San Quentin News

Written By Inmates - Advancing Social Justice

La meta no es solo ganar un maratón sino ganar una batalla de vida

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Voluntarios y miembros del 1000 Mile Running Club y miembros del Skid Row club de Los Angeles en la Lower Yard de SQ

El 1000 Mile Running Club llevo a cabo la octava carrera anual de tres horas de entrenamiento con miras al maratón del mes de noviembre. Un promedio de 25 corredores se anotaron para participar y batir sus propios records. La carrera comenzó a las 8:40 a.m. el 12 de octubre.

La peculiaridad de algunos de los corredores es que comparten historias similares ya que ellos personalmente o algún miembro de su familia son sobrevivientes del cáncer.

Tommy Wickerd, presidente del 1000 Mile Running Club ha sido parte del club por cuatro años. En ese lapso ha acumulado 5,600 millas y algo que dice lo ha motivado a seguir adelante es el recordar la batalla que su madre enfrentó contra el cáncer.

Tommy Wickerd corriendo en la Lower Yard

“Recibo la fuerza de mi madre y pienso en lo que paso en su batalla contra el cáncer,” dijo Wickerd.

“Ella me mando una foto en donde está completamente sin pelo debido a la quimioterapia que estaba recibiendo. Eso me hizo pensar lo luchadora que es mi madre y me motiva para correr una milla más cuando siento que ya no puedo más” dijo Wickerd.

Wickerd comentó que en el club de corredores todos se sienten como una gran familia. “Ninguno de los corredores que conozco le quiere hacer daño a su cuerpo especialmente usando drogas y eso es muy motivante para mí”, dijo Wickerd.

En el entrenamiento de octubre, nueve voluntarios encargados de contar las millas de cada uno de los corredores recibieron las indicaciones del entrenador Frank Rouna, quien también recordó a los corredores que no se esforzaran mucho. “Recuerden, este es solo un entrenamiento”, les dijo.

Rouna es el fundador del 1000 Mile Running Club en San Quentin y ha estado en el club por cerca de 14 años. “Hay un par de los primeros miembros del club que todavía participan, el club ha crecido considerablemente en los pasados 10 años y tenemos más corredores entrenando”, dijo.

Mike Keeyes de 72 años, uno de los corredores de San Quentin dice que ha sido parte del club por cerca de cinco años. “Me uní al club para unirme a la comunidad con los corredores de corredores y proveer apoyo a esta comunidad”, dijo Keeyes.

Michael Keeyes en la Lower Yard

Keeyes es un sobreviviente de cáncer de próstata y dice que el correr también le ha ayudado a mantenerse saludable.

Keeyes también ha inspirado a otros reos que han decidido formar parte del 1000 Mile Running Club.

Keeyes dice también que en el club de corredores ha conocido gente que ha tenido muchos problemas médicos como cirugías de corazón abierto, obesidad y de adicciones a otras sustancias. “Se han sobrepuesto a estos problemas corriendo y usándolo como una forma de terapia, no se den por vencidos”, dijo Keeyes.

Kevin Rumon, otro de los voluntarios y quien también es un sobreviviente de cáncer de garganta dijo: “El ser parte del club me da mucho más de lo que yo doy viniendo como voluntario. Admiro a la gente que dentro de la adversidad deciden tomar decisiones correctas”.

Kevin Rumon entrenando con los corredores

Rumon ha sido parte del club por cerca de 10 años.

Jim Maloney, también sobreviviente de cáncer, dice que se enteró del club por medio de un amigo y ha formado parte de éste por cerca de cuatro años. “Al principio no sabía que esperar al venir a una prisión, pero inmediatamente sentí la bienvenida cariñosa de los corredores, y eso me hizo seguir viniendo. Ahora cuando me voy de aquí me siento con un corazón pleno y lleno”, dijo Maloney.

Jim Maloney en uno de los entrenamientos

Michael Johnson dice que parte de su motivación es mantenerse saludable ya que su madre también es una sobreviviente del cáncer de seno. Esto también llevo a su hermana a hacerse un masectomía ya que ella tenía un alto riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de seno.

Michael Johnson entrenando para el maraton

“Todo eso me llevo a hacerme los estudios para ver si yo también era propenso a desarrollar cáncer y salí positivo de BRCA1 que significa que yo también estoy en riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de seno y pancreático, y ahora corro mientras pueda, no sé qué pueda pasar mañana”, dijo Johnson.

Jim Morris, otro de los voluntarios, dice que empezó como donador de zapatos para los corredores del club y finalmente se unió a éste en el 2014.

“Nadie me dijo nada de lo que podía esperar de la gente en prisión, y tuve que dejar toda la ideología que tenía tomada de las películas. Una vez aquí, los corredores me trataron muy cordialmente, no escuché malas palabras ni gritos, eso me sorprendió muchísimo”, dijo Morris.

Las tres horas terminaron con los corredores agotados pero contentos por su logro, a pesar de un par de alarmas de seguridad que les quitaron el ritmo. Los corredores más sobresalientes fueron: Fidelio Marin con 24 1⁄2 millas. Mark Javosik con 23 3⁄4 millas. Steve Reitz con 21 3⁄4 millas. Brett Ownney 20 1⁄4 millas. Michael Johnson 18 1⁄4 millas y John Levin con 18 1/8 millas. Finalmente el veterano corredor de 72 años, Mike Keeyes terminó con 17 millas.

Construction training offers increased job opportunities

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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 inmates receive pay for their assigned hours.

CTE also incorporates values and morals toward a solid foundation for growth and future opportunity, Perez said.

“As a youth, I’d beat the pavement day in and day out, trying to become employed only to be turned away time and time again,” said Roosevelt “Askari” Johnson Jr., a CTE graduate and current teachers’ assistant. “That was “due to the lack of experience which, by the way, is one of the contributing factors that made it easy for me to em- brace a criminal life style.”

Another inmate, Jamai Johnson, said, “This construction trade will enable me to provide for my family, while giving back to the community by literally rebuilding what I once brought destruction to as a youth… Upon release, when I get my [driver’s] license, the CTE/PIA program will pay my first year union dues and purchase my tools.”

Perez, who has more than 21 years of experience in the laborers union, commented, “For the union construction industry, this is a time of optimism, promise and opportunity. All leading economic indicators for the construction industry point to steady and continued growth as we finally remove ourselves from the depths of one of the most debilitating recessions of our lifetime.

“Since I started teaching here last March, every guy who has successfully completed this program has gone out and hustled up work in the trades.”

APPRENTICE WAGES

Upon graduating the CTE/ PIA program and paroling, an individual can join a laborers’ union as an apprentice making $19.75 an hour. A carpenters apprentice can earn from $24.70 to $29.04 an hour in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Askari also said, “The CTE Laborers Program has changed the trajectory of my life forever in that I have little to no concerns about employment upon my release.”

He said he recommends the program to others in San Quentin and “I also believe this program should be made available in every prison in California.”

Perez said, “I come from an immigrant family, 21 siblings, poor; all we know is how to work. The great thing about the union is that if you can work hard you can find work. You do not even necessarily need to know how to speak English; as long as you can work hard, someone will hire you. I even worked 10 years as a contractor.”

JOURNEYMAN WAGES

Perez said a union journeyman laborer can make as much as $33.75 an hour, with an additional $23.55 an hour in fringe benefits. He also stated that an apprentice la- borer gets a raise of $2 an hour every six months, after finish- ing an apprentice class. An apprentice laborer must complete seven required classes and 4,000 hours of on the job work experience in order to become a journeyman laborer. A union carpenter makes $48.40 an hour in wages in the Bay Area, plus $30.51 an hour in fringe benefits.

CTE/PIA student Evan Page said, “Since I have been enrolled, I have gained certifications and experience in the construction trade as well as a positive outlook regard- ing my future work opportunities… I believe through this program I have gained enough knowledge and drive to truly succeed in the working world.”

CTE training covers asbestos abatement, scaffold building, concrete placement/ termination, and demolition/ deconstruction.

Also, confined space, soil compaction, trenching and excavation, metal and wood- stud framing, drywall/sheetrock/finish taping, floor prep, grade checking, concrete finishing, underground piping, general and industrial industry OSHA rules and regulations.

“The inmates coming in here knowing nothing, being green…,” Perez said. “Let me tell you something, one time I was sent back from a job because I was not good enough…I do not want that to happen to any of these men in this program. The lord has me here teaching. Seeing lives being transformed inspires me. I love coming to work, and I love my job. We have a positive atmosphere; we joke, and have a great time.”

Anyone interested in this program should send an In- mate Request Form to Lauro Perez at the CTE program requesting an interview for the next scheduled program entry.

Demonstrating great achievement under difficult circumstances

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By David Ditto and Michael Johnson, Staff Writers.

Graduating class of Robert E. Burton and Coastline, Feather River and Lassen Community College
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 work you have put in,” said teacher and emcee H. Lucas to the graduating class. “Not everyone in your block put in the blood, sweat, and tears you have,” she added. “What you have overcome to get to this place is no small thing.”

Top: SQ PIO Lt. S. Robinson, Wickerd’s wife Marion, Wickerd’s mother Linda, sister Judy Herrera Bottom: Wickerd’s nephew Robby Herrera and GED Graduate Tommy Wickerd
Top: SQ PIO Lt. S. Robinson, Wickerd’s wife Marion, Wickerd’s mother Linda, sister Judy Herrera Bottom: Wickerd’s nephew Robby Herrera and GED Graduate Tommy Wickerd

25-year-old Tye Barker was the first graduate speaker at the ceremony. He described growing up while his father was in and out of prison, “I lost out on so much because I didn’t graduate.”

Later, imprisoned as a young father himself, Barker realized he was headed in the wrong direction. “My kids needed me to change,” he said to the audience. Barker was one of eight graduates from San Quentin’s new High School Diploma program.

“Tye really turned his life around,” said Ms. Anita Kaur Sufi, the teacher for the program. “Now he’s ready for college, a career, and anything he sets his mind on.”

Adamu Chan, Correctional Counselor III Ian Palmer, and Associate Superintendent for the Northern Region, Jennifer Winistorfer (Office of Correctional Education)
Adamu Chan, Correctional Counselor III Ian Palmer, and Associate Superintendent for the Northern Region, Jennifer Winistorfer (Office of Correctional Education)

Sufi said that the diploma program is an alternative to the equivalency program. She explained that it began after Brant Choate, Director of the Division of Rehabilitative Programs, saw the need for another pathway for students who already have many credits to acquire a certified high school education.

Receiving a six-month education credit, Barker went home two weeks after graduating.

“I came to San Quentin with a third- to fourth-grade education,” said Tommy Wickerd, the second graduate speaker. He said he confessed to his teachers that the 12.9 grade-level test scores on his record were actually from cheating when he first came to prison. “I slid through the cracks for 15 years.”

“At San Quentin I learned how to set and achieve goals,” Wickerd said. He ran three marathons and earned his GED in his almost four years at the Q. “On the final math test for my GED, I got a 149– four points more than I needed. Now I know what an over- achiever feels like! Now the 12.9 is mine – and the GED!”

Graduate Watson Allison and attorney Michael Clough
Graduate Watson Allison and attorney Michael Clough

“This is monumental,” said GED graduate Earl Orr’s sister Patsy Orr. “He’s my first brother to get his GED.” She said their older brother spent about 10 years in and out of San Quentin in the 1970s after serving in the Vietnam War. “In San Quentin back then, they worked out and smoked. That’s it. No classes, no groups,” Patsy said. “I wish they had this quality education program back then. Earl has found himself again through education. I’m so amazed at the change.”

Earl met his 19-year-old granddaughter Ariel Klimpel for the first time at the gradu- ation. She said: “I walked right up and hugged him. It felt so good!”

Coastline Community College graduate Adamu Chan obtained his A.S. degree in Business. Chan said that the experience taught him responsibility, follow-through and self-motivation.

Niece Toby Hutchens, sister Patsy Orr, Graduate Earl Orr, granddaughter Ariel Klimpel, and friend Sherry Reynolds
Niece Toby Hutchens, sister Patsy Orr, Graduate Earl Orr, granddaughter Ariel Klimpel, and friend Sherry Reynolds

John Bergeron, a Feather River college graduate, obtained an A.A. degree in Social and Behavioral Science. “I never really finished anything in my life,” he said. But now, he said, he is the first person in his family to finish college.

Graduate Watson Allison received his A.A. degree in Social Science from Lassen College. He was the speaker for the college graduates. He started his speech with a quote from Malcolm X, “‘Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.’ I’ve heard that quote many times as a youth. How- ever, it didn’t make sense, but today it does.” Allison spent 30 years on Death Row after a murder conviction at the age of 23. In 2013 his death sentence was overturned. “Then I was transferred to Solano Prison, where the CC3 counselor assigned me a mentor to help me adjust from death row living. By May 27, 2014, I passed the test for my GED. It was the first positive accomplishment in my life.”

Vocational Plumbing graduate Vadim Zakharchenko said, “I wanted vocational training because I want a career in the construction industry.” He plans to work for his brother-in-law doing prefab homes when he gets out.

Plumbing instructor Pryor said that his vocational class has a lot of math and isn’t easy, but has tutors in the class to help. He said that he “has had five guys parole and make a career out of this training.”

Machine Shop instructor J. Johnson said, “These guys can take this experience and apply for good paying jobs.”

College proctor Mr. Young said, “The guys here today have overcome all their fail- ures of the past…This is the happiest day of the year.”

Principal Wheeless said, “It takes a lot of hard work by the students to get to this day of celebration and I commend them.”

Educator D. Searle and H. Lucas with Graduate George Moss and Graduate Quincy Paige
Educator D. Searle and H. Lucas with Graduate George Moss and Graduate Quincy Paige

“I feel so encouraged – full of joy and a sense of accomplishment,” said graduate George Moss the day after he passed his final GED test – just a week before the graduation. Moss persevered through the flu, surgery, lockdowns and administrative segregation during the two years he worked on earning his GED.

Incarcerated for 14 years, he wanted to quit school and learn plumbing when he arrived at San Quentin.

Principal Wheeless told him, “No. Just knock this GED out first.” “I thought it was punishment,” said Moss. He said that now he is grateful to the principal, his teacher D. Searle and tutor Quincy Paige.

Now, after earning their high school equivalencies, both Moss and Paige are en- rolling in Vocational Plumbing.

Andrew Smith is a GED graduate from the Voluntary Education Program (VEP). He said he received excellent one-on-one tutoring from the Teachers’ Aide and said, “Thanks to my teacher, Dr. Marez, for pushing me in the right direction.”

“I never thought I would do it because of my incarceration,” said graduate Luis Ojeda. “But look – now I got my GED!” He said that Mr. Kaufman, the teacher in the ABE I class where he began, was always there to help him and motivate him to get to the next level.

“Now I’m confident,” Ojeda said. He will go home in about a year. “Inside or outside – I’m going to get my college degree.”

Twenty-three-year-old Raiveon Wooden received his high school diploma at the ceremony. He acknowledged help from his teachers M. Ficarra and Mr. Santos to get him ready for the diploma program. Wooden said that with his high school diploma, now he envisions a better job, a brighter future and college.

The 2019 class included 78 graduates, about half of whom attended the graduation. Many had already paroled.

Total number of Graduates:

  • High School: 8
  • GED: 43
  • Coastline: 7
  • Lassen: 1
  • Feather River: 1
  • CTE: 18

San Quentin thespians embody Shakespeare

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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, “One of the themes is that our minds can either enslave us when we get stuck in negative thoughts, or it could free us.”

In the play, King Leontes heads toward a destructive path when he is hooked on the (false) belief that his wife Hermione is cheating on him with his best friend, King Polixenes. Rather than checking his own thinking, Leontes is set on pointing the finger of blame and punishing those he believes are at fault. As with most thoughtless negative behavior, Leontes’ hurtful actions end up hurting himself in the end.

Regarding Two Gentlemen of Verona she said: “What does love mean to you, and have you experienced love? I want you all to get in groups real quick and talk about this.” It got the audience into the spirit of love.

Two Gentlemen of Verona is Shakespeare’s first play, a story of two best buddies Proteus and Valentine who are infatuated with Sylvia, the daughter of Duke of Milan.

“Theater teaches me to look at other issues besides mine and realize that I need to be empathic with others for the greater whole, to sacrifice for the greater whole,” said inmate Chris Marshall who plays Valentine, a gentleman of Verona. “Valentine is a young gentleman from Vero- na, who is in love with Silvia. However, he is unaware that she loves him; he’s on a quest for friendship. The only problem is that his close friend is also in love with Silvia.”

Keating says giving inmates the chance to perform Shakespearean plays is therapeutic—it’s called Drama Therapy.

Daphne, an outside actor who played the role of Silvia and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Drama Therapy said, “Acting has taught me not to judge; I cannot judge and be real with myself — in one word empathy.”

Raiveon “Ray-Ray” Wooden who played the Duke of Milan said, “It helps me embrace my true self. I’m very animated; Shakespeare gives us a chance to reflect on the characters we play and how we can put those experiences to use in our real lives.”

Wayne Belize Villa Franco, who played Crab, Launce’s dog, said, “I played the dog role because it re- minds me of my past dog Kilo, who loved me, but I didn’t know how to love that dog because of my addiction. I now know how to love. I played this role to say sorry to Kilo for not loving him properly. Acting has taught me empathy and compassion for all life.”

Drama Therapy is another form of rehabilitation, which affects the individual, and helps create social change in the community, according to Keating.

“When I told my friends that I was going to a play within a prison they were somewhat conflicted. How- ever, this was a great experience to see you all in your creative form,” said Cindy, an outside guest during a question and answer period after Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Another audience member, Karen, told the inmate actors in Two Gentlemen of Verona, “I believe in social justice theater. You men today have shown us all that you are rehabilitating your- self and breaking down barriers in the process.”

“I have seen Shakespeare all over the world, but I’ve never seen such living theater as I’ve seen here,” commented Vicky, an audience member of The Winter’s Tale.

Another audience member, Nancy, who is a Shakespearean actor, told the inmate actors in The Winter’s Tale, “Your humanity landed in a way I’ve never seen before. I think we can all identify with thinking freely as a community as we break down that fourth wall that’s in our heads.”

Actor Chris Thomas said, “Judging people or situations with a jaded eye can have dire consequences,” regarding his take on acting in The Winter’s Tale.

Actor Angelo Falcone add- ed, “I look not for beauty, nor color of skin, but for a loyal heart, deep within. For beauty will fade, and skin will grow old, but a loyal heart will never go cold.”

To learn skills of using the study and performance of Shakespeare and Drama Therapy to effect individual and social change, visit Marin Shakespeare Company: business@marinshakespeare.org for more information about training workshops.

The Characters in The Winter’s Tale:

King Leontes, King of Si- cilia: Antwan Banks Williams R. Mamillius, son of Leon- tes & Hermione: Adamu Chan

Camillo, Lord & friend to King Leontes: Raiveon “Ray-Ray” Wooden

Paulino, Lord of Sicilia & brother to Antigonus: Richie Morris

Lord 1 of Sicilia: G. Jordan

Cleomenes: Nythell Nate Collins

Oracle of Apollo & Mariner: Rauch Draper

Time: Eric “Maserati-E” Abercrombie

Polixenes, King of Bohemia: Maurice Reese Reed

Florizel, Prince of Bohemia & son of Polixenes: Drew, Jr.

Clown, Shepherd’s son: Philippe “Kells” Kelly

Perdita, daughter of Leontes & Hermione, raised by Shepherd: Suraya Keating

Autolycus, a roguish peddler: Chris Thomas

Hermione, Queen of Sicilia: Sharon

Emilia, friend to Hermione: Losdini

Antigonus, Lord of Sicilia: Ben Tobin

Jailer: Jad Salem

Lord 2 of Sicilia: Belize Villafranco

Dion & Bear: Red Bone Time: John Ray Ervin, Sr. Shepherd: Darwin “tall”

Billingsley
Dorca, a shepherdess:

Chris Marshall
Music Director: G. Jordan Stage Manager: Brotha Dee

Music & Songs by: Brotha Dee, Chris Thomas, & G. Jordan

The characters in Two Gentlemen of Verona:

Proteus, a gentleman of Verona: Jack Spat

Launce, servant to Proteus: Edmond Richardson

Crab, Launce’s dog: Belize Villafranco

Valentine, a gentleman of Verona: C.R. Marshall Sr.

Speed, servant to Valentine: A.A.

Julia, a lady of Verona (later disguised as Sebatian): Nythell (Nate) Collins

Antonio, father to Proteus: Darwin Tall Billingsley Panthino, cousin to Proteus: Tommy
Lucetta, lady friend to

Julia: Geno
Duke of Milan: Raygeta Sylvia, daughter to Duke of Milan: Daphne
Thurio, suitor to Silvia:

Maurice “Reese” Reed Eglamour, butler to Sylvia: A.D.A.M.U.
Host: Drew Jr.
Outlaw 1: Jeanne
Outlaw 2: John Ray Ervin, Sr.
Outlaw 3: David Anthony

Strouth Outlaw ensemble: Brotha Dee, Geno, Tall, Tommy Music & Songs: Tommy, David Anthony Strouth,

Blakk Flame Stage Manager: Brotha Dee

–Juan Haines Co-authored this story.

Google attends San Quentin mixer

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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 Quentin style.

The coding program is the brainchild of venture capitalists Beverly Parenti and Chris Redlitz.

This husband and wife team had a “crazy idea” after they met some incarcerated men here at San Quentin in 2010, Parenti said. They wanted to create business opportunities by integrating entrepreneurship with social justice – the result: The Last Mile (TLM). “We wanted to start The Last Mile because of the high recidivism rate, and help influence [lowering] that”, said Parenti.

Four years later, they launched the computer-coding program, Code. 7370.
Half the day consisted of games played in groups of individuals separated by personality types, an idea from coder Isaiah Love who said, “I noticed that identifying your personality builds almost immediate commonality and rapport. In other words it fosters an immediate connection.”

The nine groups were separated based on personality types, such as reformers, helpers, achievers, individualists, investigators, loyalists, enthusiasts, challengers, and peace- makers.

The rest of the day, the tech industry and mass incarceration were discussed.

Parenti spoke about a recent luncheon she had with about 15 TLM and Code.7370 graduates who paroled from prison.

“We talked about our success. Now we’re giving Googlers that same experience,” Parenti said. She told the incarcerated men, “There is no reason for you not to come home with these skills and fit in. You have persevered through the hardest of circumstances. You all inspire us to do more.”

Jason Jones spent more than 13 years in prison, the last five in Code.7370.

He returned to San Quentin to say, “If not for The Last Mile, I would not have known what to do with my life.” He then credited Brain Asey as a mentor who advised him to apply for TLM. Jason also said, “I wouldn’t have come to prison if there were programs like this when I was growing up.”

He added, “When you want to influence or impact people, you have to socialize with them,” turning to the incarcerated men he said, “I encourage all of you when you get out to go back to your communities, your hoods, because they need you they want you. When I went back, they saw the change in me and they wanted to follow that lead.”

It was Googler Megan Wheeler’s first experience inside a prison.

“I have not been more impacted in my life,” Wheeler said. “It’s eye opening. I learned a lot from Jason. He pushed us and made us think about why we came here. I feel that I could better explain how the criminal justice system operates because of this experience.” She added.

“Now, I will be more mindful as to how it plays into my everyday life. It pushed me out of my comfort zone.”

Wheeler said that she looks forward to having a conversation with her mother, who works in the juvenile justice system in Arizona, saying “now I have a deeper understanding of her work.”

One of the topics in the group discussion was on “Imposter Syndrome” and of a time that each person felt “othered.”

(Top Row) Jason Jones, Jacquelline Fuller (Bottom Row) Erin Hattersley, Megan Wheeler, Amanda Irizarry, Justine Steele, Maab Ibrahim and Beverley Parenti

Googler Justine Steel shared that he felt like an outsider when attending engineering school.

“If you’re feeling othered in tech, you probably need to be there”

“I was in the honors program and was the only one of color in the program,” adding that he, “still feels a lack of connection today at Google.”

Googler Maab Ibrahim said, “If you’re feeling othered in tech, you probably need to be there.”

Nicola Bucci said he “felt looked down on in the past as a blue collar worker in tech… I’m as soft guy who had to put on a front when I first got to prison.”

Harry Hemphill said, “Although prison is a dark place, graduating from the coding program brought me light.” He said that he is ready to go home with confidence and employable skills.

Robert Barnes, who recently finished the final track of the coding program, and is now a teacher’s assistant for the program, said, “It’s a pleasure to be part of Code.7370 I never thought I would be hanging out with Google.org executives. It’s been a blessing just being associated with Beverly Parenti and Chris Redlitz.”

TLM and Code.7370 graduate Sherman K. Newman said, “It’s a great day to get to know these tech folks. This is a great opportunity for us to connect with society, and it’s great for them to see the people behind these walls and see that we can better ourself.”

Googler Jacquelline Fuller asked the “men-in-blue” what assets they would bring to the tech world.

“We have the resilience to overcome obstacles. We have learned coding without internet access,” Hemphill said. “I have the passion and the willingness to help the next person, because we understand.”

Parenti said, “Offering opportunities to at-risk communities keeps dollars out of prison beds and puts money into schools and helps the youth.”

The conversation shifted to prison reform.

Jones said, “Prison is not a good thing, but having programs like The Last Mile inside prison is good. So, I can’t say abolish prisons, but I wouldn’t punish [prisoners] the way we do. What we can do is provide programs like The Last Mile in the community. I joined a gang at 11 because I was looking for a family.”

Then Parenti said, “Meeting with governors throughout the country, I see a shift in our politics, relating to mass incarceration…The best data are the stories about people coming home after these kinds of programs.”

Gregory Morris said, “When I came to prison at 18 I was vulnerable. The worst was that I could have been raped or killed. The best has been the programs that helped me turn my life around. However, in most prisons people spend most of the time in cells and only have programs like AA/ NA. There are people who will never change, but most of us want to change. So, how we look at prisons has to change so that the people who want to help prisoners change have better access.”

Hemphill said, “Prisons are a result of a bigger problem… money needs to be focused on the educational system. We’ve lost focus and need to re-focus on not a bandage solution to a bigger problem.”

The day was a way for Googlers to get to know the inmate population within San Quentin and see that there are many professional and qualified men in the Code. 7370 program and throughout the prison system that have changed their lives and deserve a second chance in society and within the tech industry.

As Googler Gayatri Divekar said, “I think this population is going to be part of the hiring pool in the Bay Area, [it’s] important to get to know the population that will work at Google or other tech companies [in the future]. Google did not look to bring in this type of people in the past… So it’s good for Google to look to this population and get to know them.”

Code.7370 students, SQ media with Google.org representatives in the SQ’s Protestant Chapel

-Juan Haines of the San Quentin News co-authored this story.

San Quentin celebrates Holy Week

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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 continues with the washing of the feet, communion, and the solemn procession of the Eucharist to the altar of repose where the faithful spend time in adoration and prayer,” according to the Inland Catholic Byte.

On Friday there was a noon service for the Stations of the Cross, which commemorates Jesus’ ordeal on the road to Calvary. Later in the day there was also the Good Friday evening service in remembrance of Christ being crucified and buried.

“On Holy Saturday night, in silence and in darkness, we enter into the Easter Vigil… Thanks be to God!” said the Inland Catholic Byte.

The main celebration took place Saturday night—Easter Vigil Mass and the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. It included Baptism, Confirmation and Oblate Vows.

Everyone received their own candle upon entering the Catholic Chapel. Before the service began, SQ’s Deacon Matt went around getting all the candles lit.

The lights went out, and candlelight filled the chapel. “The candle is a sign of the light of Christ,” said Deacon Matt.

More than 70 inmates and 20 visitors from the outside had a candle in hand.

“It was a glorious vigil. There had to have been more than 20 visitors from outside of San Quentin,” said inmate Greg Jordan.

Ken Miller, a visitor from San Francisco, said, “I’m a converted Catholic myself, went through confirmation in the 90’s. It’s always a neat experience. I attend the vigil every year. This is my first vigil at San Quentin.”

Later, in the service inmate Eric Rives was baptized, fully submerged under water by Deacon Matt.

Rives said, “I feel the love of Christ.” In explain- ing why he became Catholic and decided to get baptized, said Rives by saying “Simply love, love of God, love of Christ, love of the Holy Spirit, love of the church. I feel loved; deep tender, compassionate love. This love impels me to love others with the depth of God’s love and Christ’s love; to walk in service of others just as Jesus did. I am free.”

More credits offered under Prop 57

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“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 next year.” These Rehabilitation Credits will get me out of prison at least five months early. Which means I’ll get to my family almost six months sooner.”

The voters of California passed Prop. 57, the Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016 with more than 64% of the vote. Prop. 57 gave the California Department of Corrections (CDCR) the authority to make changes regarding credits by issuing new emergency regulations in order to keep the prison population within the federal court-ordered limit aimed at reducing crowding in prisons.

Since then, CDCR made small changes that increased the programming credits for inmates. For example, a college student who successfully completes a course with a grade of C or better now receives 3 weeks of Milestone Completion Credits rather than 2 weeks for each course. This change went into effect August 1, 2018.

Now, according to the Prison Law Office, “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.” In addition, “If a person earns excess credits, the excess credits will be rolled over and can be applied during following years,” said the Prison Law Office.

Another change affects the Educational Merit Credits. “Starting on May 1, 2019 (under new emergency regulations), a person who earns a high school diploma or equivalent earns 180 days of credit; people who previously got only 90 days of credit under the older rule will be granted an additional 90 days of credit,” according to the Prison Law Office.

“I got my GED back in 2016, here at San Quentin, I did it to show my mother that I was changing for the better,” said inmate Ryan Dietz. “I was stoked to get 90 days off of my sentence and it’s even better now that I’m going to get an- other 90 days off and get home to my family this July.”

The U.S. Departments of Justice and Education said in 2013 that education dramatically improves the lives of incarcerated people, improves employment opportunities, reduces recidivism, and saves money for the state.

Most inmates are able to earn credits for successful participation in approved rehabilitative programs, but it’s important for inmates to verify with their Correctional Counselor to make sure that they are eligible for programming credits.

The information on how Milestone Completion Credits, Rehabilitative Achievement Credits, and Educational Merit Credits, are processed can be found in section’s 3043.3, 3034.4, 3034.5, of the 2018 California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Division 3.

It’s important to know that can Milestone Completion and Rehabilitative Achievement Credits may be lost due to rule violations; however, Educational Merit Credits cannot be taken away.