Gloria Godchaux of Operation: MOM was interviewed by the chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin to find out what prisoners can do to support American troops overseas.
How did Operation: MOM come about?
Operation: MOM began in 2001 when Dotty Selmeczki and I began to look for an active military parent support group. It was imperative for me, because immediately after 9/11, my son, who is a U.S. Marine, was deployed to an unknown destination called “Somewhere.” At the time, Dotty and I didn’t realize that thousands of other parents out there also needed a safe place where they could share their worries for their loved ones serving in the military. Since then, Operation: MOM has branched out across various communities establishing support groups wherever they are needed.
What challenges have you faced?
I would say the most challenging and heart-wrenching form of care that we’ve had the privilege of giving is standing beside those families who have lost their serviceperson while they gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives serving our country.
How did Operation: MOM get connected with VVGSQ?
When Operation: MOM began its grassroots efforts, we had to decide what other, if any, types of organizations we would align ourselves with. In 2003, we met the VVGSQ, which have been instrumental for nearly 10 years in supporting Operation: MOM by providing funds to help active duty military families and being an integral part of sending “A Little Touch of Home” care packages to our troops around the world.
What’s next for Operation: MOM and the VVGSQ?
In 2013, Operation: MOM and the VVGSQ will be supporting an Air Force unit whose mission is to drop off supplies to Army and Marine ground forces. They have asked for specific items, such as green socks and Desert Sand military T-shirts, which were already purchased with donated funds from the VVGSQ.
How can men other than San Quentin veterans get involved with Operation: MOM?
We fill “A Little Touch of Home” care packages with things like snacks, powdered beverages, washcloths, fingernail clippers, and other hygiene items, so if they wanted to donate those types of items, it would be greatly appreciated. Postage for all the boxes gets pretty costly as well, so stamps are well received too.
Note: San Quentin staff and prisoners wanting to help Operation: MOM support the nation’s troops can collect snack items, hygiene items, and postage now. Signs will be posted later in housing units directing where to leave donations.
Persons in the community can donate by contacting the VVGSQ’s chief sponsor, Lt. K. Evans, at San Quentin State Prison. (415) 454-1460 ext. 5205.
Archives for January 2013
Overcrowded Population Strains Library Resources
San Quentin’s main library is under-equipped, overcrowded and struggling to meet the legal and recreational reading needs of prisoners, Senior Librarian Tom Brobst reports.
With so little space for so many important purposes, Brobst feels he needs to be a curriculum acrobat at times in order to maintain fair library access for the General Population.
Brobst has been a librarian for approximately 18 years, with 13 of those years at San Quentin. He worked at R.J. Donovan, CSP-Solano, and as a parole agent for two years before coming to San Quentin.
Brobst is deft in legal issues important to the prisoner patrons, such as legal forms, case law, and reference books. But he cannot give legal advice because he is not an attorney.
COMPUTERS
Unlike prison libraries of years past, San Quentin now has seven computers available for legal research, meeting the requirements of Gilmore v. Lynch for prison law libraries with LEXIS and PREMIS legal databases. These resources are updated quarterly, although Brobst says updated information sometimes arrives to San Quentin’s library late.
Prisoners cram the library in hopes of getting a spot on a computer to work on their cases and other legal matters.
“There are not nearly enough computers available for everyone doing legal work,” prisoner Ted Swain said. Recently, “three computers were inoperable,” he said, making availability tougher. The computers have since been repaired, “but it’s a serious ongoing problem as this frequently occurs,” added Swain.
“The library has no budget and depends on the Office of Corrections Education headquarters in Sacramento for its funding,” Brobst added.
CAPACITY
The official maximum capacity at San Quentin’s library is 38 prisoners at one time. There are currently 58 men on Priority Legal User status, who have precedence because of “confirmed pending legal issues” in the courts. This is a problem with a potential 2,000-plus user in the General Population. Often, there is barely standing room in the sitting/studying area of the library, according to Brobst.
Library worker Barry Ryeak, serving 15 years to life, told the San Quentin News: “The library could use many more books, but with space being a problem, we do what we can with what’s available.”
Brobst said he distributes donated books among several “locked-down units throughout the prison.”
The library serves the General Population, Reception Center, and Death Row.
DEATH ROW
Brobst points out those Death Row prisoners are under-served because of space limitations in the condemned library. It provides “complex, specialized legal services that require a senior librarian with the requisite training and experience to individually assist each prisoner,” explained Brobst. The Prison Law Office and the California Appellate Project monitor access to that library.
One San Quentin librarian, John Cornell, was laid off last year due to budget cuts, leaving two librarians on staff. They supervise 12 prisoner workers.
California’s prison system has come a long way since the days of Bibliotherapy, when librarians worked with prison psychologists to provide books for prisoners to study, then followed up with discussions about what was learned.
In 1952, one library journal illustrated how libraries “can surround the prisoner with a perpetual intellectual atmosphere of the type which is necessary to bring about a definite change in his behavior patterns.”
Inspirational Garden Is a Place of Peace
A splash of color greets prisoners and visitors to the west end of the San Quentin Lower Yard — a flower garden, tended by about two dozen inmates, guided by volunteers.
The Garden Project started with a specific mission that focused on the need for inner gardening, with an emphasis on personal growth through behavior modification, said program founder Beth Waitkus.
“The idea behind planting a garden and nurturing it has given me a better understanding of the importance of cultivating healthy relationships,” said Abdul Henderson, one of the H-Unit Garden Project participants.
Waitkus led a recent ceremony marking the 10th year of the gardening program, in which members were awarded certificates.
Outside gardening and green jobs training provide skills the participants can readily utilize when they reenter the job market, Waitkus commented. She noted the project has connections with agencies such as Planting Justice, a non-profit organization geared to providing part-time employment for participants as part of its reentry program.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do about a job when I got out, but this program has lifted a huge weight because I can now get some work doing something I’m familiar with,” Henderson said.
Kaepernick’s Dream
San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s childhood dream came true before our very eyes.
A letter Kaepernick wrote to himself when he was 10 years old was printed recently by the San Francisco Chronicle.
He wrote, “I’m 5 ft 2 inches 91 pounds. Good athlete. I think in 7 years I will be between 6ft to 6 ft 4 inches 140 pounds. I hope I go to a good college…then go to the pros and play on the Niners or the Packers even if they aren’t good in seven years…Sincerely Colin.”
His hope became reality in 2011, when the 49ers traded up with the Denver Broncos in the second round and selected Kaepernick 36th overall.
After starting quarterback Alex Smith’s concussion in the second quarter against the St. Louis Rams in week 10, Kaepernick entered the game and led the 49ers to a tie. He finished the rest of the season as the starter with a 5-2 record.
Born in Wisconsin, Kaepernick moved to Turlock, Calif. with his adoptive parents, Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, at the age of four. His parents had lost two children to congenital heart disease before adopting Colin, who is now heavily involved in Camp Taylor, an organization that helps children with heart diseases.
Nevada offered him a scholarship despite concerns that he would choose professional baseball over playing for the Wolf Pack. The Chicago Cubs drafted Kaepernick in the 43rd round of the 2009 draft, but he continued to follow his football dream.
Kaepernick became the first player in NCAA history to have three consecutive seasons in which he threw for more than 2,000 yards and rushed for more than 1,000 yards. He is also the only quarterback to have passed for 10,000-plus yards and to have rushed for 4,000-plus yards in the history of Division I FBS college football.
In 2007, Kaepernick won Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year and was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2010.
At the time the San Quentin News went to press, Kaepernick was fresh off a win over the Green Bay Packers, in which he threw two touchdowns and ran a record-setting 181 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown run. He is preparing to compete in the Niners’ second NFC championship in as many years, versus the Atlanta Falcons.
Giants’ Season Ends With a 6–5 Record
Distractions in the San Quentin Giants baseball team’s off-season affected the team’s structure and continuity, yet they finished with a 6-5 record.
There were many obstacles to overcome for the Giants going into the season. “The season was full of ups and downs,” said inmate Coach Frankie Smith. “It was short and somewhat unorganized, but regardless it is baseball in prison, so we need to keep that in mind.”
Smith tried not to let these challenges hold him back. “My approach to the season was like any other once we got the ball rolling, so to speak,” said Smith. “Pick nine guys and play the best baseball possible.”
Giants catcher Michael Tyler did not let the team circumstances affect his approach to the season, either. “I tried to stay positive and not let the game change who I am on and off the field,” said Tyler.
Tyler said he approached the season determined to perform better than he did last year. “Every year I try to do better and improve my skills where I can. I just want to play baseball and have fun doing it.”
Coach Smith discussed the improvements his team can make going into next season. He said, “Perfect practice makes perfect. It is clear that our team is not getting any younger, so by maintaining our physical health during the off-season, the team can have a jump on those who allow themselves to get out of shape.”
Tyler said he can help his team by improving his batting technique and becoming more of a leader on the field. He said, “My batting is something that I truly need to work on. I can see the ball, but I have not yet learned how to turn my hips on the ball. I also feel if I play catcher again this coming season, I will take more of a leadership role and be a little more vocal.”
Despite an average baseball season, Tyler said he appreciated the opportunity to play baseball with his teammates. He said, “I have some good memories of this past season that I will hold onto for the rest of my life.”
Tennis Team Shares its Inspiration
San Quentin’s tennis team plays most weekends against outside players from local colleges, professional teams, and the Marin Tennis Club. The men told the San Quentin News what drives them on the court.
“I keep playing tennis because I enjoy the idea that my shots keep getting better. There is always the thought that I may make a killer topspin rip across the court to make the point. Oh, that is a great feeling! Of course there are some good days and some bad days. That is the way it goes.” – Jason McGinnis
“I enjoy the camaraderie and it’s a lot of fun. There’s a lot of good guys I get to play with. It’s good for my health because I’m a heavy guy and it’s something I can take to the street with me. Playing tennis helps me to stay focused and from worrying. It is also great to be able to play guys from the streets like the college athletes who teach me things like bettering my back hand. It’s a blessing.” – Marc Jordan
“I love the fun and the challenge of learning something new. Tennis is a sport where there’s always something you can work on like serving or my backhand. As long as it stays fun, I’ll be on the court.” – Chris Schuhmacher
“My health. Also it is a way to be the athlete that I always was early on. There are workouts involved as you become more aware of the sport, which does not always happen in another sport. The challenge is the thrill of putting it all together.” – James Taylor
“I think the camaraderie and the competition are things that motivate me in strengthening my game. It helps me relieve stress. It also helps me with my communication skills because I get to socialize with people from the outside communities.” – Orlando Harris
Coaches Reflect on San Quentin A’s Winning Season
The San Quentin A’s worked their way through an exceptional 2012 baseball season, according to Coach John “Yahya” Parratt and pitcher Nghiep Ke Lam.
“The season went excellent and my expectations were reached when I saw the happiness in my players’ faces,” said Parratt.
Ke Lam gives appreciation to everyone who contributed to the A’s successful season. “I felt our season went miraculously with the support of the administration, the Oakland A’s organization, a few dedicated coaches from the outside community and the wonderful teams making the trip to play us,” said Ke Lam. “Despite some setbacks, my team made this season very memorable. We went beyond expectations.”
Parratt’s management skills helped the A’s to their second winning season. “My approach to the season was to go in and put the best nine on the field,” said Parrett. “I wanted to make sure we had each player in the right position and have a good bench and pitching staff to carry us through.”
Ke Lam expressed some areas of improvement they can address before next season. He commented, “There are minor improvements we could work on, like base-running and understanding the signs.”
“San Quentin A’s is a team, and team stands for Together Everyone Achieves More,” Parratt concluded.
The A’s finished their season 8-0.
S.Q. Soccer Needs Sponsors
San Quentin’s soccer players have organized and started competing in hopes that someone would come in from the streets to coach and donate uniforms, cleats and soccer balls. Two players described to the San Quentin News the value of playing soccer behind prison walls.
“First and foremost, soccer teaches discipline,” said Alex Ruiz.
Jorge Heredia expresses how one can take what they learn from playing soccer and turn them into life skills. “Soccer teaches social and communication skills,” Heredia said. “It keeps you fit and reduces stress as well.”
“To play you have to learn to love it. When you love it, you even play in the snow, the rain or whatever the elements,” said Ruiz. “Soccer is like an art. You can use your hands and feet and do things with the ball that people can admire”
“Due to the increase of the inmate population and the limited job opportunities, soccer is a perfect outlet for the guys who do not have jobs here,” said Heredia.
Alex Ruiz played soccer since the age of four, when he lived in Peru, and credits his uncle Pepe Del Carpio for introducing him to soccer. He moved to America at the age of 14 and played soccer at Albany High School in California.
While Ruiz was playing soccer as an eight-year-old, a motorcyclist ran over his leg. Ruiz loved playing soccer so much, it only took him a few days to start back playing again.
Observations on Prison Life – A Visitor’s Commentary
Editor’s Note: The following excerpt is from a Letter To The Editor from Samuel Sher, who visited San Quentin recently with a group sponsored by the self-help group TRUST.
My trip to San Quentin was one of those moments that stopped me in my tracks. It made me forget about all the insignificant and superficial trivialities in life and try to define what’s really important in life.
Inside these walls, this was home; this is where everything takes place. That really shocked me. That was a hard concept to grasp. That we are living our lives in the outside world, and here they are day after day, living a life free of that basic necessity. As we talked to the prisoners, I became mad. These awesome people are … bright and so in touch with themselves. Why are they locked up in here, being treated like caged animals? Some of these men are more competent than those living outside of prison. I became mad because all it came down to is a failure to understand them, a failure to grasp who these people are, and how they have changed, so we take the intolerant path of sticking them in prison. I became frustrated with society for being so narrow-minded.
As we made our way to the field, I became more mad to see all the prisoners divided up among race. I know it’s prison and there are rules that you can only associate with your own skin color. That is where the problem all around the world lies. We are so concerned with which group we are a part of and who we belong to that we forget we’re all the same. We are all one human species, living on the planet together. To divide ourselves and fight over something so insignificant as skin color is ridiculous and immature.
What’s done is done. You can’t change the past. And no one knows this better than the prisoners of San Quentin. Yet they are the ones who learned from their mistakes, so much so that they have completely transformed themselves as people.
We are so grateful and honored that you have taken the steps necessary to be the human beings you are meant to be. I will accept you as a member or society and a guest of my home.
Thank you and never give up.
Samuel Sher
Race Still a Factor in Determining Police Stops
LAW SCHOOL PROFESSOR DESCRIBES RACIAL UNFAIRNESS IN THE SYSTEM
People of color are disproportionately stopped by police, arrested and imprisoned, according to an activist and law professor.
“It is time for every person interested in justice and safety to join in and dismantle this racist system,” wrote Bill Quigley, a Loyola University law professor and associate director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, on the website commondreams.org.
Because of “a domestic war against the marginalized,” people of color remain subjected to harsher penalties in the U.S. criminal courts, Quigley said.
He cites Professor Dylan Rodriguez’s book, Forced Passages, which argues the lack of productivity by the marginalized jeopardizes the stability of the mainstream, which rationalizes the need to isolate them from the majority.
“‘These people,’ whether they are in Guantanamo or Abu Ghraib or U.S. jails and prisons, are not productive, are not needed, are not wanted and not really entitled to the same human rights as the productive ones,” said Quigley.
The Sentencing Project reports that although African Americans make up 13 percent of the U.S. population and 14 percent of monthly drug users, 37 percent of people arrested for drug offenses are African American.
Further, law enforcement records show people of color are subjected to stop and frisk at alarming rates compared to people subjected to the policy.
The American Civil Liberties Union recently reported California African Americans are three times more likely to be stopped by police than whites. In New York City, 80 percent of the NYPD stops were of blacks or Latinos, despite people of color making up only half of the population.
The US judicial system fares no better, the report shows. In the federal system, black offenders receive sentences that are 10 percent longer than white offenders for the same crimes, according to a 2010 U.S. Sentencing Commission report. According to the Sentencing Project, African American defendants are 21% more likely to receive mandatory minimum sentences than white defendants, and African American drug defendants are 20% more like to be sentenced to prison than white drug defendants.
Another disparity uncovered in the report “concludes that the chance of a black male born in 2001 of going to jail is 32 percent or one in three. Latino males have a 17 percent chance and white males have a six percent chance.”
Quigley quotes Professor Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, as saying, “nothing short of a major social movement can dismantle this new caste system.”
Professor Quigley’s article can be found at www.CommonDreams.org.