Within a week of the May 17 break-in and vandalizing of one of the education modules located on the Main Recreation Yard, a barrier fence that had sat unfinished for months was quickly completed. This barrier was a continuation of one already in place surrounding the main education module, located on the south quadrant of the yard where SQTV and the educational offices are located. It effectively isolated two additional modular buildings.
But, in addition to securing these areas and controlling entrance by the general population, on weekends when there is no custody coverage for education it eliminates any accessibility to flushable toilets or running water for hand-washing for anyone utilizing the lower yard.
During the summer months it is not unusual to have hundreds of people on the yard enjoying the activities offered there. And for all of these people there are now just eight portable toilets and no running water to wash their hands. And with several recent outbreaks of both H1N1 and Norovirus within the prison, physical interaction, such as shaking hands or sharing sports equipment, is a health concern in this regard.
When contacted by San Quentin News staff regarding concerns about the lack of sanitary facilities, Lieutenant Nick Taylor said, “This is a safety and security issue.”
At press time a temporary sink had been located near the portable toilets adjacent to the baseball diamond.
