Issue Issue Number Number 48, Spring/Summer50, Summer 2014 2013

The NewsletterFire of the California Inside Coalition for Women Prisoners 1540 Market Street, Room 490, San Francisco, CA 94102 www.womenprisoners.org Reflections on The Fire Inside issue number 50

Linda Field, W26257, free for 8 years after serving 19 years Two of my most heartfelt stories jump right to mind. My first visit with my children made me realize that l wasn’t the only one in but my children were too, as my youngest begged to stay with me. To this day, 24 years later, l can still see Sara’s hands over my father’s shoulders, opening and closing for me as giant tears rolled down her cheeks. The second story was of Annie Bells, Anna Jackson, who died from cancer. She suffered from medical interference while in CCWF. She went from the most fun loving, flower growing person to a bag of skin and bones begging, crying for help and being kicked to the curb by the medical staff that were paid to heal her. Stories like these would be lost if not for The Fire Inside. All Beverly Henry l can say is bless all who have contributed- inmates and free staff. Without all working together, our stories would never 1949 - 2014 have been told. Many of us would still be imprisoned. Thank you. n AnnaBell Chapa The Fire Inside inspired me so much, I never knew that people could give so freely. You all became like my family and loved me without judging me and without expecting some- thing in return. Once again, thank you Fire Inside for being the voice outside prison walls for the ones that have no voice inside. With love, respect and appreciation. n

Urszula Wislanka The Fire Inside has been an indispensable organizing tool for activists inside and out. The transformation that prisoner’s words go through from being a spoken “gripe” to a printed article validates the writer’s sense that their thoughts and feelings are objective,that they speak to others who hear them Ariana, Erica and Chopper in this form. I have learned a great deal from prisoners as we This issue of Fire Inside is dedicated to discuss material for the next issue. For example, I learned that Beverly Chopper Henry who died on prison uses racism to break people, to turn prisoners against n March 21, 2014. Chopper was a mother, each other. Prisoners’ solidarity breaks that cycle. grandmother, founder of CCWP, peer Karen Shain health educator, tireless advocate. She Issue #50 of the Fire Inside! Wow…what an amazing ac- died way too early due to many years complishment. We had no idea when we started what an of medical neglect and abuse in CA important newsletter this would become. Congratulations to State . Chopper never gave up. all of the writers on the inside who gave this newsletter its Her love and commitment live on. heart—and its soul! n Continued on p. 4 Editorial Cincuenta ediciones del Fire Inside, adentro y afuera Traducido por Alma Muñoz

“El Fire Inside fué la única forma en que pudimos ser fundadoras de la CCWP, murió en marzo 21 del escuchados. Su maravilloso personal se convirtió no 2014, en gran parte como consecuencia de los solo en nuestras amigas, sino nuestra familia. Nos constantes problemas de salud por los pobres permitieron compartir nuestras tristezas y alegrías”. cuidados de salud en la prisión que sufrió por Linda Field, miembra fundadora del CCWP años. Chopper fue de las primeras compañeras on el número 50 de la edición del Fire Inside, educadoras de salud, haciendo alcance para educar honramos y celebramos 18 años de publicar sobre el VIH, Hep C y otros problemas de salud. continuamente historias, poemas, luchas y Judy Ricci, otra de las fundadoras de la CCWP y C compañera educadora de salud, recibió libertad victorias de las mujeres y transgeneras presas en las prisiones para mujeres de el estado de California. condicional tan solo para morir enseguida, como Como Linda lo dice en la cita arriba, el Fire Inside resultado de la negligencia médica que sufrió ahí provee un espacio para que la gente dentro compar- dentro. El año 2014 vio muchas muertes en las ta entre sí y con la gente afuera, lo que sucede y lo prisiones de mujeres en California. Actualmente, que está cerca de nuestros corazones. la CCWP esta trabajando con familias y miembres El Fire Inside nació de la lucha por cuidados de de la comunidad para demandar una investigación salud y derechos humanos. Tomó su nombre de un independiente a la muerte de Shadae Schmidt ex preso que se identificó la pasión, determinación, (alias Dae Dae) en el CIW SHU en marzo 13 del fuerza y ​​el coraje de las mujeres que publicó sus 2014. nombres en la acción de clase, Shumate vs. Wilson. Levantar la voz contra las malas condiciones Exigieron que CDCR tratar a todos los prisioneros médicas ahí dentro, es un acto de resistencia como seres humanos y proporcionar una atención increíble y es la expresión del fuego interno. Este médica adecuada. Es el fuego que desde dentro Fire Inside arde fuerte hoy. Gracias a la presión de los muros de la prisión dio el empuje a CCWP y y los reportes de los presos, la Legislatura que sostiene el trabajo hoy en día. Estatal mantuvo una audiencia en Sacramento Hoy, la gente que está dentro enfrenta de nuevo y legisladores llegaron a visitar la CCWF en la una enorme crisis de cuidado de salud, debido a primavera del 2014. Unas ex-presas han levantado la drástica sobrepoblacion- Sobrepoblación por: su voz en las audiencias legislativas y han sido realineación convierte cárcel femenina de Valley escuchados y vistos. en una cárcel de hombres, metiendo gente de ¡La única respuesta a la sobrepoblación tres cárceles superpobladas en dos; mientras que inhumana e inconstitucional es que se libere gente! las personas que califican para un ACP, libertad La respuesta NO son más prisiones y la “expansión condicional, libertad por razones medicas o por de instalaciones médicas”. La respuesta NO es compasión, así como ancionos, no están siendo abrir más prisiones privadas para mujeres que liberadas. ¡Hoy en día la CCWF y CIW están a más harán negocio del abuso, como la nueva prisión del 195% de su capacidad!! Esto significa hay entre GEO en McFarland. ¿Podrá alguna vez la CDCR 6 y 8 personas en una celda con capacidad para 2 a proveer un cuidado de salud con los mismos 4 personas. estándares dentro de la comunidad? Después de Cuando la gente se transfirieron desde VSPW al 9 años de observación del Receivership, y 19 años CCWF o CIW, sus archivos médicos generalmente después de la acción legal Shumate vs. Wilson, no fueron con ellos, o no por mucho tiempo. Se le nosotros decimos ¡NO!. El CDCR ha probado ha negado medicamentos recetados a la gente. El que no es capaz de proveer un cuidado humano y acceso a jabón, agua y otros artículos de higiene decente. son extremadamente limitados, así como lo es el Como escribió Charisse Shumate en la primera acceso a personal médico. El reporte publicado en edición de Fire Inside en 1996, “si las paredes diciembre del 2013 acerca de una revisión médica pudieran hablar no hubiéramos tenido que rogar independiente sobre los servicios de salud dentro y pedir auxilio.” Pero las paredes si hablaron por de la prisión la cual fue ordenada por la corte, las poderosas voces de Charisse, Chopper, Judy, reconoce el terrible estado de cuidados de salud- y Linda, y muchas otras. Y no guardaremos silencio ¡nadie esta haciendo nada al respecto! hasta que nuestras familias estén seguras y estén n Beverly Henry (alias Chopper), otra de las en casa. page 2 The Fire Inside Editorial Fifty issues ofThe Fire Inside, reflections inside and out

“Fire Inside was the only way we When people transferred from community members to demand were able to be heard. The wonderful VSPW to CCWF or CIW, their an independent investigation staff became not only our friends but medical files did not follow them into the March 13, 2014 death of our family. They allowed us to share either at all or for a long time. Shadae Schmidt (aka Dae Dae) in our sorrows and our joys.” People were denied prescribed the CIW SHU. Linda Field, CCWP founding member medications. Access to sufficient Speaking out against the poor ith this 50th issue of The medical care inside is an Fire Inside, we honor and incredible act of resistance celebrate 18 years of con- and an expression of the W fire inside. ThisFire Inside tinuously publishing the stories, poems, struggles and victories of is burning brightly today. women and transgender prisoners Because of the pressure in California women’s prisons. As and reporting from people Linda says in her quote above, the inside, the State Legislature Fire Inside provides a way for peo- held hearings in Sacramento ple inside to share with each other and legislators went to and with people outside prison visit CCWF in Spring 2014. what is happening and what is Formerly incarcerated people have spoken out closest to our hearts. at the legislative hearings, The Fire Inside was born out of and been heard and seen the struggle for health care and by legislators. Their truth human rights. It got its name from a former prisoner who identified cannot be denied. soap, water, and other hygiene the passion, determination, The only answer to the supplies is extremely limited, as is strength and bravery of the inhumane and unconstitutional access to medical personnel. The women who were willing to put overcrowding is to release people! December 2013 report issued by their names publicly on the class The answer is NOT more prisons the court-ordered independent action lawsuit Shumate v Wilson and ‘expanded medical facilities’. medical review of prison health demanding that the CDCR treat The answer is NOT opening services acknowledges the terrible all prisoners as human beings and private prisons for women that state of health care- and no one is provide adequate medical care. It will profit off of abuse, like the doing anything about this! is the fire from inside the prison new GEO prison opening in Beverly Henry( AKA walls that gave CCWP its start McFarland. Can the CDCR ever Chopper), another of CCWP’s provide a community standard and sustains the work today. founders, passed away on March of health care? After 9 years of Today people inside are 21, 2014, in large part due to Receivership oversight, and 19 facing a huge crisis in health ongoing health problems from years after the filing of Shumate care once again due to drastic years of poor prison health care. v Wilson, we say NO! The CDCR overcrowding—overcrowding Chopper was an early peer health has proved they cannot provide because: realignment converted educator, reaching out to teach VSPW from a women’s to a men’s humane, decent care. people about HIV, Hep C and prison, stuffing people from 3 As Charisse Shumate wrote other health issues. Judy Ricci, crowded prisons into 2 super in the very first issue of Fire Inside another CCWP founder and peer crowded prisons; and people in 1996, “If walls could talk we health educator, was paroled eligible for ACP, parole, medical would not have to beg help.” only to die too quickly partly as a and compassionate release, and But the walls did talk because of result of years of medical neglect elders are not being released. the powerful voices of Charisse, inside. 2014 has seen too many Today CCWF and CIW are almost Chopper, Judy, Linda, and many deaths inside California women’s 195% over capacity!! This means others. And we will not be silent prisons. CCWP is currently 6 and 8 people to a 2 or 4 person until our families are safe and are working with family and n cell. home.

California Coalition for Women Prisoners page 3 Legal Corner Update on Prop 9 and Prop 89

n March 2014, Federal Judge Lawrence Karlton hearings. The law was a disaster for lifers, requiring upheld a ruling against Prop 89 and some provi- the BPH to start with a 15 year denial, and then Isions of Prop 9 (aka Marsy’s Law). The state im- decrease to 10, 7, 5 or 3 years if presented with “clear mediately appealed, which means there is as yet no and compelling evidence” in favor of reduction. Since change in parole procedures for lifers, but if the ap- passing Marsy’s Law, the percentage of lifers in prison peal is defeated these decisions will be a huge win and the length of their sentences have increased. In for prisoners. 2009, 20% of lifers (656) received parole denials of 7 Judge Karleton’s ruling on the class action lawsuit years or more. In 2009, only 3.5% received denials of Gilman v Brown means that it is unconstitutional for two years or less. the Parole Board to use Marsy’s Law to deny a parole Prop 89, passed in 1988, gave the Governor the hearing for more than five years for lifers convicted authority to approve, modify, or reverse any decision of murder before 2008, or for more than two years by BPH regarding the parole of people sentenced for lifers convicted of any other crime before 2008. to an indeterminate term for murder. Judge Karlton Judge Karleton ruled that applying Marsy’s Law to observed that Governors have used the law to deny people sentenced before Prop 9 went effect violates parole to prisoners approved by the parole board. If the ex post facto right of lifers. Marsy’s Law changed Karlton’s ruling stands, the Gov. will no longer have the California state constitution, granting victims of the right to reverse the BPH and deny parole to lifers crime and their relatives and representatives the right who were convicted of murder before Prop 89 went to participate in prosecution and to testify at parole into effect. n Prop 36 Deadline Reflections... continued from p. 1 November 6, 2014 roposition 36, passed by California voters in November 2012, revises Pthe State’s Three Strikes Law and permits resentencing for certain qualify- ing people whose third strike was not considered by the court as a serious or violent offense. According to the CDCR website, over 1,700 petitions have been reviewed by state courts and only 59 petitions were denied resentencing. Of the 1,649 people who were resentenced, 1,571 have already been released from CDCR custody. An additional 78 people have been resentenced and are waiting for a future release date. Anna Bell and Diana Block after Anna Bell’s Nov. ‘13 release through Prop. 36 The deadline to file a petition asking Diana Block for resentencing is coming soon!!!! Prop Who could have imagined when we published Fire Inside 36 went into effect on Nov. 7, 2012. Peti- #1 that some day we would reach Fire Inside #50? Who could tions must be filed by Nov. 6, 2014. have envisioned that the Fire Inside would give voice to so If you think you may qualify, con- many struggles, so much grief, rage, resistance and love across tact the Public Defender’s Office in the the walls and over the years? Who could have believed that county of your current conviction. If some of the earliest lifer writers for the Fire Inside, like Linda you need the contact information for Field and AnnaBell Chapa, would win their freedom against your county Public Defender, please the odds and be writing for this 50th issue from outside the write to us ASAP and write on the out- bars? We didn’t anticipate any of it, but with imagination and side of your envelope PROP 36, so we determination, collectively we made it happen. And together n can reply quickly. we will continue fanning the fires of change! n

page 4 The Fire Inside Attention: She Didn’t Survive Shadoe, CIW SHU

Death whispered in my ear tonight, like the passing wind. The very moment I felt the cold breeze it was already gone. Only the chill coursing through my body proves its existence. Listen, it’s so soft it sounds inviting, welcoming you in, Such a quiet noise, it’s mistaken for silence. Everything stops, as if paused in mid-motion. The briefest of seconds you’re able to see the nothingness As it moves on, with it brings a complete darkness. My screams are drowning with everything not said. Can’t you hear my voice? Speaking with my pen? Every fear I have All the doubt I carry The grief that sits, swinging, deep at the bottom of my soul. Alone, I don’t feel as threatened by them Combined they fester into a growing danger, An exploding pain. So I use my greatest weapon of defense, My painted words fight fiercely, The pen moves on victorious in battle, And as it writes its last word, This war has been won For now. Rini Templeton

From a friend of Shadoe’s in the SHU: I want you to know the background story behind the poem. A few months ago someone very close to Shadoe died suddenly and unexpectedly. She witnessed the fight for her friend’s life right in front of her door and she had a very personal, spiritual moment. Later that day she found out her friend didn’t make it. n

No Shackling Pregnant Women!

nder California Penal Code Section 3407, AND, if a medical person states that a pregnant starting January 1, 2013: no pregnant woman woman must be released from her restraints, no re- Uin a California prison, jail, or juvenile facil- straints may be used. ity may be handcuffed behind her back, chained No woman should be shackled while pregnant or around her ankles or shackled around her belly. while giving birth. Please let us know directly if you During a medical emergency, a medical person can (or anyone you know) have been wrongly restrained. require that a pregnant woman be released from To request a free copy of our report, No More Shackles her restraints. During labor, delivery and recovery, and for more info write: Legal Services for Prisoners no pregnant woman is to be restrained at all unless With Children, ATTN: Jesse Stout, 1540 Market Street, there is a stated security reason for that restraint. Suite 490, San Francisco, CA 94102 n

California Coalition for Women Prisoners page 5 Brutality and Use of Excessive Force Tammarra Tanner, CIW

am 29 years old and currently do you want me to do? I’ll com- all based on the misuse of force in SHU. I suffered a brutal at- ply.” He said, “Get up.” As I did, and lack of medical care, among Itack of excessive and unneces- he began spraying me once again. I other issues related to this brutal sary force by a male CO on May could not see or breathe as I am al- attack. I even complained to ISU, 23, 2013. I’ll never forget that day. lergic to OC Pepper spray (which but no one took the time to really I was escorted by this CO to medi- is documented in my file). address the issue. cal, handcuffed to the examina- Next thing I knew, I was COs, among other staff, often tion chair. I was being seen for snatched out of the exam chair, cover up the way they mistreat us. migraine headaches that I get due slammed around the office a few They fabricate stories of how an in- to past head trauma. The RN and times until I was slammed on the mate did this or did that to cover up I had a mild disagreement about floor with the CO on top of me. I their own unprofessional mistakes proper medical treatment and felt blood gushing from my mouth. and blame us for what happened. medication. The RN said there was I was panicking, not able to breath, It’s as if we are not human beings, nothing she could do to help me. so I began to scream for the Ser- only a number, disregarded and In frustration I stated, “You guys geant; the CO finally loosened up ignored. I just pray that someone don’t do shit. This is bullshit,” and the alarm button was pressed. will reach out and help me bring and began to lean forward to get I suffered several facial fractures, this story to peoples’ attention to up. Then the CO began to pepper my teeth went through my bottom help prevent this happening to an- spray me at arm’s length from my lip where one was knocked out and other inmate at CIW, and help me face. I pleaded with him stating, another was chipped. Since then I pursue justice. n “Please stop spraying me. What have placed staff complaints, 602s A person who lives with dignity Fonda Gayden, CCWF

hen I came here 35 years ago, I was angry. have come from various sources: abuse, rape, pov- I was hurt—physically, mentally and spiri- erty, addiction as a way to deal with the hurt in your Wtually. I fought very hard to become a per- life. You need to be honest about it. Talk about it, son who lives with dignity. not to re-live it, but to turn Now I have completed my it around to make it em- GED, gotten a college de- power you to help others gree and completed a lot get past their hurt, to re- of other vocational certifi- alize that to share means cates. More importantly, you are not alone. When however, I have become a you learn to ask for help person full of compassion. you practice an open lov- I have lots of it now, where ing heart. I didn’t have it before I Now I am facilitating came. a Natural Healing Group. I want my life to be a It teaches how not to sup- service to others. I want press yourself by shut- my story about my dys- ting down or medicating. functional life to be a les- It’s about talking it out, son to others so they can Rini Templeton sharing with others in the avoid the mistakes I made. group. I want people to To have compassion, an understand that people do open loving heart towards other people, is healing. change. It’s a slow process, but it works! Don’t hold Don’t judge, don’t assume, don’t stereotype. on to the hurt in your life. By sharing you can get rid To become whole, you have to be honest with of it. I know who I am today—a loving person who yourself, take an inventory, figure out what made would help anyone. All I need is a chance. n you a dysfunctional, hate-filled person. It could page 6 The Fire Inside CCWF Health Care Condemned!

In December 2013, the CCWF Health Care Evaluation • Health record inadequacies, including insufficient issued by court-ordered independent medical review- staff to update records on a timely basis. ers noted serious problems and unacceptable health • Pharmacy problems, including lapses in continu- care at CCWF …with NO press and no attention paid ity of chronic disease medication and medication to the shocking findings! errors. In their summary findings, the medical experts • Disciplinary, credentialing and peer review prob- state: “We find that the Central California Women’s lems with providers. Facility is not providing adequate medical care, and • Ad-seg clinic is only cleaned twice a week and the that there are systemic issues resulting in preventable exam table doesn’t permit a gynecological exam. morbidity and mortality and that present an on-going • People using wheelchairs are unable to access serious risk of harm to patients…. We believe that the exam room. majority of problems are attributable to overcrowd- CCWP has also noted an increase in drug overdos- ing, insufficient health care staffing, and inadequate es and suicides. Solitary confinement is increasingly medical bed space (p.5).” used to house prisoners with mental health problems The following problems were highlighted and have at CCWF. been repeatedly confirmed by prisoners at CCWF: This report reveals a shocking picture of terrible • Inadequate continuity of care for prisoners who health care. The problems are also the result of a cul- were transferred from VSPW to CCWF. ture of neglect and incompetence, racist attitudes of • Insufficient beds in the Skilled Nursing Facility. providers, and an overall disregard for the health of • Poor quality of care for chronic diseases (e.g. dia- prisoners-patients. If such a report were issued for a betes, HIV, Hep C, etc.) community health care facility, its accreditation would • Inadequate assessments and appropriate referrals immediately be revoked. However, because it is prison by nursing staff. Physicians do not address the health care, the recommendations of the medical ex- reason the patient was referred and do not do as- perts are limited and do not respond to the full scope sessments for multiple conditions in one visit. of the problems that the report identifies. n

Orange is the New Black

n February 23rd, 2014, over 250 people packed OHumanist Hall in Oak- land, CA to hear from Piper Kerman, author of the book Orange is the New Black, and a fiery panel of formerly in- carcerated women and trans prisoners. Moderated by Shanelle Matthews, the panel addressed issues that impact people in women’s prisons, in- cluding: atrocious health care; family separation and unity; Photo by Scott Braley Scott by Photo gender identity, sexual expres- Shanelle Matthews, Mianta McKnight, Theresa Martinez, Misty Rojo, Miss Major, Piper Kerman sion and resistance behind walls. Voices of women and trans prisoners were brought into the conversation through recordings from people inside. After the panel, for- merly incarcerated people were honored and there was time for Q&A. In a message to CCWP and Justice Now (the event organizers) following the event, Piper wrote: Thank you all for a truly amazing afternoon. I know it was an enormous amount of work to put together such a power- ful event, and it’s worth it. I am especially honored to have shared the panel with such impressive and audacious women. n

California Coalition for Women Prisoners page 7 page 8 The Fire Inside Design by Dunya Alwan Dunya Design by

California Coalition for Women Prisoners page 9 Reducción del Daño: Previniendo y Respondiendo a una Sobredosis Sara Kershnar con aportaciones de muchas mujeres dentro y fuera de prisión. Traducido por Alma Muñoz

n el año pasado escuchamos (heroína, pastillas para el dolor, compresiones de pecho. muchas de las preocupacio- etc) y puede ayudar a alguien que Ya sea que usted use regular- Enes de gente dentro de las pri- sufre una sobredosis. El Narcan mente o solo por diversión, pu- siones de mujeres sobre el aumen- puede prevenir que estas perso- ede estar en riesgo de sufrir una to de sobredosis de heroína o con nas mueran. Si pides ayuda, pu- sobredosis. Si no ha usado por al- mezclas de heroína y pastillas para gún tiempo, su cuerpo no dolor y/o alcohol. Si usted usa o esta acostumbrado a cierta si está cercana a gente que usa, sa- cantidad como antes. VAYA ber como reconocer y responder DESPACIO. En mayo, un a una sobredosis puede salvarle amigo cercano a la familia una vida. La CCWP trabajó con el murió de una sobredosis Proyecto DOPE y mujeres dentro, de heroína. El estaba jo- para crear una pequeño panfleto ven. Había dejado de usar sobre prevención y respuesta a una edes decir que la persona “no está por un tiempo y después comenzó sobredosis. El cartel en las páginas respirando y no despierta”. Una de nuevo. Eso es particularmente 8-9 tiene esta información. vez que llegue la ayuda, puedes peligroso para sufrir una sobredo- La gente ha luchado y ganado decir que la persona estaba fuera sis – su tolerancia es baja, más baja leyes de “Buen Samaritano” en los de sí misma y sugieran que creen de lo que se imagina. Me recuerda Estados Unidos. Estas leyes prote- que necesita Narcan. lo increíblemente fuerte que somos gen a quien hace una llamada al Mientras que espera a que lle- – lo que nuestros cuerpos y almas 911 para una sobredosis y que no gue la ayuda o si no hay ayuda sobreviven- pero también lo frág- corra el riesgo de que sea arresta- disponible, vea la página 8-9 para iles que somos y que tan fácil se do. La idea detrás de estas leyes saber como puede ayudar. Si usted nos puede ir la vida. es de animar a la gente para que cree que alguien tiene una sobre- Esperamos que este y futuros ayude a alguien que lo necesita. dosis de heroína u otro opiáceo y artículos sobre la reducción del La política del Buen Samaritano usted sabe como efectuar respi- daño pueda ayudarnos a cuidar- en la prisión puede significar que ración de emergencia – inténtelo. nos nosotras mismas y unas a las la gente que pida auxilio no será Usted no corre el riesgo de contraer otras, y que nos mantenga y man- forzado a dar una muestra de una enfermedad seria si da respi- tenga a nuestros seres queridos vi- orina y no será puesto en ad seg ración de boca a boca. Si da respi- vas y seguras, para que podamos o castigado. La gente estaría más ración de boca a boca y la persona alcanzar las vidas que queremos y dispuesta a ayudar si supieran que tiene gripe, puede ser contagiada la justicia que merecemos. no serán castigados. de eso, pero no de VIH o Hep C. Si Si quiere que le enviemos panfletos Una razón importante para pe- alguien tiene una sobredosis de un de prevención de sobredosis, por favor dir ayuda es porque los médicos estimulante (“upper”), es posible envíanos una nota a: CCWP, ATTN: en prisión pueden tener Narcan, que esta persona este sufriendo un OD Info, 1540 Market Street Room una droga que bloquea opiáceos paro cardiaco. Pedir ayuda y hacer 490, San Francisco, CA, 94102. n CDCR Mail Censorship Rules nder the guise of “obscenity” regulations, CDCR has proposed sweeping new political censorship Urules for mail going both into and out of the pris- ons. If these changes are approved, CDCR will perma- nently ban any documents it defines as “contraband” and “threats to prison security,” including publications and correspondence (potentially including the Fire In- side) that should be protected by First Amendment con- stitutional rights. CDCR held a hearing on the new regu- lation on June 17, 2014. As FI goes to press we have not yet heard their decision. page 10 The Fire Inside Harm Reduction: Preventing and Responding to Overdose Sara Kershnar with input from many women inside and out of prison

n the past year we have heard a lot of concern from While you are waiting for help or if help isn’t avail- people inside women’s prisons about the rise in her- able, see pages 8-9 for how you can help. If you think Ioin overdoses or from mixing heroin with other pain someone is overdosing from heroin or other opiates killers and/or alcohol. If you use or if you are around and you know rescue breathing – try it. You cannot people who use, knowing how to spot and respond to get any serious illness by giving someone mouth-to- an overdose can save someone’s life. CCWP worked mouth breathing. If they have a cold or flu, you could with the DOPE Project and women inside to create a get that but you cannot get HIV or Hep C from rescue small pamphlet on prevent- breathing. If someone is overdos- ing and responding to over- ing from uppers they are probably dose. The poster on pages 8-9 having a heart attack. There isn’t a has the same information. lot that you can do except call for People have fought for help and do chest compressions. and won “Good Samaritan” Whether you use regularly or laws around the US. These just for fun, you can be at risk for laws protect someone from overdose. If you haven’t used in a risking search or arrest if they call 911 for an overdose. while your body isn’t used to the same amount as be- The idea behind the laws is to encourage people to call fore. GO SLOW. In May, a close family friend died of for help if someone needs it. A Good Samaritan policy a heroin overdose. He was young. He had stopped us- in prison might mean that people calling for help if they ing for a while and then started up again. It’s an espe- think someone is overdosing will not be forced to give cially dangerous time for overdose – your tolerance is urine tests and will not be placed in ad seg or punished. low, lower than you think. It reminded me of how un- People may be more willing to help if they know they believably strong we are – what our bodies and souls won’t be punished. survive – but also how fragile we are and how easily One important reason to call for help is because the life can slip away. prison medics should have Narcan, a drug that blocks We hope this article and future articles about harm opiates (heroin, pain pills, etc.) and can help someone reduction will help us take care of ourselves and each who is overdosing. Narcan may prevent them from other, and keep us and the ones we love alive and safe dying. If you call for help, you can just say that the so that we keep reaching for the lives we want and person “is not breathing and won’t wake up.” Once fighting for the justice we deserve. someone is there you can say that they were pretty out If you want OD prevention info, write: CCWP, OD Info, of it (nodding) and suggest they may need Narcan. 1540 Market Street Room 490, San Francisco, CA, 94102. n

AGE 46 LWOP Story Project Living Chance: Storytelling to End Life Without Linda Woo Parole, is a multimedia storytelling project in collaboration with people serving LWOP in My breasts A California women’s prisons. People serving LWOP Are empty pillowcases. are the “lost population” of the prisoner rights Not starched or crisply movement. Through visual storytelling, A Living ironed, And resilient, Chance will make visible the struggles and resiliency But gently used, Baiting me of people who are, essentially, sentenced to die in The excess skin To root them out. prison. Watch our video on youtube.com Toting around Your donation to A Living Chance will go directly Hollow individuals. I can’t look at to the creation of the website and travel costs to the The skin on my face prisons, building a campaign to change these dra- Little white hairs Up close. conian sentences. Donations can be made by con- Sprout up among the Why didn’t I stay tacting [email protected] or sending black ones Out of the sun checks to CCWP/LSPC memo: A Living Chance. In my private places. Like my mother If you are sentenced to LWOP and want to share They are coarse Told me? your story please write to CCWP, ATTN: Adrienne.

California Coalition for Women Prisoners page 11 Saying Goodbye to Chopper Deirdre Wilson

he February road trip to see the journey. Each of us knows we So many have suffered and died Chopper and the gathering are all the stronger and bound that before they should have because Tin LA of many of her friends much closer because of them. of the toxic conditions and outright and family was filled with so much Chopper said to Phoebe as we medical abuse. We have to continue love. People were there who knew left, “Don’t let me down!” As she to fight. I appreciate everyone who her 40+ years, and her daughter has for decades since the founding stands up in whatever way mani- and granddaughter were able to of CCWP, Chopper speaks for all fests in your life to challenge the come in from Las Vegas. There prisoners, particularly those calling racist, oppressive, abusive nature were more than 200 years of collec- for resistance. She suffered so much of the prison system and to support tive incarceration in that room and due to medical negligence and mis- collective healing of those whom it each of us carry our own scars from diagnosis by the CDCR medical. seeks to devour. n

The Power of the People Frees the People’s Lawyer Jesse Trepper

ynne Stewart, veteran civil rights activist and lawyer, left Carswell Federal Medical LCenter on compassionate release on Decem- ber 31st, 2013. Stewart, known for representing such high-profile political defendants as Willie Holder of the Black Panthers and David Gilbert of the Weather Underground, was the subject of an international grassroots campaign that gath- ered over 60,000 signatures and prompted in- numerable solidarity demonstrations and phone calls to the President and Attorney General de- manding her release. Stewart was diagnosed with breast cancer before her trial began and her condition worsened over the course of her four years in federal prison. In 2009, Stewart was sentenced to 10 years for distributing a press release to Reuters news agency on behalf of her imprisoned client, Egyp- Photo by Scott Braley Scott by Photo tian Muslim cleric Omar Abdel-Rahman, in violation of Special Administrative Measures. May 4, 2014, Oakland:Ralph Poynter, Lynne, Pam and Ramona Africa Sheikh Abdel-Rahman was convicted of “seditious conspiracy” to bomb the World Trade Center in 1993. cused of the big ‘T,’ such a scare word, such a fear Stewart, after performing an act she had done many word. But you came to my rescue and I did walk out times before for other political defendants, was con- of that prison and I am free,” said Lynne at the event. victed of providing material support to terrorists. “The prosecution is flexing its muscle all the time, try- At a May 4, 2014 Oakland event welcoming Lynne ing to take more and more away from us and we can’t and raising money for her medical bills and the cam- let them. Every incursion is so important; if it hap- paign to free Mumia Abu Jamal, supporters expressed pens to one of us, it happens to all of us.” a different analysis: that Sheikh Abdel-Rahman was Supporters can stay updated at lynnestewart.org targeted by the U.S. government for his outspoken and contribute to Lynne’s ongoing medical needs stance on American imperialism and Egyptian com- through indiegogo at: http://www.indiegogo.com/ plicity, and Stewart was similarly targeted for oppos- projects/lynne-stewart-s-medical-fund or by sending ing the political will of a post-911 federal agenda to a check to: Organization, 1070 Dean roll back civil rights and silence dissent. “I was ac- Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216 n page 12 The Fire Inside Support People with HIV & AIDS

CWP has received many questions from inside HIV IS NOT SPREAD by casual contact such as about the transmission of HIV, Hep C and AIDS. shaking hands, hugging, or saliva. HIV dies after 8 sec- CIt is important to dispel rumors and fears that onds in open air! You cannot become infected from a are harmful to our community. People who are HIV+ toilet seat, a drinking fountain, a doorknob, dishes, or who have Hep C or AIDS often face discrimination, drinking glasses, combs/brushes, minor scratches, alienation, harassment, and violations of their basic food, cigarettes, pets, or insects. You cannot get HIV human rights. COs threaten people with charges of at- or Hep C by giving someone CPR, sharing a shower tempted murder if they get into ‘altercations’ or are or touching a wheelchair. Being educated about trans- caught having sex. People have their rights violated mission can help you make safer choices and lower by: having their status revealed to family, staff and your risk of infection. To be safer: other prisoners without their permission; segregation • Make dental dams and finger condoms from latex to other prisons (often times higher security); denial gloves or plastic wrap. Use them! of adequate health care; and fewer work-release and • Powdered bleach can be used to clean needles and re-entry opportunities. Our community is stronger if works. we fight this discrimination and support each other. • Wait on that tattoo especially if you don’t own HIV can be transmitted from person to person your own gun and ink. ONLY through these 5 bodily fluids: blood; semen • Get tested every 6 months if you know you have (cum), including pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum); rectal flu- risky behavior or question your partner’s behav- ids; vaginal fluids; and breast milk. These fluids from ior. Testing is a way to show you love yourself and an HIV+ person must come in contact with a mucous your partner/s. membrane or damaged tissue, or be directly injected If you aren’t having sex or sharing needles with into the blood (from a needle or syringe) for transmis- someone THEIR STATUS ISN’T YOUR BUSINESS. sion to occur. Risky behaviors that can transmit the THEY DO NOT HAVE TO TELL YOU! If they choose virus include: to disclose, this is what you can do: • Unprotected sex (anal, vaginal, or oral). Unpro- • Do not tease, isolate or harass someone. tected oral sex is lower risk, but transmission can • Be supportive and compassionate. Treat them like happen if cum or vaginal fluid or menstrual blood a normal person because that’s what they are. get directly into an open cut or sore in the mouth. • Learn the facts. Share information and encourage Sharing something that is used to penetrate two or people to educate themselves. more people is higher risk than fingers. • Respect people’s privacy and status. Do not ran- • Sharing needles (injection or tattoo), syringes, domly ask people’s status or share other people’s rinse water, or other equipment (works) used to status and respect their wishes about disclosure. prepare injection drugs with someone who has • Be Safe. Reduce transmission by reducing your HIV or Hep C. own and other peoples’ risky activities. n • HIV can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. SHU Prisoners win class action recognition risoners held for 10 years and more in solitary confinement at Pelican Bay supermax have Pwon the right to challenge – as a class – the con- stitutionality of their treatment. In June 2014, U.S. Dis- trict Court Judge Claudia Wilken allowed hundreds of California prisoners to join a lawsuit challenging prolonged solitary confinement in California prisons when she granted their case, Ashker v. Brown, class action status. The question prisoners are raising is simple: Do 10 years in solitary – and even longer, for dozens at Pelican Bay – amount to unconstitutionally cruel and unusual punishment? n

California Coalition for Women Prisoners page 13 Stop the McFarland GEO Women’s Prison!

Please sign this letter and send it back to CCWP. We will • GEO is responsible for human rights violations present all letters to legislators. at many of their facilities. In 2012 GEO was forced to e the undersigned incarcerated at Central Cal- close the Walnut Grove, MS Youth Detention Center ifornia Women’s Facility (CCWF) and Cali- after being condemned for allowing, in the words of Wfornia Institution for Women (CIW) and com- Fed. Judge Carlton Reeves, “a cesspool of unconstitu- munity members, are outraged that CDCR has signed tional and inhuman acts and conditions to germinate, a contract with the GEO Group, the 2nd largest private, the sum of which places the offenders at substantial for-profit prison corporation in the U.S. According to ongoing risk.” the contract, GEO will open a new women’s prison in • In March 2014, 1200 people detained in GEO’s McFarland, CA by fall of 2014. We call upon California Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, WA (for im- State Legislators to direct CDCR to implement exist- migrants) went on hunger strike to protest the grossly ing release programs to reduce the unconstitutional inadequate medical care, exorbitant commissary pric- overcrowding instead of opening a new prison! es and low or no pay for work within the center. Oth- Once again we are shuffled around without regard er GEO prisoners have since gone on hunger strike at for our well-being or our human rights. Since VSPW detention facilities in Conroe, TX and Stewart, GA. was converted to a men’s prison in January 2013, we • In January 2014, Governor Jerry Brown’s re- have been subjected to overcrowding at historically high election campaign reported $54,400 in donations from levels (CCWF is now at 185% capacity), even while the GEO Group. GEO Group has spent $7.6 million on state is under court order to reduce the prison popula- lobbying and campaign contributions in the U.S. in tion. This is discrimination against people in women’s’ the last decade. prisons! As a result of this overcrowding, health care, • GEO lobbied to advance laws that increased mail services, food and education have greatly deterio- the time served for drug convictions and other non- rated. We are locked down more frequently, leading to violent crimes through mandatory minimum sentenc- heightened tensions, drug overdoses and suicides. The ing, three-strikes laws, and truth-in-sentencing laws. prison staff has responded by locking more people into GEO was a member of the American Legislative Ex- solitary, further violating our human rights. change Commission (ALEC) when the model bill that CDCR could easily implement existing programs became AB 1070 (profiling immigrants in Arizona) to reduce overcrowding, such as: Alternative Custody was drafted. These legal changes resulted in signifi- Programs (ACP); Elder and Medical Parole; and Com- cant profits for GEO. passionate Release. Instead, on April 1, 2014 GEO an- • In McFarland, CA, GEO has signed a contract nounced its new contract with CDCR to open a 260 bed incentivizing prolonged incarceration over release by women’s prison with an “enhanced rehabilitation and charging the California Department of recidivism reduction program.” This is nothing but a and Rehabilitation less per prisoner if the facility is bad April Fool’s joke! The 260 women who are “cho- more than half full. sen” to go to McFarland could be released through one • GEO operates reentry facilities around the of these other programs instead. None of us should be state, including the Taylor Street Center in San Fran- hauled off to showcase a so-called “gender responsive” cisco and the Oakland Center in Oakland. Residents prison and to put money in the pockets of GEO inves- experience these facilities as “re-entry prisons” that tors. are structured to threaten and punish people rather GEO is a private corporation whose business makes than providing support to reenter community life. profit from imprisoning primarily people of color and It is shameful that CDCR is about to open a for- immigrants. GEO’s press release about the new prison profit “boutique prison” that does nothing positive reports expected revenue of $9 million in McFarland’s to solve the disproportionate overcrowding in the first year. Think of how much $9 million could do for women’s prisons at this time. Assembly Members providing community-based re-entry services! and Senators, please intervene! Stop the GEO pris- GEO has been the subject of numerous lawsuits on from opening. Instead use this $9 million to fully around the country about atrocious, unconstitutional implement existing release programs immediately conditions. Private prisons are notorious for operating and fund community-based (not for-profit) reentry with even greater secrecy than the CDCR: assaults are programs. 49% more frequent; racist behavior and sexual abuse by Thank you for listening to this urgent request. n staff are widespread. page 14 The Fire Inside Alternate Custody Progam, a better solution to overcrowding Jane Dorotik, CIW

This letter was written by longtime prisoner rights ad- any real rehabilitation. vocate Jane Dorotik. Please send one like it with your own I understand that Administration is justifiably signature to your State Senator and Representatives and to concerned about safety and security in the prison. We local media. Feel free to send Jane a copy of your letter to: are also very concerned, but we have very different Jane Dorotik W90820,CIW LAUA 222 Low, PO Box 8100, ideas about how to resolve the untenable living con- Corona, CA 92878-8100 ditions. What CIW Administration is attempting to May 28, 2014 implement is a new Lock/Unlock policy which will Dear Interested Party: limit women’s access to showers, phones and laundry. I am writing to solicit your assistance with an in- They also intend to close our beautiful circle (where ternal issue here at CIW. As you may be aware, the women socialize), and impose other restrictions. women’s prisons in California have been extremely I am asking for your voice and support to encour- overcrowded despite the court-ordered population age CIW to look to the underlying cause of the over- reduction because of the con- crowding, and to listen to version of VSPW to VSP for our voices—those incarcer- Men. CCWF continues to be ated— in coming up with a populated at approximately reasonable, pro-rehabilitative 189% of design capacity, and response to this situation. I am CIW (when calculating actual asking you to contact legisla- available beds) is at approxi- tors and let them know you mately 190% of design capac- are concerned about all the ity. The implementation of the problems overcrowding cre- Alternative Custody Program ates, and that you want your (ACP, codified into the Pe- tax dollars spent on real re- nal Code in 2011) has been a habilitation, not just counter- dismal failure with only 290 productive warehousing. women released from prison Let your legislators and lo- and 2700 legitimate applications denied. Hence the cal media know that an expanded ACP needs to be im- overcrowding is untenable and getting worse. plemented ASAP. It was CDCR who said four years ago The overcrowding has resulted in continued hor- that more than 4500 women were eligible for ACP, yet rendous healthcare and failed mental healthcare, with only 290 women have been approved for this program. more than six deaths/suicides in the past six months. Let CDCR know that at a cost to taxpayers of $60,000 It has also created an extreme increase in the internal per year, per inmate, you expect more and you will not drug trade and all the associated fights, lock-downs stand for any more deaths, suicides, fights, or drugs. and increased restrictions on prison life. It is an im- Thank you in advance for any attention you can possible environment to survive in, much less access bring to this critical issue. n

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California Coalition for Women Prisoners page 15 Network on Women in Prison California Coalition for Women Prisoners Non profit 1540 Market St., Room 490 U.S. Postage San Francisco, CA 94102 PAID C Address Service Requested San Francisco, Ca. C Permit #404 W P Issue #50, Summer 2014

Come work with us! CCWP volunteer nights are on the CCWP Mission CCWP is a grassroots social justice organization, with members inside and 1st Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. outside prison, that challenges the institutional violence imposed on women, 1540 Market St., Room 490, San Francisco transgender people and communities of color by the prison industrial complex Contact us: (415) 255-7036 x4 (PIC). We see the struggle for racial and gender justice as central to dismantling www.womenprisoners.org the PIC, and we prioritize the leadership of the people, families and communi- Fax: (415) 552-3150, ties most impacted in building this movement. Email: [email protected]

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