San Quentin News

Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

MAC is barred from intervening in inmates’ personal complaints

by

There are often incidents or situations that can disrupt the life of a state prisoner. At San Quentin, the men in blue have several options to address the issues that affect them.

Mainliners often approach the Men’s Advisory Council (MAC.) Many are unaware that by state law, the MAC is an advisory body which acts as a liaison between prisoners and staff.

By state law, the MAC is prohibited from becoming involved with individual or personal complaints but may advise the administration for the welfare of prisoners as a whole. According to prison regulations, MAC representatives have no powers or authority.

Therefore, mainliners must know that they have a choice in how to resolve their issues. Prisoners can resolve their issues informally through dialogue with staff or they can seek to resolve them formally through an inmate request, a 602 appeal and, if need be, with court litigation.

For matters affecting the population as a whole, relief can sometimes be obtained through the advisory function of the MAC.

Prisoners should first try to resolve their issue informally through dialogue with custody staff or other institutional staff. Often, a respectful verbal request can resolve an issue, but sometimes it does not.

If it is an individual or personal issue, state prisoners may file a written grievance with the prison’s appeals coordinator. It begins with a request form, CDCR-22.

By state law, prisoners have a right to file a request using form CDCR-22 with the involved staff member who can resolve the issue.

If prisoners are unable to resolve the issue with a form 22, they have a state and federal constitutional right to file a CDCR-602 with the appeals coordinator. To help ensure that 602s make it to the appeals coordinator, locked 602 boxes for delivery of inmate appeals are located in various areas of the prison.

If the issue is appealed all the way to the Third Level in Sacramento, it means that the prisoner has exhausted all administrative remedies and may engage in court litigation. Depending on the issue, court litigation can occur in state or federal court.

Finally, if it is not a personal or individual issue and it does not involve disciplinary action (115 RVRs/128-As) or staff misconduct, and if the issue is affecting the population as a whole, the MAC may be able to help.

Prison regulations specifically state that the MAC may not involve itself with inmate appeals, shall not function as a grievance committee, and shall not have any responsibility or authority over state employees.

The MAC may only address issues of concern to the general inmate population and bring these matters to the attention of the warden and other administrative staff having authority to act on the matter.

The MAC has 12 advisory committees for the mainline population: Canteen, Food Services, Health Care, ILTAGs & Groups, Inmate Movies, Laundry, Mail, North Block, R&R, Recreation, Visiting and West Block. Dorm Representatives in H-Unit also advise staff through many of the same committees.

Goodbye, valued reader.

by

This is the last “Asked On The Line” that shall be written for the San Quentin News, so this is goodbye. The first “Asked On The Line” was published for the May 2011 issue of the San Quentin News, and it asked the men on the mainline if they knew the meaning behind Cinco de Mayo.

Now, more than 70 articles later, this column shall be retired. But fear not, valued reader, this writer shall continue to write the MAC Corner column, focused on informing the men in blue of the ongoing and ever-changing policies of the institution.

The brainchild of Executive Editor Arnulfo Garcia, Asked On The Line had a most interesting six-year run.

However, this column was by no means my idea or my invention. It was developed in collaboration with talented and award-winning editors and journalists: John Eagan, Steve McNamara, Joan Lisetor, William Drummond, Richard Richardson, Garcia, Juan Haines, Kevin Sawyer, Marcus Henderson, Keung Vanh, Jonathan Chiu, Ali Tamboura, Julian Glenn Padgett, and many, many other people, outrageously talented men and women who have worked tirelessly for a great periodical. They are the true heroes and the true authors of this column.

My primary intent was to help remind our readers of the humanity that exists behind prison walls. It was never about the inmate perspective but of the human perspective.

So, for those on the other side of the wall, who have never felt cold steel on their skin, the slam of a cell door, or the condescending tone of authority’s voice, my driving message was this: the reality for state prisoners is that there is no comfort in punishment.

No human being likes the hard accommodations of a concrete cell, but the fact that we are compelled to adapt to our environment does not mean that we have lost our humanity. We are people. We are grandfathers, uncles, nephews, brothers, husbands, fathers and sons. We are human beings, and we matter. Our lives matter.

Granted, there are a lot of men at San Quentin who have done great harm, and many of those men live with the shame of their crimes and of knowing that there is nothing that may ever restore their victims.

And sadly, there are some mainliners who feel no shame and are unable to feel it because of mental illness or lifelong trauma. Yet, even those men feel the sting of incarceration every day. And in the minority of the inmate population—there are some at this institution—are those who have lost all hope and just don’t care about themselves anymore, much less other people.

They cannot be reasoned with or bargained with. They feel no shame, pity or remorse, and they will not stop hurting other people because dysfunction and abuse is all they know. However, valued reader, they do not represent all of the men serving time in prison.

Interestingly, some outside visitors have asked how we get used to being here. I can only respond with a question: How else should we respond to state-sanctioned retribution? We respond like any other person would respond. We respond like human beings.

Now, Hollywood and violent isolated incidents in prisons and jails across the country have painted a very negative image of inmates, one that has developed into a deep-seated prejudice by some free people in society.

Yes, mischief and crime does occur in prison, but setting aside those incidents, many of the men at San Quentin actually work hard, every day, to make amends to their victims while healing themselves in the process—a tall order, given the accommodations and limited resources.

We do not need to remind anyone that retribution is hard or that punishment is painful. Yet, many San Quentin volunteers and state employees would agree that the humanity of the men serving time at San Quentin is no different from that of free people.

The men in blue laugh, love, cry, mourn and rejoice, just like people who live in the free world. We have children, parents, siblings, grandparents, spouses, partners and friends on the outside.

Most mainliners actually support, participate in, and desire more rehabilitation programs and only hope that we are not forgotten by those on the other side of the wall.

Such a notion that the men in blue are less human than free people has never been true and has only served to feed the prejudicial agenda of those who dislike us or do not understand us. So, we hold on to the hope that someday, those outside individuals might come around and visit us, maybe even volunteer.

What did you learn from your father?

by

Asked on the Line:

Father’s Day is always on the third Sunday of June. Many of the men in blue learned about fatherhood from their dads or father figures.

“Asked On The Line” asked men on the mainline to describe the qualities of a good father. “What would you say is your dad’s (or the man who raised you) most important or inspiring characteristic? Are you just like him or his opposite?”

M. Ronald: A good father is a provider, a teacher and a good role model to his family. My dad was a great provider. I remember the times he took my sister and me to the amusement park to get on the rides and then to the beach. I remember he used to also take us to church every Sunday to worship.

J. Jones: A good father is the one that is there when you need him the most. He loves his children and works to put food on the table. A good father is someone who loves his children through thick and thin and helps his kids with their homework.

V. Nguyen: A father should be a loving and caring person. I grew up without a father because he left me when I was 5 years old.

My father achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during the Vietnam War. He was an ally to the American forces. After South Vietnam fell to the Communist regime, they took my father to a re-education labor prison camp for 13 years, so my mom raised me and my five older siblings on her own.

S. Saldana: A good father must be loving, humble, respectful, caring, responsible and compassionate. He teaches his children, supports his children, carries his children, and has a good sense of humor to make them laugh. My father taught me good values. I am respectful and humble like my father.

B. Benitez: Being responsible is the most important quality of a good father. My father was a very responsible person. He was always with me when I needed him.

J.L. Velasquez: I remember my father had the capacity to teach me good things. He taught me how to work in the agricultural fields. He taught me good manners. To me, my dad is my hero because when I needed him, he was there to help raise me.

W. Wimberly: A father is a person who looks out for his kids and family. My dad was a fun person to be with, and he was good to all eight of us. My father raised us all along with our mother.

J. Flores: My dad was a hard-working person who never abandoned his family. My mom and their kids were the most important people in his life. I learned to love my wife and children just like my father. He tried his best and paid the bills on time.

B. Bridges: I had one of the best dads a person could ever have. He was a wonderful man that God gave me to ask about things and spiritual support. He would always give me love and paid me an allowance for keeping the house in order.

My dad loved my mom so very much; he worked hard for the family and later owned a business. Life was great with him!

 

MAC is barred from intervening in inmates’ personal complaints

by

MAC Corner

There are often incidents or situations that can disrupt the life of a state prisoner. At San Quentin, the men in blue have several options to address the issues that affect them.

Mainliners often approach the Men’s Advisory Council (MAC.) Many are unaware that by state law, the MAC is an advisory body which acts as a liaison between prisoners and staff.

By state law, the MAC is prohibited from becoming involved with individual or personal complaints but may advise the administration for the welfare of prisoners as a whole. According to prison regulations, MAC representatives have no powers or authority.

Therefore, mainliners must know that they have a choice in how to resolve their issues. Prisoners can resolve their issues informally through dialogue with staff or they can seek to resolve them formally through an inmate request, a 602 appeal and, if need be, with court litigation.

For matters affecting the population as a whole, relief can sometimes be obtained through the advisory function of the MAC.

Prisoners should first try to resolve their issue informally through dialogue with custody staff or other institutional staff. Often, a respectful verbal request can resolve an issue, but sometimes it does not.

If it is an individual or personal issue, state prisoners may file a written grievance with the prison’s appeals coordinator. It begins with a request form, CDCR-22.

By state law, prisoners have a right to file a request using form CDCR-22 with the involved staff member who can resolve the issue.

If prisoners are unable to resolve the issue with a form 22, they have a state and federal constitutional right to file a CDCR-602 with the appeals coordinator. To help ensure that 602s make it to the appeals coordinator, locked 602 boxes for delivery of inmate appeals are located in various areas of the prison.

If the issue is appealed all the way to the Third Level in Sacramento, it means that the prisoner has exhausted all administrative remedies and may engage in court litigation. Depending on the issue, court litigation can occur in state or federal court.

Finally, if it is not a personal or individual issue and it does not involve disciplinary action (115 RVRs/128-As) or staff misconduct, and if the issue is affecting the population as a whole, the MAC may be able to help.

Prison regulations specifically state that the MAC may not involve itself with inmate appeals, shall not function as a grievance committee, and shall not have any responsibility or authority over state employees.

The MAC may only address issues of concern to the general inmate population and bring these matters to the attention of the warden and other administrative staff having authority to act on the matter.

The MAC has 12 advisory committees for the mainline population: Canteen, Food Services, Health Care, ILTAGs & Groups, Inmate Movies, Laundry, Mail, North Block, R&R, Recreation, Visiting and West Block. Dorm Representatives in H-Unit also advise staff through many of the same committees

Asked on the line

by

In the United States, Mother’s Day is always on the second Sunday of May, but in countries like Mexico, Mother’s Day is always on May 10, regardless of the day of the week.

The diversity of the men in blue and their deep love for the women who raised them means that at San Quentin, both days are observed.

“Asked On the Line” asked men on the mainline, “What would you say is your mom’s (or the woman who raised you) most beautiful or inspiring characteristic? Did you inherit her trait?

B. Asey: “I would say that my mother’s most beautiful characteristic is her giving nature because she gives until she has nothing for herself. I inherited her trait of giving because I’m the same way.”

Z. Moore: “My mother’s most inspiring characteristic is her ability to reinvent herself during adversity. This same trait has enabled me to have the courage to change my character and life to reflect my true self.

M. Dickman: “Her ability to see the good in everyone. No, I did not inherit that trait.”

M. Sahnuun: “Her strength in the face of many difficulties. That strength has helped me deal with the years of incarceration.”

J. Flores: “She loves to laugh and dance. She can be serious when the situation calls for it. She can mourn when there is loss. But she prefers to live life with joy. I did inherit this trait, but it is difficult to keep it up in prison.”

J. Martinez: “My mother was a loving person, and I send her my most deepest regards from San Quentin.”

M. James: “To love and respect other people as you do yourself. To never show self-hate because that will never become you. You reap what you sow. God bless you, Mom. RIP!”

R.A. Johnson: “To see and respect people for who they are and not who she wanted or expected them to be. I’d like to think I inherited her traits.”

M. Gomez: “My mother was a peaceful person. I send my loving regards to her and her family. I wish her peace and happiness.”

M. Carter: “I’m happy that we love each other and can be open about any and every thing.”

V. Gomez: “I was blessed with a good mother. I send my most sincere regards to my beloved mother. God bless her.”

What are the most popular ways to eat an egg?

by

It’s Easter and America’s love affair with eggs has many eating colored eggs. Egg production is a billion-dollar industry. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, during one month in 2016, the United States egg production was 7.51 billion eggs by approximately 305 million hens. 

Not only are eggs big business, they are a versatile source of food. During Easter, billions of eggs are boiled and decorated for Easter egg hunts.

“Asked On the Line” posed a question to the men on the mainline, “How do you like your eggs cooked? Of the 11 popular ways of eating eggs, which is your favorite? And what would you eat with them?”

D. Hill likes his eggs hard-boiled with French fries or potato wedges.

B. Dooley wants his eggs fried, sunny side up, with potato hash browns, bacon and onions.

M. Dickman likes his eggs fried, over easy, with cheese, bacon, and toast.

G. Mason prefers his eggs fried, over easy, with ham, sausage and cheese.

K. McBride chooses eggs cooked in any way except sunny side up, over hard, or dry scrambled and cooked with “everything and anything except liver.”

D. Stewart: “I always like to eat my eggs soft fried or over easy. I do not like them scrambled.”

B. Muro: “I like to eat eggs mixed with chorizo.”

N. Wimberly: “I like my eggs sunny side up. For me they taste the best this way.”

P. Feliciano: “I like to eat fried eggs with fried potatoes, chorizo and tomato sauce, with a glass of orange juice.”

P. Benitez: “My favorite breakfast here is on Sunday because we have fried eggs.”

J. Velazquez: “I really like my eggs dry scrambled.”

A. Torres: “I like to eat my eggs over easy with sausage and toasted bread. I also like scrambled eggs with ham, onions, bell peppers and hot sauce.”

V. Nguyen: “I like them fried, sunny side up, because it’s raw on the top side and because it tastes good on toast.”

M. Saldana: “I love egg omelets!”

R. Malo: “I like egg omelets because they can be a complete meal. Omelets can have a lot of different things cooked into it.”

J. Ybarra: “I like fried eggs, over easy, but only in the morning.”

H. Robertson: “I really enjoy eating eggs soft scrambled with onions.”

D. Danny: “I like soft scrambled eggs hot off the grill with a side of hash browns.”

P. Ramirez: “I like to eat omelets with cheese, onions, spinach and tomatoes.”

J. Angulo: “I like to eat fried eggs for breakfast, boiled eggs for lunch and omelets for dinner.”

T. Sayres: “I like my eggs over easy with peppers and cheese.”

R. Zeigler: “I like my eggs scrambled, with bacon, grits and toast.”

D. Le’s favorite is an omelet with cheese.

H. Nguyen’s favorite is fried eggs, over medium, with beans and fish sauce.

A. Ross prefers eating eggs in a frittata with salsa.

M. Upton likes his eggs fried, over easy, with cheese.

B. Asey likes his eggs fried, over easy, with grits, toast, bacon, and a glass of orange juice. “Put salt and pepper with a little sugar on the grits.”

N. Bucci enjoys his eggs fried, over medium, with a side of bacon, toast and potatoes.

M. Walters likes his eggs fried, over easy, with a side of bacon.

Women’s History Month prompts answers to ‘Who’s the greatest?’

by

Among other celebrations and observations, March is Women’s History Month. In honor of women, “Asked On The Line” approached mainliners and inquired, “Who do you think is the greatest woman in history? Name a woman you know whom you admire and respect.”

M. Jones: “I think the greatest woman in history is Harriet Tubman because she helped blacks get to freedom. A woman I admire is Ethel Waters. She was a great singer in jazz and blues.”

M. Benito: “My mother, Socorro, is the greatest woman in my life, and I admire her because she is wonderful, gave me life, and taught me to walk.”

V. Nguyen: “I think that the greatest woman in history is Queen Isabella.

A woman I admire is my mom because she raised my five brothers and me on her own after 1975, when South Vietnam fell to the Communist regime, and my father was sent to a prison camp.”

F. Pedro: “The greatest woman in history was Mariana Grajales. She helped gain independence for all the Cuban people.

A woman I admire is Valentina Teleskova. She was the first woman to go into outer space.”

Y. Jose: “My mom is the greatest woman in history. She took care of all six of her children. After mom is my grandmother.

A woman I admire and respect is Eleanor Roosevelt.”

M. Luna-Saldana: “The greatest woman in history is Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is the greatest example of humility, tenderness and love.

I admire my mother, Guadalupe Saldana. She gave me life, tenderness and love.”

L. Jesus: “My mom is the greatest woman in history and is a woman I admire and respect.”

T. Alberto: “The greatest woman in history is Queen Elizabeth of England. A woman I admire is former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.”

R. Wimbert: “The greatest woman in history and a woman I admire and respect is my mom.”

M. Ronald: “The greatest woman in history, and a woman I admire, is my mother. She raised my brother and me and taught us about life.”

V. Joseph: “The greatest woman in history and a woman I admire is a famous Mexican singer, Lola Beltran. For me, she was the greatest female singer in the world, was very beautiful, and was known to have a good sense of humor.”

H. Bridges: “I think the greatest woman in history is my mom. She has taught me about life, about being a man, about choosing the right way to live. She is the greatest and most beautiful woman I know and she loves Jesus. I also admire my sister and my wife. Both are like my mom.”

A. Antonio: “The greatest woman in history is Niurka. She is a very famous and talented dancer and a successful actress.

The woman I admire the most is my mother, Teresa, because she shows people love and compassion.”

Z. Richard: “The greatest woman in history, for me, is my mother.

A woman I respect and admire is my wife.”

‘My mother’ and ‘the Pope’ top list of best persons to visit

by

A visit from family or friend is the most valued and anticipated occurrence in San Quentin. According to prison regulations, it is recognized as “a means of increasing safety in prisons, maintaining family and community connections, and preparing inmates for successful release and rehabilitation.”

“Asked on the Line” asked the men in blue, “If the warden would give you a pass to go anywhere to visit anyone for one day, where would you go? Who would you visit?”

M. Stewart: “I would visit my mother in Pomona. She has been living in that city for 40 years. She is my pride and joy.”

R. Malo: “I would like to go to the Vatican and visit Pope Francis.”

M. Morales: “I would visit my brother, Chino, who lives in San Bernardino.”

B. Muro: “I would go and visit my children, then my mom, and then my sisters.”

M. Jones: “I would go to the East Coast to visit friends, and I would go to New York to visit my long lost sister-in-law, Glenda.”

R. Zeigler: “I would first visit my wife and my mother-in-law, then my brothers, nieces and nephews, and finally, close friends.”

V. Nguyen: “I would visit my family in San Jose.”

M. Benitez: “I would go to Mexico to visit my father’s grave site.

M. Saldana: “I would like to go to a family reunion to visit with all of my brothers and sisters.”

C. Moreno: “I would visit Mr. Sanchez, in person, and let him know that I am sorry for what I have done to him and his family.”

P. Feliciano: “I would visit my son, daughter and grandchildren in New Mexico.”

N. Burn: “I would visit my brother Vincent.”

N. Andino: “I would go back to my country, Colombia, and visit my mother’s grave.”

A. Angulo: “I would visit all of my family who live in California.”

H. Bridges: “I would visit my wife in Pomona.”

J. Smith: “I would go visit my mother’s grave in Mississippi.”

A. Torres: “I would visit my family in Sacramento, especially my children.”

J. Ybarra: “I would visit my brother in Bakersfield.”

SQ’s television signal gets an upgrade

by

The men in blue now have a wide variety of television channels available for their viewing pleasure just in time for the holidays — and football season.

After several years of complaints about the unreliable and fluctuating television signals and many meetings and proposals about upgrading to cable television, the San Quentin administration purchased new television antennas and new video amplification equipment for the mainline population. The new antennas were installed in September.

It took several weeks of meetings, negotiations and petitions by the Men’s Advisory Council (MAC) for staff to adjust and calibrate the television signals to accommodate both analog and digital televisions owned by the men on the mainline.

On behalf of the population, the MAC would like to thank Warden Davis, the Chief Deputy Warden, all Associate Wardens, Plant Operations, Principal Beebe, and SQTV for their time and effort in adjusting the television signal.

The MAC understands that resources and time must first go into higher priority electrical and plumbing projects to keep the tap and shower water hot, the sewage system running, the electricity flowing, and the kitchen cooking, while at the same time replacing burned-out lights and fixing broken toilets. However, as a window to the outside world, mainliners also need a good television signal. Many thanks.

A wide variety of television channels are now available and coming in strong for both analog and digital television sets.

Finally, the Associate Warden for the General Population, J. Lawson, and the Captain of North Block and H-Unit, R. Escalera, would like to thank the men in blue housed in 1N-42, 1N-41, 1N-40, 1N39, and 1N-38 for their help and cooperation during the annual San Quentin Family Day staff event that occurred on Oct. 6.

Remembering favorite foods of past Thanksgivings

by

Every year, Thanksgiving lands on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving Day is one of the holidays that most men in blue especially miss celebrating with their families.

“Asked on the Line” made random informal inquiries of mainliners and asked: What do you love to eat for Thanksgiving Day? Before you were incarcerated, when, where and with whom did you celebrate Thanksgiving? At this moment, what or for whom are you most thankful for having in your life?

Anthony “Habib” Watkins: “Turkey drumstick (leg), candy yams, collard greens, ox tails, potato salad, mixed vegetables and an assortment of pies and cakes. In 1988, I was in Ontario, California, with my then common-law wife and our four sons. With us were her grandparents, mother and siblings and one of my sisters with her children and some of her grandchildren. I am thankful for the Most High and for a family that continues to support me in this endeavor, as well as for Patten University and a handful of prisoners who support me.”

Corey McNeil: “The traditional stuff. On Thanksgiving Day, [before incarceration] I was at home with family and friends. I am thankful for my health and for my family and friends who are supporting me during this time.”

Ruben Ramirez: “Everything and anything. I like to experience new tastes and sensations so that maybe I can incorporate those flavors in my own recipes someday. I used to do all the cooking for Thanksgiving. I enjoyed cooking everything from the main course to dessert. It was a labor of love for me. I am thankful for everyone that I have surrounded myself with throughout the years, and I am thankful that I continue to have positive support from my people outside.”

Antonio Manning: “Turkey, dressing, peach cobbler and cranberry sauce. Before incarceration, I would celebrate at my grandmother’s house with family members (uncles, aunts, brothers, etc.). I am most thankful for God’s grace in my life at this moment and for my dad who has loved me unfailingly.”

David Rodriguez: “Turkey. Whichever family I was with. Jesus Christ.”

Jerome Watts: “Fried turkey, ham, stuffing with cranberry sauce, pecan/pumpkin pie and potato salad. Before incarceration, I was usually with family at my grandmother’s home. I am most thankful for family.”

R. Mohamed: “Turkey and dressing. Before incarceration, on that day, I was with everyone I knew and could see. At this moment, I am most grateful that my supervisor, Grossi, treats me like a human being.”

Alex Ross: “Turkey for sure! Cranberry sauce, coleslaw and fresh fruit. Before incarceration, I was with all six of my sisters, my brother, my mom, and all of our kids. I am most thankful for God and my family.”

Eddie Hollingsworth III: “Macaroni and cheese that is ‘homemade’! Fried perch and catfish, along with ‘homemade’ mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw and biscuits. I was with my entire family at my grandmother’s house from about 3 p.m. to midnight. I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross at Calvary not only for my sins but for the sins of the world.”

Daryl Hill: “Turkey, collard greens, rice and gravy, stuffing, sweet potato pie and biscuits. Before my incarceration, I celebrated Thanksgiving with my mom, sister, wife and kids. I am most thankful for God and my family.”

Lorenzo Romero: “I love turkey. With potatoes, pumpkin pie, stuffing and real ice cream. From 1985 to 1999, I spent Thanksgiving in San Bernardino, Calif., with my wife, two sons and family. At this time, I am grateful for the ‘real’ people God has put on my path and journey and for my cell partner who has been a loyal friend.”

Translate »