Jose Camacho

Time in San Quentin Remains Frozen

December 7, 2012 by Jose Camacho

For decades, time remains unchanged

San Quentin’s Lower Yard gym has a three and a half square foot clock atop it. However, since 1982, it has been frozen at 5:44. Nobody knows if it stopped ticking at dawn or dusk.

“The yard clock is frozen in time—not reflecting the spirit of San Quentin’s population,” said prisoner Rudy Morales. “Collectively, we need to help that clock breathe life into its brass lungs.”

The San Quentin administration says getting the clock fixed comes down to a money issue and suggested if prisoners want the clock fixed, donations could be made for that purpose.

“The San Quentin inmates have shifted and metamorphosed towards positive programming. Therefore, the time suspended yard clock is not consistent of this positive evolution. Now we want the clock to depict and reflect what San Quentin is about,” said inmate Pedro Espinal.

Several prisoners expressed a desire to fix the clock. Here are a few of their quotes:

“There was a time when S.Q. had a grimy reputation,” said an anonymous inmate. “Now San Quentin has received a facelift through positive programming as a result of Patten University Project college classes, self-help programs, and a varied and diverse sports programs,” said inmate Eddie Carrillo.

“Together, let’s unfreeze the yard clock by writing poems, letters to people that will take notice of our concern of getting that clock synchronized to the positive spirit embracement of the new S.Q. inmate and get that old tick – tockers heartbeat pulsating again,” said inmate Carlos.

“I remember working in the gym in the ‘80s and walking outside the gym to see what time it was. The clock had its problems throughout the years. I can’t remember when it went out for good,” said Correctional Officer Jackson.

“This clock is forever telling me that I can’t advance! That’s a lie because I’m progressing in all areas of my capacity,” said an inmate who would appreciate a functioning clock.

Space Shuttle’s Last Flight Soars Over the Institution

October 6, 2012 by Jose Camacho

On the morning of Sept. 21, the Endeavor space shuttle flew over the state prison mounted atop a Boeing 747 with an escort by an F-16 fighter jet, surprising about 500 inmates on San Quentin’s Lower Yard.
“It was flying so low, it felt like I could reach up and touch it,” said inmate Frankie Smith.
The unexpected event took place while inmates played sports or walked counter-clockwise on the outer edges of the yard, on what was supposed to be an ordinary Friday morning in prison.
As the aircrafts approached, the sound of jet engines silenced the crowded yard. The men stood still, eyes skyward, following the east to west flight path of the aircraft. Prisoners held their hands on their foreheads to block the sun’s glare as the shuttle’s scorched insulation tiles were visible to the inmates for about 14 seconds as it passed over.
“All of a sudden we heard the sound of an oncoming aircraft,” said inmate Pedro Espinal. “Right above us was the space shuttle Endeavour riding piggyback on top of a 747. It was truly a sight to see and remember.”
Inmates standing near the prison’s new medical building had the best view of Endeavour because the five-story building blocked the direct sunlight, which decreased the aircrafts’ glare.
“The guys who were lucky enough to be on the yard this morning will forever remember seeing this American icon,” said one inmate. “It looked like the whole yard was saluting the shuttle.”
Inmates began to cheer, yell, and whistle, while waving the shuttle good-bye as it disappeared toward the San Francisco skies. After the shuttle passed the prison, some inmates went back to their routine while others stood staring at the sky, in hopes that the aircraft would circle back over the prison.
“My daughter Anjelica and I are able to share a historical-setting moment, even though she’s 1,000 miles way, in El Paso,” said an inmate who wished to remain anonymous.

Boxing Interest Up

September 6, 2012 by Jose Camacho

Expansion of the San Quentin boxing program is being boosted with the help of an experienced boxer who is also a correctional officer.
Correctional Officer M. Polk said he is willing to assist San Quentin inmates with the finer points of boxing, giving them not just boxing skills, but also a sense of direction and discipline. The program will use the existing equipment already in place on the Lower Yard.
At San Quentin, there’s been a heightened interest in sports, including boxing, since the conversion of West Block and Donner Block into general population with an influx of inmates from other prisons.
One participant, inmate Gregory Tabarez, said he obtained his boxing experience while at Vacaville from 1983-1985. While there, he was the lead man in the gym, and said he had the opportunity to learn about the science of boxing.
“I received my first set of boxing gloves for my fifth birthday, and on the same day, my older sister, Maria, beat me up with my new boxing gloves,” said Tabarez. “But it was the last time she beat me up.”
“Boxing is a sport that’s open to all races and ages,” said trainer Adam Barboza. “However, as trainers, we are particular of who we train. It’s hard work and takes dedication; most beginners don’t last.”
Barboza said that the hard work relieves stress, enhances health, teaches self-control, and introduces discipline.