San Quentin News

Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

Archives for April 2014

Merrill Lynch Uses New Financial Tool to Provide Opportunities for Paroled Prisoners

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Bank of America Merrill Lynch is using a new financial tool to help fight to keep people from going back to prison.
The bank has raised $13.5 million through Social Impact Bonds hoping to prepare those released from prison with skills that would keep them out of jails and prisons, according to Robert Milburn writing for PENTA Magazine. Social Impact Bonds are investment opportunities that may produce a profit for private investors, if successful.
Tina Rosenberg of the Opinionator first reported on the bonds in Peterborough, London. Government agencies, historically short on cash for social programs, guaranteed private investors a return on investment bonds for programs that produce results, according to Rosenberg.

Investments

Government agencies repay private investors their principle investment, plus a profit as social programs achieve measurable goals. If goals are not reached, the government pays nothing.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was the first to bring the new approach to America, according to Milburn. In 2012, Bloomberg tackled recidivism rates among incarcerated youth with a program introduced at Rikers Island, New York City’s massive jail system.
Bloomberg’s proposal for his ABLE (Adolescent Behavioral Learning Experience) program provided “evidence-based intervention to 16-to-18 -year olds in the Department of Correction’s custody at Rikers Island and after release in the community.”

Bonds

However, the Bank of America deal is thought to be important for the future of Social Impact Bonds in America, according to PENTA Magazine. The financial structure of the Bank of America deal places most of the risk on Bank of America and not on a foundation or the government. This structure makes the deal more like a true investment rather than a charitable donation, according to Milburn.
If the Bank of America Social Impact Bond proves to be profitable, more wealthy investors may utilize this method to fund effective programs while weeding out less effective programs. Additionally, the pool of corporate and wealthy private investors could increase pumping much-needed private funds into social programs facing cutbacks from government sponsors.

Prison Overpopulation Send Inmates Out-of-State

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In 2010, the 2.2 million people incarcerated in prisons and jails represented more than a 500 percent increase from 1972. As a justification to relieve the resulting overcrowding, prison officials have sent more than 10,500 inmates to out-of-state private prisons, according to Locked up & Shipped Away, by Grassroots Leadership.
From 1990 to 2011, the number of inmates housed in private prisons in the U.S. increased 1,684 percent. In 1990, people incarcerated out-of-state averaged 7,771. That number grew to 130,941 by Dec. 31, 2011.

“The most punitive aspect of incarceration is physical separation, with prisoners and their families simultaneously enduring the punishment of incarceration”

Grassroots Leadership reports that inmates are shipped from approximately 450 miles to nearly 3,000 miles away from their homes.
“Scholars argue the most punitive aspect of incarceration is physical separation, with prisoners and their families simultaneously enduring the punishment of incarceration, Grassroots Leadership reports. “Undoubtedly, this punishment is exacerbated when prisoners are shipped from their home state.”
An interstate inmate transfer, or transferring incarcerated people to out-of-state prisons, “is detrimental criminal justice policy that hurts families,” Grassroots Leadership finds. It hinders rehabilitation by lessening the ties of inmates to their families and communities, which compromises rather than enhances the public good, the report concludes.
According to research by Vera Institute of Justice, incarcerated adults “who have strong family ties fare better in prison and pose less of a risk to public safety when they return to the community.”
Grassroots Leadership cites a New York Times exposé, “The Nation: Bartering Inmate Futures,” where both prisoner advocates and prison officials agree that the practice of transferring prisoners out-of-state ‘defies sound theory.’”
Nevertheless, private for-profit companies portray inmates as a “commodity,” hence perpetuating a business-like assessment in how to treat them that Grassroots Leadership says, “intensifies our nation’s mass incarceration crisis.” Corrections Corporation of America co-founder Tom Beasley advertises that the company was founded on the principle that you could sell prisons “just like you were selling cars or real estate or hamburgers.”
The two largest private prison companies, CCA and GEO Group (formerly Wackenhut Corrections), earned combined revenue of more than $3.2 billion in 2012, according to Grassroots Leadership.
Grassroots Leadership examined the out-of-state transfer policies of California, Vermont, Idaho, and Hawaii, along with West Virginia’s plan to move up to 400 of its inmates to private out-of-state prisons.
In 2012, the annual cost to house a California inmate out-of-state was $45,339, according to Center of Juvenile and Criminal Justice. The 2012 cost to house California inmates out-of-state was $318 million, according to The Future of California Corrections.
An inspector general audit of inmates transferred from California to out-of-state prisons in 2010 showed that the private prisons operated under a severe lack of staff screening, training, and protocol, Center of Juvenile and Criminal Justice reports.
“For example, the audit found that the hiring process [for staff] does not include a comprehensive criminal background and arrest history review. The conditions in the facilities were also found to be inadequate, with many inmates placed in segregation for 12 months or more, without access to education, treatment programs or exercise.”
In 2011, Hawaii housed almost a third of its approximately 6,000 inmates in Arizona, at a cost of more than $40 million, according to a study by Urban Institute.
It cost West Virginia about $65 a day to house inmates in-state, according to West Virginia MetroNews Network. The cost for 400 inmates would be $9.5 million. The state’s Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein said, a private prison’s bid “close to that would peak their interest.”

Olympic Gold Medalist Visits San Quentin

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For any American, it would be a thrill to hold an Olympic gold medal. For the men of the San Quentin 1,000-Mile Club, it was an honor for Fast Eddie Hart to bring his into the prison and share his experience with them.
Hart won the Gold medal running the 4×4 relay in the 1972 Olympics.
“I want to say is that it is a pleasure and an honor to stand here and speak to you men and women. Coming into San Quentin is an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said Hart to the crowd of long distance runners and the sponsors of the track club. “Ever since I was five years old, I was fast. At five years old, I was faster than all the kids my age and most the kids a little older than I was. From childhood, I have received accolades for (my speed), and I loved it.”
Hart made international news in the summer of 1972 when he missed his semi-final race and couldn’t compete in the 100 meter sprint due to a mix-up in the racing schedules.
“I remember going back to the hotel room, standing in the shower for about an hour and a half. I think I cried just about every minute I was in that shower,” he told the group.
“However, my parents didn’t raise a quitter. My father instilled in me that I wasn’t to cry over spilled milk, and not to have sour grapes. I also had to get myself together because I had a relay race to run. My personal dream may have passed, but my team needed me to anchor the relay race. So, even though I was in pain – and everyone in my hometown was grieving inside with me – I had to let that go and refocus on my team,” said Hart.
Hart stood in a chilly room inside The Old Laundry building, on the prison grounds and reflected on his path to the Olympics.
“Jesse Owens was a big hero of mine, setting four world records, and winning four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin; also ‘Bullet’ Bob Hayes in the ‘64 Olympics when he broke Jesse Owens’ record. He was a hero of mine as well.”
Hart said he made his mind up to be an Olympian while still in junior high school.
“I could see my name in lights: ‘Eddie Hart, Olympic Gold Medalist.’ I spent the next ten years putting myself in a position to achieve that goal,” Hart stated, pulling the Olympic gold medal from his pocket. It shimmered in his hand.
“Coming out of junior college, I was ranked number 1 in the country. I had offers from several of the top universities in the land, but I chose University of California, Berkeley. Part of the reason I chose Cal Berkeley it was close to home. It also had something to do with the fact that my then girlfriend (and future wife) Gwen Carter was attending Cal Berkeley,” Hart said with a boyish smile and gleam in his eye. Hart and Carter have been married for 40 years.
“Just three weeks prior to the Olympic trials in 1972, I pulled a muscle at the Kennedy Games, one of the major track meets in the country. I was worried if it would heal before the Olympic trials. When the trials came around, I hadn’t come out of the (racing) blocks in three weeks. I was really worried about injuring myself again and missing the Olympics altogether.”
His message about overcoming adversity was well received by those in attendance.
“Just the fact that he came into San Quentin to speak to us says a lot about the man behind he medal,” said one club runner. “It puts emphasizes to his overall message about giving back, and the responsibility of being a celebrity and an American icon.”
“What I was most impressed about was his message that true strength is overcoming adversity,” said Steve Emrick. Emrick is the community partnership manager. “The message that character is developed by how you overcome hardship and not necessarily the successes is tailored for these men (of San Quentin).”
Hart began a foundation ten years ago called the Hart All In One Foundation. “I have been living with my family in Pittsburg for the past 12 years. Now that I have achieved my goals, I believed it was time for me to give back and to help the youth in mine, and the surrounding communities, to develop and attain their goals.”
Ralph Ligons, a childhood friend of Hart, said, “Growing up, Eddie was always serious. I mean, more serious than any other kid in our neighborhood. He was focused and he knew what he wanted.” Hart and Ligons have known each other since they were both in elementary school. They have remained close friends even to this day.
“I remember when we were growing up, Eddie used to chase us –- he was faster than everybody,” Ligons laughed as he recalled the memory, sharing the moment with those in attendance. “If he caught you? He’d give you a Charlie-horse in your thigh! But he never caught me.”
Ligons also competed in the Olympic trials in 1972, and made it to the semi-finals. He lost to his friend in the 100 meter. “I lost, but I lost to the fastest man on the planet (at that time) and that’s not a bad thing,” said Ligons, a former Sacramento State College All-American track star from 1971-74.
Hart answered questions from those in attendance, and took pictures with the 1,000-Mile Club members and sponsors.
When asked about talking with convicted criminals about difficulties, Hart was reflective.
“My path to the Olympics began 10 years before I stood on the podium and actually bent at the waist to receive the medal. It began with a dream. I want these men in here to know that they have the capacity to still dream and achieve those dreams despite their current circumstance.”

Kings Defeat The Bittermen in Season Opener, 69-53

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In a quest to repeat the success of the last two winning seasons, the San Quentin Kings began the 2014 basketball season with 69-53 victory over The Bittermen.
“Hey, what can I say? This is how you want to run a successful program,” said Kings head coach Orlando Harris. “You want to start a season with a win. It allows you to continue to build from last season.”
The Kings were led on the court by starting point guard Brian “The Landlord” Asey, who put a double-double in the books (16 points, 10 assists) to start this season. “You know how I play the game: just the fundamentals,” said Asey after the game. He scored 10 of his points in the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter surge killed off The Bittermen’s comeback. They had gotten as close as within four points in the third.
Starting center P. “Strange” Walker also came to play with his hard hat on, getting a double-double as well, scoring 10 points, and grabbing a game-leading 15 rebounds, six of them offensive.
Power forward Thaddeus “Beast” Fleeton dropped 11 points, using low-post moves, including drop steps, a 16-foot fade-away shot, and a series of quick spin moves to get inside to the rim.
Oris “Sniper” Williams, normally the sixth man, started at the shooting guard position and knocked down 13 points, shooting three for five from behind the three-point line.
The Bittermen had trouble at the gate when two of their players weren’t allowed on the grounds. If that wasn’t bad enough, the usually short-handed visitors have one favorite player that they pick to play with against the Kings: Jason “Boo” Robinson, Intramural League rebounding leader.
“We looked for Boo, but he didn’t show up until after the game. Nobody told him we were coming in,” said Todd Simms, Bittermen center. “Boo allows me to play at power forward. That guy is a beast on the boards.”
Maurice “Optimus Prime” Hanks led The Bittermen with 17 points, three rebounds, and one block. Hanks’ is a member of the San Quentin Warriors.
Bittermen Steve S. scored 14, followed by Tim Hall with 13 points in the March 15 game.

Athletes Address The Importance Of Sports and Rehabilitation

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San Quentin offers a unique opportunity to advance academically as well as participate in sporting programs. Here, a convicted felon can be on the field, court, or diamond with the CEO of a multi-national company or even a millionaire.
Several San Quentin Student-Athletes were asked how sports impacted their incarceration. Here is what they had to say:
Dwight Kennedy, 39, was convicted of possession of a firearm. He is serving a sentence of 25 to life under California’s Three-Strike Law.
Q: How long have you played sports for The Q?
I’ve played sports since my arrival seven years ago. Baseball (The Giants [4]) and football (All Madden [7])
Q: What makes The Q unique?
San Quentin has excellent academic programs, as well as self-help groups such as No More Tears, VOEG, and IMPACT.
Q: What degrees have you earned while at SQ?
I’m in pursuit of an AA in communication.
Q: What is the main difference between the man nick-named “Sleepy” who arrived at SQ seven years ago, and the person giving this interview to SQNews?
There has been a significant change. I’m more than just Dwight: I have become a member of society without being in society through the help of volunteers that come in and assist people like me in becoming a changed individual. It’s all about rehabilitation to those who have just arrived at the Q. Rehabilitation is being responsible, addressing your personal issues, such as what brought you to prison. Stop blaming others for your personal failings and taking responsibility. Rehabilitation is freedom.
John Windham, 43, was convicted of accessory to second-degree murder and sentenced to a 15-to-life sentence.
Q: What programs have you taken part in since being at The Q?
I have taken Restorative Justice, the Work, and No More Tears.
Q: Any college or vocational programs?
Yes, I’m in machine shop. I’ve also signed up for plumbing and computer repair.
Q: In the KTVU interview (9/20/2013), you spoke about second chances and rehabilitation. Can you expand on that a little more?
Well, during our incarceration, some of us have really changed. We grew up and have become rehabilitated. Not only by law – but by right – we deserve a second chance.
Q: What sports programs have you taken part in?
I am playing soccer, football, baseball, basketball –all three leagues- softball.
Q: What do you say to the youth reading this who are thinking about following in your footsteps?
Man! Stay in school. Value family and freedom! And think about the consequences of your actions before you act.
Rafael Cuevas, 31, was convicted of second-degree murder and is serving 16-to-life.
Q: What programs have you taken since your arrival at The Q?
I’m in AA, Project Choice; Prison Sports Ministries
Q: What about education?
I started in voluntary education, then vocational program – sheet metal; now I’m in Patten College taking intermediate algebra.
Q: What sports programs have you taken part in since being at The Q?
I’ve played for the SQ Warriors and was head coach in the CBL.
Q: Talk about being a student athlete; have you ever considered yourself as one?
I’ve been a student-athlete for a long time. It means I am busy. I have a program, and I have a lot to do. It means keeping a lot on my plate, which keeps me focused. It means working, practice, getting used to having little time for outside or unproductive activities and focusing on the bettering of myself.
Q: What is it about The Q that has changed you?
The programs that I attend help me to know myself better. The biggest thing about being ready to return to society isn’t what society has for me; it’s what I have for society. In my youth, I didn’t realize that. Now, I’m learning who I am. I have more to offer because I can identify what it is I have to offer. People here, at The Q, have shown me that you don’t have to wait to get ready to re-enter society to be the man that you want to be. There’s nothing stopping you from being who you want to be right now, today, in the given circumstances.
Anthony Ammons Jr., 30, convicted of first-degree murder, a gang enhancement, and attempted murder at 16 years old was sentenced to 102-to- life.
Q: What programs have you taken part in since arriving at SQ?
I’ve taken AA/NA, Project Choice, Peer Health Education, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), No More Tears, Kit Kat (juvenile lifers group), and Restorative Justice.
Q: What sports programs have you taken part in?
I play in the Intramural League and for the SQ Warriors.
Q: What does the “rehabilitation” mean to you?
Rehabilitation means opening my mind to see where I went wrong; seeing what I was doing and how it was harming my community and me. Opening to change, to accept someone else’s views and apply them to your life; not to be what they want you to be, but to be a productive citizen. Taking responsibility and accountability. To admit I was wrong.
Q: What education have you involved yourself in?
I am on the waiting list for Patten College; I did get my high school diploma at New Folsom. I’m proud of that because it made me realize that I could accomplish something, and it made my mother proud.
Q: What is it about SQ that seems to have drawn this out of you?
Here, I was able to break myself down. I was headed in that direction, but The Q allowed me to start from scratch and rebuild. There’s no racial tension here, no “prison politics” at The Q; it allows the opportunity to sit down and analyze your personal situation.
Q: How does it feel being a student-athlete?
I never really had a chance to experience it. I knew I had some type of talent, but I didn’t think people could tell me how to play sports. Once they put me in a position, I just played, rather than studying the game.
It feels good to be a student/athlete. To not let your talent be bigger than you, but to be taught how to be better with the natural gifts you possess.
Q: Any closing comments to the Readership?
I want to thank the Creator for giving me a voice. Getting 102 years-to-life at 16 years old… some people might just give up, but, once I made it here – at SQ – I realized through the programs that I can be better. Peel back the layers and heal that inner child.
Allan McIntosh, 39 years old, was convicted of possession of a firearm and sentenced 25 years to life under the Three Strikes Law.
Q: How long you been at The Q?
13 months.
Q: What programs have you taken part in since you’ve been here?
AVP, first level.
Q: And education?
Coastline College, taking business and psychology.
Q: What is it about SQ that has given you a change in attitude about rehabilitation?
The environment around The Q is like no other in the CDCR. You don’t have the pressure and stress that go along with prison life here, so you can focus on the betterment of self.
Q: Was it a choice or realignment that brought you to The Q?
Realignment. I wanted to come here because I heard about the education and self help groups.
Q: What sports programs have you taken part in?
Football and basketball.
Q: What does it feel like to be a student/ athlete again?
Well, it takes me back me to a time in my youth. Being here, playing sports, and attending Coastline, it’s like a college campus all over again (without the girls!).

1000 Mile Club Results

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Youth was first as 30-year-old Eddie Herena won The 1000-Mile Club 3-Mile Run with a time of 18:02.
The event at San Quentin started officially at 8:30 a.m. March 7, but Rahsaan Thomas hit the track at 7:13.
“The early bird catches the worm,” said Thomas, San Quentin News sports editor. “I had a lot to cover this morning, so I wanted to get out here and knock this down.” His time: 28:17.
Abdul Qadiyr Morceli, 32, came in second with a time of 19:05; Brian Ballard, 40, next at 19:52. Rounding out those that finished in less than 20 minutes was Larry Ford, 58. He finished with a time of 19:59.
“I try to make them feel bad,” said Ford, smiling. “I’m going to give them a run for their money every time we hit this track.”
Leroy Lucas dropped out of the race after eight laps due to an ankle injury. “I put on too much weight,” said Lucas, 38. After resting a few minutes (and limping the rest of the way), he went on to finish with a time of 31:39.
Angel Armengol, 29, finished just over 20 minutes at 20:06. It was his first time running a 3-Mile Run. “It felt good, you know. I feel really good too.”
Herena averaged 1:30 per quarter mile, a solid pace for a 1,000-Mile Club runner.
Other racers were: Ramirez, 20:52; Sandoval, 31, 20:55; Williams, 52, 23:17; Moody, 44, 23:29; Gazzeny, 47, 25:16; Hunter, 54, 28:03; Beason, 34, 28:38; Lucas, 38, 31:39; Barnes, 64, did not finish (1.5 Mile).

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