WRITTEN BY THE INCARCERATED - ADVANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE
San Quentin, California 94964
Population: 3,696
Incarcerated explore top 10 myths about mass incarceration
Per the latest count, America had about 6,500 jails and prisons but only about 4,500 colleges and universities. The report “Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2024” by the Prison Policy Initiative aimed to put the numbers into perspective. According to the “Big Picture” section on mass incarceration, the criminal legal system collected “a lot of data, but very little is designed to help … Read Full Article
Additional Recent Stories
It takes one to know one: A book review of Emma Cline’s ‘The Guest’
Con-artists have always made fascinating characters for stories. In 1986, David Mamet’s play “House of Games” set the standard for depiction of con-artistry from the point-of-view of the victim. Last year, Emma Cline’s “The Guest” supplied a standard for the 2020s depiction from the point of view of the con-artist. Alex, the story’s female antihero, a 22-year-old escort, “was not beautiful … Read Full Article
I Was an Air Force Fighter Pilot. Now I Help Addicts in Prison Turn Their Lives Upside Down.
Editor’s Note: This story was published in partnership with San Quentin News and was written during a writing seminar for incarcerated veterans in April hosted by The War Horse at California’s San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Tens of thousands of military veterans are incarcerated across the United States, and these stories are intended to shine a light on their unique needs, challenges, and … Read Full Article
I Became My Own Version of My Father. It Cost Me My Freedom.
Editor’s Note: This story was published in partnership with San Quentin News and was written during a writing seminar for incarcerated veterans in April hosted by The War Horse at California’s San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Tens of thousands of military veterans are incarcerated across the United States, and these stories are intended to shine a light on their unique needs, challenges, and … Read Full Article
SUMMER BLAST CONCERT BRINGS FAITH, HOPE, AND HIP HOP TO THE Q
Residents and volunteers gathered on San Quentin’s Lower Yard to enjoy hip-hop music and messages of faith through lyrical performances as part of the Summer Blast Concert. The August 12 show featured finalists from an earlier talent contest who performed mostly original songs on stage to a gathered crowd of hundreds. Using poetic skills and lived-experience, incarcerated artists and … Read Full Article
RON BROOMFIELD TAPPED AS NEW DIRECTOR OF ADULT INSTITUTIONS
Ron Broomfield will no longer be the warden of San Quentin State Prison. He has been appointed director of the Division of Adult Institutions at CDCR. Although his new position requires senate confirmation, he is almost certain to get it and his promotion is well deserved. Broomfield has been warden at San Quentin since 2021. He has an impressive record of service, beginning as a … Read Full Article
NATIVE HAWAIIANS, ROOTS RAISING FUNDS FOR MAUI WILDFIRE VICTIMS
In August 2023, the Hawaiian island of Maui was hit hard by wind-driven wildfires, causing widespread damage and destroying the town of Lahaina. The devastating fires have taken numerous lives, destroyed homes, properties, forced evacuations and displaced thousands of residents. In solidarity with the people of Hawaii, ROOTS and the Native Hawaiian Religious Group at San Quentin are holding a … Read Full Article
BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN
FAMILIES, LOVED ONES OF THE INCARCERATED ATTEND SQ EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S FIRST GRADUATION SINCE 2019 On July 28, San Quentin’s Garden Chapel became a focal point of frenetic energy as final preparations were made to honor more than 100 graduates of Robert E. Burton Adult School’s combined academic and Career Technical Education programs. As grads were being fitted with traditional black … Read Full Article
NO MORE ‘INMATES’
For a long time we have allowed our reporters and contributors at the San Quentin News to use their own discretion when it comes to using the term “inmate” to describe someone who is incarcerated in a jail or prison. This has led to a lack of unity in our messaging and a lack of unity among our media center personnel here at San Quentin. I believe that continuing to allow this word to be … Read Full Article
MAN WITH MANY HATS
OUR BEHIND THE SCENE AND TRUSTED RESEARCHER STUART WAGNER The masthead of the San Quentin News lists Stuart Wagner as one of its 13 “Advisers.” While the newspaper’s staff esteems its advisers’ advice, in Wagner’s case the title is a less than adequate description of his contribution to the publication. The newspaper does not have internet access. To overcome this obstacle, Wagner serves … Read Full Article
TUTORING PROGRAM RETURNS AFTER COVID HIATUS
After a long pause, Berkeley students have returned to San Quentin to teach incarcerated students to read, write and solve math problems, working side-by-side with the assistance of San Quentin instructors. Spring of 2023 marks the return of the Teach in Prison program, which the pandemic had shut down in 2020. TIP has brought hope to many incarcerated students who feel helpless in their … Read Full Article
FATHER-DAUGHTER DUO RIG UP TRUCK DRIVING CORRESPONDENCE COURSE
A telephone conversation between a father a nd h is d aughter took a n u nexpected turn that resulted in the creation of an opportunity for San Quentin’s incarcerated residents. In August, 50 residents will begin a four-part, correspondence course leading to certification as truck drivers. As the fi rst g roup m oves i nto t he s econd module, another 50 will enter module one, and … Read Full Article
SQ CELEBRATES 4TH WITH FOOD, MUSIC, FLAGS AND FAMILY
San Quentin Visiting program administrators have hosted another successful Fourth of July celebration. Visitors and residents were treated to an extraordinary day of visiting thanks to the contributions of visitor donations and the arrival of two very special guests. On the day of Independence, decorations of bright red, white and blue hung from all over the visiting room. No … Read Full Article
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Additional Recent Post
RON BROOMFIELD TAPPED AS NEW DIRECTOR OF ADULT INSTITUTIONS
Ron Broomfield will no longer be the warden of San Quentin State Prison. He has been appointed director of the Division of Adult Institutions at CDCR. Although his new position requires senate confirmation, he is almost certain to get it and his promotion is well deserved. Broomfield has been warden at San Quentin since 2021. He has an impressive record of service, beginning as a … Read Full Article
NATIVE HAWAIIANS, ROOTS RAISING FUNDS FOR MAUI WILDFIRE VICTIMS
In August 2023, the Hawaiian island of Maui was hit hard by wind-driven wildfires, causing widespread damage and destroying the town of Lahaina. The devastating fires have taken numerous lives, destroyed homes, properties, forced evacuations and displaced thousands of residents. In solidarity with the people of Hawaii, ROOTS and the Native Hawaiian Religious Group at San Quentin are holding a … Read Full Article
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