Youth offenders and prisoners focus on incorporating the entire community The latest graduating cycle of KidCAT’s First Step curriculum marked the end of a distinct era in this ground- breaking program’s history. The youth offender support community celebrated and said heartfelt goodbyes on June 30 to four of its outside volunteer facilitators—and also to inside lead facilitator, Fateen Jackson, who was found suitable for parole and returned to society oct. 1. “It’s a bittersweet experience that several of us are leaving the … [Read more...] about KidCAT members unite and bid farewell as leadership roles transition
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21st century training for a brighter job future
By, Juan Haines and Michael Johnson, Senior Editor and Staff Writer. Top officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), as well as personnel from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, celebrated the graduation of dozens of prisoners who completed highly touted apprenticeship programs geared to pre-pare them for 21st century jobs once released from prison. “This is a milestone—a turning point in your life,” said San Quentin Warden Ron Davis to the 35 incarcerated graduates amid the large audience that … [Read more...] about 21st century training for a brighter job future
Construction training offers increased job opportunities
A vocational program is changing lives and instilling hope for a positive future for San Quentin prisoners. The construction skills program enables prisoners to qualify for a number of career certifications and union memberships. “This is a tough program that consists of 640 classroom hours, tests, workbook assignments and 280 hours of on-the-job training,” said Lauro Perez, instructor for the Career Technical Education (CTE) construction program. This program is also a part of the California Prison Industry Authority (PIA) and … [Read more...] about Construction training offers increased job opportunities
Wall City Volume 2 Issue 2: Fighting Fire While Doing Time
Women battle to continue fighting fires after their releases Female firefighters on the front lines of California wildfires photo by David McNew/ AFP/Getty Images Many people are surprised to learn that nearly 10 percent of the incarcerated firefighters serving at California's 44 "fire camps" are women. Just like men, the women firefighters get the same training as Cal Fire's other seasonal firefighters- one week in the classroom, another week in the field, and additional training on an ongoing basis. And, just like the incarcerated men … [Read more...] about Wall City Volume 2 Issue 2: Fighting Fire While Doing Time
WALL CITY, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2: THE WOMAN OF MY TOMORROW
By Myesha Newell There’s a girl i know well who went from court date to court date feeling spiritually drained, having to eat a sack lunch without even so much as water to wash it down. She was constantly in a trance of trying to face the future and detect the unexpected, but at the time she really felt she wasn’t ready for what the future held. She was only a 16-year- old girl being brought up in the city. She was barely blossoming as a young lady, seeking to find herself. Seeking and searching in high and low places landed her in … [Read more...] about WALL CITY, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2: THE WOMAN OF MY TOMORROW
WALL CITY, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2: My birth plan is to deliver in a jail cell
A true story of women on their own in an Oklahoma lockup By Laci Berg as told to Mary Fish Story courtesy of Victoria Law My name is Laci. I am a locked-up pregnant lady at Oklahoma’s Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. Previously, I was in Caddo County Jail on a controlled of a dangerous substance charge with a former conviction of a felony. One of my cellmates (there were about 40 of us in this jail) was pregnant. Her name was Cheree and she was Native and Caucasian. One afternoon, she went into labor. They brought the trays and we … [Read more...] about WALL CITY, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2: My birth plan is to deliver in a jail cell
Celebrating a community led by peaceful intention
Lyricist Ashanti The 2019 Day of Peace Celebration was a festival of music and healing featuring dynamic outsider performers and San Quentin talent. “This music brings tears to my eyes. It’s touching my soul, lowering my anxiety and depression,” said inmate J.O. Chisom. “It’s saving me from my inner thoughts as we speak.” “I feel blessed every time I come here” The celebration on July 13th opened with prayers from Native American chaplain Hector Heredia, Christian Chaplain Mardi Jackson, and Islamic Community member Roosevelt … [Read more...] about Celebrating a community led by peaceful intention
Skid Row Club returns to the Lower Yard for “OneHour Fun Run”
Judge Craig Mitchell with Coach Frank Ruona (back) An award winning coach, a humanitarian judge, and two former San Quentin residents came together at The Q July 20, 2019 to participate in the 2nd Annual Skid Row Running Club One Hour San Quentin Fun Run. The Skid Row Running Club was founded by Los An- geles Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell, whose mission is empowering the most marginalized. Mitchell believes that by giving people more opportunities, they make better decisions. The Skid Row Running Club seeks to elevate the human … [Read more...] about Skid Row Club returns to the Lower Yard for “OneHour Fun Run”
Original play offers intimate look at doing time in prison
Instructors and the performers of Theatre Workers Project’s More Than A Number Behind miles of razor wire and an electric fence, 23 prisoners housed in California State Prison – Los Angeles County (Lancaster) performed an original theater piece titled “More than a Number.” For 10 weeks, the men gathered in the same place, at the same time, in preparation for their performances for the Theatre Workers Project led by Susie Tanner. “I am touched by the humanity and willingness of the men and women to share” Like clockwork, … [Read more...] about Original play offers intimate look at doing time in prison
Concert showcases Mad Mama, the Bona Fide Few, and the Bangers
Mad Mama Lopez (right) with the Mad Mama The sounds of guitar riffs being shredded and vintage rock ’n’ roll rang throughout San Quentin’s Lower Yard for the prison’s annual Rock Concert. The July 27 event showcased Mad Mama and the Bona Fide Few and punk rock band the Bangers. Mad Mama’s band hails from San Francisco and the Bangers made the trip from Sacramento. The lively personality of Mad Mama Lopez set the stage ablaze with her bubbly demeanor and sharp wit. Mad Mama’s airy high-pitched vocals, similar to Minnie Mouse, the … [Read more...] about Concert showcases Mad Mama, the Bona Fide Few, and the Bangers