Robert Bruce Garrett The San Quentin community came together on Sept. 18 to pay tribute to the life of Robert Bruce Garrett, 69, who passed away July 30 after a long battle with cancer. He was born Feb- ruary 1, 1950. Garrett, known to his friends as Lucky, leaves behind dozens of fellow men- in-blue, who said he was their barber. Others said they passed the day playing his favorite game, dominoes. Many more of his friends were in a Christian fellowship with him. John “Gillie” Gillies be- came friends with Garrett at another prison … [Read more...] about Remembering another fallen brother: Robert Bruce Garrett
Inmate
San Quentin workers donate more than $7,000 to non-profits
San Quentin workers donated more than $7,000 of their paychecks to two non- profit organizations selected by Warden Ron Davis that serve young people in the San Francisco Bay Area. “I took so much from society. Now I can give back,” said Ronald Bruce Carter at the Oct. 15 check presentation. Tracy Herrmann said, “It’s a big difference from the past, when I’d take.” JVP employee Tracy Herrmann Paul Huyck added, “It’s a good thing to donate money to help society.” The three men are part of the Joint Venture Program, which was … [Read more...] about San Quentin workers donate more than $7,000 to non-profits
The UK revises prisoner work furlough policies
By—Alfred King In the United Kingdom, more prisoners are being allowed to take outside jobs while serving their sentence. Both England and Wales have adopted new policies concerning the release of prisoners to work in the community, BBC News reports. This change in current policy comes as the government seeks ways to reduce re-offending, which comes as a high cost to society. “Step in the right direction” The new direction and shift in policy comes six years after the previous rules had been tightened. This was due to the … [Read more...] about The UK revises prisoner work furlough policies
San Quentin News staff member David Lê paroles after 13 years
In prison, David B. Lê, 35, is known to many as “the professor.” After serving close to 13 years of a 40-years-to-life sentence, he paroled from San Quentin in July. “David is a young guy with an old soul,” said Tien, an inmate who did not give his full name. “I already miss talking to David and hearing his not-his-age, insightful advice. I’m happy that he gets to start his life over again.” Lê was a San Quentin News staff writer, circulation manager, and donor outreach coordinator. He pioneered the Vietnamese translations of the … [Read more...] about San Quentin News staff member David Lê paroles after 13 years
Imago Dei routs the Warriors … but our very own G. Derrick is the star
George Derrick and Leonard King From a wheelchair on the sidelines, Leonard King got to watch veteran San Quentin Warrior Allan McIntosh put up 32 points but still fall short to Imago Dei, 119-102. King got to attend the game because Inmate Disability Assistance Program worker George Derrick, who also plays for the Warriors, used part of his day off to stop by the fourth floor of the infirmary and picked him up. “George is a good per- son; he’s made getting out here really easy,” King said. “It’s a mental struggle losing something you … [Read more...] about Imago Dei routs the Warriors … but our very own G. Derrick is the star
In Remembrance
Brothers George Grifall and Chris Koppe George Grifall Chris Koppe playing his guitar More than 60 men of all nationalities, races and origins gathered in San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel to celebrate the lives of George Grifall and Chris Koppe. The two well-known incarcerated men passed away in San Quentin in the month of June. “I love you, brother,” was the catchphrase for Grifall. Koppe was lovingly known as Colonel Sanders or Colonel Crispy. After the evening meal on July 18, prisoners mingled and listened to the blues, led … [Read more...] about In Remembrance
Brothers George Grifall and Chris Koppe
George Grifall More than 60 men of all nationalities, races and origins gathered in San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel to celebrate the lives of George Grifall and Chris Koppe. The two well-known incarcerated men passed away in San Quentin in the month of June. “I love you, brother,” was the catchphrase for Grifall. Koppe was lovingly known as Colonel Sanders or Colonel Crispy. After the evening meal on July 18, prisoners mingled and listened to the blues, led by the smooth drumming of Darryl Moody Schilling. As the chapel began filling … [Read more...] about Brothers George Grifall and Chris Koppe
Former inmate Tung Nguyen faces a deportation order
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was knocking on Tung Nguyen’s door during a disturbance at a hip-hop concert at San Quentin State Prison in 2006. While conducting a tour of the prison for about 50 non- profit workers and volunteers, a riot broke out between Black and Hispanic inmates. Ac- cording to Nguyen’s interview for OC Weekly, correctional officers ordered all inmates on the ground, but Nguyen ignored their commands. He and his fellow inmate tour guides formed a line in front of the terrified visitors to protect them from the riot. … [Read more...] about Former inmate Tung Nguyen faces a deportation order
A walk on the yard sends youth to camp
Visitors and inmates making the circle of peace at the Lower Yard “We march in solidarity, we all are behind bars,” were the lyrics of a rap song that blared through a massive speaker on San Quentin’s Lower Yard. The song captured the voices and themes of SQ Project Avary’s 3rd Annual “March for the Next Generation.” The June 22 event had inmate Philippe “Kells” Kelly and Eric McCanty of Project Avary rapping those powerful words in front of a host of prisoners and guests. Cesar of Project Avary peroforming “Incarceration carries … [Read more...] about A walk on the yard sends youth to camp
San Quentin’s college class of 2019
PUP graduates class of 2019 On a sunny June morning over- looking the bay, 12 incarcerated scholars were honored at the 2019 Prison University Project (PUP) graduation. University instructors, staff, classmates and family of the graduates gathered in San Quentin’s main visiting room to celebrate the conferring of Associate of Arts degrees in liberal arts to the men in blue. Graduate Sumit Lal and family As “Pomp and Circumstance” sounded, the 2019 graduates began their procession, and PUP Board Chair Maddy Russell-Shapiro’s eyes were … [Read more...] about San Quentin’s college class of 2019