San Quentin News

Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

Archives for February 2009

Health and Wellness Corner

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The San Quentin News “ Health and Wellness Corner” column runs every month. A University of California, San Francisco health professional student will answer questions that you submit about health issues. Inquiries will be answered in the next month’s paper.  Feel free to ask us questions about any medical concern that you have, and it may be answered so that everyone can benefit.  If you have a question, put it in a U-Save-Em envelope addressed to: “Health and Wellness Corner,” UCSF Doctors (Dr. Shira Shavit) – Medical Box. If you include your name and number, they will be kept confidential.  Note that this column is for general medical questions.
We would like to thank you for your submissions.  This edition, we will address the following question:
How does eating Ramen affect blood pressure?
What is it in Ramen that can affect your blood pressure? Salt!
Each Ramen soup comes with a flavor packet that contains salt and other spices.  These flavor packets contain about 1500 milligrams (mg) of salt (Roughly ¾ of a teaspoon of salt.  You should have no more than 1.5 teaspoons of salt in 1 day).  For your comparison, other foods such as one slice of lunch meat might have only 13% of your daily salt needs.
How does salt affect your blood pressure?
Blood vessels carry blood to important parts of our body, like our hearts and brains.  Too much salt causes more fluid to be in your blood vessels and increases the pressure inside them.  This would be like pumping too much air into a bicycle tire and making the pressure inside very high.  This is dangerous because high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Most people in the U.S. eat too much salt every day, but not everyone who does will have high blood pressure.  The people who should be most careful about how much salt they eat are those who have high blood pressure or borderline high blood pressure.
Some suggestions that we have for you:

  1. Limit the number of Ramen packets that you eat- maybe just one a day.
  2. Use only ½ of the flavor packet and add your own spices to help improve the flavor.
  3. Do not add extra salt to your food if you can.
  4. Know your blood pressure and have it checked regularly.
  5. Pay attention to the amount of salt that is in all of the foods that you eat- foods like preserved meats (tuna, mackerel, meat logs) can have a lot of salt too!

If you do not feel well or have an URGENT medical concern, fill out a 7362 request for services form to see your housing unit medical staff.
 

Wong’s Rise To The Top

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With a smile, R.K. Wong recalled his first prison job out of the correctional officer academy 26 years ago – working San Quentin Tower #4 on the graveyard shift. He said he thought, “What did I do to deserve this?”
In December 2008, he returned to his roots, this time as the new acting warden at S.Q..
His first two years on the job were assignments in virtually all areas of San Quentin, from the dining hall to the lock-up units. In September 1985, he was transferred to CSP-Solano, “At the start of the California prison boom,” acting Warden Wong said in an interview Jan. 13.
For the next 16 years, Wong worked his way up the ranks and held a variety of positions. After promoting to first sergeant, and then lieutenant, he served as a correctional counselor (CC) I, CCII, acting Facility Captain and acting Custody Captain. His last assignments at Solano were that of gang investigations coordinator and Investigative Services Lt.
In 2001, Wong was promoted to Investigative Services Unit (ISU) captain at the Level IV prison at High Desert.  He said he enjoyed working at High Desert, where he also served as associate warden.
Wong transferred back to S.Q. in 2006, where he briefly served as acting chief deputy warden and then briefly as the acting warden prior to the arrival in July 2006 of Warden Robert Ayers, Jr. from CSP-Los Angeles (Lancaster). “And we switched,” said Wong. “I became the acting warden at Lancaster.”
In February 2007 Wong went back to High Desert as an associate warden.  In July 2008 he was promoted to chief deputy warden at Solano State Prison. On Dec. 31, 2008 he was officially assigned as the acting warden of S.Q., and he is now awaiting confirmation as warden.   “Here I am, kinda coming full-circle,” Wong said.  “I began my career here, and I’m hoping to end my career here.”
 

Our Take On It

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We get asked by our peers, on a daily basis, “What does all this overcrowding business mean to me? How much shorter will my time be?”. And the answer truly is, I sincerely wish that we knew what to tell them. Because they want to hear something!
But we don’t know, no one does, or can. Because although the whole scenario is picking up momentum at a dizzying pace now, there are still so many variables left to play out.
Will the politicians in our cash-strapped state do the expedient and humane thing and allow the feds to crack the gates just a bit and empty out a few bunks of those who fit the criteria of being low risk for early release? Only those politicians in our governor’s inner circle could really say, and obviously, for political reasons, they’re not saying.
Will the state continue to play hardball with the panel of judges and force the case to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court? And what would the conservative judges on the Supreme Court rule? It’s just too early to call.
There will be early releases of some sort to some extent, and the best guess at this point is that we here at S.Q. will see some sort of movement toward the exits in late summer or early fall. That is a pretty safe bet at this point.
We at the SQ News recognize our responsibility to you, our readers, to follow this story as closely as anyone can, and to report to you what we see as promptly as we are able, and in a responsible manner.
As witnessed by the depth of our feature story on overcrowding in this edition of our paper, we are on top of the story for you, our readers. And we will continue to keep you abreast of late breaking events, as well as how they will affect us, and when. Thank-you for your trust in us, and we will continue to do our best for you.

Visitors Getting Involved in San Quentin

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The Inmate Family Council (IFC) is an opportunity for visitors to have a voice concerning institutional polices that affect family relationships.  The IFC consists of 10 family members and friends of inmates who meet with correctional staff, including the visiting lieutenant and warden, on a regular basis to discuss these issues.  The goal of the IFC is to establish mutual understanding between the visitors and the institution.  The IFC at San Quentin was formed at the request of the state and the first meeting was held on Aug. 1, 2003.
Since its inception the accomplishments of the IFC include the development of the San Quentin visitors’ information brochure and the “Visiting Report Card” survey to provide a vehicle for visitors to express their concerns through the IFC.  Other improvements put in place by San Quentin as a result of IFC efforts include installation of door hooks and a mirror in the processing area bathrooms, an increase in the amount of money a visitor could bring in, installation of bulletin boards to disseminate IFC information and the development of a visual guide to inform visitors of clothing policies.  The IFC has also had input concerning institutional food quality and the quality of institutional medical care.
There are currently openings for additional IFC members. An attempt is made to place members who visit inmates in a variety of housing areas and there is currently a particular need for additional members for the Main and H-Unit visiting areas.  Applicants must be able to commit to a term of two years, attending meetings on the third Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and to be able to work with staff and fellow IFC members.  If you are a regular visitor who wants to have a voice in what goes on, now is your chance to do so.  To become a member, please contact Visiting Room Lt. K. Evans (415-454-1460 Ext. 5205). Please consider becoming a member.

‘The American Negro’ In celebration of Black History Month

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By observation, the American of African descent is a very odd mixture of tragedy and triumphs of human life, and with a persistent spirit that is able to free itself from the disorder of the world. In the Bible, the pious must find their place in a sinful world; the evil doer can only gain redemption through love. Here the sinner is a symbol of all that interferes, all that goes against our humanity, and the pious symbolize the triumph of the human spirit over the disorder in the world.
Although the “Negro” is not considered a Hebrew, and the conditions of enslavement were different, still their struggles, disappointments and setbacks are the same and thus must be recognized for what they are and preserved. The “Negro” experience is so much a part of American life, with all of the struggles in nationhood and civil wars, which goes beyond the color line and race relations, and looking at the very essence of the human spirit.
It is well worth the time to commemorate Black History, in February, by recognizing what is enduring and abiding in the Negro American, especially those human traits which they have fostered despite, and in rejection of, the barriers and mean-spiritedness imposed upon them. This month is dedicated for the social good in America, to work toward preserving in words those human values, which may last when struggling for change.
In the first decade of the 21st century, the “Negro” situation is changing ever so fast, but so much, which they have gotten through the trials and testing of Negro American life is much too good to be forgotten. The faith, the perseverance, the laughter, the ability to harmonize in rhythm, the steely sense of life and the way of sharing it which all go to shape the American Negro.
Times change, but these treasured values must endure forever—not only because they define the “Negro” as a group, but because they represent a story of man’s triumph over disorder. From the brave souls who participated in the 1908 Springfield, Ill., race riots that led to the deaths of seven people, but gave us the birth of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the fear of those civil rights protesters who faced the barking police dogs and water hoses in the turbulent South, comes the spirit which strengthened them in the same old timeless push toward equality.
The 44th president, Barack Obama, who launched his campaign for president just blocks from where the blood was spilled in Springfield, possessed the same sense of history, in that he dared not fail to adapt to the changing conditions lest he and his supporters fail.
One hundred years after the Springfield riots, the NAACP is able to celebrate its 100th anniversary, and America installs in office its first Black president.
Good and bad, all, which is of value in “Negro” life, is a truly unique American experience, and as such it should be harvested. Black History month is a celebration of life, even when it is tragic and filled with misery.
President Obama won because he and his supporters believed in the power of democracy, they each believed in the dream of the founders. Like them, and many others who wear the title as Americans, they believe in diversity, and it is possible that the end of these United States shall come when they stop believing in each other as a people.
Indeed, what was witnessed by the world in the 2008 U.S. election was a tenderly dignified unity of democratic divergences peacefully coming into life.

H-Unit Men's Advisory Council Meeting

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Present for the Administration: Capt. M.D. Thompson, Sgt. Taylor
Time/Location: H-Unit Conference Room, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009
Topics of Discussion: Change of command (Thompson replacing Dorsey as Captain in H-Unit, council informed what to expect)

  • Medical issues, slow pace of pill call causing tardiness to work (nurses are being encouraged to begin passing out meds at 5:30, nurses are still delayed on occasion due to time-consuming medication prep.
  •  Phones not working (improvements are already noted, all lines are to be replaced by early February
  •  Canteen issues, spending old money (computer refreshes allowable balance once per month)
  •  Yard not opening in the evenings until late, if at all (Thompson says this is no longer an issue)
  •  Issue of gloves revisited (inmates cannot wear workout gloves while walking the track, only while working out, recommend against purchasing brown gloves thru packages)
  • Issue of 2nd watch property searches being conducted without inmates present, and no property receipts are being left (Thompson says staff has undergone additional training to encourage compliance)
  • Personal clothing being taken during laundry searches (only laundry is to be taken during laundry searches, laundry is not to be hung above wall level)
  • Possibility of extra Dorm 1 privileges discussed (Thompson says side yard will be opened following 4:00 p.m. count as long as inmates make it to chow on time)
  • Late stragglers to meals (will no longer be permitted)
  • Institutional transfers discussed (Thompson says anyone dissatisfied with life at SQ – see him!)

The next H-Unit Men’s Advisory Council meeting will be held March 13.
 

Anne Frank Center Diary Project

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In an effort to reach out to prisoners and educate people on both sides of the “wall,” the Anne Frank Center USA, in partnership with PEN American Center, has launched a Prison Diary Program for men and women in American prisons using the Diary of Anne Frank as an inspirational tool. Anne Frank herself was “imprisoned” for two years while in hiding and then was literally imprisoned in concentration camps during the last seven months of her life simply because she was Jewish.
The Anne Frank Center’s diary-writing program provides writers involved with PEN’s Prison Writing Program a blank journal, a pamphlet on diary writing, and a copy of A Diary of a Young Girl. Participants agree to keep their own diaries, writing about their lives and thoughts. When they finish filling their diary, they return the journals to The Anne Frank Center for possible publication on the internet and in print.  If you wish to be a part of this program, write to: Anne Frank Prison Diary Project, 38 Crosby Street 5th Floor, New York, NY 10013.

Death Row Reality Check

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This is a world of a different kind of life, a change in reality, a world real tight.  You enter this world through cast iron gates; you can sense all the pressure and feel all the hate.  They’re unloading the bus, the man’s laying down the rules; they’re taking away your rights and giving you your blues.
The next gate is opening you feel tense down inside, a new world revealed, you hope to survive.  All eyes are watching as you’re escorted to your cell, then it all hits you, you messed up, you’ve just entered hell.  Now they’re all going to be watching how you’re going to act; you lay out your program and always watch your back.
Outside worries must be left behind, it’s all about survival and I’m going to tell you why.  Your tears turn into anger; your happiness into hate, not being on guard is a feeling you soon will relate.  My hell is heartache of steel and stone, and I’m here all alone.
My place of hell is one small cell that no one wants to own; my body cramps from the cold and damp that chills me to the bone.  For my crimes I pay with time, no jungle holds more danger, and everyday that comes my way each man remains a stranger.
They came today and took away the man who lived next door, to end his time, he took his life, he couldn’t take no more.  It’s quiet here on my tier, cruel death has claimed another; each day wondering who will be next, and hoping it’s not my other neighbor.  I hear the screams, the metal rings of keys and metal locks, the scrape of feet on the concrete as the prison guard patrols his/her block.
I watch my back for there is a lack of men who can be trusted; I just chill, I have the will before it is me who gets dusted.  A secret I should tell you now, but do not tell another: in order to survive in here, a man must wear his cover.  You do not know and will not know what lies within his heart, for he walked the walk and talks the talk and always plays the part.
But here’s the secret of the frightened man inside… if something fatal should come my way, should an occurrence take my life, please tell my wife I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared, and for me all she’s done.  And though I’m gone one thing lives on, “My love eternally.”  My one desire should I expire, is that no one cries for me.  Just gather around the love of my life and tell her, “I’m finally free.”

The One Percent Rule

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Calculating prophets
Manipulate equations
suborning reasons
for greedy imbeciles;
Panderers who pimp
Phobic philosophies
Transmute all meanings
to confuse the consumed. 
Mean inheritors
of liberty’s martyrs
Crunch on the carcass
of America’s poor.
 
 

Reflection

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What do you see when looking into a mirror
Your reflection; past or present
What do I see when looking into the mirror
My reflection; past and present
I close my eyes and it’s still there
I can’t escape, I can’t change it
Since it always, always catches up with you
Stop, and change direction
Open your eyes and see your new reflection
 
                                                                      
 

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