Five people were arrested for protesting jail video visitation in Durham, N.C. The Inside-Outside Alliance members demonstrated at a county commission meeting, according to an article by Virginia Bridges for the community news website, newsobservers.com. “We don’t have confidence we will be able to keep (Sheriff Mike Andrews) from making it video only,” said one of those arrested, Joe Stapleton, 27, youth pastor at Cornerstone Community Church. The five were charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and inciting a riot, all … [Read more...] about Protestors aim to block pilot video visitation program for inmates
Politics
Governor Brown pardons more than 850 since taking office
By Salvador Solorio Gov. Jerry Brown has given more than 850 pardons since 2011. This trend contrasts with the three prior governors, who granted a total of 28 pardons, reported Laurel Rosenhall of CAL Matters. Clemency applications sent to the governor describe youth indiscretions, lives of poverty, drug addiction, drug deals, accidental shootings and drunken driving. Applications also describe transformations showing devotion to living clean, steady jobs, responsible parenting and sobriety. Governor Brown’s actions reflect a swing back in … [Read more...] about Governor Brown pardons more than 850 since taking office
California Top Officials’ Reveal Their Support for Ballot Measures
By David Le California’s top officials revealed their support for November ballot measures, the Sacramento Bee reported. Governor Jerry Brown approves of Proposition 57, which, among other things changes, parole rules for some nonviolent offenders and would help to alleviate overcrowding and “ensure that any release of rehabilitated inmates is consistent with public safety,” the Bee reported. Other top officials such as Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, Controller Betty Yee and Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones also show signs of supporting … [Read more...] about California Top Officials’ Reveal Their Support for Ballot Measures
District Attorneys Differ on Prison Realignment
By Thomas Winfrey Los Angeles and San Francisco counties are taking different approaches to the state’s prison realignment plan. San Francisco officials view realignment as an opportunity to improve public safety: Los Angeles officials see it as a burden. “It is predictably the worst thing that is going to happen to the public in my 40-year career,” said Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley. San Francisco District Attorney George Gasćon said, “Our system is screaming for a new way of doing business.” Each county was … [Read more...] about District Attorneys Differ on Prison Realignment
In America Slaves Have No Voting Rights
By LAMONTA McBROOM Participation in the electoral process has always been important for many reasons, but more so now. By November 4, a black president was elected. Whom ever was elected we are being thrust into historical event, but none of this would be significant without the right to vote. Have you ever wondered why in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq prisoners are allowed to vote whereas in the majority of the states of this Union prisoners have no voting rights, even those on parole? Some would cry, Saddam’s voting rights are a … [Read more...] about In America Slaves Have No Voting Rights
PROPOSITIONS 5 & 6
By DAVID MARSH In an election that was quite clearly overshadowed by the uncertain economic times, Americans went to the polls and voted their pocket-books in sending Propositions 5 and 6 down to decisive defeat. Prop. 5, known as the Non-Violent Offenders Act, would have diverted drug and non-violent offenders into rehabilitation and diversion programs, making it much more difficult to incarcerate them. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the initiative could have eventually cost the state over $1 billion a year, off set by an … [Read more...] about PROPOSITIONS 5 & 6
A Victory For America
By ALY TAMBOURA In an election that is truly one for the history books, Barack Obama won his bid for the White House in a sweeping victory, capturing an overwhelming number of the nation’s electoral college votes in a fashion which the nation has rarely seen. By 7:30 pacific time, Fox News had announced Obama the victor and president-elect. The other major networks followed suit of the announcement, forecasting Barack Obama as the next President. Over the next few hours, as the vote counts were broadcast on television, it was evident … [Read more...] about A Victory For America