The 2019 Juneteenth weekend at San Quentin concluded with speeches and musical performances in the prison’s Catholic Chapel. About 70 inmates and a handful of outside guests attended the evening event. The prison’s R&B band New Syndication of Funk (NSF) was the driving force behind the music playing songs such as “What You Won’t Do For Love” by Bobby Caldwell. Lee Jaspar delivered a memorable solo on guitar, and Rico Rogers was unmatched with his solo on the keyboard. Inmate Paul C. Hamilton was one of the organizers and host of the … [Read more...] about Juneteenth weekend celebration at San Quentin
State auditor reports CDCR has been unsuccessful in rehabilitation needs
State Auditor Elaine Howle A new study by California’s state auditor reported that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has failed to meet the rehabilitative needs for more than half of inmates released. The study indicated that the CDCR has been unsuccessful in its efforts to place inmates in proper rehabilitation programs. This situation leads to many inmates paroling from prison without needs being met that contribute to high recidivism—reintegration being the most problematic. “Corrections has … [Read more...] about State auditor reports CDCR has been unsuccessful in rehabilitation needs
Report: Prison commissaries have legal monopoly
lack of competition results in soaring costs for prisoners The costs taxpayers spend to incarcerate men and women are often augmented by prisoners and their families, according to a study by Prison Policy Initiative (PPI). For the basic necessities state prisons do not provide, prisoners must find a way to fill this deficit. Prison commissaries are one method of transference of a state’s obligation to care for prisoners. The result, more often than not, is the enrichment of private companies that provide packages to prisoners, PPI … [Read more...] about Report: Prison commissaries have legal monopoly
Jesse Vasquez, SQN former editor-in-chief paroled
JESSE VASQUEZ Jesse Vasquez, 36, former editor-in-chief of San Quentin News, paroled in late May from San Quentin State Prison after spending all of his adult years in prison and a little more than half his life. Vasquez paroled with a different state of mind from the one his 17-year-old younger self arrived with in 2001. “When I was a teenager, I knew I was already being formed for prison,” said Vasquez. “When I came to prison it wasn’t a surprise to me. I wasn’t bitter, angry or sad.” “My mother used to tell me if I continued … [Read more...] about Jesse Vasquez, SQN former editor-in-chief paroled
Public Defender Brendon Woods visits SQ
Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Woods Brendon Woods, Alameda County’s Chief Public Defender, knows that prisoners take a dim view of lawyers from the PD’s office. And he wants to change that. Woods, 48, and a native New Yorker, is the only Black chief public defender among the 58 California counties. He visited San Quentin and met with inmates and discussed how to make California communities safer—that was also a first time event. “I’m annoyed at myself for taking so long to get here,” said Woods. “There’s a lot for us public … [Read more...] about Public Defender Brendon Woods visits SQ
Prison journalism gaining traction throughout the nation
Prison journalism is gaining popularity in California and America, including San Quentin. For several years, inmates from coast to coast have been receiving instruction on how to write as journalists for prison publications. Several prisons within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) already have newspapers and newsletters. Others have contacted the San Quentin News to inquire on how to start their own publication. “An inmate publication means any journal, magazine, bulletin, newsletter, newspaper, or … [Read more...] about Prison journalism gaining traction throughout the nation
SQ Journalism Guild promotes next class of writers
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 upon … [Read more...] about PRISON TO EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION (PEC)