San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins held the second annual Access to Hope Symposium, May 29, in Chapel B at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. The event drew district attorneys from 11 counties with a participation of 33 lawyers and their staff.

The symposium featured conversations in which incarcerated persons informed the prosecutors of progress in their rehabilitation. The event also included a panel moderated by Jenkins in which one presently incarcerated person and three formerly incarcerated persons detailed their steps to successful rehabilitation.

“It’s important for DAs to take time to listen. We have an ongoing responsibility to make sure that rehabilitation works,” said Yolo County Acting District Attorney Melinda Aiello.

Jenkins has conducted many events at SQRC and visits frequently. Her previous events on prevention of smash-and-grab crime and on resentencing have made her and her events highly popular with San Quentin residents. Jenkins also hosted the first Spanish-language symposium on resentencing.

During her opening remarks, Jenkins said to her fellow prosecutors, “The goal is to see and share what I got to experience and to see the work the incarcerated people have done to go home.”

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman attended for the second time. Hochman said he appreciated the opportunity to hear from inmates and to see their rehabilitation.

“It’s always important to get as much information and as many perspectives as possible. It’s important to see what happens with people, to see what programs work to rehabilitate them and make them productive members of society.”