K. Wong, San Quentin’s new acting warden, says he is making a thorough review of all of the prison’s inmate programs with the goal of improving security, eliminating duplication and strengthening activities overall. Wong, who took control of the … [Read more...]
Faith Proclaimed Loudly
For those who’ve recently watched San Quentin Television prison channels, the Protestant time slot for religious programming has had a certain feminine touch. Pastor Melissa Scott, a television evangelist, took up the banner of both the Faith Center … [Read more...]
‘Grave Robber’ Unearthing Hope
Hitland Ministries will stage performances on Jan. 17 and 18 of “Grave Robber” in the Protestant Chapel. This is the same group that in July handed out tall glasses of pink lemonade and hotdogs to the lower yard packed full of prisoners. Musical … [Read more...]
‘Life’ With Cancer
Homer McWilliams began his 15-to-life prison term at age 23; he has now turned 50. McWilliams murdered Jeff Stewart after he walked in on Stewart with his “Old Lady.” Though Stewart’s family remains bitter towards McWilliams, they’re not opposing … [Read more...]
Visiting Rooms Upgrade To Digital Photos
Film for Polaroid cameras has become a thing of the past, and the San Quentin visiting room is now using digital cameras and color photo printers. The digital age has delivered crisper images and larger photos. “It takes a little longer,” says … [Read more...]
Prisoners Give Back To the Community
More than $35,000 from San Quentin prisoners’ salaries has been donated to three Marin County charitable organizations at a ceremony on Nov. 6, 2008. Prisoners working with Joint Venture gave 20 percent of their earnings to this purpose; a program … [Read more...]
Chaplains Serving Hope on All Levels
At age 57, the Native American Indian (“AMI”) chaplain, Hector Heredia has been involved in Indian spiritual affairs for 40 years. Brought up in the teachings by two Shaman, Charlie Kills Enemy and Shelby White Bear. Introduced into the “Fire … [Read more...]
Chaplains Serving Hope on All Levels
In November 2004 Carol Hymen came to San Quentin part time as the Jewish Chaplain. She brings to her duties a background of institutional work, first at Napa Hospital, and then CMF and Solano. She now has a Master of Divinity from Graduate Theology … [Read more...]
Chaplains Serving Hope on All Levels
In the early 1990s, Pastor Morris Curry began teaching “Biblical Counseling Foundation” (BCF) as a volunteer. Recommended by then Protestant Chaplain Earl Smith, who saw a group of Lifers eager to learn. With an interest in Prison Ministry inspired … [Read more...]
Chaplains Serving Hope on All Levels
Muslim Chaplain, Imam Rafeeq S. Hassan began volunteering at San Quentin State Prison in 1985 under the endorsement and sponsorship of Masjid Waritheen of Oakland, CA. Imam Hassan officially became the Muslim Chaplain at San Quentin in 1986. Imam … [Read more...]