The Journalism Guild of San Quentin held its first formal graduation in the prison’s Garden Chapel in late September. More than 50 people attended the ceremony, including current and former students from UC Berkeley, who worked with the men in the Guild and San Quentin News. “I’m filled with so much pride,” said Yukari Kane, the guild instructor for the last two years. “You remind me of why journalism is important.” “It’s been such a privilege,” Kane said before congratulating the men and presenting them with certificates of … [Read more...] about SQ Journalism Guild promotes next class of writers
Courts may be better than parole board at determining parolee risk
When a court orders the release of a lifer on parole, statistics show the parolee does not return to prison. But when the Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) releases a lifer, some wind up back behind bars. Why this discrepancy exists remains a mystery, but it is confirmed by recently released statistics from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Some inmates serving life sentences and who were later denied release by the state parole board eventually took their cases to court and successfully gained their … [Read more...] about Courts may be better than parole board at determining parolee risk
Securus Technologies absorbs more competition
The prison pay phone industry is gradually com- ing under the control of two companies as Securus Technologies recently announced the purchase of one of its smaller competitors, ICSolutions (ICS). A story published in Prison Legal News, using data from Prison Policy Initiative (PPI), said Securus and Global Tel*Link (GTL) pro- vide inmate calling service to 70 percent of the prison and jail market in the United States. The purchase will give Securus all of ICS’s issued and outstanding membership interests of the company, it was reported. … [Read more...] about Securus Technologies absorbs more competition
PRISON TO EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION (PEC)
Prison to Employment Connection (PEC) is one of the most valuable programs at San Quentin for men looking to the future. Twenty-two inmates graduated from the program’s seventh session in May. The week before graduation, the men did face-to-face interviews with employers looking to hire qualified formerly incarcerated citizens. More than 40 participants enrolled in the program in February to learn interview skills, résumé writing and other forms of communication. In doing so, they were able to determine what career path was right for them … [Read more...] about PRISON TO EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION (PEC)
Rising operatic star mesmerizes SQ
Rising opera singer Sara LeMesh brought her musical talents to San Quentin State Prison, mesmerizing her captive audience with her singing and charm. In the prison’s Catholic chapel, LeMesh used the power of her soprano voice to entertain an audience of more than 100 as she ran through a set of 19 songs on a Sunday evening in August. The men appeared focused as LeMesh sang, relaxing them all into a contemplative mood. “I never thought I’d see this in prison,” Benito Sosa, 32, said. He arrived at San Quentin six months ago. “I think … [Read more...] about Rising operatic star mesmerizes SQ
Cell phones being monitored in jails and free world alike
The government spies on incarcerated citizens who use illegal cellphones in correctional facilities. Those aren’t the only people government officials spy on. They are also listening to and tracking free citizens, according to Criminal Legal News (CLN). The technology used is called a cell-site simulator, also called a “stingray.” This device directs a cellphone to connect to it instead of a cell tower. “Police operating the devices can track the location of all connected cellphones within a certain radius, and also can potentially … [Read more...] about Cell phones being monitored in jails and free world alike
High Desert Prison warden sets the record straight
By some accounts, High Desert State Prison is one of California’s most notorious penitentiaries. Warden Marion E. Spearman wants to clear up that impression. He argues that the prison, its staff and inmates have undergone change. It’s no longer a prison that just houses young men with youth management problems. “There’s a new vision and mission for High Desert State Prison,” Spearman said. “The staff lives up to that (challenge).” According to Spearman, High Desert is now about rehabilitation, a safe environment, healthcare, teaching skill … [Read more...] about High Desert Prison warden sets the record straight
PUP grads take center stage
“Pomp and Circumstance” played and everyone stood to applaud the Prison University Project’s (PUP) class of 2018 as they took center stage in San Quentin State Prison’s visiting room in June. Nine men graduated and received their Associative Arts degree from Patten University. One of the graduates, Gerald Morgan, welcomed his 98-year-old aunt, Juanita Stone, to attend the ceremony. “I’ve been to many graduations,” Stone said. “Patten University at San Quentin has been a category, well organized “I couldn’t be happier for Gerald’s great … [Read more...] about PUP grads take center stage
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) aids programs
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) will provide grant funding to the Prison University Project (PUP) and Ear Hustle, an award-winning podcast. Both organizations are based at San Quentin State Prison. PUP offers more than 350 inmates the opportunity to earn their Associate of Arts degree inside prison. Ear Hustle allows inmates to share their stories about what it’s like to live in prison on a daily basis. “We are thrilled to support Ear Hustle’s efforts to connect with more listeners, and the Prison University Project’s plan to … [Read more...] about Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) aids programs
The 100th Edition of San Quentin News
As San Quentin News celebrates its 100th published edition since the newspaper was revived in 2008, the paper’s history is not well known to most of its readers. The News has a predecessor. It’s Wall City News, a publication started at San Quentin in the 1920s. It ran until the mid-1930s before it ceased operation. Several years later, Warden Clinton T. Duffy had an idea. In his book, The San Quentin Story, he wrote, “The grapevine throbbed with weird gossip ... I decided that the obvious answer, if we could swing it, would be a regular … [Read more...] about The 100th Edition of San Quentin News