California crime victims would have another seven years to apply for state victims funds under legislation introduced in the State Senate. The current deadline is three years. Approximately 100 crime survivors fail to apply in time for about $84,000 each year, Witness LA reported July 21. The measure is SB375 by Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles.) The California Victim Compensation Board “covers expenses that arise in the wake of a crime, including medical treatment, mental health counseling, burial expenses, and in- come … [Read more...] about Seven more years to apply for state victims funds
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Big Wheels to the Big House covers victimization as well as hopes and dreams
“The world is cold and dark...Who cares?!” That’s what’s on the book cover of Juvenile Offenders: From Big Wheels to the Big House (2018) by Rosemary Jenkins. The page-turner is a learning journey of what it’s like to survive unthinkable victimization, learn to be accountable and then, in the process, generating personal hopes and dreams. Juvenile Offenders is an anthology from about two dozen writers, all living in that cold, dark place called prison. That being said, it’s hard not to care after taking in their stories — each from a … [Read more...] about Big Wheels to the Big House covers victimization as well as hopes and dreams
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
Governor’s moratorium on death penalty has not stop capital sentences
By Alfred King Journalism Guild Writer The governor’s moratorium on executions has not stopped some California district attorneys from seeking the death penalty in new cases they prosecute. District attorneys “across the state have continued to pursue capital charges against defendants,” the Sacramento Bee reported July 17. Lawyers working on behalf of Cleamon Johnson asked the state Supreme Court on July 1 to halt such prosecutions, the newspaper said. Johnson is a Los Angeles manaccusedofkillingfive people. “In light of … [Read more...] about Governor’s moratorium on death penalty has not stop capital sentences
Rechazan correlación entre inmigración indocumentada y crimen
No existe una correlación significativa entre inmigrantes indocumentados y crimen, sugiere una reciente investigación. Un estudio realizado por el Marshall Project y el New York Times reveló que los crímenes violentos y de propiedad disminuyeron entre 2007 y 2016 en áreas donde viven inmigrantes indocumentados. El estudio desaprueba la retórica de la campa- ña del Presidente Donald Trump. Como reportó David Knowles de Yahoo News, Trump afirmó que México está enviando personas que tienen muchos problemas. “Ellos están trayendo … [Read more...] about Rechazan correlación entre inmigración indocumentada y crimen
Empleo en la prisión: Una jornada laboral que se paga en centavos
Los prisioneros en el estado de California trabajan un promedio de ocho horas por día, pero ganan centavos en vez de dólares. José Ledesma de 69 años de edad y quien cumple una sentencia de 15 años, dice que su trabajo en la cocina de la prisión de San Quentin no le ayuda mucho porque debido a su horario le es difícil participar en programas de rehabilitación, además que solo gana 11 centavos por hora. “El sueldo es pésimo porque no me alcanza para nada”, dijo Ledesma. Como parte de su condena, Ledesma debe pagar el 55 por ciento de su … [Read more...] about Empleo en la prisión: Una jornada laboral que se paga en centavos
AROUND THE WORLD
Susanne Karch with sisters Gunilla and Agneta on the small island of Kӓringӧn off the West Coast of Sweden Dr. Susan Rahman in front of the wall that divides Palestine and Israel PUP instructor Sophie FitzMaurice across the pond … [Read more...] about AROUND THE WORLD
LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK
Letters to the editor Before These Walls Before these walls, I laughed out loud and freely After these walls, my laughter sounds strange and forced Before these walls, I loved first and doubted later After these walls, I rarely love and always doubt Before these walls, I saw the best in everyone After these walls, I seek what’s below the mask Before these walls, I smiled at my mirror’s reflection After these walls, I see a stranger staring back at me Before these walls, I managed my healthy fears of tomorrow After these walls, I see … [Read more...] about LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK
Local television station honors three with the Jefferson Award for their public service at San Quentin
San Quentin employee Raphaele Casale has been presented The Jefferson Award for Public Service for her behind the scenes community work. Raphaele Casale Casale is an office technician who works in the San Quentin warden’s office. She also runs the prison’s music program and is one of the staff sponsors for the SQUIRES (San Quentin Utilization of Inmate Resources Experiences and Studies) program that allows inmates to mentor at-risk youth. “I love kids,” she commented. Allen Martin from KPIX channel 5 interviewed Casale for a … [Read more...] about Local television station honors three with the Jefferson Award for their public service at San Quentin