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San Quentin, California 94964
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
March 2023 AVENAL READER REMEMBERS CAPT. ROBINSON — 26 YEARS LATER Dear SQNews: I am writing this to commend you on a great tribute to an awesome man, whose retirement is going to be an unfilled void not only for SQ, but humanity as a whole. You could have filled an entire year of SQNews and still not given due praise to Sam Robinson. I met him 26 years ago on the … Read Full Article
BOOK REVIEW: WHAT’S PRISON FOR? By Bill Keller
The book “What’s Prison For?” by Bill Keller sheds light on crime and punishment, and the real purpose of incarceration. Tough on crime should cater to the availability of rehabilitation, Keller says. The justice system’s distribution of long prison sentences allows the offender to return to society without any type of life skills. Fair punishment and rehabilitation is the solution … Read Full Article
THE CHANGE-MAKERS AND GROUND-BREAKERS OF CDCR
In the typically male-dominated world of corrections, these women stood as shining examples paving the way for other women in the California prison system. From Matron Genevieve Smith, who out-earned her husband in the early 20th century, to Jeanne Woodford and Ruth Rushen, who shattered the glass ceiling and led the entire Department — these women knew no limits, and never settled for second. … Read Full Article
The POWER of change
People often don’t realize the true driving force behind the justice reform movement — women. The women on this page are real movers and shakers who have worked and sacrificed to effect significant, positive change in the criminal justice system. … Read Full Article
Black women making historic strides in California politics
For the first time in California history, Black women are at the helm of two important government offices: Shirley Weber is the secretary of state and Malia Cohen is California’s new controller, the Oakland Post reports. SHIRLEY WEBER “I thought long and hard about it. I realized that everything about the secretary of state was central to my life,” she said. Her … Read Full Article
Solano caricature artist Ray Williams
pays homage to SQ’s prison journalists
Solano State Prison resident Ray Williams Jr. created animated caricatures of formerly incarcerated journalists who were part of San Quentin’s radio program UnCuffed. Williams conceived of the idea when formerly incarcerated journalists and San Quentin volunteers took a trip to Oslo, Norway, to be part of the first ever Prison Radio International Conference, which was featured in the … Read Full Article
Glen Shafer: Soledad neoclassical
artist owes his life to his art
Incarcerated for 35 years, the artist finds art itself to be his most stabilizing influence SQNews is featuring art submissions from incarcerated men in institutions other than San Quentin. We begin with the art of Glen W. Shafer, a resident of Soledad State Prison. “I owe my art my life,” said Shafer. “Today I am very grateful God has blessed me with this gift.” For some, art … Read Full Article
26.2 TO LIFE: Powerful film debuts at SQ chapel
San Quentin recently hosted a premiere of a documentary film starring its running club that shows how the program transformed the lives of the athletes inside the famous prison. The film, titled 26.2 to Life, follows the life stories of three of SQ’s 1,000 Mile Club’s members, interspersed with footage of the club’s annual marathon in 2017. To complete the 26.2-mile race, runners must endure a … Read Full Article
Kid CAT hygiene drive returns to SQ
Incarcerated give to homelessyouth of Huckleberry House Members of San Quentin’s Kid CAT program looked like a troop of Santa Clauses as they marched across the Lower Yard on Jan. 13 carrying bulky bags of hygiene products slung over their shoulders. The soaps, shampoos, laundry products and more were contributions from SQ residents to Kid CAT’s yearly hygiene drive for Bay Area … Read Full Article
SAN QUENTIN NEWS CELEBRATES – THE WOMEN OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
For Women’s History Month, we shine the spotlight on fourpowerhouse women who have changed the face of the justice system Women worldwide are currently engaged in some form of freedom struggle against their patriarchal societies. For incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women as well as women with incarcerated loved ones, there are added stigmas and barriers to overcome in the struggle for … Read Full Article
Roses are red . . . mostly
Guatemala native brings nature’s beauty to life — with bread San Quentin artist Idalio Villagran takes prison-constrained creativity and resourcefulness to another level, crafting beautiful roses of various colors from state-issued bread and Kool-Aid. The roses are so convincing that people seeing them for the first time mutter in disbelief, first that they are not real, and finally that … Read Full Article
FOR LOVE AND HONOR
Edgar Zarate Martinez pours life onto his canvasto show respect for his family and culture Painting and drawing are keys to inner freedom for San Quentin artist Edgar Zarate Martinez, activities that dispel darkness. He literally brushes away the negative thoughts and feelings that can threaten to consume people in prison. The artist’s Mexican heritage is distinctly evident in his … Read Full Article
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Black women making historic strides in California politics
For the first time in California history, Black women are at the helm of two important government offices: Shirley Weber is the secretary of state and Malia Cohen is California’s new controller, the Oakland Post reports. SHIRLEY WEBER “I thought long and hard about it. I realized that everything about the secretary of state was central to my life,” she said. Her … Read Full Article
Solano caricature artist Ray Williams
pays homage to SQ’s prison journalists
Solano State Prison resident Ray Williams Jr. created animated caricatures of formerly incarcerated journalists who were part of San Quentin’s radio program UnCuffed. Williams conceived of the idea when formerly incarcerated journalists and San Quentin volunteers took a trip to Oslo, Norway, to be part of the first ever Prison Radio International Conference, which was featured in the … Read Full Article
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