If you were standing in line for tryouts for American Idol, and they pulled you aside and sat you down with Bruce Springsteen to talk, that would be about how it felt to have a conversation with Tobias Wolff. For his many accomplishments in writing, he is considered a Literary Icon. In addition, he is a Vietnam Veteran, an Army Green Beret, a B.A. Graduate from Oxford (with honors), a reporter for the Washington Post, and currently directs the English and Creative Writing department at Stanford University.
Wolff was the featured guest for Judy Breen’s “Video Literacy Project.” Professor Breen is doing a series of video interviews being aired on San Quentin Television to promote literary reading. “Literary Work” is writing that is believed to have a depth of meaning that speaks to generations. Ms. Breen made the necessary connections for him to be among us.
Four Lifers, Felix Lucero, J.B. Wells, Joseph Diggs, and myself were asked to sit down with Wolff on July 21, 2008 and address questions to him.
Those on The Row and North Block may have already had a chance to see the taped interview done with him. For a person who’s able to fill a huge auditorium to hear him speak, Wolff showed himself to be very down to earth. For all you people thinking of writing your own memoir, “This Boy’s Life” paved the way for what is now “The” way a memoir should be written. He turned the telling of one’s life story from a boring dictation into an emotion-filled account that brings the reader in to relive the experience with him.
Wolff sat down with me after taping the interview, and gave me a chance to ask him some questions for SQ News. J.B. Wells also participated, and asked questions of his own. The most current of his many publications is “Our Story Begins,” a collection of short stories. In the category of short literary fiction, Wolff has won many awards; and has frequently been published in the New Yorker magazine. His writing is a personal favorite of this writer.
Wolff was asked about what he might share with anyone who is setting out to become an accomplished writer. He spoke of the need for patience, and that (writers) tend to be better critics than writers of our own work. He told of working for six months on one short story, and that a month’s effort in revision and editing is typical.
For those searching for authors to inspire them, he recommended Ernest Hemingway for his simplicity of style. Wolff also recommended Richard Price who wrote: “Lush Life, Clockers,” and “Wanderers” He believes that the greatest American writer was F. Scott Fitzgerald. When asked to give a shout out to everyone, Wolff said that, “Even though you’re living in a hard grim situation, take hope, and find goodness. Don’t concentrate on the shadows.”
On Aug 17, 2008, Wolff returned. Courtesy of Patten College University coordinator Jennifer Scaife, invited the writer back here to read. Choosing “Pharoses’ Army,” he presented a chapter that talked of his experience in Vietnam as a Lieutenant, and how fate seemed to pass him by that otherwise might have meant him dying in battle. The crowded Arts in Corrections room gave him a loud applause for some inspiring writing. At the end, he mentioned that he’ll be donating to the San Quentin Library a selection of his work. We hope to see him back here again soon.
Archives for August 2008
Marching Forward
On June 19, 2008, the entire education department was closed to in order to allow the staff to attend a graduation ceremony in the Garden Chapel. Those who had spent their time and efforts in improving their own lives, were recognized by the San Quentin administration for their hard work accomplished in attainting diplomas in the areas of GED, vocations, Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Art.
All who came to the podium were loudly applauded for their accomplishments. Depending upon their individual accomplishments, they were handed their diplomas by those who had seen them through. Many families were in attendance. Loud shouts erupted from the various areas where particular members were seated, but everyone was applauded loudly.
Steve Welch completed his graduation from Machine Shop, actually requesting that his parole (on graduation day) come in the evening so that he could attend the ceremony. Eleven individuals were handed their Vocation certificates by Vice Principle of Vocations, William Reeves.
Marvin Mitchell was the valedictorian of the 34 inmates in attendance who received their General Education Diploma (“GED”). Mitchell received the highest scores of those who had been tested this past year. Certificates were handed out by Chris Wittick and Phil Leonida.
Michael Carter was valedictorian for the 2008 graduating class for the six recipients of the Patten University Associate of Arts degree. The college here at San Quentin is operated without any taxpayer support. A long list of volunteers from all walks of life make up the faculty of the “Prison University Project” (“PUP”). Jody Lewen and Jennifer Scaife are the PUP coordinators.
Of particular note in this years graduation is Vince Russo. Russo completed requirements for his bachelor’s degree through Ohio University. After finishing his AA degree, Russo then began his studies to complete the more advanced degree in January 2005.
Cookies and refreshments followed the ceremony, and the proud families were able to have photos taken together. Many who spoke to the audience told of their journey, and how it gave them motivation to keep moving forward, and for setting higher goals for their lives. To each and every one, much kudos are deserved; further recognition of the completion of even higher educational goals is expected of those who remain here.
Hope Realized Coming Through the Front Gate
With a message of hope and inspiration for the graduates of the San Quentin Education Department’s 2008 class, Willie Rahman Green returned to the institution from which he was released only 90 days ago. Only this time, as Green pointed out to an attentive audience of over 300 gathered in the Garden Chapel, his entrance to the prison had been made through the front gate as an invited guest, while his previous trip to San Quentin prison had begun thru R&R while wearing handcuffs.
“What I bring back is hope and a message to the men here at San Quentin,” Green told the packed crowd. “You don’t have to keep coming through R&R to come back to prison. You can come through the front gate!” Green received a special invitation
to deliver the commencement speech to an audience which included graduates of the GED, vocational and college programs, their relatives, staff of the Education Department, and various prison officials including Warden Robert Ayers. If the three minute ovation he received was any indication, his message was well received by those in attendance.
After serving more than 25 years of a 33 years-to-l i f e term for a murder Green says he did not commit, Green walked out of S.Q. a free man after a Los Angeles county superior court judge threw out his conviction after ruling that a key prosecution witness had lied during the trial. Prosecutors declined to retry the case. Green says that he is slowly adjusting to the pace of life on the outside, and is not bitter against anyone, including the witness who lied during his trial.
The audience listened attentively to a man who only recently was himself a 14 yearlong resident of North Block. During his time behind the walls at San Quentin prison, Green became heavily involved in many of the programs run by the Education Dept. as both student and tutor, giving and receiving.
Many in the audience know him personally through one of his many roles as friend, fellow student, tutor, associate or mentor. Green has himself graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Patten University through the Prison University
Project at San Quentin. And by doing so, he became one of the 74 men who have received liberal arts degrees through the program.
In addition to his involvement as a student, his determination to help others achieve their own goals and to realize their dreams led him to become a tutor for Project R.E.A.C.H., an acronym for Reach for Education, Achievement and Change with Help. R.E.A.C.H. trains inmate volunteers as tutors. Green used his math skills to help many fellow inmates to develop academically, including one of the three valedictorians of this year’s graduating classes.
Green was one of the founding members of the San Quentin T.R.U.S.T. (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training). The T.R.U.S.T. is a group of ethnically diverse men whose goal is to educate and empower inmates to assist them for a successful transition to a non-incarcerated life. The group also works with various citizen groups and elected officials in the communities of Richmond and Oakland in an effort to reduce crime, violence and recidivism, and to prepare inmates from these communities for reintegration back into the community. Green served the group for over five years, including the past two as chairman.
For Green, life outside the prison walls does not mean an end to involvement with the causes that came to play such a prominent role in his life. He remains in close contact with David Cowan, the man whom he mentored and prepared to succeed him as the chairman of T.R.U.S.T.. Green’s plans are to remain active networking with the various community groups, and in the recruitment of personnel for the organization.
“I learned never give up, never give up hope, and never allow anyone to define you,” Green told his listeners, who can, perhaps, define who Green is most aptly by looking at the man he has become, during, and despite, his long period of incarceration.
Julio Medina, himself an ex-convict who served 12 years in New York’s Sing Sing prison, also spoke to the graduates, and emphasized the education he received during his incarceration as the foundation for what his life has become today. Medina, the Executive Director/Founder and CEO of Exodus Transitional Community, Inc., or E.T.C., earned a Master’s Degree from the New York Theological Seminary, and is presently enrolled as a candidate of that school’s Doctoral program.
Medina’s organization is a faith based re-entry program that has helped over 3 ,000 ex-convicts, both male and female, transition back into the community. E.T.C. provides counseling, employment preparation, job, housing, health and education referrals, court and parole assistance and computer training. Medina founded E.T.C. in 1999.
“Education,” said Medina “is the most significant thing that is going to help us when we get back to the communities.” His message, much like Green’s, resonated with hope to those wearing blue in the audience. “I started from behind prison walls, I think that’s what’s important,” he added.
Medina credited education as the most critical component in state’s rehabilitation efforts and attempts to make substantial cuts in inmate recidivism rates. Education, he emphasized, empowers inmates to make changes in their own lives, and only with that power can the cycle be broken.
“Let’s stop allowing other people to solve our problems,” Medina told the audience. “We solve our own problems!”
Ruling Limits Governor’s Discretion to Deny Parole
The power of the California governor to arbitrarily deny parole to model prisoners has been curbed by the state Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Ronald George, in writing for the 4-3 majority, said the governor must show “some evidence” that a parolee is presently a danger to public safety before overturning a Board of Parole decision to grant parole.
The ruling came in the case of Sandra Davis Lawrence, 61, who has served more than 23 years for the 1971 killing of her lover’s wife. The Board of Parole found Lawrence to be a model, well-behaved prisoner who had expressed remorse for the killing. In 2005 she was granted parole for the fourth time in 12 years.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger reversed the panel’s decision as he had done on previous occasions. He found the circumstances of the killing, in which Lawrence shot and stabbed Rubye Williams to death, to be of a particularly egregious nature.
The governor’s office released a statement condemning the court’s ruling as an infringement upon the governor’s ability to make rulings designed to protect the public safety.
In a separate but related case, the court used the legal standards previously set forth in its ruling on the Lawrence case to unanimously uphold the governor’s power to deny parole when there is a legitimate finding of danger to the public safety. The court upheld Schwarzenegger’s’ denial of parole to Richard Shaputis, convicted of second-degree murder in the 1987 shooting of his wife. Shaputis has refused to accept responsibility for killing Erma Jeanne Shaputis, 47.
The Chance of Hope
Prison college programs are often viewed with harsh criticism. Supporters contend that they reduce recidivism and increase the quality of life for a group of people who may not have had the best opportunities in life. Critics argue that criminals should be paying their debt to society with separation and self-reflection.
For my first 10 years in prison I learned how to survive and not much else. I read books on philosophy and learned to write my feelings down on paper, but I could never find that intellectual stimulation that was lacking in my life. I didn’t even know there was such a thing.
For the past five years I’ve been enrolled as a student in the Patten University program. The course work, I found, came easy for me; the social interaction was where I felt stunted. Years of isolation had left me socially inadequate. Like a person learning to walk after a serious injury, I had to re-learn the art of conversation. I had to be reminded that I was human.
My interactions with teachers and students have taught me the difference between charitable narcissism and true service to your fellow human. I believe that higher education is a fundamental human right. If there is a thing called human nature, it has to be the desire to live both physically and spiritually free. Prison is a place filled with hope, laughter, depression and misery. The college program doesn’t remove the depravities of prison. But it does offer another way to think about the world, and equips you with the tools to articulate your situation.
An argument can be made that prisons are obsolete. At the same time their presence is as much a part of the landscape as the Pacific coast. Prisons can be institutions that inspire change; they can also be a place where oppression reaches its apex of excellence. Education has the power to transform, not only the human, but the world which we inhabit.
When the School of Hard Knocks Produces Fruit
Seeing the pride on the faces of the men of San Quentin could not compare with the pride held by family members that where in attendance for the 2008 Graduation celebration. This pride was evident by the tears and joy displayed throughout the ceremony. Wives, Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Sons and Daughters /Friends in most cases had never seen their loved one complete or graduate from anything before.
A day to remember. This was not the first time that I had attended a graduation ceremony at San Quentin. Both experiences were quite special in a unique way, but this time I was there to develop a story surrounding the event. So I thought; “life has a funny way of up-staging prepared plans.”
So I got there early and started to observe organized chaos playing out; a host of volunteers assisting with the preparation, men being fitted with graduation robes and family member filing into the chapel where the ceremony took place. And all kinds of supporters; program sponsors, volunteer teachers from local universities associated with Patten College and the Prison University Project……
SQ staff, program instructors, quest speakers……. the energy was boiling; one would think this was preparation for a major concert. So I’m thinking, who do I interview first – how am I going to fully capture the essence of this day? Then; I spotted the SQ film production crew who were also producing a piece surrounding the event for a documentary they were working on.
Me being a born net-worker, I asked “Can we work together?” Marvin Andrews replied “No problem.” And then Troy Williams followed up with “Let’s do this.” Then there was Lonny Morris, of SQTV, setting up to do film interviews as well. So all I have to do is take notes and be at the right place at the right time and SQ news will be ok. Then Willie Rahman Green walks into the garden chapel area with his family; his wife Mary and their son. Mary had also attended her husband’s graduation in 2002 in this same exact chapel. She was also filled with pride and joy this time for an altogether different reason. All attention focused on him as if he was a rock star – with everybody in line to embrace a man who had become a friend/mentor to so many, including me.
As he approached we embraced and he said “I don’t know if I’m going to make it big fellow.” His knees buckled. I said “You already have.” Overwhelmed by the reality that the last time he in stood in this same exact spot; dressed in blue, just over 90 days ago; and that he had resided in this same prison for over a decade. WOW! Oh what difference a day makes!
Warden Ayers allowed history to be made in San Quentin on this day by giving Mr. Green an opportunity to return shortly after being released from his conviction, which was overturned after 25 years. A man who had always professed his innocence, one of the things that always stood out about Rahman was that he never lost hope, and he kept his dignity and integrity intact even though there were times when it seemed as if justice would never prevail.
Rahman spent the majority of his time working in the prison library teaching and sharing knowledge with others including some of the graduates he spoke in front of at the ceremony. After his speech Rahman went down to the peer education building and spoke in front of a group of men in a pre-release class held by Mr. Shimel and continued his words of wisdom. On his way back he decided to walk instead of riding in the cart with his family. One of his long time friends Demetrius ‘Flip’ Daniel recalls when the alarm went off and all the prisoners got down as is customary. Rahman did so as well in his tailored white suit. Flip believed that it was not done because he was brain washed, but, as a gesture of solidarity and love/respect for his brothers in blue. Seeing the faces of the proud families was well worth the price of admission, alone.
But listening to Julio Medina chronicling his journey in becoming a productive citizen was encouraging to say the least. Just to witness a man who had once walked in the same shoes as many of us had. As Medina stood and presented his message of hope to the audience, he enabled us all to envision a snap shot of what is possible when you apply yourself and utilize the time to re-educate oneself.
“Boston” Marathon Man
On Sept. 01, 2008, Ron Goodman plans to run the distance and time that would qualify him for the Boston Marathon. A part of the 1,000-Mile Club at San Quentin, Goodman is running approximately 60 miles a week in preparation for the 26.2 miles he hopes to run in under 3 hours, 15 minutes.
About four years ago, while serving time at Folsom Prison, Goodman became serious about the discipline of running. He feels that it helps build character. “The Club is about learning discipline and healthy training,” says Goodman. His accomplishments also extend to painting and art, where he is a featured artist in displays of prison artwork in community shows.
The 1,000-Mile Club, sponsored by Laura Bowman, teaches all aspects of running from beginner to advanced. People who wish to learn how to start running, or to make the most of the sport, will receive good tips by the club’s coach, Frank Ruona. At 63 years old, Mr. Ruona would still have just about all the guys around this joint eating his dust.
The average distance of the 20 club members, is 10 to 15 miles per week. Getting on the track is a good way to relieve stress, get the blood pressure down, sleep better, and get an endorphin high that’ll make peeing in a bottle no big deal!
San Quentin Pirates The Forgotten
Everyone has heard of the San Quentin Giants, well, almost.
One team that is not illuminated is the San Quentin Pirates
softball team.
Quiet as it’s kept, a lot of fans and prisoners come out regularly on Sunday afternoon to umpire, cheer, and sometimes express the intention of playing.
The San Quentin Pirates played hardball in 2006 and 2007, coached by Kent Philpot. Stan-the-Man is the trusty bench coach, and two men in blue, Frankie Smith, and Will Packer, assisted in the management. Briefly, in 2007, they had a fast pitch league. So behind the scenes there are some very talented players having fun making great plays and hitting their fair share of home runs (the pinnacle of the game). Mr. Rich and Bob Mayer, the San Quentin Pirates sponsors and coaches from the free world, obtained the helm of the team in 2006, and make it possible for the men to play in a league all of their own. These sponsors take time out of their busy lives, and for this we thank them deeply.
Big Dan, prisoner/assistant coach, protects the dish at home; Big Ron Dalton” is anchored to 1st, and has a snow shovel for a scoop. Anyone on the yard who follows sports has witnessed the notorious long ball hitting Southpaw in action Ke Lam, (a.k.a. “Mighty Mouse”) exhibits inhumanly long ball power to both sides of the diamond. “Lam patrols centerfield with excellent speed and an accurate arm – his territory is known as the “Noflyzone.”
John Harper, our sure-fielding 3rd baseman secures the hot corner. Kevin Carr patrols left field with a strong arm and swings hard at the plate. Big Shawn, who just joined, plays right-center, and can place the ball with authority anywhere. Little Laos patrols a dangerous right field, with mixed terrain, and sprays the ball all over.
Paul Jordan plays the hot spot at short, and leads the team in averages with his phenomenal bat. Fernando Lemus is our utility player covering 3rd, 1st, and pitching; he is an asset to the team. Thacker, Davis, and retired Giants player Dave Marshall play 2nd and share time. Marshall is a crafty player who swings left-handed at the plate.
Not to be counted out, Tony, our newest addition, switches off at the mound with Junkyard who has patiently waited on the side until his debut. They both sport a decent bat, and, finally, Big Mario, who was injured and is still on the D.L. has a huge bat with enough pop to all fields, and can play any position. The Pirate Players thank the Athletic Department at SQ.
San Quentin Warriors
The San Quentin Warriors basketball team has a very colorful history. I’ve been here for eight years, played for the first four, and was sidelined by injuries in the middle of the fifth. After being out for two seasons, and in the middle of my comeback, I was recruited by the team to assume the role of “Head coach.” With only 7 wins and 11 losses, we were in trouble, and in danger of having our first losing season only to finish 18 and 14.
This year began with a real training camp, which included a rigorous strength and conditioning focus; we also had actual tryouts. However, we’ve evolved as a program and are much more oriented spiritually that in time past; I couldn’t cut people. Instead, it an attempt to honor our program as a “Sports Ministry,” we decided to establish a practice squad. We want men! It’s obvious that we all need growth and development, therefore giving up on people is not an option. It does hurt when I see men who could be great give up on themselves!
Players come and go over the course of the season, which began May 29th, 2008. We are presently 10 and 5, with 18 games left on our schedule. We have had only one cancellation due to the Hitland Yard Ministry (which we fully supported). Our coaching staff includes me (George Lamb), and there are a number of men who are on the inside in addition to a few folks from the outside who support our program; to them all we say is: “Thanks!” They will receive mention by name over the course of the season, as these “Warrior Reports” continue. On behalf of the San Quentin
Warriors, my name is Shuan Payton, and I joined the team in 2007. In the beginning it was just about basketball for me, but I came to realize that it wasn’t only about playing ball, but it was also about communication, discipline, respect and trust. But most of all, it was about “God.” All of these things mean a lot to me. I’ve never been on a team that prayed before the game and shared testimonies and had devotionals at halftime.
Since I’ve been on the team, I’ve made plenty of mistakes and wrong decisions that could have been prevented. Those mistakes and poor decisions have taken me to the “hole” a couple of times, but, when I returned, I was still a part of the team. I’ve had time to reflect while on the side lines observing what I was missing as I served my suspensions. Men in prison go through things, but having teammates who will make the journey with you and sometimes carry you through to the other side, makes victory on all levels of life sweeter!
It’s a new season, and our team is younger and more talented than we were last year. We’re capable of winning every game. Our losses have been very close, and always a result of having key players missing; not excuses, just facts. We’ve lost a few players to parole and are expecting to lose a few more before the end of the season. So, eyes are always open for new talent. We have a core group who are expected to remain through the end of the season; we’re good and our goal is still the same…WIN!
All of the teams we play are from the outside. College teams, men’s leagues, and church league teams; so interacting with them is great – they show us love, respect and a considerable amount of support (including donation of equipment!). They grow and are blessed as we grow and are blessed. Thanks to my teammates, and our coaching staff, as well as all those in support; especially to our officials; especially “Huggie,” and to the administration for allowing the program to realize the successes we all enjoy. To the fans who love us, “Good-looking,” and to those who don’t, “Stop-hating!” Just kidding – pray for us!
Flag Football’s “Blues Brothers”
Someone asked me today why it is that we don’t have more than one football team here in SQ(?). He went further to say he thought it would be more competitive if there were. I could have responded simply by saying the same reason there’s only one baseball, and one basketball team; but I didn’t. I tried to explain to him that we, the Blues Brothers, have a mission, and gave him a brief description of what that objective is. The discussion suggests to me a misconception of our program by the general population. My name is William, “Big Will” Packer, and I’m the Head Coach of the Blues Brothers and I’d like to give you all a broader, better understanding of what we’re all about.
This is our fourth season coming up under the sponsorship of Kent Philpott and Stan Damas. Their commitment of time and energy has made it possible for us to do what we love, and excel at it. This will be our third season with me as Coach. Under my direction we enjoy a 15-0 record, and we of course look forward to another undefeated season. Critics of our program are quick to point out that we are bigger, stronger, quicker, faster and better than the teams that come in to play us. They talk as if we should be ashamed of these facts.
They’re wrong, and we’re not ashamed.
What our detractors seem to be unaware of are the hours of conditioning and practicing we put in each season to protect our house. The reason we outclass the teams that come in to play us is due to our dedication to the discipline of football, and our development of the exceptional talents we’ve been blessed with. Our players are committed to doing the work necessary to be good, and quite frankly, better than the teams that come in to play us. We take pride in the tradition we’ve established, and we are dedicated to the fulfillment of our goals
As much as building character is an important part of our mission, so is building bridges to the outside. We’ve been blessed with the unique opportunity to play football develop friendships and fellowship with some pretty amazing people. Our aim is to continue to maintain these relationships, and provide the best entertainment possible throughout the season for our fans. Our ultimate goal is to one day develop a talent who will someday make it to the professional league, that we can all take pride and pleasure in watching him play. God bless you all, and I look forward to seeing you on the sidelines in September.