AU CONTRAIRE: TRANSFERRED DEATH ROW PRISONER SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Dear San Quentin News:
I just read “The End of the Line for Death Row” article on the front page your April edition and I have comments regarding CDCR’s claim of how successful the condemned inmate transfer pilot program (CITPP) has been in “putting condemned inmates to work to make restitution for family victim, collecting nearly $50,000 by the end of 2021.” I am one of the 116 Death Row Inmates who volunteered for the CITPP. The first transferees left San Quentin in October, 2020. My bus arrived at Centinela State Prison [in July, 2021]. There are 12 condemned inmates on this mainline yard, and 4 on the Sensitive Needs Yard (SNY). Out of these12 incarcerated persons only one has a paying job, but it is not a pay position. The Director of CDCR stated, “The CITPP is designed to provide enhanced job placement opportunities for condemned inmates to augment CDCR’s compliance with the mandates of PC 2700.1.” CDCR and the CITPP have not complied with the penal code. There were no waiting paid positions. CITPP prisons were not prepared for the induction of condemned inmates, at least not here at Centinela.
I am the only condemned inmate at Centinela with a paying job, who has earned a grand total of $4.13 in the 11 months I have been here. At 70%, CDCR would have only gained $2.89 in restitution from me. That is not a glowing endorsement for CITPP jobs and restitution collection. I am very glad I transferred because life is so much better than before. But be skeptical of CDCR patting themselves on the back.
—Ramon Rogers, CSP Centinela, Imperial, California
GRATITUDE FROM NEW CORCORAN
Dear San Quentin News:
Just yesterday, I was at our Law Library, filing a writ for a sentence reduction under SB 483, and I asked for a San Quentin Newspaper.
In the January 2022 issue, on page 8, I came across the “Resentencing barriers eased by new legislation” piece. The article greatly increased my chance of being granted relief and it is because of the advice given at the end on what to include with my writ. Who knew a “Statement of Remorse” could make a difference?
I simply wish to let the entire San Quentin News staff know that your selfless acts of service with the San Quentin News has always found me when in need of true info and provides it always… Far too few inmates have their voice heard and y’all speak through bull horns so all can hear. You provide a key and vital source of accurate information and news articles directly effecting the prison population.
—Chris Buell, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, Corcoran, California
CLOSE CALL COMPELS LETTER OF THANKS
Dear San Quentin News:
I want to begin by giving praise where it is due.
I just digested your May 2022 edition and was impressed. For the most part though, we must admit prison is prison right? And then sometimes are those good heartfelt stories.
This brings me to May 21, 2022, which was the day I had a mild stroke that nonetheless almost did me in, if it was not for the heroic acts of a few that work at CSP-Lancaster, Facility “D.” I had to be carried out on a stretcher, “man down,” we all know what that means.
I want to personally thank the three officers whose heroic actions saved my life. Thank you for your quick actions and your service. Many who know me will say I’m off my rockers in my old age. I assure you all that after 30 years of this I can finally say that there is some good in people, and some “good people” in our world of pain.
We should recognize that in each other more often and just maybe we all will see the light, guidance and direction to freedom.
—Francisco Gonzalez, R. J. Donovan, San Diego, CA
COLORADO PRISONER NEEDS RENEWED SUBSCRIPTION
Dear San Quentin News:
The reason I am writing you all is because I would to start getting your newspaper again. It is uplifting to me and other inmates in Colorado’s prison system.
—Robert Wing, Colorado Dept of Corrections, Pueblo, Colorado
THE DANGER OF NON-DESIGNATED YARDS
Dear San Quentin News:
In 2016, CDCR created and enforced the Non Designated Programming Facilities (NDPF) policy. This policy directed CDCR Staff to house together General Population (GP) inmates with Sensitive Needs (SNY) inmates on the same facilities, contrary to law and in disregard for inmate safety and security.
are known by CDCR to be non-compatible and possess a real threat to each other. Any physical contact between these two groups of inmates will result in violent assaults, producing serious injuries to the inmates.
Since the creation and enforcement of the NDPF policy, there has been and will continue to be many related injuries and even deaths.
Inmates who fear transferring to NDPFs have committed suicide, and inmates who did transfer to a NDPF, or were housed there already, became victims of violence, which resulted in the above mentioned outcomes.
These facts are available to be searched and accessed online on Google.
—Ismael Villarreal, CSP Solano, Vacaville, California
SALINAS VALLEY LWOP FINDS SQN EDUCATIONAL
Dear San Quentin News:
Thanks to all the members working at the San Quentin News. For the past 5 years, the SQN has been a big part of my life, and for those like myself serving LWOP and other life sentences, even y’all that have dates, the SQN is a huge educator for us.
—Robert Welton, Salinas Valley State Prison, Soledad, California
‘LOVE’ LETTER FROM NEVADA
Dear San Quentin News:
I love your newspaper! In addition to providing prison news in California and around the country, it reflects a system that should be the model of every state. Keep up the good work.
—Wayne Viera, Indian Springs, Nevada
