Smart Justice of California hosted its first forum with Young President, bringing awareness to anyone that has been impacted by the justice system. Their goal is to transform prison into a rehabilitation center.

“San Quentin is unlike any institution in the state, keep in mind that this is an essential institution,” said Warden Chance Andes. “Outside movies, lockup, and books portrait San Quentin as the worst prison that housed the worse of its criminals.”

According to SJCA, they have led efforts to shrink California’s carceral footprints since 2017.  The organization also improved conditions for those impacted by incarceration, by educating and emboldening policymakers to achieve meaningful criminal justice reforms. Through their Get Proximate Initiative, SJCA were able to bring over 400 legislators, community leaders and donors into direct contact with incarcerated individuals, facilitating conversations about accountability and rehabilitation. 

Andes started working for CDCR at the age of 22, when politicians were hard on crime and the Three Strike Law and the death penalty were enforced. He credited the rehabilitative efforts from the incarcerated and CDCR which shows to be working when the incarcerated are earning AA degrees in their forties, and fifties, and internalizing self. Roots to public safety come from inside out. 

“It is important to bring people with influence proximate with incarceration, the best way for people from the outside to understand the potential for healing is to sit with people who are incarcerated to hear your stories,” said Anne Irwin Director of SJCA. 

The administration estimated that approximately 30 percent  of the incarcerated men housed at SQ are still caught up in the criminal lifestyle. And he hopes that additional efforts could be put in place as to who they are transferring into this institution.

The administration is focused on making the entire prison into a single cell status. Andes believes that we are getting there. 

A panel was composed with three incarcerated people and Phil Melendez who is a former resident of SQ. Arrested at 19, he spent 20 years prison. 

Kevin D. Sawyer talked about the fact that 20 years ago there were no opportunities as the ones that have been highlighted by the warden here at SQ. The Board of Parole Hearings are focused on what kind of programming the incarcerated have been involved during incarceration. They are looking a parole packages.

According to John Levin he was found suitable for parole a week prior to this event. He emphasized how this process took a toll on him. Reflecting that when he first committed his crime he was 45 years old and didn’t have any idea what prison was all about. He was full of shame for killing his wife and her dog. He was not taking his self-help seriously until he saw other incarcerated people transform and he wanted to model the same. He attributes his suitability to the fact that he took the self-help seriously. 

Another penal member Juan M. Haines explained how this rehabilitation center is in a cultural shock. In retrospect, he witnessed Melendez’s transformation and how many former incarcerated going back to the society after their transformation.

“Healing, Rehabilitation, Public Safety, this is why Juan can come to my house and everyone you will met,” said Melendez. 

The incarcerated visitors formed four small circles where they discussed:

What we have learned in our healing journeys. 

What would you have needed to not commit harm in the community?

What were the pivotal moments (a-ha moments) in groups or classes for the incarcerated? 

Which curricula spoke to them and why?

What is something they are hopeful for these days? 

At the end of the event a big circle was formed where people shared. 

According to Melendez, over 10,000 lifers have parole since 2009, after a court ruled that the BPH cannot longer hold the person forever. 

One of the visitors, CEO for Children Business Amy N. found this experience inspiring. She said she learnt about the courage of people to trasnform during incarceration. “I think it put on perspective and that time you guys have to dedicate to your own mental health and self-reflection and improvements is inspiring,” said Alexandra H. Operations. 

“Ten years ago I voted to keep the death penalty and to keep the Three Strikes Law, because I believed harsh penalties were justified. I didn’t see people who committed crimes as regular people, and I’ve regret my vote ever since I was incarcerated five years ago. Since then, I’ve spent the last five years desperately trying to communicate with people outside these walls on what is wrong with the system, and why it is unjust. I am very glad that these entrepreneurs have the courage to come in and see it for themselves,” said John Liu, an incarcerated person.