The use of court video arraignments inside California prisons is gaining endorsements and could become a permanent part of the prison system, according to Inside CDCR. Kern County Prison Court (KCPC) is one such video program that serves several prisons within its county. “Now that we have implemented it, I am even further convinced of the value of this program,” said Sara Danville, Kern County supervising Deputy District Attorney. “Every time we can handle a hearing through video, we not only save incredible monetary resources, but we avoid … [Read more...] about Prisoners being arraigned via video court Court video arraignments inside prisons gaining endorsements
Training workshop gives ex-cons a chance to succeed
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) offers a training workshop for formerly incarcerated inmates to give them skills they need for a new life, the San Bernardino Sun reported. “I got goals. I’m aiming high. I’m very focused on what I’m trying to do with my life, and I thank CEO for that,” said Carlos Cazares, who was formerly incarcerated. CEO San Bernardino was started in 2013 and partnered with the California State Reentry Initiative, the San Bernardino Community College District and Cal-Trans. There are 27 CEO centers in six … [Read more...] about Training workshop gives ex-cons a chance to succeed
John Jay College’s new president worked for Obama
John Jay College, the leading educational institution on criminal justice in the nation, has a new president. Karol Mason, a former assistant attorney general in charge of the Office of Justice Programs under the Obama administration, took over the position in August 2017, according to The Crime Report. Mason said that there is already a large amount of research and evaluation that demonstrates the long-term value of programs focusing on the “front end” of the justice system and helping those currently imprisoned to develop the skills for … [Read more...] about John Jay College’s new president worked for Obama
Formerly incarcerated man now successful business owner
Former inmate Malik Wade launched a successful business called Malik Wade Ventures LLC, an umbrella company that houses a publishing and consulting business. Wade, a 46-year-old author and mentor, is one of the success stories, according to a Black Enterprise article. Wade is a San Francisco native who started selling crack during his teenage years. History “I started selling drugs at 15, and by the time I graduated from high school, I was already being investigated by the FBI,” Wade said. “At the age of 21, I was actually indicted by the … [Read more...] about Formerly incarcerated man now successful business owner
Video calls replace contact visits at many institutions
A growing trend to end in-person visits throughout the nation has had a huge impact on inmates and their families, forcing them pay $12.99 for a 20-minute video call, according to, Shannon Sims in The Guardian. A study by The Prison Policy Initiative shows that 74 percent of U.S. correctional facilities that implement video calling end up either reducing in-person visits, or eliminating them altogether. “We should be moving toward more human contact and people connecting with other people, not less,” stated Norris Henderson, a former inmate … [Read more...] about Video calls replace contact visits at many institutions
Tower of Power rocker died a free man
For many musicians, fame comes served with a side of trouble. That was certainly the case for Rick Stevens, the former lead singer for Tower of Power, who recently died, having spent 36 of his 77 years on earth in various California prisons. Stevens’ real name was Don Charles Stevenson, but he later got the nickname “The Junkie” due to his illustrious drug habit. Stevens had some hits with Tower of Power, including “Sparkling in the Sand” and “You’re Still a Young Man,” but his heroin use eventually got him kicked out of the band. In 1976 … [Read more...] about Tower of Power rocker died a free man
Female prisoners find new home in Santa Fe Springs’ transitional program
Women who have spent years in a prison cell have found a new home in Santa Fe Springs. The Custody to Community Transitional Re-entry Program is one of several facilities where women, including some with violent offenses, can serve the final two years of their prison sentences. The program offers assistance with job placement, drug recovery and housing, according an ABC news report by Anabel Munoz. Dodi Wasbotten, a former inmate and a hairdresser, who was arrested for stolen credit cards, spoke of the benefits of the program. “For women, … [Read more...] about Female prisoners find new home in Santa Fe Springs’ transitional program
East Palo Alto re-entry making an impact despite limited funding
An East Palo Alto re-entry facility with limited funding reports it is helping to change lives. “Now I just want to build up the community I once helped destroy as a kid,” said Jose Cabrera, a former gang member who has been incarcerated three times. People can be referred to the David Lewis Reentry Center only from jail or prison. Funding for the program comes from the state, county, and city, according to a recent Peninsula Press article. “All I knew is that I didn’t want to go back, but I didn’t know how I was going to do that change. … [Read more...] about East Palo Alto re-entry making an impact despite limited funding
Palestinian prisoners protest conditions at Israel prison
Thousands of Palestinian prisoners are objecting to prison conditions at Ofer Prison, according to an article, “Israeli Extremists Taunt Hunger-Striking Palestinian Prisoners with BBQ,” by Mint Press News. Nearly a quarter of the Palestinian prisoners held by Israel are participating in the open-ended hunger strike, according to the Ma’an News. The inmates were taunted with the smell of barbecue during a hunger strike. Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, an inmate serving five life sentences plus 40 years, inspired the hunger strike. He hopes to … [Read more...] about Palestinian prisoners protest conditions at Israel prison
Paternidad desde la prisión
Existen 24 millones de niños en América, y por cada tres, uno vive sin un padre biológico en el hogar, calculó el U.S. Census Bureau. La ausencia de un padre en la familia puede ocasionar: problemas de conducta, abuso y negligencia, mortalidad infantil, uso de drogas, abandono escolar, obesidad un aumento en la probabilidad de ir a la prisión, de acuerdo a un estudio realizado por el National Fatherhood Initiative. Para ayudar a remediar el problema, algunos presos de la Prisión de Solano en el Estado de California se han aliado a una clase … [Read more...] about Paternidad desde la prisión