A campaign is underway to end solitary confinement for youth in juvenile and adult facilities across the United States. The campaign was launched in April by a number of national groups, including the Center for Children’s Law and Policy. The new … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2016
Who gets the death penalty? It mostly depends on who the prosecutor is
A small number of prosecutors across the country are vigorously pursuing death sentences and, according to a new study, have done so without regard for fairness and accuracy. “These prosecutors are evidence that the application of the death penalty … [Read more...]
Tasty graduation for the first class Quentin Cooks
The inaugural graduating class of “The Quentin Cooks” prepared a five-course feast as a worthy finish to the new Culinary Arts Program, a 12-week course on basic culinary knowledge and skills. The course provides practical training from instructors … [Read more...]
Inmate vets pitch in again to help Marines’ Toys for Tots
San Quentin inmates have collected $688 that will help make Christmas merrier for underprivileged children. For 28 years San Quentin has participated in the Toys for Tots giveaway program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps with help from the Veterans … [Read more...]
New SQ dramas tackle issues of social justice
A prison chapel became an effective platform for incarcerated men to address social justice issues. The Oct. 21 performances, called Parallel Plays, were inspired by themes such as power, oppression, choice, forgiveness, isolation and hope found in … [Read more...]
A chorus of praise for 11 addiction graduates
A United States congressman was one of three dignitaries to venture inside San Quentin to recognize 11 inmates for turning their lives around and being certified to teach their fellow inmates how to overcome substance abuse. “This was inspirational,” … [Read more...]
Earth’s main renewable resource? It’s people
Forty people, damp from rain, gathered in San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel to celebrate what several environmentalists there called the world’s most important natural resource: people. “If you think solar and wind power are the answers to our … [Read more...]
There’s sure a whole lot of talent at San Quentin
In reality TV show fashion, San Quentin residents demonstrated they “got talent,” at the Third Annual Talent and Karaoke event, sponsored by the San Quentin Music Program. As the Lower Yard filled, about 150 people crowded around a makeshift stage … [Read more...]
Why these prisons are calm: Inmates are respected
The key to the low violence levels in Sweden’s high-security Kumla prison is how prisoners are treated, its warden told Prison Yoga Project founder James Fox. One of the unique characteristics of Kumla is its Retreat Center. Nine prisoners at a time … [Read more...]
Exploring the rabbit hole that led them to violence
On a hazy mid-April weekend, 15 men gathered in an old prison yard bungalow at San Quentin to think about why they killed—why they robbed—why they ended up here. Most of them are serving life sentences, locked up for decades. They came to this … [Read more...]