Today, a federal court ruled that California’s ongoing violations of the rights of prisoners, including systemic fabrication of information supposedly provided by confidential sources, should be subject to extended judicial monitoring.
New Jersey has agreed to pay almost $21 million to several women who said they were sexually abused while incarcerated at New Jersey’s only women’s prison and to other former inmates, officials announced Wednesday.
What is Life is a podcast by Pennsylvania reporter Josh Vaughn that gives people serving life without the possibility of parole in Pennsylvania a chance to tell their story in their own voice.
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, please join us on Thurs, April 8thfor a Day of Action to Bring Kanoa “Rae” Harris-Pendang home and #FreeAllSurvivors.
Featuring CCWP members. Kelly Blackwell longs to escape her life as a transgender woman in a California men’s prison. After more than 30 years, her chance to leave arrived last fall when groundbreaking legislation gave transgender, intersex and nonbinary inmates the right, regardless of anatomy, to choose whether to be housed in a male or female prison.
Joseph J. Martinez was accused of abusing female inmates at Springer Correctional Center from the moment they arrived at the facility in October 2016, according to a New Mexico State Police probable cause statement in a criminal case against the former guard.
Written by CCWP member and Campaign and Policy Coordinator, Aminah. Between 1909 and 1979, California forcibly sterilized over 20,000 people of color, people with disabilities and imprisoned people…
None of these women had a criminal history. They were all raised in abusive homes and victimized by abusive partners. And they all received life sentences.
We are coming together to defend Gabby Solano, an immigrant woman, and survivor of domestic violence who was cruelly transferred to ICE on the evening of March 30, 2021. Gabby was supposed to be released…
The California Supreme Court unanimously ruled against the current cash bail system Thursday — a decision that some feel could lead to numerous releases and a more just future for marginalized communities.
Nobody could remember a rally ever happening outside New Jersey’s only women’s prison. Saturday may have been the first.
The history of the prison industrial complex is rooted in slavery and colonization, with an inherent purpose of reinforcing oppressive social and economic injustices. To illuminate these realities and get to a world free of police and prisons – we need stories.
Assembly Bill 124 (Kamlager) supports survivors of violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking, by providing trauma-informed charging, sentencing, and resentencing relief by requiring judges to give great weight to the impact of trauma on the person’s behavior.
AB 1007 would provide reparations to survivors of forced sterilization under California’s eugenics laws from 1909 to 1979; and survivors of involuntary sterilizations in women’s state prisons after 1979.
In the last week of #WomensHistoryMonth please join us on Thurs. March 25th for a Day of Action to Bring Brandy Scott home and #FreeAllSurvivors. Brandy Scott is a 43-year-old Black trans woman and criminalized survivor of domestic violence.
The current spotlight on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s history of sexually abusing his staff is consistent with his history of structurally misogynistic treatment of the people — especially survivors of gender-based violence — incarcerated in New York prisons. The breadth of Cuomo’s interpersonal abuse is disgusting and infuriating. Unfortunately, it is not surprising…
On Thursday, March 11, Senior U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken handed down a blistering ruling that ordered the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to institute a series of changes with which the judge hopes to put a stop to what she describes as a pattern of systemic abuse of incarcerated people with disabilities at five of the state’s prisons.
n Friday, March 12, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom granted Executive Clemency to Rickie Blue-Sky, a 75-year-old Native transgender man who has been incarcerated in California for over 37 years.
Incarcerated CCWP member, Michele Scott, writes in Elle Magazine about pandemic at CCWF women’s prison. “Incarcerated for 30 years, I’ve never seen my community suffer like this” she says.
As states have begun COVID-19 inoculations at prisons across the country, corrections employees are refusing vaccines at alarming rates, causing some public health experts to worry about the prospect of controlling the pandemic both inside and outside. A statewide survey in California showed that half of all correctional employees will wait to be vaccinated.
Advocates have been urging Governor Gavin Newsom to make greater use of his clemency power, especially for older prisoners who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Today, we celebrate one CCWP member receiving medical reprieve and another a commutation!
Please join us this Thurs., March 11th for a Day of Action to Bring Stacey Dyer home and #FreeAllSurvivors. We are urging Governor Newsom to grant immediate release for CCWP member and incarcerated survivor Stacey Dyer through a medical reprieve.
CWP is continuing the campaign to stop the ICE hold and potential deportation of member Gabriella Solano-Gabby as early as next week. Gabby was attempting to leave an 8 years abusive relationship, but instead was incarcerated for over 20 years for her abuser’s deadly actions. Gabby must be protected & shouldn’t face double punishment on the day of her release!
CCWP invites you to join us and take 3 important actions today, on International Women’s Day.
Check out CCWP’s member, Romarilyn Ralston, and others in a new video Until She’s Free. 6Ds — document, decriminalize, divert, decarcerate, divest & dismantle and dream — is a framework for the national campaign to end incarceration of women and girls.
Today, as the world commemorates International Women’s Day, 35 Palestinian women are yearning for freedom in Israeli prisons and detention centers. Amongst whom are 11 mothers, six wounded prisoners, and three administrative detainees…
A cross movement push, including CCWP. At this transformative moment, when we can no longer tolerate Black lives being taken by the state or the eugenic sacrifice of vulnerable people to a pandemic, we demand California work to end state violence against women of color and disabled communities.
After watching the documentary “Belly of the Beast,” Mary J. Blige was incredulous. “I could not believe what I was seeing,” Blige said. “But somewhere in the back of my mind, all my life, I always felt like women weren’t being treated properly in prisons. Black women were just being treated like slaughtered pigs.”
Last year California passed the Racial Justice Act to confront the racism that has long impacted our communities and our criminal legal system. We are reaching out for your help.
As the pandemic has ravaged California prisons, some families say that officials have failed to inform them when their loved ones have been hospitalized with the virus — receiving a call only when it might already be too late to say their goodbyes, act as surrogate decision-makers or provide critical emotional support.
The Danbury Federal Correction Institution in Connecticut is one of three federal prisons that were singled out for prompt action last spring by former Attorney General William Barr because of its vulnerability to Covid outbreaks. At a federal compound in Connecticut, inmates in precarious health “are like sitting ducks,” one lawyer said.
Featuring CCWP members, prisoners and their families describe the emotional, physical and financial toll of the pandemic. Restrictions have fluctuated during the various lockdowns implemented throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but in the 11 months since the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) first banned visitations across state prisons, Harris says she has seen the mental health of those around her steadily deteriorate.
Winter Storm Uri left the federal medical camp at Carswell, and the 1066 women confined there, without heat or hot water during a frigid weekend that dropped as log as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. “If They Can’t Take Care of Us, Release Us”.
We are excited to announce that February 23 thought February 25 will be a Week of Digital Action for the Racial Justice Act for All, AB 256 (Kalra). Please join us in support of this groundbreaking legislation and send in a letter as soon as possible.
Please consider donating to support a CCWP member of 17 years. Valerie is about to celebrate six months of freedom! Due to the pandemic and the difficulties of reentry, finding stable income has been a challenge.
New Jersey needs a new public advocate to help protect inmates and people in other state-run facilities, three lawmakers said, arguing more oversight is needed after last month’s assault on inmates at the women’s prison and the apparent failure of the state to reach a settlement with federal authorities over problems at the facility.
Before America’s era of mass incarceration took hold in the early 1970s, the number of individuals in prison was less than 200,000. Today, it’s 1.4 million; and more than 200,000 people are serving life sentences – one out of every seven in prison. More people are sentenced to life in prison in America than there were people in prison serving any sentence in 1970.
Valentine’s Actions: Show your love and solidarity with incarcerated & criminalized people with these five actions. Actions extend beyond Valentine’s Day, so show your love today.
Today Senator Dave Cortese announced SB 300, The Sentencing Reform Act of 2021 (co-sponsored by CCWP and others), to reform California’s unjust “felony murder special circumstance” law and ensure that the death penalty and life without the possibility of parole cannot be imposed on those who did not kill, nor intend that a person die, during a crime.
Over the past six weeks, COVID has cycled rapidly through Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF). Now reported cases have decreased significantly; we attribute the decline in numbers to the care people gave each other inside. Join CCWP in a Valentine’s Day action to celebrate collective care through collective action.
Following a number of speakers, including Courtney and Aminah from CCWP, a car caravan Sunday marked the latest attempt to draw attention to the plight of the state’s incarcerated population amid major prison and jail outbreaks of COVID-19, a debate that’s drawn new attention as limited supplies of the vaccine are distributed among at-risk populations.
Inmates reported being beaten while handcuffed at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in New Jersey, the state’s only prison for women. For Trimeka Rollins’s daughter, who is 24 and transgender, New Jersey’s only women’s prison was supposed to be…
In need of a life-saving bone marrow transplant for leukemia and positive for COVID, DeReta Steverson, incarcerated at the California Institution for Women (CIW), is still not eligible for compassionate release in California, even under the state’s much-hyped release program.
Las sobrevivientes cuentan las condiciones a las que fueron sometidas y las secuelas que aún persisten incluso después de recuperarse. / In an interview with Univision News 14, the survivors describe how those who tested positive for the virus were punished and how the aftermath haunts them even after recovering.
Urgent action still needed to pressure prison officials as mental health conditions continue to deteriorate inside CCWF, produced by the institution’s inadequate and disorderly response to the escalating COVID crisis.
Aminah Elster says CCWP is working to “wrap up our efforts to maintain communication with folks on the inside, and also fighting to make sure that they are not overlooked in this pandemic.” The group is growing their pen pal training program since there is currently no in-person visitation, continuing their “survival and release advocacy work,” and raising money in response to COVID to help currently and formerly incarcerated people with their necessities.
Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) today announced the introduction of the California Racial Justice Act for All, AB 256, which extends the protections provided in last year’s AB 2542, a first-of-its-kind law in the state prohibiting the use of race, ethnicity, or national origin in sentencing and convictions.
The craven bloodlust of a failed administration was on full display tonight. Everyone who participated in the execution of Lisa Montgomery should feel shame. No one disagrees…
Urgent action still needed to pressure prison officials to respond to the massive COVID-19 outbreak in CCWF and the dangerous and negligent quarantine conditions .
Aminah Elster is the policy coordinator at the California Coalition for Women Prisoners and a formerly incarcerated person. She says the women inside the Chowchilla facility continue to tell her about unsafe living conditions even after…
The United States executed Lisa Montgomery, the only woman on federal death row, early on Wednesday, making her the first female prisoner to be executed by the federal government since 1953.
Allegations of guards sexually assaulting prisoners at the state-run women’s prison in Springer continue to mount. Albuquerque attorneys representing several inmates who say they’ve been sexually assaulted at the facility have filed another complaint…
Featuring Aminah Elster, CCWP Campaign and Policy Coordinator, among others – criminal justice advocates say the profound abuse she suffered as a child is not unusual for women in prisons.
U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss has enjoined the federal government from executing Lisa Montgomery, a severely traumatized and mentally ill person who is the only woman on federal death row, until her lawyers recover from COVID-19 and can prepare her clemency application.
December was a disastrous pandemic month for inmates in California’s largest women’s prison, with nearly a quarter of all inmates getting infected from COVID-19 in the last two weeks alone.
KPFA features Aminah Elster and Lucy Kang speak on the COVID-19 outbreak and the crisis conditions inside CCWF.
Throughout Lisa Montgomery’s life, authorities repeatedly failed to stop the extreme violence and abuse that she suffered. On Christmas Eve, a federal court ruled that the government had acted illegally…
For Immediate Release: There is a life-threatening massive outbreak of COVID-19 at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), California’s largest women’s prison. In the past two weeks, there have been 500 new COVID-19 cases, representing 25% of the population at CCWF.
COVID cases are rising rapidly at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) with over 200 people testing positive. We are hearing from incarcerated people that conditions are rapidly deteriorating. Join CCWP and take urgent action now.
California’s prison system, which has been exceptionally hard-hit by the coronavirus, has started vaccinating some inmates — but none so far at the 25 prisons that have been most overwhelmed by infections
“Some of us wear masks even in our beds, but it feels futile,” said Sarah Jo Pender, incarcerated at the Rockville Correctional Facility, one of Indiana’s three women’s prisons. “There is little to do except watch the infection spread and wait my turn to suffer.”
Federal prosecutors said a Florida women’s prison has failed to protect prisoners from sexual abuse by facility staff in violation of the inmate’s constitutional rights.
A state prison medical facility in the Central Valley houses inmates with special medical needs. At least 150 of its 2,400 inmates are positive for COVID-19.
A fast-moving coronavirus outbreak at FCI Dublin, a federal women’s prison in Alameda County, has infected more than 20% of the prison’s population, according to data released Wednesday. The mass spread of the virus in jails and prisons around the country…
Coronavirus infections inside prisons have exploded in recent weeks with one of the worst surges taking place in California, where more than 40,000 inmates and staff across the state’s 35 prisons have tested positive for the virus.
The DROP LWOP Coalition enthusiastically welcomes the sweeping criminal legal policy changes that L.A.’s new District Attorney, George Gascón, is initiating, in particular stops L.A. prosecutors from filing special circumstances allegations which would result in a Life Without Parole/LWOP sentence.
We cannot overstate the gravity of trying to survive a pandemic in prisons that were already a public health crisis, under the watch of guards who do not value your life, in an institution with medical care that is either horrible or non-existent. But in all the darkness, we were amazed by the light—the courage, resilience, collective care, and fighting spirit of our currently incarcerated members.
From Truthout – At Minnesota’s Shakopee Correctional Facility for women, where I am incarcerated, solitude is something we seldom have a chance to experience. Loud, muffled over-head announcements begin every morning at 5:30 and continue until 9:30 p.m. when we are counted for the last time of the day.
Life Without Parole is a Death Sentence. This Human Rights Day, Thursday December 10th call on the Governor to use his power of clemency – a power only he has – to commute the sentences of people with Life Without Parole (LWOP).
From The Intercept & written by CCWP member – During the September 5 and 6 heat wave in Southern California, the closest recorded temperature to California Institution for Women, or CIW, hit 115 degrees.
From 19th News featuring CCWP members – Kandice Ortega cleaned the tables and phones in building 503 with a sanitary pad. There were no fresh rags, but she didn’t want to live in filth — cleanliness had taken on a new, pressing importance. Like many, Ortega worried about getting COVID-19.
Governor Signs Landmark Legislation Advancing Racial Justice in California. A historic, first-of-its-kind law in the State, the California Racial Justice Act – co-sponsored by CCWP – prohibits the use of race, ethnicity, or national origin in sentencing and convictions.
From Truthout – On April 10, Esther Arias made a video call to her son and asked him to stream the call on Facebook Live. Arias wanted the larger public to know about how the federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut, was handling COVID. One woman, she said, had tested positive three times — but remained in the housing unit.
CCWP welcomes Patricia Wright, home amid COVID-19 prison outbreaks. Patricia Wright, a 69-year-old Black mother and grandmother, survivor of domestic violence, and terminally-ill cancer patient, was released today under emergency order from Governor Newsom.
From SF Chronicle – CCWP member April Harris, a 44-year-old inmate at a California women’s prison, tested positive for the coronavirus in mid-May. Since then she has battled a dry cough, but that’s not the bad part of being sick behind bars.
Please join us this weekend in the fight to free incarcerated mothers. The #BringThemHome Call to Action is a collective effort to call on Governor Newsom to grant clemencies and IMMEDIATELY release elders who are at extremely high risk of death and fighting for their lives.
URGENT ACTION for COVID-19 Prevention at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) & California Institution for Women (CIW).
Governor Newsom granted 21 commutations and five pardons on Friday, March 27, 2020. CCWP welcomes Governor Newsom’s exercise of executive clemency for all of these people and we commend him for examining the public health impact of each commutation grant.
The DROP LWOP Spring Rally on March 9, 2020 brought together an amazing group of people to demand an end to Life Without Parole (LWOP) sentencing.
Vickie Lee Hammonds, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and beloved by many others, died from medical neglect at the California Institution for Women (CIW) on June 5, 2019. She was only 55 years old.
On Wednesday October 30th, over sixty people rallied in front of the CDCr office building in Sacramento to demand an end to the sexual and gender-based violence that has targeted trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people in California’s prisons.
CCWP is thrilled to announce that Laverne Dejohnette will be the inaugural fellow. We are starting this fellowship program to honor the life and legacy of Charisse Shumate, one of our incarcerated founding members.
The Assembly Public Safety Committee passed AB 1764 – the Forced Sterilization Compensation Program Bill to provide victim compensation to survivors of California state sponsored sterilization.
CCWP is so happy to share the news that on December 24, 2018 Governor Brown granted 73 more commutations for people with Life Without Parole (LWOP) sentences. 13 of
“You encouraged me to tell my story, then you actually listened. You made others listen. You CARED.” -Laverne Dejohnette, LWOP sentence commuted by Gov. Brown on 8/17/18 Dear CCWP Community, 2018
BENEFIT FOR #METOO BEHIND BARS LAWSUIT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2018, 3 PM NEW PARKWAY THEATER – 474 24th St, OAKLAND SOUTHWEST OF SALEM FILM PANEL with Rojas – CCWP, Maria Moore –
CALIFORNIA COALITION FOR WOMEN PRISONERS ANNOUNCES BENEFIT AUCTION TO COMBAT MASS INCARCERATION Artworks by Cindy Sherman, Kiki Smith, Louise Lawler, Janiva Ellis, Laurie Simmons, Torey Thornton and more exclusively on Paddle8
On Monday August 6th, a hundred people from all over California came together to lobby for the passage of SB 1393 and rally to DROP LWOP sentencing in a day
Over 5000 people are serving LWOP (Life Without the Possibility of Parole) sentences in California prisons. People of color are disproportionately sentenced to LWOP and of the nearly 200
Dear friends, Please join with the California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) in asking Governor Brown to commute more women, men and transgender people with LWOP sentences this Father’s Day
Dear friends, Please join with the California Coalition for Women Prisoners in asking Governor Brown to commute more women, men and transgender people with LWOP sentences for Mother’s Day 2018.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 31st, 2018 Contacts: Deirdre Wilson, CCWP, 415-255-7036 x 4 Amber-Rose Howard, CURB, 909-717-8520 The California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) and the Californians United for
Join CCWP for the Drop LWOP Town Hall Share the Facebook Invite In the past six months six women have had their Life Without Parole (LWOP) sentences commuted by the Governor.
Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming and Queer Prisoners say “me too”: Lawsuit Filed Denouncing Assaults at The Central California Women’s Facility On November 9, 2017 four people of color – a transgender
PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO CCWP Dear CCWP Community, 2017 has been a hard year for all people who seek justice in the world. At the same time, it has been
Dear Friends and Colleagues: We are writing to ask you to join with California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) in our statewide campaign to DROP LWOP and secure sentence commutations
Thank you to the families of #ShayleneGraves, #ErikaRocha & everyone who came out and supported our Vigil on June 1 at CIW women’s prison. Together we honored Shaylene “Light Blue”
For Immediate Release – May 30, 2017 CONTACTS Colby Lenz, California Coalition for Women Prisoners colby@womenprisoners.org Sheri Graves, mother of Shaylene Graves Sherimgraves@gmail.com Psychological Torture Continues at Women’s Prison Families,
CCWP welcomes Governor Brown’s granting of 72 pardons and seven commutations on April 15, 2017 (See more information) We are especially glad that he commuted the LWOP sentence of Kenneth
When I faced the hardest situation of my life, CCWP was there for me. The very day I received the tragic news of the death of my daughter, Shaylene Graves,
Please join CCWP in helping Denise Gomez’ family raise money for her funeral. Denise died by suicide two weeks ago while incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility. CCWP had
A Collective Statement This statement was produced by A Living Chance: a storytelling project of California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP), created with women and transgender people serving Life Without
Facebook event invite NO MORE DEATHS! BRING OUR LOVED ONES HOME, ALIVE! Please come out to support families & friends who have lost loved ones to the abuse & neglect
Dear Community, In response to another preventable and tragic death, advocates at the California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) are reaching out to ally organizations in the Bay to call
Dear community, Yet another young woman of color died at the California Institution for Women (CIW) two weeks ago today. Her name is Shaylene Graves and she was 27 years
CCWP Calls Attention to Abuses and Escalating Suicide Crisis in California Women’s Prison! Erika Rocha was 35 years old and one day away from her Youth Parole Hearing when she
This week the California Board of Parole Hearings denied Rickie Blue-Sky parole for the 5th time. We come together outraged by how the State of California continues to punish Blue-Sky
On November 11th, five imprisoned people at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) endured extreme violence at the hands of prison guards. They immediately filed grievances against the officers and called
On November 11th, five imprisoned people at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) endured extreme violence at the hands of prison guards. They immediately filed grievances against the officers and called
For Immediate Release – Monday, November 23, 2015 Imprisoned People, Family Members and Organizers Speak Out Press Contact: Dolores Canales, Family Unity Network, (714)290-9077 dol1canales@gmail.com or Hannah McFaull, Justice Now,
The Women’s Building Overflowed with emotion, words of wisdom and people on November 7th. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success! A special shout out to
Don’t forget to reserve your tickets for our 20th Anniversary Celebration on November 7th. Have you gotten your Transcending quilt raffle tickets yet?
Join us on November 7th at the Women’s Building in San Francisco. Go to Brown Paper Tickets to get your tickets now! Can’t join? Help us continue this important work by making a
CCWP’s 20th Anniversary Celebration – Saturday Nov. 7th! As part of CCWP’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, we are counting down some of the ways that we have spoken truth to power
Spread the word » Black Women in SF account for nearly 50% of the city’s arrests of women! Dear Supporter, On June 18, Supervisor Jane Kim will hold a public
Join CCWP for two benefit performances of Mariposa & the Saint and a conversation about the shocking conditions in California’s women’s prisons and what can be done to change them.
Image: Jared Rodriguez / Truthout Petitioning Attorney General Kamala Harris https://www.change.org/p/kamala-harris-free-kelly-domestic-violence-survivor-serving-her-19th-year-in-prison-for-a-crime-committed-by-her-abusive-husband This petition will be delivered to: Attorney General Kamala Harris Free Kelly! Domestic violence survivor serving her 19th year
On Thursday, July 31st, people from across California gathered in McFarland to protest the opening of a new GEO women’s prison and to demand an end to immigrant detention and
SHUT DOWN MCFARLAND GEO WOMEN’S PRISON RALLY ON THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014, 5 PM MCFARLAND PARK, 100 FRONTAGE RD, MCFARLAND, CA Rally against the GEO for-profit women’s prison recently opened
On February 23rd, 2014, over 250 people packed Humanist Hall to hear from Piper Kerman, author of the book Orange is the New Black, and a fiery panel of
Is Orange the New Black? Piper Kerman in Conversation With Leading Bay Area Activists On California’s Women’s Prisons Come hear the truth about California’s women’s prisons and the issues
SAVE THE DATE – SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2014 A CONVERSATION WITH PIPER KERMAN, AUTHOR OF ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, AND OTHER FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE Sponsored by California Coalition for
I have so much love for this group that helped me to be free. These women came to visit with us as if we were a part of their family
http://curbprisonspending.org/?p=3222 Do you think the new SF jail is good for children? Last week Supervisor Eric Mar said he “can’t under clear conscience support” what he called “a step forward towards
Amy Preasmyer’s powerful article was just published in the SF Bayview. CCWP has visited Amy for several years and supported her when she wanted to write about her recent terrible
The Chowchilla Freedom Rally made big waves in the local media! Below is a compiled list of the media coverage of the rally including radio interviews, television segments local to
On Saturday, January 26, 2013, over four hundred people from across California rallied, marched and chanted to protest extreme overcrowding, deteriorating healthcare and constant lockdown in the women’s prisons. The
An Op-Ed about the Chowchilla Freedom Rally co-authored by Windy Click and Angela Davis was recently published in the Fresno Bee. For the past 10 years, Windy was member of
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is converting Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW) into a men’s prison in response to a U.S. Supreme Court order to reduce
On June 25, 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that states may not impose mandatory life sentences without parole on juveniles, even if they have been convicted of taking part in
By Suzanne Bohan Contra Costa Times Posted: 03/01/2012 07:14:19 PM PST Updated: 03/01/2012 09:48:43 PM PST When Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law last year drastically changing the rules for
February 28th, 2012 The following article was sent to us by The Criminal Justice Information Network At Deadline Legislature Introduces Hundreds of New Bills: Juveniles, Gangs, and the Death Penalty
This slide show/photos is a great snapshot of the day[Occupy San Quentin], done by Bill Hackwell. http://www.flickr.com/photos/16954978@N05/sets/72157629429468207/show/
February 16, 2012 http://www.change.org/petitions/cas-gov-brown-cdcr-secretary-matthew-cate-judge-t-henderson-stop-the-conversion-of-valley-state-prison-from-a-womens-to-a-mens-prison You may have already signed and that’s great. We have modified the wording and included the complete joint statement from people inside both women’s prisons in
This is a call for writings by survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence ANTHOLOGY CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Working Title: Challenging Convictions: Survivors of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Writing on Solidarity
The following is an E-mail sent to us by Gail Patrice: Hi, Right now, juveniles in California can be sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. It
San Francisco — CALL and EMAIL Assemblyperson Tom Ammiano and demand an end to Prison and Jail expansion! Right now, California residents are preparing for catastrophe as millions of dollars
Take Action to Pass SB 9! Right now, juveniles in California can be sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. It is a sentence to die in
Criminal InJustice is a weekly series devoted to taking action against inequities in the U.S. criminal justice system. Nancy A. Heitzeg, Professor of Sociology and Race/Ethnicity, is the Editor of
Join CCWP members and others from the Occupy 4 Prisoners to create striking visuals to bring to the Occupy San Quentin rally on February 20th. Time/Date: Saturday, February 18th 12
San Francisco, California: International Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier. AIM-WEST will hold a Leonard Peltier rally on MONDAY, February 6th starting at the Federal courthouse on Mission and 7th
Governor?s juvenile justice realignment proposal echoes CJCJ?s 2012 recommendations! New report provides five policy recommendations to ensure successful juvenile justice realignment in California CJCJ?s January 2012 report entitled Juvenile Justice
AP Interview: End of prison oversight not certain By DON THOMPSON, Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) ? The court-appointed receiver overseeing California’s prison health care system said Friday the state
Students at City Arts and Tech High School in the Excelsior District of SF, invited activists and former prisoners to present to their class. CCWP was represented by members Samantha
Published: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 – 1:35 pm Valley State Prison Inmates Express Concerns Over Pending Conversion Inmates at Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW) have flooded the office of
Join SF Pride at Work, California Coalition for Women Prisoners, Artists of the 99%, and TransGender Intersex Justice Project for a fun and fabulous Valentines Day Card-Making Party for Prisoners.
PUBLISHED THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2012 Judge Strikes Parole-Revocation Provisions in California Law A Sacramento federal judge has struck down as unconstitutional the part of California’s so-called Victims’ Bill of Rights
January 25, 2012 Sign the petition to stop the conversion of Valley State Prison for Women to a Men’s Prison You may have already signed and that’s great. We have
January 25, 2012 Lino Silva has been an inmate at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility in California for the past seven years. He says the conditions there are inhumane and
January 24, 2012 Press Contact: Isaac Ontiveros, Californians United for a Responsible Budget Los Angeles? Over two hundred community members showed an enthusiastic display of opposition to the Board of
January 23, 2011 Bill to Amend California’s Three Strikes Law Passes Appropriations Committee On January 19th, AB 327 (Davis), a bill to amend California?s Three Strikes Law cleared the Assembly
Looks like the Federal Health receivership will be coming to an end. Even though it hasn’t helped that much I can’t imagine things will get better for health care in
On Friday, January 6th, Inglewood’s First District Councilman, Mike Stevens visited Chuco?s Justice Center. We asked him about rumors we had heard that Mayor Butts and Police Chief Seabrooks were
On January 24th, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors will discuss whether or not to approve Sheriff Baca’s latest plan to rob LA: a new jail that will cost $2.66
By Rina Palta Lateefah Simon is the director of the California Futures Initiative at the Rosenberg Foundation in San Francisco. Listen Nationally, women are the fastest growing prison population. And
January 13, 2012 Help us change California?s law: young people should never be sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. Please watch this quick YouTube video featuring
Click here: Criminal Justice Petition: Teenager Deserves New trial | Change.org
Proposal to Occupy Oakland General Assembly This is the proposal that was passed at the Occupy Oakland General Assembly, on Monday, January 9th. For more information and/or to endorse, email
Media Access to Prisons Under Legislative Review Prisoners Continue to Struggle Against SHU Conditions Press Contact: Jay Donahue Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity Coalition Oakland ? The public safety committee of
Author: Diana “Here’s what the new state budget for 2012-2013 says about expanding the alternative custody program for women: Alternative Custody for Women Proposal to Balance the Budget: Approximately 70
Just in — Governor Jerry Brown called for the closure of California’s youth prisons! As part of Brown’s 2012-2013 budget, the Division of Juvenile Justice would stop taking youth beginning
On January 24th, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors will discuss whether or not to approve Sheriff Baca’s latest plan to rob LA: a new jail that will cost $2.66
“Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer Friday, December 30, 2011 California courts have been too quick to second-guess decisions by the parole board and the governor that deny release to convicted
January 3, 2012 by Jean Casella and James Ridgeway New Report Shows Juvenile Lifers Suffering in Solitary Confinement The United States is the only national in the world that doles
Authors: T. Ashker, A. Castellanos, Sitawa (s/n Dewberry), A. Guillen Pelican Bay Short Corridor Update (December 2011) A Shout-out of respect and solidarity ? from the Pelican Bay Short Corridor
5 January 2012 SB 391 was introduced late in the legislative session by Sen. Ted Gaines (R-Roseville) and he has now withdrawn the bill! If passed, SB 391 would have
The Fire Inside 15th Anniversary Celebration was powerful and energizing. Thank you to so many people . . . all of our generous and wise performers and speakers, volunteers, sponsors,
23 December 2011 Several members of CCWP participated in Californians United for a Responsible Budget’s (CURB’s) Lobby Day in Sacramento on December 12, 2011, with a focus on a moratorium
Please click here to read about the California Three Strikes law and watch a 7 minute video entitled Second Thoughts on Three Strikes. With enough signatures, an amendment to reform
The Formerly Incarcerated and Convicted People’s Movement held a national convening in Los Angeles on November 2nd, 2011. Please check out their powerful national platform on their website, and feel
Please sign the petition asking for compassionate release of Patricia Wright. Find out more about Patricia Wright’s story and the campaign on her behalf. Change.org|Start an Online Petition »
Please sign the petition asking for compassionate release of Patricia Wright. Find out more about Patricia Wright’s story and the campaign on her behalf. Change.org|Start an Online Petition »
16 October 2011 The second recent hunger strike by California prisoners has come to an end. As prisoners throughout California continue their struggle for human rights and against torture, we
On the last Friday of every month at 4pm, the Without Walls radio show airs on KPFA during the Hard Knock Radio hour. Without Walls is a collaboration between Legal
Christian Pen Pals PO Box 2112 Statesville NC 28687 Conversations With God Foundation/ God?s Pen Pals 1257 Siskiyou Bvld, PMB#1150 Ashland, OR 97520 Death Row Support Project (Church of the
Adopted Prisoners PO Box 401 Palm Desert CA 92261 CellPals PO Box 470 Montgomery TX 77356 PO Box 3326 Truth or Consequences New Mexico 87901 Friends Beyond The Wall, Inc.
Black and Pink Commmunity Church of Boston 565 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 Gender Mutiny Collective PO Box 0494 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Hearts on a Wire PO Box 36831
16 October 2011 The second recent hunger strike by California prisoners has come to an end. As prisoners throughout California continue their struggle for human rights and against torture, we
275 Ninth Street San Francisco, CA 94103 Telephone: 415-503-4170 Fax: 415-503-0970 http://thebeatwithin.org/
Countless women in California’s prisons are serving life sentences as a result of being abused by an intimate partner; some were convicted for their involvement in the death of an
Take action at Take Action California: a virtual, one-stop, for political activism, action alerts, fact sheets, and events in support of grassroots advocacy throughout California. By increasing our collective capacity
Who are we as a people? Who are we as a people if we cannot forgive our children? Who are we as a people if we cannot help teach our
In the Spring 2011 Issue of The Fire Inside newsletter (#44) we proudly reported on Suzy Mellen (VSPW) being honored with the Southern California Mediation Association?s Peacemaker Award during VSPW?s
Companeras Talk About Parole Lupe I taught myself English when I came to prison. During my sentencing I wasn?t able to ask questions, so I would just go with what
Precious Releases? Norma Cumpian succeeded on appeal Patricia Joellen Johnson Pending Release Romarilyn Baker is waiting for the Attorney General to show cause and for the court to rule against
In 2002, human rights attorney Lynne Stewart was arrested and charged with aiding terrorism because she issued a press release on behalf of client Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, an Egyptian Muslim
by Rose Parker aka Dr. Rose Parker-Sterling In 1996, I officially submitted a request for a ?Pardon? from then Gov. Pete Wilson. I sent a certified letter every two weeks
by the CCWP Fire Inside Collective Since the mid 1990?s, schools across the United States have seen an increase in security guards and surveillance. In 2004 alone, the U.S. government
YOUTH JUSTICE SERVICES AND ORGs Center for Young Women?s Development 832 Folsom Street, Suite #700 San Francisco, CA 94107 Ph: 415-703-8800/ Fax: 415-703-8818 www.cywd.org Founded in 1993 by a coalition
Many thanks to CCWP member Yanet Herrera, CCWF, for making the ?Speaking for Ourselves: Lifers Sentenced as Juveniles? column possible. Thanks also to all who wrote about being sentenced to
Me arrestaron cuando tenia 17 anos y me dieron cargos de adulto. Me encarcelaron por un crimen que no comiti. Me pusieron la conviccion de 1 grado de matanza solo
Alex Sanchez, founder and executive director of Homies Unidos, was arrested on June 24 on federal racketeering charges as part of a wider indictment against members of the MS-13 street
by Sable take me as I am. the arch of my back as I stand upright. the boldness in my face the smooth touch of every curve take me as
by Hakim The bus was late and a I had no clue so was my fate I still had time to smoke some weed to start off my day All
by Suzy Mellen When the judge sentenced me, I thought he said 25-to-Life. After a few months of being in prison, one of my roommates read my face sheet. She
CCWP wants to help change the parole system for life-term prisoners. We will post more updates and information as the work develops. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to listen
by Leslie Neale Director?s Statement: “When I started volunteer teaching at Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles, I was naïve to juvenile justice, thinking children were handled fairly and with care,
To watch this video, please click this link.
February 28th – March 2nd, 2011: Formerly Incarcerated & Convicted People’s Movement begins organizing in Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. An historic gathering of 56 activists strategizing a revived Civil Rights
Criminal Justice Reform Faith Letter The undersigned faith organizations are committed to ending mass incarceration in the United States. Our intent is to work with Congress to pass criminal justice
To watch this video, please click this link.
Patricia Wright currently has Stage IV terminal cancer and is trying to obtain compassionate release from California Correctional Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla. She is working towards 5,000 signatures in
The Struggle Continues for Humane Treatment inside the Skilled Nursing Facility at Chowchilla “I have witnessed several things that are so inhuman that I just couldn’t continue to stand by
A report from a CCWP-sponsored demonstration in Chowchilla protesting the health care crisis and deaths of women prisoners in the SNF. by Leroy Moore Jr. “The warden is not here.
17 January 2011 After serving over 19 years in prison, Mary Shields was released on parole on Martin Luther King’s birthday! This was a long struggle for Mary who was
Compañeras Resistiendo/Resisting CCWP Fire Inside Collective
Locked up in Israeli-Occupied Palestine By Kelly Bornshlegel
Maria Suarez Speaks on Trafficking and the Prison Industrial Complex By Kit Rutter and Maria Suarez
We Are All Legals in the Lord?s Eyes By Anna Bell Chapa (CCWF)
Voices from Inside Speaking out on Immigration
Thirteen Springs By Marilyn Buck (1997) had you planted a tree to fi ll in the deep well of my absence that tree would be thirteen springs high high enough
?Without a vision, you can?t go forward? Marilyn Buck, Dec. 13 1947 to August 3, 2010
Debbie Peagler-Always In Our Hearts by Mary Campbell
Lori Berenson Released on Parole in Peru By Diana Block
Deportation Follows Parole Rosie Sanchez was released from CIW on March 18, 2010 after serving 23 years in prison. Despite the efforts of her USC law team, she was immediately
Precious Releases . . . . Frankie Williams, was released March 4th, 2010, has a loving extended family who are thrilled to have her home after 31 years of incarceration.
Another World is Possible, Another US is Necessary By Diana Block and Mary Heinen
Los Inmigrantes a Los EE.UU., La Deportación y El Complejo Industrial de La Prisión (PIC) por Martha Escobar Rincón Legal
US Immigrants, Deportation and the PIC By Martha Escobar, Legal Representative for the Compañeras Team
Compañeras: Working With Immigrant Women Compañeras is a legal advocacy program of California Coalition for Women Prisoners that focuses on issues faced by immigrants in women?s prisons. Members inside are
We dedicate this issue of FI to Marilyn Buck, former political prisoner, sister, comrade, and friend. After 25 years in federal prison, Marilyn was released on parole on July 15,
January 2011 Prisoners unjustly sentenced to death for the Lucasville (OH) prison uprising recently went on hunger strike, to demand that they be placed on Death Row rather than be
January 2011 Sara Kruzan was sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP) at the age of 16. Due to a diligent grassroots campaign her sentence was recently commuted
December 2010 “Gladys and Jamie Scott are returning home for the first time in 16 years. This evening, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour suspended their sentences — handed down in the
CCWP and many other organizations have signed the Statement of Solidarity with the Georgia Prisoner Strike, which was the largest prisoner strike in the history of the United States. Please
We dedicate this issue of The Fire Inside to Debbie Peagler, mother and grandmother, domestic violence survivor, advocate, educator, singer, cancer survivor and dear Sister. Debbie was released from Central
As of January, 2010 many educational and vocational jobs were cut at Central California Women?s Facility (CCWF). Some classes will remain, but not any GED or ESL. All our college
by Allegra Funsten, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children legal intern Article 5 of the California Constitution clearly affirms the duty of the State to provide free, publiclyfunded elementary and
Chi Chi Locci, vocalist, CCWF For many years now at CCWF I have been fortunate to be a part of Arts-in-Corrections, a program that has nurtured some of the most
by: Pamela Fadem On March 31, 2010, the US Supreme Court upheld the rights of immigrants in the criminal justice system in the Padilla v. Kentucky decision. This decision centered
tradució por Terra Mickelson El gobierno estatal de California, en el nombre de ?balanceando el presupuesto,? está elminando prácticamente todos los medios por los cuales la gente en la prisión
by the Fire Inside Editorial Collective California State government, in the name of ?balancing the budget,? is eliminating virtually all means by which people in prison can get out and
The Fire Inside interviewed Melody about the beautiful friendship and peer mentor she had with Darlene while incarcerated at CIW. Melody?s mentor helped her learn job skills, but more importantly
In March 2010 CCWP said goodbye to our dear friend and CCWP Program Coordinator Shawna Sanchagrin after many years of her dedication and hard work. With her own experience of
In March 2010, Deirdre Wilson took over as the new coordinator of programs at CCWP. We introduce her to all who may not have met Deirdre in person. Welcome Deirdre!
by Xiomara Campos In addition to the separation people in prison experience due to physical barriers, such as the distance between prisons and communities, walls, and cells, borders develop within
by: Mary Campbell I was a resident of the Honor Dorm, Unit 512, C Yard at CCWF for 3 years. The criteria for living in this unit are: you must
On March 4, 2010, tens of thousands of students, parents, teachers, workers, and community folks walked out, rallied, picketed, marched and even lay down on an Oakland freeway to defend
The devastation, injury and suffering that the Haitian people have experienced since the earthquake in January have moved many people around the world to reach out to help in whatever
AB 2232 is a cost cutting measure which proposes to double the co-pay for accessing medical services from $5 to $10 as a way of reimbursing CDCR for medical expenditures.
by: Diana Block In November 2009, California prisoners received notification that many of the daily medicines and vitamins they have relied on to keep themselves healthy and manage routine colds,
by: Wilson Moy and Ashley Moss, CCWP high school interns In 2006 Women Organized to Respond to Life-Threatening Diseases? (WORLD) highlighted the life of Beverly Henry, who tested co-positive for
In the Fall 2009 The Fire Inside we wrote about the outrageous injustice in the Scott sisters case. Jamie and Gladys Scott received two consecutive life sentences for a 1993
CCWP is putting out a CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS! Help us spread the word. . . 1) Help with a guide This is a shout out to formerly incarcerated members who
In October 2010, CCWP hosted a statewide meeting in Los Angeles, CA. Since CCWP and Free Battered Women merged this year, we wanted to invite former prisoners and organizers to
This video tribute to Marilyn Buck is wonderful and inspirational. To watch the video, please click here. Thank you.
A report of a statewide protest demanding that Governor Davis release battered women prisoners and end his illegal no-parole policy. by Diana Block Over 200 people protested at Gov. Davis’
by Diana Block, CCWP/San Francisco, Donna Willmott, LSPC Senator Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles), chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Prison Construction and Operations, opened unprecedented hearings on October 11
We recommend Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow. On Wednesday, October 6th, we had an enlightening discussion about chapters 2 and 4, and we hope that everyone gets the
by Janice Jordan, CCWP/San Diego Day 2 of the Legislative Hearings started at CIW with a group of women who shared their stories about Battered Women’s Experience/Syndrome. For the majority
by Diana Block, CCWP/San Francisco, Donna Willmott, LSPC Twenty-two women sent statements to Sen. Richard Polanco for inclusion in a packet of materials for the Legislative Hearings on the Conditions
From the Free Sara Kruzan website : “There are approximately 225 juveniles in California serving a life without parole sentence. California has the worst racial disparity rate in the nation
From the Free Sara Kruzan website: “There are approximately 225 juveniles in California serving a life without parole sentence. California has the worst racial disparity rate in the nation for
Fast 4 Freedom Statewide Action Solidarity Rally at the State Building in San Francisco “Because so many are starving for FREEDOM” (from the call by family members of prisoners). ”
by Leslie Neale Director?s Statement: “When I started volunteer teaching at Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles, I was naïve to juvenile justice, thinking children were handled fairly and with care,
A bit of good news, though there is still much work to be done against the Drug War . . . House Joins Senate in Ditching Crack Disparity FAMM Hails
For almost 28 years Maria Suarez was held against her will. First by a slaveholder and then imprisoned for a crime she didn?t commit. She was tricked into slavery when
Many thanks to all who signed petitions for Frankie’s release!! California Coalition for Women Prisoners challenges the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC) and its destructive effects on our communities. All communities
The California Coalition for Women Prisoners expresses our strong solidarity with the courageous fast by the Gray-Haired Witnesses for Justice to demand freedom for the Scott Sisters and an inspection
From Families Against Mandatory Minimums. Why did Michelle Taylor get such an excessive sentence? Nevada law imposes a mandatory life sentence (with parole eligibility after 10 years) for the crime
From Youth Justice Coalition: The Proposed 1.4 Million Dollar Cut to Gang Intervention Did Not Go Through!
The Women?s Foundation of California, the Women Donors Network and the Center For Restorative Justice Works (CRJW) organized a Criminal Justice Briefing and Prison Visit on May 11-12, 2010. It
Helping women and girls break the cycle of entrapment in the criminal justice system and lead healthy and satisfying lives A New Way of Life Reentry Project is a non
Resistance Behind Bars documents collective organizing and individual resistance among women incarcerated in the U.S. and challenges the reader to question why these instances and efforts have been ignored and
Former Prisoners Speak Out at UC-Santa Cruz Student Rally by Urszula Wislanka The students at University of California Santa Cruz have been protesting the state’s priorities in spending money on
They Said Nothing Was Wrong…. by Linda Fields #26257 from CCWF Her name was Anna, Annie Bells to me, Gator to most. She didn’t have much book learning, she was
Women Sue for Healthcare by CCWP members On April 4, 1995, 24 courageous women prisoners with grave illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, AIDS and tuberculosis, filed suit
If Walls Could Talk: Statement from Charisse Shumate, prisoner and lead plaintiff, Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) I, Charisse Shumate, wish I could be there with you because, as you
Free Battered Women (FBW) has recently become a program of CCWP, with both organizations growing and strengthening with new people, energy and ideas! We are in the process of adding
29 March 2010 Today, the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC) and Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA) each released the below statements on connections between homophobia, racism, and
The True Life Story of Becoming a Black Panther Keeping the Faith in Prison & Fighting for Those Left Behind Foreward by Angela Davis Afterword by Mumia Abu-Jamal Edited, with
The following is a message from the Post Conviction Law Project asking the community to support Margaret Moore. Please send your letters of support for this incarcerated survivor of domestic
on Saturday, November 21, 2009 “Country? Joe McDonald performed: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie a benefit for the California Coalition for Women Prisoners “Country” Joe McDonald performed his critically acclaimed
beyondtheodds.org A website featuring the perspectives and personal stories of young people living with HIV/AIDS.
In May, two amazing townhall events were held in San Francisco and Los Angeles to bring together the loved ones of Term-to-Life prisoners and their allies to work towards changing
Please join us at these important townhall events, co-organized by CCWP: From CCWP From CCWP Join parole experts, attorneys, advocates, and community members in parole preparation workshops: Ø Learn about
On Monday, February 9, a tentative ruling was issued by the federal three judge panel stating that overcrowding is primary cause of the cruel and unusual conditions in California state
On Tuesday, November 18th the Federal three-judge panel began a month of hearings in San Francisco to deal with the continuing issue of prison overcrowding and the cruel and unusual
This website offers information on human rights issues, including prisons and detention, and the Human Rights Act.
This is an online community for incarcerated loved ones, families and supporters of prison reform. http://lovingaconvict.forumco.com/default.asp
This issue of The Fire Inside is dedicated to all the women and transgender people inside who have been punished, abused or disrespected for trying to deal with your own
by Sandi Nieves, Central California Women?s Facility, Death Row Caged mental health is cruel and unusual punishment, and it is insane. You may be asking, “What do you mean by
by Cassie Pierson, Staff Attorney, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children In 1995, the U.S. District Court, Eastern District, in Coleman v. Wilson, held that the entire mental health system
by Chi Chi Locci , CCWF I can’t cope without hope!!!! I am an African American woman, age 52, with a 15-year-to-life sentence. As I continue to prioritize my value
by Rahima Walker I was incarcerated at VSPW. The day before Christmas we received a new roommate. She arrived with a pungent stench. One of my roommates remembered her from
People use different words when talking about mental health and mental illness, and many of the terms carry a lot of stigma. While we don’t want to be the “word
Las personas usan diferentes palabras cuando hablan sobre salud mental y enfermedades mentales, y muchos de esos términos están cargados de muchos estigmas, No queremos ser la “policía de las
On Friday July 25 CCWP will be hosting the Without Walls radio show, which airs on the last Friday of every month from 4-5 PM. This show we will be
March 15 marked CCWP’s forth annual Family Visiting Day event connecting with family members and loved ones of prisoners at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) and Valley State Prison for
On Tuesday, May 6th Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB)* filed a lawsuit to stop the $15 billion dollars of prison debt. At a time of desperate financial crisis,
A lot of people with mental health issues are housed in general population. They don’t get the help they need. They have behaviors they can’t help, and they are mistreated,
by Deirdre Wilson Containment a private prison the nature of every human soul. A struggle to be without limitation of the senses, without sense Of separation To know… Ocean’s tide
On Wednesday May 7, protesters rallied in Los Angeles and Sacramento against the Runner Initiative. Called the “Safe Neighborhoods Initiative” by its sponsor, State Senator George Runner, Republican from Lancaster,
On May 9, CCWP held a Volunteer Appreciation event to honor three core volunteers, Cassie Pierson, Robin Moore, and Cebastien Rose, who will be moving to other parts of the
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) has initiated a Commutations Project, bringing attention to cases where the punishment–the lenght of the sentence–is all out of proportion with the crime. If you
Within the last year or two we witnessed many more suicides, or attempted suicides. As a response, Sister Maryanne helped put together a “Grief share” program. It gives an outlet
Precious Releases? Elnora Francis, 69 years old, was approved for release by Governor Schwarzenegger on February 15, 2008 released from prison after serving nearly 24 years of a 15-years-to-life for
Marsy’s Law, also known as the “Crime Victims Bill of Rights” was recently submitted as a ballot initiative with 1.2 million signatures. Supported by victims’ rights organizations and funded by
Pam Fadem From May 30 to June 1, 2008 the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) sponsored a conference in Philadelphia, PA to launch a new national campaign to shut down
The new policies implemented in September 2007 are euphemistically called “medications schedule change.” They really are a whole-sale denial of meds. It happened right in the middle of a rash
(died March 18th, 2008) by Beverly Henry, CCWF We spoke very seldom we even worked at the same prison factory without warning you left work one day and never returned.
The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) based at the University of Michigan collaborates with incarcerated adults, incarcerated youth, urban youth and the formerly incarcerated to strengthen our community through creative
We each wish that when a person passes, their loved ones surround them as they make their transition. California prisoners are more often than not denied that bit of compassion
[During Fall 2006 two Black students sat under what was considered a ?white? tree on Jena, La., high school?s grounds. The next day nooses were hung from that tree. The
Pam Fadem Now is an important time to turn up the heat on the Governor, State Legislators and the Board of Parole Hearings (BPH), to uphold the constitutional right to
Ahora es un tiempo importante para todos nosotros de presionar mas al Gobernador, a los Legisladores del Estado y a la Junta Directiva, para defender el derecho constitucional a la
Kelly Evans/Davison, Standish Facility, Michigan Bright, shiny bracelets Jangling on my arm While metal snug about my waist Chains dangling seductively between my legs I am captured, but not subdued
Kelly Evans/Davison, Standish Facility, Michigan Prison walls may be between us Prison walls may keep us apart But each letter I receive, sweetheart Brings you closer to my heart. Love,
Sara Olson, CCWF Right after 4:30 p.m. count on Halloween, there was the sound of a scuffle in D Hall. An alarm brought guards running from all parts of the
Diana Block Over the past 18 months, there have been six attempted suicides at CCWF, four of which were successful. In a recent memo to CCWF prisoners, Warden Patrick assures
Bring Our Families Home: Reclaim 15 Billion Prison Dollars for Community Health and Safety ?Break the windows! Break the walls! ?Til all the prisons fall! ?Til all the prisons fall!?
Shawna S. On October 13 and 14, a team of formerly imprisoned transgender people and anti-prison advocates held a conference at City College of San Francisco called Transforming Justice: Ending
Zoe Willmott for my mom childhood memories cement walls surrounded by cold gray enclosed with hard steel uncomfortable plastic chairs around tiny two-foot beige tables I sit there waiting ?Donna
On June 14, 2007, four young African-American lesbians were convicted of 2nd degree gang assault and sentenced to prison time ranging from 3 to 11 years. These four friends had
Precious Releases? Esperanza Alvarez was released from CIW in November after serving twenty-five years on a fifteen-to-life sentence. Espie was the chair of the Mexican American Resource Association for 17
Sandra Lawrence was released in May 2007 after serving twenty years when a panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal agreed with the Parole Board which had found her
Hamdiya Cooks The telephone system is one of the most necessary forms of communication prisoners have to connect to their loved ones. On July 17, 2007, the former MCI Department
La habilidad para conectar con el mundo afuera es crítica para mantener nuestro bienestar emocional y espiritual mientras estamos lejos de nuestros hijos, padres, seres queridos y familia extensa. El
This is in response to the incident in Jena, Louisiana. Allow me to introduce myself. I choose to call myself Los Angeles 1 (LA 1). I have been incarcerated for
Virginia made the journey home last October. She was in severe pain the night prior to her death, but was still denied medical care. Virginia Garcia was well-loved and respected.
PrisonPlace.com is an online community for friends and families of those incarcerated. This new community is designed to offer accurate and current information on all Federal and State prisons and
October is Maafa Awareness Month. Maafa is a Kiswahili term for disaster, calamity or terrible occurrence. This term has been used to describe the European Slave trade or the Black
The first transgender woman to be housed in a women?s facility in Califor- nia is Nikki Lee Diamond. Nikki recounts her experience in her essay ?Behind These Mascaraed Eyes: Passing
BG, former CCWF prisoner I used to dress like a girl, but I was always a little tomboy — I didn’t talk or act or sit all girly, and I
BG, persona ex prisionera del CCWF Yo me solía vestir como niña, pero siempre fui un pequeño muchacho, yo no hablaba o actuaba o me sentaba como niña, yo tendría
K.A., CCWF You violated me when I couldn’t defend myself. You lied to me when I thought you were all I had to trust in. You beat me for something
by Cassie Pierson, Staff Attorney for Legal Services for Prisoners with Children Since the mid-1980s, several cases have been litigated on issues affecting transgender people in prison. Below is information
What is the first question we ask after hearing that a loved one is expecting a new baby? “Is it a girl or a boy?” From then on, every decision
En el siguiente articulo, estaremos usando el termino transgenero con un termino que sombrillas que retome a la gente quienes han cruzado las fronteras construidas sobre el genero, por su
In the following article, we are using the term Transgender as an umbrella term that embraces people who cross socially constructed gender boundaries because of their gender identity, presentation, or
In January 2007 the Supreme Court ruled in Cunningham v. California that California’s laws which allowed sentencing judges to impose enhanced sentences based on their determination of facts not found
We received information from a federal prisoner in California for a company calling itself the “National Association for Equal Justice”, claiming to offer “inmate community release packages, valued at over
Every 6 months we will be hosting the Without Walls radio show on Hard Knock Radio every 4th Friday of the month from 4-5pm. You can hear us on January
On March 28 over 200 former prisoners, loved ones of prisoners, and allies gathered in Sacramento for a rally and lobby day organized by Families to Amend California’s Three Strikes
CCWP held its third annual Family Visiting Day event in February, providing transportation from Oakland and Los Angeles to Central California Women’s Facility and Valley State Prison for Women. The
An interview with Kris at VSPW Question: How would you define your gender? Answer: People consider me a man, but I consider myself me and free. Q: How are you
Becoming a Trans Ally * Seek information about transgender identities and organizing being done by transgender communities. There are many organizations with information and resources. * Acknowledge, examine, question, challenge
Interview with Miss Major, Community Activist with Transgender, Gender Variant, and Intersex Justice Project/ Transgender in Prison Committee Most people cannot imagine what happens to a transgender person in prison.
Resources for Trans Prisoners Sylvia Rivera Law Project 322 8th Avenue, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001 www.srlp.org Transgender Law Center 870 Market Street, Room 823 San Francisco, CA 94102
by Karen Shain In late April, five members of the state legislature and the governor struck a deal that will increase the number of beds available for state prisoners by
by Myrtle E. Green, California Institution for Women Myrtle Green is featured on the cover of Legal Services for Prisoner’s report, Dignity Denied calling for the release of elderly prisoners.
by Diana Block On November 7, 2006, California voters passed Proposition 83, also known as Jessica’s Law, by a 70% yes vote. The new law increases the penalties for sex
On April 18 a rally was held at the Capitol in Sacramento to support Proposition 36, the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000, which allows people convicted of
Transgender people face a unique set of health issues. Living without common respect or validation for your gender identity is a significant challenge to staying healthy. Then add to this
Precious Releases? Hudie Joyce Walker was released on May 1, 2007 after serving 16 years of a 19 years-to-life sentence for killing her abusive husband. In February 2007 the Court
The Barnard Center for Research on Women (BCRW) has put together an archive of writings related to women’s prison activism from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. This public archive of
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation?s (CDCR) Family Foundation Program in San Diego, which allows women prisoners to be incarcerated with their children, is under investigation for severe child
California “hosts” the world’s largest women’s prison, the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. There are 3 major women’s prisons in California. CCWF and Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW),
CCWP held its third annual Family Visiting Day event this past February, providing transportation from both Oakland and Los Angeles to Central California Women?s Facility and Valley State Prison for
This year marked the tenth anniversary of the CCWP newsletter The Fire Inside. A celebration of this occasion was held on November 7, 2006 at the African American Art and
California prisoners engage in some the most laborious work to provide over 1400 goods and services which support the daily operations of prisons in addition to supplying private capital with
by Edaleen Smith “Mama Sherrie”, Central California Women?s Facility I’m writing from behind the wall in Chowchilla, CCWF. For the record, incarcerated women have no equal opportunity or support working
by Cassie Pierson, LSPC Staff Attorney, CCWP Advisory Board Member Several sections of Title 15 apply to work and education in prison. Section 3040(a) provides that, ?Every able-bodied person .
by Deirdre Wilson, former prisoner, survivor We are proud to publish this original poem read by the author as part of the event Our Voices Within: Out of the Shadows
by Sophia, CCWF I work for Prison Industry Authority at the Dental Lab making dental prostheses for other prisoners all over the state. I started out earning 30 cents per
by shawnna d. and the Fire Inside Editorial Collective Just as newly freed Africans were convicted of minor offenses and then used as cheap (free) labor for industrial capitalists, poor
por: shawnna d. y el Colectivo Editorial Fire Inside Así como los Africanos liberados fueron convictos por delitos y luego usados como mano de obra barata (gratuita) para la industria
by Yvonne/Hamdiya Cooks How did you do it? I am often asked this question referring to the time I spent incarcerated in a federal prison. Although I may seem as
Joint Ventures are at the ?top? of the jobs for prisoners. Here are a few facts about Joint Venture: Proposition 139, passed by California voters in 1990, allows private businesses
On November 5th, 2006, CCWP hosted a powerful event to celebrate ten years of publishing our newsletter by and for women prisoners. ?The Fire Inside brings light into the hearts
I strive to be a ?peace warrior.? I?ve come to recognize this as a state of being rather than just a state of mind. It is a hard path to
by Pam Fadem In Fall 2006, CCWP was contacted by a person who had worked on contract at Valley State Prison for Women (not as an employee of the CDRC)
“Baby”, 25 years old, a lifer, committed suicide in CCWF on October 1, 2006. She was a diagnosed schizophrenic though friends said they “didn’t see it coming.” She was very
by Jodie Lawston In September 2006, a 26-year old woman died in the Vista Detention Center in Vista, California. The circumstances for her detainment are still unclear, as are the
Precious Releases? Sadly, we have no precious releases to report at this time. We hope that we will have some good parole news in our next issue! Outrageous Denials? On
4,500 women?s beds, out-of-state transfers go ahead anyway Governor Schwarzenegger?s proposals for prison expansion got nowhere in the special session he called specifically to push through his disastrous solutions for
by Linda Field, former prisoner, survivor September 1, 2006, dawned a beautiful morning full of hope and anticipation. I left the mountains driving to the Central Valley area and enjoyed
by Pam Fadem Prison is bad for your health?physically, mentally and emotionally?and we have plenty of proof! But work in prison?often a mandated part of programming to meet parole and
by Shelbi Harris, VSPW The health care system in CDCR has failed us as human beings. Continuous neglect has caused premature deaths. Did the U.S. Constitution stop protecting us from
On October 30, 2006, the Coalition for Accountable Health Care met with Federal Receiver Robert Sillen. The coalition includes CCWP, Justice Now, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, The Transgender,
Norrita Jeanette Wynder (Baby Girl) died on February 7, 2006 as a result of a preventable and treatable asthma attack. She was 28 years old. The guards on her unit
by Prisoner, CCWF Note: In the last issue of The Fire Inside we printed an article from a sister at VSPW about the denial of sufficient soap and water for
In the October 2005, Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Re Appointment of Receiver (Plata v. Schwarzenegger), Judge Henderson addressed several areas of concern in which the court found
by Colby and Robin This spring, California Coalition for Women Prisoners met with members of other anti-prison organizations to talk about prison healthcare and the newly appointed federal receiver. The
June 2006 Dear Mr. Sillen, I just wanted to welcome you, and I hope you are able to bear with all of our complaints. For the past few years we
El cuidado a la salud es un derecho humano fundamental para todas las personas y esto fue el corazón para la fundación de CCWP hace 10 años atrás. Mujeres adentro
Health care is a fundamental human right for all people, and it was at the heart of the founding of CCWP over 10 years ago. Women inside, including one of
Over 1,000 women at CCWF and VSPW signed a petition opposing the Governor?s plan for prison expansion which includes a proposal to transfer 4,500 ?low-risk? women into new so-called ?community?
by Yvonne/Hamdiya Cooks ?It?s All About Us? is a regular column for formerly-incarcerated women to express and share their joys and struggles on the outside. Please submit your stories to
by Theresa Cruz To all my loved ones behind bars, As I walked out the gates, I felt 2,000 tons of pressure released. The drive home, the beautiful mountains, green
by Sara Olson, CCWF Who has the right to be a mother in the United States? Are women who are incarcerated ?fallen women,? examples of the patriarchal version of the
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is ruthless in experimenting with new and improved objects of torture. The following items are some of the recent instruments used to inflict pain
Mexican Women Beaten, Abused and Imprisoned! In May, 2006 CCWP Patricia Chase, former CCWP volunteer coordinator and founder of the Compañeras project, called CCWP from Mexico to tell us about
Mujer Mexicana golpeada, abusada y encarcelada! Mayo, 2006 Patricia Chase, comunicadora del CCWP; que a su tiempo fue coordinadora y la fundadora del proyecto compañeras nos hizo una llamada desde
by Angela and Linda, VSPW In the last issue of The Fire Inside we reported the horrific story of Martha Fernandez? family when they were trying to arrange a burial
by Yvonne/Hamdiya Cooks Diana Block, University of California, San Francisco Senior Analyst, (Children?s Cancer and Blood Diseases), founding member of CCWP and Advisory Board member was honored with the prestigious
Lawrence ABC Publisher and Distributor sends free literature (including booklets, pamphlets, resource guides, and zines) to prisoners. Topics available include political theory, anarchist history and thought, and the prison industrial
Have you or a loved one been locked up because of Katrina? Critical Resistance (CR) is fighting for amnesty for people arrested because of the storm. We are looking for
On Sunday, November 5th, The California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) will be celebrating the 10 year anniversary of The Fire Inside newsletter with our honored guest, Alice Walker. Ms.
CCWP will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of printing The Fire Inside newsletter with a program on November 5, 2006. We invite all women living in a CDC & R
Precious Releases? Habeas Project client, Cheryl Orange, was acquitted of all charges relating to the death of her abusive husband in 1985. Last year, a Stanislaus County judge granted her
by Jane Dorotik, CCWF Dear Legislator, I am writing to you to encourage your support for greater utilization of compassionate release in the prison system. Compassionate release is an available
If you are pregnant and incarcerated, you should know that a new law has gone into effect in California. Effective January 1, 2006, if you are incarcerated, you have a
CCWP and Mills College recently collaborated to conduct detailed research to hear and communicate the experiences of the women inside with respect to the health care system in VSPW and
On Saturday Feb. 4th, 2006 family members of women incarcerated at CCWF and VSPW boarded buses in Los Angeles and Oakland to participate in CCWP?s second annual Family Visiting Day. For many of the family members who participated, this was a much welcome chance to visit loved ones in prison, some of whom hadn?t been visited for years. It was also a wonderful opportunity for families to get to know each other and to get to know the people in CCWP who visit and advocate for their loved ones.
Martha Fernández, quien estuvo prisionera en el VSPW, murió el Lunes 12 de Diciembre del 2005, después de haber sido atendida en la sala de emergencies del hospital de la
Martha Fernandez, who was a prisoner at VSPW, died on Monday, December 12, 2005 after having been treated in the emergency room of Madera Community Hospital. Her body was transported
To all of you who have shared your stories, poetry and art over the past 10 years, this issue of The Fire Inside is dedicated to YOU. CCWP would not
Dear CCWP, I look forward to every issue of The Fire Inside. So far in my personal journey in prison I am still getting used to the idea of being
by J. D., CCWF It has been noticed by women at CCWF that Case Records often revises a woman?s original sentence ? the one imposed by the Judge ? and
San Francisco, CA?In a victory for civil rights advocates everywhere, formerly-incarcerated activists with All of Us or None and officials in the San Francisco Department of Human Resources collaborated to
On February 3, 2006 University of San Francisco?s Equal Justice Society hosted a Creative Justice Art Show whose proceeds were donated to CCWP, specifically to the Family Visiting Day program
by Yvonne/Hamdiya Cooks During my 20 years of incarceration I witnessed many women come, go, and a lot of times, come back. Those of you still inside know what I?m
por Yvonne/Hamdiya Cooks Durante mis 20 años de encarcelamiento vi a mujeres entrar, salir y muchas veces volver. Ustedes que aun están adentro saben de lo que hablo. Cuando alguna
by Yvonne/Hamdiya Cooks Freedom finds me waiting A few more minutes Waiting Waiting for me I will greet her with love and longing I will respect her with dignity and
by Anonymous, CCWF A group of inmates are spearheading a letter writing campaign to legislators. This campaign involves two projects: 1. Release women from prison; 2. Return family boxes, eliminate
by Angelina Rodriguez, Death Row, CCWF For the son of man has come to seek and save that which is “lost”. ?Luke 19:10 Who are these “lost”? My name is
by KC X018, CCWF Voices from my past, children, soft sounds, the smell of cut grass The flight of the falcon, a humming bird hovers around a bright red feeder.
Bringing Indigenous languages into the prisons by Stormy Ogden (Tule River Yokuts, Kashaya Pomo) former prisoner, yokutswoman@aol.com For the American Indian people language is an intricate part of their culture.
by J. O., CCWF, 7/2/04 In the solitude of my living space I contemplate the fate of my existence Expelled from society, the so-called human race There is turmoil, chaos
by L. R., CCWF Society is led to believe that they have captured many ?evil drug lords? In the war on drugs They say the streets are safe but ?
Legal Services for Prisoners with Children is proud to announce the release of its report on older incarcerated women. The result of extensive interviews with older incarcerated women throughout California,
Martha Fernández, quien estuvo prisionera en el VSPW, murió el Lunes 12 de Diciembre del 2005, después de haber sido atendida en la sala de emergencies del hospital de la
Martha Fernandez, who was a prisoner at VSPW, died on Monday, December 12, after having been treated in the emergency room of Madera Community Hospital. Her body was transported to
by Tatiana Turner For all of you who have never had the pleasure of running through Sacramento County Jail, then truly this will discourage you from ever wanting to commit
On January 18, 2006, a San Joaquin County mother of a teenage boy held in the San Joaquin County Jail on minor drug charges was awarded, $758,000 in compensatory damages
by Prisoner?s Family The vendor pricing comparison below shows how outrageous the pricing of the prison-approved vendors actually is. We encourage our readers to write your state legislator and let
by Diana Block On Saturday Feb. 4th, family members of women incarcerated at CCWF and VSPW boarded buses in Los Angeles and Oakland to participate in CCWP?s second annual Family
by Anonymous, VSPW Title 15 section 3060: ?Institutions will provide the means for all inmates to keep themselves and their living quarters clean and to practice good health habits.? (emphasis
Precious Releases? Medina Ibbotson was released at the end of her sentence from CCWF in October 2005. We have been in touch with Medina and understand that she is doing
Justice Denied, The Magazine for the Wrongly Convicted #30 (Fall 2005) featured Jane Dorotik?s story. To get your copy, write: Justice Denied P.O. Box 68911 Seattle, WA 98168
The whole world watched as Hurricane Katrina and the flooding of New Orleans exposed the deep racism of our country. Over 1,000 lives were lost and countless people were trapped
I am appalled at the indifference of our government. They were so slow moving to respond it was sickening. When they finally responded it seemed to be only because of
Cassie Pierson, Staff Attorney, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children In June 2005, U.S. District Court Judge Thelton Henderson ruled that the court would establish a Receivership to take control
Developed by the California Coalition for Women Prisoners in consultation with Prison Law Office. ? In June 2005 Judge Thelton Henderson declared that the state prison medical system was ?terribly
Este año es el 10 Aniversario de la fundación de la Coalición de California para Mujeres en Prisión (CCWP). Es un momento para celebrar nuestra historia asi como lo hicimos
This year is the 10th Anniversary of the founding of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners. It is a time for celebrating our history as we did at our wonderful
T.Y., VSPW A victim of this insane prison society Never ending ridicule, distributed systematically Freight in my eyes Living in a bloody disguise Just a mold among all women I’m
Anonymous, VSPW It’s a shame that a large part of the staff who work here at VSPW are immature men who regularly verbally assault us. They take pride in inflicting
Emily Peterson [We reprint a small part of a research paper written for a class by the daughter of Sara Olson, currently inprisoned at CCWF] An enormous piece of my
Chopper, CCWF We miss and love you! Salutes to “Happy,” JoAnn, and Juju-Mama! CCWP is a blessing. We’ll miss Christina and we will embrace Yvonne. * * * Wanda Brown,
NCCWP The Northern California chapter of CCWP (NCCWP) joined with the Humboldt Branch of Women?s International League for Peace and Freedom to cosponsor an exhibit of artwork by incarcerated women
Urszula Wislanka This summer I was fortunate to visit Finland. I heard about their experiment in reducing incarceration so I took the opportunity to find out more. Mr. Jari Lohi,
Karen Shain [Karen Shain went to New Orleans and worked with others assisting Common Grounds, a grassroots organization there.] As the drama of Katrina and its aftermath exploded across the
as told to Yvonne Cooks [Danielle Metz, of New Orleans, is incarcerated at Dublin, California (see story in The Fire Inside #11.) Her sister, Adrienne Bernard, moved to Stockton to
Pam Fadem On recent CCWP visits, women have raised concerns about the issue of domestic violence by an intimate partner inside the prison walls. There are women inside who are
Precious Releases? Ollie Johnson wasreleased from prison in November 2005 after serving 18 years for killing her abusive boyfriend. All of Us or None co-founder Dorsey Nunn mobilized widespread community
CCWP celebrated our 10th year anniversary on June 9, 2005. The event, held at the African American Art and Culture Complex in San Francisco, opened with a dedication to women
Compañeras es un proyecto que nace de la necesidad de levantar nuestras voces por justicia, dignidad y por la defensa de nuestros derechos humanos como mujeres inmigrantes, latinas y chicanas,
Compañeras is a project born from the necessity of raising our voices for justice, dignity and the defense of our human rights as immigrant Latina and Chicana women within a
Exiled from the countries of their birth, railroaded into prisons and detention centers, torn from their children and denied health care because they don?t speak English ? the treatment which
Silvia Tello Una visita a la prisión no se compara a nada antes vivido. Tomar la mano de una compañera y sentir su fuerza y resistencia es una experiencia unica
Silvia Tello A prison visit is like nothing you?ve lived before. Holding the hand of a compañera inside and feeling her strength and resistance is a unique experience that can
Legal Corner Cassie Pierson, Staff Attorney, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (the 96 Act) increased criminal penalties for immigration-related
Yvonne/Hamdiya Cooks Once released from already oppressive and abusive conditions in the prison system, immigrant women are held in U.S. jails to face deportation proceedings and possible torture. I had
Editorial Esta editorial ha sido escrita por una compañera inmigrante en CCWP con comentarios y reflexiones de otras mujeres no-inmigrantes. La situación para mujeres tambien inmigrantes que estan en prisión
Editorial This editorial was written by the immigrant women of CCWP with input and commentary from other non-immigrant women. The situation for incarcerated women who are also immigrants has always
Diana Block Since September 11th, attacks against immigrants have grown fast and furious and people from the Middle East, South Asian and Muslim communities in the United States have been
In another outrageous case, 11 year old Maribel Cuevas of Fresno was jailed for throwing a rock at an 8 year old boy. A group of boys were harassing Maribel
ABC, CCWF Aliens? Why not human beings? What a term Americans use when it comes to hard working immigrants who are only looking for an opportunity to better themselves! Americans,
Yvonne/Hamdiya Cooks It is with great honor and privilege that I introduce myself to you as the new Executive Director of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners. I am very
Silvia Tello Compañeras es un proyecto que nace de la necesidad de levantar nuestras voces por justicia, dignidad y por la defensa de nuestros derechos humanos como mujeres inmigrantes, latinas
Silvia Tello Compañeras is a project born from the necessity of raising our voices for justice, dignity and the defense of our human rights as immigrant Latina and Chicana women
?It was very heart warming to see my grandchildren with their mother. They really needed to see each other. I want to thank you all for making this happen for
MM, CCWF ?When you stand with the blessings of your mother and God, it matters not who stands against you!? ?Yoruba Proverb I can see right past your intricate masks,
Chicago Books to Women in Prison is having a Dictionary Drive and we need your help. We are a volunteer collective that distributes books free of charge to women in
Precious Releases? Valere Boyd is free on parole after having been imprisoned since 1986 for killing her abusive husband. On March 16th, 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger approved the Board of Prison
Oakland, Ca.?On June 1, 2005, California opened its latest prison, a maximum security facility in Delano. Demonstrators opposed to prison building included Critical Resistance, Education Not Incarceration, Californians United for
It’s Your Health Pam Fadem Health care in immigration detention centers?and information about it?is hard to find. CCWP would like to publish an article about conditions for women being held
San Francisco, Ca.?CCWP celebrated our 10th year anniversary on June 9, 2005. The event, held at the African American Art and Culture Complex, opened with a dedication to women inside.
Theresa Azochar?s life changed the moment her daughter, Theresa Cruz, was arrested for conspiring to murder the man who had abused and stalked her. Over the next thirteen years Theresa
Edaleene Smith, CCWF There is no one on earth who can mother your children better than you. Yes, I sit here every day, hurting, thinking about my son. Praying and
Legal Corner by Cassie Pierson, Staff Attorney, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children The San Francisco Partnership for Incarcerated Parents (SFPIP) was formed in 2000, with the support of the
Debi Z. CCWF My whole family turned against me since I got arrested. My own mother, my sisters, aunts, uncles, everyone. Their initial reaction was that the dysfunction of my
A moving memorial was held at Valley State Prison for women in Chowchilla, CA, for a woman who died on the outside shortly after being released. This is her daughter’s
Editorial ?Prison has severely severed my family ties by loss of communication, loss of trust, and a very hurtful and disappointing separation from those that I love.? ?EH, woman in
Editorial La prisión ha afectado severamente los lazos entre mi familia y yo por la falta de comunicación, perdida de confianza y una muy doloroso y desepcionante separación de aquellos
Andrea Bible More than 250 community members gathered to support survivors released this past year and to re-commit to fighting for the liberation of those who remain imprisoned. Released survivors
Outrageous Denials? In a decision released on October 22, Governor Schwarzenegger reversed the Board of Prison Terms’ decision to grant parole to incarcerated survivor and mother of two, Flozelle Woodmore.
Karen Shain and Heidi Strupp Our dear friend and sister Judy Ricci passed away on November 30th. Judy was an unstoppable fighter for the rights of women prisoners, people with
The following letters were written after Theresa Azochar was diagnosed with liver cancer. She is a rose, she is a flower that blooms, she is the one that has the
T. ?S? P., CCWF Couldn’t Keep It to Myself, Testimonies from our Imprisoned Sisters, by Wally Lamb and the Women of York Correctional Institution, Regan Books, 2003, pp.350 is an
A newly released video presentation of the life of Charisse Sumate is available for distribution. It traces her life through her own words and the memories of those she touched,
Patricia Chase Cada vez hay más mujeres en las prisiones de California, concretamente en CCWF y VSPW, Chowchilla, mujeres que son madres en su mayoría y muchisimas de ellas son
Patricia Chase, translated by Zoe Willmott There are more and more women in California prisons, specifically at CCWF and VSPW, Chowchilla. The majority of them are mothers and many of
Linda Evans Three extremely successful Peace and Justice Commu-nity Summits were organized by All of Us or None in Oakland, San Francisco, and East Palo Alto in 2004. A total
AnnaBell Chapa, CCWF Many family members deny you when you come to prison. My relationship with my sister-in-law, for example, is very shaky. Her son came out at his high-school
L. N., VSPW I have been beaten, raped, molested, abandoned, rejected. I was left with a broken spirit. Being a mother was the best thing I ever did. My eyes
The Family Advocacy Network, a project of Legal Services for Prisoners With Children, is a group of family members and friends of prisoners who advocate for the safety and well
Pregnancy and Mother and Infant Health in California State Prisons Pam Fadem Incarceration in California becomes a go ahead for the CDC to condemn women prisoners to bad?or no?prenatal care.
Are you currently incarcerated and pregnant? Have you had a miscarriage while inside? Have you given birth in the last year inside prison? Have you been trying to get into
If so, Stop Prisoner Rape wants to hear your story. The problem of sexual assault is one that affects many women behind bars. Breaking the silence that surrounds this abuse
Anonymous, CCWF Proposition 66 would have changed California’s three strikes law to require that only serious felonies could constitute a strike. ?Editors Those opposed to Proposition 66 incited fear of
A call for writings, poetry, and artwork from Asian prisoners across Amerika, initiated by Eddy Zheng, from a California Prison. For the past 18 years, I’ve witnessed the steady rise
In December 2003, a woman prisoner inside Abu Ghraib smuggled out a note about the abuse inside. She described women being raped by U.S. guards and being forced to strip
by A.B.C., CCWF Why go all the way to Iraq to see prisoners abused? Let?s start in our own country, the U.S.A. Brutality happens in the 32 prisons in California
What is torture? It is generally defined as the infliction of severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon another in order to coerce or punish. Examples of torture under
Many people were shocked that this country, that claims to be ?liberating people from evil,? would do such horrible things at Abu Ghraib prison. Yet, the women striving to survive
Mucha gente quedÛ impresionada al que ver que este paÌs, quien se proclama de ser ? el que libera a los pueblos del Diablo? haria tan horribles cosas en la
Poem for ?Angela?, W_____ After she is told she has cervical cancer Maisha Quint behind prison perimeter fences huddled inside a cinderblock cell you sit and do not scream dig
It’s Your Health: The health effects of prison torture Pam Fadem ?The physical scars heal, but the mental scars stay.? This comment, made by a sister who has lived inside
CCWP sponsors Family Visiting Day this fall! Do you have family members in the San Francisco Bay Area that need help coming to visit you? Would your family members and
Poor training? Few bad apples? Or torture by design? Karen Diers, Northern California Coalition for Women Prisoners From the very beginning, the prisons in Iraq were set up to be
To Maria and Rosario Maria Suarez and Rosario Muñoz, two Latina survivors of abuse, both recently won release on parole but were immediately placed in federal detention because they are
Debi Zuver, Central California Women’s Facility II had just gone through so much? A man, my abuser, threatened to kill me and I had defended myself. I was semi-conscious when
by Cassie Pierson, Staff Attorney, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children A brief search of the legislative web site, www.leginfo.ca. gov, turned up several bills addressing various issues of interest
Isolation, intimidation, humiliation, coercion, blame, emotional abuse sound familiar? These are some of the common methods used by abusers to maintain control over the women they batter. Many of these
Aislamiento, intimidacion, humillación, culpa, coacción, abuso amocional suena familiar? Estos son algunos de los metodos mas communes usados por los abusadores para mantener el control sobre la mujer matratada. Muchas
On December 10th 2003 — International Human Rights Day — rallies demanding that Governor Schwarzenegger, Bring Our Prisoners Home! took place in San Francisco and San Diego. In San Francisco
Olivia Wang, Free Battered Women Free Battered Women is thrilled to report that SB 1385 passed through the Senate Public Safety Committee on March 30th, 2004. The bill (authored by
Stormy Ogden, Tule River Yokuts & Kashaya Pomo, Ex-prisoner & Survivor Where I come from I come from those tears that my mom shed as she hid in the fields
Urszula Wislanka The theme for this Fire Inside is domestic and state violence. All violence hurts. And while the physical pain may pass with time, women prisoners have shown us
Anna Bell Chapa, CCWF You both do so much for others Rest assured none of it goes unnoticed Your kindness comes from within It shines through almost effortlessly And with
In early February, CCWP’s Northern California and Bay Area branches spent two incredible days in Guerneville, California at a retreat center high above the redwoods. Getting away from the hustle
Pam Fadem Prisons are a threat to the good health of our communities, and this affects women in particular ways. The newspapers sometimes scream out the most outrageous examples of
Doris Mitchell The Hope Haven Transitional Shelter Women’s Program provides shelter, room and board, counseling, and referral services to homeless women. The shelter offers stability in housing while allowing the
Because her name is on the lawsuit, Shumate v. Wilson, she has experienced severe retaliation since the suit began. She gets a transfusion for her sickle cell anemia once every
by Charisse Shumate, CCWF As the lead plaintiff of the Shumate v. Wilson, I fight hard trying to receive the proper medical care for myself as well as each and
Women prisoners tend to stick together. When someone is sick, she will look to support from other prisoners long before she will try to see a doctor. At Central California
by Karen Shain and Urszula Wislanka, CCWP Bay Area, CA. – On Saturday, March 8th, about 250 women and men gathered at San Francisco’s Women’s Building to honor California’s women
by Desiree Glover, CCWF I have a story about some Fire Inside the CCWF walls. I came to CCWF on 6/30/94 being classified and getting a job in Graphic Arts
by Linda Field, CCWF I am fat. I’ve been fat since I was 13; I am now 48. Over the past ten years, the medical department of California Department of
by Karen Shain It was dark, 10:00 at night, by the time we got to the prison. We had heard earlier that evening that Patty was going to get out
Theresa Cruz was abused for five years before she confided in a male friend, who then shot her abuser in the legs. Although the abuser suffered no permanent injury, Theresa
by Karen Shain Lawyers representing women prisoners at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) and California Institution for Women (CIW) settled a lawsuit regarding the abominable medical care that the women
This night, like so many others during my incarceration in cell #19, I am startled awake by the sound of sobbing. As my eyes adjust to the dim light, I
by Urszula Wislanka In June, Prison Resource Activist Center (PARC) and California Coalition for Women Prisoners co-sponsored a showing of Carol Jacobsen’s 1994 movie From One Prison. It is an
by Linda Field, CCWF A friend once uttered the words “battered no more.” While it had a nice ring, I could not help but wonder how true that statement was.
by Teresa Cruz, CIW My name is Theresa Cruz, and I am a battered woman serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole after seven years. I was convicted
by Judy Greenspan Claudia Reddy, a 42-year-old Dominican woman, is dying of lung cancer at the California Institution for Women, in Frontera, California. She is serving a 15-year to life
by Charisse Shumate, CCWF There is a cycle theory of violence. Phase I, tension builds. Phase II, explosion. Phase III, honeymoon. There is also a cycle theory of abuse by
by Diana Block On August 16, CCWP was part of a crowd of 2,500 people who welcomed Geronimo Ji Jaga to the Bay Area as a free man. Geronimo, a
This issue of Fire Inside is dedicated to the eight women on California’s Death Row: Rosie Alfaro Celeste Carrington Cynthia Coffman Kerry Dalton Maureen McDermott Mary Ellen Samuels Catherine Thompson
by Rosie Alfaro, Death Row, CCWF They say we must die before we multiply, I say we must keep on living and not digging the hole for our awaiting killing.
by Charisse Shumate, CCWF I write from my heart and the experience of a battle that I took on knowing the risk could mean my life in more ways than
by Cathy Jacquet Thompson, Death Row, CCWF The United States houses more women comdemned to die than any other country in the world. Other than when their crimes occur or
There are eight women living on California’s death row at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. Because there are so few women, they are usually forgotten in discussions of the
by Linda Field, CCWF We had a friend. She wanted to learn more about God so she moved into our room. We are Christians. We love. We welcomed her into
by Judy Greenspan Chanting “Health Care is a Right!” supporters of women prisoners and their campaign for basic medical care held a loud and angry demonstration on Saturday, October 4
by Keri Kolmer-Gutierrez, CCWF I am 35 years old. Over the past 23 years, I’ve been in and out of drug rehabilitation. Along with the drugs came dysfunctional behavior, burgularies,
by Urszula Wislanka Most progressive reports from prisons concentrate on the horrific abuses perpetrated against prisoners. These abuses are pervasive, shocking and deserve a lot more exposure and attention than
I am Sherron Longfeather, a former prisoner and one of the founding mothers of R.O.S.I. I am also a prison reform activist of 18 years. I am writing to let
by Charla Greene, Abolition Road The death penalty is really just a smoke screen used by politicians to make it appear that they are solving the problems of violence and,
By Diana Block Kemba Smith is a young African-American woman serving 24.5 years in prison for playing a small role, under duress, in a drug distribution ring headed by her
by C.F., CCWF I arrived in Chowchilla, (CCWF), from CIW in October 1990. At that time the staff, COs, sergeants, lieutenants, etc. showed each and every inmate courtesy and respect.
This issue of Fire Inside is dedicated to Karla Faye Tucker, born November 18, 1958, murdered by the state of Texas February 3, 1998. She was the first woman executed
Women in CIW Morale on the yard amongst lifers and long-termers affected by the termination of their Family Living Unit (FLU) visits privlege is definitely down. Serving a life sentence
Marcia Bunny, CCWF Typical Weekday 5:00 am: Get up; boil water for coffee and oatmeal (using a coil-immersion heater); while water is heating, do hair and organize toiletries for shower;
That’s right folks. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to obtain foundation funding to continue our project at Catholic Charities of the East Bay. The good news is they
In December 1997, the California Department of Corrections passed “emergency” regulations seriously restricting prisoners’ rights to have long hair, earrings and fingernail polish and affecting other so-called grooming standards. There
JAB, CCWF I am only writing this story because by the time it gets printed I know I will be long gone, far from Chowchilla. It’s about being very sick
Women in Dwight Women’s Prison, Illinois In recent months the Dwight Women’s Prison installed a “pin” system in its telephone system. This new law was allegedly caused by gang members
Linda Field, CCWF The newspapers are filled with articles on the settlement of our medical lawsuit. People seem to believe everything is fine now, but it isn’t. Judge William Shubb
by Marcie Fort, VSPW The isolation one feels In a crowd, all alone… Memories of our families Memories of home… The regrets and remorse All a little too late, Fill
by Judy Greenspan As The Fire Inside goes to press, we have learned that Claudia Reddy died early Saturday morning (February 21) in the intensive care unit at Madera Comty
by Pamela Martinez, CIW I have, unfortunately, joined the ranks of persons convicted of a non-serious or non-violent felony under the three strikes law. I was sentenced to 25 years
by Julan, VSPW As the patriarchal society renders women worthless, the Department of Corrections empire and politicians render women prisoners worthless. Women in prison are battered into dehumanization with inhumane
In early June, prisoners rights activists at California Prison Focus, California Coalition for Women Prisoners, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children and Amnesty International received information from women housed in
by Laura Whitehorn, Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin, California On June 1, Rosalind Simpson Moore-Bey died at home in Washington, D.C. To anyone who has passed through the D.C. Jail or
by a prisoner, Marianna, Florida I received my copy of The Fire Inside this week and read it from front to back. I was really impressed with the article about
by Diana Block After 18 precious days of freedom with her family, Theresa Cruz was forced back to prison by the state of California. A federal judge had granted Theresa
Staring into the eye of the Critical Resistance icon we see the importance of such a symbol for these times: before you can open your mind, you must open your
For three years now California Coalition for Women Prisoners has been inspired by the resistance of women inside California state prisons. Through our activities and writings, we try to bring
by Cynthia Russaw, CCWF Inhumane, lacking pity or compassion, cruel, without emotional warmth, not suited for human beings. Sexism, brutality, deadly disease, corrupt staff, unsafe living quarters, unlawful influence by
by Urszula Wislanka The HIV in Prison Project (HIP) held an event last July 29th which attracted close to 100 former prisoners, activists and supporters in Oakland. Judy Greenspan, Chairperson
by Christy Marie Camp, VSPW Christy Marie Camp was convicted by an 11 man, 1 woman jury for the death of her husband. In the jury selection for her trial,
Once I killed a man oh please, do not be shocked he used to choke me till I was blue, then he would stop. Oh yes, we were happily married,
by Charisse Shumate, CCWF [In earlier issues of The Fire Inside we brought you stories about the suit women at CCWF and at CIW filed against governor Wilson et. al.
by Diana Block Lacresha Murray is a Black thirteen-year-old child who was convicted of negligent homicide and injury to a child. She was eleven years old when she was sentenced
Want to Write for Prison Legal News? The editors of Prison Legal News are looking for women who whould be willing to write for their publication. Any woman prisoner wishing
Sherrie Chapman has been in prison at California Institution for Women since 1981. Sherrie found lumps in both of her breasts in 1985 and tried to get a medical diagnosis
by a Prisoner, VSPW Walk into the “doctor’s” office (this doctor does not have a license to practice medicine) and you see disposable gynecological instruments on a cart spilling out
by Cynthia Russaw, VSPW-SHU It is a privilege to be sick in the California Department of Corrections. We as prisoners have no legal, no constitutional right to be sick at
Health care inside California women’s prisons is in a state of crisis. Women are needlessly dying from chronic and treatable diseases. There is not one full-time, licensed OB/GYN on staff
On Sunday afternoon January 24 a crowd of over 150 people gathered for a moving tribute to political prisoner Marilyn Buck. Marilyn who is currently at the federal prison in
by Judy Greenspan, HIV in Prison Committee, California Prison Focus HIV+ women prisoners at the Central California Women’s Facility desperately need your help. Women with HIV have always faced discrimination,
by Cynthia Russaw, VSPW-SHU It takes unspeakable courage to be thrown into prison, to cry, and to be young and inexperienced… It takes enormous courage to grow up, to dream,
Sexual misconduct and various forms of abuse and neglect of women inmates so pervade the U.S. correctional system that human rights violations are virtually a daily part of prison life,
by Urszula Wislanka Corcoran, Ca. – “The human rights problem of the world today is right here in the USA!” On October 18, 1997 hundreds of people from all over
by Diana Block On January 15, 1999 a three judge panel of the ninth district circuit court upheld Theresa Cruz’s original conviction, reversing the April 1998 ruling of federal appeals
by Charisse Shumate, CCWF To the loving family of Tina Balagno we, the women at CCWF, send you our deepest condolences. Tina was a gift from God. She always knew
International Women’s Day CCWP will feature Blind Eye to Justice, a video portraying the needs and struggles of HIV+ women in prison and Ossie Chapman, mother of Sherrie Chapman, at
This issue of Fire Inside is dedicated to women who have been victimized by the so-called drug war and especially those doing incredibly long sentences because of mandatory minimums and
by Stacey Rena Candler, FCI Dublin [At age 24 Stacey is serving a 15-year sentence for conspiracy to possess/distribute controlled substance, and aiding and abetting in drug trafficking] On June
by Danielle Metz, F.C.I., Dublin, Ca. When I look in the mirror I do not see a criminal, a murderer, or a threat to society. But when the judge in
by Cynthia Chandler, Director, Women’s PLAN Patrisia Gutierrez Contreras died of pneumonia on Wednesday, April 28, 10:40 a.m. at White Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles. Patty was the third life
[On April 29, 1999 the State Joint Legislative Committee held a hearing on the effectivness Board of Prison Terms. This is Karen Shain’s testimony at the hearing] My name is
Prisons bursting at the seams, children torn apart from their mothers, women serving life sentences because they couldn’t or wouldn’t name someone else for their alleged drug offense. These are
by Laura Whitehorn, political prisoner, FCI Dublin The federal prisons are full of young women locked away, on their first offense, for 15, 24, 35 years and more on a
by Katherine Dillon, CIW My own sister has been estranged from me for many decades, especially since I came to prison. However, within this barbed-wire community here at the California
by Urszula Wislanka San Francisco, Ca. – To celebrate International Women’s Day, California Coalition for Women Prisoners showed a new video, Blind Eye to Justice. It documents the struggle of
My name is Deborah Teczon. My sister, Tina Marie Balagno, was a prisoner at CCWF. She died 2/10/99 of breast cancer, cancer of the bones and neglect. She was HIV
by Gloria Killian, CIW The election of Governor Gray Davis signals a possible shift on crime and punishment. Early in 1999 several bills were introduced that impact incarcerated women. One
by Judy Greenspan, HIV in Prison Committee Mother, sister, daughter, comrade, friend, lover and warrior. Yvonne “Bunny” Knuckles was all of these and her tireless fighting and loving spirit lives
On Friday April 16 CCWP held its first vigil in support of medical care for women prisoners. The vigil was held in downtown San Francisco. Friends and advocates of women
by Valerie Fritzel A mother of three is given a 20-year prison sentence?because her boyfriend was involved in drugs. A young man with no police record is given three life
The Fresno Bee of 4/10/99 reported that Dr. Mayna Meah Choudry, who works in the prisons at Chowchilla, was arrested in Modesto for raping a woman he drugged into unconsciousness.
On May 4, in a split decision (one vote for release), the Parole Board denied Theresa parole for the second time. Theresa’s abuser was at the hearing reading a five
On Saturday April 24, Mumia Abu-Jamal’s birthday, tens of thousands marched in San Francisco, Philadelphia and in many cities around the world to stop Mumia’s execution and demand a new
CCWP recieved copies of more than a dozen letters from members of Amnesty International in Sweden. Those letters are addressed to Commissioner Terhune, Governor Davis, Secretary Shalala, Bill Lockyer, Bill
This issue of the Fire Inside is dedicated to all the young women caught up in the juvenile (in)justice system. You have far fewer legal rights than adults, as well
The Third Eye Movement are youth organizing, among other things, against Proposition 21. They mobilized youth to challenge PG&E’s endorsement and financial contribution to the “Yes” on Prop 21 campaign.
by Charisse Shumate, CCWF [We are particularly pleased to print articles which support solidarity between prisoners – Editors] When my crime took place, I was driven with guilt, I believed
by Cassie Pierson, Staff Attorney, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children The Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) of 1995 placed many restrictions on prisoners who attempt to sue their jailers
On March 7 the people of California will vote on Proposition 21, called the “Juvenile Crime and Gang Prevention Act.” The proposition’s intent is to lock up more youth by
by a young woman misery loves company is what they say who knows exactly when we will pay don’t you see all the harm you caused doing crazy shit and
by Celeste “Jazz” Carrington, CCWF, death row This poem is to all the mothers who have suffered at the hands of another. It was inspired from my own experienes with
A Program for International Women’s Month Video – Valley State Prison Security Housing Unit Spoken Word by Aya deLeón Corner Tour – Women’s Music Group Third Eye on Girls and
Lateefah Simon is the 22 year old executive director of the Center for Young Women’s Development, an independent grassroots non-profit located in the South of Market District of San Francisco.
by Julie Posadas, J.D. As the public debates whether to punish or protect young offenders, often lost in this discussion is the plight of girls in the juvenile justice system.
(Thanks to Rick Jackson for this story) In response to the dismissal of 30 correctional officers for sexual abuse at CIW, Warden Susan Poole proceeded to retaliate against the prisoners
by Karen Shain Two-and-one-half years ago, in August 1997, it appeared we may have won the Shumate lawsuit. Just before the case was to go to court, the state of
by Urszula Wislanka Chowchilla, Ca. – On November 13 about a hundred of us from California Coation for Women Prisoners (CCWP), California Prison Focus, Women’s Positive Legal Action Network (Women’s
by Sherron Longfeather, certified massage therapist, health educator and former prisoner Let’s begin by relaxing, taking a deep inward breath and with your outward breath releasing stress, tension, pain, frustrations,
by Diana Block In the beginning of November, ABC’s Nightline news program featured a six part series on women prisoners at Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW). Ted Koppel (the
This issue of The Fire Inside is dedicated to all the mothers who are enduring separation from their children because of their time in prison. For this mother’s day 2000
by Coffee Williams, WCCW My name is Coffee Williams, I reside in Washington Correction Center for Women. Today I received a letter from my daughter, a letter I’d been dreaming
by Urszula Wislanka San Francisco, Ca. – On March 25 the California Coalition for Women Prisoners celebrated International Women’s Month by featuring women fighting criminal injustice. The audience of about
by Cassie Pierson, Staff Attorney, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children California Courts recognize two types of child custody, legal and physical. Legal custody generally refers to having some rights
Mothers Day 2000. This should be a time to celebrate bonds that develop between mother and child. In a society that professes to foster family values we would expect that
by Amy Weaver Bay Area community activists Joyce Miller and Ida McCray Robinson have their hands full preparing for the May 12th demonstration for “Mothers in Prison, Children in Crisis:
by Paula Foster Stallworth, Florida State Prison I’ve picked you up when you’ve fallen, brushed off your skinned knees and kissed your owies. I’ve held you after your nightmares, checked
from Donna Villanueva [The Fire Inside asked Donna Villanueva, a case manager with the Community Prisoner Mother Infant Program (CPMP) which is run by the Friends Outside group in Salinas,
by Linda Field, CCWF I came to prison when Sara was seven. She was too young to understand 25 to life meant she’d grow up without her mother. Her brother
Demonstrate at Chowchilla Women’s Prisons, Saturday July 15, 1p.m. Simultaneous demonstrations will take place at prisons around the country demanding human rights for prisoners and their families. Initiated by the
by J., VSPW Our thoughts can determine our well-being. Thoughts are the driver of the automobile (your body), fueled by your emotions and where you drive to is your own
by Heidi Strupp and Carol Kingery Women’s Positive Legal Action Network (Women’s PLAN) works to reduce the suffering of women prisoners with serious diseases by challenging and decreasing the medical
Justice Partners: Women in Criminal Justice is an organization located in Los Angeles. We are planning a trip to VSPW for a Mother’s Day Celebration to reunite mothers and their
by Diana Block San Francisco, Ca. – On March 8, in the wake of its disastrous electoral approval of the Proposition 21 (youth gang initiative), around 500 youth (a truly
This issue of The Fire Inside is dedicated to every woman inside who links her arms with other sisters inside and through the walls to uphold the dignity and humanity
by Woman Prisoner, Central California Women’s Facility I am very proud of the women at the prison here. I feel there is a new spirit of solidarity and cooperation among
by Cassie Pierson, Staff Attorney, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children Prisons are designed to punish and isolate. We hear stories about guards who set up fights between prisoners of
Divide and conquer. It is an age-old tactic often used by those in power to keep the oppressed from exerting or even realizing their own power. It affects most women
Gang fights happen because guards instigate Black or Mexican or white as a separate “culture.” Young women get here scared and intimidated. They are lonely, some separated from their families
by Prisoner, CCWF I’ve served 7+ years of a LWOP (life without parole) sentence and have witnessed numerous divide-and-conquer practices by the staff at CCWF, VSPW and my county of
by Urszula Wislanka Oakland, Ca.–About a dozen different organizations working with or on behalf of women prisoners got together on Oct. 18 to hold the first state-wide strategy session on
The People’s Proposition is a community initiative to “Bring Our Prisoners Home.” Across California, prisoners, family members and advocates are collecting thousands of signatures demanding that the new Governor work
by Karen Shain After a month of intense activity by women prisoners, advocates and the international human rights community, the warden at Valley State Prison for Women has agreed to
by Anna Bell Chapa, CCWF If I could give you half of my health, I would. If I could get you home and do your time, I would. If I
by YaVonne M. T. Anderson Quiet as kept, prison is not for rehabilitation. It serves its purpose as far as punishment goes, yet was codesigned for mental damnation. The essence
The John W. Perry Fund, a project of the DRC Net Foundation in association with Students for Sensible Drug Policy, provides college scholarships to students losing federal financial aid because
We are thrilled to introduce Patricia Chase to our readers. Patricia was born and raised in Peru and lived in Mexico for 11 years. She has a tremendous amount of
Queremos introducir a Patricia Chase ante nuestros/as lectores/as. Patricia nació y creció en Perú y también vivió en México por 11 años. Ella tiene una gran experiencia en la coordinación
by Andrea Bible and Diana Block On October 12, 2003, nearly 200 community members joined Free Battered Women for the second annual “Our Voices Within” event – an inspiring afternoon
by Edaleene Smith, CCWF In this issue of The Fire Inside we focus on the critical role of peer health counselors and educators in building strength and unity among women
by Karen Diers The Northern California Coalition for Women Prisoners was launched on October 21 with a showing of Truth to Power: Women Prisoners Testify at Legislative Hearings. The event
On a rainy evening in San Francisco, thousands of people joined the annual Dia de los Muertos procession which ended in Garfield Park in San Francisco’s Mission district. There, under
On November 1, 2003, The Action Committee For Women In Prison(ACWIP) held its very first fund raiser, The Dia De Los Muertos., in Los Angeles. The event was designed to
Assists female parolees who are facing parole revocation. 935 39th Avenue Oakland, CA 94601 Contact: Tommy Escarcega (510) 409-1662 and Bob Evans (510) 238-4190
An anthology featuring writings from death row inmates, POWs of the drug war, and more.
Contains 36 pieces from a broad range of prisoners.
A collection of writings and art by male prisoners at Pelican Bay Prison in California.
Autobiography of Assata Shakur (born Joanne Chesimard), Black Panther leader politically persecuted in United States, and living in exile in Cuba.
500 Sansome St., Suite 615 San Francisco, CA 94111 415-291-9233
Bosco, a journalist, found her world turned upside down when her son and daughter-in-law were murdered. As someone who has always opposed the death penalty, Bosco became more vocal about
A current and historical look at the death penalty. The authors examine how executions are carried out in different sates and how the American public truly feels about it.
Prejean, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, discusses her friendship with Patrick Sonnier and Robert Lee Wilson, Two of Louisiana?s death row inmates, and argues for
This collection of essays examines various questions surrounding the death penalty ranging from whether Timothy McVeigh “deserved” to die to whether executions should be televised.
An account of the modern war on drugs. Baum documents each escalation in the war on drugs over the past 30 years, featuring interviews with policy makers and those with
Examines various aspects of the American drug war including the prison boom, the effect on families, persecution by prosecution, the war on drug patients, and more.
This book explores the use of drugs by women in the context of incarceration; evaluates rehabilitation efforts, examines how the social construction of race and gender criminalizes the use of
1540 Market St., Suite 490 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 255-7036 ext. 6 info (at) freebatteredwomen (dot) org
2940 16th St. Suite 307 San Francisco, CA 94103 415-252-9211 Fax: 415-252-9311 info@prisons.org
1540 Market St., Suite 490 San Francisco, CA 94102 (tel) 415-255-7036 (fax) 415-552-3150 info@prisonerswithchildren.org
A forum for prisoners and their loved ones, as well as various activists, professionals and recovering persons, who desire and see an absolute need for social change.
Information on battered women who kill in self defense, domestic violence and sexual abuse, when battered women seek help, recidivism of abusers and of women who kill. Also – on
This report is a follow up to Not Part of My Sentence, with a specific focus on the sexual misconduct of guards and the mistreatment of pregnant women in custody.
This report is a direct presentation of statistics based on interviews with prisoners in California and outlines the human rights abuses experienced by incarcerated women in the United States. It
This book contains extremely powerful photos of women prisoners in France, Czech Republic, India, Israel, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. The images and writings serve to illustrate the
This powerful collection of writings from the perspective of women of color deals with the difficulties of survival in the face of increasing criminalization, aggressive law enforcement, welfare ?reform? and
This book examines the affect of gender stereotypes on the agency and resistance of women prisoners, in particular how women negotiate power based on their social locations.
Statistical and analytical study of the failure of the prison reform movement, focusing on a history of the first reform school for girls in the U.S.
Domestic violence and the legal system
This book exposes the systematic disadvantages experienced by black women due to the intersecting forces of race, gender and class. The author?s research in based on life experience interviews with
Comack focuses on the life stories of twenty-four women prisoners in Canada to explain the connections between their histories of abuse and criminal behavior. She utilizes a theoretical framework which
Faith argues on behalf of Leslie Van Houten, possibly the least culpable and most rehabilitated of three ?Manson girls?. The author has visited and corresponded with Van Houten since 1972,
From historical and internationalist perspective, critically examines such topics as: crimes and punishment of women from the witch hunts to the present; institutionalized violence against incarcerated women; women loving women
Political/legal analysis by the late director of the Northwest Women’s Law Center in Seattle, WA.
This book examines the life experiences of forty female inmates in Western North Carolina, unearthing the inequalities within a criminal justice system defined by patriarchy. The author argues that prisons
A survey, with extensive excerpts, of writings by and about women political prisoners in Northern Ireland, Israel, El Salvador, Egypt, South Africa, and the United States.
This report contains the findings of studies conducted by the Human Rights Watch in U.S. Women?s Prisons from 1994-1996 about the sexual abuse of inmates. It advocates for specific policies
This book explores the use of drugs by women in the context of incarceration; evaluates rehabilitation efforts, examines how the social construction of race and gender criminalizes the use of
Using first-person narratives and a review of contemporary theory, this book addresses how women return to the “free world” after single or multiple experiences of incarceration.
Owen examines the ethnography of women in prison, women?s pathways to imprisonment, relationships inside and outside of prison, and the culture of imprisoned women.
A reference book on women and crime. This book covers numerous themes such as crime, victims, and victimology; policing, courts, and case processing; punishment and treatment; and careers in criminal
Imprisoned in 1981 by Anwar Sadat for alleged ?crimes against the State?, Sadawi describes women?s resistance to state violence and shares insight into the formation of a women?s community. She
An anthology of essays, memoirs, letters, diary entries, fiction, and poetry by women prisoners from around the world and throughout history including Ethel Rosenberg, Ericka Huggins, and Nawal El Sadawi.
Autobiography of Assata Shakur (born Joanne Chesimard), Black Panther leader politically persecuted in United States, and living in exile in Cuba.
Stories and analysis of women who kill in self-defense and their legal struggles by Lenore E. Walker, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Institute, professor of psychology at University of
Dubbed “a cold, hard view of life of women in American prisons,” this book presents the life stories of women prisoners and argues that prison is a form of institutional
The story of Assata Shakur?s aunt and lawyer.
This powerful collection of writings from the perspective of women of color deals with the difficulties of survival in the face of increasing criminalization, aggressive law enforcement, welfare ?reform? and
Contributors include Mumia Abu-Jamal, Assata Shakur, Sundiata Acoli, Ramona Africa, Erskine Johnson, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, Yvonne Johns, Karen Johnson and others.
This book exposes the systematic disadvantages experienced by black women due to the intersecting forces of race, gender and class. The author?s research in based on life experience interviews with
This book argues that the threat of and extensive imprisonment of Latinos is utilized by the state to control the Latino community, suppress activism, and quell discontent inside and outside
This book connects the over-reliance on incarceration, the routinization of capital punishment, the ?penal mesh? throughout society, with the market polices and neoconservative that dominate the US and UK.
This book explores the economic and racial biases underlying policing and incarceration in the United States. Contained essays are divided into five categories: Executions, Blacks and Criminal Justice, Gender, Sexuality
A collective statement by Native American prisoners, former prisoners and spiritual leaders of North America.
An article by an incarcerated mother about not giving up hope for her child.
CCWP is a grassroots social justice organization, with members inside and outside prison, that challenges the institutional violence imposed on women, transgender people, and communities of color by the prison
An article by CCWP’s own Christina Wilson, which was published in Arise Magazine.
On May 8th, 2003, teachers, students, parents and concerned community members from across California rallied at the state capitol to advocate for education funding over prison spending. This statement from
On October 7, queers and their allies demonstrated against Governor Gray Davis’ prison policies during a fundraiser at the San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.
The California Department of Corrections is attempting to pass a set of regulations which would severely limit prisoners’ access to legal services and advocacy.
The Struggle Continues for Humane Treatment inside the Skilled Nursing Facility at Chowchilla
A report from a CCWP-sponsored demonstration in Chowchilla protesting the health care crisis and deaths of women prisoners in the SNF.
California Coalition for Women Prisoners was founded in May 1995 after women prisoners filed a lawsuit, Shumate v. Wilson, regarding the horrible medical care that women prisoners in California receive.
Punishment has shifted from the prisoner?s body to his/her soul.
(see also Racism/Colonial Control/Prisons) This book connects the over-reliance on incarceration, the routinization of capital punishment, the “penal mesh” throughout society, with the market polices and neoconservativism that dominate the
Gordon ran intensive writing workshops in Washington State Prisons for nine years. He uses this book to explore the prison experience from both inside and outside of prison.
Hallinan looks at prisons that were built “not because it was needed but because it was wanted-by politicians who thought it would bring them votes, by voters who hoped it
Visiting two supermaximum security prisons in Indiana, the Human Rights Watch examined inhumane treatment prisoners receive. The prisoners in those facilities spend an average of 23 hours a day in
Critical analysis of American prison system and a case against the reliance on prisons as the main answer to the nation’s crime problem.
This collection of essays explores interconnections between violence, political oppression, and U.S. foreign and domestic politics in the contemporary era.
A historic analysis of modern prison slave labors? roots in chattel slavery. The book focuses on prison plantations and self-sustaining prisons. Oshinsky analyzes the impact of segregation on ensuring blacks
(see also Youth) This book contains essays from leading scholars and advocates about the far-reaching consequences of mass incarceration, exploring the impact of ?tough on crime? policies on prisoners, ex-felons,
Parenti argues against the increasing militarization of our everyday lives. He believes that prisons today are about everything but individual reform and poses the questions, ?at what present and future
Rafter presents an overview of the prison system since colonial times with discussion on the debate over rehabilitation versus punishment; biographies of key figures; a chronology of notable events in
In eight chapters, the book looks inside the workings of the American criminal justice system today.
This book covers a plethora a prison issues from the economic role of U.S. prisons to the inhumane conditions in prisons to health care problems.
This book discusses how notions of “manhood” evolved and how it works within the framework of economic and social limitations. It examines the effects of masculinity on aspects of inmates?
Attorneys explain how criminal defendants are wrongly convicted on a regular basis. The book offers an explanation of DNA testing and how it works to free the innocent, critiques police
(see also Racism/Colonial Control/Prisons). Wright discusses racism, class struggle, brutality, AIDS, political prisoners, and censorship as essential elements of the criminal justice system. Also available in audio cassette.
(see also Youth) Corrections is presented against the backdrop of social forces — namely, political economic, religious, and technological forces that affect the corrections system.
