Residents, staff, and administration of SQRC got together on a warm March morning to continue bridging the gap of rehabilitation as the morning turned into an exciting day for some good, old fashioned childhood remote control car enthusiasts.
Named the First Annual SQRC Car Race, the event was organized by Correctional Officer S. Lopez.
“We wanted to bring the inner child out of people,” said Lopez, who owns two of the three cars that were being used during the event.
Lopez, a member of the California Model implementation team, bought his first remote car 16 years ago. He enjoyed it so much that it became his hobby.
Free Staff Coach K. Bhatt lent his own remote truck to add variety to the event.
Lopez and Bhatt designed a road similar to a s-curve track, or what is seen throughout formula car racing. The chalk-lined track zigzagged in the infield of SQ’s Field of Dreams baseball field and scaled the pitcher’s mound to ascend to loftier heights.
The road race was designed to establish healthy and fun competition for the staff and residents in a rehabilitation manner. They operated three remote vehicles in a healthy, competitive fashion.
Residents of SQRC spoke of being able to “hang out” with staff while having fun and enjoying themselves.
“When the officers turn came, they were allowed to test out the cars by spinning donuts and trying to launch them at high speeds off the hill, formerly known as the pitcher’s mound,” said resident Lou Bernabei.
Correctional Officers M. Howard and R. Kruse watched the various cars and the remote drivers who were learning how to maneuver the course.
The duo remembered the older styles of their youth, and the little race cars that had cords and joysticks attached to them before they spoke about their observations of the event.
“I was hoping for a bigger turnout, but I am still thinking about different ideas for future events,” said Howard, a Correctional Officer for 17-years.
Correctional Officer Kruse, a nine-year employee of the CDCR stated it was a great way to spend time with the residents. “Never in a million years did I think they’d be hangin’ out with us,” said Kruse.
The California Model attempts to integrate administration, correctional officers, and residents to increase rehabilitative efforts and normalize residents before residents return to society.
“Integration at the newly designed ‘raceway’ showed it was possible to have fun together, side-by-side, appearing united as guards and residents, being equal. There was no fear today, only solidarity and unity as residents and staff got together despite being on opposite sides. Today, division went away,” said resident Donald Edge.
Even the “O.G.s” [elder residents] came out for a day of recreational activity to feel young again as they remembered the days they owned model cars, like pine wood derby cars, Johnny Lightening Cars or Match-Box Cars, most in attendance claimed they had owned a memory or two.
Sergeant Rael who had heard the invitation to the event at his post, decided to experience the event and was inspired watching the staff and the incarcerated coming together.
“It’s good to see everyone come together on an nice day, making things work as a united community within these walls. I did not think this could happen,” said Rael.
Dr. Nocerino, Mental Health staffer at SQRC, spoke of the benefits of recreational therapy. “Any recreational activity helps with mind and spirit. If we can create enjoyable moments as a community, then [we’re] thriving, not just surviving,” said Dr. Nocerino.
Associate Warden Rosalez and Office Technician Silvia Amador were also amazed that residents and staff were having a joyful time driving around the track.
“Did I think we would ever see events like this? Absolutely not, but we’re happy to bring everyone together and are hopeful we’ll see it more often,” said AW Rosalez.
OT Silvia Amador, who has been at SQRC for eight months said, “This is most surprising to me and I see nothing more that is needed to unify.”
