The successful San Quentin Kid CAT program for youth offenders is expanding to Lancaster Prison, thanks to help from three former inmates. “It was really the guys inside’s hunger to get the program,” explained Tommy Winfrey, who left San Quentin in 2016. “There was a hunger there to change their lives. I saw the same concern and willingness to change that I witnessed during my time at San Quentin.” Kid CAT alumni Winfrey, Philip Melendez and Anouthinh Pangthong recently visited Lancaster to help them start their own Kid CAT chapter. After … [Read more...] about Former youth offenders start Kid CAT program at Lancaster
CDCR
Houses of Healing a self-study program for Death Row and the SHU
Some of California’s most segregated prisoners are finding self-forgiveness and introspection through The Houses of Healing Self-study Program. Death Row prisoners and those housed in segrated housing units (SHU) facilities are offered a 14-week correspondence course. San Quentin, Pelican Bay and Corcoran state prisons are among the facilities where the program is available. “Through group sessions and independent work, prisoners learned how to deal constructively with conflict and hostility,” said Robin Casarjian, executive … [Read more...] about Houses of Healing a self-study program for Death Row and the SHU
CDCR issues new regulations for non-violent three-strikes offenders
California set a nationwide trend in sentencing reform when, in 2012, voters passed an initiative that reduced the sentences for non-violent three strikers. The result: thousands of prisoners serving life sentences got out of prison. Other initiatives in 2014 and 2016 chipped away at the Three Strikes Laws. Thousands more prisoners earned release. The latest development comes from an appeals court case, re Edwards. Edwards holds that California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) regulations preventing nonviolent … [Read more...] about CDCR issues new regulations for non-violent three-strikes offenders
Mental health bomb-shell report on care inside state prisons
The chief psychiatrist of California’s prison system is accusing state officials of misleading both a federal court and lawyers for prison inmates fighting to improve mental health care inside state prisons, according to court documents. Dr. Michael Golding sent the 160-page report to the court-appointed federal receiver overseeing reforms inside California prisons. Golding filed the report without his superior’s knowledge. Dr. Golding’s “lengthy, detailed report” contains “serious allegations” that data reported to the federal court … [Read more...] about Mental health bomb-shell report on care inside state prisons
New CA laws may erase pot convictions
If other counties follow San Francisco’s lead, district attorneys’ offices across the state can erase pot convictions under California’s new legal marijuana laws. “Our vision is to help government clear all eligible criminal records starting with convictions under Prop. 64,” said Jennifer Pahlka, executive director of Code for America, a non-profit with the goal of making government more efficient, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. The November 2016 passage of Proposition 64 prompted San Francisco’s District Attorney (DA) to announce … [Read more...] about New CA laws may erase pot convictions
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
Coding program attracts wide range of media attention
The Last Mile Works buzzed with excitement when two filmmakers and a formerly incarcerated graduate returned, accompanied by several co-workers from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), to tour the prison and get stories for their website. Code 7370 teaches inmates the fundamentals of coding, while The Last Mile Works (TLM Works) is composed of seasoned coders who work on paid contracts as part of a joint venture between California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) and private companies. Aly Tamboura, a graduate of Code.7370 and … [Read more...] about Coding program attracts wide range of media attention
Importance of good character and integrity in prison
Cost of reputation, Part 1 Editor’s note: Survival in prison often depends on reputation. A good reputation confers respect and longevity. A bad reputation may result in being ostracized, extorted, assaulted or, worse, murdered. This three-part series will feature stories of survival and redemption. “When I first came to prison I wanted to be left alone, not to be harassed or victimized by other inmates,” said Marty Walters, 50, who has been incarcerated 30 years for first-degree murder. “So, I acted like a tough guy and made weapons because … [Read more...] about Importance of good character and integrity in prison
Message of Hope for Mental Wellness Week at SQ
A drum call to gather the population on San Quentin’s Lower Yard was made on Sept. 9 for the “Hope” themed opening of Mental Wellness Week. Incarcerated men answered the drum call of L. Williams, who works in SQ’s mental health department, visitor Serigne Sowto and sat down in a drum circle. They learned to play traditional West African rhythms like the Sente, Danza, and Dun Dun Ba Ba by hand on a congos bass. “Drumming is recreation- al therapy, and it helps the men in the community, so I thought it could help men in here … [Read more...] about Message of Hope for Mental Wellness Week at SQ
Young female offenders donate $1,500 to charity
Female inmates at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility raised more than $1,500 to fund a program to end domestic violence. “These young people are involved in fundraising year round. (The) donation was prompted by National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which is recognized at the facility with presentations from crime victims as well as essay and art contests,” VC Star reported. The organization that received the fund is a Sacramento-based organization called California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. “Nobody understands how it … [Read more...] about Young female offenders donate $1,500 to charity