Opinion

Among other celebrations and observations, March is Women’s History Month. In honor of women, “Asked On The Line” approached mainliners and inquired, “Who do you think is the greatest woman in history? Name a woman you know whom you admire and respect.” M. Jones: “I think the greatest woman in history is Harriet Tubman because she helped blacks get to freedom. A woman I admire is Ethel Waters. She was a great singer in jazz and blues.” M. Benito: “My mother, Socorro, is the greatest woman in my life, and I admire her because she is wonderful, … [Read more...] about Women’s History Month prompts answers to ‘Who’s the greatest?’

A popular social activity on Valentine’s Day is the romantic dinner. Introducing our palates to new and exotic foods can be fun and make a lasting impression. For many, fast food or being cheap is not an option — especially if it’s a first date. Many individuals brush up on a foreign language to impress their dates as they order at a fancy, exotic restaurant. Others may opt to cook an exotic dish for their dates at home and serve it by candlelight. “Asked On The Line” asked some of the men on the mainline, “If you could try, or learn to cook, … [Read more...] about Exciting experiences for the palate

In a sample survey taken from San Quentin inmates, more than half think a Donald Trump presidency has the potential to make America worse, while about 20 percent think things would be better under a Trump presidency. About a third of the respondents said that a Trump presidency poses a direct threat to their future. Almost 40 percent of respondents said their job opportunities outside of prisons were in jeopardy. Close to 43 percent think policies toward immigrants and immigrant communities are under threat. Slightly more than 41 percent … [Read more...] about SQ inmates surveyed about Trump’s election

A visit from family or friend is the most valued and anticipated occurrence in San Quentin. According to prison regulations, it is recognized as “a means of increasing safety in prisons, maintaining family and community connections, and preparing inmates for successful release and rehabilitation.” “Asked on the Line” asked the men in blue, “If the warden would give you a pass to go anywhere to visit anyone for one day, where would you go? Who would you visit?” M. Stewart: “I would visit my mother in Pomona. She has been living in that city … [Read more...] about ‘My mother’ and ‘the Pope’ top list of best persons to visit

Young Black women touring San Quentin questioned a group of prisoners with tears in her eyes. “Aren’t you guys mad at what’s going on out there between the police and communities?” I dropped my head in humiliation because I had no answer. I was speechless. I stood staring at the ground; I could feel the hurt and pain I’ve experienced at the hands of police officers. Race in America is a difficult subject to write about because it is personal, painful and emotionally challenging, but recently I realized my need to grapple with the ways in … [Read more...] about Finding Solutions for Today’s Tragedies in the Community

‘The ritual of setting up visits so far has been a nightmare’ My friend just got into San Quentin, and the ritual of setting up visits so far has been a nightmare. I got the VPASS immediately, but then to make appointments could be deemed nearly impossible. He is in non-contact status, which appears to be a separate system from the online system in VPASS but there is no info given there either as to what to do. Finally after being cleared for two months by VPASS, I came across the number to call, (415) 455-5022, and made my first … [Read more...] about ‘VPASS’: Convenient or Complicated?

Recently, I ran into a childhood friend and asked what he’d been up to. “Just came back from another funeral,” he answered. I shook my head, wondering what violent act had cursed our community this time. You see, for many in South Los Angeles, it is more common to hear about death by the gun than by natural causes. “I’m tired of seeing these young brothers buried,” he added before I could ask the details about another inner-city life cut way too short. Actually, I didn’t need to ask. I was sure it was just a different version of a story I … [Read more...] about A Story I Knew All Too Well