Sept. 17, 1971—Mattress Factory Clerk Robert L. Higgs collapses from smoke inhalation while attempting to remove a burning cart full of Styrofoam believed to have been deliberately set ablaze.
Sept. 17, 1971—The California Apprenticeship Council adopts new regulation to increase employment of ethnic minority groups.
Sept. 17, 1971—San Quentin’s sheet metal shop workers complete construction of new ventilator for North Block.
Jan. 28, 1972—California’s Adult Authority passes a measure that would require all prisoners to be interviewed within six months of imprisonment in order to establish a tentative parole date.
Jan. 28, 1972—Former San Quentin Warden Clinton T. Duffy continues his push for prison reforms.
Jan. 28, 1972—Educational program continues for prisoners in maximum-security control units to receive high school diplomas.
Jan. 28, 1972—Prisoner Clyde Hall and three other inmates were placed in isolation after Hall was discovered at the bottom of a large hole in the south block basement during an apparent escape attempt.
Jan. 28, 1972—Canine “Rebel” Adams becomes the official mascot of the San Quentin News.
Jan. 28, 1972—Group psychotherapy is offered to San Quentin prisoners as self-improvement measure to improve mental health.
Jan. 28, 1972—Skyline Gym introduces new boxing contract.
Feb. 4, 1972—New West Block canteen project known as Canteen-West proves successful.
Feb. 4, 1972—New S.A.T.E. program provides educational opportunities and support for San Quentin’s African-American men.
Feb. 4, 1972—The San Quentin Pirates hand U.C. Medical Center their third straight varsity basketball loss.
March 3, 1972—The California Supreme Court rules the death penalty unconstitutional, allowing 107 men and women to be released from death rows at two institutions.
March 3, 1972—San Quentin’s population drops to 1,975, its lowest in over 50 years.
March 3, 1972— “Psycho,” one of East Block’s resident cats, survives free fall from fifth tier that occurred while stalking winged prey.
March 3, 1972—The director of California’s Adult Authority temporarily suspends all community release passes.
March 3, 1972—Bob Roberts takes over duties as San Quentin News’ new sports editor.
