Archives for July 2014

San Quentin Celebrates Its 2014 Graduation

July 26, 2014 by Juan Haines

The 2014 graduating class at San Quentin State Prison included more than a dozen inmates receiving associate degrees in social and behavioral science, humanities, American studies, business and liberal arts. In addition, Robert Tyler earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration.

Juliet Moun, Lila Xiong, Nou “Thao” Phang,
Kenny and Mee Xiong

“It’s so important, the support we receive from family and prison administrators,” said Tyler, who has been taking college classes for the past 20 years. Quoting Calvin Coolidge, Tyler stressed, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.”
The two-day ceremony also acknowledged 45 inmates who earned General Education Development (GED) diplomas, seven who received associate degrees from the privately funded Prison University Project (PUP) and an inmate who was awarded a vocational machine shop certificate.

David Zaffa, Raquel Espino, Agustin, Leticia and Rachel Munoz

Dozens of inmates’ families were allowed inside the prison to watch their loved ones receive recognition for completing the educational programs.
“What a wonderful day it is today. Your hard work has paid off,” said Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, the first day’s keynote speaker. “Thanks (go) to the teachers, prison administrators and family support. No one does it by himself. Everyone needs a support system. We can overcome our challenges. Keep doing the great work.”
“Thank you so much for giving nourishment in a place that sometimes could feel like a desert,” said the second day’s keynote speaker, former San Quentin inmate, Pat Mims.
“Everyone says San Quentin is a flagship for rehabilitation. We need to put the sail to the wind, and get these programs in other prisons,” continued Mims. “I want all of you to get out to better your community. Always remember, this is the start to what’s to come. I’ve walked in those hard brown shoes, those tennis shoes, that CDCR shirt. That’s not you. They do not define you. Freedom goes in steps. You’ve made a part of freedom. Keep taking those steps. As long as you keep taking the steps, you move toward upward mobility.”

Sung Lam, Denh Y., John Lam, My and Tom Lam

“I work in the most active rehabilitative place in the United States, in the world,” said Associate Warden Steve Albritton. “It’s not how we start our race; it’s how we finish the race. For those continuing your education, I commend you. You have my full support. We can never over-educate ourselves. Education is the great equalizer.”
PUP receives its accreditation from Patten College. Thomas Stewart, Ph.D., the prison university’s president, told the graduates: “Take your degree and knowledge and use it for good.”
Stewart then made the following offer: “Each graduate is extended a scholarship to get a bachelor’s degree. The only challenge is to use it for social justice.”
Aly Tamboura, this year’s Patten valedictorian, told the audience about his journey toward a higher education. He began his incarceration at prisons where violence, despair, racial division and gangs were prevalent.

Top:Samantha, Aly, Alyssa and Sean Tamboura with Carolyn
Johnson. Bottom: Marcia Tamboura holding graduation cetificate

“When I heard about the college program at San Quentin, I wrote a letter to Jennifer Scaife to get in. I believe that education allows positive change. Education gives us the ability to look at life through a different lens,” said Tamboura.
Tamboura acknowledged his family in the audience and thanked them for supporting him. “This achievement is for you, mom,” he said.
“I’m so proud of my son,” Tamboura’s mother said. “I knew he could do it. I can’t wait for him to come home.”

Donna and Jody Lewen with Jennifer Scaife

Tamboura’s daughter, Alyssa, said, “When a person thinks about how their life’s going to turn out, you don’t think your father is going to be in prison. But my father is taking the time to better himself.”
“It’s been hard, but I’m happy that my father has found something that is his calling,” added Tamboura’s other daughter, Samantha.
Inmate John Lam, who arrived at San Quentin in 2012, earned degrees in social and behavioral science, humanities, American studies and business from Coastline Community College. “I started in Level IV and kept studying,” he said.

Mother Martha and Tommy Winfrey with David Monroe,
Miguel Quesada and Kara Urion

“I’m very happy and proud of his accomplishment,” said Lam’s mother, Denh Y. “It was no surprise. He’s very strong. It is my hope that my son will come home soon. I thank San Quentin Prison for providing the opportunity.”
Lam’s father, Sung, added, “I’m very thankful that the teachers take time to teach in prison. I hope that more teachers would volunteer to teach inmates who want to learn.”
Tommy Winfrey earned degrees on both days. His mother, Martha, traveled from Texas to see her son’s graduation. “He’s a great son. He’s in all sorts of programs and he’s done marvelous things. Sometimes it’s hard, but I come once a year. I expect him to do greater things.”
Sandy Claire is a tutor in PUP’s study hall. Claire began volunteering at San Quentin in early 2011 with the Restorative Justice program. “Volunteering at San Quentin has become an important part of my life,” Claire said. “There’s so much talent and intelligence and creativity here.”

Allen Webb, Terrell Allen, Alfonza Merritt
and Nathaniel Moore

“I saw education as a chore,” said GED valedictorian Andrew D. Sabatino. “It didn’t really hit me until I saw all my friends graduating. When I saw the prison programs, I saw hope. We have control of what and how we think. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reshape my life.”
Phillip Brown began studying for his GED at California Men’s Colony in 2009. “I left the streets at a young age,” said Brown. “I’m the first to graduate of my brothers and sisters. I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.”
“It’s a blessing that my husband’s received his GED in spite of the obstacles of prison,” said Brown’s wife, Janaun. “I would love for him to go to college.”
“He’s a real good dude,” inmate Greg Eskridge said of Brown. “I’ve known him about six or seven years. He’s like a little brother to me. His educational journey was a struggle. He kept telling me that he didn’t think he’d finish it. But he said he made a promise to his grandmother that he’d finish his education, and he kept his word. He has a lot of strength and he wants to better himself.”
Marcus D. Chavarria said he started studying for his GED in 2011. “Finding a quiet place to study was hard to do in prison. But getting a GED allows me to get a raise at my job,” he said. Chavarria’s job assignment is with the Prison Industry Authority. “It’s my source of income and it gives me a chance to learn a trade. Getting an education has helped me understand how to do my job better, especially the math classes. My grandkids were happy that I got my GED.”

Kenneth Cooksey, 53, received his GED and said, “It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, because everywhere I go people would throw it (the lack of a high school education) in my face.” Cooksey has been at San Quentin for seven years and it has taken him about a year, off and on, to earn his GED.
Todd “Silk” Williams, 51, from Oakland, has been incarcerated for 16 years at High Desert State Prison, California State Prison-Solano, Correctional Training Facility in Soledad and now San Quentin. What’s next? “Parole and home … put this degree to work.”
Williams’ family came from Oakland. In attendance were his two daughters, Tamara and Tangelia, nephew Eric Gilbert and sister Tracy Patterson.
“I’m very proud of him. He’s always been the smartest person I’ve known, so I’m not surprised” that he graduated, said Patterson. “No matter what has happened or transpired in his life, I’ve always been proud of him.”
Rodney Baylis, 54, said it took him four months to earn his GED. “I made it on my first try.”
Baylis is a three-striker who is not eligible to have his sentence reduced under Proposition 36. He has been incarcerated for 20 years and has done time in Soledad, Solano, Susanville and Tracy (Deuel Vocational Institution) before arriving at San Quentin.
Baylis said he took advantage of the voluntary education program (VEP) to earn his GED at San Quentin. He did this in spite of his 3 a.m. work assignment in the kitchen as a line server. “This is a good program, but you have to be the one to do it. If you show them (the instructors) interest, they will help you,” said Baylis, who is now on the waiting list to attend Patten College.
Music provided by: Reggie Austin, keyboard, Greg “Dee” Dixon, bass, Dwight Krizman, drums, Lee Jasper, guitar, Larry “Popeye” Fasion, trumpet, Jimmy Rojas, congas, and Roman Claudio, percussionist.
Color Guard: Craig R. Johnson, David Tarvin, Norfleet Stewart and Ernie Soltaro.
“I’m just glad it’s over with,” said Glenn Hill, 58. Hill said it took him about two years to complete his GED studies. He started in the GED prep program and the Reach program. Hill has also participated in GRIP, IMPACT, Breaking Barriers, No More Tears, CRI and Peer Health Education.
“I feel great. I finally finished it and got it behind me. The experience has been priceless,” said Osbun Walton, 65. Walton said he has been at San Quentin four years and it has taken him about three years to complete his GED. He has taken the GED Prep; Non-Violent Communication I, II and III; and VOEG.
Don Billington, 68, said, “I started in February this year and I’m graduating” with a GED.
San Quentin Chaplin Mardi Jackson said she’s supportive and proud of the men who graduated.
Aly Tamboura’s family:
“I’m very proud to see him complete what he started, said Tamboura’s brother Sean. “I’ve been to every prison that’s he’s been to and I live in East Texas. I always come to check out my brother, no matter where he’s at.”
“I didn’t know that prisons had these opportunities to grow,” said Tamboura family friend Lisa Rodriguez. “Under the circumstances, I’m very glad to see organizations give money and time. It’s very inspiring.”
“This is a great day. I’m really happy for him. He’s a brilliant guy,” said long-time friend Caroline Johnson. “I’m looking forward to attending his graduation for his BA after he’s paroled.”
John Lam’s family:
“He’s a very supportive brother,” said John Lam’s sister, Annie. He’s always giving us pep talks. He’s very caring and wants to do good things. I’m very proud of him. He’s very curious and wants to learn. It makes me want to learn.”
“John’s a great little brother,” Tom said. “He’s very smart. When you’re young, you make mistakes. He’s always teaching us something. This is huge.”
Robin Guillen: “Are there any peacemakers in the house?” asked Robin Guillen “As a peacemaker we learn that hurt people hurt people, heal people heal people and free people free people,” he said before playing a friendship tune on a windpipe.

Marin County DA Given Insight to Life Behind Bars

July 26, 2014 by Ted Swain

Marin County District Attorney Edward Berberian and two staffers, Deputy District Attorney Leon Vousharian and Assistant District Attorney Yvette Martinez-Shaw, were guests at the fifth San Quentin News Forum held on Friday, May 29.
A principal object of the forums is to provide all parties in the criminal justice system a first-hand opportunity to examine the issues of crime, policing, prosecution, prison, re-entry and changing lives.

“In 1935 the Supreme Court declared that a prosecutors job is more than merely winning every case by racking up convictions; it also included seeing that justice is done.” “Pressing Pause on Marijuana Convictions” NYT Opinion July 30, 2018

Arranged in a group format, the forums are held like roundtable discussions with participants sitting in a circle. Berberian, Martinez-Shaw and Vousharian sat among the 21 long-term prisoners and volunteer advisers.
Law enforcement personnel who have participated in the forums have said the forums are valuable as a resource for first-hand information regarding the entire criminal justice system. Berberian and his co-workers represent a new era of criminal justice professionals. Because of their interest in the process from initial custody to reentry, all three prosecutors wanted to know about the many programs available at San Quentin.
Berberian and his staff asked about the goals of each program and how it worked to achieve its purpose. It was clear that everyone thought San Quentin stands out for its progressive approach.
Arnulfo Garcia said, “Mass incarceration is not the solution as was previously thought.” With reentry and realignment considerations, many challenges now complicate the criminal justice system.
Overcoming those challenges takes on new importance, said the DA. One part of the solution is the education and vocational training experiences available at San Quentin. Overcoming new challenges also involves learning from the inmates, he told the group.

Inmates, district attorney and guest discuss possible solutions to criminal problems

The DA has been to San Quentin previously about prosecution business, not about learning. Berberian said it was “refreshing” to speak with prisoners who hold themselves accountable. The longtime prosecutor said this experience would give him a better perspective when men come before his office for release.
Berberian indicated it was a new experience for him. He said, “This is the first time I have been in a room with so many inmates.”
Forum moderator, JulianGlenn “Luke” Padgett directed attention from one man to another as the men told the prosecutors about their crimes and how they came to acknowledge responsibility for them. Vousharian said he was impressed with the accounts.
The DA’s staff spoke freely about their role in the prosecution process, and the men talked about their crimes and experiences with the system. Every man had a unique story. One of the most important aspects of the path each prisoner takes is the initial custody experience. Moreover, that was an important piece of the puzzle Berberian and his staff wanted to examine.
“How did it feel when you were first taken into custody?” asked Berberian. Inmate after inmate told his impression of first being in custody. As inmate Michael Nelson expressed, “I haven’t thought a lot about incarceration, but I have thought a lot about my crime.” According to Nelson’s accounting of that time, “One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is call my aunt and tell her I committed a murder.”
Talking about the initial custody experience, Nelson said when he was arrested, “It was all very raw.” He was arrested four hours after committing murder, he said adding, “I didn’t know how to deal with it.” Taken to Juvenile Hall, Nelson stayed there for a while, was then transferred to the Youth Authority and then to state prison. Because he was only 15 when he committed his crime, he didn’t know “about hating someone because of their race.” He said those are all things he learned in prison.
According to Berberian, “In the past, the job of district attorney was separate and apart from prison and reentry.” However, he said, he needed to know all aspects of prosecution, incarceration and reentry so that he could do his job better. Berberian explained it was his job to represent the public, so being an advocate for inmates is not in his job description. On the other hand, he explained he needed to “know what tools are available” so he can do his job the best he can.
Berberian said he was not a supporter of relaxing the Three Strikes Laws. “I want to have all the tools I can have,” he explained. Experiences of inmates from initial custody to final release were all important to the prosecutors.
Troy Williams said, “Being taken into custody is no joke.” He said the initial custody experience affects your entire experience of being incarcerated. Williams had a “real bad attitude” when he was first taken into custody and convicted. In addition, Williams affirmed the prosecutor’s belief that San Quentin is unique in the number of rehabilitation and self-help programs available.
Williams said when they asked him where he wanted to go, “I told them to get the (expletive) out of the way!” Berberian said, “I’m getting the sense that the jail experience is worse than the prison experience.” On the other hand, Williams said that coming from other prisons to San Quentin was like night and day. He said, “I woke up with a whole new attitude.”
The many programs at San Quentin was one of the major topics of discussion. Berberian asked if the programs had an effect on Williams’ attitude, to which Williams answered, “Before San Quentin, I didn’t have the tools to change.” According to Williams, that was his “aahh” moment.
Those programs are near the other end of the incarceration, or reentry. They were very much of interest to the prosecutors. As Williams said, “The day I came to San Quentin gave me a whole new life.” Talking about the many programs here at The Q, Berberian said, “It’s important for me to have information about the programs so I know what’s available.”
Berberian said he was keen to learn about the San Quentin experience with its 70 plus educational, vocational, self-help and health programs available to inmates.
Some men related to a vast contrast between the beginning and end of incarceration. The beginning is a “shock,” said Kris Himmelberger.
“Jail, that’s the worst,” said Himmelberger. Speaking of those first days, Himmelberger said, “I couldn’t believe it.” He indicated he wanted to stay at the county jail after conviction to fight his case, so he took the advice of another inmate. “I threatened the judge,” he said. Probably not the best advice, but it became clear to the prosecutors that incarceration has many facets.
Asked about initial incarceration, one inmate said, “When I got to the county jail, the other inmates wanted to know what gang I was in.”
Martinez-Shaw said it was unique to the forum that every participating inmate accepted responsibility for his crime. DA Berberian commented it was surprising and very refreshing to see men own up to their actions.
Berberian thanked the forum members for allowing him and his staff to examine the many issues regarding the criminal justice system. He said, “This forum has provided us an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge by directly interacting with prison inmates.”
As Martinez-Shaw said, “Learning from you men provides us information we need to know so we can do our job better.”

Prison’s newspaper celebrates 100th edition

San Quentin News & Wall City Merchandise

S.Q. Get On The Bus Event

July 26, 2014 by Phoeun You

Children traveled from as far away as San Diego to get hugs and kisses from their dads in celebration of Father’s Day June 6 in San Quentin’s visiting room.
“It is very important to have children connect with their parents to show them that they are loved,” said Amalin Molina, executive director for Center for Restorative Justice Works in Los Angeles.
Molina is a coordinator for Get On The Bus (GOTB), a nonprofit organization that brings children to incarcerated parents on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Molina said her connection to the program is personal. She said she overstayed her visa in 1998. Immigration Customs Enforcement arrested her with her husband and sent them to a detention camp in Long Beach. It took 16 months for them to be granted asylum.
During their detention, their three children were in school. “It was a huge struggle without a mother and father in the house. It was difficult being separated from my children, knowing that there was no adult to watch them,” she said. “The fact that the authorities did not find them was a good thing, because my kids were able to visit us while we were detained. They showed us that they are responsible. It was by the grace of God that they made it.”
“Research shows that when children are connected with fathers, they do better in school,” said Karen Vandelaat, a GOTB coordinator. “We believe children have a right to see their fathers.”
“It’s good to see the families come out for the guys who don’t get a lot of visits,” said Correctional Officer M. Lajoie, who has been with CDCR since April.
“I’m giddy,” said inmate Mark Jordan while hugging his daughter, Aleeya. “It’s bitter and sweet. The sweetness is that I get to see my daughter who has grown into a smart and beautiful young lady,” Jordan said. “But, it’s bitter, because being in prison is hard. You begin to understand that the mistakes you made have made it hard on your wife and kid. However, seeing my family gives me a chance to talk freely about why I’m here and not at home.”
“It’s been a while. It’s been five years,” said Patrice Berry, Aleeya’s mother. “When my baby found out about Get On The Bus she packed immediately. The Get On The Bus people provided everything. They truly treated us like guests. It was especially special for people who do not normally get waited on.”
GOTB volunteer/chaperone Karen Vandelaat said, “We’re all just one mistake from being someone in prison. Our message is that inmates are people who made a different choice. It’s a part of humanity to reach out and help. It’s like helping the underdogs.”
Vandelaat chaperoned children who rode in buses that began their journey in Long Beach, making stops in Santa Clarita, Bakersfield and Visalia before arriving at San Quentin.
Inmate Benny Gray’s surprise could not be contained as he watched his son Benny Gray III walk into the visiting room wearing a cap and gown. Gray’s son graduated from Lincoln High School in Stockton the day before the GOTB event.
“This was a perfect Father’s Day,” said Gray III’s mother, Sylvia Maldonado. “I was praying on it. I had nothing to lose. When Steve Emrick called me and said it was OK, I was so happy.”
Emrick is the Community Partnership Manager for San Quentin and the person who had to OK Gray III to come inside the prison with his cap and gown.
Gray III, a wrestler and football player, said his senior year was a struggle. “I made it through by keeping to my books. I just did everything I had to do.”
“I was being mom and dad while Benny was locked up,” Maldonado said. “I had to take him to church. It worked. He started calming down. I left everything in God’s hands.”
Gray III said he plans to go to tech school to learn electrical engineering and then go into the Air Force.
“He’s a good brother,” said his sister Bianca. “He helps me with my homework when I get stuck on it. That’s why I love him very much.”
Gray has about three more years on a six-year sentence. He said, “Since I’m from Stockton, I feel fortunate to have done all my time at San Quentin.” Gray said he is a co-facilitator for Victim Offenders Education Group. He said that he has completed three phases of the religious training program called Boot Camp and goes to church regularly. “Wherever I’m needed, I lend a hand,” he added.
“Programs like this help them [incarcerated men] prepare for life when they come home,” said GOTB volunteer Dominique De Clerck. “They have an early start on building a family bond.”
De Clerck helped chaperone children who rode in buses that began their journey in San Bernardino, making stops in Los Angeles and Antelope Valley before getting to San Quentin.
“We think it is important for families to continue to build a relationship even though one is incarcerated,” said GOTB volunteer Delores Leal.
“The Get On The Bus program is important to connect fathers with their children,” said inmate Troy Phillips’ ex, Zunknie Newell. “He [Troy] is the only dad that my kids know.”
“This weekend was about love for one another, but it was also about the pain in the eyes of the children from so many missing/absent fathers,” Phillips said.
Thirteen-year-old Gerald Salas Jr. popped out from hiding behind a vending machine in the visiting room and surprised his father, inmate Gerald Salas
“The last time I saw him was three years ago,” said Salas Sr., 29. “A Father’s Day visit makes you feel good. It’s a great feeling. It’s the greatest feeling to be with all your children.”
Salas Jr. said he traveled from Illinois to see his father. “When I surprised him, I started crying. Then he started crying. Then everyone was crying.”
“He’s a loving brother, a helping brother, who’s always been there for me,” said inmate Salas’ sister, Tatianna Keagan, 14. Keagan’s advice for families who have incarcerated members: “I would tell other kids to write them. They could always give good advice. My brother is a great dad to his kids and his family. He is a good son to his mom.”
Inmate Salas said he has about three years left on his sentence. “I’m going to reunite my family after this is done,” he said. Salas said he has completed a parenting class since being incarcerated. He said he is working on getting his GED; he attends Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. “You have to stop and think about what you’re doing,” Salas said. “Your anger gets tested every day in prison. You have to learn how to deal with it properly.”
“When I see children leave from the visit, they leave with joy and happiness. It is so beautiful to see children bond with their father,” Molina said. “We’re restoring the lives of the children to get them to connect so when daddy comes home they are not strangers. Reuniting children with their fathers is healing. Children have the right to be loved. They have the right to be kissed. We need to care about our children.”
“It really meant so much to me to spend time with my granddaughter and her to call me grandpa,” said Inmate Darnell “Moe” Washington. “She will always have memories of spending time with her grandpa Moe.”
Inmate John Vernacchio is the visiting room cameraman. “This was my second Get On The Bus event,” he said. “It’s heartwarming because you see families connecting. I almost broke into tears after seeing five family members in a group hug.”
Vernacchio, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, has no children and gets no visits. He said, “I feel blessed because I’ve been in the visiting room for a year and a half and kids come up and hug me. Some of the people who visit here make me feel like I have a family here, at least for the moment.”
It costs between $4,000 to $6,000 to pay for a bus from San Diego to San Quentin, according to Molina. An extra expense stems from the many stops to pick up children along the way to San Quentin, she said. “We don’t want to leave any children behind.”

Project Avary sets benefit march

Breaking the cycle of incarceration with music from behind prison walls

HR 6011 a bill to end children’s life without parole

S.F. 49ers Football Players Tour San Quentin

July 26, 2014 by Aaron Taylor

“The day is about perspectives and choices,” said San Francisco 49ers Chaplain Earl Smith to 19 rookie football players. “Choices that can lead one to prison or a National Football League career,” he added, at the start of a tour of San Quentin on June 14.
“It was mandatory, coming on this tour,” said rookie linebacker Aaron Lynch.

Coach Harbaugh shakes hands while institutional alarm goes off

The San Quentin trip was part of an effort to encourage the young players, ranging from ages 20 to 23 years old, to make smart choices that keep them out of trouble and playing ball, according to Smith.
The players and coaches met with inmates who participate in various self-help programs.
The inmates reminded the rookies that a phone call could end a career, and a house party gone wrong can lead to a jail sentence. They urged the visitors to take advantage of the opportunity to develop, not just into professional football players, but also into role models.
“I played with Curtis Conway [former NFL wide receiver] at Hawthorne High School,” said inmate Kevin Carr. “Now he’s retired while I’ve been in prison.”

Coach Harbaugh autographs “Little Joe’s” hat

“Most of the people I played with back in high school are now retiring from the league,” said inmate Royce Rose, starting quarterback for the San Quentin All-Madden flag football team. Rose said as a teen he was a top 50 athlete in California.
The visiting players and coaches then broke into small discussion groups with the inmates to talk about the self-help, rehabilitative and educational opportunities at San Quentin.
“There are over 70 programs geared toward ‘restorative justice’ and rehabilitation at San Quentin,” said inmate Sam Hearnes. “But, when I first came to prison, people were separated by race. Walking into another group’s area could mean life or death. Just taking a walk to the toilet or stopping to tie your shoe meant having someone place security over you.”
Hearnes asked the players and coaches why they thought prisons are necessary in society.
“To modify behavior,” said 49er veteran safety C.J. Spillman. “Prison seems like an adult version of ‘time-out,’” added 49er rookie running back Carlos Hyde.

Lt. Robinson standing in front of the
old SQ dungeon explaining its history

“I used to be you,” said inmate Isaiah Thompson-Bonilla to Hyde. “I played D-1 ball for seven years as a professional.” Thompson-Bonilla is a graduate of Ohio State University and a former Canadian Football League Grey Cup Champion for the Toronto Argonauts in 1986.
Next, the visitors walked the Lower Yard, where they met and conversed with hundreds of inmates. The inmates gave the players and coaches a round of applause and shouts of encouragement.
Shortly thereafter, an institutional alarm was sounded, requiring all inmates to be seated in place. Head coach of the 49ers Jim Harbaugh took the time to sign autographs and shake hands with inmates seated on the ground.

49er players inside the old SQ dungeon

“I want to thank all the men that spoke to me. I learned a lot today,” said 49er offensive lineman Marcus Martin. “I met someone who grew up around the corner from where I grew up. That’s deep.”
“Awesome experience,” said rookie Trey Millard as the tour ended. “I‘ve never been to a prison before. I always wanted to see this one.”
–Rahsaan Thomas contributed to this story

Instructor Help Inmates Rebuild Their Lives from the Ground Up

July 26, 2014 by Kevin Sawyer

A new vocational trade at San Quentin teaches inmates how to build homes from the ground up.
The building maintenance program has been in operation for about a year. Instructor Dante Callegari spent a few months getting the shop ready for students.
“This building was storage for clothing when I got here,” said Callegari. “It used to be a greenhouse for landscaping. This program is brand-new at San Quentin. I had to get it ready.”
Chris Deragon changed jobs from carpentry maintenance in the kitchen to working in the tool room for building maintenance. He said that as their first assignment, he and Charlie Spence were hired to clean up the shop.
“In my entire 18 years in prison, I’ve never met an instructor who has more passion to teach inmates to be better,” Deragon said. “He’s inspired me to do better. He has patience with each student and finds a way to guide them in a positive direction.”
Spence, who became the shop clerk, said he and Deragon worked hard to rebuild the classroom and Callegari goes out of his way to make sure everyone understands what needs to be done. “When I parole, I will use this trade to get through law school,” Spence said.
Starting from ground zero, Callegari teaches the students what it takes to build structures. He begins with proper safety procedures. The orientation includes completing an Injury Illness Prevention Plan.
“State law says you have the right to know anything that can harm you here,” said Callegari.
Several members of the class have some previous construction experience. However, this class provides certification in construction technology, which the men can use to secure employment once they parole.
Darell Flowers, formerly a long-haul truck driver, said, “I tried for a long time to get into the class.” He is looking forward to having a new trade when he gets out.
“It’s a new, exciting experience because I am learning how to build a real house from scratch,” said Tare Beltranchuc.
“I want to learn as much as possible about construction because this is useful in everyday life,” added Marco Villa.

Testing

The students’ study material covers pouring concrete, introduction to masonry, installation techniques, floor systems and foundations.
By the end of the course Callegari says inmates will learn the construction of walls, roofing, ceilings, framing, roof framing, exterior finishing, stair layouts, electrical systems, introduction to HVAC, drain waste, pipe fitting and plumbing.
“We cover everything in a construction technology trade,” said Callegari.
Every student is required to pass the Craft Core Curriculum test.
“The course is very challenging for them,” said Callegari. “They have to demonstrate to me that they understand a chapter to move on.”
Students are also required to pass tests based on the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Introductory to Craft Skills and Construction Technology.

Inmates learn to read blueprints

Callegari said California building code books are used to teach the course.
The building maintenance shop displays scaled-down versions of homes designed by inmates.
“Everyone working here will have a firm basis for building a house,” said Damien Coleman.
Anthony Passer is building a scale model of the house he and his family lived in for many years. Complete with a concrete foundation, his house will have scaled plumbing, electrical and water installations. “I lived in this house,” he remarked.
Kevin Robinson, who is serving a life sentence, is the architect and engineer of a structure that he had to learn to build to scale.

Miniature size wooden model house

“It’s tedious work, but it teaches you how to build a house. I didn’t know anything about this before I started,” Robinson said. “It shows me how to make an honest living. I have a skill now that I can take with me.”
Robinson said he enjoys working and receiving instruction from Callegari. “Dante, he’s a master at this. If he doesn’t know something, he’ll find out. I’ve yet to ask a question he doesn’t know.”

Teamwork

Teams of four are selected. Inmates are expected to work in cooperation. “They get one chance to opt out of the team for another, but no one has done it yet,” said Callegari. “On the street you have to learn to work with different personalities.”
Callegari said the course takes about a year and a half to complete 850 hours of bookwork and 850 hours of performance.
“I don’t see how anyone could get it done quicker than that,” said Callegari. “Somewhere else this program could take a longer time. I’ve worked at prisons at different levels. I like the inmate mentality here.”
The San Quentin atmosphere
Callegari said San Quentin is a different kind of prison because of limited lockdowns, so “everyone is on a constant flow of training. I couldn’t teach this program at High Desert (State Prison).”
“I like coming down here teaching,” said Callegari. “I like the lifers’ mentality. They’re dedicated and focused.” He said lifers have done it all. They want to move to the next level. “The games are done. They’re here to learn.”
Callegari has been employed with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for 28 years. He started working construction in high school. He received formal construction training in junior college while in an apprentice program, as well as OSHA training. He has previously taught at California State Prison-Solano and the California Correctional Center, where he also worked in maintenance and plant operations. He has worked in facility management construction at Folsom State Prison. Callegari has two separate teaching credentials granted by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for auto body and the construction trade

Government Makes Progress Finding Jobs for Ex-Offenders Upon Release

July 26, 2014 by Lee Jaspar

Steps are being taken by a number of government entities to assist ex-offenders find employment once they are released from prison.
“One of the first requirements for an offender who is released from prison is to obtain a job,” according to a 2011 report by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
“The ability of returned offenders to find meaningful employment is directly related to their normal functioning in the community,” a Connecticut law states.
The National Employment Law Project estimates one in four U.S. adults have a criminal record.
The NCSL report included information on support programs such as the Federal Second Chance Act of 2007 (SCA), which provides grants to states, local governments and community-based organizations to establish innovative and evidence-based reentry programs. The programs include vocational training and employment assistance.
Reentry programs address education, family skills and healthy living, and offer substance abuse treatment, employment resources, mentorship and housing assistance.
California is one of several states that offer tax credits to private employers that hire ex-offenders. Additionally, the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit is available nationwide to private businesses that hire ex-offenders and other target groups of people who consistently face employment barriers.
States also regulate how a criminal record is used during the application process. In 1998, Hawaii adopted the first “Ban the Box” law in the country. Since then, similar laws in four other states and the District of Columbia limit the use of certain criminal records during the hiring process.

“One of the first requirements for an offender who is released from prison is to obtain a job”

To support ex-offender re-integration into society, some states have adopted policies that encourage employment opportunities for eligible applicants.
A 2010 study by the Pew Center on the States reports those who have served time in prison can expect to earn about 40 percent less in annual wages, compared to people in similar circumstances who have not spent time in prison.
There is some light at the end of the tunnel however, as the NCLS concluded in its report, “To improve employment prospects for ex-offenders, states have adopted policies to encourage their employment, address employer liability, and hiring incentives, expanded eligibility for record-clearing policies, and supported employment training and reentry programs.”

California Department of Corrections Searches For 7,000 Future Officers

July 26, 2014 by Wesley Eisiminger

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is looking to hire 7,000 people in the next couple of years.
Lt. Chad Hester told KCRA-TV that qualified applicants are needed because of inmate overcrowding and 1,800 corrections officers retiring a year at the 34 prisons. Hester said the physical agility test disqualifies candidates as do the written test and background checks.
Only 2 to 5 percent of applicants actually become officers, Hester said.
Recruits have to run about a half-mile while carrying 45 pounds of weight in both hands in less than five minutes and five seconds. They must be honest when filling out their application, as lying is a sure way to be disqualified.
In an interview Oct. 12, applicant Kamyla Fauntleroy told KCRA she dreams of wearing a badge and having a good career in the prison system.
All applicants will have to wait nine months to see if they qualify to become a cadet.

CDCR LANZA NUEVOS SERVICIOS DE REHABILITACIÓN PARA RECLUSOS DE LARGO PLAZO

July 26, 2014 by Jorge Heredia

El Departamento de Correcciones y Rehabilitación de California (CDCR) esta lanzando un programa piloto ofreciendo servicios rehabilitativos dirigidos a reclusos purgando largas sentencias.
El Long-Term Offender Pilot Program (LTOPP) —Programa Piloto para Reclusos de Largo Plazo— provee programación perceptible durante la encarcelación y servicios al obtener la libertad para permitirle a reclusos una transición más fácil de regreso a la sociedad. “Debido a la duración del encarcelamiento, los reclusos de largo plazo a menudo no están preparados para los considerables cambios en la tecnología y el vivir del día-a-día que han ocurrido desde que ellos fueron encarcelados,” dijo Millicent Tidwell, Directora De la División de Programas Rehabilitativos del CDCR. “Darle a estos reclusos las herramientas que ellos nesecitan para ser exitosos en su propia rehabilitación ambas dentro y fuera de prisión es imprescindible.”
El programa tiene la finalidad de servirle a reclusos quienes han sido identificados con tener moderado a alto riesgo de comportamiento criminal y están purgando sentencias indeterminadas con la posibilidad de libertad condicional. El LTOPP es un programa voluntario, el cual incluirá tratamiento perceptible para:
*Abuso de substancias
*Pensamiento criminal
*Impacto a victimas
*Problemas con el contro del-enojo
*Mejora de las relaciones familiares
El LTOPP inicialmente será implementado en las siguientes instituciones: California State Prison, Solano en Vacaville; Central California Women’s Facility en Chowchilla; y California Men’s Colony en San Luís Obispo. Reclusos quienes estén purgando sentencias indeterminadas en instituciones que no ofrecen este programa piloto les puede ser permitido temporalmente transferirse a una locacion piloto para poder participar en el LTOPP.
Además, el CDCR esta creando Instalaciones de Reentrada para Reclusos de Largo Plazo que les ayudara durante su transición de regreso a la sociedad, incluyendo vivienda, empleo y servicios basados en la comunidad. Locaciones para estas instalaciones de reentrada aun están siendo determinadas.
El programa piloto estará en efecto por 24 meses, durante lo cual la División de Programas Rehabilitativos del CDCR monitoreara la implementación al igual que la efectividad del programa. Si se comprueba ser una herramienta rehabilitativa exitosa, el programa entonces pasara al proceso del Acta de Procedimientos Administrativos para convertirse en póliza formal.
El LTOPP esta siendo implementado de acorde con el Plan del CDCR del 2012 en el cual al departamento le fue dada la tarea de incrementar el porcentaje de reclusos beneficiados en los programas rehabilitativos previo a su liberación al 70 por ciento del objetivo poblacional.
–Traduccion Jorge Heredia

Valley State Prison Offers New Merit-Based Incentive Program

July 26, 2014 by Charles David Henry

Valley State Prison offers the only merit-based incentive program fully implemented for inmates who want to be positive programmers in the California prison system.
As part of the new program, inmates will have a number of recreational and enhanced privileges available to them, based on behavior and willingness to meet its expectations, said Greg Bergersen, public information officer for Valley State Prison.
Early this year, the program was set up in the general population-level and sensitive needs facilities and certain yards at the Level II, low to medium security prison. The program has been partially implemented at other state prisons.
“We’re increasing positive programming for inmates who want to…and participate in an enhanced programming facility,” Bergersen said.
Incentives include access to technology-based privileges as they are approved, an expanded inmates’ canteen list and a yard photo program.
The department is reviewing a plan for inmates to purchase an MP3 player and eventually tablet.
“They can’t have any Internet capability,” Bergersen told the Merced Sun-Star.
Inmates have access to microwave ovens in each housing unit, food sales, sports, game tournaments, self-help sponsored events, concerts and guest speakers, Bergersen told the Sun-Star.
“Eventually our entire prison will be nothing but positive programming, school-oriented, work-oriented, rehabilitative-oriented inmates,” he added.
Inmates not taking advantage of these plans will be eventually transferred.
Those inmates in a security-housing unit and those who violate prison rules during the last 12 months are not eligible to participate in the program. Valley State Prison had 113 problem incidents in 2013, the least reported in the prison system.
“That number will go down. We know we have guys that aren’t going to participate … and we know that other prisons have inmates who want to participate that don’t have (the program). So through attrition we’re going to end up having a whole prison full of guys who want a program,” he said.
Bergersen reminded the Merced Sun-Star, “We are not here to punish the inmate; that’s what their loss of freedom does. We punish when they break rules within the facility. If we can turn inmates who have been involved in negative behavior … and put them in a positive environment to do that, they will be more successful upon parole.”

Having The Right Attitude Can Get You Out Of Prison

July 26, 2014 by Emile Deweaver

‘If you don’t have your program tight here, it won’t be tight out there’

How do you get out of prison? Doug Butler, one-time police officer and former San Quentin inmate, returned to San Quentin as a free man to say that the right attitude is the way to get out.

AIR (Accountability, Integrity and Responsibility) embodies the right attitude, according to Butler. He described his own practice of accountability, for example, keeping the District Attorney of the office that sent him to prison informed of what he was doing while in prison. He advised the men in blue to do the same. He talked about taking responsibility for the direction of one’s life by getting an education. To build integrity, he said, “Be humble and respect all people.”

“There’s no place like San Quentin, which is a Mecca of programs,” said Butler. “If you don’t have your program tight here, it won’t be tight out there.”

“Out there,” in free society, Butler is the director of Men of Valor Academy. Governor Jerry Brown recommends Butler’s program, and former governors Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger have made financial contributions to Men of Valor. His organization provides parolees with housing, transportation and classes that teach life skills.

Lee Jarvis asked about the first three things a parolee should do upon release.

“Stay away from bad conduct,” Butler said. “Get your ID and Social Security card and be patient.”

Butler said that with fortitude, perseverance and resilience, a prisoner can put their mistakes behind them and move on. “Focus on you,” said Butler.