhere who get little to no support Phone: (916) 323-6001 overlooked such as Yu Kukumuru, Alvaro because of the isolated and remote world Luna Hernandez, Paul Redd, Ramsey Mu- in which they languish. Fight the PIC. From the CDCR webpage: niz and many other politically conscious Orale + http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/

8 PRISON FOCUS their innocence saying the weapon did not GEORGIA JACKSON, PELICAN BAY belong to them. The charge of conspiracy to murdering a peace offi cer is also being MOTHER OF GEORGE used against prisoners and many are exon- AND JONATHAN DIES erated some months later. The abuse of the “All prisoners are my sons” Ad Seg program would appear to be the di- eorgia Jackson has died of natu- rect result of having too many Ad Seg cells ral causes. She was 86 years old. (many built within the last year) and the GTo her great credit, she raised simple temptation to fi ll them for no other two right eous revolutionaries whose than fi scal reasons. The writer would wel- actions will impact our histori- come comments. cal liberation struggle for generations Meanwhile, prisoners are being kept in to come. SHU as active gang members or associates Martyred at a very young age—George at beyond the six-year limit, in some cases 29, Jonathan at 17—Georgia Jackson’s sons’ because of their association with organiz- legacy inspired Black August, a revo- ers or sympathizers of Black August—a lutionary phenomenon that contin- month-long time of refl ection and celebra- ues to grow and spread to all parts of tion of Black culture and history. Has true the globe in commemoration of our gang activity diminished and have prison- revolutionary movements and freedom ers’ infractions also become so rare that it fi ghters. is diffi cult to keep those SHU cells fi lled? Georgia Jackson will be buried at God forbid that any should remain empty Mt. Vernon, Illinois next to her sons however few prisoners have the criteria for and other kin. May she rest in peace. + PELICAN BAY UPDATE placement in them! —Kiilu Nyasha By Mary Rubach In A yard a prisoner reported that he ur last investigative visit to Peli- feels unsafe. Reason: there is a great deal can Bay was in May. The next of fi ghting between whites and blacks and Oscheduled visit is to take place on the leaders try to rope in prisoners of their October 20 and 21. In the interim we have skin color though they do not want to be compiled the following tidbits mostly from involved. No investigation into these inci- correspondence: dents are conducted so the instigators are First, a new program will begin for a few not identifi ed and suitably housed else- SHU prisoners who will be transferred to where. the Transitional Housing Unit. We are told There does not appear to be any im- the prisoners will be provided with classes provement in the 602 process. An attempt LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT designed to help them adjust to life outside. will be made by CPF to identify where it OF ROSA PARKS They are not required to debrief. It would breaks down. In some cases, it seems only Rosa Louise McCauley Parks died Mon- appear that the CDCR* may be introducing too easy for the staff to argue that allega- day, Oct. 24 in Detroit. She was 92. Born this program to demonstrate how it reha- tions are false and then issue a 115 to that in Tuskegee, Ala. Feb. 4, 1913, in a heav- bilitates prisoners. effect. ily segregated South, she rose to promi- On September 7, CDCR heard public Prisoners have not been complaining nence by refusing to ride in the back of a testimony on their proposed emergency about a cut in supplies of toiletries, coffee, bus which would lead supporters to call regulations for Administrative Segrega- envelopes, etc. although these were threat- for an 18-month bus strike in Montgom- tion. If these pass, one-month reevalua- ened. I look forward to more information. ery, Ala. and from that event ensued a tions will be replaced by discretional three Finally, is it not good news that Judge growing civil right movement that caught or six month evaluations. It was stated that Henderson has asked John Hagar, special fi re throughout the country. She is consid- the cost of housing an prisoner in Ad Seg is master for Pelican Bay, to make some ered the mother of the civil rights move- $90,000. It has been reported to us that nu- improvements in the health care services ment in this country. merous suicides have taken place in these while an administrator is being sought? He This is a sad day for freedom lov- units. One can hardly avoid the question: can be expected to hire more medical staff, ing people the world over. I had the “how many suicides will there be if the we understand. + opportunity and honor to interview stay is six months long before a prisoner Mrs. Parks by phone, along with her has a hearing on the status of his segrega- *As of July 1, the California Department assistant, Elaine Steele, some years ago tion?” The fact is some people placed in Ad of Corrections has changed its name to the on Pacifi ca’s KPFA. It was truly a memo- Seg are victims of crimes, not perpetrators. California Department of Corrections and rable occasion. I read her autobiography Also, prisoners are sometimes segregated Rehabilitation. See page 8 for more informa- “My Story” and was quite surprised by its prior to being charged so thus unjustly tion. revelations. I encourage you to read it if punished when a charge is put forth. Where you haven’t already. + there is a charge it is often of possession of —Kiilu Nyasha a deadly weapon, and some are protesting

NUMBER 24 9 AILING AMIGOS FRIENDS AMIGOS COMRADES CAMARADAS.... CORCORAN WE WANT TO LET OUR FRIENDS AND RELATIONS KNOW THAT WE ARE THINKING OF THEM

THAT WE REMEMBER EACH ONE OF YOU WITH OUR HEARTS AND ... GLAD THOUGHTS IN HAVING KNOWN YOU

FRIENDS AND RELATIONS ... GIVEN TO US BY THE SAME UNKNOWN CREATOR ...

OUR HEARTS ARE WITH EACH ONE OF YOU EACH ONE OF YOU MENTIONED AND UNMENTIONED

WE REMEMBER YOU IN YOUR AFFLICTION AND YOUR DISCOMFORT OUR THOUGHTS OF YOU ARE GOOD AND CARING AND THAT YOU SOON MEND

THAT EACH ONE OF YOU GETS WELL PRONTO AND REGAIN YOUR HEATH AND STRENGTH TO CONTINUE AS BEFORE

TWO FLUSHES AN HOUR WE STILL HAVE GREAT NEED OF YOU HERE wo fl ushes an hour. One may won- BUT DONT DESPAIR SHOULD YOU NOT LOOK OUR WAY AGAIN der what this statement signifi es. TWell unfortunately it pertains to the Antonio “Tony”Gonzalez, Familia esposo papa Indio honorable pokesperson veterano new “water conservation” program in the mechista camarada All relationl. San Francisco @ Home Blessings. Kilroy old soljer SHU, building 4B3, at Corcoran. Facility pb veterano truck-accident multiple breaks injuries wheelchair bound @ Home Captain Lopez sent out a memorandum to mending. All our blessings. Jaime old time veterano with care and wisdom for all.. all of the prisoners in the SHU at Corcoran one time barber @ Q. southblock early 60’s.organ deterioration dialysis. Blessings outlining the new policy. Apparently, all Imari Obadele who founded the RNA. He is in his seventies and ailing. Ramsey of the toilets in the cells will be fi tted with Muniz recovering from major surgery in spite of many obstacles. Health and strength. brand-spanking new “fl ush valves.” These GLAD THOUGHTS valves are, as the memorandum states, “set to fl ush each hour when called upon by to the ineffective fl ush rate, or when the the…inmate population.” prisoner [gets] involved in something else Captain Lopez goes on to say, “Once the NO SURRENDER while waiting to be able to fl ush again and toilets are fl ushed twice within an hour pe- leaves waste products in the bowl.” writings from an anti- riod they will not fl ush again until the next One could imagine the environment imperialist political prisoner hour.” Lovely policy, no? The memo fi n- these fl ush valves create. Having to perma- ishes with a comforting prospect for the fu- nently live alongside a toilet is one thing, Abraham Guillen Press and Arm ture, “It is anticipated within the very near but having to withstand waste in that toilet the Spirit are happy to announce future that all SHU building and general as well is another. Along with health con- the publication of David Gilbert’s population building will all be retrofi tted cerns, prisoners are worried about another book “No Surrender: writings from with this new fl ush valve device.” There an anti-imperialist political pris- product of this new program: tension with must be a Buy One Get One Free sale at oner.” This 288 page book is an their cellmates. A prisoner states that the The Home Depot coming up. anthology of David Gilbert’s prison program can “cause confl ict with your cel- Letters sent out by the prisoners who writings since 1981 until the pres- lie if you accidentally use his fl ush.” A re- have been subjected to this “water conser- ent. sult I am sure nobody could have predicted, vation” program do not, as one would as- To order send $20 ($15 + $5 ship- least of all Facility Captain Lopez. sume, relay the message of unanimous ap- ping) in cash or cheques made out It seems to be only a matter time before proval. They are very upset with this new to “Abraham Guillen Press” and all cells at Corcoran are fi tted with these program, and feel that it is quite inhumane mail to: new valves. Hopefully, this program does and detrimental to their health. Abraham Guillen Press not spread to other California prisons. But One prisoner writes, “A serious health C.P. 48164 would it really surprise anyone if it did? Of hazard is created when waste is left in toilet Montreal, Quebec course not. + bowls because mistakes are in timing fl ush- H2V 4S8 Canada -Matthew Beristianos es, when all the waste is not removed due

10 PRISON FOCUS chief medical offi cer refused approval for Rogaine. The CMO stinks. Did you know that the amount of HIV IV and HEP C infection in prison is at least eight times greater than the outside population and at least one-fourth of people living with HIV are incarcerated? HIV has been one of the most dangerous epidemics in the prisons. N My prison, CCWF, provides some of the worst medical care for prisoners and con- tains the only “licensed” infi rmary for women prisoners. This infi rmary has been consistently investigated and sued since it RISON opened in 1990. Most prisoners who have any history of injection drug use are infected with hepati- Two weeks after the “little prick” biopsy, tis C. With few exceptions prison and jail THE SILENT EPIDEMIC I was seen for a follow-up. At this follow- administrators have tended to downplay By Brandi Taliano up, I was told that everything was normal. and ignore the ramifi cations of the “Hep C y name is Brandi and I’m a lifer Now, normal to a lay person like me means epidemic.” Even on the outside, the Cen- here at the Central California that nothing’s wrong, that I didn’t have ters for Disease Control have minimized MWomen’s Facility (CCWF). I’ve hepatitis C and with that thought in mind I the real impact of Hep C. The real problem been incarcerated for the last ten years. Ev- went about doing my time. Then in October is they don’t think it affects them because ery year I get a “life physical.” I normally 2003, I was again ducated [told to visit] the 1) they are not in jail and 2) they don’t use get this physical in January. In January telemed doctor. This time, the doctor told intravenous drugs. They are wrong. It im- 2002, I received my life physical and was me that I had hepatitis C. I said, “What the pacts them in so many ways. If everyone told that if anything were wrong I would hell are you talking about? The yard doctor got educated about HCV (hepatitis C) then be informed. It was a hot August night (8 told me that I was normal. Why in the hell shared that education with just one other months later) when the news fi nally arrived. did it take you so long to tell me? I had the person, then maybe we could spread the I reported to the telemed* doctor who in- biopsy 12 months ago!” Dr. J’s response word as fast as the disease itself is spread. formed me that I had hepatitis C and that I was, “Well, Ms. Taliano, I don’t know why, Then maybe we could prevent others from would be going out for a liver biopsy. My I can’t answer that. Maybe Nurse B has the getting infected. fi rst reaction was, “Why did it take so long answer.” I swung my head to the left and Did you know that approximately four to tell me?” “These things take time,” I was looked at Nurse B, with that big question million people in this country have Hep C? told. Well hell by then someone could pa- mark look on my face and she said, “I was At least one-third of this population is in role not knowing they had hepatitis C and cleaning up the fi les in my computer and I jail or prison. Let’s do the math on these infect someone without knowing it. Also, found it.” numbers. Over one million people in prison I was unaware of the reason for the liver After I go the answer I was not satisfi ed have Hep C. The numbers will keep grow- biopsy because I didn’t know it related to with, Dr. J. informed me that I had to start ing unless we do something about it. Most hepatitis C and I was so dumbfounded that Hep C treatments. The treatment was re- prisoners are fi nding out that they tested I didn’t really think to ask. ceiving one shot a week on Fridays and two positive for Hep C more than 10 years ago On Oct. 3, 2002, I was transported to Ribavirin pills twice a day. I was told that and no one even told them. Forget about Madera Community Hospital (MCH) for the treatment would make me sick and Dr. germ warfare, we got Hep C. the liver biopsy. At the hospital, I was J. informed me of the side effects. Suffi ce One of the reasons no one knows too told why I was having this procedure. The it to say, I couldn’t stand without feeling much about Hep C is the out-of-sight, out- technician there told me that it most likely like I was hit by a truck and I felt like I of-mind attitude pushed by those on top. means that I have scarring. I still didn’t re- hadn’t slept for weeks all the time. To say Since this is such a silent epidemic [that it alize that it was related to hepatitis C. And I was the poster child for Rogaine is an un- can almost kill you without you knowing] folks let me tell you, I’m no dummy. I just derstatement (my hair fell out). Five weeks and no one wants to talk about it, prisoners didn’t make the connection because no one of pure hell and I worked the whole time! like me are stepping up to the challenge. explained things. The technician also told Then Dr. J. called me to telemed and told It’s time we educate ourselves so we can me that the liver biopsy would feel like a me that I had had a bad reaction to the treat- educate others and stop the spread of Hep little prick. Well, that little prick hurt like ments and that they almost killed me. He C. + the dickens. I was numbed fi rst (thank told me my white blood count was so low *At many California Prisons, HIV, hepa- goodness) but that didn’t stop the “little that it scared him. I was terrifi ed. titis and other specialized medical care is prick” from hurting. What really hurt and Dr. J. promised to monitor my blood and provided by telemedicine which involves a I mean hurt was after the numbness wore order Rogaine for my hair loss. He told me doctor, who in this case was at the Univer- off. I couldn’t cough, sneeze, hiccup, burp to get plenty of rest. Well, two weeks go sity of California – Davis Medical Center, or do the thing that ladies don’t do, without by and no Rogaine. When I went back to examining and diagnosing a patient via a tears coming to my eyes from the pain. telemed, Dr. J. told me that the prison’s video screen.

NUMBER 24 11 and zeroed in on lenient sentences for vio- RESPECTING THE VALUE OF LIFE! lent crimes. I devoured everything I saw in I was diagnosed with HIV, and my whole life has changed. print about prisons. Yet, I took no stand on My CD-4 count is slowly declining, but my body feels the same. any issue because I felt like a victim of our Scared, Angry, and Alone, I thought about suicide. justice system right along with my incar- But someone said; “I Love You Still,” and the voice came from inside. cerated son. I never considered being able So many different organizations, just where do I turn to change anything. So much necessary information, for me now to learn. Then I came in contact with an activist I’m living my life healthier, to help prolong my days. group working to amend the three-strike No Drinking, No Drugging, or Unprotected Sex – Yes it really pays! law, Families to Amend California Three- I exercise daily, my body and mind, and now I’m feeling great; Strikes (FACTS), I located the chapter in And when the time is truly right, I know God will send me a mate. Orange County and became a member. Honestly & Shamelessly, I’ll share my story with others. The men and women in this group were With anybody who needs some hope, especially my sisters and brothers. so learned about the law; they had met From secluded corporate America, to the rural antique shop; with legislators, interviewed with report- Even to the local corner store, owned by mom and pop. ers, and wrote unending stacks of letters We have to stop the increasing numbers, whatever way it may take; to lawmakers up and down the state. They We have to educate the world, if only for our children’s sake. attended many public forums and reached If you don’t know your status, be responsible, go get tested! out to the media. Some would speak at the With an (either, or) result, the time will be well invested. universities, and did segments about their HIV & AIDS is out of control, causing global strife; three-striker loved ones for television. All Respect yourself and respect another by, members spent the majority of time on the RESPECTING THE VALUE OF LIFE! streets educating the public about all the ramifi cations of the Three Strike law. They Vonique J. Sanders, aka Vonique Howard, Muncy, Pennsylvania lobbied the legislators in Sacramento and REPORT ON THE TREATMENT OF rallied to amend Three Strikes on the capi- tol steps. One member of the group created TRANSGENDER PRISONERS professional looking literature about three- he national human rights group Stop “It is discouraging that there is still such strikes and many other relevant issues. Prisoner Rape, in conjunction with a long way to go in protecting transgender Many keep stacks in their cars and in their Tthe ACLU National Prison Project, prisoners from sexual assault IN U.S. pris- bags so that no opportunity to educate the today released a report calling attention to ons,” said Kathy Hall-Martinez, Interim public is lost. the treatment of transgender prisoners af- Executive Director of Stop Prisoner Rape. After joining FACTS I seemed to remain ter the Supreme Court’s 1994 ruling in the “It is past time for corrections offi cials to in the victim mode during the fi rst year. I precedent-setting Farmer v. Brennan case. stop making excuses and to adopt and im- felt that if I kept going to meetings I would The report, “Still In Danger: The On- plement adequate policies to protect trans- fi nd something I could do. Several months going Threat of Sexual Violence against gender inmates from such assaults.” later they formed committees and put me Transgender Prisoners,” takes a look at The complete text of SPR’s report is on the Prisoner/Outreach Committee. some of the improvements and set-backs available at http://www.spr.org. + After two years I gained a wealth of that transgender inmates have experienced knowledge and could hold my own in pub- since Farmer v. Brennan in efforts to se- FAMILIES NOT lic. I was becoming a force to reckon with. cure humane treatment behind bars and to In the process of learning facts to present ensure they are not subject to sexual assault AS VICTIMS to the public, it became evident that we all in prison. By Vivian Moen started the same way: cant knowledge of a A signifi cant threat to the safety of this hen my son was sent to prison legal system left us feeling victimized, with group comes from housing assignments under the Three Strike law for a negative thinking that just one person has that fail to make any accommodations at Wminimum of 24-years-to-life, I no clout. all for their gender identity. Transgender was stunned. How was it possible for a non- But it was during my second year as an women behind bars continue to report that violent offender to receive such a sentence? activist when I began to realize how much they are housed in the general population Then I read in the paper that a 26-year-old power one person dedicated to change actu- in male facilities and that they are sexually man got ten years for murder. Another man ally has. Some FACT members have given assaulted in detention. was only sentenced to seven years for rape. me the courage to reach for higher goals. I The report presents a selection of fi rst- Where was the justice? gained many new skills along the way that person accounts by transgender prisoners, For almost two years I felt helpless. What have been put to the test over and over. offering insight into the reality of sexual could one person do? I wasn’t knowledge- If we can learn to get over feeling like violence behind bars since the historic de- able about the justice system, how prison victims then people like us can make cision. “Still In Danger” also offers a wide worked, or how to help my son with fi ling changes. + range of recommendations to detention fa- appeals. Check out FACTS at http://www.facts1. cilities to better protect their transgender The pain went clear to my knees and kept com/ or 3982 So. Figueroa St #209 Los An- inmates. me down in spirit. I read the newspapers geles, CA 90037; (213) 746-4844.

12 PRISON FOCUS PRISONER WRITING PAGES THE PROHIBITION AGAINST TOBACCO: A STUPID LAW

By Eugene Alexander Dey measure. Many offi cers have made similar feeding us meals that children wouldn’t get hen I fi rst came to prison in comments. full off of much less eat, but they eat great the early 1980s, an old convict One of the impediments to the CDCR’s cafeteria food in front of us. Wwarned me about the dangers of smooth transition into a tobacco-free atmo- A little fair treatment based on gender, prisondom. He explained that life is cheap, sphere is the fact so many prison employees better medical care, some decent food, and and people lose their lives over the smallest use tobacco themselves. Moreover, when school programs is all we ever really asked things – even a smoke. While prison does the demand among the inmate population for. If and when that happens then maybe foster rather unfortunate norms, getting hits its peak, someone absolutely will sup- the idea of a raise wouldn’t sound so ri- killed over a cigarette seemed a bit exces- ply it. diculous. + sive for the times. Back then tobacco and “Is there any doubt who’ll be bringing it matches were issued out with our weekly in?” said Robert Hagensen, a 53 year-old CALIFORNIA VS NORTH supplies, along with toilet paper and soap. prisoner from San Fernando Valley. “It’s a “They gave us some (roll-your-own) stupid law. Do you blame them?” CAROLINA with our fi sh-kits when we fi rst drove up,” While expressing sentiments shared by By Larry D. said Thomas Wallen, from Kern County, in many, Hagenson explains it’s still very ecently there was a story in the news reference to the initial supplies issued to early in the embargo, only a few weeks old. media about a 65-year-old prisoner new arrivals (fi sh). However, to the chagrin of many, staff and Rby the name of Junior Allen, who That was a different era, and prison of- prisoner alike know the pangs of addiction was just released from a North Carolina fi cials quit supplying tobacco in the late will slowly take on a deadly level of seri- prison after serving 35 years for stealing a 1980s. Despite witnessing a lot of regret- ousness. black and white television set. This story table chaos and violence over the years, “Many of these guys have not been in attracted widespread attention mainly be- I’ve never seen the cigarette scenario play their right minds since they took the tobac- cause other prisoners convicted of murder, out. But this is a new era, and things are co,” said Hagenson. “I’d imagine it’s going rape and child molestations were being about to change. As of July 1, tobacco has to get ugly.” + released, while Junior Allen remained in been banned in the California Department prison for 35 years. of Corrections [and Rehabilitation]. This A RAISE? FOR WHAT? But hey, isn’t this the same form of ex- prohibition applies to both staff and prison- treme punishment being practiced here in ers alike. By Wendy Bess California under the Three Strikes law? California has joined a handful of states hey’re paid to protect us but they There are more than 4,000 men and women where tobacco has been outlawed in their don’t. They’re paid to feed us cer- sitting in California prisons with life sen- prison systems. When the embargo takes ef- Ttain nutritional values daily but they tences for stealing things like aspirin, video fect, cigarettes become the drug of choice. don’t. They’re paid to make us well physi- tapes, batteries, golf clubs, Levis, for joy Suddenly, a $10 can of roll-your-own sky- cally and mentally when we become sick riding, receiving stolen property and minor rockets in value, climbing to $500 a can or but they don’t. Yet through all those simple drug possession—all under the pretext that more. Fueling this persevering black mar- tasks they are asked to perform daily and they are dangerous criminals. Our governor, ket force is the self-destructive and hope- don’t, one thing remains the same: they in the name of business as usual, went on lessly addicted nature of the incarcerated. want raises. TV last November, and deceived the public Since the CDoC [now the CDCR] has Very few women fi ght, few to none have into voting “no” on Proposition 66, which been identifi ed as the most violent prison weapons or other major contraband and would have brought about needed reforms system in the country by numerous sourc- we’re not literally trying to kill one an- to an unjust/unfair law, not to mention the es, including the Supreme Court earlier this other, so how exactly are we supposed to sky-rocketing cost of warehousing nonvio- year in a prison segregation case, this ban understand being treated like the men, of- lent offenders in state prisons. But the gov- will likely further exacerbate the problems ten ignored, berated and seldom heard or ernor said 26,000 murderers, rapists and plaguing an already volatile demographic. understood? child molesters would be released under “They’re making this an even more un- Those of us with chronic medical care Prop 66, when in fact there are only about stable environment than it already is,” said problems aren’t getting proper care and 4,000 nonviolent men and women serving Mitch Farrell, a 40-year-old prisoner from treatment because of constant changes in life sentences under this law. Most are drug Del Norte County. our doctors and getting lost in the system, and alcohol abusers who have received no The correctional offi cers don’t exactly improper treatment from incompetent doc- treatment, and have repeatedly been sent embrace the tobacco restriction either. tors, or just straight medical neglect or in- back to prison for drug- and alcohol-relat- Just the other day, while in the process of difference. Are we any less human because ed offenses. Most have never committed a confi scating a prisoner’s tobacco, the offi - we require a little more care and attention? violent crime, and were coerced and pres- cer expressed his discontent with this new They feed us undercooked, overcooked and sured into pleading guilty to most of their sometimes rotten food. They get away with prior offenses (some were crimes they did NUMBER 24 13 not commit). The few who have committed Emperors and Governments of Rome sidered) some lame drama. We both got prior violent offenses, have already paid 43 Presidents stuck-on-stupid, and the next thing you their debt to society many years ago. 10 Commandments (verbatim) know he and I were lockin’ horns. Well, I So yes, what has happened in North 50 States and capitols later got found guilty at a disciplinary hear- Carolina with 65-year-old Junior Allen is Gettysburg Address ing, and do a SHU term for assault on staff. happening right here in California, but on New Colossus by Emma Lazarus The next thing I know, I was validated as a much large scale. Everyone else is being 7 continents a “gang associate” and sent up to PBSP- paroled and released, but the 4,000 non- 7 ancient wonders of the world SHU, indeterminately. violent offenders under California’s Three Committing this information to memory I arrived at the Bay in 1990, and immedi- Strikes law will remain in prison until they starts a regimen of keeping your mind in or- ately took to learning civil law, and was try have served at least 25 years of a life sen- der. More importantly, it prevents depress- ing to shake my “indeterminate” sentence tence. ing and angry thoughts from overwhelming that was preventing me from returning Californians have much more in com- you. Studying should not be viewed as a back out to the general population. Ironi- mon with North Carolina than they realize, diffi cult and torturous task. Find your own cally it was an uphill battle, as here I was, and should work towards reforming this method of imbibing knowledge soon, and in a stagnant environment where doing any law. Otherwise there will be 4,000 more 65 your memory will become eidetic. I’ve type of legal research, shepherding case year-olds like Junior Allen in the next 25 learned so much on my own curriculum, law, or getting legal work photocopied was years. + the resident academicians could learn a a fi shing expedition, in and of itself. Then few extra lessons from my novel system. there were the people with mental health CELL STUDY: ESSAY #22 When the long lockdowns come, I keep my problems doing their part to keep a feller alpha-waves active with positive things. awake. All the legal documents, of course, By Keith Reese Often times, noise and other disturbing had to be written with pen fi ller. here is an old adage which proved to distractions may affect our aptitude. A My relationship with my family and be true: “doing time can be easy or recommendation: fold two square pieces friends on the outside grew distant as they Thard.” That adage is no longer em- of wet tissue, put them in your ears. The simply could not grasp the reasons that I braced. Due to long lockdowns, absence of tissue should be folded several times until had to quite possibly live the rest of my academic and vocational education, depri- it is about one-quarter inch square. Crush- years in isolation. vation of rights and privileges on level IV ing tissue into a ball is less effective. You By 1995 I was fi nally in the civil court 180 facilities, doing time is extremely hard. can have a “beautiful mind” even under the with my litigation, and, wow, talk about But even in light of all the negative adversi- harsh circumstances of uproar. Study hard, a weird experience. Here I was, with my ties, you can still try and resurrect the posi- because the cell is your most conducive hand-written civil suit, going up against tive option of the dead adage. To keep your place to study. + the attorneys that represented the state’s life from regressing further into barbarism attorney general’s offi ce, with computers, while incarcerated, you have to educate SURVIVING THE SHU printers and Lexus-Nexus at their disposal. and civilize yourself. Prison can become The rules in the SHU were designed to de- your halls of ivory, by being disciplined By Walter J. Farmer ter prisoners from legally challenging the and tenacious towards positive things. very good friend of mine came to system. We were not allowed to talk to or Learning things is the best method to keep me and asked if I would be will- help each other while at the law library cynical thoughts at bay. Tell yourself that A ing to take some time away from about legal matters. They even made a you intend to do easy time. Displace the my day and share with you my experience policy that restricted prisoners from help- misplaced taboo that you no longer have a in the SHU. It was a lot to ask as I have ing each other unless they were in the same choice on how time is done. Start by liv- tried to put so much of it behind me. But unit. We weren’t always comfortable plac- ing exciting adventures vicariously through the years of wisdom always stay with you. ing our litigation in just anybody’s hands. I books. Find interesting things to learn, i.e., And that is a good thing. I’m not going to lost my case in 1996 due to the 1995 ruling the stars, the periodic table of elements, et try and sound all profound and deep with of Sandin vs. O’Conner. cetera. Take your mind away from the de- you, as many of you are either in this same I managed to learn of a guy that I knew pressing doldrums of incarceration. Don’t predicament, or have a loved one inside the when I had fi rst arrived at Folsom who lose your identity to the corruption of pris- SHU. What I hope all of you gain from my (from all his years in the SHU) was now on politics. Reconnect with the beauty of experience is that life is too short to lead in PSU [Pelican Bay’s mandated mental the world by reading on subjects that can be with hate and retaliation. health unit for SHU prisoners] playing in used in your reality. On the next lockdown, I came to prison in 1983 for murder in his feces. And this was once an intelligent cultivate your mind with knowledge no one the fi rst degree. I was 23, and had never fellow. What caused him to nut-up like else possesses. You will pride yourself on been anywhere, or seen anything, until I that? such intense study. To forge myself into a went to Folsom. There were rules to walk- As the years progressed, violence in the stronger person I’ve committed to memory ing the line (as there are anywhere you go), SHU escalated to the point of where many various facts and nomenclature, such as: and there was a lot of violence. prisoners were no longer allowed to have The 88 constellations (alphabetically) In 1988 I was working in the housing a cellie. (That can sometimes leave you 109 elements building as a barber when a correctional feeling isolated and frustrated because you 66 moons in the solar system sergeant decided he was going to get in my spend 22-and-a-half hours a day in this Kings and Queens of England face and disrespect me over (what I con- cell.)

14 PRISON FOCUS I came to a point in my life where I had to centered on nonsense. I love my people, but towards a life of death and destruction and ask myself what I wanted out of life. What I try not to waste energy on tearing down the revolution was not televised. am I getting out of this life? Where do I others. For one, I don’t have to tear down I turned a fi ve-year prison term into a life see myself down the road in a few years? another to uplift myself. Secondly, we as a sentence without even leaving prison, but Before I answered this, I had to be com- people tend to use the hurting and hating as a new a man who has regained his self pletely honest with myself, and struggle of others as a substitution for healing and respect and individuality, I now can see the with the option of putting my life in danger loving self. Without the latter, the former world with open eyes, and the revolution (with other inmates) in order for the staff is in vain. has not been televised. to feel comfortable with me being around Many Brothers here talk about how bad Losing loved ones while incarcerated them and other inmates. For fi fteen years, we’re being treated, yet pass up on just gives a new perspective on life. I have sus- the mere thought of going through the about every opportunity to make necessary tained a life style made available by having state’s debriefi ng process was one that was changes. Many are only out for themselves. a viable support system in place. And the non-negotiable with me. The idea of hav- It hurts more than anything else. You can’t revolution has not been televised. ing to hang up my gonads in order to see help but wonder, “What happened between Anger is perpetuated by the horrible con- daylight left a bad taste in my mouth. But birth and now that’s made them this way?” ditions we must endure each day, and it I kept thinking of the past fi fteen years and There are some beautiful Brothers here, but took me several years to master the art of the loss of both my grandparents and my you would never know by the ugliness be- not becoming angered over matters I have father. I did not give them much in life to ing portrayed. I don’t sleep during the day, no control over and yet the revolution has feel proud about. I also had a woman in my and the television doesn’t come on until 5 not been televised. life that I was very much in love with. pm, unless it’s the weekend or something The psychological tormenting of specifi c In 2002 I made the conscious decision of true importance is on. You can’t build prisoners by the CDCR will always be con- to disassociate myself from the gang, and I properly neither inside nor out if you’re ducted by some sadistic cops who seem to went through the debriefi ng process. Now I sleeping or watching television. Anyone gain some pleasure in this practice. And yet know that at this point many of your read- telling you different is only making excus- the revolution has not been televised. ers are going to trash this paper. And that’s es for or attempting to justify their lack of For every action there is a equal reaction. your choice. For me there was no life in the discipline. Prisoners and convict alike must learn to SHU. Out here you no longer answer to I respect people of action, not those of harness the power among the masses and anyone for your actions. just words, no matter how they’re put to- not allow the CDCR to instigate a situa- Outside SHU you have the opportunity gether. How can I tell someone what needs tion that will result in loss of privileges ad to get involved with so many programs, to be done if I’m doing the exact opposite? property then justify it by some reactionary including lectures with college students That “Do as I say, not as I do” must cease action taken by some small minded indi- that come from colleges and universities. amongst our people. It has become an ex- vidual bent on creating an atmosphere of You have an incredible opportunity to get cuse not to do. hostility. And the revolution has not been involved in and focused on your children, Even though the majority of my focus televised. and loved ones. + is on my people, I don’t limit myself to The televised revolution will never take just us, because you can learn from and be place because that old cliché is nothing [Ed Note: While California continues to helped by anyone. Though I hate to admit more than the fi gment of imagination of a have SHUs, CPF believes all programs and it, you may need their assistance because few, who are fi xated with the past and they programming should be available to those your own have abandoned you. Especially use it to captivate the minds of those naïve prisoners so designated.] when it comes to these guards. They’re so enough to believe that it takes armed strug- worried about the appearance of favoritism; gle to bring about a true revolution, which NOTHING NEW IN NEW they treat you worse than any other. It’s the simply means change. + “Field” and the “House” all over again. FOLSOM The sad part is that I receive disdain from By Henry Hill my people for my thoughts and conduct. came into the system at age 20, know- It’s truly depressing when you see how ing a whole lot of nothing and nothing brainwashed some of us have become. But I about a whole lot. I was angry, and I refuse to give up on us as a People. If we didn’t know why or whom to direct my an- who can, give up, who will help those who ger. I was into self-hate as many of my gen- feel they can’t? Our oppressors? How do eration, so I thought it was cool to attack you think we got here?! + my brothers and disrespect my sisters. Fortunately, upon catching my SHU THE REVOLUTION HAS term in February 1999, I was be schooled by some conscious Brothers who showed NOT BEEN TELEVISED me a better way to conduct myself. Upon By Andre’ Johnson my release back to mainline in July 2003, I s a young man entering prison was able to continue my education by more twenty-three years ago I found Brothers of consciousness. Amyself caught in a vortex of chaos So, I don’t spend much time on activities and confusion. I was groomed and guided

NUMBER 24 15 THE CALIFORNIA write of certiorari – and everything in be- LSPC PREGNANT tween – in laymen’s terms Russell explains HABEAS HANDBOOK how it all works. PRISONER CAMPAIGN 4.04 Edition (December 2004) Chapter nine contains a couple of pay- TAKES OFF By Kent A. Russell ment options for those interested in retain- “On 9/7/04, Antoinette went for a pre- Review by Eugene Alexander Dey ing Russell’s services. In addition to hourly natal check up at VSPW and was sent to ecades ago prisoners could fi le a rates, and a federal fl at fee, he offers a the hospital because she was beginning writ on just about anything – in one-of-its-kind “Pro-Per Plan” for the state to dilate. She was shackled by her ankle Dsome extreme cases, even on toi- level with a fl at fee as well. to the gurney on the way to the hospital, let paper. Back then, right before the war An expanded appendix contains a wide not shackled while being checked in the on drugs took full effect, the judiciary felt range of forms and sample pleadings: Tra- ER, then shackled for the next three weeks compelled to liberally construe anything verse, Notice of Appeal, Certifi cate of Ap- while waiting to go into labor. … [S]he was that came across their bench to determine pealability, state (MC-275 Form, Califor- shackled to the bed and had to ask to go if it had merit. nia) and federal (2254) habeas petitions, to the bathroom or to turn over. She was Once the pendulum of draconian justice and step-by-step instructions on how to fi ll minimum security this whole time, already began to swing, true liberal construction out the state petition. Moreover, new addi- endorsed to the mother-infant program.” was replaced by a gauntlet of specialized tions to the appendix include instructions – From Karen Shain’s testimony to Cali- forms and unforgiving regulations. In 1996 for fi lling out the federal form, the Califor- fornia’s Senate Public Safety Committee, Congress passed the Anti-Terrorism and nia Rules of Court, and a Pro Se Habeas June 2005 Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA), a Handbook from the U.S. District Court egal Services for Prisoners with heartless reconstruction of habeas corpus (Southern District). Children (LSPC) has engaged in a and the predecessor to the war on terror- Other features include a “Habeas Claims Lpartnership with fi ve students from ism’s Patriot Act. Table,” with 136 winning issues. This in- San Francisco State’s School of Public Help is at hand. For those intrepid so- dex enables one to quickly identify what Health who have embarked on a three- journers who insist on advancing their Constitutional principles apply and which semester project to investigate the health post-conviction claims, Kent Russell, United States Supreme Court cases to cite needs of incarcerated pregnant women. We famed attorney, author, and post-convic- and research. Additionally, Russell’s “Ha- are currently working on four fronts: tion expert, created The California Habeas beas Hints” column, which appears quar- • California State Legislature: We are Handbook. This easy-to-read publication terly in Prison Legal News, has been incor- working closely with State Assembly- is designed to help the California prisoner porated into the text as well. woman Sally Lieber, sponsor of AB navigate through the maze of state and fed- Obtaining relief from the courts is often 478. This important bill provides for eral courts, despite the AEDPA. a lesson in futility, yet Russell’s written minimum standards of care for pregnant The Handbook differs from most law work on the AEDPA and habeas corpus is incarcerated women: Prenatal medical books in its easy-to-understand format and invaluable. While the California Habeas care as needed, including vitamins and language. The 4.04 edition explains how to Handbook is in a class by itself, one should special diets; dental care, including at exhaust properly raised state claims, and always research one’s claims as thoroughly least one cleaning during the course of why state courts often hold petitioners to as possible. pregnancy; and an end to shackling of diffi cult standards. To order, send $29.99 (inmate price; oth- women during transport and delivery, From the onset, Russell fl eshes out when ers add $5 for shipping and handling) to unless there is a pressing security need. the AEDPA’s unforgiving one-year statue Kent A. Russell, California Habeas Hand- • Dental care for pregnant prisoners: This of limitations “clock” begins to tick, and book, 2299 Sutter Street, San Francisco, spring LSPC began a partnership with how the “time-bank” actually works. He CA, 94115. fi ve students from San Francisco State emphasizes properly fi ling federalized and University’s Masters in Public Health timely claims in order to avoid a procedural (MPH) program. The group will focus default – the litigious end for a vast number on dental health for pregnant women in- of pro per pleadings. carcerated at VSPW. They have already Arranged in nine chapters, chapter one spent one semester with us, and will begins by explaining how the Handbook continue through Spring 2006. is intended for unrepresented, non-capital Dental care was chosen as the focus of “state” prisoners challenging a conviction this project because oral health can have a or sentence. Chapters two through fi ve of- drastic impact on the health of both infants fer a crash course on state and federal ha- and mothers. Infections in the mouth can beas corpus. Chapters six through eight are trigger a hormonal imbalance that causes arranged as a “how-to” guide to overcome pre-term deliveries, resulting in low birth state and federal barriers to relief. weight, pre-eclampsia, and an overall On his coverage of the federal proceed- higher chance for infant mortality. ings, Russell goes into even greater detail The goal of the program is to improve than previous editions. From the initial dental care for pregnant women in Califor- federal habeas petition all the way to the nia prisons and protect the health of their United States Supreme Court’s petition for babies.

16 PRISON FOCUS • Alternatives to incarceration: In the mid women in prison was 5 percent as com- Last week the guards began carrying col- 1980s, the California legislature institut- pared to 3.3 percent for men. There were lapsible batons. With a fl ick of the wrist, a ed the California Prisoner-Mother Pro- more than 103,000 women incarcerated strong metal rod shoots out to a length ap- gram (CPMP). The CPMP is designed in prisons in 2004. + proximately 2 1/2 feel long. to be an alternative to incarceration for Many guards are chomping at the bit to pregnant women and those with children HORRORS AT administer sanctioned beatings. A major- under six years old who fi t a set of cri- ity of female prisoners have been victims teria. Currently, the program has three CHOWCHILLA CENTRAL of physical abuse in their lives, and much facilities and houses up to 70 women CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S more than the new potent clothes-dying and their children. This year, we began FACILITY pepper spray recently introduced in a lib- looking at these facilities in order to un- eral manner, they fear these coming beat- derstand how they function and what the t CCWF a meeting was held with ings. I should note, as with female prison- conditions of confi nement are for these Captain Callahan on “B” yard. ers, there is a small coterie of guards, about women and their young children. We AElected inmate housing represen- 25%, who cause all the trouble. All of us are plan to offer suggestions for improve- tatives of the Women’s Advisory Council continually locked down over disturbances ment and possibly expansion to the leg- (W.A.C.) spoke about issues confronting caused by the same people over and over islature during the next session. prisoners on the yard. again. So, too, it is with the guards. + • Individual advocacy: We are meeting The captain told us that the warden is —Sara Olson individually with pregnant women at negotiating a contract with sanitation com- Valley State as well as at the CPMPs to panies to restore a portable toilet on each ensure that they get proper medical and yard so that prisoners may have some fl ex- dental care and that they have workable ibility when outside their buildings. There plans for the future of their babies. is no projected date for when the toilet will Our work in support of pregnant and arrive. post-partum incarcerated women can be He said there are talks in Sacramento to heartbreaking at times, but we are continu- remove levels one and two inmates from ally impressed by the strength and determi- prisons in order to rehabilitate them in nation of the women we work with. + community settings. There is no projected date for such a pro- From: Legal Services for Prisoners With gram initiation but the captain assures it it Children Newsletter, Summer/Fall 2005, will be “years” off. 1540 Market Street, Suite 490, San Fran- What Captain Callahan did have a pro- cisco, CA 94102. jected date for is the addition of a ninth bed, locker and prisoner to each cell in the housing units. In rooms originally designed SOME GOOD NEWS FOR for four prisoners, we will now have nine. IMPORTANT NOTICE! WOMEN PRISONERS We were told, if all goes “well,” the ex- tra inmates will be in place by the coming • The ban on non-emergency cross gender Our mailing list is a mess pat searches of women prisoners was Christmas. By the end of 2006, he told us, put into force on Wednesday September there will be 32 extra prisoners in each of and must be cleaned up. As 7. Please send any feedback to Corey at four housing units on all three permanent much as 50 percent of our CPF about the effectiveness of the new yards. This total equals 384, plus 220 more prisoner addresses are bad. rule at the four facilities for women in in bunks in the gym. Unless you send a post card CA. Thanks to all those who worked on Title XV, the regulation code govern- ing state prisoner programs, was recently or letter to the address below this with the women inside. your name will be removed • California Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneg- amended in the interest of gender specifi c- ger signed a bill into law on October 7 ity regarding women. It now allows level from the Prison Focus mail- that bans the practice of shackling fe- four inmates (longtermers and lifers) to be ing list. male prisoners during labor, delivery imprisoned in dorm housing, unlike men. and recovery. Female prisoners typi- This means we can be crammed even more California Prison Focus cally give birth in locked hospital wards tightly together. Gender specifi city has re- sulted not in confi nement releif but in more c/o Subscription Verifi cation under the supervision of armed guards. 2940 16th Street, Suite B5 The law also makes it illegal to deny discomfort. inmates prenatal and postpartum care, Women prisoners are very upset about San Francisco, CA 94103 access to vitamins or basic dental this. It is likely tensions will rise, fi ghts be- cleanings. Women are the fastest grow- tween and over girlfriends will escalate, and Verify your address today ing segment of the national prison popu- women who have endured decades in cus- and continue to receive this tody, some with no possible release dates, lation, according to the U.S. Bureau of newsletter. Justice Statistics. Between 1995 and will see their little bits of space shrink to 2004, the average annual increase among nothing.

NUMBER 24 17 CHINO INCIDENT carcerated is a major barrier to successful About 200 prisoners rioted at the recep- reentry and reduced recidivism, and many tion center at Chino. The melee lasted from believe that such discrimination has in- R E C E N T approximately 7:00 p.m. until after 10:00. creased since the 9/11 attacks. Five prisoners were hospitalized after the Approximately eight percent of the work- incident. ing age population has felony records. A Fresno Bee, Sept. 23, 2005 Princeton researcher found that admitting to a drug conviction reduced the chance of HISTORY SALINAS LOCKDOWN PROTEST getting a job interview by 50 percent for In response to an extended lockdown at white applicants and 67 percent for Black Salinas Valley State Prison, six female fam- applicants. ily members of prisoners protested outside All of Us or None, who see banning the Summarized by Craig Gilmore the prison gates. In response, SVSP called box as one step in securing civil rights for the California Highway Patrol, the Sole- the formerly incarcerated, championed the TEXAS EXECUTES FIRST BLACK dad Police Department and the Monterey measure. WOMAN SINCE DEATH PENALTY County Sheriff for backup. Los Angeles Times, Oct. 12, 2005 RESUMED One of the protestors, Terry Fry, was told Frances Newton became the third wom- by SVSP spokesperson Lt. Bill Muniz that CYA REHIRES VIOLENT GUARDS an, and the fi rst Black woman, executed in the women’s continued protest could back- The State Personnel Board voted to force Texas since that state resumed use of the fi re. “He made it perfectly clear that what the state to rehire six c/os who were fi red death penalty. About three dozen people we are doing could cause the lockdown to after their beating of a prisoner at N.A. protested outside Huntsville Unit. “I know last longer,” she said. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility was I did not murder my kids and my family,” In response to pressure from SVSP staff made public. The six will resume their jobs she said in a death row interview. and worry that their family members in- and receive full back pay. Associated Press, Sept. 14, 2005 side could face retaliation, the women have The Board ruled that witnesses for the called off their protest. Instead they wait. guards were more persuasive than wit- CA GOV SIGNS ONE BILL “That’s what I’ve done for the last 13 years: nesses against them and the videotape was AND VETOS OTHER wait indefi nitely,” said Fry. inconclusive because it did not show the Gov. Schwarzenegger signed the Sexual Monterey Herald, Aug. 15, 2005 beginning of the assault. Abuse in Detention Elimination Act (AB The video shows Counselor Delwin 550), designed to end prisoner rape. FATAL SHOOTING AT CALIPATRIA Brown landing 28 punches to the head of The bill establishes the Offi ce of the Sex- Richard Albert Zamora, 33, was shot and a young prisoner who is face down and ual Abuse in Detention Ombudsperson and killed during a melee in an exercise yard unresisting. Another employee repeatedly mandates that the CDCR create new poli- at Calipatria. Another prisoner, Richard sprays the youth with pepper spray after he cies regarding placement, education and Daniel Jacobo, was airlifted to a local hos- is subdued. counseling of prisoners and collect data on pital with gunshot wounds and blunt force Organizers across the state continue to sexual assault which will be available to trauma injury to the head. call for the closure of Chaderjian, which the public. According to a prison spokesperson, has had nine superintendents in fi ve years “The passage of this law is a signifi cant Zamora was shot once in the hip and died and recently lost accreditation for its high milestone for California, fi nally giving this at the prison. school. all-too-common human rights violation the Four other prisoners were taken to out- Los Angeles Times, Aug. 31, 2005; attention it deserves,” said Katherine Hall- side hospitals for treatment and 25 more Associated Press, Aug. 30, 2005 Martinez, a spokesperson for Stop Prisoner treated at the prison. Sixteen offi cers were Rape. treated for injury, none required an over- PRISONERS AFTER KATRINA Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill which night hospital stay. Thousands of prisoners in New Orleans would have allowed journalists access to Ninety prisoners were placed in ad-seg jails were evacuated during the fl oods fol- prisoners. He became the third consecutive pending investigation. lowing Hurricane Katrina but many were California governor to veto such legisla- Associated Press, Aug. 19, 2005; also abandoned. tion, joining Gray Davis and Pete Wilson. San Diego Union-Tribune, Sept. 4, 2005 Nearly 500 women were shipped to An- Gloria Romero, who co-authored the bill gola, where they face uncertain futures, with Ray Haynes, said, “I am especially SF BOARD URGES JOB APP since many jail and court records were de- disappointed that, after working with me CHANGE stroyed in the fl oods. earlier this year to launch substantive re- The Board of Supervisors in San Fran- Up to 600 New Orleans prisoners were forms in California corrections, the gover- cisco voted unanimously to urge the city left without food or water in fl ooded jail nor would not join me in shining more light and county to remove questions about prior cells for up to four days, and that as many on the system through an increase in media convictions from job applications. as 300 New Orleans prisoners are unac- freedom.” The resolution does not prohibit criminal counted for according to Human Rights Associated Press, Oct. 8, 2005; background checks or asking about convic- Watch. New Orleans offi cials deny that any Stop Prisoner Rap, Sept. 22, 2005 tions during interviews. prisoners died during the fl ooding, but one (www.spr.org). Discrimination against the formerly in- 30-year veteran c/o said, “Ain’t no tellin’ 18 PRISON FOCUS what happened to those people.” HUNGER STRIKES IN COURTS LOOK FOR HEALTH CARE “Of all the nightmares during Hurricane EL SALVADOR PRISONS RECEIVER Katrina, this must be one of the worst,” said Prisoners at six prisons in El Salvador, After putting the CDCR (formerly the Corinne Carey, researcher from Human many former U.S. residents, staged hunger CDoC) health system into receivership, Rights Watch. “Prisoners were abandoned strikes in September. Judge Thelton Henderson has begun a in their cells without food or water for days Prisoner demands include: Respect and nationwide search for someone to run the as fl oodwaters rose toward the ceiling.” moral and physical integrity of those in- system for the federal court. In the interim, For those seeking to locate incarcerated carcerated, psychological attention, right he appointed John Hagar Correctional Ex- family members who were evacuated from to receive family and conjugal visits, rec- pert to the court. Mr. Hagar has met with the affected parishes, the DOC has estab- reational, cultural and religious activities, union offi cials to strategize how to recruit lished two hotlines where you can fi nd out adequate food, education and vocational more qualifi ed health care workers to the where your family member is and can leave training, social Reinsertion program, a fair system. a message for that family member letting and legal judicial process, no arbitrary trans- ``This failure of political will, combined them know where you are. The numbers fers to maximum security prisons, and the with a massive escalation in the rate of in- are 225-342-3998 and 225-342-5935. The abolition or derogation of the Super Mano carceration over the past few decades, has hotline is open between 7a.m. and 10p.m. Dura because is an attempt on the right of led to a serious and chronic abnegation of CST. There is also a website run by the life and it violates all the elements of ones state responsibility for basic medical needs Louisiana Association of Criminal De- rights and guaranties of being human based of prisoners,’’ Judge Henderson wrote. fense Lawyers, which is tracking prisoners: on national and international law. “Too frequently medical care decisions are http://www.lacdlinmatetracking.blogspot. El Salvador is among the Central Ameri- pre-empted by custodial staff who have com. Critical Resistance and other activ- can countries who have instituted Mano been given improper managerial responsi- ist groups have demanded amnesty for all Dura (Stong Hand) laws, similar to U.S. bility over medical decision making.” those jailed during the fl ooding. Broken Windows or Zero Tolerance polic- San Jose Mercury News, Oct. 4, 2005 New York Times, Oct. 2, 2005; ing. Many of those arrested are former U.S. Human Rights WatchSept. 22, 2005 residents, deported after a felony convic- ONE OF TEN PRISONERS . tion in the U.S. ARE LIFERS DETAINEES SIT-IN AT Homies Unidos press conference; A New York Times survey has discovered LANCASTER —Los Angeles, Oct. 5, 2005 that ten percent of prisoners in the U.S. are Over 900 federal detainees staged a serving life sentences, and that almost three sit-in, refusing to return to their cells, be- RACIAL PROFILING AT BJS? in ten of lifers are sentenced to life without cause of delays in their deportation hear- A high ranking offi cial at the Bureau of the possibility of parole (LWOP). ings. Justice Statistics (BJS), the government Two thirds of lifers are sentenced on mur- The Mira Loma Detention Center holds agency that compiles statistics about the der charges, and sixteen percent for drugs. approximately 950 of the 20,000 immi- country’s police, jails and prisons, has been The report noted that U.S. sentencing grants detained while awaiting hearings. threatened and forced out of his job after laws are unlike laws in other industrial As the number of immigrants rounded up complaining that Justice Department offi - countries. “Western Europeans regard 10 and jailed increases, the wait for a hear- cials in the Bush Administration buried a or 12 years as an extremely long term, even ing date gets longer. BJS report on racial profi ling by U.S. po- for offenders sentenced in theory to life,” The Detention Center is run by the Los lice. said James Q. Whitman, law professor at Angeles County Sheriff on contract with Lawrence A. Greenfeld was named by Yale. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bush to head BJS in 2001 after over 20 Many countries will not extradite those (ICE), and has been the site of protests years work in the agency. As the study was accused of crimes to the U.S. when they dating back to at least 1997. about to be released, the Justice Depart- face LWOP. An Italian judge who pardoned Los Angeles Times, Sept. 22, 2005 ment tried to hide the report. the man convicted of attempting the assas- “My suspicions always go up if a report sination of the Pope, said, “No one stays 20 U.K. PRISONERS TO GET VOTE? like this is just deep-sixed,” said Represen- years in prison.” The European Court of Human Rights tative John Conyers of the Congressional New York Times, Oct. 1, 2005 has ruled that the laws that disenfranchise Black Caucus. Britain’s 48,000 prisoners are violations of The BJS report showed that after be- AI DETAILS POLICE ABUSE OF basic human rights and should be voided. ing stopped by a police offi cer, Latinos LGBT The case was brought before the court by had their cars searched 11.4 percent of the A recent Amnesty International report John Hirst, convicted of killing his landla- time. shows widespread abuse of lesbian, gay, dy with an ax and sentenced to life impris- For Black drivers, 10.2 percent were bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people onment in 1980. After the decision, Hirst searched. Whites were searched in 3.5 per- by U.S. police. said, “The human rights court has agreed cent of stops and were less often threatened Dr. William F. Schulz, Executive Di- with me that the government’s position is with the use of force and more often sent on rector of AIUSA, said, “Some, including wrong - it doesn’t matter how heinous the their way without a ticket. transgender individuals, people of color crime, everyone is entitled to have the basic New York Times, Aug. 23, 2005 and the young suffer disproportionately, es- human right to vote.” pecially when poverty leaves them vulner- The Guardian, Oct. 6, 2005 able to homelessness and exploitation and

NUMBER 24 19 less likely to draw public outcry or offi cial IMMIGRANTS: LOCKED tine to lock Palestinians out of land which scrutiny. It is a sorry state of affairs when is theirs but is now called Israel. What a the police misuse their power to infl ict suf- IN/ LOCKED OUT coincidence that both walls are called “se- fering rather than prevent it.” he situation for incarcerated women curity fences.” The report looked at practices in the who are also immigrants has always But there is not “security” for immigrants nation’s 50 largest cities and Washington Tbeen diffi cult and becomes worse in the countries which have conquered and D.C. all the time. The number of people locked occupied their land. Instead, since the infa- “Every human being, without exception, up in California who are not citizens has mous war on terror started, we’ve seen an has the right to live free from discrimina- been on the rise for the past dozen years. intense wave of attacks against non-whites tion and abuse, yet LGBT people nation- Almost half of people incarcerated in Unit- immigrant communities, and more immi- wide are afraid to report hate crimes or ed States federal prisons are non-native grants are being locked up for “security other abuses to the police, who at times English speakers. An incarcerated woman reasons.” Freedom died and democracy prove themselves to be the criminals,” said who does not speak English in California’s exploded when the U.S. sent immigrant Michael Hefl in of AI. English-only prisons has trouble seeking soldiers to destroy the lives of thousands of Amnesty International press release, medical or legal help and certainly cannot Iraqis based on wholesale lies. Sept. 22, 2005 fully function within the prison system on a We need to understand in more detail the daily basis. Often, immigrant families must ways in which immigrant women are being INCREASE IN IMMIGRANT PROS- use the translation help of young children railroaded to prison and once there are suf- ECUTIONS SINCE 9/11 in order to understand complicated legal fering in specifi c, terrible ways. We need to Since Sept. 11, 2001 federal prosecutions intricacies of prison system that is not de- condemn the mass targeting of immigrants for immigration violations have more than signed to be helpful to anyone. because it is an injury to all of us. The doubled, pushing them past drug crimes The nightmarish situation for immigrant struggle for immigrant rights is a struggle as the most frequently prosecuted federal women in prison refl ects the brutish reali- for the liberation of people of color around crimes, according to a new study by Trans- ties which immigrants face in the United the world and is our uprising here in the actional Records Access Clearinghouse at States every day. Immigrants in this coun- belly of the beast. Syracuse University. try, documented or undocumented, live in Reprinted from the newsletter of Cali- Federal drug crime prosecutions dropped a continual state of struggle for survival fornia Coalition for Women Prisoners between 2001 and 2004 from 32,753 to and also of resistance. Harassment, rac- 30,988. But last year more than 38,000 ism and exploitation are not far way from Active ...... Continued from page 7 people were brought up on immigration any of us. Our human rights are constantly charges. violated. We don’t even have full freedom letter which is reason enough for taking up The study contends that many matters to walk around without fear that the Migra such activities. Other things I do to keep that would once have been handled as ad- (now Homeland Security), the police or the busy include helping others with their legal ministratively are now being referred to minutemen will take the opportunity to put cases (civil and criminal), fi ling grievances prosecutors. In South Texas, prosecutors us in prison, deport us or beat us to death. every time I see a grievable issue no matter went into super drive against immigra- When Governor Schwarzenegger encour- if it’s personal or if it involves another tion crimes last year. The number of cases ages the ultra-right-wing minutemen to prisoner, keeping log books/charts of all sent to prosecutors increased from 4,062 to help parole the border, we see paramilita- mail, memos (kites) this helps in storing 18,092. rism becoming an accepted policy in Cali- in order the paper work which I do not New York Times, Sept. 29, 2005 fornia which in turn promotes other forms discard in hopes of using it as evidence of racism against immigrants. against my keepers at a latter date. And We leave our home countries because of most importantly read! Especially books U.S. foreign policies that devastated our which further one’s knowledge. I am one economy and politics, forcing us to leave who discourages those that fi ll one’s time our family and land. Entire communities are on “junk novels” and encourage subjects separated and subjected to double exploita- like politics, science, poetry, how to books tion. Our situation is a direct consequence and reference publications. Personally I just of policies like the Free Trade Agreement, love to soak my brain into anything dealing the International Monetary Fund, war oc- with technology and its related issues. Now cupation, sanctions, blockades, and the ex- everyone may not want to follow a schedule ploitation of our natural resources. like mine, but that’s what the imagination When we do get to the United States we is for. Just use whatever know-how you are treated like criminals. Now an actual have obtained from past experiences and wall is being built across the southern part education then shape it into something of what today is called the United States productive. By this you will stonewall the but is land which used to be part of Mexico. boredom devil, hopefully conserve sanity This wall divides Mexican families and is and make your isolation as little more intended to lock out Mexicans and other bearable. In all, if you want to survive that Latinos. It is similar in its racist purpose to long-term isolation, the mind and body the wall which has been erected in Pales- needs to continually be fully alive. +

20 PRISON FOCUS A MODEST PROPOSAL “Single acts of tyranny may be as- • Nearly 230 people have been booked in cribed to the accidental opinion of a day; a makeshift jail set up in a New Orleans TO ABOLISH SLAVERY but a series oppressions, begun at a dis- Greyhound Station, the vast majority IN AMERICA tinguished period and pursued unalter- for the ‘crime’ of feeding and clothing ith the ratifi cation of the Thir- ably through every change of ministers, themselves during the hurricane. The jail teenth Amendment to the U.S. too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic has been called “a real start to rebuilding WConstitution in December of plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” this city.” 1865, it would seem that slavery was offi - --Thomas Jefferson, Right of British • And, the city is under immense lock- cially abolished in all areas of the U.S., but America, 1774. down. th for the seemingly minor exception of pun- United States Constitution, 13 The criminalization of people taking care ishment for a crime. Yet, notwithstanding Amendment: of themselves and their communities dur- the occupation of the South by the Union Section 1. Neither slavery nor involun- ing and after Hurricane Katrina mirrors the Army, the ink was not dry on the parch- tary servitude, except as a punishment for larger criminal legal system. The re-build- ment when the dreaded “Black Codes” crime whereof the party shall have been ing of New Orleans must challenge that began to be enacted to put the newly freed duly convicted, shall exist within the Unit- system to address genuine public safety slaved back into chains. ed States, or any place subject to their ju- and community needs. Ex-salves who could not prove they had risdiction. We believe a fi rst step demands amnesty regular employment were arrested and or- Section 2. Congress shall have power to for those arrested in the aftermath of Ka- dered to pay a stiff fi ne. If they could not enforce this article by appropriate legisla- trina for the ‘crime’ of trying to take care pay, they were hired out in involuntary ser- tion. of themselves and their families and for vitude. Black children were condemned to Universal Declaration of Human those whose cases have been impacted by serve as apprentices in local industry. The Rights Katrina. chain gang and the contract labor became Article 4. No one shall be held in slav- We need your organization, church, a regular feature of the political economy, ery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade school, community group to join us in call- alongside sharecropping, Jim Crow segre- shall be prohibited in all their forms. ing for amnesty. We hope you will con- gation, lynching and KKK terror. Deprived From: The New Black Panther Party sider signing on to the following demand of the vote, citizenship was an empty cup. – Prison Chapter (NBPP-PC) and joining us in working for real public Despite the gains of the Civil Rights The Red Heart Warriors Society safety. Movement, the chain gang is back and so is (RHWS) We the undersigned demand uncondi- contract labor for prisoners. In the ten for- tional amnesty for people impacted by Hur- mer slave states, those who have ever been ricane Katrina who were, or might be, ar- convicted of a felony are denied the right to JOIN THE CAMPAIGN rested or charged for trying to take care of vote, as are all of the more than two million FOR AMNESTY FOR THE themselves and their families and friends, prisoners throughout the U.S. All across PRISONERS OF KATRINA and that those already in the system, whose America, we have witnessed the rise of a cases are potentially affected by Katrina, be Critical Resistance is a national grass- new era of slavery, as prison populations released immediately. We further demand roots organization that works to end the re- have more than tripled in the past three de- that all records of their criminalization be liance on prisons and policing as responses cades. The lines between the criminal jus- permanently erased from the records of all to what are social, economic and political tice system and free enterprise have been municipal, state, federal, credit, and em- problems. We have three U.S. offi ces – one blurred with the rise of the prison-industrial ployment agencies. of which was in the Mid City neighborhood complex. We make these demands with the long- of New Orleans – and 11 chapters, one of The mostly Black, Hispanic and Native term goals of rebuilding New Orleans in a which is in New Orleans. In the aftermath American prison populations are ground way that fosters genuine public safety and of Hurricane Katrina, we know that prison- down by cruel and unusual punishment addresses real community needs. ers and prisoners’ family members have while being denied a political voice and By "Amnesty" we mean that no one been among the most adversely affected. basic human rights and dignity and are sub- should be arrested, charged, tried, sen- • Prisoners were left to drown in jail cells. jected to exploitation by the multinational tenced, fi ned, imprisoned, jailed, detained, • Thousands of people in New Orleans area corporations as a captive labor force. This involuntarily relocated, or deported. jails were separated from their families, has nothing to do with rehabilitation. You Please sign onto the call for amnesty not knowing whether their loved ones can’t teach citizenship through slavery! by contacting Critical Resistance at (510) are alive or dead. To put an end to this cruelest of oppres- 444-0484, via email crnational@criticalre- • Prisoners were refused the right to call sions and violation of the inalienable rights sistance.org, or write to 1904 Franklin St., their loved ones or held at gunpoint on of the People, we call for the immediate Suite 504, Oakland, CA 94612. + freeway overpasses. amendment of the 13th Amendment to end • Thousands of prisoners were moved to at slavery for all, and the extension of univer- least 35 different prisons across, many sal suffrage to all, including prisoners. We are facing the prospect of not being re- declare all elections not based upon full leased as scheduled, and an unknown universal suffrage to be invalid and powers number have had their cases thrown into not derived from the consent of the govern- chaos by lost evidence and records. ment to be usurpations. +

NUMBER 24 21 CAGED UP POETRY PAGE Locked in a cell With concrete walls Old chipped paint THE SOUNDS OF PRISON And a steel bathroom stall Clliiiiddddrrrriiicckkk! Is the sound of the handcuffs that captured us Cllaaangggg! Is the sound of the steel-barred doors. A metal bed frame That close by remote control and seal our fate. Colored green and bright Blunk-blunk-blunk is the sound of the cage door opening Scratched up fl oors Giving us temporary leave to complete the purpose And a glowing white light Of our enslavement. Click-click/click-click/click-click NEEXXTTT! Recycled air Screams the voice of the drone Flowing through the vent Who captures your impression into an The smell of depression Ever-expanding data base. A sullen scent Get up—Sit down! Turn around! Bend over! Put your hands on your head! Constant yelling Lift your feet! Open your mouth! Shut the hell up! Lift your arm!— And prying eyes Put your hands down slowly! Lift this bale! Clean this asbestos! Surrounded by people Pull that can over here! Lights on! Go to sleep! Full of anger and lies Everybody up! –Eat! –Stop eating! –Lights out!—Get over here, now! Face the wall! –Head down! Cuffed on the move Hands behind your back!— DUST IF YOU MUST And shackled down Do you understand me boy!!! Because Whenever you walk Dust if you must but wouldn’t it be better If you so much as breathe There’s guards all around To paint a picture or write a letter, You’re dead! Bake a cake or plant a seed? Damon C. Scott Guns always loaded Ponder the difference between want and need. Sights always drawn One act of aggression Dust if you must but there’s not much time, And your life could be gone With rivers to swim and mountains to climb! Music to hear and books to read, Ten-minute showers Friends to cherish and life to lead. S.H.U. And back to the cell Knife fi ghts and fi st fi ghts I am brought before a committee of men, Dust if you must but the world’s out there A never-ending hell Insidious irony, subtle words of the pen. With the sun in your eyes, the wind in your They smile in my face, they reach for my soul, hair, Alone with our thoughts Letting misery and solitude take their toll. A fl utter of snow, a shower of rain. As the years go by This day will not come around again. Announcing their judgment with noses held high Life without freedom Caged up ‘til we die The power they fl aunt will make you sigh. Dust if you must but bear in mind, I live in oppression, I live in a cage, Old age will come and it’s not kind. Sean Bromley With all of my anger building up to a rage. And when you go and go you must, You, yourself, will make more dust. I have been given an indeterminate SHU. Christopher A. You ask what that means?! You mean this is new?! Averaging twenty-three hours a day in a cell, A windowless closet, a solitary hell.

Sensory deprivation, a prison within a prison. Photo on left. Left to Creative insanity or inspiring vision? right Cynthia, Ed, Corey, and Noelle holding up Living my life like a chaotic scream, the CPF banner at anti- Someone please wake me from this horrible dream. war demo.

Not wanting to give in, not wanting to die, ¨ If I were not a man, I would surely cry. I shall not feel the sun’s warming ray, For I will be in Pelican Bay.

Robert Perrine (“Sykes”)

22 PRISON FOCUS Letters ...... Continued from page 2 TVS IN AD SEG A RECENT VISIT TO Dear CPF: “compliant.” He bases this argument on In your Prison Focus issue #23, Sum- CORCORAN the fact that in his opinion they have given mer 2005, a Tehachapi inmate wrote on By Sally Bystroff up on the struggle. Number one, Mr. C.L., page 2 under letters indicated “privilege n November 7, CPF made an in- many of those now classifi ed as SNY on group D and/or ‘D’ status Administrative vestigative visit to Corcoran and a physical scale are more dangerous than Segregation (Ad Seg) inmates are being brought three new investigators. 70 percent of CDCR’s general population; O required to send their personal TVs home There is no better way for us to keep people two, how can you fi ght for better condi- and not allowed to purchase another for informed of what is really happening in Cal- tions with everyone on the yard fi ghting one year (from Walkenhorst).” Here is ifornia prisons than for us to visit, meet and each other which in turn provides the evi- more information on this issue: hear from the people affected. dence needed to justify the course of action It is true that the administration did try Good news: we were told the fallen kitch- the administration is currently bent on? The to change the Title XV through the Of- en in 1A yard has been has been repaired. I fi rst and foremost objective of anyone who fi ce of Administrative Law (OAL) in an hope the mold has been cleaned out on that fi nds himself confi ned is the ascertainment attempt to take all TVs from privilege unit. Let us know. of his or her freedom. Second is a stress- group D (D status) Ad Seg and SHU in- Bad news: There are still some serious free environment within the prison so that mates. However, this proposed change to problems with the 602 process. We have the individual can focus on the means to the Director’s rules was later withdrawn/ found some prisoners get their 602s an- obtain freedom. If Mr. C.L. thinks prison is repealed and reverted back to prior sta- swered and some are totally rejected. It life and life is prison he should not be rant- tus. See Notice of Changes to Director’s would be helpful to know what the dynam- ing about the conditions therein. Rules (NCDR), number 03/06, date issues ics behind the rejections are: are certain c/os —Tracye B. Washington, Tehachapi, CA 12-30-03, Effective Date Immediately, responsible for most of the rejections? Is it Public Comment Period was on 3-5-04; a problem in a specifi c unit? Do particular SUCCESS AT HIGH DESERT however NCDR, number 04/03, date is- prisoners always have a problem getting Dear CPF: sues 6-1-04, effective date Immediately, their 602s heard? Reminder: if your 602 I would like to take this opportunity to comment period 8-12-04 repealed the is not responded to in the appropriate time inform you and all 100-plus prisoners who changes to 3044(g)(4)(6) and reverted it frame then appeal your appeal. Keep track participated in the single-cell and/or hun- back to its prison reading/status. of what you are doing - the complaint, the ger strike protest here at HDSP’s 2-Unit As to only being able to use a single date and the c/os involved. Please let us (Ad Seg) during the months of May and vendor (Walkenhorst) in your Ad Seg is in know about any successful 602 appeals. July 2005, that your sacrifi ce and/or sup- violation of the CCR, Title XV as you’re FYI: CPF is actively recruiting new vol- port in our struggle to improve our living required to be able to choose between unteers in order to keep up with our mail. conditions paid off in a big way. As most three vendors not just one. See NCDR, We do read and value your letters. of you already know, our protest achieved number 04/03 under the Initial Statement Please write and tell us about classes that a steady fl ow of prisoners transferring out of Reasons, which states in pertinent part, start up, any roof repairs, the start up of tran- of 2-Unit to other prisons within a week “The department will ensure that the ven- sitional housing units, or whatever is hap- from our suspending the protest to give of- dor process will be fair and equitable to pening that makes life go better for you. We fi cials here a grace period to consider our all inmates and their correspondents by want to track for the promised changes that grievances and grant our requested actions, allowing competitive pricing by utilizing come with adding the word “rehabilitation” among which transfers was one. These multiple vendors. Vendors with higher to the now-called California Department of transfers still continue even into Sept. prices or inferior merchandise will lose Corrections and Rehabilitations. I want to I am also happy to announce that our pro- business to vendors with lower prices or hear from Corcoran inmates when COs fol- test restored all of the banned canteen items superior merchandise as inmates and their low thru on 602’s that are granted. We are (i.e., hygiene products, coffee and soups). correspondents will make purchases based very concerned about the rogue group of On a fi nal note, I would like to thank all on a combination of cost and quality.” COs at work beating men, especially mental of you who played a role in making these —P. Cockeroft, Crescent City, CA health patients in 3A. That issue is going to improved changes possible. Our unity knew the Warden and to Sacramento. + no racial or geographical boundaries, and I have no doubt that was where our strength lied. Our solidarity in the noble cause was our ace in the deck; it was what made our success possible. You have borne witness to the power of unity in a struggle for a CPF members Cynthia and common cause. And with that, I leave you Ed display anti-war banner at a recent protest. with these wise words by Clarence Dar- row, lawyer, 1930: “As long as the world § shall last, there will be wrongs, and if no man objected and no man rebelled, those wrongs would last forever.” —S. Leon, Susanville, CA

NUMBER 24 23 PRISON FOCUS 2006 CONTACT US Prison Focus #25: If I could tell the children: Letters and essays California Prison Focus from prisoners to home. 2940 15th Street, Suite B5 Prison Focus #26 and 27: Send us your ideas on topics you would San Francisco, CA 94103 like to see us focus on in the next couple of issues. We’ll choose Phone: (415) 252-9211 - Fax: (415) 252-9311 from what is submitted. Deadline for ideas is February 15, 2006. E-mail: [email protected] - Website: www.prisons.org.

SOME GUIDELINE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRISON FOCUS CPF GOALS Some suggestions for submissions: 1. End all human rights abuses against prisoners. • Artwork or graphics 2. End the use of long-term isolation. • Letters (250 words) Let us know if you want us to use your 3. Close the Security Housing Units. name or we will only publish your initials and city & state of 4. Offer rehabilitation of SHU prisoners as torture survivors. 5. Improve medical care and living conditions for prisoners living residence. You can also specify “anonymous.” with HIV, hepatitis C and other life-threatening diseases. • Short Articles (250-500 words) The same identifi cation 6. Help gain compassionate release for prisoners with serious ill- guidelines apply. Topics can be issue specifi c, or current nesses and physical disabilities. news or information. 7. Stop all discrimination against LGBT prisoners. • Helpful resources with address and pertinent information. 8. Abolish the prison system as we know it. • Larger articles are accepted but be aware-our space is lim- ited. Topics: PF topic of issue; current news; recent or pending legislation or policy; news from your institution; organizing ef- ABOUT CPF forts; books-basically anything related to the prison industrial complex as you see it. Individual legal cases are not usually California Prison Focus is a non-profi t community-based human printed. rights organization working with and for California prisoners. Our two main issue areas are fi ghting against the long term isolation, Sorry, we cannot return your submissions unless a prior ar- torture and abuse of Security Housing Units (SHU) and demanding rangement is made. Submissions are not guaranteed to be an end to the medical neglect and abuse of prisoners with HIV, hep- published and we generally cannot respond to your submis- atitis C and other life-threatening diseases. The focus of our work sions because of the volume. Please consider them a contri- is our investigative trips to women and men’s prisons with SHU fa- bution to the work. PF welcomes all submissions! cilities and/or medical units. We make at least one visit per month. ATTEND MEETINGS We work to build strong bridges between the prisoners and the community, and to bring forth the voice of the prisoners through our CPF’s general meeting is the second Wednesday of the newsletter, Prison Focus, and our ongoing educational outreach month at our offi ce at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please and community forums. Central to our work is training ourselves, join us to discuss important topics affecting California prison- prisoners and their loved ones in self-advocacy through public ers and to familiarize yourself with our day-to-day work. protest, networking, coalition building, letter writing and contacting BECOME A VOLUNTEER prison offi cials and policymakers. Come to our monthly volunteer night, every third Wednesday Founded in 1991 (as Pelican Bay Information Project) we have of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., held at our offi ces or made 100 prison visits and conducted more than 3,000 interviews make an appointment to meet with us for another time. CPF with prisoners. Our membership is comprised of prisoners, activ- depends on volunteers to do our invaluable work. We need ists, family members of prisoners, former prisoners, human rights your help answering mail, working on our newsletter, staffi ng advocates, attorneys, and prison visitors. our offi ce, fundraising, and outreach.