March 2023

AVENAL READER REMEMBERS CAPT. ROBINSON — 26 YEARS LATER 

Dear SQNews: 

I am writing this to commend you on a great tribute to an awesome man, whose retirement is going to be an unfilled void not only for SQ, but humanity as a whole. You could have filled an entire year of SQNews and still not given due praise to Sam Robinson. 

I met him 26 years ago on the tiers of the Adjustment Center. We were a very difficult group of convicts to say the least. From day one, he treated all of us with respect, unless or until he was disrespected. He is a genuine good guy and nice because he chose to be, not out of fear or fakeness. 

Enjoy your free time Captain Robinson. Take care and be safe. 

—Coby Phillips – Avenal State Prison, Avenal, California 

---

READER REQUESTS STORY ON VETO OF GATE MONEY BILL 

Dear SQNews: 

Greetings & salutations from NKSP reception! 

I & many others like me have been fascinated with the developments surrounding the recently vetoed Bill concerning gate money. Obviously, this is an issue of great importance to every incarcerated individual. 

I was hoping you would be willing to publish an article studying this recent defeat in detail. What were Governor Newsom’s reasons for the veto? Is it an issue of cost? Or does he believe the money is not enough, expecting congress to come back with a better deal? Does the measure have a future or is it dead in the water? 

I feel Newsom is in a Lose – Lose situation here. Outrage if he denies increased gate money, outcry from the tough-on-crime crowd if he signed it. But these are my own uninformed musings. We need context! SQ News is the perfect vehicle for this. 

I will look to the next editions with fervent anticipation on any follow-up to the Governor’s abjuration. Your correspondence is valued & appreciated by us all. 

—James Milligan – North Kern State Prison, Delano, California 

---

CHANGE IS A PROCESS 

Dear SQNews: 

I would like to thank the San Quentin News for keeping inmates, the community, and our loved ones updated on the latest and greatest: What’s going on behind the walls, new laws, ways to advocate, programs available, and ways the community is working together to make a change. 

That should be our main focus, whether we are free or locked up. Change yourself, and if you can, change your situation. 

Remember: Change doesn’t happen unless you decide and work to make it happen. While you have time to make changes, why not? Who wants to stay the same? 

“Those who never change their minds never change anything.” 

These are a few things I learned while being locked up on a 28 year sentence, which I’m seeing change because of the work I have been researching and doing on my appeal process. 

Change doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a process. But in due time you’ll see progress… They can lock us up but can’t lock up our minds. 

“You have a choice to take a chance to make a change.” 

Prayer changes things because prayer changes us. 

—David Towner – High Desert State Prison, Susanville, California 

---

READER REQUEST FROM NORTH KERN 

Dear SQNews: 

I am writing this letter to ask to be added to your mailing list for upcoming editions of your newspaper. 

I would also like to extend my gratitude and appreciation for your success and for your continued commitment to excellence of journalism. I look forward to becoming a proud sponsor to your community. 

—Ridgeway Cox – North Kern State Prison, Delano, California