Dear Editor:
In reading the latest edition of the San Quentin News (December 2016), there is an article in the MAC Corner, “SQ’s television signal gets an upgrade.”
We do not know what television the author of the article was watching, but the signal in West Block is not as described in the article in many respects; it is worse than it was prior to the “upgrade.” The Bay Area over-the-air digital channels are not stable, while prior to the upgrade these channels were stable. In speaking to individuals in North Block, they are having similar problems with over-the-air television reception also. The consensus is that the article as written regarding improved over-the-air television reception is in error. That sentiment is prior to the recent inclement weather that we are now experiencing.
For example, why would one mount the antenna on the West Block roof that is facing Sacramento barely above the roof ventilator that houses an electrical motor? Electrical motors have magnified fields that negatively affect television signals. Even when turned off the wires carrying the electricity to the motor emits an electrical/magnetic field. (This is how an induction volt-ohmmeter works without the need to contact bare wires). To have an antenna that has to reach a further distance mounted low on its respective mast defies common sense. The further away a signal is the higher the antenna should be placed.
It is requested that before printing articles of this nature that have an effect upon the population of San Quentin that those facts be checked and confirmed. As written now, the article allows complaints regarding television reception to be interpreted as frivolous, whining and generally not credible. The institutional staff can point to this article about MAC saying that everything is fixed and operating, which, as stated previously, is in error.
Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.
Sincerely,
Sahnuun Ahmad Rasheed
To San Quentin News,
I’m writing from Salinas Valley State Prison, A-Facility, and want to give props to our warden, Mr. Muniz, and his underbosses, Mr. Solis and Mr. Binkele, for giving us the tools we need to be able to stand up and be accountable as men. I’m in a college level class called T.U.M.I. and it’s changing the landscape of this prison yard. Our warden believes in rehabilitation and second chances. Because even though we’re some of society’s best rejects, we still have to reach for redemption with sincere hearts and be men. So, instead of being on a collision course with a cell in a SHU somewhere, Warden Muniz has given us a chance to grow as human beings, and he needs to be recognized and respected for the olive branch he’s extending to us here at S.V.S.P.
Sincerely,
Anderson, H-81578
Salinas Valley State Prison, A-2-209
