San Quentin News THE PULSE OF SAN QUENTIN

VOL. 2009 NO. 3 MARCH 2009 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 POPULATION:5,214

‘ There is an opportunity to Their Exodus do something

Three Lifers are on their way extraordinary in San to start new lives outside Quentin’

The exodus of Lifers from tionally after he confronted the ‘...to leave San Quentin to freedom is no young man who answered him longer a rare occurrence. Yet, roughly.. Payton regrets to this from these the parole of a Lifer is still wor- day, that action he took 33 walls and go thy of celebration as it encour- years ago. out and ages all of us to persevere. Lif- Payton emphasized that we ers Patrick Mims and Edward should try to surround ourselves repower and Payton were paroled in March with “thinkers” rather than peo- retrofit 2009. Jerry Elster’s parole date ple who are emotional. He took has been approved by the Gov- a man’s life because he reacted America’ ernor. We offer their insight on angrily to that person’s re- ―Van Jones their years of incarceration and marks. Van Jones speaking at San Quentin (Photo by Troy Williams) imminent freedom as a way to “If a person is not capable of give hope to those of us still thinking for themselves, they struggling for parole. can not think for someone else. And that’s for male and fe- Obama’s Green Czar Seeks male,” he said. “If I was thinking instead of allowing emotions to take over, no matter what was said to me, The Help of S.Q. Inmates this would never have hap- pened,” he added. “Nothing By MICHAEL R. HARRIS say what I want to say, what is new” to them, but not new to was worth me taking someone’s Managing Editor, and important to me and what is in prison inmates, he explained. life. That’s what happens when my heart,” Jones said, explain- “Sometimes a breakdown is you don’t allow yourself a STEPHEN LIEBB ing that beginning at 9 a.m. the what is required before you can chance to think or are incapable Staff Writer next Monday all his remarks have a breakthrough. The coun- of doing so. Thinking is an art.” would be prefaced by, “the try is going through a break- Originally from south New “The President and the coun- President says.” down, it can lead to a break- Orleans, he anticipates rejoin- try need your help.” “This moment here at San through, Jones said. ing his two sons, two daughters This was the message from Quentin can be a turning point Jones argued that it is useful and 11 grandchildren and ad- Van Jones to an audience of for the whole human race,” to “talk to people who have justing to freedom. Payton said more than 150 inmates in the Jones said. “San Quentin can walked through the process of what he missed most was “the San Quentin Protestant Chapel. take healing and recovery to a recovery. Sometimes it’s not Edward Payton love and affection of my fam- On Friday, March 13, 2009, different level.” easy, not always a straight line.” ily. I regret that I was not able three days before reporting to Jones explained that San The “Green Agenda” that to lead my family spiritually begin his job at the White Quentin inmates are in a unique Jones described means giving a Edward Payton was 33 years from prison.” As the eldest of House as President Obama’s position to help because they second chance not only to old when he was imprisoned for five children he feels a respon- Special Adviser for Green Jobs are individuals that have gone things, through recycling, but a murder he describes as the sibility to demonstrate to his and Enterprise and Innovation, through breakdowns and recov- also to people. “If a soda can, shooting of a 22 year -old man family the kind of love and af- Jones said, this was one of his ery. Some of the top minds in can have a second chance, can a who “tried to take advantage of fection he was shown as a child last public appearances where this country “never had a bad human being? he asked. my 13 year- old daughter.” growing up. he could give his unvarnished day or a bad year, he said. See Obama’s Green Czar He recalls that he reacted emo- See Exodus Page 2 personal views. “Today I can “Crisis is something that is Page 4 The Man in Black Is Back: Cullen Selected Johnny Cash Tribute Concert As Chief Deputy By DAVID MARSH powerful melodic voice of By KENNETH R. BRYDON Dyann Mazzeo (June Carter Editor-in-Chief From the very first raucous, Cash) on each of the notable rollicking, foot-stomping guitar Cash duets, the polished imper- The certainty of change came chords that rolled forth from the sonator/showman from the City to San Quentin on Feb 2 when band’s introduction, it seemed of Brotherly Love moved his the new Chief Deputy Warden quite certain to everyone gath- band smoothly through song (CDW), Vince Cullen, arrived, ered in the Garden Chapel, in- after lively song in the 24-song and he’s indicated that he will mates, guards and free-staff set in two nearly flawless per- be “…heavily involved in the alike, that somehow the legen- formances. effective delivery of institution dary “Man In Black” had ac- During both a matinee and programs.” complished the impossible. evening performance Feb. 24, The duties of a Chief Deputy That somehow the country mu- Dyann Mazzeo & the celebration of Cash’s origi- Warden, are the day to day in- sic icon had managed to find a David Stone nal performance at S.Q., Stone ternal functions of the institu- way to cheat the hands of fate and his band proved to over 500 tion. and come back to perform one With a performance that people in the audience, includ- Cullen began with the CDCR more time for the appreciative seemed indeed worthy of the 40 ing wardens both past and pre- in 1990 working in Sacramento CDW Vince Cullen prisoners of San Quentin. To long years of wait, the looming sent, that he can produce on a for its Institutions Division. In celebrate that long ago memo- specter of the late country mu- promise to deliver “accurate, 1992, he transferred to Califor- Associate Warden of Business rable performance, 40 years to sic giant virtually lit up the authentic, note-for-note repre- nia Medical Facility, where he Services, Central Services, Spe- the day, when his by now well- stage in the dynamic person of sentation of the Johnny Cash began as a Budget Analyst. In cial Programs and Mental known ballads had reached out Philadelphia native David Stone Show.” And deliver is just what the next 15 years, Cullen went Health. to rock the walls for an appre- and his three-piece band, The they did! from Plant Operations Supervi- ciative audience in the vener- Johnny Cash Experience. Ac- sor to Manager, the Correc- See Second in command able prison-by-the-bay. companied beautifully by the See Johnny Cash Page 2 tional Business Manager, an Page 2 Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS MARCH 2009 Johnny Cash Second in Command Continued from Page 1 excellent country-western enter- tainment. He formed his current Continued from Page 1 have a negative impact on pris- From the characteristic Cash dip band three years ago. oners’ programs, Cullen re- of the head, the stiff neck, the lip Drawing from a set-list of In March 2007, he returned sponded: “Any time you have constantly lifting at the corner of tunes which included many to Sacramento to be Chief of a pattern of security breaches, the mouth in the trademark out- taken from the 1969 album Office of Project Management, the inmate population should law sneer, the deep-south style Johnny Cash At San Quentin, and then to CSP Solano to be expect that temporary restric- flourishing bow to “June Carter” the polished showman held the the Project Leader for the roll- tions of some facet of our op- on the duets, to the unquestiona- appreciative audience captive out of AB 900. “CSP Solano is eration is necessary whatever bly Cash-like baritone backed up while doing his part to cement the pilot prison for developing the issues that arise.” by the simple chords that so the legacy of the original “Man rehabilitation programs,” Cul- Asked to name his top objec- many in the audience grew up In Black.” The presence of the len said. tive, Cullen said, “To make tapping a foot to, the show was country music legend continued Richard Poma on Train incremental changes so from typically Johnny Cash! to hover in the chapel through- THE NEW TITLE one week to the next we’re out each show. the man for him. Poma was constantly improving in the ‘BROADWAY QUALITY’ In a crowning moment that summoned, an audition was When Cullen was asked over-all institutional operations was typically vintage San Quen- given, and the result was some what adding the title of and the delivery of effective Stone approached the admini- tin, North Block inmate Richard truly memorable moments “Rehabilitation” meant to him inmate programs. Warden stration of S.Q. with the idea of Poma took the stage with Stone which only served to hi-light an he stated: “True rehabilitation Wong and myself believe in a tribute concert to celebrate the to share with the audience his afternoon and evening of truly programs are a mix of educa- taking small steps toward appearance by Cash at the own unique talent. As Stone unforgettable music. tion, work, and other related change rather than radical prison, during which he taped a broke into the opening chords of programs that prepare an in- modifications.” “live” album. He bills his show, the Old 97, Poma cut loose with ‘COMMITED’ OPENS mate to successfully integrate “The Johnny Cash Experience,” his distinctive locomotive imita- into society.” CAROLE HOOD’S ROLE as total authenticity and Broad- tion that had the folks in the Stone mesmerized the audi- Asked what changes he way quality, and none in the chapel thinking the old train ence with his self-written ballad would like to see, Cullen said, Cullen indicated that Carole audience could doubt the verac- engine was indeed barreling “Back Again”, a song of Cash’s “The short-term inmates won’t Hood, Chief Deputy Secretary ity of Stone’s claim. Stone down on them. And with that, return to a venue that he had see changes. People need to and her staff in Adult Pro- agreed to assume all expenses the crowd roared it’s approval. performed long ago, S.Q.. It was understand patience in the roll- grams would be very involved. incurred for the performances. On the evening prior to the a song that could have easily out of rehabilitation.” SQ News asked Cullen how Stone estimates that he has concerts, Stone was given a been written by the late, great He indicated that Solano this all might impact and in- played over 1,000 shows since walk through of North Block to country singer himself. will be the pilot, testing out volve Lifer prisoners. 2001, in clubs, casinos, fairs and allow him to meet some of the The S.Q. band, Committed, a what then will come here. “There’s a lot of external inter- small theaters primarily up and inmates. He was approached by seven-piece funk and jazz band, Cullen continued, stating, est in how AB 900 will postive down the East Coast. From Sgt. O. Nollette who inquired of opened both shows for Stone “San Quentin won’t see any impact them terms of their Philadelphia to Maryland, Bos- Stone if he would be doing any and used their mellow sound to immediate change in the near participation,” he said “Lifer ton to Miami and all points in of Cash’s old train songs. When set the stage for things to come. future, perhaps late 2009 or populations will be a part of between, and now all the way to Stone assured him that indeed It was truly one more in a long 2010.” our focus, and they may find S.Q., this man in black has that would be the case, Nollette line of memories for a prison SQ News pointed out how some interesting results of wowed audiences like ours with told the singer that he had just that has so many. some policy changes tend to such.”

he was going home struck him ily by doing good work and individuals who have made a felt “devastated” after the gov- when he received a letter from serving my community.” sincere change within their ernor rescinded his first date in Exodus the governor declining to re- Twice the Board of Parole hearts, keep in the forefront of 2005. view the parole board’s deci- Hearings found him suitable. their minds that they are not “I had to really put my trust sion to grant him parole. He The governor reversed both their crimes of 20- plus years in God, because the world removed the letter and read dates. At his last board hearing, ago. The shame, the guilt, and seemed to have turned their Continued from Page 1 from it. Contemplating the fact Mims received a three-year the self persecution are not a back on me,” he said. He faces that his cell would no longer be denial. A successful challenge healthy way to live the rest of freedom with “no fear but After serving in the Marines, home, he said, “I feel good in the state courts to the gover- your life.” plenty of anticipation of how I Payton went to Detroit from about that. I’m feeling freedom. nor’s reversal of his second date will learn to maneuver through New Orleans to live with his Once your mind opens up to the resulted in his recent parole. life as I’ve learned to do in- brother, Lawrence Payton, and manifestation of the reality of Mims stated: “My faith in side.” his family. freedom, now you know that God sustained me through it all. He feels that the parole proc- “I liked the city of Detroit so you have the ability to put your The obstacles were challenges; ess “forces a man to take re- much I did not go back to New plan in action.” I looked forward to facing the sponsibility, not only for the Orleans. What interested me the challenges. I found hope in my crime, but for practically every most was that as a master bar- successes while in prison, the questionable area of his life.” ber, I was able to open my own more I achieved the clearer it “I think that more emphasis business and make a lot of became to me that I would be- should be placed on rehabilita- money doing hair styles and come a ‘physically’ free man tion and restorative factors cutting hair.” someday.” rather than politicizing the Payton’s brother, Lawrence, Mims was chosen as one of process, he added.” was a member of the Four the first nine men to participate A key figure in the creation Tops. He died of cancer in in the Victim Offender Educa- of numerous self-help groups, 1997, which still saddens him. tion Group [V.O.E.G.] of San Elster has mentored inner city, Payton said he never gave Quentin. at risk youth in programs such up hope of being released. Two He said, “V.O.E.G provided as No More Tears, Real days before his release, Payton me a safe place to talk about my Jerry Elster Choices and S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. An said, “I have clear thoughts. crimes against society, my per- articulate spokesman about Now I can see positive change. sonal history in regards to my Jerry Elster’s life sentence of gang violence and how to help Before there was doubt that I relationship to others and the more than twenty-five years young people avoid its snares, could do the things I wanted to Patrick Mims impact all of this had on my ended in March 2009. He has Elster was featured on a recent do.’ life. This in turn helped me to several months of a consecutive Dr. Phil program that was taped He said imprisonment re- understand how I got to the sentence left to serve but still at San Quentin. He said that a stricts our thoughts and keeps After more than twenty point to where I could commit experienced the joy of having major goal for his life to trying us from being the complete years of incarceration for sec- the horrible act of murder.” the governor agree with the to reverse the pain he caused by “you, that you can mentally and ond-degree murder, Patrick His belief in the effective- Board that he was suitable for his former life of gang violence. spiritually be. It’s like being a Mims acknowledged his victim ness of the program led him to parole. Elster reminds all of us to scientist without the use of a was “a fine young man named become a co-facilitator in the Elster spoke about “the awe- “never stop believing in second laboratory to do experiments.” Kevin” and he expressed program and develop an 18- some power of God, who was chances.” He credits his wife, His advice to others is to “feelings of joy for the reality month curriculum for a con- able to forgive me and look Miki, as being a source of educate themselves and main- of going to live my life. At the tinuation program called The aside from my shortcoming. strength and stability. Her pa- tain a positive outlook on life. same time I’m feeling sadness Next Step. God took a gang member and tient resolve and belief that he “The only people I have seen for the good men I’m leaving He says he is proud that he thug and gave him a spiritual would be free helped him en- fall by the wayside are people behind.” has developed from an heart.” dure the arduous parole process. who have given up on them- He recalls that he had a “uneducated substance- abusing He awaits a joyful reunion selves.” “distorted perception of reality” child into a mature, responsible, with his mother. He overcame ―Michael R. Harris Over the past 33 years he and after about “four years into compassionate, loving and car- the disappointment of being Managing Editor, has educated himself, my incarceration my transfor- ing man.” found suitable for parole on two Stephen Liebb “something I may not have mation started.” He expressed a Mims offers this advice to prior occasions, only to have Staff Writer and done on the streets.” desire to reunite with his family Lifers still awaiting their day of the governor reject them. He Julian Glenn Padgett Payton said the reality that and “honor Kevin and his fam- freedom: “I would suggest that states that he and his supporters Contributing Writer MARCH 2009 SAN QUENTIN NEWS Page 3 Finding Peace Through Yoga

By JW WILSON more attuned and aware of not Contributing Writer only the condition of my body but also to other things around Before I actually started me. I have achieved greater attending Yoga I thought of it flexibility and have finally as some religious cult aligned learned to breathe and stay in with the Buddha. That was my my mind while in relaxed posi- truth then. I would see people in tions like child’s pose, or in weird positions in magazines more challenging positions like and or television, somehow I downward dog or warrior. knew that laying on a mat in Bringing my thoughts in line those positions had to be pain- to concentrate on nothing but ful and could never be good for the moment – my breath and me. So while attending a the feelings in my body, has weekly T.R.U.S.T. meeting I been one of the most challeng- heard about some members ing things for me. Learning to attending Yoga sessions. really focus and free your mind After much contemplation I from all other distractions ex- decided to give the Buddha and cept for the occasional voice of Yoga a try. Now after almost a our instructor, Katchie, who complete year of Yoga I can encourages and reminds us to share with you these new truths always be “minding your busi- I’ve come to know: ness,” a mantra we’ve since Volunteers watch as a sea lion is released on its way to freedom 1. Buddha, although he may adopted is not an easy thing to have meditated has nothing to do. But I’ve learned to apply do with Yoga. this in my daily walk. I’ve 2. Yoga, as defined by Web- learned to think of the body as a Rehabilitation ster’s dictionary is not a reli- community, and when there is gious-cult; it is a system of ex- something wrong in your com- Another Place Where It’s High on the Agenda ercises for attaining bodily or munity, you’d like to fix it. mental control and well-being. I say Peace –Peace –Peace 3. Yoga has improved my mind to all the beings in the universe. By LEONARD RUBIO welder, the Vocational Ma- chased materials from the and body connection. I am now Namaste. Vocational Machine Shop chine Shop has had a wonder- MMC, manufacturing the new Leadman ful opportunity to give back to Sheet metal doors, gas tung- the community while gaining sten arc welding various parts No, I am not writing about experience with a “real world” of the carrier, and reassembly Health and the California Department of project. There has also been of the carrier. Corrections and Rehabilitation great pride in knowing that we The carrier was rebuilt Wellness Corner (CDCR) and the Federal Re- were manufacturing something through the efforts of students ceiver appointed to oversee the to help another life gain it’s in both the Vocational Ma- medical conditions within the freedom from captivity! chine Shop and the Vocational The San Quentin News “ Health and Wellness Corner” column CDCR. I am writing about the Sheet Metal Shop. runs every month. A University of California, San Francisco health collaboration between San MARIN HEADLANDS William Branson, Robert professional student will answer questions that you submit about health Quentin’s Vocational Machine Markrell, Jeff Langnese and issues. Inquiries will be answered in the next month’s paper. Feel free Shop and the Marine Mammal This past year the Voca- Leonard Rubio were the stu- to ask us questions about any medical concern that you have, and it Center (MMC), a non-profit tional Machine Shop delivered dents that manufactured the may be answered so that everyone can benefit. If you have a question, organization located in the a repaired “Seals-On-Wheels” project within the Vocational put it in a U-Save-Em envelope addressed to: “Health and Wellness Marin Headlands. In 2004, carrier to the MMC. This car- Machine Shop. Corner,” UCSF Doctors (Dr. Shira Shavit) – Medical Box. If you these two organizations began rier is utilized to move seals Hector Oropeza, Noel Val- include your name and number, they will be kept confidential. a collaboration to help the stu- and young sea lions that are divia, Felix Lucero, and Bert Note that this column is for general medical questions. dents of the Vocational Ma- being rehabilitated at the MMC Boatman were the students that We would like to thank you for your submissions. This edition, chine Shop and the Vocational in the Marin Headlands. The completed all of the Sheet we will address the following question: Sheet Metal Shop gain real carrier was almost completely metal forming of the project world experience while help- rebuilt due to its original con- within the Vocational Sheet “Why is physical activity important for me?” ing the MMC to rescue, reha- struction from mild steel that Metal Shop. You have heard your health care provider tell you that physical bilitate back to The “Seals-On- activity is important, but how many have told you why? The short health, and then Wheels” carrier was answer is that physical activity will improve your health. Since release marine the second carrier “health” is so broad, let’s look at some of the specific ways that mammals to their repaired for the activity is important. Physical activity will: freedom. MMC. Three other Lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high The collabora- brand new carriers blood pressure and cancer. tion between the have been manufac- Make you feel more calm and happy by lowering anxiety two organizations tured for, and deliv- and depression. has been mutually ered to, the MMC Help you control your weight down beneficial. The between 2005 and Develop your muscles, bones and joints. MMC has been 2007. Help you maintain your strength and prevent falls as you able to have three The MMC has get older. seal carriers been so pleased manufactured and with the quality of a couple of seal workmanship that You should do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity carriers repaired. they requested that at least five days a week. This may mean 30 minutes straight, or a Leonard Rubio, the Vocational Ma- total of 30 minutes (for example, 10 minutes three times in one the leadman in the chine Shop design day). “Moderate” physical activity means that your heart may beat faster, you may sweat, your breathing may get heavier, and you Vocational Machine Shop, re- deteriorated from corrosion and manufacture a larger car- should be able to carry on a conversation while you exercise engineered the seal carrier to caused by salt water. The car- rier for transporting and reha- whether you are walking, sweeping your cell or playing tennis on create an improved design util- rier was rebuilt using stainless bilitating mature (large) sea the yard. izing Autodesk Inventor Pro- steel and aluminum that are lions. Leonard Rubio is work- fessional 9 computer-aided more resistant to corrosion ing on the design for the sea For those who like a more intense workout (during which you design software that was do- from exposure to salt water. lion carrier as well as develop- are out of breath, you are covered in sweat, and your heart is beat- nated by Autodesk, Inc., a soft- ing prints for the manufacture ing really fast) you should be active for 20 minutes at least three ware company located nearby BUILDING THE CAGE of a net for rescuing injured days a week. It you are already exercising this much, considering in San Rafael. The MMC seals. increasing your routine. If you don’t currently exercise, start with donated a new Gas Tungsten The rebuild consisted of The partnership between Arc Welder (aka: TIG and He- reverse engineering most of the the two organizations has been just 10 minutes and do more over time. It is important to mix up your routine, with strengthening and liarc) to the Vocational Ma- carrier, redesigning the doors, wonderful. On March 10, stretching. The next time you are out on the yard, mix up your chine Shop as well as all of the disassembly of the carrier, cre- 2009, the Marine Mammal materials required to manufac- ating a new parts list for the Center had a group of its em- workouts! Play basketball, do push ups, run in place, do jumping jacks, stretch, walk, play baseball, jump rope and practice yoga. ture and repair the various pro- MMC to purchase all of the ployees and volunteers come Remember that physical activity doesn’t have to be hard to do or jects. necessary materials for the out to San Quentin for a visit In addition to the donated rebuild, receiving the pur- and tour. hurt to be effective. You will feel better and live a healthier life. Page 4 SAN QUENTIN NEWS MARCH 2009

name and address, the name of Lawrence Decision the court, the title of the case Freedom Gate (petitioner's name vs. the war- den's name). Warden Johnston’s innovative ideas On page two, check the box Offers New Hope that says "Parole" and state By R.E. CALIX times the precious benefits of your name, where you are in- Contributing Writer education were voiced by an By HECTOR OROPEZA suitability of parole is denied , carcerated, what is the nature of unknown inmate: “My involve- Contributing Writer it appears that the board is us- the offense, what penal code More than 60 years after ment with college has opened ing the language of the latter violation you were convicted opening its doors in 1852, the my eyes to all of the things that Many Lifers hoped that the case as a template to deny pa- of, etc. On page three, you state California prison system was were wrong in my life. Now I California Supreme Court deci- role. The board either ignored your claim (Who did what, quickly becoming a breeding have a sense of priority, a sense sion in In re Lawrence would the psychological evaluations when they did it, and how the ground for incorrigible and of accountability, and have automatically open the door and that determine that the prisoner court should remedy the viola- hardened convicts. From each made a legitimate promise to set them free. The Lawrence poses a "low threat" to public tion). For example, using the corner of the state these men myself on which to build. My case has invalidated the pattern safety if released, or disagreed Lawrence case, one can claim: had been cut off and sectioned needs are still important, but and practice of using the crime and replaced it with their own "The board of parole hearings apart because they had become not at someone else’s expense.” itself to continually deny parole findings. Lifers need to do more violated petitioner’s state and a threat to the common welfare After retirement in 1925, without an articulation of, and work and continue to push the federal due process when they of the state. Johnston worked as chairman factual support for, a finding of door open. failed to provide a nexus of his Former U.S. Supreme Court of the California Crime Com- a "nexus between those factors Lawrence is only a roadmap current dangerousness when it Chief Justice Warren Burger mission and as director of the and the necessary basis for the to follow in seeking parole denied him parole for three proposed: “We must accept the Department of Penology. Close ultimate decision - the determi- through the board and courts. I years.” reality that to confine offenders to 50 years later, San Quentin nation of current dangerous- recommend that everyone read behind walls without trying to continued the work of reaching, ness." this case and use it to prepare SUITABILITY FINDING change them is an expensive teaching and changing the men for the board and courts. Al- folly with short-term benefits with a slew of independent A LONG HISTORY though it would be nice if eve- This is just an example. You — winning battles while losing study and academic programs, ryone could afford to hire an will then explain briefly in part the war.” with over 65 percent enroll- However, on the same day it attorney to prepare a petition (a) "Supporting facts:" That on In 1912, as a “new man,” ment. decided Lawrence, the Supreme for writ of habeas corpus, sev- the date of the hearing, petitioner Warden James A. Johnston took In parting, the warden Court held that there was some eral Lifers in North Block and appeared before the BPH for his charge of his wards with ur- quipped, “ Personally, I don’t evidence that another inmate beyond have succeeded in filing nth subsequent hearing and was gency and no time wasted. In think we are suffering from any posed a current danger to public their petition for writ of habeas denied parole for x-years. his book, Prison Life Is Differ- lack of laws; we have enough safety because the inmate had a corpus without an attorney. The board stated the reasons ent, he writes, “Already I had and to spare. I believe that our long history of abusive, violent, The Judicial Council has are as follows .... The record or come to the conclusion that greatest difficulties and our sadistic behavior toward his prepared an application for peti- state and federal law do not sup- crime couldn’t be punished out greatest opportunities are in the wives and daughters, especially tion of writ of habeas corpus port the board's findings. The of individuals, but that probably field of prevention, in a better after consuming alcohol. He with the nonprofessionals, or psychological and petitioner's individuals could be educated use of social, economic and never developed an understand- lay person, in mind. The form, prison behavior supports a suit- out of crime.” Johnston’s objec- educational agencies.” ing of his alcoholism and had MC-275, can be found in the ability finding and the board did tive here was not to be soft on The term for a “new man” difficulty discussing his daugh- law library and has straight up not provide any evidence that crime, but instead to be smart who decides to take a stand and ter's allegation of rape, incest questions that can be answered petitioner is a current threat to when dealing with criminals. In act independent of his group is and domestic violence. (In re with a simple sentence, or yes the public if released on parole. 1915, at his behest the office of called a maverick. It was true Shaputis ). or no. The instructions are In part (b) submit supporting Educational Director was intro- for Johnston in the early years In most board hearing tran- clear. For example, on page cases which a current listing of duced. of a 20th century prison boom. scripts that I have read, where one, the petitioner must put his can be found in the law library. He said, “It gave the Educa- His vision for the department tional Department a definite was connection in corrections, place in receiving and therefore and it turned many convicts into training inmates to go out better productive men. than when they came in.” Johnston was consciously Obama’s Green Czar Under Johnston’s reign, it conscientious in the quest for could be said that when a man reforming and correcting the Continued from Page 1 and the “whole of the earth is len. entered through the doors of men who happened to be walk-

holy land.” Colonizers are re- Describing Jones as “Yale San Quentin and Folsom he was ing through the steel doors at Jones said there are no throw sponsible for imposing a differ- trained and community tested,” in effect walking through a San Quentin and Folsom. His away children, people, commu- ent view of the earth than the Harris said, “This is a special gateway to freedom. In recent ideals of bibliotherapy live on. nities or nations. “We need one the indigenous peoples had, day. We have a distinguished genius. We need entrepreneu- he explained. Colonizers said speaker. He is about to change rial brilliance, people who can that the earth can be bought and the world. I know that’s a pow- re-imagine possibilities -we sold and that only things above erful statement. But when you need you,” Jones said to the San are holy. Colonizers referred to hear him speak, I think you’ll H-Unit Calm Class Quentin inmates assembled in indigenous peoples as savages agree with me.” the Protestant Chapel. “Some for considering trees, rocks and Jones, a 1993 graduate of of the wisdom and genius we rivers as sacred. Colonizers Yale Law School, is the author Holds Graduation need is not going to be found on “put a price tag on everything,“ of The Green Economy: How Wall Street, it’s going to be he said. One Solution Can Fix Our Two found in this room.” He said, “because of Barack Biggest Problems .He is the By DAVID MARSH Declaring, “There is an op- Obama American is back for founder of Green for All, which portunity to do something ex- the very first time. We will take aims to create jobs and oppor- In a ceremony held at the H topics which include: Anger traordinary in San Quentin,” America forward.” tunties in the green economy Unit chapel Thursday, March Definitions, Communication Jones proposed building a cadre Jones described the green for those in economically disad- 5th, an additional 25 students Skills, Relationships, Personal of people who could “re-power economy as a fiscally conserva- vantaged neighborhoods. His joined the over 300 inmates Health, Job Preparation and and retrofit America.” He ex- tive approach to money. Spend- long time involvement in the who have successfully com- Community Resources. . A va- plained that the stimulus bill ing on green lowers energy civil and human rights move- pleted the course curriculum of riety of outside speakers are that Obama passed provides consumption, creates jobs and ments includes the co-founding the Conflict / Anger: Lifelong brought in to share information between $100- of Oakland’s Management (CALM) class. with the students throughout the $150 billion for Ella Baker The course, a mainstay of eight weeks of instruction. renewable energy “We need genius. We need entrepreneurial Center for the STAND-UP program, is “The goal,” Searle said, “is and to create new brilliance, people who can re-imagine possibili- Human designed to meet the needs of to have each student better industries. ties -we need you.” Rights. inmates newly arriving in the H equipped when they leave. To D e s c r i b i n g H a r r i s Unit and, according to instruc- have the tools.” If you get peo- Obama as the proposed the tor Ms. D. Searle, is intended as ple to change the way they “first green President,” Jones reduces pollution through retro- creation of a Green Technology an initial safe haven for them as think, according to Searle, then urged that we should build a fitting, he explained. Learning Center in San Quentin they adjust to the structured in turn their behaviors will green economy that provides Jones’ appearance at San in honor of Van Jones whose prison environment. change. equal opportunity. “You should Quentin was sponsored by a ideas for uplifting the disen- The 272 hours over 34 days The brief ceremony, during be able to access the opportuni- council consisting of San Quen- franchised will be part of of classroom instruction feature which the students received ties,” Jones stated. tin self-help groups, Keep’in It President Obama’s economic the use of intensive journaling certificates of completion, was Jones sees the green agenda Real; T.R.U.S.T.; M.O.M.A.S.; recovery program. as a tool of introspective self attended by Education Principal as “a return to wisdom. Every REDEEM and with the assis- Chief Deputy Warden Cullen discovery intending to lead T. Roberts, Vice-Principal D. time they are saying the word tance of the National said, “We are committed to this. each student to better self Sheldon, Distance Learning green, they are paying homage T.R.U.S.T. and Urban Strate- We are going to be involved. awareness, says Searle. She Coordinator (STAND-UP) Dr. to your great- great grand- gies. We are going to make San leads one of the two CALM V. Matheny and Lt. D. Dorsey. mother” who understood our Michael Harris introduced Quentin the first institution in classes, the other is taught by From all appearances the relationship to the earth. Jones to an audience that in- the country to go green.” He Ms. A. Sufi. graduation was intended to sig- Jones explained that every- cluded ActingWarden Wong asked for patience in accom- Each class, composed almost nal a beginning, rather than an one comes from tribal people and Chief Deputy Warden Cul- plishing these goals. entirely of volunteers, studies end, for the students. MARCH 2009 SAN QUENTIN NEWS Page 5 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE BOOK CLUB By RANDY MALUENDA much time to read like I used to, but I appreciate the reviews by Gain knowledge and feel the other members and will pleasure at the same time ... probably read some of their rec- through books! How great is ommendations.” Poetry that? Keith Lettier says he would Snippets That’s the Variety Book Club not have even considered a (VBC). Since 2003, the mem- quaint account of a circus in the Acolyte bers—of whom this writer has 1930s by female author Sara Arabic numerals, which are been one since 2006―monthly Gruen titled Water for Elephants review and discuss the current were it not for a review by an- the world standard (0-9), are One day, while wandering in the desert, booklist consisting mainly of other member. “It has definitely named because they were He found himself―developing his spirit; current New York Times paper- expanded my horizons.” brought to Europe by the Arabs. And things were going well, until his hairshirt back best sellers Club operations always allow The Arabs brought them from Got ripped by a devil’s jealous fit. Following a short roll-out by the club to revisit a book once India. a title’s “selector,” a book is all members have read it. For And then the universe offered this truth: discussed by those who read the example , Cormac McCarthy 's A woman chose this man to participate Gas chamber started as a book as well as those who did The Road , a post nuclear war In her delusion she could use her youth not. “The small size of the group account of man's inhumanity A beauty to prove she’s Venus incarnate. scientific term in the late 19th century. The apparatus was allows for this unusual ap- towards man, was discussed proach,” says sponsor Debra repeatedly. This writer appreci- Unraveled totally, chose to weave used in microscopy for studying the effects gases have on organ- Sheldon of the Education De- ated the peer review of Khaled Her fantasies with his reality; partment. “It’s not for every- Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, a In poems where love was more than make—believe, isms. one.” story of love, friendship and The Goddess grew into his totality. Indeed! Members regularly redemption in warring Afghani- Raise Cain is a reference to rotate one or two copies of a stan. I eventually read it. Beware of metaphorical deserts― the biblical brother of Able, dozen titles between meetings. The membership is small and It’s where the Muse hunts her converts. conventionally known as the More books are read by more limited. The only time it will —John O. Neblett world’s first criminal. people in the same amount of take up is the reading and the time, and it allows more flexibil- monthly meeting. ity to every member. If you are interested in par- Fear-Less Excellent, amaze, bedroom, Kamal Sefeldeen explains, ticipating, contact D. Sheldon in and majestic are all words “Right now, I don’t have as the Education Department. It can't be about the outcome; which were coined by Shake- speare. Because I have no control over the outcome I can only be present for this moment…. and this moment… Every 20 minutes the world’s and this moment. population grows by 3500 peo-

ple. It's about me. About how I am able to be with my emotions; my feelings; Navy Beans got their name myself. because of their widespread use by navy cooks. About how I handle this situation; and if I choose to continue to operate from a place of fear. Potatoes contain more chro- It can't be about the heart attack… mosomes than human beings It can't be about the diabetes… do. A potato has 48, where a It can't be about not having health insurance… human has 46. It can't be about getting hurt… It can't be about losing my home… It can't be about dying. Lettuce contains between two to ten parts of morphine per It has to be about living. billion.

It has to be about the experience of life. It has to be about me. nnual average temperature A It's not about the outcome. of Dalol, Denakil Depression in It never was. Ethiopia is 93.3degrees Fahren- —Meeta heit, making it the hottest place on earth

Father amed after Morpheus the N Father I already know how to shoot a gun. Greek God of Dreams, Mor- phine is a derivative of opium. Though not my biological, you are still responsible. I watch the way you talk, the way you walk and the reason you don't f_ _k with me somehow English spittle bugs are the I feel it's my fault. worlds highest jumpers. It can By GEORGE LOWE Father, I already know how to be slick. SUDOKU jump 27.5 inches straight up, I watch how you get at my mother and them other chicks, the equivalent of a human 2 8 but I don't know what it is to be a man jumping over a 70-story build- How to deal with my pain. ing. See, me and my gang 1 4 5 is on promethizine being raised by Lil Wayne. Father, I already know how to die The tongue of a blue whale 5 7 3 and how to lie. weighs as much as a full grown But I need you to tell me that it's okay to cry elephant and it don't hurt to try. 1 7 8 Even though you are not my biological, I still follow you. You are my only role model dude. LAST MONTH’S So I call on you SUDOKU SOLUTION 7 3 to help shape me, but for some reason you shake me. 8 3 6 4 5 1 9 7 2 3 7 5 I heard you tell someone that you were married to the street, in 7 4 1 9 3 2 5 8 6 love with the block. 2 9 5 8 6 7 3 4 1 So I ask this question from upstate in a box, 4 7 3 1 2 6 8 9 5 9 5 3 do you care what happens? Father, show me something I don't 9 1 2 7 8 5 6 3 4 know. 5 6 8 3 4 9 2 1 7 8 4 7 —Marv Mitch 1 5 7 6 9 8 4 2 3 6 8 4 2 7 3 1 5 9 1 6 3 2 9 5 1 4 7 6 8 Page 6 SAN QUENTIN NEWS MARCH 2009 RELIGION ‘Healing by Our Wounds’ The hanging of Jesus on the around what he did with his wounds. “You came to God not cross represents many things, wound,” said Rohr. “If he did- by avoiding all failure and but Father Richard Rohr, 65, n’t turn the wounds into ‘sacred woundedness; you go through Ethics and the pointed out that not enough in wounds,’ he walked on in bit- the wounds.” the Christian faith see it as the terness.” “Meditation is not a new example we should fol- thing,” he said. The low. His visit to the San practice of the Mon- Family Dynamic Quentin Centering day night Centering Prayer group was to Prayer group is that of By DARRELL C. HARTLEY in coping with loss and provid- speak on “Men’s quieting the mind to Staff Writer ing them with the encourage- Work,” the subject of hear the “still small ment, inspiration and motiva- his book being released voice” about which Cultivation is key to reap an tion required to continue navi- in September: “The Na- the Bible speaks. abundant harvest. The dynamic gating their lives. ked Now – Learning to family structure is truly the History teaches us that the See Like the Mystics.” The Bible has many cornerstone of generational family dynamic is the mecha- The path to real matur- references to medita- existence. This key leaves noth- nism of happiness, sadness, ity, Rohr teaches, is tion, but the practice ing to chance in relationships reconciliation and closure, con- through the wounds in- has not become very with our wives, children and sistently connecting and con- flicted upon us. popular. Asked if significant others. The family tinually learning the purpose of “There is nothing in that was a “good” dynamic is much more than the this relationship. Consider ap- this society that forces thing, Rohr stated, attractiveness of one's mate or preciating the letters, cards, you to mature,” Rohr “Perhaps, our society their household and human tal- subscriptions, telephone calls, said. He points to chil- tends to turn such ents. It is the sincere desire to visits and packages: each are dren dying of cancer as things into fads.” incorporate a sense of worth to done out of love, not necessity. an example, and how Rohr is the contem- one another that will weather An ancient proverb teaches they can achieve wis- porary of the founder any storm. that honesty is the best policy. dom beyond their years of Centering Prayer, In a world swirling full of Ethics is a lifestyle that on a by the crisis in their Father Thomas deceit, suspicion, tyranny and personal level doing what is lives. The author of Keating. The practice uncertainty, the burning ques- right, even when there is no over 20 books which he Father Keating tion is: how are your ethics? one watching. We can clearly described as “Social Father Richard Rohr teaches is meant to Ethics is defined as a discipline gather all of the elements of Culture Analysis,” Rohr quiet the busy mind so came to SQ on Feb. 09, 2009, Many in prison, Rohr pointed that we can “hear” God speak to speak with the invited guests out, have failed to take their to us. Through this we come to In a world swirling full of deceit, and participants of the Monday wounded state and make them see the wounds we hold on to, suspicion, tyranny and uncertainty, the Night Centering Prayer. into sacred wounds. “It’s all turning them into sacred burning question: how are your ethics? “On every continent, it was what you do with the wound, wounds from which we can assumed that boys did not natu- and how it teaches you to deal discover real healing. rally become men,” Rohr ex- with your pain. ‘Life is suffer- We all do these things imper- dealing with good, evil, moral our lives and in that moment, plained. In the past, maturity ing,’ is what the Buddha says. fectly, Rohr pointed out. “Even duty, principles or practices. begin designing our future. We typically was accomplished by If you do not transform your the best things I do are for Even in a place such as this, must be very firm in our own age 19, as where in this era, pain, you’ll transmit it to oth- mixed motives.” But he points one can remain a compassion- ideas and considerations. Our adolescence goes all the way to ers.” to the real message of the Bible, ate and honorable husband, family dynamic will certainly 32, he added. Rohr also said that the crisis and Who is there: “God does father, grandfather, son, uncle, serve as an example for others Initiations were the key, and of prison can be where a person not love you because you’re nephew, cousin and friend. Al- who are in relationships to societies around the world held starts letting go and starts lis- good,” he said. “He loves you though we are in absentia, there become a beacon of light, ray to a universal pattern that the tening to wisdom. “We come because He is good.” should be absolutely nothing to of hope and safe harbor to all boy was initiated through to God by doing it wrong,” he interfere in our roles as parents that enter their presence now wounding that was either ritual said, adding that the key is in ―Kenneth R. Brydon and mentors, such as assisting and beyond. or literal. “Everything pivoted turning our wounds into sacred Editor-in-Chief Former Prisoner SPORTS Trivia

What is the name of the arena Wins in Boxing Ring that was the former home of the Los Angeles Lakers? By KENNETH R. BRYDON eventually winning the welter- TEXAS DOLLY Editor-in-Chief weight title at the Marin Civic A. The Summit Center March 3, 1998. Injuries B. Arco Arena Paul Nave, 48, boxing’s one and repeated surgery on his By: Minnesota Correctional Facility C. The Forum time WBF World Welterweight back led to his retirement. For Oak Park Heights D. Oracle Arena Champion, who served three his current comeback, due to Reprinted with Permission years at San Quentin for drug his many injuries and age, the Answer: The Forum. possession, stepped back into boxing commission elected to Doyle Brunson is to poker selected to the Texas All- the ring March 6, 2009, and in a limit his most recent fight to what Tiger is to golf, what State basketball team and fin- Which was the first NFL four round bout pounded out a four rounds. Jordan is to basketball, what ished first in the mile in the team to have cheerleaders? unanimous decision over a The crowd at the Marin Gretzky is to hockey, what Texas state track meet. After much younger opponent. Civic Center was loud, scream- Ruth is to baseball. He is college he was sought by the A. Dallas Cowboys Known as the “The Marin ing for their home-town favor- admired and respected by professional basketball team B. Oakland Raiders Assassin,” Nave was a local ite. His opponent, Mikhail everyone who plays his game, the Minneapolis Lakers. Un- C. San Francisco 49ers favorite who became a Golden Lyubarsky from Kiev, Ukraine , not just for his ability, but for fortunately, Brunson injured a D. Washington Redskins Gloves champion before turn- was 18 years younger. A ban- being an absolute gentleman leg and was unable to com- ing pro in 1985. His once ner for the fight declared: “It whether winning or losing. pete athletically ever again. Answer: The Washington Red- promising career was derailed Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over.” Daniel Negranu, a top profes- He took a job as a sales- skins REDSKINNETTES in by his conviction and subse- In between his parole and sional player said, "Frankly, man, and after his first day's 1962. quent sentence to a six year this last bout, Nave ran for a without Doyle, there would be work, played in a poker game term which he began in 1990. state assembly seat, and even no poker tour today." and won more than a month's Who was the first NHL Nave continued fighting put his hat in the ring to be Brunson has won two straight wages. Brunson had found goaltender to wear a mask on a while here at S.Q. and was per- California’s governor during World Poker championships his niche. At age 29 he was regular basis? mitted to fight a bout at the the recall election which saw in Las Vegas, a World Poker diagnosed with incurable can- Petaluma Veterans Hall. SQTV Arnold Schwarzenegger elected Tour championship, and 10 cer but miraculously survived. A. Bill Durnan has the video of the fight that to Sacramento. gold bracelets in the World In fact, his doctors had no B. Jacques Plante shows Nave landing a devastat- With the victory, Nave’s Series of Poker. He has writ- explanation for Brunson’s C. Terry Sawchuk ing blow to his opponent that record improved to 17-8-1. He ten a book "Super System" recovery. In 2006, Bluff D. Roy Worters put him on the canvas with no has indicated that he intends to that every serious player has Magazine named him the Answer: Jacques Plante in doubt of where he’d be at the fight again. read and studied. most influential force in the 1959 vs the New York Rangers. end of the ten-count. Brunson was a gifted ath- poker world. Mr. Brunson is Nave paroled on July 4, -staff writer David Marsh con- lete in high school. He was a living poker legend. 1993 and continued fighting, tributed to this story MARCH 2009 SAN QUENTIN NEWS Page 7

would focus on creating some- thing new rather than confront- ing something old. It would be A Story of Violence OPINION more about “proposition” and less about “opposition.” The Government must protect and And Its Effects on benefit our most vulnerable Van Jones Shares populations, he believes. Jones is passionate but self- effacing and in his San Quentin The Community His Green Mission appearance, he used both wit By Marv Mitch and humility. He conceded to By MICHAEL HARRIS their power without a struggle. us that there were some gaps in We talk about how violence plate number and he is later Managing Editor, and A new force must emerge to his vision of a green economy. affects our community, but we convicted of murder. His wife realign American politics, Jones appearance at San never discuss how it actually sells the business and leaves STEPHEN LIEBB transform the political land- Quentin created a palpable ex- does. Here's a look at how intri- town with her kids and another Staff Writer scape and supplant the Texas/ citement. He introduced himself cate it really gets. man. The cab driver who was Pentagon axis.” to many of the inmates seated A mother who just two days already working overtime, felt Van Jones, a Yale Law Jones explains that his mis- in the Protestant Chapel, ap- ago buries her son is not only he needed the extra $400 to School graduate and Bay Area sion is for the “oppressed to proaching them with a smile depressed but also very angry. help pay for his son's college community organizer, uses confront and defeat their op- and handshake. During a ques- Still she gets up and goes to tuition. His death left his son to words to inspire, encourage and pressors.” tion and answer period, he work where her and a co- have to drop out of school to educate. In an interview with us at asked for the name of the ques- worker (who is an older help his mother with the bills Jones is the author of The San Quentin, he said that he tioners, and was sincere in ad- woman) get into a heated dis- and his three younger sisters, Green Collar Economy: How became tired of confrontational dressing any issues raised. He cussion. The co-worker says one of which was an "A" stu- One Solution Can Fix Our Two politics and sought ways to find was quick to admit when he did that all the young men in the dent up until her father was Biggest Problems solutions. not have an answer. community should be locked up killed. As a result, at 14 she The two biggest problems he Jones’ strength is his ability Jones inspires confidence and forgotten about. started runnin' the streets and identifies are sociological ine- to bridge differences between and trust. He acknowledged This makes the grieving became promiscuous. She ran quality and the ecological crisis. people. He looks for common Diana Frappier a criminal de- mother very upset. The work into a cat that was 10 years Jones writes that we need to ground and allies rather than fense attorney who worked day is over and both ladies con- older than her. At 14, she repair the earth, oppose racism seeking targets to attack. with Jones for 15 years in the tinue the conversation while looked every bit of 19, so that's and uplift the disadvantaged. “Goals can be shared even by Bay Area Police Watch and waiting for a cab. The co- what she told him. She ended He also expressed a belief that people who disagree on many introduced her to the audience. worker says to the mother that up getting pregnant by him and “our sisters and brothers in the points, “he writes. She said that when you tell her son was no saint and only her mom found out. developing world need the full Jones used to embrace the people to make different contributed to the violence that Mom had the man sent to the engagement and cooperation of role model of David confront- choices you need to give them was going on in the neighbor- penitentiary for statutory rape. Western governments.” ing Goliath. Now, “I realize that something to choose. She sum- hood. In a blind rage, the In the pen, he somehow started The main principles of the it requires that the protagonists marized the goal of the green mother pushes the woman indulging in homosexual activ- green economy are “equal pro- always be small and marginal- economy as “providing real down just as she was about to ity. Years later he came home tection; equal opportunity; and ized, and it requires a politics of opportunities, decent job and get into the cab. not knowing he had contracted reverence for all Creation.” confrontation and opposition. careers.” The series of events that fol- HIV. A loaded gun back in your According to Jones, reverence Such a politics may serve us Jones writes, “I pray that low will change the entire com- community having sex with for all creation means no throw- poorly as we confront the dan- this book will give hope, en- munity. Just as the cab driver your niece, your aunt, your sis- away species or resources, chil- gers that will demand coopera- couragement, and inspiration was about to get out and help ter. This is how violence affects dren, neighborhoods or nations. tion on a massive scale.” to those who are working to the lady, two youngsta's ran a community. The problem-makers in our His new model is Noah and move our society along the across the busy street with Now let's look back. From a economy are “the war makers, his wife. They are leaders who path to a green future.” I be- stacks of bills in hand flagging murdered son, a mom is mad polluters, and incarcerators,” must make plans for a difficult lieve we can get there.” the driver, telling him that they enough to push a lady down according to Jones. “It is future while trying to save as To us, and many of those will give him $400 to take them who if she had' made it to the unlikely that the present high many people and fellow species who had the privilege of hear- a few blocks over. The cab cab, would have at least saved lords of oil, coal and armaments as possible. ing Van Jones speak, he pro- driver looks at the co-worker the driver's life. Maybe the kids will reverse course or give up Jones’ vision of politics vided just that inspiration. and then at the money in the would have escaped on foot youngsta's hand and decides to since they escaped anyway. The let them in. He pulls off and jewelry store owner's wife and makes a quick right turn, but he kids would not have had a rea- nor the two kids ever see the son to leave him and the cab Letting Go of Anger… guy they just conned out of the driver’s son would have still money behind them. When they been in school. Had he not died, By HELEN AMEETA more painful emotions away, ing us so that I am not continu- make the turn, they run into his daughter would have never SINGH anger serves the purpose of ally burning myself. Gandhi traffic, the jewelry store owner gotten off track and gotten Facilitator, Trust's psychological self-protecting makes the point "…as heat con- who had just been conned pulls pregnant at an early age, having Wellness Group from those other feelings, served is transmuted into en- alongside the cab in his Naviga- a fatherless child. And the man which I have most likely never ergy; even so our anger con- tor and shoots the whole cab up. who got her pregnant would been taught healthy ways of trolled can be transmitted into a The two kids escape un- have never contracted HIV had "Holding onto anger is like managing. Yet, it is a double- power which can move the scathed, but the driver of the he not gone to jail. Thus he grasping a hot coal with the edged sword, as the above- world." cab catches a bullet to the head would have never unknowingly intent of throwing it at someone mentioned quote suggests. In How can someone transform and dies instantly. A witness spread the disease through the else; you are the one who gets being angry, I get the benefit of their anger? Creative outlets takes down the Navi's license community. burned" -Buddha not having to feel these other such as writing, art, making painful emotions. Yet, my an- music, et cetera are healthy Namaste my brothas. I ger harms me psychologically ways of transforming anger. wanted to talk about a very fa- and physically. It also harms More importantly, perhaps, is Success is a ladder you cannot climb miliar, comfortable, and com- others if I engage in acts of finding the courage to explore with your hands in your pockets. mon emotion we all experience physical, verbal and emotional what is underneath the anger. In —Author unknown - anger. For all of us here in the violence as a means of manag- doing this, anyone will need to West, and in particular men, ing that anger. learn to be with those other anger is an acceptable, expected A friend likened anger to uncomfortable feelings without emotion to have. More often fire-it can keep us warm or it having to push them away with than not, anger is a defense can burn us up. It is okay to feel unhealthy behaviors such as NEVER GIVE UP! mechanism. Its job is to protect angry. Anger is simply one of a violence or drug use. us from the more painful, un- range of countless other emo- Reflect on a recent time By JONATHON COPE in 1836, was defeated for comfortable, sometimes scary tions that we as human beings when you felt angry. Why were Speaker in 1838, defeated for emotions that lie underneath. experience. The problem be- you angry? What did you do I once read about a man who land officer in 1843, defeated Feelings like pain, hurt, re- comes that we hang on to our when you were angry? What refused to give up. Almost eve- for congress in 1843, elected jection, abandonment, guilt, anger and it burns us up. were some feelings that may rything he did turned out bad. I for congress in 1846, defeated shame, loneliness, confusion, When we have spent a life- have been underneath the anger mean all bad. This man was for reelection in 1848, defeated betrayal-the list goes on and on. time experiencing countless (e.g. feeling disrespected, dis- defeated at and by just about for the senate in 1855, defeated Anger helps to keep these pain- injustices perpetrated against us missed, unheard, unimportant, everything. for vice-president in 1856 and ful emotions away - so I don't and our loved ones; when we not valued, et cetera) that the He failed in business back in defeated for Senate in 1858. have to feel them. Anger inevi- live in circumstances where we anger may have been protecting 1831. He was defeated for the And I mumbled to myself “I tably leads to violence. Think have very little control over our you from? How can you find a legislature in 1832, failed in would have quit.” But this man of the countless video games, lives (like prison) anger can way to transform this anger, so business again in 1833 and was never did quit. In 1860 he was movies, music and television easily grow, strengthen and that you are not holding onto elected to the legislature in elected to the presidency of the shows that glorify and promote deepen. Our challenge is to find the "hot coal?" 1834. His sweetheart died in United States. anger and violence. ways to transform our anger so Until next time my brothas, 1835. His name was Abraham Lin- In helping to keep other, that is not continually wound- Peace and blessings…… He had a nervous breakdown coln. Page 8 SAN QUENTIN NEWS MARCH 2009

the concerns and confusion among inmates of East Block Prisoners Air Concerns surrounding the dispensing of News Keep on Person (KOP) medica- tions. Staff responded that new Briefs With S. Q. Medical Staff and clearer guidelines will be distributed, listing which medi- SAN FRANCISCO- 3-12-09 By DAVID MARSH missed, result in a write-up, state,” said Clark, “We are cations will be automatically re- The latest Field Poll of 781 failure of the escort staff to ac- making every effort to resolve issued and which KOP medica- registered voters reveals 48% San Quentin health care is company inmates to ducated problems with the new system.” tions must be requested on a would vote to repeal the ban on improving, but there are still appointments, lack of informa- She acknowledged that medical services request form. gay marriages. serious problems, a group of tion and routine care for aging breakdowns in communication inmates reported at a meeting prisoners, lack of routine main- have lead to improperly billing FIBER TAB ISSUE SOUTH CHINA SEA– 3-7-09 with medical and administrative tenance on broken equipment inmates and insisted that solu- Five Chinese ships surrounded staff. and improper charges of co-pay tions are coming. North Block representatives and harassed an unarmed U.S. The March 13 meeting in- fees. Clark also said that broken said inmates are dissatisfied survey ship in international cluded Acting Warden R.K. On another matter, EBAC equipment will be addressed. with the perceived ineffective- waters. The Chinese claim the Wong, Director of Nursing M. asked about the possibility of The medical staff stressed ness of the fiber tabs prescribed ship was spying. Lupian, Chief Nursing Execu- receiving medical marijuana by that new record-keeping meth- as a replacement for Metamucil, tive D. Beetham, Exectuive prescription. Lt. Luna replied: ods will enable staff to track which is currently unavailable. EL SALVADOR– 3-15-09 Officer for the Receiver J. “Nice try.” inmates better and prevent The primary concerns ex- Over two decades of rule by a Clark, Chief Medical Officer E. scheduling conflicts. pressed by the H Unit MAC right wing conservative govern- Tootell, Associate Warden K.J. STAFF ADDITIONS For representatives of North chairman were medication be- ment, leftist guerrillas who once Williams and Correctional Lt. Block, the primary cause for ing prescribed in improper dos- fought the U.S. backed govern- R. Luna. Clark said S.Q. has the high- concern was the recent posting ages, which necessitates pills ment have been elected to lead Inmates were represented by est back-logged and unan- that inmates holding lower having to be cut in half to the country. the entire East Block Advisory swered 602s but recent medical bunk chronos (informational achieve the proper dose pre- Council (EBAC), plus represen- staff additions should help documentation) will be subject scription, and bags of medica- WASHINGTON– 3-11-09 tatives of North Block MAC solve the problem. to possible immediate transfer tion which do not contain the President Obama signed an and H-Unit. She reported a new ombuds- to another prison. Council full number of prescribed pills. executive order ending the Problems reported by EBAC man position has been created members expressed the belief Medical staff said they were Bush administration’s restric- representatives included the that will enable an inmate pa- that such transfers were puni- unaware of these problems, and tions on stem cell research delay of medical appeals tient’s advocate to visit prison- tive in nature. that issues raised by the MAC . (602s), use of a needless triage ers in their housing units to help “I’m left with no other alter- members would be studied and CALIFORNIA– 3-15-09 In the process for medication refills, resolve issues before the need native,” said Acting Warden properly addressed. most comprehensive study of incomplete or missing prescrip- for a 602 arises. Wong. He said chronos exceed It was agreed that future its kind, researchers predict tion refills, waits of up to 2 ½ “The administration under- the number of lower bunks. meetings would be on a quar- global warming will cause the years for dental treatments, stands that medical issues are “What else can I do?” said terly basis and that the depart- ocean to rise 5 feet along the medical ducats that conflict the most important issues Wong. ment chiefs of Mental Health state’s shoreline by the end of with visiting times and, when among inmates across the North Block residents share and Dental would attend. the century. We Want To Hear From You! PRISONER RESOURCES The San Quentin News wel- content and length. • Art work is welcomed (i.e. comes and encourages inmates, • The newspaper is not a me- poems, songs, cartoons, draw- (Publishes stories, poetry) (Spirituality - Bo Lozoff) HUMAN KINDNESS free staff, custody staff, volun- dium to file grievances. Use the ings). CALIFORNIA PRISON FOCUS FOUNDATION teers and people and entities prison appeals process. • Letters to the editor should be 2940 16th St. #B-5 PO Box 61619 outside of the institution to sub- However, we do encourage short and to the point. Durham, NC 27705 San Francisco, CA 94103 mit articles for this publication. submitting stories and/or arti- Send Submissions to: Please use the following cri- cles which are newsworthy and (Writing Contest, Handbook) (Jewish Materials) teria when submitting: encompass issues that will have Education Dept. / SQ News PEN AMERICAN CENTER JEWISH SERVICES • Please limit your submitted an impact on the prison popu- San Quentin, CA 94964 Prison Writing Program PO Box 85840 (No Street address required) articles to no more than 350 lace. 588 Broadway Seattle, WA 98145-1840 words. • Please do not use offensive New York, NY 10012 www.cdcr.ca.gov/Visitors/ (Buddhist Meditation) San_Quentin_News/SQ_Newsletter.html • Articles may be edited for language in your submissions. (Free Koran & Islamic Books) UPAYA OUTREACH ALAVI FOUNDATION 1404 Cerro Gordo Rd. 500 5TH AVE – STE 2310 Santa Fe, NM 87501 New York, NY 10110

San Quentin News San Quentin Men's (Bible & Bible Studies) (Comprehensive Legal Issues) “Pastor Melissa Scott” Ministry PRISON LEGAL NEWS Current and past copies of the San Quentin New Advisory Council P.O. Box #1 2400 NW 80TH St. PMB #148

are posted online at: H-Unit MAC Members Los Angeles, CA 90053 Seattle, WA 98117 http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Visitors/ $18/yr or $9/half-yr. (Christian Books) San_Quentin_News/SQ_newsletter.html 5H42L A. Parker Chairman 1H12L D. Mairs Vice-Chairman HARVEST TIME BOOKS (Free Pen Pal listing) The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily 5H36L M. Andrews Secretary PO Box 300 SASE Required reflect those of the Administration, or the inmate 4H63L P. Stelly Parliamentarian Altamont, TN 37301 Prison World Magazine population, and should be considered solely the 5H29L M. Le Melle Sgt at Arms P.O. Box 380 3H33L G. Pineda Representative Powder Springs, GA 30127 opinion of the individual author unless specified. 3H56L S. Byers Representative Permission is granted to reprint articles appear- 5H47L R. Bennett Representative 4H06L D. Marsh Newspaper Rep. ing in the San Quentin News provided credit is 4H46U D. Ansted Representative Correction given the author and this publication, except for 4H30L D. Hartley Healthcare Rep. articles reprinted herein from other publications. 4H99L J. Phillips Food Rep. In the February edition of the SQ News, it was reported that Acting 4H55L H. Hopkins Canteen Rep Warden R.K. Wong was going through a “confirmation” process. 5H24L M. Barrow Representative 5H74L W. Branson Representative The process is not a confirmation process, instead it is a “vetting” Administrative Review……………....R. Luna 5H18U D. Saxton Representative process. Principal…...……………………..T. Roberts

Vice Principal….. ………...W. Reeves, Ed. D. North Block Executive MAC Members Print Shop Supervisor...... J. Wilkerson Chief Advisory Board Member… John Eagan Johnson, S. 2-N-81L Chairman Hey SQ News! Sefeldeen, K. 1-N-96L Vice-Chairman Advisory Member…………….....Steve Cook Mancinelli, T. 5-N-87U Secretary Advisory Member……………....Joan Lisetor Tindall, M.K. 4-N-37L Parliamentarian Pena, E. 3-N-24L Sgt at Arms Advisory Member…….…..Steve McNamara East Block Advisory Council What’s Up With…

J. Van Pelt 1-EB-75 Chairman Executive Staff: D. Carey 4-EY-17 Yard 1 Robert Frazier 2EB87 wrote tion is that those channels are K. Lewis 2-EB-76 Yard 2 a note to SQ News asking being converted, and the con- B. Williams 4-EB-71 Yard 3 Kenneth R. Brydon ……...…...Editor-in-Chief R. Marshall 1-EB-65 Yard 4 what’s up with the channels on verters being used don’t have P. Henderson 4-EB-79 Yard 5 the cable system. He observed stereo. Michael R. Harris……….….Managing Editor W. Noguera 4-EB-77 Yard 6 Aly P. Tamboura………...…Technical Editor that channels he used to pick up The equipment being used to David Marsh………………….....Staff Writer in stereo sound are now only transition over to digital signal Designed and printed by the mono sound. is being purchased in Sacra- Darrell C. Hartley………………..Staff Writer Well, Bob, the good news is mento, and they’re going for Stephen Liebb …………………..Staff Writer that you’re not crazy; you really the no-frills operation. Sorry to don’t have stereo anymore. share the bad news. Keep the SQTV Technician’s explana- questions coming Guys.