San Quentin News

Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

CIW hosts second annual Suicide Prevention Week

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Women prisoners at the California Institution for Women (CIW) were given the knowledge to promote awareness at its second annual Suicide Prevention Week. 

CIW prisoners enjoying the day on the yard

The September event started with the inmate Suicide Prevention Outreach Committee members distributing posters and passing out program pamphlets to inform the incarcerated women of the upcoming week’s events, according to the prison’s press release.

CIW prisoners dunking a staff member

“The inmates played games, spoke with community religious organizations, [and] received information on warning signs,” said Rosie Thomas, Public Information Officer for the prison, in an email to San Quentin News. 

The week event raised $2,296 to be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The women raised the money by having the chance to dunk a city official and staff members into a water tank. 

Councilman Gary George of Chino City and Associate Director Amy Miller attended the event’s opening ceremony. California’s state Senator Connie Levy was also a guest speaker for the day, which was a Monday.

The following day, which was September 11, CIW’s staff and the incarcerated women Honor Guards worked together to honor those who had fallen during 9/11. 

The day after, Miller kicked off the event by being the first to be dunked in the dunk tank. This was followed by many correctional staff of all ranks joining in on the fun, said Thomas.

Women prisoners who are a part of the Prison Authority Industry Construction program help transformed different areas of the prison by creating Suicide Prevention Outreach Committee sitting areas. 

“The concrete benches circled what the inmates call the tree of hope,” said Thomas. “Inmates also volunteered their time to create a garden area with painted rocks to symbolize hope.”

From 2014 to 2015, there were four suicides and at least 20 suicide attempts at the prison, according to The Guardian.

CIW had eight times the national rate for female inmate’s suicides and more than five times the rate for all of California’s prisons for those years, according to the article.

This sparked many protests from family members who had a love one died in the prison custody. 

San Quentin held its own Mental Wellness Week that started Sept. 9 where the theme was “Hope,” which outside volunteers wore black T-shirts with the suicide prevention ribbon design as a symbol of hope.

As suicides are still an issue in California’s prisons, some institutions are taking the steps to keep their populations informed.

CIW’s Senior Psychologist Specialist M. DuMont led the Suicide Prevention Outreach Committee and planned the week’s activities that brought awareness to the seriousness of suicide prevention to the incarcerated women, according to the press release. 

“By the end of the week, staff and inmates all agreed working together to create awareness in the CIW community was a success,” said Thomas in the email.

• Shaylene Graves 27, She died six weeks away from her release.  

• Before Shaylene, Erika Rocha committed suicide. 

• Erika was 35 years old and had been incarcerated for 21 years. She was one day away from her Youth Parole Hearing. 

• Shadae Schmidt (Dae Dae) who died at CIW in Feb. 2014, 

• Alicia Thompson who died of an alleged suicide in Feb. 2014

Goodbye, valued reader.

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This is the last “Asked On The Line” that shall be written for the San Quentin News, so this is goodbye. The first “Asked On The Line” was published for the May 2011 issue of the San Quentin News, and it asked the men on the mainline if they knew the meaning behind Cinco de Mayo.

Now, more than 70 articles later, this column shall be retired. But fear not, valued reader, this writer shall continue to write the MAC Corner column, focused on informing the men in blue of the ongoing and ever-changing policies of the institution.

The brainchild of Executive Editor Arnulfo Garcia, Asked On The Line had a most interesting six-year run.

However, this column was by no means my idea or my invention. It was developed in collaboration with talented and award-winning editors and journalists: John Eagan, Steve McNamara, Joan Lisetor, William Drummond, Richard Richardson, Garcia, Juan Haines, Kevin Sawyer, Marcus Henderson, Keung Vanh, Jonathan Chiu, Ali Tamboura, Julian Glenn Padgett, and many, many other people, outrageously talented men and women who have worked tirelessly for a great periodical. They are the true heroes and the true authors of this column.

My primary intent was to help remind our readers of the humanity that exists behind prison walls. It was never about the inmate perspective but of the human perspective.

So, for those on the other side of the wall, who have never felt cold steel on their skin, the slam of a cell door, or the condescending tone of authority’s voice, my driving message was this: the reality for state prisoners is that there is no comfort in punishment.

No human being likes the hard accommodations of a concrete cell, but the fact that we are compelled to adapt to our environment does not mean that we have lost our humanity. We are people. We are grandfathers, uncles, nephews, brothers, husbands, fathers and sons. We are human beings, and we matter. Our lives matter.

Granted, there are a lot of men at San Quentin who have done great harm, and many of those men live with the shame of their crimes and of knowing that there is nothing that may ever restore their victims.

And sadly, there are some mainliners who feel no shame and are unable to feel it because of mental illness or lifelong trauma. Yet, even those men feel the sting of incarceration every day. And in the minority of the inmate population—there are some at this institution—are those who have lost all hope and just don’t care about themselves anymore, much less other people.

They cannot be reasoned with or bargained with. They feel no shame, pity or remorse, and they will not stop hurting other people because dysfunction and abuse is all they know. However, valued reader, they do not represent all of the men serving time in prison.

Interestingly, some outside visitors have asked how we get used to being here. I can only respond with a question: How else should we respond to state-sanctioned retribution? We respond like any other person would respond. We respond like human beings.

Now, Hollywood and violent isolated incidents in prisons and jails across the country have painted a very negative image of inmates, one that has developed into a deep-seated prejudice by some free people in society.

Yes, mischief and crime does occur in prison, but setting aside those incidents, many of the men at San Quentin actually work hard, every day, to make amends to their victims while healing themselves in the process—a tall order, given the accommodations and limited resources.

We do not need to remind anyone that retribution is hard or that punishment is painful. Yet, many San Quentin volunteers and state employees would agree that the humanity of the men serving time at San Quentin is no different from that of free people.

The men in blue laugh, love, cry, mourn and rejoice, just like people who live in the free world. We have children, parents, siblings, grandparents, spouses, partners and friends on the outside.

Most mainliners actually support, participate in, and desire more rehabilitation programs and only hope that we are not forgotten by those on the other side of the wall.

Such a notion that the men in blue are less human than free people has never been true and has only served to feed the prejudicial agenda of those who dislike us or do not understand us. So, we hold on to the hope that someday, those outside individuals might come around and visit us, maybe even volunteer.

What did you learn from your father?

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Asked on the Line:

Father’s Day is always on the third Sunday of June. Many of the men in blue learned about fatherhood from their dads or father figures.

“Asked On The Line” asked men on the mainline to describe the qualities of a good father. “What would you say is your dad’s (or the man who raised you) most important or inspiring characteristic? Are you just like him or his opposite?”

M. Ronald: A good father is a provider, a teacher and a good role model to his family. My dad was a great provider. I remember the times he took my sister and me to the amusement park to get on the rides and then to the beach. I remember he used to also take us to church every Sunday to worship.

J. Jones: A good father is the one that is there when you need him the most. He loves his children and works to put food on the table. A good father is someone who loves his children through thick and thin and helps his kids with their homework.

V. Nguyen: A father should be a loving and caring person. I grew up without a father because he left me when I was 5 years old.

My father achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during the Vietnam War. He was an ally to the American forces. After South Vietnam fell to the Communist regime, they took my father to a re-education labor prison camp for 13 years, so my mom raised me and my five older siblings on her own.

S. Saldana: A good father must be loving, humble, respectful, caring, responsible and compassionate. He teaches his children, supports his children, carries his children, and has a good sense of humor to make them laugh. My father taught me good values. I am respectful and humble like my father.

B. Benitez: Being responsible is the most important quality of a good father. My father was a very responsible person. He was always with me when I needed him.

J.L. Velasquez: I remember my father had the capacity to teach me good things. He taught me how to work in the agricultural fields. He taught me good manners. To me, my dad is my hero because when I needed him, he was there to help raise me.

W. Wimberly: A father is a person who looks out for his kids and family. My dad was a fun person to be with, and he was good to all eight of us. My father raised us all along with our mother.

J. Flores: My dad was a hard-working person who never abandoned his family. My mom and their kids were the most important people in his life. I learned to love my wife and children just like my father. He tried his best and paid the bills on time.

B. Bridges: I had one of the best dads a person could ever have. He was a wonderful man that God gave me to ask about things and spiritual support. He would always give me love and paid me an allowance for keeping the house in order.

My dad loved my mom so very much; he worked hard for the family and later owned a business. Life was great with him!

 

Remembering favorite foods of past Thanksgivings

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Every year, Thanksgiving lands on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving Day is one of the holidays that most men in blue especially miss celebrating with their families.

“Asked on the Line” made random informal inquiries of mainliners and asked: What do you love to eat for Thanksgiving Day? Before you were incarcerated, when, where and with whom did you celebrate Thanksgiving? At this moment, what or for whom are you most thankful for having in your life?

Anthony “Habib” Watkins: “Turkey drumstick (leg), candy yams, collard greens, ox tails, potato salad, mixed vegetables and an assortment of pies and cakes. In 1988, I was in Ontario, California, with my then common-law wife and our four sons. With us were her grandparents, mother and siblings and one of my sisters with her children and some of her grandchildren. I am thankful for the Most High and for a family that continues to support me in this endeavor, as well as for Patten University and a handful of prisoners who support me.”

Corey McNeil: “The traditional stuff. On Thanksgiving Day, [before incarceration] I was at home with family and friends. I am thankful for my health and for my family and friends who are supporting me during this time.”

Ruben Ramirez: “Everything and anything. I like to experience new tastes and sensations so that maybe I can incorporate those flavors in my own recipes someday. I used to do all the cooking for Thanksgiving. I enjoyed cooking everything from the main course to dessert. It was a labor of love for me. I am thankful for everyone that I have surrounded myself with throughout the years, and I am thankful that I continue to have positive support from my people outside.”

Antonio Manning: “Turkey, dressing, peach cobbler and cranberry sauce. Before incarceration, I would celebrate at my grandmother’s house with family members (uncles, aunts, brothers, etc.). I am most thankful for God’s grace in my life at this moment and for my dad who has loved me unfailingly.”

David Rodriguez: “Turkey. Whichever family I was with. Jesus Christ.”

Jerome Watts: “Fried turkey, ham, stuffing with cranberry sauce, pecan/pumpkin pie and potato salad. Before incarceration, I was usually with family at my grandmother’s home. I am most thankful for family.”

R. Mohamed: “Turkey and dressing. Before incarceration, on that day, I was with everyone I knew and could see. At this moment, I am most grateful that my supervisor, Grossi, treats me like a human being.”

Alex Ross: “Turkey for sure! Cranberry sauce, coleslaw and fresh fruit. Before incarceration, I was with all six of my sisters, my brother, my mom, and all of our kids. I am most thankful for God and my family.”

Eddie Hollingsworth III: “Macaroni and cheese that is ‘homemade’! Fried perch and catfish, along with ‘homemade’ mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw and biscuits. I was with my entire family at my grandmother’s house from about 3 p.m. to midnight. I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross at Calvary not only for my sins but for the sins of the world.”

Daryl Hill: “Turkey, collard greens, rice and gravy, stuffing, sweet potato pie and biscuits. Before my incarceration, I celebrated Thanksgiving with my mom, sister, wife and kids. I am most thankful for God and my family.”

Lorenzo Romero: “I love turkey. With potatoes, pumpkin pie, stuffing and real ice cream. From 1985 to 1999, I spent Thanksgiving in San Bernardino, Calif., with my wife, two sons and family. At this time, I am grateful for the ‘real’ people God has put on my path and journey and for my cell partner who has been a loyal friend.”

What Is Your Stance on the National Anthem?

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Many of the men in blue say they would remain seated during the National Anthem. Like a small but growing number of professional athletes refusing to stand for the national anthem, mainliners have expressed similar views of the criminal justice system.

“Asked on the Line” conducted an informal survey with four questions. The first question mainliners were asked was, would you stand for the National Anthem or would you remain seated like San Francisco Forty-Niner football player Colin Kaepernick?

The second question mainliners were asked was whether they agree with the notion that compared to other countries, the United States has the best criminal justice system in the world, albeit not a perfect system.

Third, the men in blue were asked, if resources were not an issue, would you ever leave the United States and live in another country?

Finally, the men in blue were asked, should the government be judged because individual government employees, agents, and/or officers abuse their authority or because the government fails to hold those corrupt employees, agents and/or officers responsible?

Of the men surveyed, 52 percent would stand for the national anthem, but 48 percent would remain seated.

Fifty-five percent of the men surveyed did not agree that the U.S. has the “best” criminal justice system in the world. However, 30 percent agreed that, compared to other countries, the U.S. justice system is indeed the best. Fifteen percent replied they did not know.

When asked if they would ever leave the U.S. and live in another country, 44 percent replied “maybe” and 11 percent “not likely.” However, 11 percent answered they would live in another country “someday” and 19 percent would leave the U.S. as soon as they get off parole. Fifteen percent of the men surveyed vowed to never leave the country.

Although the survey was anonymous, some of the men chose to voice their opinions.

A. Ross: “I have a right to a trial, and if I am sentenced to death, I have a right to appeal. The police are setting those rights aside.”

L. Paul: “I would find out what the officers are going through, and then I would forgive them and pray for them.”

W. Goodman: “I would not judge the system, rather those who abuse their authority, and I would expect the system to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

F. Jones: “Both. When an employee of the government fails to abide by the laws, they should be held accountable for that violation. The government should be judged if they do not hold those employees accountable.”

D. Krizman: “The behavior of government officials must be honorable for any system of government to work. Our system should be simplified and refined, and its officials must be held to a higher standard.”

E. Carlevato: “Accountability is a very important trait for me, and the system is failing to hold those corrupt employees, agents and officers responsible.”

K. McBride: “Each person in power is responsible for his or her own actions. However, their superiors are also responsible for disciplining them.”

P. Espinal: “I would judge the government for not holding corrupt employees or officers responsible because the people are the government.”

C. Cherry: “The government should look at why the abuse of power is occurring. There has to be accountability for law enforcement officers who shoot and kill people just for having a knife. There has to be another way.”

M. James: “I would judge those individual government officials who don’t hold those corrupt employees, agents and officers responsible.”

J. Hancock: “I would hold the system accountable by deeply learning the intricacies of the system and use a remedy available to expose what is broken and what needs to be changed.”

T. Slaughter: “It is not only those corrupt agents, employees or officers, but the rich and famous are not being held responsible by the government.”

Heroic Traits Learned From Father or Father Figures

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By Angelo Falcone
Journalism Guild Writer
Father’s Day is always the third Sunday of June. It is a day set aside in honor of fathers. Webster’s New World College Dictionary states–among 12 noun definitions—that father is “a person regarded as a male parent; protector.” Among the five transitive verb definitions, to be a father is “to take responsibility for.”
“Asked on the Line” approached men in blue and asked them to tell us of any admirable traits they learned or inherited from their fathers or father-figures.
William Tolbert replied with a poem for William Earl Tolbert Sr., in memory of his father: “With the breath you have given me, I have overcome my fears. I embrace you. You are my father.”
Christopher Scull said, “My father is my superhero. From saving me when I was choking to trying to keep me from hanging out with the wrong crowd, he protected my life. Now that he is old and sick, I want to save him. I will always remember him as my superhero. I love you Dad!”
Dwayne Jones said, “My father taught me to be responsible. He taught me to respect others, and to always be a best friend, the best brother, uncle and father. Thanks, Dad.”
Antwan Williams said that his father always told him, “You are a Williams. You can adapt to anything.” This phrase meant a lot to Antwan. “My father gave me the courage and confidence to face life as it is presented to me. Thank you, Dad,” said Antwan.
Sam Johnson Sr. honored three men. “To my father Christopher J. Johnson, my father figure, Jack Diocesan, and my father-in-law Hans Williams: With my father, it was not always easy growing up in the South, but he loved me in the best way he knew. He taught me how to drive a car and encouraged me to love my mother and siblings unconditionally. My father figure taught me how to be accountable for my actions and how to cry without being embarrassed or ashamed. My father-in-law gave me his daughter’s hand, and I learned to see the beauty in marriage and to behold God’s gift to man.”
Dwight Krizman: “My dad was born in 1914 in Eastern Europe. He immigrated to the United States and became a proud U.S. citizen. He taught me how to live with dignity and honor and to always be myself!”
Matthew Nguyen said that because of his father, he learned to help others when they are in need or in an emergency. “I learned to be like my father, just like when he fought in the Vietnam War.”
Anthony “Habib” Watkins: “The person I have great admiration for is my father Marvin Watkins. He will forever be the greatest man that has ever lived. He taught me to work hard, to be a good provider, and to let my actions have the biggest effect of all.”

Type of Flowers Sent to Loved Ones

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“April showers bring May flowers,” but what type of flowers would the men in blue send to their loved ones? And in what color? No one flower or color stood out.
Sam Johnson: “I would send my wife long-stem black roses. I know they are actually very dark blue or purple roses, but at first glance, they look black.”
Stephen Pascascio: “I would send lilies to someone I love. I would choose pink lilies.”
Wayne Villafranco: “I would send long-stem red roses to a woman.”
William Tolbert: “I would send anything but red roses. I would prefer to send tulips of any color.”
Jesus Flores: “I think carnations are beautiful. I would send carnations to the women I love in my life: my mom, my grandmother, my wife, and my aunts.”
Chris Brown: “I would send a mixture of different flowers. They would be purple, yellow, and red flowers.”
Christopher Scull: “I love my mom and my girlfriend very much, with all my heart. So I would send them long-stem red roses.”
Jose Rivera: “I would send my girlfriend red roses because it is the traditional sign of romantic love. I might also send her purple or bluish roses. I would send my mom a mixture of red, pink, and white roses but for family or loved ones, I would send a variety of flowers in a variety of colors. I’ve learned that any flowers are appreciated.”
Shakur Ross: “I would send red roses mixed with blue violets to my loved ones.”
Quenton Walker: “It depends who I send the flowers to. I would send a friend white roses, but I would send my girl long-stem red roses.”

How Would You Like to Spend Your Time in Prison?

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Valedictorian Angelo Falcone speaking with emcee Philip Melendez and PUP Executive Director Jody Lewen

Valedictorian Angelo Falcone speaking with
emcee Philip Melendez and PUP Executive Director Jody Lewen


March is the second of seven months with 31 days. This year, March has five Tuesdays, five Wednesdays and five Thursdays.
Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13, and spring begins on Sunday, March 20.
For members of the Christian community, St. Patrick’s Day is on Thursday, March 17; St. Joseph’s Day is on Saturday, March 19; Palm Sunday is on Sunday, March 20; Holy Thursday is on Thursday, March 24; Good Friday and the Annunciation of the Lord is on Friday, March 25; Holy Saturday is on Saturday, March 26, and Easter Sunday is on Sunday, March 27.
According to the World Almanac, March is Irish-American Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, American Red Cross Month, National Frozen Food Month, and National Talk With Your Teen About Sex Month.
There are two astrological signs in March: Pisces, the sign of the Fishes (Feb. 19 to March 20) and Aries, the sign of the Ram (March 21 to April 19). The Birthstone for the month of March is the Bloodstone or Aquamarine.
The beauty of spring is upon us. The sounds and smells of nature can soothe the mind. But, what about the sound and smells of men doing time? Asked on the Line asked random individuals, “If you had a choice of a single cell, a double cell (with any cellmate you want), or dorm living, which would you choose and why?”
Matthew Nguyen: “I would choose single cell. There is more privacy and no conflict with cellies. It provides independence and privacy to do things like homework. It also reduces the likelihood of issues related to constructive possession of contraband. I would be responsible for my own cell. I don’t have to worry about sitting on someone’s pee on the toilet seat.”
Ladelle Jackson: “Single cell. It allows me to–in the midst of chaos in prison–think and study, and to wake up in the morning without having an attitude about something my cellie did that bothered me, like flushing the toilet several times during the night. I would have peace and tranquility in the midst of chaos.”
Askari Powers: “I choose single cell because I would have full, complete privacy. The cells are very small as it is and so there is more room. I also don’t have to be so considerate all of the time. It is all me, 24/7. I can fart if I want to, and I don’t have to clean the sink after my cellie before making a pot of water for coffee. Being by myself is priceless.”
Jesus Flores: “I would choose single cell. I don’t have to worry about cleaning up after another person. I love to clean my cell every day and I don’t like having to clean up after a dirty person. I would also feel better about my personal property and not have issues with a cellie who doesn’t like to wear headphones.”
Vaughn Miles: “I could see single cell being beneficial. I would also see living a double cell with someone. I could get peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about someone else bringing in something illegal into the cell and have the police write both of us up.
Phil Senegal: “Single cell. Because I know I’m clean and other men in here tend to be dirty and nasty and I don’t want to get caught up with no germs. The health department here is still inadequate.”
Jose Rivera: “Single cell. I prefer time with myself. After being with other people all day, I prefer to be alone to wind down not have to worry if my being there intrudes on another man’s space. Another man is not intruding on my space.”
Christopher Brown: “Single cell. Because after a long day of work and social interactions, I need time for myself to process and appreciate all that has occurred during the day.”
Christopher Scull: “Dorm living. I enjoy social interaction. Living in a dorm increases the opportunity to learn and grow. I don’t know everything, but I do know that we have all had different experiences.”
Tommy Shakur Ross: “Single cell. I prefer my own space. With a cellie, my thought process can be interrupted.”

February Highlights Love, Presidents and Black History

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Valentine’s Day is the special day in February when people send greeting cards called “Valentines” to their sweethearts, friends, and members of their families, all in the name of love, according to the World Book Encyclopedia,. But what is love? Who is Valentine?
In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “love” is defined as “strong affection, warm attachment, or attraction based on sexual desire.” Love is also used to describe a beloved person, or someone who has “unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for others.”
Love is not to be confused with affection or infatuation, however. Love implies intense fondness or deep devotion and, according to Merriam-Webster, affection suggests warm, tender feelings, usually not as powerful or deep as those implied by love. Infatuation implies a foolish or unreasoning passion or affection, often a transient one, such as a crush. Nevertheless, no other day celebrates love more than Saint Valentine’s Day.
The World Book Encyclopedia describes Saint Valentine as not one, but two martyrs of the early Christian Church. The Roman history of martyrs lists two Saint Valentines who were beheaded on Feb. 14 in A.D. 269. One died in Rome and the other in Interamna, present-day Terni (60 miles from Rome). The Saint Valentine who died in Rome was a priest and the other Saint Valentine was bishop of Interamna.
The World Book Encyclopedia further reports that the custom of exchanging Valentines on Feb. 14 can be traced to the English poet of the 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer. That’s because he mentioned that “birds begin to pair off on that day” supporting an old English belief that birds chose their mates on that day.
It was also reported that Valentine’s Day was traced to an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia, which occurred on Feb. 15. This bizarre festival was to “ensure protection from wolves.” During this celebration, young men struck other people with strips of animal hide. “Women took the blows because they thought that the whipping made them more fertile.” Lupercalia was linked with Valentine’s Day because of the similar date and the connection with fertility.
In the United States and Canada, people exchange Valentines, and many send flowers, boxed candy or other gifts. In Europe, celebrations are similar, except in the United Kingdom and Italy. In those countries, some unmarried women get up before sunrise on Valentine’s Day and stand by the window watching for a man to pass. They believe that the first man they see will marry them within a year.

Revisiting the Most Memorable Winter Holidays

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“If you could go back in time and repeat a winter holiday season, how old would you be? Where would you be? Who would you be with?” The men on the mainline had interesting responses:
Sam Johnson: “I would be eightyears old again. I would be with my brother in Charleston, South Carolina. We were trying to see Santa Claus, but we had fallen asleep the previous year. We were determined that year and stayed up late. At about 12 midnight, we found out who Santa was. It was our mom and dad. All our lives, we thought Santa was a White guy with a beard. We found out that everything we got was from mommy and daddy. Raising my kids, I told them that Santa Claus is mommy and daddy.”
Philip Senegal: “It would be 1986. I would be 19 years old again. It would be in Oakland, California. I was with a young lady named Philis. I would go back not just to relive that time, but to go back to make it better for her. She was pregnant with my first daughter.”
William Tolbert: “I would be 10 years old again in Oklahoma. I would be with my mom during Christmas time. She had a tradition of telling us folk tales and we’d drink hot chocolate. The scene would be a Christmas tree and Christmas tree lights. It was the most carefree time in my life.”
Matthew Nguyen: “I estimate that it would be 1993 or 1994. I was in second or third grade, eight or nine years old. It was Christmas Eve at a Catholic Church with my family and Santa Claus was giving out toys to all the kids.”
Raymond Bodine: “I would go back to New Year’s Eve in 1982. I was totally alone at my farm in Tulare County. I had met my wife on a New Year’s Eve, but my wife and kids had left me a year earlier in 1981 and moved to Oregon. I would change that moment and be with someone instead of being alone.”
Somdeng Thongsy: “I would go backto 1993. I was 13 and it was Thanksgiving. I was with my family. Everyone in my family was there and I was very happy.”
Syyen Hong: “I was nine years old in Long Beach, California. I was with my mom, sister, my younger brother, my four aunts, three uncles, and my grandparents. I was happy because we had three turkeys.”
Sam Hearnes: “It’s 1995, Christmas Day. I was 18 years old and my dad dropped me off at my daughter’s great-grandmother’s house. If I could go back and relive that day again, I would spend time with grandmother in Fresno, California.”
Christopher Marshall: “It was 1995. The first time I had Christmas with my daughter. I was in Long Beach, California. We visited my parents and grandparents.”
Eddie Herena: “I would go back to when I was 21. I was living in San Jose with my girlfriend. It was my first Christmas living independently and not confined or having to answer to anyone. I had my own place and my own money. It was the best Christmas ever.”

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