A vocational program is changing lives and instilling hope for a positive future for San Quentin prisoners. The construction skills program enables prisoners to qualify for a number of career certifications and union memberships. “This is a tough program that consists of 640 classroom hours, tests, workbook assignments and 280 hours of on-the-job training,” said Lauro Perez, instructor for the Career Technical Education (CTE) construction program. This program is also a part of the California Prison Industry Authority (PIA) and … [Read more...] about Construction training offers increased job opportunities
michael johnson
Demonstrating great achievement under difficult circumstances
By David Ditto and Michael Johnson, Staff Writers. Graduating class of Robert E. Burton and Coastline, Feather River and Lassen Community College Tasseled caps and gowns flowed as diplomas, degrees and certificates were conferred in San Quentin’s visiting room during Robert E. Burton Adult School’s 2019 Commencement. College, high school, and vocational program graduates celebrated their accomplishments with family, friends, teachers, and administrators at the annual ceremony on July 26. “We’re so proud of all the incredibly hard … [Read more...] about Demonstrating great achievement under difficult circumstances
San Quentin thespians embody Shakespeare
The players enacted The Winter’s Tale and Two Gentlemen of Verona Shakespeare at San Quentin performed The Winter’s Tale and Two Gentlemen of Verona on consecutive Fridays in May in the prison’s Protestant Chapel. Marin Shakespeare Company began its first Shakespeare program at San Quentin in 2003. Director Suraya Keating of Marin Shakespeare, invited each audience of more than 100 people from the local San Francisco Bay Area community and almost 90 inmates to sit together and enjoy the plays. About The Winter’s Tale Keating said, … [Read more...] about San Quentin thespians embody Shakespeare
Google attends San Quentin mixer
Harry Hemphill speaking about graduating from the coding program The morning of April 11 started with fun and games with participants from Google.org and incarcerated coding students as a way to socialize. The first game, the circle name game, an icebreaker consisted of everyone yelling out his or her name and that of the person next to them as fast as possible, which was easy to see that the day was going to be relaxed and fun. Subsequently, the room was broken into groups to play Charades, Game Night and then Family Feud, San … [Read more...] about Google attends San Quentin mixer
San Quentin celebrates Holy Week
Holy Week is the Catholic Church’s most sacred time of the year. It is the remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The celebration at San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel, which was open to all, started with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 18, and ended with Vespers on Easter Sunday. “This is the high point of the Christian year, and it goes back to the earliest celebration of the Church,” said SQ Catholic Chaplain Father George Williams. Thursday night’s mass began with the Last Supper celebration. “It … [Read more...] about San Quentin celebrates Holy Week
More credits offered under Prop 57
“As of May 1, 2019 (under new emergency regulations), people can earn 10 days of (Rehabilitative Achievement) credit for every 52 hours of participation(in eligible self- help and volunteer public service activities), up to a maximum of 40 days credit per year.” The programming credits under Proposition 57 have been enhanced once again, and many inmates are happy to see these changes. Inmate David Hill said, “I think it’s a good thing; it’s going to make me more inclined to stay in my groups now that the credit hours roll over into the … [Read more...] about More credits offered under Prop 57