Debrief, parole or die were the only ways an inmate placed in California’s supermax facilities for gang validation could come out. It has changed, thanks to a class-action lawsuit. “I was placed in the SHU (Security Housing Unit) based on the words … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2016
Lawsuit lowers SHU occupancy by two- third
Following a landmark lawsuit settlement, Security Housing Unit (SHU) occupancy has been cut by two-thirds. The lawsuit followed California prison hunger strikes in 2011 and 2013 that protested indefinite isolation in SHU facilities, reported Alex … [Read more...]
Gov. Brown names 9 to CDCR positions
Gov. Jerry Brown announced his latest appointments to CDCR offices, according to the Imperial Valley News. Kelly Santoro has been appointed warden at North Kern State Prison. She had been acting warden since 2015. Prior experience includes: chief … [Read more...]
North Block project teaches construction skills
Prisoners on a San Quentin work crew say they are being “rehabilitated, one building at a time” by learning state-of-the-art techniques useful in today’s construction industry. Their latest project is an addition to an existing building, North Block. … [Read more...]
Comedian W. Kamau Bell has a lot to say
W. Kamau Bell sat down for a candid interview revealing his thoughts on Trump, the value of taking East Asian Studies in college and the connection between mass incarceration and racism. Bell sat down for the interview on Feb. 27 after walking into … [Read more...]
Gov. Brown signs tough sexual assault bills
After much controversy over the sexual assault of a female student named Emily Doe at Stanford University by not her classmate, Brock Turner, Gov. Jerry Brown has signed two bills to increase the punishment for such offenses, reports Jazmine Ulloa of … [Read more...]
Prop. 57 opens a door for juvenile offenders
With the passage of Proposition 57, Kid CAT will strive to build upon the positive changes in the law and community attitudes and rehabilitation initiatives which are giving juvenile offenders hope for freedom in the future. “The passage of … [Read more...]
Finding roots of criminal thinking
Twenty-seven San Quentin prisoners have graduated from a 26-week program designed to help them address the root causes of criminal thinking, childhood trauma and violent behavior. “Through The First Step curriculum, I learned where my criminal … [Read more...]
L.A. County bans solitary for juveniles and…
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to permanently ban solitary confinement for juveniles. According to a report on KPCC radio, the assessment was based upon the psychological damage that can result from solitary … [Read more...]
Is solitary confinement for juveniles on the way out in California?
The use of solitary confinement in juvenile facilities in the state of California may be coming to an end. Recent reforms of practices in juvenile detention facilities represent a growing consensus that the use of solitary confinement is harmful for … [Read more...]