The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced that it has ended the practice of housing prisoners in out-of-state facilities. But San Quentin inmates who have served time in private lockups say those prisons are much better than California institutions, even though they dislike the separation from their families. “I was pissed off when I found out I was coming back to the state. Prison out there was much better,” said inmate Michael “Kofy” Taylor. “The overall feeling was better out there. The living quarters … [Read more...] about California’s out-state prisoners brought back
Landmark Prop.57 ruling: In re McGhee
Petitioner Tijue Mcghee with his legal guide Rudy Wilkins A California appeals court has ruled that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has improperly denied parole hearings to thousands of incarcerated individuals. Approximately 4,450 non- violent offenders who were denied parole consideration due to in-prison rules violations will now be eligible for early release due to the land- mark ruling, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. “The whole objective was to not only find relief for me, but for all … [Read more...] about Landmark Prop.57 ruling: In re McGhee
Quentin Cooks culinary program serves up big audience
Graduate Derry Brown receiving certificate from Chef Huw Thorton A documentary filmmaker spent a year in San Quentin filming a cooking program as it progressed. He found that learning high-end culinary arts changed the way incarcerated people see the world. “The guys really talk about the pride of cooking for the other guys,” said filmmaker Santhosh Daniel, “When you cook for someone else and put your soul into it, it changes you from thinking about yourself to thinking about the people around you. The word is love.” Dipti Ghosh … [Read more...] about Quentin Cooks culinary program serves up big audience
SQ’s No Limits dance crew performs
“The EOP program has enriched my life” San Quentin’s No Limits Dance Crew raised the roof once again during their May performance. The crew stepped it up and debuted their first piece of original choreography in the education department of the prison’s dormitory yard. “The men came up with most of the moves, I just directed them in the space,” said Ms. Bridges, the program facilitator, “I’m so proud of them.” The squad danced to an instrumental version of the song I Got Five On It with a pleasantly surprising violin added into the … [Read more...] about SQ’s No Limits dance crew performs
Navigating the unexpected: Improv offers critical life skills
Teachers and students of Prison University Project's Improv Class Roars of laughter filled the classroom as the Prison University Project (PUP) Improv Troupe put on the last of two performances for the spring semester. The April 19 show was a result of everything that the students learned in the Improv for Life class. “Everything that you are about to see has not been planned; it has not been rehearsed; it comes from the shoulders, or as we say it, improv,” said SQN staffer, MC Aaron “Showtime” Taylor as he welcomed the … [Read more...] about Navigating the unexpected: Improv offers critical life skills
Bringing dance to the Big House: Gangnam Style
The No Limits Dance Crew pumped up the crowd with their Gangnam Style performance in San Quentin’s H-unit Chapel. Left to Right: Steven Minor, prisoner dancer, Jonathan Terry, Britton Schutte and Salvador Hernandez The seven-person dance crew garnered cheers from the crowd as they danced to the song “Gangnam Style.” “We’re so good its criminal!” one dancer yelled right before the first of four showings began. The No Limits Dance Crew with San Quentin staff performing a dance in front of an audience Ms. Bridges, a clinician … [Read more...] about Bringing dance to the Big House: Gangnam Style
Connecticut brings new rehabilitation model to prison
Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy has employed a groundbreaking rehabilitation model in one correctional institution which may influence incarceration throughout the country. The idea for the program called T.R.U.E was developed during several research trips to German prisons be- tween 2013 and 2015, when government officials, including Governor Malloy, witnessed inmates performing tasks such as cooking their own meals, locking their own doors, and wearing civilian clothing. “When you first come into the American prison, your dignity is left … [Read more...] about Connecticut brings new rehabilitation model to prison
Shifting the way we count incarcerated persons
A new law will give California prisoners political power by counting them as residents of their home communities rather than in the communities where they are incarcerated, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts. The practice, which will be implemented after the 2020 census and subsequent redistricting process, is expected to shift political power from conservative rural areas toward more liberal cities. “It’s going to make a big difference, especially in the viability of our African-American state Senate seats,” said former state … [Read more...] about Shifting the way we count incarcerated persons
Elderly prisoners in India granted early parole
Some elderly prisoners in India may be granted early parole because of major overcrowding, according to an article in Hindustan Times. Prisons in the state of Uttar Pradesh currently hold 60,504 prisoners, compared to against a designed capacity of 35,870, the article reported. The state government is implementing measures to evaluate whether certain elderly inmates serving life sentences should be released on the grounds that they no longer pose a threat to society. “May God grant me release from the world,” said a 92-year-old … [Read more...] about Elderly prisoners in India granted early parole
Gang violence in El Salvador often cited as reason for asylum
Rampant gang violence in El Salvador is forcing many people to flee the country, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. Two gangs, MS-13 and Barrio 18, regularly murder and extort people in their own neighborhoods, the Nov. 2 story reported. This is one explanation for the waves of migrants seeking to enter the U.S. either by petitioning for asylum or by entering illegally, the newspaper stated. “As a worker and as a human being you can’t live in this country in peace,” explains El Salvadoran Jose … [Read more...] about Gang violence in El Salvador often cited as reason for asylum