Through the love of the game of f útbol, history continues to evolve at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, bringing the Spanish-speaking community and CDCR staff together on the soccer field.
This event bought participation from CDCR’s personnel, from; healthcare, custody, and education along with the residents.
“Right after the Olympics, how much better does it get? I saw different ethnicities talking, coming together. Barriers are coming down,” Warden Chance Andes said.
That event gave a voice to the Spanish speaking community. It was an idea building on the expansion of inclusivity of the Latino community within San Quentin.
Fourteen years ago, San Quentin News published its first Spanish article with was a soccer game which became the roots to inclusivity for the Spanish speaking community. This allowed hundreds or maybe thousands of incarcerated non-English incarcerated people to read a story in there language.
Resident Edwin E. Chavez and SQ staff coach K. Bhatt opened up the game with special thanks to the administration. The event kicked off with music ranging from Cambia’s to Rancheras, from SQRC’s own Spanish bands “Grupo Único Elemento” and “Banda Esperanza.”
Moises Ramos, resident and one of the band members, noted that it’s rare they have had a chance to play on stage this much. Normally, they might be able to play a song or two at an event here.
“We all enjoyed this event and I noticed everyone enjoyed listening to the music even though some of the visitor staff commented that they didn’t understand the language,” said Ramos.
Resident Pablo Sánchez, narrated the game in Spanish, with music popping off during intense moments and when goals were scored.
“For the community it helps us to have more connection with staff and we feel they take us into account. That’s how we break barriers,” said Sánchez.
Residents and staff played a total of two games. The first ended in a score of 6-3, with residents winning against staff. The second game combined staff with residents on the same teams, and ended with the score of 4-4.
The first goal was made by Ismael “Jalisco” Partida, in the first half of the game. The second goal was made by Dao.
Warden Andes scored two penalty kicks and blocked a goal in his “suit and tie,” while the band played in celebration.
“This event helps me to be friendlier, it’s a step forward to better relationships with others and it makes a better environment,” said Counselor A. Dao, who first time experience playing soccer with the residents.
Michael Navarro, a resident, added “Playing with them makes us feel normal; it’s a step in a positive direction. Because we are a huge community here, it gives us a voice that we aren’t always given.”
“This event builds unity, cohesion and healthy habits. Sports help work out conflict,” said Chief Medical Executive Dr. Pachynski.
For the some of the spectators, hearing an event held in Spanish on the yard was a new experience. They commented on how much they loved the music and dancing, but wished they could understand what was being said.
“This event is important for the Spanish community who isn’t normally taken into account. We don’t have many groups available to us in Spanish here, but this event can help show that we need more,” said Resident Luis Orozco.
Ms. Lebelle, a Psychology Intern in her second week working within SQRC, commented as a person who is notable to speak Spanish, but recognizes the importance of the overall effort.
“To have the main commentary in Spanish felt really important, and to not even have English translation is an important reversal in having language representation,” said Lebelle. “It’s amazing the teams are mixed. I’m also appreciating the complexity of how long it took to get here.”
Special thanks to Warden Andes, Lt. Berry, Community Resource Manager Barragan and Coach Bhatt.
— Journalism Guild Writers Marvin Vasquez and Miguel Sifuentes contributed to this story
