One secret to winning parole is to work hard with rehabilitation programs, says James Houston. In a rare case, he was found suitable for parole at his first board hearing after serving 17 years of an 18 years-to-life term for second-degree murder. “I … [Read more...]
Curbing Aggression Through Boxing and Finding Inner Peace
Boxing training is helping a former gang member in San Quentin release anger, curb aggression and find inner peace. “Through boxing I can let go of negative thoughts and negative energy,” said Perry “Spike” Simpson, 46. “I am no longer angry and … [Read more...]
Report: Solitary Confinement Unproductive on Juveniles
Detaining juveniles in solitary confinement for long periods is ineffective, costly, and causes mental and physical anguish, according to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch. In 2011, there were an estimated 95,000 … [Read more...]
Fewer Kids Are Being Exposed to Violence
Violence against children declined by about six million cases between 1993 to 2010, a recent report concludes. The National Crime Victimization Survey showed violence against children declined from 12.6 to 3.9 percent. The decline in violence against … [Read more...]
Three Men Challenge All Interested Hoopsters
A new trio of basketball players has emerged at San Quentin, and is looking for challengers. Comparing themselves to the Miami Heat, lifer inmate Aladdin Pangilinan said, “we are the Asian Heat. I’m LeBron James, my teammate ‘Blue’ is Vong Vue and … [Read more...]
Prisoners Allege Private Prison Gave Control to Gangs
Eight Idaho inmates have fi led a federal lawsuit, claiming the private prison company Corrections Corporation of America has virtually turned over control of an Idaho prison to gangs. The suit fi led in November in U.S. District Court cites … [Read more...]
Cultivating Calm
Hundreds of San Quentin prisoners have learned new ways of controlling their mind and body, thanks to Yoga class taught for the past 11 years by James Fox. They benefited from the Yoga practice, said Fox. Yoga is the “union of the mental emotional … [Read more...]