I am serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole in Pelican Bay. This means I will spend my whole term on a Level IV yard. I have been here since 2006. Since then we have lost almost all our programs on B Yard, and we have been on a segregated, modified lockdown since February of this year.
Violence has plagued this yard since 2008. We have no education classes, no chapel, no Arts in Corrections anymore, and they are firing teachers. Northerners and Blacks come out on odd days. Southerners, Whites and Others come out on even days. No one can get contact visiting on B Yard.
I only have an F number, but I really hope we will have some changes that come soon. If we had more programs and activities maybe the violence would decrease. Sitting idle in a cell for hours b reeds anger and violence. Segregating us by race and gang affiliation is just increasing the tension. Things seem hopeless up here.
I spent 10 months in San Quentin in Reception. Walking around that prison from time to time while I was there I could see how much a prison like that has to offer. When I left I knew I would never see a place like that again. I wish all prisons could offer rehabilitation like San Quentin. Also, being from San Francisco it was nice to be close to home.
I hope change comes soon. Things are not looking bright on these Level IV yards.
Philip L. Sands #F 11335
Pelican Bay State Prison
