San Quentin News

THE PULSE OF SAN QUENTIN Award Winner VOL. 2014 NO.6 June 2014 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 3,873 Amala Foundation Promotes Global Peace Inside S.Q.

By Juan Haines Managing Editor

May 25 was not a typical Sunday on San Quentin’s Lower Yard. Amid the morning ten- nis matches and basket- ball games that inmates play against the Bay Area community, dozens of Texans came to walk laps and raise funds in support of children who have endured trying times. The originators of the Photo by Sam Robinson fundraiser are inmates Photo by Michael Nelson Al Serrato, Stephen Wagstaffe and Tom Nolan Stephen Pascascio, Sam Johnson, Dwight Kriz- San Quentin band performs for the audience man and Gino Sevacos. San Mateo D.A. It was the fourth one held at San from Amala Foundation walked conversations. Quentin. the fi rst lap in silence as the soft “After walking a couple of “I met Vanessa Stone six years sounds of Love is Space, a de- laps with an inmate and talking, Discusses Criminal ago,” Pascascio said. “When I votional song by Deva Premal, sometimes you get this knowl- asked her what she does, she said fi lled the air. edge and experience that’s un- that she raises money for trau- Upon completing the lap, Justice Policy matized kids around the world. walkers engaged in intimate See Commemor. on Page 10 When I brought the fundraising San Quentin News’ fi fth Fo- nals. idea to the administration, they rum featured San Mateo County Introducing themselves, each were fully on board. The rest New Senate Bills Give District Attorney Stephen M. inmate described his crime, is history.” He added, “It is an Wagstaffe. Wagstaffe and his county of conviction and sen- honor and blessing to help such assistant, Al Serrato, discussed tence. Crimes ranged from bur- a worthy cause.” Hope To Juvenile Lifers criminal justice policy with Inmates, prison staffers, Bay about a dozen convicted crimi- See San Mateo on Page 4 Area people and representatives By Kevin D. Sawyer her in August 1991, news re- Journalism Guild Chairman ports state. After his convic- Correctional Offi cer Saves Inmate’s Life tion, he received a sentence of An inmate serving a sen- life without parole. By Lee Jaspar Lower Yard when the incident tence of life without the pos- At the time, Gonzalez was Journalism Guild Writer occurred. sibility of parole for his part in the youngest person ever to “I called Control and informed a murder that was committed receive such a sentence in Or- During the late afternoon of them that Tarvin was not breath- when he was 16 can now apply ange County. April 10, Correctional Offi cer ing,” Dougery said. “Once the for parole under a new law. Gonzalez did not shoot Arana brought inmate David R. medical staff of the Treatment Edel Gonzalez, 38, request- Bicknell or carry the weapon, Tarvin back to life. Triage Area arrived, I retrieved ed a hearing under Senate Bill but he received the same pun- “My heart quit, and I was (an) Amu-Bag, which is used to 9. He was subsequently resen- ishment as his adult cohorts, dead,” Tarvin said. “I want to supply oxygen to the person. I tenced to 25 years to life. reports say. express my sincere and heartfelt then began giving rescue breaths “I think Edel Gonzalez is “Young people often make appreciation for Offi cer Arana’s while Arana did chest compres- exactly the kind of person that mistakes, and sometimes knowledge and extraordinary sions.” this law contemplated,” Eliza- those mistakes have terrible professionalism.” “Medical staff knew exactly beth Calvin of Human Rights consequences,” said former Arana said when he found what was happening and exactly Watch. state Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Tarvin, he was unresponsive where to go but were not sure at Gonzalez and adult gang Francisco, author of SB 9. “We and without a pulse. File photo members attempted to carjack Sgt. Dougery was working the See C/O on Page 5 Correctional Officer Arana Janet Bicknell and fatally shot See Senate Bills on Page 15 Court Experts: CCWF’s Medical System Is Substandard

According to court-appoint- patients’ medical conditions.” spite difficulties in the health ed medical experts, Califor- The report found some care delivery system. nia Central Women’s Facility women were prematurely dis- “With respect to medical in- (CCWF) is not delivering ad- charged from medical beds, take, the process is fragment- equate medical care to female or sent back to housing units ed and does not result in the inmates. CCWF is one of three without their health problems timely identification and treat- women’s facilities in the state addressed. ment of serious medical con- The experts toured CCWF The report “found signifi- ditions,” the report said, add- last July to conduct obser- cant problems related to time- ing there is no standardization vations and interviews with liness and quality of care in to laboratory tests ordered for medical staff and inmates. several systems.” Most of the newly arriving inmates; in- They inspected facilities, clin- problems were attributable stead, nurses independently ics, medical bed space, medi- to overcrowding, insufficient order laboratory tests without cal records and various hous- health care staffing and inad- a physician’s order. ing units. equate medical bed space. “Providers do not write The facility’s records show Many older women with a medication orders but sign the care was sporadic and “pro- higher need of medical care File photo viders did not address all the were transferred to CCWF de- See CCFW’s on Page 7 California Central Women’s Facility Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2014 Inside Edition #57 San Mateo D.A. 1 DeNevi’s Paintings 9 EDITORIAL Amala Foundation 1 Tony Saunders 9 Senate Bills 1 Amala Walk 10 C.O. Saves Life 1 Alliance Banquet 11 CCWF medical system 1 Arts & Entertainment 12 Good Eye Care in Prison Editorial 2 ‘OG’s’ Perspective 13 Lengthy Prison Terms 3 Book Review 13 By Arnulfo T. Garcia Second Striker Cap 3 FCC Collect Calls order 13 Editor-in-Chief Prison Pop & Crime 3 Health & Wellness 14 With the federal courts de- Scott Walker 4 Health Care Concern 14 claring that California’s pris- Rehabilitative Services 4 Youth Deliquency 15 ons could not provide adequate Reid Technique 5 New Sentencing Law 15 health care because they were FBI Studies 5 Month of Ramadan 16 overcrowded, inmates often S.Q. Veterans 6 Jonathan Wilkerson 16 feel neglected by a perceived uncaring system. But, that as- Mark Titch’s Obit 6 News Briefs 17 sumption is not always true. Execution case 7 Letter to the Editor 17 There are numerous health Execution drugs 7 Sports 18 care providers who are con- CRI graduation 8 Sports 19 cerned about inmates’ medi- Rehab. Gardening 8 Asked on The Line 20 cal needs, and they often take extraordinary efforts to meet Ex-gang member 8 Father’s Day 20 patients’ needs. They serve in- mates in a variety of ways — from the nurse, who fi rst sees WWee CCanan UUsese YourYour HHelpelp an inmate, to outside special- ists; numerous people provide The San Quentin News is not supported fi nancially by the California prison system and depends on outside assistance. If you would like to help, there are two ways, a wide range of services. Most both of which are tax-deductible. To contribute with a check, send it to Prison of these doctors, nurses and Media Project, c/o Media Alliance, 1904 Franklin Street, No. 818, Oakland, CA technicians try their best to do 94612. Do not use this address for general correspondence. Instead, write to a good job. the San Quentin News, 1 Main Street, San Quentin, CA 94964. To contribute However, the manner in which with a credit card, go to our website, www.sanquentinnews.com, click on Support, and then on that page go to the bottom paragraph and click on Here. That will take a doctor, nurse, technician or you to the page where you can use a credit card. A special thanks goes to Marin medical staff member treats in- Sun Printing in San Rafael where our paper is printed. The following groups and mates infl uences the perception individuals have already made contributions: of that service. Is the health care FOUNDATIONS provider kind and polite or are The Annenberg Foundation, Columbia Foundation, Marin Community they harsh and arrogant? Foundation, Pastor Melissa Scott, and RESIST Infl uencing how an inmate INDIVIDUALS perceives his or her medical care is that inmates are aware Violet Adkins*, Lois Ahrens, Nassim Alisobhani, Alliance for Change, Corey Anderson, Faye Antolin, Daniel Barton*/Attorney at Law, Christopher B., Stella everything in prison is fi ltered through a strict system crafted Batzel, Peter Bentley*, Luci Berkowitz*, Iris Biblowitz*, Jeremy D. Blank, Ann Photo by Michelle Rochelle Boone, Anne Bozack, Susan Breiding, PL Brown, Bruce and Maris Budner, around custody. So, sitting in a Terry Butler, Robert Canning, Julia Carney, Kasi Chakravartula*, Celia Chazelle, holding area overseen by custo- Tara Kesecker in front of the CCHP hallway Roze Albina Chez, Abby Chin, Yevgenya Chityan, Mac Coffey, Ann Colburn, dy staff can make an inmate feel Kathleen Correll, Joseph Coyle, Colorado CURE, Angela Laura Curtis, Kevin that they are no more than an inmates might not be getting and she wants to be involved in Danaher, Leigh Davenport, Marcus Davies, Christine Dell, Daniel Elber, Claire Elizabeth DeSophia*, Teresa Dillinger, Lisa Doering, Mark Drevno, Braden number in an uncaring system. adequate care. “Getting your bringing quality health care to Weeks Earp, Barry Eisenberg, D. Elser, Tamar Enoch, William and Carolyn An exception to inmates’ per- medication is very important, inmates. Epling, Patricia Ann Foley, Jasper Frank, Amy Friedman, James Friedman, ception of an uncaring medical no matter who you are,” adding, She said after listening to Michael Furst, God B. God II, Dianna Goodwin, Craig Gore, Barbara Green, department is nurse Tara Kes- “follow up and continuing care question from inmates about the Joyce Griffi n, Suzanne Gruber, Fred Gurtman, William Hagler, Ted Hamm, Jun ecker, BA LVN CCHP. is very important.” link between sleep and overall Hamamoto*, Danielle Harris, Barbara Hernandez, Mary Hiester, Carolina Holt, Kesecker has an offi ce in San Today, Kesecker works as an good health, conducting a sleep Douglas Horngrad, Kathryn Howell, Kaitlin Kall, Kathleen Jackson*, Jeremy Quentin’s Central Health Care Johnson, Monica Johnson, Stephanie Jones, Susanne Karch*, Helen Kelly, optometrist technician assisting test at San Quentin might be use- Chad Kempel, Anthony Kenrick*, Richard Keyes, Courtney Khademi, Matt Facility. She’s worked for the inmates with glasses and other ful. She said after Sacramento’s Klopp, Dwane Kratchovil, Elise Kroeber, Will Kruisbrink, Toni Landis, Elsa California Department of Cor- vision problems. She has a huge approval to move forward with Legesse*, Michele Lomelino, Jennifer Lyons, Melvin and Cherly Macomber, rections and Rehabilitation for responsibility providing eye care the test, she’s excited. Robin Madrdid, Linda Mafrice*, John Mallen*, Rosemary Malvey*, Andrew about six years, all at San Quen- to inmates, a sensitive area of ut- Nevertheless, Kesecker said MacKay, Mary McAndrew, Lindsay McCulley, Tracy Mcintosh, June McKay*, tin. Kesecker has become recog- most importance to her patients. in order for inmates to receive Ray Menaster, Stephan Metraux, Kristian Mjaland, Michael Morse, Kelly nizable at this prison as some- Mortensen*, Robin Myers-Li, Melanie Nasson-Kurgpold, John Nelson, Thomas “I have nothing but praise for all quality care, it is important to Nolan*/Attorney at Law, Virginia Norris, Hien Nguyen, Daniel and Julia O’Daly, one who takes time to meet the of my co-workers,” she said. “I communicate and cooperate. Jeffrey O’Donnell, Mark Olmsted, Irami Osei-Frimpong, Pat Palmer, Jay medical needs of each inmate in love working with them.” Kesecker said. “Inmates must be Parafi na, Sarah Parish, J.S. Perrella*, Quilley Powers*, Martin Ratner*, Maria her care. Kesecker said she “loves her quality patients.” Rivero, Cheryl Roberts, James Robertson*, Lois and Steven Rockoff, Manuel Kesecker said working at San work,” even though she said she She said once an inmate puts Roman Jr., Diane Rosenberger, Fred Rosenblum, Michael Munroe Saltzman, Quentin “has been a real eye- knew that there would be many in a slip to see the eye doctor, Teresa Samuelson, Lucia Scott, Jeff Seddon, Elizabeth Semel, Lillian Sharif, opener.” complexities. “I look forward to there’s no need to repeat the Jonathan Simon*, Ameeta Singh*, Edward Skinner, Bob Slakey, Madeleine Sloane, David Spilker*, Nancy Street*, Megan Stubbendeck, Ed Swaitlo, Jim When she began working here, the challenges of my job,” she process. Within 24 hours, the Thompson, Bill Twist, Amanda Ufheil-Somers, Stephanie Vardavas, Lori she went to the North Segrega- said. medical slip is processed and Vasick*, Carla White, Robert and Susan Weisberg, Forrest Woolman. tion Unit. She said that an in- Inmates who walk into her of- the patient will be seen within *Have made more than one donation mate was complaining about not fi ce are greeted with a warm tone 90 days. getting his medication and said and clear words. New patients While it is easy for inmates he was in a lot of pain. She said instantly know that Kesecker to feel neglected and abused Contributions by: that since no one would bring is a caring health care provider regarding health care, inmates the inmate his medication, she who takes her job seriously. Her do not always think about the went back to the medical build- concern about vision and eye diffi culty health care providers ing, picked up the medication care gives patients a real sense face with each new patient. If and took it to the inmate. She of comfort. inmates step back and put them- said that the inmate was very “Tara has a way of making selves in place of the person try- grateful and six years later, he is one comfortable and relieving ing to provide help, they might Prisoners United in the Craft of Journalism still giving thanks. tension,” one inmate said. get a better perspective that Kesecker said that incident Kesecker said inmate health could benefi t the goal of good In collaboration with students from the was her fi rst indication that some care is a constant concern to her, health care. UUNIVERSITYNIVERSITY OFOF CALIFORNIA,CALIFORNIA, BERKELEYBERKELEY GGraduateraduate SSchoolchool ooff JJournalismournalism

BEHIND THE SCENES The San Quentin News is printed by the Marin Sun Printing, San Rafael with donations from supporters. June 2014 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 3 in 2006, half had not attended a single rehabilitation program Lengthy Prison Terms Costing or work assignment while be- hind bars,” Pew reported. Cali- fornia has since recommitted to rehabilitation and is investing Taxpayers Billions of Dollars in increasing the programs of- By Kevin D. Sawyer state budgets have prompted a populations, Pew reported. the national average of 36 per- fered to inmates, according to Journalism Guild Chairman signifi cant shift toward alterna- According to the study, in- cent, it was reported. the California Department of tives to prison for lower-level mates who paroled in 2009 had For violent offenders in Cali- Corrections and Rehabilitation Over the last two decades, offenders, the report found. an average prison time of nearly fornia the overall length of stay press offi ce. the average length of stay for “Criminologist and policy mak- three years, nine months longer jumped to 63 percent, the Pew The Pew study said those who inmates in U.S. prisons has in- ers increasingly agree that we than inmates paroled in 1990, study reported. make policy in the three branch- creased, costing taxpayers bil- have reached a ‘tipping point’ this amounts to a 36 percent in- “I think if you had a list of es of government could modify lions of dollars with little to show with incarceration, where addi- crease in time served over the all the potential factors that incarceration time by adjusting for the extra expense needed to tional imprisonment will have course of a decade. could drive up length of stay in both “the front-end (sentencing), keep offenders behind bars, a re- little if any effect on crime.” “The cost of that extra nine prison, California would have and back-end (release) policy de- search center reports. months totals an average of a check by every one of them,” cisions.” A study by the Pew Center $23,300 per offender,” Pew re- said Joan Petersilia, co-director “Decisions about how to on the States found there was a “Longer prison ported. of the Stanford Criminal Justice charge a defendant after arrest spike of more than 700 percent According to Pew, the in- Center. and booking can have a pro- in the U.S. prison population terms have been crease in time was “remarkably The Pew study said there is found impact on future length of from 1972 to 2011. similar across crime types.” little or no evidence suggesting stay in prison. In most instances, “Longer prison terms have a key driver of Drug crimes increased to 2.2 longer periods of incarceration prosecutors have signifi cant dis- been a key driver of prison popu- prison populations years, up from 1.6 years in 1990 prevents additional crime for a cretion in determining which lations and cost,” the study said. – a 36 percent increase. signifi cant number of offenders. charges to fi le,” the Pew study “Nationally, the fastest period and cost” Property crimes increased to “A signifi cant proportion of said. of growth in time served came 2.3 years, up from 1.8 years in non-violent offenders who were The study said some states between 1995 and 2000. In that 1990 – a 24 percent increase. released in 2004 could have have implemented reforms in- period, length of stay rose 28 The report said additional Violent crimes increased 5.0 served shorter prison terms cluding raising the dollar amount percent, compared with less than time in prison may result in a years, up from 3.7 years in 1990, without impacting public safe- on property crimes that trigger 5 percent in the fi ve-year periods “declining deterrent effect,” and which is a 37 percent increase. ty,” Pew reported. certain felonies, revising drug before and after,” Pew reported. make the offender more likely “This cohort cost $4.7 billion The study said California has offense classifi cations, scaling The Pew Center’s research to commit new crimes after re- more than had they served the been struggling for a long time back mandatory minimums, in- found that state spending lease. This is “the foundation 1990 average,” Pew said. to provide adequate rehabilita- creasing the ability to earn sen- amounts to more than $51 bil- of the argument that prisons are In California, the average tion and work programs for its tence reductions and revising lion annually on corrections, ‘schools of crime.’” length of stay for all crimes prison population as a way for eligibility standards for parole. with prisons accounting for the Both the number of offenders was 1.9 years for those paroled eligible participants to earn a re- The study concluded that majority of this rising price tag. sent to prison and the length of in 1990. By 2009, that number duction in their time served. long-term sentences are “not the Across the nation, these devel- incarceration are “principal forc- jumped to 2.9 years, an increase “One study found that for of- best way to spend public dollars opments, combined with tight es” on the rise and fall of prison of 51 percent – 15 percent above fenders released (in California) and protect public safety.” Second-Striker Population Jumps, Causing Offi cials to Worry About Maintaining Cap

By Antonio Alvarado The law changed sentencing bled. 2013, which is 32.6 percent capacity, according to Palta’s Journalism Guild Writer in two ways: State offi cials worry that the higher than the previous fi scal report. Anyone having two previ- increase of “second strike” year” – the highest number of “We’re certainly concerned State offi cials are concerned ous convictions for a serious admissions would make it dif- second strikers sent to prison that if this trend in increased about a fl ood of new inmates or violent felony crime would fi cult for California to comply since 1998-1999. admissions continues, it is go- into California’s overcrowded be sentenced to 25 years to life with a federal court order to California has approximately ing to make it harder for the prison and county jails sys- upon their third felony convic- reduce its prison population 35,000 second strikers; 24,000 state to comply. The state will tems, reports Rina Palta, crime tion. Anyone having a felony over the next two years, Palta are in prison on a non-violent have to fi gure out some kind of and safety reporter for KPCC. conviction while previously reported. second-strike conviction, pris- way to accommodate them,” The Three Strikes Law, en- convicted of a serious or vio- According to prison offi - on numbers show. This is prov- said Aaron Edwards, senior acted in 1994, increased Cali- lent crime – known as “second cials’ population projections, ing to be a major obstacle in analyst at the non-partisan fornia’s prison population over strikers” – would have their “there were 5,492 second strike reducing the prison population Legislative Analyst’s Offi ce. time, according to Palta. sentence automatically dou- admissions in fi scal year 2012- down to 137.5 percent of its Edwards said no one can quite explain the recent increase, but that it is likely the result of many factors, one guess being Report: Prison Population and Overall the consequence of the state’s shifting “low-level” offenders and parolees from serving time in state prisons to local county Crime Rate Both Going Down jail facilities. “Prior to realignment, in- After four decades of swell- Prisons cost a fortune and project for the Pew Charitable more prisons are not effective dividuals who were on parole ing prison populations and “that is at great expense to oth- Trusts. “But what we’re see- at reducing crime,” said Gelb. could be sent back to prison exorbitant costs to maintain er fi scal priorities,” said Nancy ing in state after state, is states “People are sick and tired of for a parole violation,” Ed- such growth, state prison pop- LaVigne, director of the Urban actually ratcheting back their this revolving door. There’s got wards said. Now parole viola- ulations fi nally are decreas- Institute’s Justice Policy Cen- prison populations and having to be a better way.” tions either get jail time or are ing and the overall crime rate ter. “That affects the DEA, the signifi cant drops in crime.” According to the Pew Center prosecuted as new crimes — is dropping, according to the FBI, grants to states and locali- research, only three percent of sometimes resulting in second- non-profi t Urban Institute. ties for policing, for crime pre- the BOP’s population of federal strike convictions. However, the federal Bureau of vention, and for reducing gang “It appears that inmates have been convicted of According to Palta, another Prisons (BOP) is not part of the violence.” murder, assault or kidnapping. possibility is county prosecu- downward trend. Beginning in the late 1980s, we have passed Half of all federal prisoners tors, dealing with overcrowded “BOP is falling behind the tough-on-crime politics con- were convicted on drug-related jails, could be deciding to charge state prison systems and is on vinced lawmakers to pass the point of charges. more offenders with strikes to track to squander one-third of laws creating mandatory mini- diminishing NPR points out that for the make sure they go to prison in- the Justice Department’s bud- mums, truth in sentencing, and fi rst time, lawmakers on Capi- stead of jail or probation. get by 2020,” said National Three-Strikes laws, NPR re- returns, to where tol Hill are reviewing legisla- Palta reports that in granting Public Radio in a special re- ported. No politician wants to more and more tion that will “reduce prison the state a two-year extension port. “The federal prison pop- seem soft on crime. In prison sentences and drug penalties for lowering its prison popula- ulation has grown eightfold systems across the country, as prisons are for nonviolent crimes.” tion, state offi cials have agreed since 1980. prison populations rose, crime The Senate Judiciary Com- to increase its good-time credits It costs more than $6 bil- rates went down. not effective at mittee recently passed a bill to for second strikers currently in lion a year to house more than “There’s been this assump- reducing crime” lower mandatory minimums prison. The state has also agreed 200,000 inmates in increas- tion that if you wanted to re- for some drug crimes and to to create a parole process for ingly overcrowded facilities.” duce crime, you had to lock give judges more discretion second strikers convicted of The NPR report cited research up more and more people,” “It appears that we have during sentencing. The bill is non-violent offenses who have by the Urban Institute and the says Adam Gelb, director of passed the point of diminish- now before the full Senate. served at least half of their sen- Pew Center. the public safety performance ing returns, to where more and –By Kevin D. Sawyer tence. Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2014 CALPIA’s Scott Walker Receives 2014 Staff Award

By CDCR NCIA announced Walker costs and, more importantly, was the national winner in increasing public safety.” With more than 28 years January, and he was recog- Walker has been instrumen- of experience at the Califor- nized at the National NCIA tal in stewarding CALPIA’s nia Prison Industry Authority Conference in April. 57 manufacturing, service (CALPIA), Deputy Director The NCIA Staff Award was and consumable enterprises Scott Walker is the recipient established in 1980 to recog- in 24 prisons. He said opera- of the “Staff Award for 2014” nize the quality of industry tions are expected to expand from the National Correc- staff personnel and recognize to 91 enterprises in 34 pris- tional Industries Association superior performance. ons. “The big one is in health (NCIA). “I am thrilled NCIA rec- care maintenance. It is pro- CALPIA General Manager ognized Scott Walker for his jected to create another 900 Charles L. Pattillo nominated leadership and innovations,” offender assignments,” Walk- Photo by Sara Lafleur-Vetter Walker for the award. Forty- said Pattillo. “It’s because of er said. Scott Walker nine other states also nomi- his commitment and dedica- CALPIA is a self-financed nated correctional industry tion to CALPIA that offend- and self-sufficient state entity The recidivism rate among tion, a success attributed to staff for this prestigious hon- ers acquire job skills, which is that receives all of its revenue CALPIA inmates is more the job skills that they receive or. Walker was first selected vital when it comes to reduc- from the sale of products it than 25 percent lower than by working in CALPIA busi- as the regional winner. ing recidivism, reducing state manufactures. the general prison popula- ness enterprises. CDCR Launches New Rehabilitative Services For Long-Term Offenders By CDC Press signifi cant changes in technol- of parole. The LTOPP is a vol- indeterminate sentences at non- of Rehabilitative Programs ogy and day-to-day living that untary program that will include pilot institutions may be allowed will monitor implementation The California Department of have occurred since they were evidence-based treatment for: to temporarily transfer to a pilot and effectiveness of the pro- Corrections and Rehabilitation fi rst incarcerated,” said Milli- • Substance abuse location in order to participate in gram. If proven to be a suc- (CDCR) is launching a pilot pro- cent Tidwell, CDCR Division of • Criminal thinking the LTOPP. cessful rehabilitative tool, the gram offering targeted rehabili- Rehabilitative Programs Direc- • Victim impact Additionally, CDCR is creat- program will then go through tative services to inmates serv- tor. “Giving these offenders the • Anger-management issues ing Long-Term Offender Re- the Administrative Procedures ing long-term sentences. tools they need to be successful • Improvement of family rela- entry Facilities that will help Act process to become a for- The Long-Term Offender Pi- in their own rehabilitation both tionships long-term offenders during their mal policy. lot Program (LTOPP) provides inside and outside prison is im- The LTOPP will initially be transition back into society, in- The LTOPP is being imple- evidence-based programming perative.” implemented at the following cluding housing, employment mented in accordance with the during incarceration and servic- The program is intended to institutions: California State and community-based services. 2012 CDCR Blueprint in which es upon release to allow inmates serve inmates who have been Prison, Solano in Vacaville; Locations for these reentry facil- the department was tasked with an easier transition back into identifi ed as having moderate to Central California Women’s Fa- ities are still being determined. increasing the percentage of in- society. “Due to the length of high risk of criminal behavior cility in Chowchilla; and Cali- The pilot program will be in mates served in rehabilitative incarceration, long-term offend- and are serving indeterminate fornia Men’s Colony in San Luis effect for 24 months, during programs prior to release to 70 ers are often not prepared for the sentences with the possibility Obispo. Inmates who are serving which time the CDCR Division percent of the target population. San Mateo D.A. Wagstaffe Shares His Views at News Forum Continued from Page 1 “My greatest opponent was Nou said. “When I was young, I my rage,” said Beltranchuc Tare, didn’t have someone to help me glary to fi rst-degree murder. 41. “It took me six months to see learn identity. I was disconnect- “In December of 1997 I killed that I can turn my life around. I ed, and after I got to level four, I someone, and when I fi rst came saw my friend change, and then was further disconnected.” to prison, racism was wide- I had a role model. Restorative While in administrative seg- spread,” said Erin O’Connor, 42. Justice Roundtable allowed me regation, Nou said his sister sent “I bought into that idea and even to hear other people open up, him a letter with his niece’s foot- went further into a racist ideol- and I learned about the pain that print on it. He said the sight of ogy. I bought into these morbid I caused. I knew that the victims the footprint made him feel con- ideas.” deserved better. It helped me see nected to his family. “That was O’Connor added, “It wasn’t my crime as what it is. I saw the the fi rst time I felt what the vic- until 2004 when I was in the ripple effect of my crimes.” tims went through,” he said. hole for starting a race riot that Miles Vaughn, 40, said, “It Lee Jaspar, 57, said that after a got me thinking that I wasn’t would [not] have worked when I long period of refl ection and de- the person my mother expected was younger. I can see now how nial, he began to understand his me to be. I decided to turn my easy it is. When I was younger, role in the neglect to his family life around. Then I came to San I didn’t know how to express and community. Quentin and got into programs.” myself. It is hard to understand “I had a choice to either look “I started at level four,” said empathy when you’re in a nega- at the ugliness that was going on Thompson Isaiah, 53. “When I tive environment. It wasn’t until around me or look at myself,” became a member of the level I got to San Quentin that I had a File photo Jaspar said. “The only thing I four community, I learned rac- chance to change.” had was to look at myself. I real- ism. It was hard for me to take “When I came to prison in San Mateo D.A. Stephen Wagstaffe ized that life is not about me. It the racism in prison based on 1973, Tracy was known as the is about the people I owed, my my background in college and gladiator school,” said Robin bring crime victims and offend- ended up in solitary confi ne- community and family.” the military. On a level four, hy- Guillen, 60. “Being in Rome, I ers together in dialogue for the ment. When I turned 18, I was Jaspar said what was helpful per-vigilance is a survival tech- did as the Romans did. I adapted purpose of aiding victim heal- sent to a level four, maximum- to his rehabilitation was when nique,” he said. “I’ve learned to to that environment.” ing. security prison.” people from the community value life.” However, Guillen said, “The “What makes a person thrive “There were no programs came inside the prison to inter- “It turned out to be an eye- pivotal point for me was right in is being safe,” Shah said, refer- there, just basic education,” said act in the programs he took. opening experience,” said Wag- the beginning of my 41 years of ring to San Quentin’s prosocial Quezada. “There were a lot of “I made a commitment to take staffe, who has 37 years of expe- incarceration. A man I knew was programs. She added, “From lockdowns. I did this for fi ve and all my time and efforts in the rience as a district attorney. He stabbed in his heart right in front sports to religion to college, a half years. The only self-help service of my community,” Jas- became San Mateo’s lead DA in of me. I had to watch him die. these programs are what helps program available was Alterna- par said. 2011. It registered for me, the value create the changes and opens tives to Violence.” He added, “I don’t know the other Serrato said at the April 9 of human life,” he added. “That the mind of the offender, which “Even though what led to my 120,000 men in California pris- event he was interested in the was when Jerry Brown was gov- makes the community safer.” incarceration was a matter of ons, but having the chance to lis- types of rehabilitative opportu- ernor the fi rst time. There have Wagstaffe asked the men choice, I needed the chance to ten to you is very meaningful,” nities offered at San Quentin. to be opportunities for change.” about the availability of pro- change.” Wagstaffe told the inmates. “I’d Serrato asked the men how “Sitting with these men al- grams throughout the prison Thou Nou, 38, said he com- love to hear more from you. I’d long it took them to gain the ways is a fl ooring experience,” system. mitted a murder as a juvenile like to come to any of the groups. insight they were refl ecting dur- said Sonya Shah, lead facilita- Miguel Quezada, 33, said he and ended up on a level four I would love to hear about the ing the forum. “Was it a lack of tor for San Quentin’s Victim/ committed murder at 17. “I was prison at 17. programs. The time today was education, or did you need the Offender Education Group sent to county jail. They didn’t “I came into prison not know- of extreme value.” time?” he asked. (VOEG). VOEG is designed to know what to do with me, so I ing my identity or who I was,” – By Juan Haines June 2014 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 5 ‘Reid Technique’ Interrogations Said to Lead to False Confessions By Rahsaan Thomas the Reid interrogation method. the suspect is lying, he leaves mistakes are introduced into Starr. Sports Editor The article’s author, Douglas the room for fi ve minutes and the document for the suspect Reid-style training creates Starr, writes that 25 percent of returns with an offi cial-looking to correct and then initial. That a tendency to see lies where Interrogation techniques the 311 people exonerated by folder. The folder is used to shows the court that the sus- they may not exist, with an un- widely used by law enforce- post-conviction DNA have con- bluff the suspect into believing pect understood the accuracy of healthy amount of confi dence ment that include lying about fessed to crimes they did not do. offi cial information shows the what he was signing. in that judgment, says retired having evidence, badgering This has raised alarms among a suspect is guilty beyond a rea- Kassin views Reid’s system F.B.I. agent Gregg McCrary, and manipulating suspects can growing number of scientists sonable doubt. as inherently coercive. He ex- according to The New Yorker. cause false confessions, and it and legal scholars about Reid- In the full interrogation plained to Starr that an interro- “They just assume they’re in- is legal. That is the conclusion style interrogations, accord- phrase, the suspect is prod- gator’s refusal to listen to a sus- terviewing the guilty guy,” Mc- of a recent article in The New ing to Starr’s article, (Dec. 12, ded to confess. The interroga- pect’s denials creates feelings Crary said. Yorker. 2013, “The Interview.”) tor does all the talking, batting of hopelessness. The fake fi le Starr also interviewed Joseph According to The New York- “My God, [the Reid Manual] away all the suspect’s denials. and the lies about the incrimi- Buckley, president of John E. er, John Reid, a former Chicago reads like a bad psychology Then the “minimization” nating evidence multiply this Reid & Associates, who con- cop who became a consultant textbook. It was fi lled with as- phase begins, in which the sus- effect. Then short-term think- fi rmed that nothing in the tech- and polygraph expert, devel- sertions with no empirical pects are steered toward con- ing takes over and confessing nique was developed in collab- oped a three-stage system in proof,” psychologist Saul Kas- fessing by offering them a face- starts to look like a way out. oration with psychologists. “It’s 1955, called the Reid Technique sin told Starr. Kassin is widely saving alternative. Many people take it just to stop entirely based on our experi- that uses such tactics. regarded as a leading expert on the incessant badgering by the ence,” he said. CONFESSION SUPREME COURT false confessions. interrogator. The Reid Technique starts When the suspect fi nally ad- Starr’s article cited others TECHNIQUE DECISION with a “Behavior Analysis In- mits to the crime, the interroga- who agreed with Kassin’s as- Buckley insists the Reid A 1969 US Supreme Court terview,” when the interroga- tor praises him for owning up sessment. An innocent suspect Technique’s sole objective is to decision affi rmed the police tor assesses whether a suspect and presses for corroborating will fabricate a story to satisfy get to the truth. He has testifi ed have a right to lie to suspects. is lying. To determine this, the details. Then the interrogator his questioners, said Richard for the Innocence Project to get The Reid system is extremely questioner asks a series of non- works with the suspect to con- Leo, a law professor at the Uni- wrongfully convicted people effective in producing con- threatening questions to get vert the admissions into a full versity of San Francisco, and out of prison and help them sue fessions but not very good at a sense of baseline behavior. written confession. If the sus- Richard Ofshe, a social psy- for reparations when the inter- separating true ones from false Then he uses more provocative pect has trouble remembering chologist. Leo has undergone rogator violates training proce- ones, found Melissa Russano accusations and “baiting,” in the details, the interrogator of- the Reid training and observed dures. In other words, when a and her colleagues at Florida which the interrogator claims fers multiple-choice options for nearly 200 interrogations in false confession is produced, it’s International University, who he has incriminating evidence. the answers. Oakland, Hayward and Vallejo the fault of the interrogator, not conducted experiments using If the interrogator decides As a fi nishing touch, trivial police departments. Reid Technique itself, Buckley Starr writes that Russano has insisted to Starr. He also argues found that direct accusations that experiments conducted by elicit confessions from innocent his critics are fl awed because FBI Studies Project Hike and guilty subjects alike. In an they lack real-world conditions. experiment involving accus- Peter Neufeld, co-founder ing innocent students of cheat- of the Innocence Project, ex- In Violence, Property Crimes ing conducted by Russano and plained to Starr that it is easier cited by Starr, the face-saving to win false-conviction cases By Charles David Henry per 1,000 households in 2011 to rates of violent victimization minimization technique proved by having Buckley testify that Staff Writer 120.9 in 2012.” than resident in other regions of especially effective. the police violated their train- “In 2012, 44 percent of violent the country. Additionally, in experiments ing than by trying to show with Violent and property crimes in victimizations and 54 percent The composition of violent students performed better a team of psychologists that the America climbed for the second of violent victimizations were crime remained stable in 2012. than police offi cers at telling training itself is slipshod. year in a row, the federal Bureau reported to police,” the report From 1993 to 2012, simple as- whether someone was lying. Although John Reid died in of Justice Statistics reports. fi nds. saults made up approximately However, police consistently 1982, his company continues The increases were driven by According to the report, 70 percent of all violent victim- expressed greater confi dence to train police, security guards, simple assaults and crime not “These percentages were not izations. in their ability to tell who was military, FBI, CIA and Secret reported to police, the bureau statistically different from 2011. During 2012, about 92,390 lying. “That’s a bad combina- Service agents. It trains more reported. The percentage of property vic- households and 162,940 persons tion,” Kassin told Starr. interrogators than any other “These estimates are based on timizations reported to police age 12 or older were interviewed Law-enforcement experience company worldwide and brags data from the annual National declined from 37 percent in 2011 for the report. According to does not necessarily improve that the people it trains get sus- Crime Victimization Survey, to 34 percent in 2012.” the report, “since the National the ability to detect lies, accord- pects to confess 80 percent of which has collected information The Bureau of Justice Statis- Crime Victim Survey interviews ing to Aldert Vrij, a professor of the time, which usually leads from victims of crime age 12 or tics explains. “There was no sig- victims of crime, homicide is psychology at the University of to a guilty verdict no matter the older since 1973,” according to nifi cant change in the percent- not included in these nonfatal Portsmouth in England cited by other facts in the case. the bureau. age of crime victims receiving Statistics produced from the assistance from 2011 to 2012.” October 2013 report show “the That same year, “about 8 per- Correctional Offi cer’s Courageous violent crime rate (which in- cent of violent crime victims re- cludes rape or sexual assault, ceived assistance from public or robbery, aggravated and simple private victim services agencies Act of Saving a Life assault) rose from 22.6 victim- that provide support for physical izations per 1,000 persons in or emotional recovery, guidance fi cer Whitted, who was Arana’s 2011 to 26.1 in 2012.” These through the criminal justice sys- partner. “Medical staff used the are the latest nationwide fi gures tem or assistance with obtaining AED once on Tarvin and they available. restitution,” the report stated. were preparing to shock him In order to compile the proper “Rape or sexual assault vic- again when the machine regis- statistics, the report includes tims (22 percent) were more tered a pulse.” calculations on violence perpe- likely to receive assistance than Tarvin was subsequently trated on victims not reported victims of robbery (6 percent), transported to Marin General to the police. The report shows aggravated assault (8 percent) Hospital, where two stents were these numbers increased from or simple assault (8 percent),” it implanted in his blocked arter- 10.8 per 1,000 persons in 2011, was also reported. ies to 14.0 in 2012, and simple as- The following statistics were Whitted is an 18-year veteran File photo sault rates rose from 15.4 to 18.2 included in the report: of the California Department of David Tarvin per 1,000. The rates of domestic vio- Corrections and Rehabilitation are trained to perform their du- According to the report, “the lence, intimate partner violence (CDCR) and has been at San ties in a professional manner. rate of violent crimes reported and violence involving an in- Quentin his entire career. “It was “I am part of a team,” he said. to police did not change signifi - jury or fi rearm violence did not unfortunate that this had to hap- “The medical staff and those at cantly from 2011 to 2012.” change signifi cantly from 2011 pen, and I just did what I had to the hospital were also an impor-

Other statistics include the to 2012. File photo do,” Whitted said. “We are not tant part of saving his life.” rate of property crimes (bur- Violent crime rates increased Sgt. Dougery here to punish anyone. That has “When something like this glary, theft and motor vehicle slightly in 2012 for blacks but already been done by a court. I happens, you just react based theft) increased from 138.7 per remained stable for whites and Continued from Page1 try to stay above judgment and on your training. I do not think 1,000 households in 2011 to Hispanics. do my job in a professional man- about who it is,” Whitted said. 155.8 in 2012, primarily due to In 2012, residents in urban ar- fi rst of the seriousness of the sit- ner.” “I would do the same thing for an increase in theft. The report eas continued to experience the uation because when I called it Arana began his CDCR career anyone: custody, free-staff or shows “the rate of theft victim- highest rates of violent crime. in, I spoke as clearly and calmly at San Quentin six years ago. He inmate. I hope Mr. Tarvin is ization increased from 104.2 Residents in the West had higher as I could,” said Correctional Of- noted that correctional offi cers well.” Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2014 S. Q. Veterans Honor American Soldiers on Memorial Day

By Emile DeWeaver flags across the Lower Yard. Journalism Guild Writer They halted in front of a crowd of spectators. Next, bugler and While many Americans veteran Larry “Popeye” Fai- placed flowers and flags on son took his position. John- soldiers’ graves on May 26, son’s call to “Present Arms” military veterans inside San cut through the sounds of Quentin also honored Ameri- sports and table games across can soldiers who had lost their the yard. The inmate/veterans lives serving their country. saluted as the POW/MIA flag “I believe the observance of dropped to a 45-degree angle Memorial Day is important, while the American flag stood even in prison,” said Honor tall. Photo by Sam Hearns Guard Team Leader Craig When Popeye finished Members of the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quention Johnson. “It’s our duty to re- “Taps,” Johnson called “Order member all of those who have Arms,” and marched the Hon- died while in the service of or Guard back across the field. years duty; U.S. Air Force Kenneth Goodlow, 65; two Marine Corps the United States. All of these The formation was dismissed David Tarvin, 60; three years duty; U.S. Army Harry Olson, 75; six years men and women are my broth- and the ceremony concluded. years duty; U.S. Navy Emery Milligan, 64; 20 years duty; U.S. Navy ers and sisters.” As of 2012, 1,295,547 Amer- Wesley Eisiminger, 67; three duty; U.S. Marine Corps Martin, J.D., 65; 12 years As noon approached, spec- ican soldiers have died during years duty; U.S. Army James Foster, 69; four years duty; U.S. Army tators watched more than two wartimes, according to PBS Gary Cooper, 65; four years duty; U.S. Navy Bernard Werner, 49; three dozen inmate/veterans as- News and the World Almanac. duty; U.S. Marine Corps Sam Gaskins, 68; 12 years years duty; U.S. Marine Corps semble and file into a military Inmate/veterans who took Andre Richardson, 47; two duty; U.S. Army Pedro Espinal, 60; four years formation on San Quentin’s part in the ceremony: years duty; U.S. Air Force Mauro Gumpal, 57; six years duty; U.S. Navy Lower Yard. The ribbons and Craig R. Johnson, 57; two Harry Terry, 76; 20 years duty; U.S. Marine Corps Henry L. Poe, 60; six years awards these inmate/veterans years duty; U.S. Navy duty; U.S. Navy Don Dawson, 75; six years duty; U.S. Army earned stood out against their Lawson Beavers, 78; five Larry Faison, 63; two years duty; U.S. Navy Malcolm Jones, 55 (years prison blues. years duty; U.S. Army duty; U.S. Army Marvin Harris, 60; two duty unknown); U.S. Navy At high noon, the Vietnam Michael Elmore, 59; two Ed Bowman, 74; 12 years years, six months duty; U.S. Garvin E. Robinson, 59 (years Veterans Group of San Quen- years duty; U.S. Marine duty; U.S. Marine Corps Army duty unknown); U.S. Army tin Honor Guard paraded the Corps Harry Barton, 70; four years Christopher Anderson, 51 Nicola Bucci, 41; (years American and POW/MIA Chris Schuhmacher, 41; two duty; U.S. Navy (years of duty unknown); U.S. duty unknown) U.S. Navy Remembering the Life of Mark Titch

By Raphael Calix care of me, just like a son,” he Contributing Writer said, adding, “Mark’s favorite time when he was not work- Mark Titch passed away on ing was to cook some food and April 22 after being hospitalized throw a food fest on the yard for 11 days. Titch was scheduled with his friends.” to appear before the parole board A long-time co-worker, said, May 14 for the ninth time. “Mark was very personable, The cause of his death is not and he would take the shirt off yet known. “It takes two months his back to help you. He was before the offi cial cause of death a hard worker, leading by ex- is reported,” said Chief Medical ample in the print shop and as Offi cer Elaina Tootell. a welder.” Titch entered through prison Titch educated himself, doors in 1976 as a 17-year-old achieving a high school di- convicted of murder and kid- ploma and a college education nap. He was sentenced to life from Chapman University at with the possibility of parole. the California Men’s Colony Chuck LeGros, his cellmate (CMC). for nine years, came to prison While at CMC, he became at age 45 and did not know any- a confi rmed Catholic. LeGros thing about prison life. “Mark said of him, “He believed in schooled me, and took good God, and his Lord and savior File photo Chuck LeGros, Bishop and Mark Titch in the Chapel

was Jesus Christ. I believe that trouble with the law, he spent most of them. Mark went straight to heaven many years in juvenile deten- Titch qualifi ed for consider- from San Quentin.” tion centers and several years in ation for parole under the recent According to LeGros, Titch’s the California Youth Authority. juvenile bill passed last year. His childhood was fraught with His father passed away during correctional counselor was in many problems. He said that this term, LeGros said. His sib- the process of gathering the nec- Titch’s mother abandoned the lings separated from the family essary records for consideration, family to start a new life with- as well, and he lost contact with according to LeGros. out him and his siblings and that their father was an alcoholic Editor’s Note who beat him and his siblings. The articles and opinions published in the San Quen- Titch left home at 13 and never tin News are the responsibility of the inmate staff of the returned, according to LeGros. newspaper and their advisers. These articles and opin- Growing up in Orange Coun- ions refl ect the views of the individual authors and do ty placed him near Disneyland. not necessarily refl ect the views of the inmate popula- According to LeGros, Titch tion, the California Department of Corrections and Re- spent a lot of time at Disneyland habilitation or the administration of San Quentin State as a runaway. Prison. Artwork by Mark Titch When he started getting into June 2014 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 7 Execution Case Investigated Nearly 70 Years Later ‘Stinney is the youngest person known to be executed in America in the last two centuries’

By Charles David Henry port from NBC News Investi- the state’s case in the event of “South Carolina law allows a investigators in 2009,she was Staff Writer gations. a retrial, has not received no- defendant to ask for a retrial if with her brother [George] that George Frierson, a local tice of the filing and has no new evidence is uncovered, but day, and he could not have The execution of 14-year- historian from South Caro- comments on the pending liti- it requires the motion be fi led committed the murders. old George Junius Stinney Jr. lina, and Ray Brown, a film- gation. within a year of the discovery,” Stinney’s attorney took him in June 1944 has sparked a maker who is writing a script according to the NBC report. to trial 30 days after the mur- discussion regarding deep ra- based on Stinney’s story, have The day Binnicker and der. cial injustice in South Caro- joined efforts to persuade the “We want them Thames were killed in Alcolu, According to the NBC report, lina. state to review the criminal S.C., Stinney and his younger “The boy’s court appointed Stinney is the youngest per- proceeding from the original to consider the sister, Amie, sat on the railroad attorney did not present a de- son known to be executed in case. possibility that tracks after school and watched fense.” In addition, he did not America in the 20th century. WRONGFUL the family cow graze. fi le a notice of appeal, which Nearly 70 years after Stin- he was wrongly According to the report, “The would have at least delayed the ney was put to death for al- CONVICTION girls wheeled their bicycle up boy’s execution. legedly killing two white “We want them to consider convicted and to them and asked where they girls, Betty June Binnicker, the possibility that he was executed for could fi nd maypop fl owers.” CONVICTION 11, and Mary Emma Thames, wrongly convicted and exe- “It was strange to see them in An all-white jury convicted 8, advocates have taken the cuted for something he did not something he our area, because white people (Stinney) on the basis of what unprecedented step of asking do,” said Brown. did not do” stayed on their side of Alcolu police described as a confes- the South Carolina state court A representative for the At- and we knew our place,” Amie sion. The prosecution present- to grant a new trial to clear torney General Office, which said years later in an affi davit. ed two confl icting statements his name, according to a re- would be tasked with arguing Members of the black com- made by Stinney: one that he The solicitor for Clarendon munity from the town joined had killed the girls in self-de- County, Ernest “Chip” Finney, a search party and found the fense and the other that he had said, nearly all evidence and girls’ bodies dumped in a ditch chased the girls into the woods CCWF’s Health transcripts in the case had ei- the next day. Police arrested and attacked them. No records ther disappeared or been de- George and his brother. The remain of either confession, stroyed, meaning it would al- brother was later released but according to the NBC report. Care Knocked most certainly be impossible George was not, according to Soon after the jury found to prove Stinney’s innocence the NBC report. Stinney guilty of murder, the judge ordered a death penalty, or guilt by reopening the in- CONFESSION ‘There is no standardization of vestigation. the report said. Also, there are legal obsta- Although George had con- Stinney was electrocuted laboratory tests ordered for cles concerning the pursuit of fessed to the murders of Bin- on June 16, 1944, four months newly arriving inmates’ a retrial. nicker and Thames, Amie told prior to his 15th birthday.

Continued from Page 1 infection were in control, even European Countries Refuse though there were no labora- tory tests. sending jail facility’s medica- The doctor determined that tion profile without designat- she had a boil and ordered skin To Supply Execution Drugs ing the duration of the medica- cream for seven days. The next tion order,” the report said. “… day, a nurse practitioner per- European Union countries utes to die after a previously judge’s examination in April the initial history and physical formed a history and physical do not allow drugs used for untested mix of chemicals regarding whether the state examination is not performed examination, noting the boil execution to be exported to began flowing into his body, can proceed with the plan to timely and providers do not was about 2.5 by 2 centime- the United States. The rea- gasping repeatedly as he lay execute Christopher Sepul- adequately document history ters. The nurse practitioner’s son? European countries have on the gurney, the story re- vado, convicted in the 1992 and physical findings.” clinical description differed a fierce hostility toward capi- ported. killing of his 6-year-old step- In one case, the examin- significantly from the physi- tal punishment, according to In 2010, the state of Loui- son,” the report said. ers documented a 55-year-old cian’s description and referred an Associated Press interpre- siana switched from the es- “EU nations are notorious woman who arrived at CCWF the inmate to the trauma unit tive story. tablished three-drug protocol for disagreeing about most last June. Her medical history for consideration of incision “There’s one big reason the to a one-drug pentobarbital everything when it comes to included several serious medi- and drainage of the boil. United States has a dearth lethal injection, but eventu- common policy, but they all cal problems including HIV/ The report noted CCWF of execution drugs so acute ally that drug also became strongly — and proudly — AIDS and hepatitis C, prob- medical staff’s inability to that some states are consid- unavailable because of Euro- agree on one thing: abolish- lems with her blood levels, downsize its doctors’ referral ering solutions such as firing pean pressure. ing capital punishment,” ac- seizures and mental health is- backlog, exacerbated by prob- squads and gas chambers,” cording to the opinion of AP sues. She had a hysterectomy lems with the system’s new Juergen Baetz of the AP re- reporter Juergen Baetz. in 1999. It took more than a electronic medical records ported. “EU nations are Totalitarian regimes abused week after her arrival for a system. “The phenomenon started the death penalty up through physical examination to be The nursing and pharmacy nine years ago when the EU notorious for the 20th century. Consequent- completed. Medical providers staff told examiners that an in- banned the export of products disagreeing about ly, European public opinion is did not perform a comprehen- ability to scan records in a time- used for execution, citing its staunchly opposed to it, said sive medical history, although ly manner limited the ability to goal to be the ‘leading in- most everything the story. the patient told medical staff timely and continually dispense stitutional actor and largest The report continued, “The about her extensive health is- medication to inmates. Staff re- donor to the fight against the when it comes to EU’s uncompromising stance sues. ported that the new system is too death penalty,’” the AP re- common policy, has set off a cat-and-mouse In another case, a 33-year- labor intensive. “Staff reported ported. game, with U.S. corrections old woman also arrived in June that MedSATS is more labor in- Despite the EU – and an but they all departments devising new at CCWF from the Los Ange- tensive than previous systems.” Oklahoma pharmacy’s – ways to carry out lethal in- les County Jail. Her medical The examiners noted that strong opposition to lethal strongly — and jections only to hit updated history included HIV and a staffi ng in the medical records injections, the U. S. continues proudly — agree export restrictions within chronic infection, asthma and department was reduced from to find means to mix chemi- months.” mental health issues. Upon her 15 to six. At the same time, the cals for use in executing in- on one thing: Barba Lochbihler, chair of arrival, the reception nurse did inmate population increased, mates sentenced to death. the European Parliament sub- not address a pending medical which overloaded the staff’s During a 2014 execution in abolishing capital committee on human rights, appointment even though it ability to scan medical records Oklahoma, witnesses heard punishment” said, “Our political task is to was noted on the jail transfer on a timely basis, hindering Michael Lee Wilson say, after push for an abolition of the form. Her history and physi- doctors from evaluating the in- the lethal injection, “I feel my death penalty, not facilitate cal examination also were not mates’ needs. whole body burning.” The AP confirmed that its procedure.” performed within seven days The report concluded that In another Oklahoma death Louisiana is experimenting “The lethal injection that of arrival. A week later, a doc- “We are impressed with CCWF penalty case, inmate “Mi- with the same two untested they’re using now in certain tor saw her and performed a health care leadership and be- chael Taylor’s representatives drugs used in Ohio, “even states has never been tested, brief HIV history. The doctor lieve that with adequate health had argued in a lawsuit that though convicts’ lawyers and verified let alone been ap- reordered HIV medications care staffi ng, medical bed space, recent executions involv- activists argue they increase proved for executions,” said for two months and ordered improved medical and nursing ing the drug pentobarbital the risk of painful prolonged Maya Foa of Reprieve, a a chest X-ray and laboratory evaluations, and support from would likely cause ‘inhumane death and may violate the Lond-based charity fi ghting the tests, but did not include an CCHCS (California Correction- pain,’” the AP reported. constitutional ban on cruel death penalty “This amounts to HIV viral load or urinalysis. al Health Care Services), im- Since the state of Ohio and unusual punishment.” using humans as guinea pigs. The following month another provement at CCWF will likely could not procure the power- “The execution was sched- No doctor would ever do doctor saw her and determined follow.” ful sedative pentobarbital, it uled for February, but was that.” that the HIV and hepatitis C –By Charles David Henry took Dennis McGuire 26 min- stayed pending a federal –By Charles David Henry Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2014 CRI Program Celebrates Its First Graduation By JulianGlenn Padgett class for 11 years. came in. He had a hard time Staff Writer “Years later the warden gave adjusting to “the way people us the go-ahead to start this conducted themselves racially, Collette Carroll, the program program. That’s when Roland ethically and culturally.” director of San Quentin’s Cali- and I knew that we could do Morales was recruited by fornia Reentry Institute, con- something else to cause anoth- Carroll to join CRI after at- tinues her late husband’s work er impact, so we started CRI.” tending IMPACT. “She offered by teaching inmates tools for the invitation, and I knew her a successful transition before and what she represented, so I Photo by Sam Hearnes they leave prison. “CRI is about didn’t hesitate,” said Morales. Collette Caroll, Program Director of California Reentry Insti- “We started out with 35 men tute (CRI) is one of several helping pre- and and we graduated 25,” said CRI and its facilitators programs at San Quentin that Frankie Smith, who met Car- helps inmates prepare for free- post-release roll through IMPACT. “I was with their rehabilitation, she the Second Chance Boutique, dom. inmates by trained in that group to be a fa- found herself gaining just as which is open seven days a CRI provides inmates with cilitator, and when she decided much from the experience. week. We tell everybody who necessary tools that they can placing them in to start this group, CRI, she “In the process of helping enters that we are a nonprofit use prior to and after being re- an environment asked me if I would be willing the men, there was an invis- and our profits support our leased. It requires two years to to be an instructor, and I said ible, intrinsic tradeoff. As they pre-post-release program,” complete. that teaches them yes.” became more aware, we found she said. The curriculum consists of Smith, 58, convicted of sec- they were helping us, too,” In the past, inmates re- personalized parole planning skills that will ond-degree murder, has been she added. ceived no help after they pa- and life skills training. It also translate into a incarcerated for 11 and a half Founded in 2008 with the roled. But now prison admin- offers post-release assistance years. He described the gradu- help of Sam Vaughn, CRI has istrations are beginning to to inmates after their parole. successful return” ation as a hit. surpassed her expectations see that “for a parolee to stay “CRI is about helping pre- “I was blown away by the when it comes to pre- and successful after leaving pris- and post-release inmates by network of outside people that post-release assistance. on, after-care is essential,” placing them in an environ- Carroll is proud of IMPACT, support our program. They are “We knew that what we she said. ment that teaches them skills but now her sights are set on people with immense compas- were doing was good work, “As a young girl, my father that will translate into a suc- her current agenda: gearing sion for our rehabilitation and but in reality there is still always told me that succeed or cessful return,” Carroll said. up for a new class after a CRI our reentry into society,” said much to be done,” she said. fail, what really counts at the Carroll said her proposal for graduation Feb. 17. Smith. A native of Sydney, Austra- end of the day is that you tried; assisting inmates came when “I’m astonished that we had Carroll said throughout lia, Carroll uses her 30 years you gave it your all and you did her late husband, Roland, rec- the graduation, because we got the course of the curriculum, of business management ex- your best,” Carroll said. “Our ommended that she start a dif- the OK from the administration something incredible took perience to guide CRI. program shows these men how ferent self-help program at San at 4 p.m. that afternoon,” she shape. While assisting the men “We have a nonprofit called to do that.” Quentin. said. The ceremony was held in “That was IMPACT, which San Quentin’s Protestant Cha- I started 13 years ago when pel in front of inmates, guests my beautiful husband, Ro- and outside volunteers. Rehabilitation Through Gardening land, volunteered me,” Carroll “This graduation was an ac- said. “IMPACT is an acronym complishment in small miracles, ‘Making a positive difference in communities outside prison walls’ for Incarcerated Men Putting but we did it, and I’m proud of Away Childish Things.” the men,” said Robert Morales, By Jimmy Martinez Jr. Carroll said 20 men attended who has been incarcerated for Journalism Guild Writer her fi rst class, so it immediate- more than 25 years. ly became apparent to her they Sentenced for fi rst-degree Rehabilitation is possible in were doing something good. murder, Morales, 44, said prison San Quentin’s organic vegetable She continued teaching the was challenging when he fi rst garden through the Insight Gar- den Program (IGP), according to Andri Antoniades a reporter for Ex-Gang Member Works takepart an online news source. Planting Justice, an Oakland- based nonprofi t, supports San To Reform Criminal Justice Quentin’s IGP gardening pro- gram. Planting Justice special- By Jerry Smith Despite his efforts, Sherills izes in ecological education and Journalism Guild Writer was struck by violence once urban food production, accord- more when gang members in ing to takepart. Anti-gang violence cam- Watts killed his 18-year-old son The takepart article cites a paigner Aqeela Sherills was a Terrell, home from a college National Public Radio statistic gang member in the Watts sec- spring break in 2004. that more than “four out of 10 tion of Los Angeles before he “Despair and rage are under- inmates return to prison within went to college. His experiences statements for what I felt after three years.” However, IGP said inside the gang, plus the deaths Terrell’s murder,” Sherills said. that inmates involved in its pro- of many of his friends, inspired “But I eventually realized that gram have a recidivism rate of him to work for criminal justice attacking the root causes of vio- less than 10 percent. reform. lence would not only help me “Inmates learn about food jus- On Sept. 16, 2013, he spoke deal with my grief but also lead tice, the theories and practices of about overcrowding in Cali- to preventing cycles of crime.” permaculture design, the struc- fornia prisons and his efforts Despite being a crime victim tural inequalities of the indus- to abolish the death penalty himself, Sherills is a fi erce ad- trial food system and how food on Black Hollywood Live, an vocate for abolishing the death plays a role in human rights is- online broadcast network dedi- penalty. He asserts that the sues,” Antoniades reported. cated to African American en- death penalty system costs $137 More than 1,000 inmates have tertainment news, interviews million a year while sentencing gone through the program in the and commentary. “Justice Is those same inmates to life with- past 12 years. Served” is the network’s legal out parole would cost only $11.5 Lennie Van Leonard, a par- news show. million, freeing up funds for ticipant in IGP was asked, “Are On the news show, Sherills crime prevention. He is work- the classes nothing more than talked about how his own gang ing to put a new anti-death pen- fi lling up some free time with Photo by Raphaele Casale experiences had shaped his life, alty measure on the California vocational gardening by learn- and how in one year, 1989, he ballot in 2016. ing landscaping skills?” Flourishing garden created by IGP lost 13 friends to gang violence. Sherills believes that funding “No, defi nitely not, Van At age 19 he began working rehabilitation and mental health Leonard said. “First, it allows spiritually grounded by having grams. “It’s common for those with football star Jim Brown, services will help ease over- us to experience a certain sense a conscience, wanting to weed correctional facilities to donate co-founding Amer-I-Can in or- crowded prisons. He thinks that of normalcy through garden- out the unwanted and tending at least a portion, if not all, of der to heal gang violence. With diverting inmates to private or ing from such an abnormal to our own gardens within as what’s grown to local food Brown’s help, Sherills forged out-of-state prisons is a huge type of existence living within well.” banks. That can help inmates a historic truce between the waste of money that could be these walls. It also encourages The takepart article reports feel like they’re making a posi- Crips and the Bloods in Watts better spent on education and us on a personal level to learn that Connecticut and Minne- tive difference in communities in 1992. mentoring programs. to become more centered and sota also have gardening pro- outside their prison walls.” June 2014 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 9 San Quentin’s Rec Supervisor Don ‘Coach’ DeNevi Displays His Creativity Through Painting

By Tommy Winfrey indeed the act bor- been spending a lot of time writ- Art Editor dering on genius be- ing movie treatments. cause no one has ever Another project he said he will Don “Coach” DeNevi, 76, has done what you’ve just start soon is writing the history been supervising the recreation got through doing of San Quentin. “I expect that department at San Quentin since means that you’ve this project will take up the next December of 2001, and although been rolled down a 10 years of my life.” he says he loves his job, he can’t hill in a barrel of bro- Creating may be a painful live without his art. ken glass.”’ process for DeNevi, but he has “Whenever I go home each DeNevi said the found pleasure in the time he day after working with my in- act of creation keeps spends at San Quentin. “I have mates on crisis after crisis, I him preoccupied and been teaching, counseling, an paint. I must paint!” exclaimed uncomfortable. “That administrator at all levels of DeNevi. is the way it should education, from Adult Basic Growing up on the south side be, though, just like Education 1 at both Soledad and of Stockton during the 1940s a woman knows Salinas Valley State Prisons to and ’50s, he says he came from the physical pain of grad students in the Ph.D. pro- a racially diverse group where, childbirth, an artist grams at U.C. Berkeley and U.C. “all we cared about is if you feels the psychologi- Santa Cruz for 56 years… [but could play ball.” But what DeN- cal pain of creation.” I] never found any position more evi really cared about personally DeNevi uses water- personally rewarding than serv- was history. soluble paint in his ing as coach at San Quentin.” He took his love of history to DeNevi’s art can be purchased Photo by DeNevi own unique way; he College of the Pacifi c, where he said he starts by ap- at Stroud and Stroud Gallery in majored in history and minored Painting of the imaginary crops near Salinas Valley State Prison plying piles of paint Pacifi c Grove, which carries six in art. to 300 pounds of at a time. Prices for his art range At that time, he said he really tion of art, only the history of San Quentin.“My dad always watercolor paper, then washing between $500 and $800. wasn’t interested in the applica- art. In his last semester before he wanted a grape vineyard; it has 99 percent of was to receive his ’bachelors de- something to do with my Italian the paint away gree, he said, he found himself American heritage,” said DeN- in his kitchen short one art class from gradu- evi. sink. The fi n- ating. The landscapes DeNevi choos- ished paint- At the insistence of a school es to paintt come from his imag- ings take him administrator and a desire to ination, he said. “In my head I between four graduate, DeNevi said he made have a vision – I’m going to have and six weeks his way to the art department and this kind of landscape, this type to complete. ended up in the only class left of sky, etc., but they never turn Although open at the time – a watercolor out how I imagined.” DeNevi ac- course. “That course changed He said this leaves him totally knowledges my life. I’ve been painting ever unsatisfi ed with his paintings. art will always since,” said DeNevi. “If you’re ever, ever satisfi ed be part of his He often paints the landscapes with what you’ve done, what life, he said that have dominated his life. you’ve achieved, you’re no art- his creativity He grew up in the Central Val- ist – like my hero Gully Jimson often pushes Photo by Sam Hearnes ley of California and worked in in Joyce Carey’s ‘The Horse’s him in differ- Coach DeNevi on the prisons in the Salinas Val- Mouth’ said, ‘The act of serious, ent directions. Photo by DeNevi the Lower Yard ley before coming to work at genuine creativity, imagination, He said he has Carmel Mission Tony Saunders Displays Musical Talents on the Lower Yard ‘Everybody has something to offer in music; even if it’s one note’

By Kevin D. Sawyer and soul, it doesn’t lie,” Saun- fessional career, he plays for Journalism Guild Chairman ders said. “All of my songs Bread and Roses, an organiza- that I’ve written from the heart tion that takes music to people On an evening in April, bass- have done well.” in places where they would not ist Tony Saunders, 58, gave a “Everybody has something otherwise have access to live memorable performance for to offer in music; even if it’s performances. some of the men at San Quentin one note,” Saunders said. Romancing his life appar- State Prison. He also discussed When Saunders solos on the ently is something Saunders music, demonstrated his playing bass he uses many of the old- takes seriously. He said he is style and talked about his own school thumping and plucking getting married for the fourth road to recovery. styles from the 1970s, reminis- time next year. A dozen inmates who attend cent of Larry Graham, Bootsy According to Saunders’ bi- a weekly guitar workshop lis- Collins, Stanley Clark and ography, he comes from a mu- tened to Saunders play his cus- Louis Johnson. sical family. His father, Merl, tom bass and discuss his career Huget played guitar, accom- a famous keyboard player, playing with greats such as Ste- panying Saunders on the song started him out with music at vie Wonder. “All Blues,” written by Miles an early age. “He’s probably one of the Davis. “Tony received his fi rst pi- most eclectic persons I’ve ever Photo by Sam Hearns Saunders said he has worked ano lesson from Herbie Han- been around,” said Saunders of Tony Saunders performing for prisoners with many artists over the span cock,” Wikipedia reported. Sly Wonder. Stone is among Saunders’ early at the Day of Peace event of his career, including Buddy Saunders played songs from Miles and Mitch Mitchell in teachers. his new album/CD, “Appaloo- Saunders smiled and said, “I The Hawkins Family and the the Band of Gypsies and some Saunders received a fellow- sa,” released earlier this year on grew up playing Fender basses,” Love Center Choir for several up-and-coming hip-hop per- ship and graduated from the SFRecords. He produced and which are typically four-string years during the 1980s. formers. prestigious San Francisco Con- recorded the album himself. instruments. His smile was an According to his biography Miles “was a great guy to servatory of Music. During his visit, Saunders indication that the change was (on Wikipedia), Saunders re- play with,” said Saunders, add- Tom Fogerty, the brother gave lessons on bass-playing not an overnight change. leased his fi rst gospel project, ing, “The young rappers I deal of John Fogerty of the group techniques as he told anecdotes “Romancing My Life” is one “He Lifted Me Up,” in 2005. with, I try to turn them back on Creedence Clearwater Revival, about his life, music and over- of the many singles Saunders “I put a gospel recording on to the music.” gave Saunders his fi rst bass. At coming his struggle with addic- performed for Kurt Huget’s each one of my recordings,” When discussing addiction, age 18, he played with Jerry tion. Thursday evening guitar class. Saunders said. Saunders said he has been Garcia. Inmate Joe Mason asked “My songs are all about ro- A soft gospel song, “What clean and sober since May In addition, Saunders has re- Saunders if it was “a hard tran- mance,” said Saunders. Is This,” is another single with 1983 “when my daughter was corded movie scores, corporate sition” to go from playing on a Saunders said during his long memorable lyrics from Saun- born. I haven’t done drugs videos, commercials, television four-string bass to a fi ve-string career he played with the famed ders’ “Appaloosa” album. since then.” shows and CDs at his studio bass. Oakland-based gospel group “If you have it in your heart Aside from Saunders’ pro- Magic Castle. Page 10 SAN QUENTIN NEWS June 2

COMMEMORATING THE AMAlA WALK Continued from Page 1 expected,” said Texan Cranston “Breez” Smith, 23. Breez is a fourth grade teach- er, who fi ve days earlier was in a classroom with about dozen 10-year-olds. He’s participated in every San Quentin Amala walk. The Amala Foundation rep- resents children from more than 20 countries, with 16 lan- guages and various religions. The foundation holds weeklong residential summer camps in Texas and California for teen- agers from around the world. The California summit, sched- uled for July 21-27 in Foresthill, still has space for young men ages 14-18 who live in Califor- nia. For more information go to www.amalafoundation.org. “During the day, there’s a morning circle where partici- Photo by Michael Nelson pants can share in prayer from JulianGlenn “Luke” Padgett opens the Amala event with a prayer their culture,” said Amala rep- resentative Eden Trenor. “All meals are cooked together as a nection that can be made from you for not wasting your human way to unite without language,” just being your authentic self,” life,” she said. she said. “There are sports, said a purple-shirted Amala “Happiness is not a limited games and talking circles.” guest, Hanlon Johnson, 20, resource,” Stone said. Amala Trenor said the summits do who’d just come from the Texas representative Nanny said, not use traditional classroom summit. Hanlon lives in Marin “Thank you for showing me settings. The children meet County. He said it was his fi rst what a man can be.” informally. “It’s about cultural time inside San Quentin. “I invite you to think about exchanges,” she said. San Francisco native Matthew your life. Transformation is “What I learned from the Makins, 67, said it was also his here,” Stone said. “What you’ve peace summit is, no matter fi rst time in San Quentin, “I am done today is to connect with a what your past, there’s a con- thrilled that we’re sharing the world without question. I invite moment.” you to allow yourself to be born An emo- again. Never underestimate the tional Van- power of God.” essa Stone Evelyn Apoko, abducted and said, “I held captive in war-torn Ugan- cannot tell da, survived a bombing raid Photo by Michael Nelson what you and eventually made her way to Kathy Harris and Vanessa Stone are giving. the United States. lead the first lap I thank you “I do not blame them for what for that.” they’ve done to me,” Apoko here. It doesn’t matter where life is life.” Stone sang said, referring to the soldiers you come from. We’re all “After lap, after lap of walk- a song who bombed her. “We were all people. We all have a heart,” ing with you men, I’ve come about the doing what we thought neces- Johnson said. “The main thing to understand that you are not values of sary to do to survive.” I’ve learned from Amala is that defi ned by the act that got you human Apoko said, “I look beyond we’re all people with a heart. here,” Francis added. life. She my own imagination through It’s all here. We don’t have to Breez performed a couple of said the the work that I do with Amala search for it. So, let’s all live to- Spoken Word pieces with inmate lyrics were Foundation. The foundation has gether. We are all one tribe, one Antwan “Banks” Williams. In inspired by given me the voice — a voice village.” the fi rst one, Banks began with, words from possible in the village, and in Vid Francis, 26, said, “When “I don’t wanna make a move Photo by Michael Nelson the Da- prison. We all deserve peace someone gets beyond under- ... Thank you Jesus, for giv- Steve Emrick and Vanessa Stone lai Lama. and justice in the world.” standing that hurt people hurt ing me what I need,” followed address the crowd “Thank “It’s such a blessing to be people, they understand that by Breez rapping, “revolution sharp enough to cut the noose ’n’ knot.” The second Spoken Word piece had Dwight Krizman playing congas and Lee Jaspar adding guitar. The inspirational performance ended by Banks saying that he feels “blessed for today, because tomorrow is not promised.” More music came by Kriz- man, bongos; Jaspar, guitar; Joe Mason, bass; Gino Sevacos, gui- tar; JulianGlenn “Luke” Padgett, keyboard. The song Let us Pray was written for the Amala chil- dren. Jun Homomoto assisted Com- munity Partnership Manager Steve Emrick in escorting guests in and out of San Quentin. “This event allows you to be involved in something larger than yourself,” Emrick told the inmates. The fundraiser ended with Photo by Michael Nelson more than 200 participants join- Outside guests and staff of the Amala Foundation ing hands. 2014 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 11 Alliance cELEBRATES aNNUAL BANQUET

By Juan Haines Managing Editor

San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel served as an assembly hall for more than 100 invited guests, including community members from the surround- ing Bay Area to witness 64 inmates graduate from two prosocial programs. The inmates graduated from the Social Justice and Anger Management programs taught by Alliance for CHANGE (AFC). “It’s an eye-opening visit, for those who’ve never set foot in prison,” said Jose Cisneros, San Francisco city treasurer. “We have no idea what it’s like to be in here.” Cisneros said attending the graduation gave him his first opportunity to come inside San Quentin. “We have no idea what it’s

like when good programs are Photo by Raphaele Casale given a chance to reach out and make a difference for Alliiance for Change mentors folks in prison who are ready to make a change. Hearing di- community with material and on “self-discovery, accept- questions, and I had to an- “There are many who think rectly from prison inmates is interpersonal support during ing responsibility and realiz- swer by showing how it fits things are fine the way they powerful.” reentry. ing the necessity for change.” into my life. By doing that, are. We still need to bring AFC curriculum begins be- “Whether you are in blue However, AFC expands the I gained insight into my ac- them in through empathy,” fore inmates are released from or come from outside these process by “asking men to tions.” Thompson said, “Empathy to prison. The process continues walls, you have come here think critically about their “I will be deported to Ja- those who do not believe as when the person returns to his because you are committed role in the community and maica, where my family we do, allow them to under- to change,” larger societal structure,” resides,” Hibbert said in- Thompson said. “Action from said. “I have a job mate Ab- cognition is the mental pro- as a shipping clerk dur Raheem cess of knowing,” he added. waiting for me. Al- Thomp- Kim Richman, Ph.D., presi- liance for Change son, vice- dent of the board of directors taught me how to president of of AFC, said, “The power participate in pub- AFC. “If we of change is why I’ve been lic affairs, to have commit to coming to this prison for 11 a voice in the com- action and years.” munity and about that action is Inmate Byron Hibbert, 58, the different types committed was found suitable for parole of social justice.” to healthy the day before the graduation. “Every lifer who community, He has been incarcerated for goes before the then it is 21 years for attempted mur- board just needs powerful,” der. to be transparent,” Mentors After arriving at San Quen- Hibbert added. of AFC say tin in late 2011, he said he “Don’t let the com- most of enrolled in a program called missioners frustrate the prison The Work. “I learned how to you. Keep program- prosocial take responsibility for my ming.” Photo by Raphaele Casale programs actions,” Hibbert said. “The Executive Pro- Inmates and guests being served food are focused program asked provoking ducer of “Life of the Law” Nan- cy Mullane said, “This was a wonder- ful event to get together share and hear sto- ries and see Photo by Raphaele Casale the power of Father and daughter duo Dr. Peter change behind Richman and Dr. Kim Richman the walls. If only it could be more stand that we are listening to evident to the outside them. Empathy is a tool that world.” could be used to bring a safer “Thank you for letting community. AFC allowed me us come here to break to get to the door and under- bread with you,” said stand the causes that led me AFC facilitator Nathan- to CDCR.” iel Moore. “I’ve had the Guests and inmates broke opportunity to work with bread at a brunch consisting a lot of programs, but of chicken strips, roast beef, AFC brings individual macaroni and cheese, salad perspective to the con- and vegetarian lasagna pre- versation and time com- pared by inmate cook John mitment. The amount of Parratt and his crew. influence inmates have The Color Guard consist- on free people is ex- ed of the Vietnam Veterans tremely powerful. Most Group of San Quentin: Team of the folks I encounter, Leader Craig R. Johnson; the lessons we learn are California Flag Bearer Nor- far more powerful than fleet Stewart; Flag Escort D. Photo by Raphaele Casale the lessons you learn Ernest Soltero; and Flag Es- Nancy Mullane enjoying a meal with the men in blue from us.” cort David Tarvan. Page 12 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2014 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SSnippetsnippets Sudoku Corner earl Harbor is also By Ashmus “Humphrey” Troy Pcalled “Gibraltar of the Pacifi c.” Last Issue’s ngland, during the Sudoku Solution Eeighteenth and nine- 47 teenth centuries executed 793265148 684719235 people for stealing items 765 2 148937526 359462187 worth no more than 40 652184973 712853946 cents. 925569728314 597634821 314596782 128597364 approximately $400 61 3 7 827413659 463281759 Amillion was the cost 436851297 241376598 of building the Panama 415 981672435 876925413 Canal. 275349861 935148672 learly the Battle of 58 19 CAntietam became POETRY the bloodiest single-day 925 battle in American his- Rising tory with close to 23,000 3986 deaths. By 57 Raphael Calix xtra, extra! The Shot EHeard Around The As an angelic force in the world World? Archduke Franz With everlasting traces of love Ferdinand was murdered The encouragement over bigotry and hatred in Sarajevo after six failed attempts. 941 5 We hear you loud and clear, Dear “Maya” Marching proudly through the old neighborhoods irst elected female to 3 614 With fi laments into our hearts Fbecome prime min- ister of Sri Lanka was 784 1 Overcoming the blight of racism Sirimavo Bandaranaike We found safety in her bosom in 1960. She won re-elec- 129Mute-yet alertly listening to “Maya’s” musing tion in 1970. 361 We continue to absorb all of the love nder the rulership Driving away the bugaboo’s taunting glare Uof 18 emperors, the 69 3 Here her sing, write and teach at Wakeforest Sung Dynasty lasted for 320 years. Living with passion and fl air 482 7 And attentive to a quietitude within the “Doctor” osing 250,00 men Land 600 tanks during 3857 6 Indeed, loving every voice of caged birds crying The Battle of the Bulge, Visualizing the sameness in our humanity left Hitler no backup. 5189 Uncompromisingly stern with, say: “Thank You’s” Never again to sink in pity and victimhood But to rise high in spirithood for “Maya” Greetings from around the world Here, there can be no death, as a destination For nothing may enter in to erase a legacy The golden words as foot-prints Of grace and magnitude of blessings Duly imparted for all creeds From our dearly beloved Mother Esteemed into our souls As rare as a gift from G-d To live and rise in hope Awaiting the rapture of truth

We’ll love and cherish you always Long Live, Dr. Maya Angelou

From Around the World is a new section in San Quentin News. We invite people from around the world to send us a picture of you reading the newspaper. We hope you would include a well-known landmark in the background of your photo. We also invite you to give your take on the newspaper. So far, readers from Amsterdam, File photo Reinhard Scheurich enjoying the Germany and Africa have answered the San Quentin News in Germany call. Let’s hear from the rest of the world. June 2014 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 13 An ‘OG’s’ Perspective Is There Such a Thing As a Good Prison? By Watani Stiner about how wonderful San You often hear people say

Staff Writer Quentin is as the model for re- things like, “Well, MY father Photo by Raphaele Casale habilitation. Self-deprecating didn’t have any government Watani Stiner Going to prison and getting words such as, “I’m so glad assistance and HE made it “educated” and becoming I came to prison. If I hadn’t just fine,” or “Look at some- Some people will endure any ogy. These social factors de- “rehabilitated” is a commend- gotten caught and come to one like Barack Obama; he’s horrific circumstance and stroy human relationships and able achievement. However, San Quentin, I’d probably be African American, was raised find a way to grow. If there alienate us from any sense of what we as a society must dead.” Does this really justify without a father, and he made is a woman who was raped by responsibility. People see the focus on is confronting those a need for “good” prisons and something of himself. In fact, her father, and she manages one side: Criminals lack care social causes that make pris- mass incarceration? Now don’t he became president of the to grow up into a kind, for- for their impact on others, are on and its rehabilitative pro- misunderstand me, I don’t United States. What’s wrong giving person able to accom- selfish and are willing to be grams necessary in the first want to dismiss all the good with these young people?” I plish much, you wouldn’t say, destructive or greedy with- place. Society’s goal should that has been accomplished don’t think it’s fair that we “Well, maybe being raped by out considering the effect on not be on making prisons bet- by those who have gotten shou ld jud ge wh at most p e ople her father was good for her, society. But there is not an ter. It should be about making help, made amends and trans- are capable of by comparing because look how well she equivalent recognition of the society better. We should not formed their lives after being them to the accomplishments turned out.” values in society that pro- solely focus on those prison filtered through the prison of an extraordinary few. That We should be mindful that mote such a mindset. Valuing rehabilitative programs that pipeline. I just don’t think we applies to prison rehabilita- there are societal forces at human life, valuing honesty, fix the problem while ne- should lose sight of the causal tion, too. Just because some play influencing our lack of looking out for others—those glecting the causes. social problem. The problem, people are able to come out community. Human interac- need to be woven into the There’s a great deal of talk like the solution, has both a of prison transformed against tions are being interrupted core fabric of our vision as a about the failed and broken personal as well as a social terrible odds doesn’t mean and eroded due to an array of nation in order for them to be prison system. And, in the dimension, demanding trans- that prisons are good and nec- factors, including chronic ad- lived out by most people most same breath, we hear stories formation on both levels. essarily helped them do that. diction to drugs and technol- of the time.

By Juan Haines appreciate the value of giving Managing Editor help to someone living a dis- mal life. In a story of historical fi c- BOOK REVIEW When the storyline delves tion that takes the fatality of 40 into Liesel’s collection of million people, uses it meta- books through thievery, it is phorically and then goes on to unavoidable to notice Zusak’s say, “even death has a heart,” sly interjection of social criti- could its readers fi nd empathy Even Death Has a Heart ci s m s. A m at u r i ng plot t h r ou g h for its narrator who refl ects on protagonist Liesel’s childlike life apathetically? Stiner, her best friend, and and criticism. Although Hans Max lamented to Hans the di- voice opens the door in a be- After grasping the fact that Max Vandenberg, the one she did eventually join the Nazi lemma of being sent to Stal- lief that collective growth is death is the omnipresence in plays “stand over man” to. party, he simply could not buy ingrad. Hans came back with, inevitable and reconciliation The Book Thief, reading it Zusak peers into the every- into its racist ideology and hate “It could be worse. I could be between the forces of good takes you on an emotional roll- day life of the Ubermans, do- Jews, as his government ordered you.” Nevertheless, each day and evil are to be expected. ercoaster in the course of its ing their best to portray the all Germans to do. Max was his Max lived a basement life, he Zusak inventories plight in wartime setting. In describing blissfulness of a close-knit friend, and Liesel lovingly pro- sought to touch the sky. He a way that although disaster impending doom, Death said, family during the unimagin- tected Max at all costs. kept his head up. is anticipated, it is still poi- “They would all smile at the ably worst of times. Even though the Ubermans’ As an example, Max paint- gnant when read. Examples beauty of destruction,” adding, As the plot of The Book Thief lives had changed in the most ed all of the pages of “Mien are found in the chapter The “No one had served the Fueh- unfolds, one cannot avoid the signifi cant way when they de- Kampf” white and wrote a sto- Long Walk to Dachau, as Hans rer better than I.” stark contrast between the cided to hide Max, they had to ry about the “stand-over man.” “would perfect the art of for- Markus Zusak creates The kindnesses of the Uberman pretend to live normally. Zusak Understanding what a getting” while the chapter The Book Thief through characters family versus societal pressure wrote, “Imagine being slapped “stand-over man” is in rela- Bombing of Munich describes who come to realize that death to exact evil upon innocent in the face and acting as if noth- tion to a teenaged book thief the night as “long with reading is inescapable while living in neighbors and friends. This ing had happened, then think of who is complicit in hiding a and bombing.” At one point Nazi Germany. German family did not buy doing that day after day. That is Jew became an important plot Zusak even describes fear as The story is a invariable into the social norms emblem- what it is like hiding a Jew.” element in The Book Thief. It “shiny.” rummage through Liesel Mem- atic of Germany during Jewish However, Max could not allows readers to identify with In The Book Thief, Death inger’s life — her stepmother, oppression. avoid the inevitable. He lingers individuals who would make tells us there are many ways Rosa Uberman, a strict but Hans overlooked the advan- in the Ubermans’ basement. heroic efforts in support of the to dissect the living and scru- loving mama; her stepfather, tages of joining the Nazi party, “The Jewish rat, back in his powerless, and identify the im- tinize how we humans, as Hans, who kept hold of his val- even though it would have pro- hole,” writes Zusak. portance of uplifting the most Death refers to people, treat ues throughout the story, Rudy tected his family from rebuke When Hans was sent to war, downtrodden in society, or each other. FCC Order Limits Cost of Inmate Collect Calls Prison Policy Initiative: ‘The Commission needs to hear from us that this is a critical next step’

By Kevin D. Sawyer said Peter Wagner, executive families as much as $17. These Nation magazine. PPI reported. Journalism Guild Chairman director of Prison Policy Ini- new rules will help to improve “We absolutely agree that in- The FCC order sets a maxi- tiative. how the prison telephone mar- state rates must be regulated as mum rate of 21 cents per Prisoners are able to make ket operates, Wagner com- well. The FCC has opened up a minute for debit and prepaid less expensive out-of-state mented. new comment period to get pub- calls, and 25 cents for collect collect telephone calls, thanks “We absolutely According to PPI, the FCC lic input on regulating in-state calls. to an order by the Federal is soliciting comments from rates,” said Leah Sakala, policy Wagner said, “The two largest Communications Commission agree that in- the public related to “expand- analyst for PPI. prison phone companies, Secu- (FCC). ing the scope and operation of The FCC has also announced rus and Global Tel Link, fi led The FCC order limits the state rates must their order.” Further Notice of Proposed petitions to delay implementa- cost of interstate, collect tele- be regulated The American Civil Liberties Rulemaking, seeking the pub- tion” of the order. phone calls made from jails Union is also sponsoring a peti- lic’s input on the possibility of “The commission needs to and prisons. as well...” tion to spur more action by the other regulations. The FCC hear from us that this is a criti- The ruling “marks the first FCC to regulate in-state calls, indicated it wants to make cal next step” in regulating the definitive action from the FCC Beginning Feb.11, calls which account for the majority certain fees for jail and prison way telephone companies do to control the broken prison home made by inmates from of inmate phone traffi c in the telephone calls will be “just, business, said Sakala, referring and jail telephone industry,” prison or jail no longer cost United States, according to The reasonable, and cost-based,” to regulation of in-state rates. Page 14 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2014 HHealthealth & WWellnessellness Prisoners’ Survey Reveals Unique Ways to Keep Healthy By K. Himmelberger the observation of the self, a says Harry Croft, M.D. Staff Writer technique Daoists use to ac- Internal healing techniques complish balance. It is called are intended to be harmoni- When you think of prison, “returning the light.” Daoists ous with the natural rhythms thoughts of listless inmates turn the light of their aware- of time and season. They are wasting away in cells come to ness back upon themselves, based on the concept of Ying mind. However, wellness is watching their own watching and Yang, which involves med- alive in the most unusual place, and observing their observa- itating, cleaning, strengthen- San Quentin State Prison. Ac- tions. Once viewed from with- ing/recharging, circulating and cording to an informal survey, in, Daoists can separate them- dispersing Qi. 75 percent of prisoners in the selves from their issues simply According to Ryan Abbott, prison’s West Block partici- by letting go of them. “Daoists M.D., evidence from random- pated in some form of wellness calm the mind in meditation ized controlled trials suggests activity. through deliberate forgetting that Tai Chi and Qi Gong im- The survey revealed that 37 and relaxation,” says Daoist prove physical and mental percent walked three miles teacher He Feng Dao Shi. well-being. Studies show: or more per week. Thirty-fi ve Qi Gong and Tai Chi are Severe knee osteoarthritis percent of the participant did meditation and relaxation tech- pain was reduced and mood pushups, 30 percent meditated niques used by the Chinese as and physical functioning im- and 25 percent did bar work. traditional medicine for at least proved more than with stan- Eleven people did yoga at least 4,000 years. dard stretching exercises. Photo by Sam Hearns once a week, and four partici- Like Qi Gong, other ancient Quality of life and the func- Bruce “Rahsaan” Banks doing yoga on the Lower Yard pated in Qi Gong and Tai Chi. Chinese internal healing tech- tioning capacity of women with Wellness is defi ned as a per- niques can be “described as a breast cancer improved, while son’s overall well-being. It is way for working with life en- it declined in control groups stroke patients showed an indicator of heart failure, also a balance of mind, body and ergy. It may be practiced daily that only received supportive improvement in balance and improved. spirit. Retrofl ection, which is with the aim of health mainte- therapy. ability to walk. Blood level of Duration and quality of sleep also known as meditation, is nance and disease prevention,” Parkinson’s disease and B-type natriuretic protein, an signifi cantly improved. Brain volume increased, memory and thinking scores improved.

“Daoists calm the mind in meditation through deliberate forgetting and relaxation”

According to the San Quen- tin Medical Department, there has been an increase in prob- lems with high blood pressure, chronic pain and obesity. If used consistently, Qi Gong and Tai Chi could answer and improve the physical and mental health of many prisoners. According to Abbott, “Mind- body practices tend to be less costly and cause fewer side ef- fects, and they can enhance the effectiveness of prescription Photo by Sam Hearns drugs to reduce the necessary Prisoners doing yoga in the Catholic Chapel doses.” Santa Clara County Expresses Concern About Security and Health Care After Realignment

By Antonio Alvarado population at just over 4,000 in- Adding to the problems in the convicted in Santa Clara County man v. Brown are the lawsuits Journalism Guild Writer mates, nearly 700 of which were jails is as more inmates are shift- Superior Court under the Three- where the U.S. Supreme Court diverted from state facilities as ed to its system, the number of Strikes law. He was sentence to ruled that CDCR’s health care Realignment has Santa Clara part of the realignment plan. high-security inmate rises. Ac- 25 years to life. and mental health services County offi cials concerned “Acts of violence against facility cording to the report, the num- Last November, California are inadequate, thus violating about security and health care staff have increased noticeably ber of high-security inmates is voters changed the law so that the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth improvements in its jails, reports since Realignment, up from 10 43 percent higher than just over a three-strikers who were convict- Amendment. Correctional News. over a six-month period in 2012 year ago, including a 30 percent ed of non-serious, non-violent, Esparza said, “I could hardly Realignment is the state’s to 17 in the same time frame in increase in inmates convicted of non-sexual felonies could ask the wait to return back to San Quen- response to a federal order for 2013,” Correctional News re- murder. court for a reduced sentence. tin, because the jail has highly California to cap its prisons to ported. In addition, the report Jail staff is also tasked with Esparza qualifi ed for a re-sen- increased in gang activities.” levels where adequate health says there is an increase in gang “managing a sharp increase in tencing hearing and was brought Correctional News reports care could be delivered to its in- activity, which caused jailers to aging and mentally ill inmates,” to Santa Clara County jail to that the Santa Clara Board of mates. One component is keep- keep rival gangs separated. Correctional News shows. await his court appearance. Supervisors approved the alloca- ing low-level offenders in county There is an older population “Roughly 25 percent more in- Esparza said the jail condi- tion of $500,000 — made avail- jails instead of sending them to a entering the jail system, accord- mates are requiring daily medi- tions were “terrible. It resembled able through a state trust — for state prison. ing to the report—increasing cation to manage their various CDCR, before Plata and Cole- an assessment that “will review An assessment made last No- the need for medical attention to conditions.” man.” the jails’ current capabilities and vember placed the county’s jail chronic illnesses. In 1997, Abel Esparza, 60, was The Plata v. Brown and Cole- future needs.” June 2014 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 15 Federal Study Encourages Early Intervention To Curb Youth Deliquency ‘Children are exposed to violence every day in their homes, schools and communities’

By Emile DeWeaver And, those who were neither When juveniles are both de- Juveniles who are both delin- fi xing the disparity and suggest Journalism Guild Writer victims nor delinquents linquents and victims, they quents and victims receive less an emphasis on components that Juvenile delinquents are show a higher rate of victim- social support and experience decrease sexual aggression and Juvenile delinquency and vic- sometimes victims too, but not ization than juveniles who are larger rates of unhealthy par- harassment. Intervention should timization is widespread among always, according to the U.S. primarily victims, the study enting, according to the report. occur before the fi fth grade youth aged 10-17, and early Department of Justice: Na- concluded. Girls who are both They are subject to more life when pubertal changes in girls intervention is needed to cope tional Survey of Children’s Ex- delinquent and victims experi- adversities and mental health is- occur, the report states. with the problem, a federal posure to Violence (www.ojp. ence a particularly high level sues than juveniles who are pri- Juveniles’ transitions to high study reports. usdoj.gov). of sexual victimization, data marily victims or delinquents, school are another problem-area The report examined four cat- “Children are exposed to vio- showed. the study found. as the report noted that there is egories of juvenile delinquency lence every day in their homes, In addition, juveniles who The disparities in victimiza- less supervision and more in- and victimization: schools and communities,” ac- are both delinquent and victims tion are not attributed to socio- dependence for high school Those who were primarily cording to the report. “… Such demonstrate more delinquency economic status, ethnicity, fam- students than middle school delinquents and not victims exposure can cause them sig- than the primarily delinquent ily structure, disability status, students. The result is that the Those who were primarily nifi cant physical, mental and groups. Improving strategies school performance, and physi- high school experience may victims and not delinquents emotional harm with long-term for identifying and helping this cal features, the study reported. expose juveniles who are both Those who were both delin- effects that can last well into group of children are an obvious Researchers point to early in- delinquent and victims to older quents and victims adulthood.” priority, according to the study. tervention as a good place to start delinquent role models. New Proposed Sentencing Law Hopes To Solve Realignment Problems By Wesley Eisiminger sion-making approach, which Would a sentencing com- trend for longer sentences.” McCracken pointed out that mission do the job? McCrack- the system varies among Cal- Journalism Guild Writer already exists in at least 20 JUSTICE REFORM other states. en asked. Since 1976, a state ifornia’s 58 counties. He not- A sentencing commission sentencing commission has McCracken noted U.S. At- ed that four percent of felony is being proposed to help SENTENCING been recommended at least torney General Eric Holder is drug convictions result in a solve a variety of problems in nine times. joining the movement toward commitment to prison state- California’s criminal justice REFORM “During the past 30 years, criminal justice reform. In a wide. But the figures range system. California is in an urgent over 1,000 sentencing en- speech, Holder decried the from 17 percent in Kings Supporters say such a com- need of sentencing reform, hancement bills passed in system as broken, ineffective County to half of a percent in mission would allow the state but the road to get there may the Legislature,” McCracken and unsustainable. Contra Costa County. to revisit the purpose of sen- be long and arduous, said wrote in a CJCJ blog last year. “It’s time, in fact it’s well With this type percent tencing in this post-Realign- Kate McCracken of the Cen- “The complexity of these past time, to address persis- range, it is time for Califor- ment era where the state pris- ter on Juvenile and Criminal bills, as well as their puni- tent needs and unwarranted nia’s justice system to prog- ons remain overcrowded. The Justice. She was appointed in tive nature, has increased the disparities by considering ress into the 21st century and commission could provide an 2012 to the new San Francisco number of individuals com- a fundamentally new ap- have fair, equitable and effi- informed and structured deci- Sentencing Commission. mitted to state prison with a proach,” Holder said. cient, McCracken said. Senate Bills Offer Second Chance for Juveniles ‘We cannot write any child off for the rest of their lives’ Continued from Page 1 they were teen-agers. we’re talking about young with the possibility of parole. lawmakers are taking to es- “California is among 39 people, the analysis has to be “I made choices that led up tablish fair and rational sen- states that allow judges to sen- deeper and more complex,” to the homicides as a result of tencing for juvenile offenders cannot write any child off for tence minors to life in prison,” said Calvin. my irrational thinking, con- sentenced as adults. the rest of their lives. We must the Sun-Star reported. There is no guarantee of fused state of mind, immatu- “My decisions as a youth at least give them the chance Last year the U.S. Supreme release. San Quentin inmate rity, lack of knowledge and have had a devastating ef- to atone and seek forgiveness Court ruled that sentences of Michael Nelson’s 25 year-to- life experience,” said Jones. fect on my victim’s family for what they’ve done.” this nature are unconstitution- life sentence does not make SB 9 will not benefit Jones and friends, as well as on my Gonzalez’s lawyers told The al for minors, pointing to the him eligible for the possibility because his crimes did not in- own family and friends,” said Associated Press “he was a use as cruel and unusual pun- of parole for another 10 years, volve special circumstances, Jones. model prisoner” since enter- ishment. the IJ reported. which could have increased Jones said new sentencing ing prison for his part in the California law already al- Nelson and about 16 other his sentence to life without the guidelines, such as those in fatal attempted carjacking. lows judges the discretion to inmates are involved in a possibility of parole. SB 9 and SB 260, covers all Supporters of the law that sentence juveniles to 25 years prison group, Kids Creat- Jones said he is hopeful categories of juvenile offend- allowed Gonzalez to be resen- to life, the Sun-Star reported. ing Awareness Together (Kid because of the ongoing steps ers sentenced as adults. tenced said, “Those who com- Since 2012, Gov. Jerry CAT), made up of mit crimes as juveniles should Brown has signed two bills juveniles who were be given a second chance,” the into law making it possible for sentenced to life. Merced Sun-Star reported. juveniles serving sentences of “The men have Opponents of the law, in- life without and life with pa- drawn acclaim cluding victim rights organi- role able to lessen their terms. for their focus on zations and some representa- “The consequences of mur- self-improvement tives of law enforcement, said der need to be severe,” said through education the law “would subject survi- Christine Ward of Crime Vic- and counseling,” the vors to relive the experience.” tims Action Alliance, a non- IJ reported. “There isn’t a day that goes profit organization that lob- “They are proof in by when I’m not reminded of bied against each bill. the flesh of why we the wrong, the harm and the In September 2013, Brown should never throw pain I’ve caused,” said Gon- signed SB 260, which allows our kids away,” said zalez. certain juveniles serving life Scott Budnick, a pro- “Young people have an in- sentences an earlier opportu- ducer in Hollywood credible capacity for rehabili- nity for release, the Marin In- and advocate for re- tation,” said Yee, who is also dependent Journal reported. form in the juvenile a child psychologist by train- According to the IJ, the law justice system. ing. “requires the parole board to In 1988 Howard According to the Merced give ‘great weight’ to the di- Jones, also a Kid Sun-Star, California has more minished culpability” of ado- CAT member, com- than 300 inmates serving sen- lescent offenders. mitted a double ho- tences of life without the pos- “A lot of people think if you micide and was sub- sibility of parole for felony take a life, you lose your life. sequently sentenced Photo by Mike Nelson convictions committed when I just think, particularly when to two life sentences Howard Jones Page 16 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2014 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the Holy Month of Ramadan ‘You still have a duty to Allah to fast this holy month’

By Aaron Taylor In this case, you have two Sport Writer options. The first is to break your fast and feed a poor per- Fasting in the holy month RRELIGIOUSELIGIOUS son. of Ramadan while incarcer- The second option is to eat ated has challenges. Here are and drink the amount neces- questions frequently asked by (female Muslim), fast dur- A: Allah states, “...all of you prayer, eat your breakfast that sary for the medication only. incarcerated Muslims: ing the time of my monthly hold fast to the Rope of Allah you saved. During the time Q10: Is there more than one Q1: Do I still have to fast cycle? ... and be not divided amongst between Isha prayer and when way to fast during Ramadan? during Ramadan even though A: No, you do not. Women yourselves...” (HQ 3:103). you decide to sleep (or if you A. No. However, there are I am in prison? make up those days missed Sunni, Shi’a, Sufi, Salafi, go to sleep and wake in the three levels of fasting during A: Yes, you do. Allah states later in the year, or they can N.O.I., 5 percenter, Moor- night to eat something), eat Ramadan: in the Holy Qur’aan (HQ) feed a poor person. ish Science Temple, etc., all the dinner that you saved. (a) The Muslim Fast is sim- at Chapter 2 Verse 183: “O’ Q5: When is the latest that I must meet in the same Masjid When you wake to start the ply not eating, drinking or ye who believe! Fasting has can eat Suhoor? inside of prison. Allah says, day, eat the lunch as a Suhoor. any form of sexual discharge been prescribed for you as A: Allah states “...eat and “There is no compulsion in You can do this every day and during the daylight hours. it was prescribed for those drink until the light chang- the religion,” (HQ 2:256). The get through Ramadan. You (b) The Mu’min Fast is the before you, in the hopes that es...” (HQ 2:185). Suhoor is a right for all Mus- still have a duty to Allah to same as (a). However, the you will gain God Conscious- Q6: My breath smells dur- lims. In this type of situation, fast this holy month. person fasting adds the fol- ness.” (HQ 2:183). ing Ramadan. Can I rinse my you can do the following: lowing: Q2: Do I start fasting when mouth out during the daylight 1. Explain your situation to Fasting the eyes, ears, nose, the news says Mecca has hours with mouthwash so I do the Muslim chaplain. See if “All of you hold mouth, arms, hands, hips, started? not offend anyone? you can go get your Suhoor legs and feet from all things A: No, you do not. Mecca A. It is better to use either meal and return to your cell/ fast to the haram. is nine to 12 hours ahead of peppermint or lemon flavored dorm. (c) The Muhsin Fast. This us – depending upon where miswak during Ramadan if 2. See if another Muslim Rope of Allah fasting is (a) and (b) as well you are located in the United you are around other people can bring the Suhoor meal to ... and be not as doing good work. Setting States. Therefore, if the news who are not fasting. you. a good example for others to report states that Mecca has Q7: Can I work out during 3. If neither of these works, divided amongst emulate, establishing excel- started Friday, then you do fasting hours? the day before Ramadan yourselves..” lent morals and character, not start until Saturday, the A: Yes, you can. However, starts, save your lunch. Then, teaching others, feeding the following day. do not work out to the point eat that lunch as your Suhoor poor, having a smile that can Q3: As a non-Muslim, can I of complete exhaustion. Do meal. Go to breakfast and save Q9: I have to take food and uplift another’s spirit. fast during Ramadan? whatever you normally do, that, as well as your lunch. In water with my medication. Insha’Allah, these ques- A: Yes, you can. The verse just modify it, staying aware the evening, go get your din- How do I do this and still tions and answers bring clar- quoted above did not say, “O’ that you are fasting. ner and save that until its time fast? ity to issues that are unique to ye who are Muslim,” it says, Q8: What am I supposed to to break your fast. A: Allah states, “... but prison life. Islaam is an easy “O’ ye who believe.” (HQ do if I do not feel welcome at Break your fast with water whoever is sick or on a jour- religion; humans make it dif- 2:183). the Masjid to receive a Suhoor and something sweet to eat (if ney... feed a poor person...” ficult. May you have a blessed Q4: Do I, as a Muslimaat meal? possible). Then, after Maghrib (HQ 2:184). holy month of Ramadan. Jonathan ‘Smiley’ Wilkerson Transitions Back To Society After More Than Three Decades

By JulianGlenn Padgett change I went through a lot. I During his incarceration, he Wilkerson believes the tax- can men who keep coming Staff Writer was a kid, and I wanted to be said he went to the parole board payers of California should into prison. the big shot,” said Wilkerson. 10 times and was denied 10 know the parole board suit- “I think it’s because we’re San Quentin’s Jonathan “I was holding knives, selling times. ability process needs to be profiled out there — always Wilkerson went from the juve- dope, doing things to gain at- improved. in the negative. It’s always the nile system to the California tention.” “Prisoners change, espe- black man did it,” Wilkerson Department of Corrections and Wilkerson, 52, knows now “It should be state cially lifers. Constant punish- said. “Racism is still prevalent Rehabilitation, and now after it was the wrong kind of atten- ment, denying lifers parole in the courts, the police agen- more than three decades of in- tion. Yet as he matured over the mandated... that by way of a rigged board, is a cies and in prison. It’s a gen- carceration he is paroling to a years, he realized he wanted to waste of millions of state dol- eral societal sickness. I hope new life. get out of prison. He saw that San Quentin’s lars and human potential.” it changes because as a people “You think through the years his behavior was not going to rehabilitation They should put people from we could all accomplish a lot, that you may not get out. That get him out. the community on the board, but I haven’t seen it yet.” thought crushes you. Then it “So I kicked that 17-year-old model on helping he added. The board should Wilkerson said what makes hits your soul that you are go- kid inside of me out, because I consist of peers, like the stu- San Quentin prison help- ing to get out. I’m going to be began to believe if I truly want- prisoners and dents who come into San ful is the education and self- free again—and then it hap- ed change, I had to change in find a way Quentin. They see inmates help programs like V.O.E.G. pens,” Johnnie Wilkerson said my heart fi rst,” said Wilkerson. first hand, and see that they (Victim Offenders Education as he sat on the bench inside “So that was the beginning of to implement are not all just bad people. Group), Overcomers and KID San Quentin’s North Block. my own journey of growing up In his 34 years of incarcera- CAT plus others. When Wilkerson, also known and maturing. I wanted to be- San Quentin’s tion, Wilkerson said he wit- “What helps us the most are as “Smiley,” entered Juvenile come a man.” model statewide. nessed several governors and the volunteers. They have a Hall, he was one very scared A self-proclaimed B average wardens come and go in Cali- positive attitude and don’t let kid. st udent with no school absences, Because it works” fornia. For him, he said, Gov. the media outlets tell them “Juvenile Hall was scary be- Wilkerson said he liked learn- George Deukmejian was the what and how to think about ing a kid in prison. I didn’t know ing. It was after school when all worst because he was always prisoners. what to expect. The fi rst place I hell broke loose. His advice for Wilkerson described all of taking parole dates from pris- “It should be state mandated hit was Chino, then Tracy, from today’s young generation: Get his parole board hearings prior oners. by Gov. (Jerry) Brown,” con- Tracy I came to Old Folsom, away from the bad crowd and to this last one as “vicious,” “As for wardens, I would tinued Wilkerson, “that every then San Quentin,” Wilkerson get your education. because when he fi rst started say (First name?) Vasquez warden in CDCR examine San said. “When you’re on the right attending hearings, the parole was by far the best. He walked Quentin’s rehabilitation model This was all before 1985. He path all you have to do is keep board had no intention of re- around and talked to you. He on helping prisoners and find stayed at each prison for a little walking, getting your high leasing murderers. made himself accessible. That a way to implement San Quen- over a year to a year and a half. school diploma, GED and your “This last time I went was the should be paramount for every tin’s model statewide – be- However, over the years Wilk- bachelor’s degree. Education is best board because they talked warden,” he said. cause it works.” erson said he noticed he was the right path,” he said. to me like I was a human being, One element of prison that After 34 years in prison, changing. Convicted in 1980, Wilker- as if they really wanted me to has not changed, Wilkerson Jonathan “Smiley” Wilkerson “It took me a lot of years, and son was sentenced to 27 years get out of prison. They really said, is the massive number of paroled from San Quentin before I realized I needed to to life for fi rst-degree murder. walked me through it.” young and old African Ameri- Thursday, April 3, 2014. June 2014 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 17

1. Seattle, Wash. — The state 8. New York — The state’s Corrections Department has highest court upheld a settlement agreed to pay $740,000 to the requiring New York City to con- family of a state penitentiary NNewsews BBriefsriefs tinue individualized treatment inmate who died after his body for mental health inmates after was ravaged by fl esh-eating bac- they are released from city jails, teria, reports The Seattle Times. reports The Associated Press. Ricardo Mejia, 26, died in Janu- 1 9. New York City — A New ary 2011. State records show he 10 York City correction offi cer was had complained for weeks about arrested by the FBI and charged pain and a rash, the newspaper with violating the civil rights of reported. 8 Jason Echevarria, a mentally ill 2. Sacramento — The private 3 6 9 inmate, reports The New York prison company GEO has been 4 Times. Echevarria died after awarded a contract to house 260 2 begging for medical help from female prisoners at a facility 7 his cell for hours, the Times north of Bakersfi eld, reports the reported. The offi cer, Terrence Los Angeles Times. The four- 5 Pendergrass, was supervising year contract worth $36 million 11 12 the Rikers Island unit where for the McFarland Community Echevarria was being held. Reentry Facility will house 10. Toronto, Canada — Rubin women serving the end of their “Hurricane” Carter, 76, the mid- sentences. dleweight boxer whose wrong- 3. Madison, Wis. — A docu- ful triple-murder conviction mentary, Dostoevsky Behind inspired a fi lm starring Denzel Bars, is about Russian litera- Washington and a song by Bob ture taught to state prisoners. Dylan, died on April 20, reports The fi lm is making a debut at the Los Angeles Times. the Wisconsin Film Festival, 11. Tennessee — Since the state reports Wisconsin Public Radio resumed executions in 2000, (WPR). “In a small chapel on nine Death Row inmates have the campus of the Oakhill Cor- Jackson spent four or fi ve days Tribune reports. The top three a signifi cant misconduct record, died of natural causes, while six rectional Institution, about 30 in isolation when a guard ‘took prisons: Northeast Missouri reports The Associated Press. have been executed, reports The inmates gathered one evening in exception’ to Jackson advising Correctional Center in Bowling 7. Columbus, Ohio — Arthur Tennessean. Of the 76 inmates late February to watch the fi lm other inmates on their rights in Green, more than 30 tons; Boon- Tyler, 54, was scheduled to be on Death Row, 14 are 60 years that documents the class, as well prison,” the newspaper report- ville Correctional Center, nearly executed on May 28, reports or older. as daily life at this minimum se- ed. 25 tons; Jefferson City Correc- The Associated Press. Republi- 12. Tennessee — Legislators curity prison,” WPR reported. 5. Missouri — State prisoners tional Center, nearly 24 tons. can Gov. John Kasich rejected passed a bill last year permitting 4. Chicago — Former U.S. through the Restorative Justice 6. Lansing, Mich. — Legis- his parole and possible release the state to withhold all informa- Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. Garden Program “donated a re- lation passed by the Michigan but granted Tyler clemency fol- tion about the drugs it plans to was reportedly punished with cord 163 tons of fresh fruit and House and was sent to the Sen- lowing the recommendation of use to in executions. Georgia, solitary confi nement for giving vegetables to local food pan- ate to allow the Michigan De- mercy by the state parole board, Oklahoma and Missouri have legal advice to his fellow in- tries, shelters, churches, nurs- partment of Corrections to issue which “cited several statements enacted similar laws withhold- mates, according to the Chicago ing homes and schools this year, a “certifi cate of employability” by Tyler’s co-defendant tak- ing information about the lethal Sun-Times. “An anonymous shattering last year’s record of to a parolee who completes a ing responsibility for the 1983 injection drugs, reports The source told the Sun-Times that 117 tons,” the Columbia Daily training course and doesn’t have shooting.” Tennessean. LETTER TO THE EDITOR We Want To Hear San From You! Quentin The San Quentin News encourages News Drive to Become a Better Woman inmates, free staff, custody staff, Current and past copies of the AMINAH’S EPIPHANY: life and that I was destined for rolled in Feather River College volunteers and others outside the San Quentin News are posted greater things, least of which to achieve my associate degree institution to submit articles. online at: With my freedom stripped, I entailed languishing away on a in arts and humanities and en- All submissions become property (www.sanquentinnews.com) awoke one morning in a cold, legalized plantation. trepreneurial business certifi - of the San Quentin News. (www.fl ickr.com/photos/ barren cell with the realization However, my sentence en- cate. Please use the following criteria sanquentinnews) that I was alone in my journey. sured me the time needed to Working to get through every when submitting: Permission is granted to reprint ar- ticles appearing in the San Quentin With that epiphany, I used my piece myself back together. I’ve lonesome day, estranged from • Limit your articles to no News provided credit is given to the anger to fuel my drive in be- spent the last some-odd years everyday that I thought I knew, more than 350 words. author and this publication, except coming a better woman. attending various self-help days would run into years with- • Know that articles June be For a while I suffered from for articles reprinted herein from classes as I diligently worked out letters or cards expressing edited for content and length. other publications. embarrassment, hiding in pris- to rebuild my self-esteem and support from not only so-called • The newspaper is not a medium on from my community because Administrative Review sense of self-worth. I ensconced friends but family, too. It’s to fi le grievances. (For that, use I was ashamed of the circum- myself in groups dealing with not easy being locked away in the prison appeals process.) We Warden’s Offi ce ..... Lt. S. Robinson stances that led to my arrest. I battered women, focusing on prison having to fi ght, through encourage submitting articles Sgt. Chris Siino was disappointed in myself, for its effects, triggers and signs so unyielding determination, to that are newsworthy and en- I knew that a prisoner was not as not to fi nd myself hostage in ensure your freedom with- Adviser...... Joan Lisetor compass issues that will have an how I was suppose to spend my another toxic relationship. I en- out support, love and reassur- Adviser...... Linda Xiques impact on the prison populace. ance. For the women who are Adviser...... John C. Eagan INMATE PRISON POPULATION weak, they often fall victim to • Please do not use offensive DESIGNED CAPACITY OF PRISONS UNDER COURT ORDER= 82,707 drugs, violence or peer pres- language in your submissions. Adviser...... Steve McNamara COURT ORDERED POPULATION CAP OF 137.5% = 113,722 sure. However, for those few • Poems and art work (cartoons Adviser ...... William Drummond CURRENT INMATE POPULATION= 116,246 and drawings) are welcomed. INMATES ABOVE COURT ORDERED INMATE POPULATION CAP= 2,524 who are stronger, it fuels their S. Q. News Staff • Letters to the editor should SOURCE: Data Analysis Unit Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation determination in obtaining a Estimates and Statistical Analysis Section State of California Offender better life for their children and be short and to the point. Editor-in-Chief ..... Arnulfo T. Garcia Information Services Branch themselves. If you believe in Send Submissions to: Managing Editor ...... Juan Haines change, then you know every- Supervising Editor ...... Malik Harris CSP - San Quentin one deserves a chance separate Journalism Guild Chairman ...... from the infl uences of the past Education Dept. / SQ News 116,000 San Quentin, CA 94964 ...... Kevin D. Sawyer behaviors and actions. It took Staff Writer ...... K. Himmelberger years for me to learn to forgive (No street address required) Staff Writer ...... JulianGlenn Padgett others; however, faced with the To receive a mailed copy of the fact that if I can’t begin to let go San Quentin News, send $1.61 Staff Writer ...... Charles D. Henry 114,000 and forgive without judgments worth of stamps for postage to: Staff Writer ...... Watani Stiner and resentments, how can I ex- Staff Writer ...... Ted Swain pect others to do the same for San Quentin News Sports Editor ...... Rahsaan Thomas me? 1 Main Street Staff...... Michael Endres 110,000 San Quentin, CA 94974 Photographer...... Sam Hearnes The process can be repeated Independent Researcher.... R. Lindsey Aminah Dorsey every month if you want to Design Editor ...... Phoeun You 4/9/2014 Central California Women’s 3/12/2014 receive the latest newspaper. Design Editor .... Richard Richardson 4/23/2014 4/30/2014 5/28/2014 Facility Page 18 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2014 Double Header: S.Q. Warriors Top Green Team,77-63; Greenies Then Bounce Back, Beat the Kings, 85-84

Epling kept yelling “Shooter! Shooter!” every time Williams touched the ball, trying to keep SPORTS his second team focused on all threats. By Aaron “Jeddii” Taylor beat Green Team. No other team “Pep is a good player. I knew Sports Writer is worth bragging about,” said he was going to try to get a three Warrior head coach Daniel “The off. I wasn’t surprised when It has been a long time coming House” Wright. he knocked it down. He’s fran- for the San Quentin Warriors, “Tell me something nice; tell chise,” said Lacey, who played but they fi nally did it: The vis- me I’ll tall and I’ll call my boys in both games. He fi nished with iting Green Team was chopped off,” Caesar “Cee Money” Mc- 31 points on 9 for 19 shooting down to size, 77-63. However, Dowell, aka the “Heckler” and day. the Green Team downed the S.Q. McIntosh’s cellie, said to Bill Antoine “Mad Max” Maddox Kings, 85-84, later in the day. Epling and Mark Ivy when the tried to win the game for the “We couldn’t get into a rhythm Warriors led by 15 in the sec- Green Team with a fl oater, but because of their zone,” said ond. Photo by Rapheale Casales missed with two seconds left. Green Team’s #14, Ben “The “My mother told me, ‘When Point guard Alias Jones takes a clutch shot Williams received the inbound Dagger” Ilegbodu, of the fi rst you don’t have nothing nice to ball in time to attempt a win- game. “We could never really say...,’” responded Epling. up for Montrell “Jack That son. “It means a lot to be a felon ning shot but Maddox blocked it. get into a comfortable position “I hate everything you stand Thang Up” Vines, the Warriors’ in prison and have this opportu- Time ran out, driving the game all game.” for,” joked Ivy. best defender. Vines got side- nity. I appreciated them.” into overtime. The Warriors opened the For most of the game, the lined with a severely twisted “We couldn’t get rebounds “I never complain about an fourth quarter with a double- Warriors employed a 2-3 zone ankle that will keep him out for and we had too many turnovers,” extra fi ve minutes of basketball,” digit lead (16 points), something that kept the middle packed four to six weeks. Dotson got ac- Epling said after the game. “We said Ben Draa. they maintained since the fi rst tight. It forced The Green Team tivate against The Green Team. can’t blame the refs; none of In overtime, Williams hit an- quarter. into a jump shot team, unable He had steals at the right time. that. Today, we got beat and beat other three to give his team the Warrior Ernest “Demolition to take advantage of its height. However, nothing was bigger as good.” lead at 81-78. Man” Dotson hustled with 16 The Green Team had 6-foot-10 an ego booster to the Warriors Maurice “Optimus Prime” “That was clutch,” said Lac- points-7 for 15, 6 rebounds, one Ted Hahs, and several 6-foot-6 than when Dotson jumped and Hanks dropped a double-double ey. assist and four steals. Leading players, including David King, blocked Ilegbodu’s three-point with 16 points-6 for 17, 10 re- Maddox’s free-throw tied the scorer was Anthony “Half Man, Patrick Lacey and Mark Ivy. attempt, returning it for the fast bounds, with four steals; Allan game. After the Kings failed to Half Amazing” Ammons with The Warriors deployed sev- break lay-up. “Dark Man X” McIntosh put score, Maddox dished the ball to 23 points-9 for 16, 11 rebounds, eral new offensive plays, includ- “My aggressiveness came up 15 points-4 for 18, and 14 Lacey for a post move. He made two assists and two blocks. ing a basic weak-side motion to from last time, when they came boards, three assists, four steals the basket and took the lead, 83- The Warriors opened the game free up the low block and force in and took control. I wanted to and one block. 81. with a 29-18 fi rst-quarter lead. defenders to run off of picks. make a statement. We worked Leading scorer for The Green Kings player Jamal “Dr. J” “It doesn’t count unless we Dotson stepped in and stepped hard and it paid off,” said Dot- Team was David “The Waiter” Green was fouled in the paint King with a double-double 16 going up, but he missed both points, 13 rebounds, shooting 7 free-throws. With 44 seconds San Quentin Sports Updates for 13, with two assists, one steal left, the Kings started fouling to and four blocks. stop the clock. By Rahsaan Thomas Priest “Leap” Brown added 20. RBIs. Penalla hit a two-run In the second game, Epling However, the game wasn’t Sports Editor Brian “The Landlord” Asey led double to put the game out of brought in some fresh legs to over. King Tare “Cancun” Bel- the Bad News Ballers with 23. reach. Zorns smashed a single play against the Kings, who had tran pushed the ball down court University of San Francis- The 76ers dominated Straight into leftfield on April 26. won the last two out of three and went up from three-point co’s Tennis Team beat the S.Q. Balling 77-53, led by Donte The S.Q. Giants beat the games. When the game was at land. With two seconds left, the Inside Tennis Team May 3 in “Bad Azz” Walker’s 25 points S.Q. A’s on May 3, 9-3. Gi- triple zero on the clock, the score Green Team turned the ball over, every set. “They give us prac- and 8 rebounds. Johnny “Norm ants were led by 2nd base- was 85-84, Green Team. giving the Kings one last shot. tical potential to enhance our Nixon” Willis led Straight Ball- man Christopher “Cuddy Bo” Late in the fourth quarter, They failed to capitalize and the tennis,” said Terry Slaughter, ing with 19 points, 4 rebounds, Smith, the teams leading hit- with only :10 on the clock, and Green Team won the May 3 nail- ITT. 4 steals and 1 assist. ter. the Kings down by three, Oris biter. “We came here to practice, The Richmond Project beat The Diego Boys softball team “Pep” Williams knocked down “I had to make up for my hor- exhibit, and clinic,” said USF the S.Q. Kings & Warriors staged a batting clinic for the a clutch three-pointer from the rible performance this morning. assistant coach Charlie Cutter. practice players April 26, 31- San Quentin Hardtimers, win- left side that tied the score at I couldn’t go out like that,” said The Warriors used high-en- 30; “Rich-Pro” was led by Eric ning 27-15 in their return in the 76-76. This forced the game into Lacey after losing to the War- ergy play and quick substitu- Daniels with 13pts 12rbs 2ast prison on April 18. overtime. riors but defeating the Kings. tions to beat Imago Dei, 71-48. 1stl and 3to. McIntosh led his team with 22 In the “Meat & Potatoes” points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, match-up (all players had to Hardtimers Earns Last Minute Victory and a block. Ammons added meet a minimum weight re- 13, with 8 boards, an assist, quirement of 225lbs.), the Mr. and a steal. He was slightly Big Stuffs beat the Big Body Over Visiting Diego Boys, 20-19 out done by Imago Dei’s Steve Benz Boys on May 3, 40-26; By Jarvis “Lady Jae” Clark walked Nghiep Ke Lam, loading The Hardtimers came right “Big Red” Sanderson’s 14 Mr. Big Stuffs were led by Da- Journalism Guild Writer the bases. back. Ke Lam banged his sec- points, 6 boards, 2 steals, and mon “L.A.” Cook, 13pts 10rbs Then Ellis knocked in the ond homerun of the game mak- 1 block in their ongoing rivalry 3ast 5stl 1blk 2to. It was the bottom of the ninth game-winners. ing the score 14-11. Carr got on on April 26. The visiting baseball team with the bases loaded, and the “We’ve only beaten the Diego base with a solid hit. Jordan hit The Kings blew out the Out- Mission defeated the San San Quentin Hardtimers soft- Boys once in two years,” stated a single that brought in Carr and siders, 72-52, on April 26. Ja- Quentin A’s 11-4 on Wednes- ball team was down two runs. a Hardtimer. left the score 14-13. mal Green led the Kings with day, April 16. Mario “Rio” Ellis belted a pitch The Diego Boys got off to a “Bring one in. We’re down by 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 The S.Q. Giants improve to to the outfi eld, scoring the win- good beginning with fi ve runs in one!” yelled Ke Lam. However, steals. Williams was a point 2-1 with a 6-0 win over the ning three runs. That lifted the the fi rst inning. the inning ended with the Hard- shy of a triple-double with 9 Cubs in five innings of base- Hardtimers to a 20-19 victory The Hardtimers responded. timers trailing. points, 10 rebounds and 10 as- ball on April 17. Jeff Dumont over the visiting Diego Boys. Windham hit a deep single into Bottom of the sixth, Windham sists. Billy Utnehmer led the pitched the shutout. In the last inning with the right fi eld, kicking off a rally. Ke smacked a double into center Outsiders with 10 points, 6 re- The A’s lost 10-6 to short- score 19-17, DuPriest Brown hit Lam followed up with a homer- fi eld. Ke Lam followed with a hit bounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. handed visiting Sonoma Rock- a laser single between third and un that made the score, 5-4 Di- that brought in Windham. Ellis In Intramural Basketball ac- ies, who borrowed Raheem shortstop. Juan Arballo followed ego Boys. in turn hit an RBI single, mak- tion on April 20, Net Zero beat Thompson-Bonilla from the with a single up the middle, put- “Ke Lam can hit!” stated ing the score 15-14 Hardtimers. the Franchise, 67-58, led by A’s to pitch on April 23. ting Hardtimers on fi rst and sec- Hardtimer D. Felton. In the top of the eight, the Erick Nelson’s 25 points and 9 The Giants defeated the vis- ond. In the bottom of the third, El- Diego Boys went up four more boards and Michael “The Op- iting The REBL Giants, 5-4, Next was John Windham. lis hit a shot into right fi eld that runs, leaving the Hardtimers tion” Franklin’s 18 points and on April 24. With the pressure on, he calmly brought in Ke Lam. Kevin Carr behind at 19-15 with two at-bats 13 rebounds. Kenneth Dozier The Giants improved to 4-1 turned his hat backwards, lifted followed with a homerun, giving left. Sr. led Franchise with 16 points with a 12-2 win over the Be- the bat, swung at a sweet pitch, the Hardtimers the led at 10-6. Bottom of the eighth, Coach and 6 rebounds. nicia Bombers hardball team. and hit a signal into leftfi eld that “First time in three seasons I Dan White told the Hardtimers, The defending Champion Jeff Dumont pitched another was caught by right fi elder San- hit a homerun,” said Carr. “Be patient and play. Wait on the Transformers improved to 2-0, great game for the Giants. New dy “Rasheed’ Lockhart, who the Top of the fourth, the Diego ball.” with a 71-50 decisive win over Giants Don Spence, Richard Diego Boys borrowed. Brown Boys rallied with homeruns The Hardtimers responded, the Bad News Ballers. Oris Zorns and Mike Penalla all and Arballo advanced to third by Matt Demar and James leaving the score 19-17 and “Pep” Williams led the Trans- did well in their first game. and second. Schwedy. The score was 14-10 completing the comeback in the formers with 25 points and Du- Spence went 2-2, with two The Diego Boys intentionally at the bottom of the inning. ninth of the May 2 game. June 2014 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com Page 19 Visiting Oaks Hold On To Edge the A’s, 11-9

By Rahsaan Thomas timely hitting,” said Oak Seena single into a run by stealing Sports Editor Nassiri about the Oaks’ win. fi rst, then second, then home The A’s were up 8-5 at the plate in consecutive plays, Down two runs in the bottom top of the sixth, with Ruben making the score 10-9. of the ninth, the San Quentin Harper on the mound. The In the top of the seventh and A’s comeback stopped short Oaks loaded the bases with fi nal inning, the Oak’s Mr. “No and the visiting Oaks baseball one out. A shallow fi elder’s Comment” hit a single that team won, 11-9. choice brought in one run. The brought in one run, making the The A’s last chance at bat next Oak was unintentionally score 11-9. started well when Royce Rose walked. Oak Mike Ostler had a nailed a fastball with one out. Nassiri then belted a two RBI chance to take second base It landed right before a far out- single. After Oak Rolfe Win- but was tagged out because he fi eld fence, then bounced over, kler was walked, Reggie Hunt wouldn’t slide. “My pants got making it a ground rule double. replaced Harper at the mound pretty dirty last week. I can’t However, he was left stranded with the score tied at 8-8. wash them every week,” he after Hunt struck out and a shal- Hunt gave up two runs, one joked about not sliding. low grounder by Bilal Coleman on a bad pitch in the dirt and It was the fi rst time playing led to a tag out, ending the A’s another on a walk with the in San Quentin for most of the comeback attempt. bases loaded. A routine popup Oaks. “More practice, minus the catch ended the inning, leaving “It an honor to be here. I love errors, we win,” said John the score 10-8 Oaks. it but I like being able to leave, Windham, who had a single, Winkler ended up going 2-2 too,” said Adam Dietz. double and triple. with two RBIs, a walk, a hit by “It’s cool. It makes you ap- Photo by Leroy Lucas “Our defense wasn’t good, pitch and two runs scored. preciate stuff,” added Nate First base Nate Overlid holding the A’s but we had good pitching and The A’s Windham turned a Overlid. Bilal Coleman at first

Eddie Herena Breaks 6-Mile Results From the Six-Mile Run: Record With 37:56 Time Eddie Herena 37:56 Abdul Khadeer Morceli 39:20 Bernard “Abdul Raheem” Ballard 41:09 By Aaron “Jeddii” Taylor the entire run. Morceli, with Carlos Ramirez 4 3:35 Sports Writer Carlos Ramirez, followed him. In lap 15, Malcolm Jones Larry Ford 43:35 Aided by a cool breeze, Eddie stepped off the track with a Glen Mason 45:14 Herena broke a 1000 Mile Club tender hammy. “I’m going back Abel Armengol 45:36 six-mile record with a time of in; I just need to pause to let it Jose Sandoval 45:41 37:56, shattering the previous relax some,” Jones said while Bill Sullivan 45:47 record of 38:40 held by Miguel massaging his hamstring. Gerry Gearin 48:32 Quezada. Herena, with two laps left, Clifton Williams 49:56 “It felt great. I defi nitely put had a time of 35:06. RaHsaan Thomas 54:21 the work in and hard work pays “He’s looking to break Eric Moody 54:38 off,” said Herena. Miguel’s (Quezada) record,” Andrew Gazzeny 57:26 Abdul Khadeer Morceli fi n- said Ralph Ligons. Eddie DeWeaver 57:51 ished second in the May 9 event “Let’s go, Eddie!” the crowd with a time of 39:20; Bernard was the yelling, urging him Edward Scott 58:08 Ballard was third at 41:09. forward. Malcolm Jones 59:23 Edward Scott fi nished with Herena’s fi nal lap time was Marlon Beason 1:00:54 a time of 58:08 despite medical 1:25. Leroy Lucas 1:08:11 problems. He left the doctor’s Community Partnership David Samuel 53:40 4.5 offi ce the day before, where he Photo by Sam Hearns Manager Steve Emrick com- learned he’d have to go to an Eddie Herena mented about Herena breaking Sponsors: Frank Ruona, Diana Fitzpatrick, outside specialist for his various the record. Kevin Rumon, and Jill Friedman. ailments. Gerry Gearin, a 1000 Mile Club “What it means is that we “The doctor said I can contin- veteran, with arms raised. He have several programs that ue my regular routine, so I’m not posted a time of 48:32. benefi ts inmates; he broke a running for time. I’m just run- Volunteers, timekeepers and record, and the hard work that 49:56, and commented, “Aw, coach. He shares in the record. ning,” said Scott. sponsors encouraged the run- it takes to train to do that are it wasn’t anything, a piece of He made a difference in the “I’m not out here to race six ners as they came by the start- all life skills that a person can cake – something I do all the last lap.” miles. I’m out here to show what ing line, passing out cups of take with them when they leave time. I’ve been running all my “Feels like I got one more a 313-pound man can do. I’m water. prison. The fact that we have life; since I was walking, I was year of bragging rights. Not looking to complete the run,” Jill Friedman stated, “They these running programs, and a running.” that I’m going to brag, but if said Marlon Beason, who fi n- may not even want any water. record being broken, is a testa- Herena said breaking the I choose to, I can,” Eddie said ished in 1:00:54. It’s only six miles.” ment to that,” Emrick said. record “wasn’t easy. It was with a huge smile on his face, “I’m going for a lifetime Herena completed the fi rst Clifford Williams, 53, fi n- tough. (Ligons) was congratu- still breathing hard, cooling achievement award!” enthused lap in 1:30, setting a pace for ished with a fi nal time of lating me that last lap. He’s my down. Reigning Champs Defend Tournament Titles Reigning champions won the cards you get. Chess is or want,” said Daniels. “It feels and the championship; former on Alleyne in his quarterfi nal most of San Quentin’s latest mind against mind; no luck in- good being a champion.” champs Michael Thompson and match, coming back after los- chess, pinochle, horseshoes, volved.” The Ironman Tournament Bozzie Burton came in second. ing the fi rst set. Ke Lam bat- Ironman, handball, pingpong He added, “It takes my mind was modified to include ad- Mcdowell and Wiley won the tled with groundstrokes, over- and tennis tournaments. off the horror of being in pris- ditional challenges, but was dominos title; Paneda and San- powering Alleyne, 4-10, 10-3, Vincent “Osiris” Mackey on. It keeps my mind sharp. still won by defending cham- chez took second. 10-8. successfully defended his chess It keeps me thinking strategi- pion Dean Soriano. He pushed The second annual Don De Oliver and Ke Lam faced one title. He said he has been the cally. Wars are waged in part a weighted wheelbarrow up a Nevi Memorial Day Tennis another in the fi nals. Ke Lam chess champion for three years on how chess pieces move,” he hill, did 20 pull-ups, 50 push- Tournament was full of upsets. won the fi rst set 10-8; however straight. “I’ve been waiting for added. ups, 50 squats, carried a punch- Paul Oliver upset previous Oliver stuck to his game plan. somebody to come along who San Quentin has “many good ing bag around baseball bases, tournament winner Rick Hunt, Oliver used big serves and net can consistently beat me more chess players who don’t play pushed the wheelbarrow again 12-8, 9-12, 12-9, securing his play to pressure Lam. Oliver than I beat them,” said Mack- in tournaments. I wish they and ran a lap in seven minutes,8 position in the round of eight. went on to win the next two ey. would,” commented Mackey. seconds. Darrell Flowers came Oliver defeated Tim Thomp- sets and take the champion- He learned how to play chess Isaiah Daniels teamed up in second with a time of 7:40. son and Al Lee, placing himself ship, 10-6, 10-4. by watching his bunkie play. with Elias Solis and won the Osborn Walton won pingpong in the championship round. Several Inside Tennis Team Mackey credits his success to horseshoe competition. Daniels again, retaining his title. Paul Alleyne defeated Clay members expressed gratitude adoptability – seeing his op- has won the horseshoe doubles Pinochle champions Jeffrick Long in straight sets, 12-6, to coach Don DeNevi for his ponents’ style and adopting a for three years running, even Brown and Johnson successful- 12-6. support of the net program. strategy to defeat it. with different partners. ly defended their title. Tyrone Nighiep Ke Lam dusted off The tournaments were held Mackey said he loves chess “I’ve won every double and Allen and Lamore Jones came his tennis gear and eliminated on Memorial Day weekend. because “it’s a pure game. all but one single contest. I in second. Rico Winfrey in straight sets, –By Rahsaan Thomas, Mi- Cards have a luck factor in- love horseshoes, but don’t feel Terrance Banks and B. Chatt- 12-8, 12-3. chael Panella contributed to volved because it depends on I have the competitions I need man won handball doubles Ke Lam faced past champi- this story Page 20 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com June 2014

By Angelo Falcone for over 40 years. He was a very Journalism Guild Writer hard worker. Dad, I am sorry AskedA k d OOn ThThe LiLine for the mistakes that I made. I June has interesting celebra- wish I could have been a better tions: National Candy Month, son.” Potty Training Awareness “John Speth of Fair Oaks, coach served as a father fi gure. Manuel Sanchez Murillo has Month and National Safety California, was a good fam- “What I admired most about two children, a son and a daugh- Month, according to the World ily man,” said Padgett. “He him was that he never got upset ter. Even though he has been Almanac. took care of his family. He when I made a mistake. He was imprisoned for almost 28 years, June is also Lesbian, Gay, Bi- was someone I would want to always patient with the kids. he said his kids are not resent- sexual and Transgender Pride emulate when it came to taking You were a good man, coach. ful of him not raising them. Month. Pentecost Sunday is on care of family. He really made You had a positive impact on “They had the support of their June 8, Flag Day is on June 14 an impression on me. He was my life,” said Thompson. grandparents, their mother and and the fi rst day of summer be- a good provider, listener and Valeray Richardson has a a stepfather. I am very proud of gins on June 21. Ramadan will husband. He was a good part- daughter and a stepdaughter. them. They fi nished school and most likely begin on June 28. ner to his wife. He was there Richardson is proud of his I don’t think they are ashamed Father’s Day is always the for his children. Thank you daughter Raenisha “because of of me.” third Sunday of June. John for showing me what my her lifestyle. She studied nurs- Murillo did grow up with his father never did.” ing, fi nished school and got father. “What I admired most Jesus Flores has two daugh- married. She is very respectful about my dad was his honesty,” ters. “The oldest is shy and and did not get into trouble. She said Murillo. “He did what he

quiet. The youngest is bold and Photo by Sam Hearns reminds me a lot of me because could to take care of us. He loud. They are both complete we are both Gemini. She’s a passed away, but he is still my opposites. They’ve graduated Joey Mason little me,” said Richardson. role model. I admire him very from high school and are mar- “My daughter Monique is into much to this day.” ried now. I am very proud of other. No snitching. If I told on sports. She got a scholarship to Ed Ballenger has two sons. them,” said Flores. my brother, he would punish attend Smith University. I am “I have not seen them in over “I grew up with a dad,” said my brother, but then he would proud of her. Her catch phrase 20 years,” said Ballenger. “But Flores. “He was in the Army. punish me for telling on my is, ‘calm yourself.’ I love her through my niece, I know that So, he was very strict but, he brother,” said Asey. very much.” they are OK and both are work- always wanted what was best Adriel Ortiz Ramirez has Richardson’s father passed ing.” for all of his kids. He was a no children. However, he said away, but his memories of him Ballenger’s father raised him. hard worker. I love you dad. he grew up with his father. “I are very much alive. “I ad- “He was there for me. For one Thank you for being there for remember going on a lot of mired his humor and the way thing, he provided well for his all of us.” family trips with him,” said he showed loved for all of us. family. He was a balanced in- Aaron Brock has one child. Ramirez. “Thanks dad for all Dad, you’re my hero,” he said. dividual. He gave good advice. His most memorable moment of the advice that you gave me Joey Mason has no children. I love you dad.” Ballenger’s fa- Photo by Sam Hearns was when his child was seven over the years.” He said he did not grow up with ther passed away at age 90. Valeray Richardson years old. It was during a visit Aaron “The Jeddii” Taylor a father or father fi gure. “I had in Lancaster. If he could send has no biological children. “I two stepdads. One was an alco- Asked on the Line conducted his child a message it would be: have two nieces, two neph- holic and the other was a red- brief informal interviews with “I am sorry,” he said. ews and a godson. Those are neck,” he said. men on the mainline, asking; Brock’s father is deceased. my kids. To all my children: Mason said believes he would “Are you a father? How many But, what he admired most Knowledge and wisdom are in be a good father, if he decides children do you have? Did you about his dad was “being there,” storehouses. The key to open a to have children. “I would be grow up with a dad or father he said. storehouse is a question. Never the opposite of everything my fi gure? If not, who were your Brian Asey has a son and a fear asking a question,” said stepdads were to me, no drugs male role models? Send a mes- daughter. Taylor. and no violence. I would be in- sage to your dad or father fi g- His most memorable moments Taylor did not grow up with volved in my kids’ life. They ure.” with his children are when they his biological father. “My would know that I got their JulianGlenn Padgett said he were very young, when his son grandfather, L.B. Turner, was back. I will always help them. has no children, adding his was 6 and his daughter was 5. my No. 1 one role model. He I will do as much as possible to biological father did not raise “We used to play together. Each was not my biological grand- expose him to positive things him. However, there were two one would hang on to one of my father, but he was everything I and show them support, kind- men in his life who he looked legs as I walked. It was funny.” could possibly want in a father ness and love,” said Mason. up to: Jim Lee and John Speth. Asey’s father passed away. fi gure.” Steve Wade Sr., Myles Richard Morris has a son. He “Jim Lee was a single father,” But, he still remembers when Delaney – Taylor’s uncles – said he’s proud of his son be- said Padgett. “He always made he was a boy, “my dad would William Fant Jr. and George cause “he fi nished his education time for his sons Jim, Jeff and take me to work with him,” he Jernigan played signifi cant and is a physical therapist. He James. He treated me like fam- said. Asey also had a stepfather. roles as father fi gures, as well. also has a good work ethic.” ily. He even taught me how to “I remember that my stepdad Timothy Thompson has no Morris grew up with a father. Photo by Sam Robinson water-ski. Thank you, Jim.” instilled in us to not tell on each children. He said his football “He was married to my mother Ed Ballenger Father’s Day Appreciation From the Inside Si volviera a nacer quisiera padre por la crianza que me González. you for all your sacrifi ces you que Santiago Gómez fuera mi diste, Vicente Gómez. Marciano Ortega, gracias made for me. Love you dad, padre de nuevo otra vez para Maximino Sánchez, te por todo tu esfuerzo y tra- your son Binh Vo. seguir su ejemplo. Aunque ya mando estas felicitaciones por bajo. Gracias por corregirme Dad, thanks for been there no lo tengo conmigo, estoy or- ser el día del padre. Me siento cuando lo he necesitado. Feliz for me. I wish you the best on gulloso de que él fue mi papá. muy orgulloso de usted y si día de los padres, tu hijo José this father’s day. With much En donde quiera que Dios lo Dios me diera la oportunidad Ortega. love your son, Vi Cham. tenga, por siempre gracias de volver a nacer quisiera que Jefe, gracias por haberme Father’s Day is not limited usted fuera mi padre otra vez. dado la vida y ser el mejor to the biological sense of the Gracias por la crianza que me padre del mundo. Perdóneme meaning behind the term “fa- dio. Dios me lo bendiga en por haberle fallado. Espero ther.” On this day, I celebrate este día tan especial, su hijo algún día volver a recuperar my great-grandparents, grand- Jesús Sánchez. su confianza. Lo quiero de a parents, aunts, and mother...who Ignacio Pureco, de tu hijo, madre. Feliz día del Padre, su all stepped into the role of my Gustavo Pureco, que mucho hijo Fortunato López. Photo by Sam Hearns father when my father wasn’t te extraña, espero que te la Happy father’s day. Thank Mike Nelson able to, Michael Nelson. pases bien el día de los pa- dres. Website Offers Help to Families of those Incarcerated Salvador Lozano, que en este día del padre te la pases A new and free search engine, www.PrisonPath.com, provides information for bien en compañía de la fa- the public. The site helps users in clarifying confusion and fear of the unknown milia. Tu hijo que te quiere y when a loved one is charged and arrested, or sentenced to imprisonment in extraña mucho, Arturo Lo- zano. the United States. PrisonPath provides information including the ability to Manuel, le deseo un feliz fi nd a person incarcerated, visitation rules, contact numbers, and more about día de los padres y que siem- every American prisons or jails. It also allows families and friends of inmates to File Photo pre reine la felicidad en ti. Tu communicate with each other on a specifi c page. Jesus Sanches hijo que te quiere, Eduardo