Walking the yard in early May, I heard recurring themes that we as a newspaper must be aware of, look into, and address. For example:

• “Why San Quentin News doesn’t write about people who can’t get out of their job assignments because their boss won’t sign the job change slip.”
• “Why ain’t nobody talking about bringing back the hobby craft program?”
• “I want to hear more about future events and new changes in the prison system.”
• “What’s happening with AB 622?”

Some of what I heard were concerns and some were grievances, separate things. If you have a concern that needs to be highlighted or addressed, let us know.

As to grievances, most of what I heard went something like this, “The administration is doing such and such … and y’all should (fill in the blank).”

Rarely does the person expressing this type of grievance want their name mentioned or want to be interviewed and quoted in the newspaper. San Quentin News does not use anonymous sources unless withholding the individual’s name protects their safety and security or that of the institution.

San Quentin administration reviews, approves, and clears all content we publish. San Quentin News strives to maintain a balanced working relationship with the administration.

Does that make us an administration-run newspaper? I don’t think so, but some may differ. That’s the reality of prison journalism.

San Quentin News is a community service newspaper and our main objectives are to: 

• Inform our incarcerated readers of changes in laws and policies that can affect them.
• Inspire people to participate in rehabilitative programs by highlighting the insight people participating in those program gain after they’ve completed the work and earned the recognition.
• Encourage people to be creative and hopeful by highlighting the talent of those creating artistic works behind the wall.

For the most part, we publish news and policy information, profiles, events, programs, sports, and artwork at San Quentin. I talk to the population here. I also read letters from incarcerated people at other institutions who said they don’t read the San Quentin News because it’s all about San Quentin.

In a way, I like hearing complaints that “it’s all about San Quentin” because this is where more peer-led programs happen and that’s to the credit of the people who live and work here.

I had a conversation with the Warden about the hobby craft program and the likelihood of it returning and he said, “The plan is to aim for the end of the year.” I believe that there are so many other things going on that are beneficial to those willing to do the work or participate, that a hobby craft program might be near the lower end of priorities.

Someone asked me about writing stories that address future events. Our newspaper is monthly and the timing of its issuance is erratic and unpredictable due to matters beyond our control. Such a publication is not conducive to anticipating and writing about future events.

Rather, we hope to coordinate with the administration so we can produce digital flyers and notices for posting on the tablets. We also plan to create more Criminal Justice News segments for those who prefer on-screen news.

When it comes to bills like AB 622, San Quentin News will continue to bring that information to you as it becomes available. Such information is also available via newsletters from organizations like Initiate Justice and Ella Baker Center.

San Quentin News has moved to the new Learning Center and we are working diligently to gain positive momentum and trust with incarcerated populations in and outside of California.

What is San Quentin News doing to help inform, inspire, and encourage incarcerated people?

• New Mission Statement. We have refocused our mission statement as follows: To report news and stories that impact incarcerated people.
• Evolving Content. We are working toward publishing content like personal essays, poetry, and creative writing. 
• Expanding Digital Newspaper. We are working with our outside advisers to develop and expand a digital newspaper that works properly.
• Creating an Events Only Page. Because the cost of printing the newspaper has gone up and there have been complaints that the newspaper is event heavy, some of San Quentin’s events will be only in the newspaper’s digital form. Those events and graduations not in the printed newspaper will be accessible through EDOVO, the news app, and available to your family and friends via the website and social media. This is a work in progress.
• Hiring More Staff. We are looking to increase the number of people on our staff to help build a positive culture.

With San Quentin News’ move to the new Learning Center come new goals, new staffing capacities, and new opportunities to create content using better technology and equipment. But we cannot produce our best content without you, the reader. Your suggestions, criticisms, and comments are always welcome and valued.