Hugo Machuca did 28 years on a 15-life term. He paroled from the Level 4 Honor Yard in Lancaster in August 2009.
After several board hearings, Hugo looked at their reasons for denial and set out to change it. After 14 boards, he finally got a date. The Governor declined to review, and Hugo went home.
What was it like when you first got out?
The only way I can explain it is like when a beaver makes a dam that backs up the creek, then when it comes apart there’s a big rush of water. The time inside backed up my emotions and it was like a flood of emotions was suddenly let loose. I was an emotional wreck.
I was paranoid for the first few weeks, even afraid to cross the streets. One evening I said “f— this.” I went to the liquor store and bought a pack of cigarettes. I sat at a bus stop and smoked a cigarette for the first time in 30 years and said, “Here I am.” I turned it around by challenging myself to become successful, the same way I challenged myself to become free.
What has impacted you the most since you’ve been home?
I was out about two or three weeks. I was having a hard time, so my nephew said, “Hey Tio, I want to take you to Knotts Berry Farm so you can scream on the rides, and it will be cool.” His nine-year-old son said, “Hey Tio, you’re gonna’ be my riding partner.” That boy gave me total honesty and acceptance. He accepted me as his uncle. He didn’t see me as a convict, or anything else, just his uncle.
Another thing was when I was commuting from Long Beach to Lancaster. I’d get on the road about 5:30 am. I could see the sunrise driving through the mountains, and the sunset on my way home. That was some of my best times because the creator let me see that; it was so beautiful.
Hugo was a founding member of CROP (Convicts Reaching Out to People) while he was on the Honor Yard at Lancaster. They spoke to at-risk youth about gangs, drugs, respect, responsibility, choices, and prison life.
How has CROP affected you on the outside?
Louis Rodriguez, author and community activist, compiled a book of poetry and essays called “Honor Comes Hard.” He used my short essay about CROP in this book. I have gone to book signings promoting the book and signing autographs.
Hugo works as an HIV counselor, educator and tester. He has been on several panel discussions about prison reform, and in think tanks for LA County Youth Reentry Programs. He went to a victim offenders group outside. He met family members of victims, which was really powerful for him. He’s taking the facilitator training and will soon be able to facilitate these groups. During his free time he enjoys riding his bike on the beach and volunteering at Home Boy Industries.
