Don Spector, Director of the Prison Law Office: “Prisons are literally crumbling” San Quentin’s West Block Twelve of California’s oldest prisons are in need of repair or replacement, according a state-commissioned study recently made public. San Quentin State Prison, California’s oldest prison, built in 1852, is one of the 12 prisons that has “exceeded (its) expected useful life,” the private consultant, Kitchell CEM said in its initial report to the state. The study also included Folsom State Prison, the second oldest prison in … [Read more...] about Twelve CDCR prisons are in dire need of repair
Institutions
Avenal State Prison holds first annual Children’s Hospital art donation
All those who created artwork pieces featuring roses, cards, and knitted R2D2 and BB8 (inserts) for the Valley Children’s Hospital This is the first annual Valley Children’s Hospital hobby donation on C-yard. By Ms. D’s graciousness we were able to host a hobby donation for the children. Those photographed participated by putting their talents together, in a joint effort to bring joy to a child’s heart through arts and crafts. The items donated included: drawings, paintings, cards, colorings, models, paper-mâchés, bracelets, necklaces, … [Read more...] about Avenal State Prison holds first annual Children’s Hospital art donation
11 annual Walk for a Cure
Correctional and administrative staff in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month in front of SQ’s Tower 1 A sea of pink flooded the San Quentin Lower Yard as more than 100 prisoners and dozens of volunteers enjoyed a sunny fall weekend to support the fight against cancer. They joined to build, serve and inspire their SQ community in the 11th annual “Walk for a Cure.” “We begin with a lap of silence to remember those we have lost to cancer and show support for survivors and those currently in the fight,” the public address speaker … [Read more...] about 11 annual Walk for a Cure
Valley State Prison honors program participants
Its annual Motivational Tour highlighted the group's progress By Joseph Hader, Contributing Writer For the past three years, the Youth Offender Program has held its annual Motivational Tour at Valley State Prison, celebrating its progress and honoring its participants and supporters. This year’s event was a bit different, however, more inclusive, more outside-the- box. The annual event had more entertainment and musical performances than ever before, including a first- time prison performance by the Grammy award-winning R&B … [Read more...] about Valley State Prison honors program participants
Pelican Bay inmates break down barriers of stigmatization
The PEACE Group By Little John Perry Over the years, Pelican Bay has been considered the worst prison in California. Since its establishment in 1989, the ‘Bay’ has been infamous for housing the most hardened criminals the state holds– hence the even more infamous Security Housing Unit (SHU). There are countless tales of violence on both small and large scales. However, having grown weary of the endless cycles of bloodshed and indefinite terms of confinement—not to mention the way society viewed mediation between races, them— a group of … [Read more...] about Pelican Bay inmates break down barriers of stigmatization
A competitive spirit reigned during the Fourth of July celebration at SQ
San Quentin’s Lower Yard opened on Independence Day to a carnival-like event that kept hundreds of prisoners entertained all day. A Christian coalition of young incarcerated men, Graced Out Ministries, sponsored the festivities. “The idea was to bring young men and people of all ages together to express their gifts and talents and to let everyone know that God loves them no matter where they are,” said Graced Out organizer Dwight Kennedy. Graced Out Ministries and the Protestant Church collected donations to give away cookies, chips … [Read more...] about A competitive spirit reigned during the Fourth of July celebration at SQ
Removal of books from prison library seen as attempt to censor black history
The Danville Correctional Center in Illinois has removed more than 200 books from its library, volunteers from the Education Justice Project and Illinois Public Media confirmed. The books were removed from a library in the facility’s education wing. Rebecca Ginsburg, director of the Education Justice Project at the prison, said she felt a pit in her stomach when she realized the books had been removed. “I felt sick,” she said. The Education Justice Project offers University of Illinois classes to inmates housed at DCC. Illinois … [Read more...] about Removal of books from prison library seen as attempt to censor black history
Robert E. Burton receives first ever Distinguished School award
Robert E. Burton Principal Michael Wheeless, receiving the Distinguished School award from OCE Superintendent Shannon Swain with Warden Ron Davis (Center) The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Office of Correctional Education (OCE) presented its first ever Distinguished School award to the Robert E. Burton Adult School at San Quentin State Prison in July. An award ceremony was held at the prison to acknowledge “exemplary achievements” the school has made above all 34 other accredited schools within … [Read more...] about Robert E. Burton receives first ever Distinguished School award
GEO Group sees drastic drop in stock value
American Cash The value of stock of one of the major operators of private prisons recently dropped 16%. The stock decline happened after major institutions placed a moratorium on financing private detention facilities. A number of agencies have also sold-off private prison stock. In March, JP Morgan announced “We will no longer bank the private prison industry,” reported Newsweek. In a 2018 Business Standards Report, Wells Fargo Bank told industry analysts, “Our credit exposure to private prison companies has significantly … [Read more...] about GEO Group sees drastic drop in stock value
San Francisco adopts free phone calls for inmates
Inmates in San Francisco county jails will be allowed to make free telephone calls, which is expected to reduce these costs passed on to their family and friends. In June, the city’s mayor, London Breed, and sheriff, Vicki Hennessy, announced plans to cut costs of phone calls and commissary items sold to inmates, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. In a statement, Breed said “This change is an important continuation of our efforts to reform fines and fees that disproportionately impact low-income people and communities of color.” … [Read more...] about San Francisco adopts free phone calls for inmates