Who in California currently has the right to vote? Eligible voters are citizens of the United States, 18 years of age or older as of Election Day. But, what if you’ve been arrested or have a conviction? “Many Californians mistakenly believe a criminal conviction keeps them from voting. Politicians bet on that fact to win elections,” according to the Americans Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). So, let’s set the record straight. You are eligible to vote if you: Are awaiting trial or are on trial for any crime; Are in jail for a … [Read more...] about Voting rights for people with criminal convictions
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21 graduates ready to reenter the workforce
Twenty-two inmates graduated from the Prison to Employment Connection’s (PEC) seventh session at San Quentin State Prison in May. A week before graduation, the men did face-to-face interviews with employers looking to hire qualified formerly incarcerated citizens. More than 40 men enrolled in the program in February to learn about interview skills, resumé writing and other forms of communication. In doing so, they were able to determine what career path was right for them upon release from prison. “There are over 4,800 legal restrictions … [Read more...] about 21 graduates ready to reenter the workforce
New bill would keep youth offenders out of adult prisons
Human Rights Watch (HRW) continues to back legislation that gives youthful offenders a second chance at life after committing serious crimes. Most recently, law changes in California have allowed offenders who were under age 25 when they committed the crime to seek a sentence review after serving between 15 and 25 years— depending on the category of crime. HRW is now working on new legislation geared to stop offenders 16 years old and younger from ever being sent to adult prisons. Currently, when an offender under age 18 is sentenced as an … [Read more...] about New bill would keep youth offenders out of adult prisons
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative 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 aids programs
OptionB.Org Support Group Overcoming the Effects of Incarceration
OptionB.Org We believe in the power of community to help people heal. We want to break the silence and isolation that often surrounds adversity. To do that, we’re growing a community that shows people they are not in it alone. To join the Overcoming the effects of incarceration group for support, your loved ones can visit optionb.org/groups. Key details about Overcoming the effects of incarceration group: This group is one of several Facebook groups moderated by Optionb.org . It is meant to be a space for people who have … [Read more...] about OptionB.Org Support Group Overcoming the Effects of Incarceration
Transforming former inmates
From the prison to the streets, the transformation of a man. That’s the subject of “A Man Like Me” – a play created by four former prisoners taking advantage of “The Dads Back!” Academy. The academy is a reentry organization, run by Friends Outside Los Angeles County (FOLA), using theater to reintegrate parolees and formerly incarcerated men back into society. The arts program is run in partnership with the TheatreWorkers Project, which provides theater workshops called “Moving Forward” twice a month, mostly in Southern California. This … [Read more...] about Transforming former inmates
The impact on children of incarcerated parents
An audience of fathers at San Quentin State Prison cried as they watched the screening of a film that showed the impact on children when their parents go to prison. “I almost broke down three times,” San Quentin News staffer Dejon Joy said. “My boys are tattooed on my hand; I’ve been in the visiting room with my sons and on the other side of GTL (Global Tel Link, the prison collect-call phone system company). I feel like you were telling my life. The film was perfect.” The movie is called Tre Maison Dasan: A Story of Boyhood Marked by the … [Read more...] about The impact on children of incarcerated parents
Judy Appel talks justice
Berkeley Unified School District board member Judy Appel sat down with San Quentin News to brainstorm on solutions to criminal justice issues that she can take to Sacramento, if she wins an assembly seat this fall. “I’m very concerned about our criminal justice system and the way we lock people up for really long times,” Appel said. “We put people away for so long without trusting people with a second chance.” Following the footsteps of her mentor, retired State Senator Loni Hancock (D-Oakland), Appel said she believes in working with the … [Read more...] about Judy Appel talks justice
Grammy award winning Zuill Bailey performs in SQ
A Grammy Award-winning cellist, Zuill Bailey, performed an hour-long concert at San Quentin State Prison’s Protestant Chapel. Bailey is considered one of the premier cellists in the world, and yet he decided to play before an audience of prisoners, staff and volunteers in a place where few artists have ever set foot. After achieving so much renown, Bailey visited the prison on April 27 to share his music with men who rarely partake of the fine arts. “It’s very special to be here,” said Bailey. “I’m looking forward to sharing this kind of … [Read more...] about Grammy award winning Zuill Bailey performs in SQ
San Quentin News Launches Wall City Magazine
San Quentin, California – May 21, 2018 – The premiere issue of Wall City, a magazine that reflects the curiosity, intellect, dedication and professionalism of the men working as journalists inside San Quentin, will be released on May 29, the editors of San Quentin News announced. Copies of Wall City will be distributed to the libraries and administrators of every California prison. Members of the public can access a free digital version or order print copies via MagCloud . A link will be published at sanquentinnews.com for easy access. … [Read more...] about San Quentin News Launches Wall City Magazine