Former incarcerated equipment manager Michael Pulido came in to film a documentary about his climb out of prison during the SQ Giants’ opening day.
At age 16, Pulido received a sentence of Life Without Parole — known to many as LWOP. He came to SQRC six years ago as a leader in rehabilitation, which culminated in his resentencing to time served last year.
Incarcerated for 33 years, Pulido acquired lived experiences few people could ever comprehend. Pulido went from LWOP to home and never returned from his resentencing hearing in Santa Clara County last year, so he never had a chance to say good-bye.
Anthony Manuel Caravalho: It’s great to see you! You really did get out! How’d you do it?
Michael Pulido: My main goal was to work on myself, to get out and stay out of prison. I knew when my freedom came I’d be ready. SQRC gave me responsibility I didn’t have in my life. I see a lot of guys with the same potential. I want them to know life isn’t too big out there so don’t give up hope.
MC: You said you could have avoided parole, but you didn’t. What was your parole experience like?
MP: Parole wasn’t punishment. I needed it. I acquired structure by working for H.E.A.R.T., The Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team, which is a subdivision of Urban Alchemy.
MC: In San Francisco you can’t survive on one job, correct?
MP: Yes, I work two jobs, save money, and make sure I’m set-up for the best possible outcomes.
MC: So were you ready to take on the world?
MP: I admit I couldn’t do it alone. It took a village to get me out, and a city to make me realize I have wonderful support systems that includes coworkers and supervisors.
MC: What does your village consist of?
MP: They are my extended family. They took a chance on me after I interviewed for the job. I said, if you hire me, I’ll prove I’m an asset in the community, not a liability. My circle is great and being around leaders and mentors contributed to my rehabilitation.
MC: Whom did you rely on to get out of prison and transition?
MP: Caroline, a volunteer with the California Reentry Program, was pivotal to my release and re-entry. Now, she has helped to tell my story in a documentary after volunteering at San Quentin every Tuesday night for six years. She helped me grow.
MC: How did you get back in so quickly?
MP: I thank SQRC’s Public Information Officer, Lt. G. Berry and Captain [ret.] Sam Robinson for coordinating this visit back to the prison.
MC: You’ve been out for one year what was it like?
MP: This is my first year out and first time coming back in. It’s a humbling exercise and I feel responsibility to carry on this tradition on the inside and the outside. When I came down the hill, it was a feeling of old times. I know these guys work like I did and know they can contribute too. They will all be an asset to society.
MC: Man, from age 16 to 40, you gained wisdom beyond your years. How did you persevere?
MP: Life is a lot of choices. What helped me was learning the difference between needs and wants. I see a lot of transition homes focusing only on wants, but not understanding what’s really expected of us in life.
MC: What are your plans for the future?
MP: I hope to come down SQ’s hill to the Lower Yard a lot because I want to be part of this organization.
In the 120-year history of the oldest continual program at San Quentin, overcoming challenges is part of sports. Pulido stood out as the first non-resident player who left a mark of redemption that might stay unmatched.
For this day, Pulido excelled over every great athlete inside the walls of any penitentiary; and he took it all in stride as he threw out the first pitch.
While the team played ball, Pulido beat all the odds to live life.
―Marcus Casillas contributed to this story
