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Victims of Forced Sterilization in California Are Fighting for Reparations
In the mid-2000s, Moonlight Pulido experienced a bout of hot flashes, emotional ups-and-downs, and other symptoms of menopause that confused her — after all, she was in her 30s and far too young to be experiencing these kinds of hormonal changes. Days before the symptoms set in, she had undergone what she believed to be a procedure to remove cancerous growths on her internal reproductive organs at the hospital at Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla, California, where she was incarcerated. Instead, she had been forcibly sterilized.

She was jailed for losing a pregnancy. Her nightmare could become more common.
On 4 November 2019, TV stations across California blasted Chelsea Becker’s photo on their news editions. The “search was on” for a “troubled” 25-year-old woman wanted for the “murder of her unborn baby” …

Aging in Prison: How Older Generations Fight for Dignity and Release
Chyrl Lamar is an advocate with the California Coalition for Women Prisoners, an organization with chapters in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Lamar was incarcerated in September 1986. For the next 34 years she lived at the Central California Women’s Facility, a prison in Central Valley’s Madera County. Lamar was released December 2020, at age 69. On Jan. 17, 2022, she was discharged off parole.

‘IT’S FINALLY OVER.’ SAN DIEGO DA DROPS 22-YEAR-OLD MURDER CASE AGAINST JANE DOROTIK
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office moved to dismiss a murder case against a woman who served nearly 20 years in prison for her husband’s death, citing insufficient evidence for a retrial.

Prison Pen Pals Chip Away at the Prison-Industrial Complex One Letter at a Time
On April 4, 2022, the state of Delaware is set to join dozens of prisons in 18 other states in ending physical mail sent inside the prison system. The policy would force loved ones, activists, and others to communicate only via costly digital platforms.

The woman confronting the US prison-to-deportation pipeline
News of her client’s release sent attorney Melanie Kim scrambling to find clothes. Her client hadn’t known freedom since 2003. She needed something to wear when she left detention for the first time in 16 years.

PRESS RELEASE ON FCI DUBLIN SEXUAL ABUSE
Over one hundred advocacy organizations from across California and the United States have sent a public letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) demanding that the agency take immediate steps to address systemic abuse at the Federal Correctional Institute at Dublin (FCI Dublin), a federal women’s prison in Dublin, California.

‘There’s no amount of money that can take away how I felt’: California pays reparations to survivors of state-sanctioned sterilizations
It’s been almost 20 years since a botched surgery while she was incarcerated, but Gabby Solano still mourns the bleak consequences of losing an ovary after her other ovary had already been compromised.

Protections for Survivors of Domestic Violence Falls Short in New Legislation
On July 4, 2010 Corene De La Cruz, 33, rang the doorbell of the home she once shared with her ex-boyfriend, James Calderon. She carried a comforter, which belonged to his godmother, and a gun.

Fourth California federal prison worker charged with sex abuse
The Federal Correctional Institution is shown in Dublin, Calif., July 20, 2006. A fourth worker at a federal women’s prison in California has been charged with sexually abusing an inmate. His arrest comes months after the prison’s warden was arrested on similar charges.

When A Prison Closes – L.A. Times Op-Ed
The scheduled deactivation of California Correctional Center has become a hot-button issue for the town of Susanville, sparking anger and a still-pending lawsuit to prevent the prison from closing at all. The fears of residents who have become dependent on prisons for their livelihood have been covered widely in the media, but …

All They Want For the Holidays Is for Their Loved Ones to Come Home From Prison
When she was 8 years old, Bryanna Rose had one item on her Christmas wish list — for her father, Jose Colon, to come home.

DV and LWOP Survivor Marisela Andrade testifies at Immigration Hearing.
6/16/22 UPDATE
Marisela Andrade maintained her dignity, courage, and strength during a grueling 4-hour immigration court hearing on June 15, 2022. With more than 50 community supporters on the phone, Marisela made her case for asylum based on the Conventions Against Torture (CAT) and then was questioned by Immigration Judge Elizabeth McGrail and Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) attorney Matt Richardson.

California Coalition for Women Prisoners celebrates 25+ years
On Nov. 12, 2021, California Coalition for Women Prisoners hosted a special virtual event celebrating 25+ years of inside organizing and the consistent publication of The Fire Inside newsletter

When a Miscarriage Becomes a Jail Sentence
National Advocates for Pregnant Women painted a grim picture of pregnant people increasingly being prosecuted around the country for a miscarriage

Formerly incarcerated speak on criminal justice
“Abolition is shifting resources and power to community interventions,” Aminah Elster said. “This is where building community comes in,” she added. Abolition “is about creating, it’s not just about dismantling.”

NO TOUCHING ALLOWED
Krystal Shelley, who does not identify as male or female and is Black, said that while they were sharing a cell with their partner at Valley State Prison for Women, correctional officers planted a shank under their mattress. Shelley was sent to the SHU.

Reparations for Survivors of CA Forced Sterilizations
The program will be the first in the nation to provide compensation to modern-day survivors of prison system sterilizations,

CA Approves $7.5 million Reparations for Sterilization Survivors
California is the first state to provide reparations to survivors who were sterilized while incarcerated in its state women’s prisons.

Gwen Levi Freed by Judge thru Compassionate Release
Scott Roberts, Senior Director of Criminal Justice and Democracy Campaigns at Color Of Change, issued this statement after a federal judge granted compassionate release to 76-year-old Gwen Levi.

Clemency for Gwen Levi
After spending 16 years incarcerated in federal prisons, Gwen Levi was finally home. But one year after her release, Ms. Levi was sent back to prison.

A grandmother didn’t answer her phone during a class. She was sent back to prison.
In the year she was out of prison, Gwen Levi, 76, was thriving. But Levi’s season on the outside ended June 12 after she attended a computer word-processing class in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Trans women are still incarcerated with men and it’s putting their lives at risk
Jasmine Rose Jones is a woman. But for much of the last 23 years, she was incarcerated in a men’s facility, and she says she was subjected to rape, sexual assault and abuse, just because she is transgender.

To Confront Sexual Violence, We Don’t Need Better Prosecutors — We Need to Abolish Them
Prosecutors’ offices deal in punishment, not healing, prevention or justice. When candidates running for prosecutor claim to be on the side of survivors of violence, we always need to take a closer look — and recognize the violence inherent in the office itself.

A Film Tries to Make a Difference for Domestic Violence Survivors
“And So I Stayed” examines how the courts treat women who kill their abusers. The movie played a role in one case that resulted in freedom after a conviction.

Inhumane system of incarceration in U.S. poses special danger to women
New Jersey is closing a women’s prison, but it won’t get at the root of the problem.

Women’s Prison Plagued by Sexual Violence Will Close, Governor Says
Just over a year ago, the Justice Department offered a scathing indictment of New Jersey’s only prison for women, describing a culture of sexual violence by guards so entrenched that it violated prisoners’ constitutional protections from cruel and unusual punishment. But the string of scandals continued.

Ny Nourn: the woman convicted of murder and pardoned – who now fights for other battered women
When Ny Nourn entered Central California Women’s Facility, the largest women’s prison in the world, there was every reason to believe she would never walk free on American soil again. She was just 21, and had been sentenced to “life without parole” for her part in a hauntingly brutal murder – a part she was forced into.

It’s too easy to sentence Black people to death in California.
On June 2, the California Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral argument in a case that raises serious questions about the constitutionality of how California’s death penalty has been applied.

Incarcerated artists collaborate with USF performing arts students for final performance
Check out the artistic collaboration between CCWF incarcerated artists and University of San Francisco performing art students that premiered via zoom on May 13, 2021. View the edited zoom video event!

Santa Cruz Women’s Prison Project Collection
CCWP’s ally, Freedom Archives recently processed a new collection of materials related to Bay Area women’s’ prison organizing during the 1970s, the Santa Cruz Women’s Prison Project (SCWPP).

A Visionary Website: ‘Art Against Imprisonment – From Palestine to the U.S.’
On Sunday, March 21, 2021, a powerful virtual art exhibit featuring art from incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people in occupied Palestine and the U.S. was launched. “Art Against Imprisonment – From Palestine to the U.S.” grew out of a history of active solidarity between movements against imprisonment in the U.S. and Palestine.

44 district attorneys sue California prison officials over ‘early releases’ of inmates
A group of 44 California district attorneys sued state prison officials Wednesday trying to force a halt to emergency state rules that they claim would allow the early release of 76,000 inmates.

Bill seeking reparations for involuntary, forced sterilizations survivors closer to becoming CA law
Over the course of more than a century, thousands of people in California have been forcibly, coercively, or involuntarily sterilized. A bill seeking reparations for California survivors of forced or involuntary sterilizations took one step further this week than it has in previous iterations, working its way through the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Action Alert 5/25 – SB 300 | The Sentencing Reform Act of 2021
SB 300 will address California’s unjust “felony murder special circumstance” law by ensuring that the death penalty or life without parole (LWOP) cannot be imposed on a person who did not kill, nor intend for anyone to die, during a crime. SB 300 will also ensure that life without parole is NEVER a mandatory minimum sentence in California.

ACTION ALERT – Bring Arlene Home & #FreeAllSurvivors
During Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, please join us on Thurs, May 20th for a Day of Action to Bring Arlene Home and #FreeAllSurvivors.

N.J. moves transgender woman back to men’s prison, raising legal questions
Rollins, who is 25 and transgender, was recently moved from the state’s only women’s facility to New Jersey State Prison in Trenton, according to online prison records. No other person listed as “female” statewide is incarcerated in a male facility, records show.

Action Alert: Tell San Diego DA Summer Stephan to stop prosecuting Jane Dorotik!
Join CCWP and sign the petition to stop the San Diego DA from re-trying Jane Dorotik on the same false evidence they used 21 years ago, and after she spent 20 years in prison.

Action Alert – Bring Wendy Home & #FreeAllSurvivors
During Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, please join us on Thurs, May 6thfor a Day of Action to Bring Wendy Home and #FreeAllSurvivors. We are urging Governor Newsom to grant immediate release for Wendy through a commutation.

New Report Looks at Strategies to Cut Incarceration of Illinois Women by Half
Between 1980 and 2014, the number of women incarcerated across the United States increased by 700 percent. In Illinois, women’s incarceration increased by 767 percent during that same time period.

Honoring Theresa Martinez, VOW Narrator and Human Rights Advocate
Theresa Martinez was a formerly incarcerated activist and survivor who died in March under cruel racist circumstances. Voice of Witness mourns the loss of Theresa Martinez, a narrator in VOW’s book Inside This Place, Not of It: Narratives from Women’s Prisons.

ACTION ALERT: #EndEugenicsLegacy #CompensateSurvivors in California!
We need your help! For the past three years, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez has held and killed our bill, the Compensation for Survivors of Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Act (AB 1007), in Assembly Appropriations. Black, Indigenous, Latinx, incarcerated people, people with disabilities, and poor people have been the populations targeted for sterilizations by the state.

Action Alert – #BringTraceeHome!
Tracee is a longtime, beloved member of CCWP sentenced to LWOP. We are asking Governor Newsom to grant Tracee a commutation and allow her to go before the parole board. Join us in taking action Friday, April 30th.

Biden administration says it’s unconstitutional to put a trans woman in men’s prisons
The Biden administration stood up for the safety of transgender women in a first-of-its-kind court filing, saying that it’s unconstitutional “cruel and unusual punishment” to systematically place trans women in men’s prisons and to deny gender-affirming health care to incarcerated trans people.

Highlights from CURB’s People’s Plan for Prison Closure
The People’s Plan for Prison Closure is a visionary roadmap, detailing the necessity of prison abolition to uplift our society’s needs. A must read.

Action Alert! Thurs. 4/22 Take action to bring Tomiekia home & #FreeAllSurvivors
This spring join us every two weeks to take action to free incarcerated survivors by submitting public comment to Governor Gavin Newsom! Please join us on Thurs, April 22nd for a Day of Action to Bring Tomiekia Johnson home and #FreeAllSurvivors. We are urging Governor Newsom to grant immediate release for Tomiekia through a commutation.

Federal Court Rules Ongoing Constitutional Violations in California Prisons Warrant Continued Monitoring
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.

N.J. agrees to pay almost $21 million to settle sexual abuse claims at women’s prison
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.

New Podcast “What Is Life?” about People Serving LWOP Sentences
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.

Action Alert: Take Action to Free Incarcerated Survivors: Join us every 2 weeks.
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.

California prisons consider gender-identity housing requests – Los Angeles Times
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.

Lawsuits, allegations of sexual assault plague women’s prison slated for closure
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.

Reparations for CA forced sterilization survivors: Support AB 1007
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…

Entrapped by Abusers. Imprisoned for Life.
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.

FREE GABBY SOLANO NOW IMPRISONED BY ICE!
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…

‘A privilege for the rich’: CA Supreme Court opposes Cash Bail
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.

Protesters demand N.J. women’s prison close as outcry against alleged beatings grows
Nobody could remember a rally ever happening outside New Jersey’s only women’s prison. Saturday may have been the first.

Announcing the 2021 Docs in Action Film Fund Recipients
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.

Take Action to Support Justice for Survivors
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.

Action Alert! Support AB 1007 Sterilization/ Compensation Bill
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.

Action Alert: Thurs March 25th – Day of Action to Bring Brandy Scott home and #FreeAllSurvivors
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.

Cuomo Should Free Incarcerated Survivors of Gender-Based Violence — and Then Resign
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…

In blistering ruling Federal judge orders video surveillance & body cams in 5 CA prisons to stop abuse of men & women with disabilities
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.

Governor Newsom grants Rickie Blue-Sky clemency through a medical reprieve
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.

What It’s Like to be Trapped in a Women’s Prison During a Pandemic
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.

“Hell No”: Correctional Officers Are Declining The Coronavirus Vaccine En Masse
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.

California Governor Commutes Sentence of Abuse Survivor, Grants Clemency to Several Others
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!

Starting Thurs March 11: Take Action to #FreeAllSurvivors
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.

Stop Ice Deportations! #100DaysforFreedom
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!

Join CCWP in fighting for Decarceration, Reparations, & Power this Intentional Women’s Day
CCWP invites you to join us and take 3 important actions today, on International Women’s Day.

6 Ds Until She’s Free Video Featuring CCWP Members
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.

35 Palestinian Women Yearning for Freedom on International Women’s Day
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…

Take Action Reparations for California Forced Sterilization Survivors
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.

Mary J. Blige writes for survivors, those who want to survive
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.”

Action Alert: Racial Justice Act Survey #ConfrontRacism
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.

Families of prisoners hospitalized with COVID-19 say they’re not notified until too late
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.

Vulnerable Inmates Left in Prison as Covid Rages
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.

‘A living hell’: Inside US prisons during the COVID-19 pandemic
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.

Unprepared for COVID, Texas Women’s Prison Was Equally Unprepared for Uri
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”.

Feb 23-Feb 25: Digital Action for the Racial Justice Act for All!
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.

Support Longterm CCWP Member, Valerie’s ‘Transition to Freedom’ Fundraiser
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.

Outraged by abuse at women’s prison, Democratic senators call for creation of public advocate
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.

No End In Sight: America’s Enduring Reliance on Life Imprisonment
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.

#LoveBeyondWalls: Valentine’s Actions
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.

Introducing Groundingbreaking Legislation: The Sentencing Reform Act of 2021
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.

CCWF Updates: Continued Care Needed – Valentine’s Week Action
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.

Bay Area activists say prisoners deserve COVID-19 relief in new protest Sunday
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.

31 Guards Suspended at a Women’s Prison Plagued by Sexual Violence
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…

On the Need for Health Justice in the Prison System
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.

Cómo una cárcel de mujeres de California se convirtió en la que tuvo más contagios de coronavirus en EEUU / How One Women’s Prison in California Became an Epicenter for Covid-19 in the United States
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.

COVID Outbreak Causes Deteriorating Mental Health Conditions
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.

The Movement to Defund the Police Won’t Go Away When Biden Takes Office
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.

For Immediate Release: Assemblymember Kalra Announces New California Racial Justice Act for All
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.

Statement from Lisa Montgomery’s Following her Execution
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…

CCWF Conditions Deteriorate: CCWP’s Open Letter to Prison Officials – Continued Action Needed
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 .

Advocates Say Conditions At Women’s Prison In Chowchilla Remain Poor Following Huge COVID Outbreak
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…

US government executes woman for first time in nearly seven decades
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.

Lawsuit says New Mexico prison officials allowed guard to assault inmates repeatedly
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…

In Lisa Montgomery, formerly incarcerated women see echoes of their own stories: ‘She never had a chance to just live’
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.

Stay of Execution Granted for Lisa Montgomery, the Only Woman on Death Row
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.

Was it ‘gross negligence?’ 25% of inmates at this San Joaquin Valley prison had COVID-19
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.

Reportan brote de coronavirus en cárcel de Chowchilla que afecta a unas 500 mujeres
En las prisiones de California se han infectado de coronavirus casi 50 mil presos, de los cuales 150 murieron. En la cárcel de mujeres de Chowchilla, el virus ya infectó a 600 mujeres.

CCWP Advocates Speak on KPFA about COVID Outbreak in CCWF
KPFA features Aminah Elster and Lucy Kang speak on the COVID-19 outbreak and the crisis conditions inside CCWF.

How the System Kept Failing the Only Woman on Federal Death Row
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…

Advocates Demand Action as Largest Women’s Prison Experiences COVID-19 Outbreak
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.

URGENT ACTION: COVID Outbreak in 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.

25 California prisons have logged more than 1,000 infections. None are in the first wave of vaccinations.
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

States Say They’re Decarcerating to Fight COVID, Yet 1 in 5 Prisoners Has Had the Virus
“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.”

DOJ probe finds staff at Florida women’s prison sexually abused inmates
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.

California’s high-risk inmates to get COVID-19 vaccines – Los Angeles Times
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.

Coronavirus outbreak infects 20% of East Bay women’s prison
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…

Prisons in California’s Central Valley are COVID-19 hotbeds. Here’s how it happened
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.

DROP LWOP Coalition Welcomes End to Life Without Parole Sentencing in L.A.!
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.

A Year of Collective Care: 2020 Reflections
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.

Incarcerated Women Are Punished for Their Trauma With Solitary Confinement
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.

Human Rights Day Action
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).

Chronicle Exclusive: Amid virus outbreaks, majority of medically high-risk prisoners were not considered for release
As the coronavirus tore through California prisons this summer, a chorus of activists, health officials, doctors and judges implored Gov. Gavin Newsom to shrink the state’s inmate population and release some of the sickest and frailest prisoners — those most likely to die if they contracted COVID-19.

“A Living Hell” – Dispatches From a California Prison Amid the Climate and Coronavirus Crises
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.

Toward communities of care: Disability justice as a cornerstone of abolition
“What people don’t understand is that there’s no way to socially distance inside,” Kelly Savage-Rodriguez explains to me over the phone. Savage-Rodriguez is a member of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners, or CCWP, an organization currently involved with several campaigns for compassionate release and sentence commutations for elderly and immunocompromised prisoners who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.

Inside the COVID unit at the world’s largest women’s prison
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.

California kept prison factories open. Inmates worked for pennies an hour as COVID-19 spread
While much of California shut down this spring, Robbie Hall stitched masks for 12 hours a day in a sewing factory at a women’s prison in Chino. For several weeks, Hall and other women said, they churned out masks by the thousands but were forbidden from wearing them.

Historic Racial Justice Act Is Signed!
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.

With Over 115,000 Confirmed Cases, Incarcerated People Are Challenging Deadly Pandemic Conditions in Prisons
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.

See protesters hold vigil outside of CDCR secretary’s home to plead for COVID releases
Protesters hold a vigil outside the Natomas home of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Ralph Diaz on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020 in Sacramento, to call for the release of inmates threatened by the coronavirus.

Vigil held to support inmates as prison coronavirus infections rise
A crowd gathered outside the home of the CDCR secretary after 50 inmates across the state have died due to coronavirus.

Families of inmates protest COVID-19 cases across CA prisons
Loved ones of those incarcerated held multiple protests in Sacramento as the state works to reduce the growing number of COVID-19 cases at prisons. To date, 53 inmates have died from COVID-19 while in custody—according to state tracking data.

Inmates witnessed a suicide attempt. They received coloring pages instead of counseling.
On a morning in mid-May, Anna “C.J.” Rugg, a 38-year-old transgender man who had tested positive for the coronavirus at the California Institution for Women, set his room in the medical isolation unit on fire.

Woman released from prison early due to COVID-19 after serving almost 24 years
Patricia Wright is thrilled to be surrounded by her family, catching up on years of lost time with her five children. They were very young when she was sent to prison. Wright was released from prison earlier this week after serving nearly 24 years of a life sentence.

Welcome Home Patricia!
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.

Emergency order frees incarcerated woman with life sentence and terminal cancer from Chino prison
Days after Gov. Gavin Newsom granted her an emergency release amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Patricia Wright, who is terminally ill with cancer, stepped through a gate out of the California Institution for Women in Chino on Tuesday and into the embrace of dozens of tearful family members and her advocates.

California releases cancer patient Patricia Wright from prison amid Covid-19 outbreak
After outrage over case of Wright, a 69-year-old domestic violence survivor, advocates hope governor’s order will be first of many.

After COVID Outbreaks In California’s Prisons, Advocates Call For Emergency Release Of Inmates
Interviewing CCWP members. On this edition of Your Call, we’re discussing the alarming number of coronavirus cases in California’s prisons. According to the California Department of Corrections Tracker, there are now 5,365 confirmed cases inside the state’s 35 prisons. The official death toll is 28.

California governor grants clemency to 21 prisoners as thousands infected with Covid-19
Featuring CCWP members. Advocates say the move is deeply inadequate given scale of the Covid-19 crisis inside overcrowded state prisons

“Women’s prison journal: State prisoner’s daily diary during pandemic”
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.

Women’s prison journal: State inmate’s daily diary during pandemic
Featuring CCWP members. 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.

Manifestantes exigen la liberación de reos en prisiones de Chino
Decenas de manifestantes exigieron la liberación inmediata de sus familiares recluidos en Chino el sábado desde sus vehículos. Alegaban además que las dos cárceles en la ciudad donde fueron a mostrar su descontento están sobrepobladas.

Caravan of vehicles protests COVID-19 outbreaks at Chino state prisons
A caravan of several dozen vehicles made stops in front of the California Institution for Men and California Institution for Women prisons in Chino, where family members of inmates and advocates protested conditions inside the facilities as COVID-19 cases continued to mount Saturday, May 23.

Woman fights for coronavirus-related release of terminally ill sister, 68, from prison, citing Michael Cohen and others: ‘What makes her so different from them?’
Amid reports of prominent convicts being granted their “Get Out of Jail Free card” due to the coronavirus pandemic a long-running campaign to release a terminally ill grandmother from her current life sentence appears to be gaining new traction.

California prisons to begin accepting inmates as coronavirus deaths mount in Chino
After a two-month hold on the intake of new inmates amid the coronavirus pandemic, California’s prisons are expected to resume processing next week.

‘People are sick all around me’: inside the coronavirus catastrophe in California prisons
Prisoners and advocates told the Guardian that some infected inmates are in isolation without medical care or adequate food, cut off from family and attorneys

‘We are terrified’: Coronavirus outbreak reported at Chino women’s prison
The women sat anxiously inside their prison cells at the California Institution for Women in Chino as a guard roamed about their cell block, yelling out an ominous announcement.

Prisons Are Using the Pandemic to Impose Lockdowns
Featuring CCWP members. When New Jersey issued its stay at home order in response to the coronavirus pandemic, residents holed up in their homes and businesses shuttered. But for the thousands of residents whose home is behind bars, it was a different kind of “lockdown.”

A WOMAN’S FIGHT TO GET HER TERMINALLY ILL SISTER OUT OF PRISON DURING THE PANDEMIC
Featuring CCWP member, Patricia Wright. California Governor Gavin Newsom said he’s releasing thousands of prisoners. But that doesn’t necessarily include some of the state’s sickest patients.

#FreeOurElders for Mother’s Day
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.

Throwing A Spotlight On Women Prison Inmates’ Coronavirus Fears
Lashauna Blanks is an inmate at the California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona. She has a job washing the prison ambulance and other vehicles that transport sick inmates to the hospital. There’s no way to say for sure, but Blanks fears she gave the virus to her cellmate.

Life Was Already Difficult for Formerly Incarcerated Trans People. Then COVID-19 Hit.
Featuring CCWP member—Candice Love was ready to move on with her life. After serving for nine years in the California Department of Corrections, the 34-year-old was released on March 10.

The Pandemic Hits Prisons
There are roughly 200,000 people living in prisons and jails across California. But lockups are considered powder kegs for infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus. Our guest is Rosemary Dyer, who was just released from the California Institution for Women in Corona, in the state’s attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus: Outbreaks ignite at two California prisons; inmates feel like ‘sitting ducks’
Outbreaks of COVID-19 have flared up at two crowded California prisons, confirming the worst fears of prisoner families and advocates — and adding fuel to a growing federal court fight over the state prison system’s response to the pandemic.

Coronavirus and prisoners: Legal battles rage in state over inmate releases
While much of the nation shelters in place, hoping to stem the spread of the coronavirus, prison inmates find themselves in an especially vulnerable position, often living in overcrowded conditions that could put them at added risk of contracting and spreading the disease.

Reos preocupados ante brote de coronavirus en cárcel del condado Santa Clara
Armando Menéndez, recluso de la cárcel, aseguró que viven en condiciones precarias y que no cuentan con las medidas de sanidad necesarias.

DEMAND ACTION for COVID-19 Prevention at CCWF & CIW Women’s Prisons
URGENT ACTION for COVID-19 Prevention at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) & California Institution for Women (CIW).

“The Officers Were Taking Our Toilet Paper”: One Woman’s Life in Prison Right Now
Earlier this week, lawyers representing the state of California notified a panel of federal judges that the state’s corrections department intends to slow the spread of the coronavirus in its facilities by freeing about 3,500 inmates convicted of nonviolent crimes who were already due to be released within 60 days.

Newsom Grants 21 Commutations!
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 Coronavirus Is Hitting US Prisons, And Advocates Fear Sick Inmates Will Be Afraid To Get Treatment
Advocates say prisons and county jails are “powder kegs” waiting to blow in the coronavirus pandemic. As confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, rise among inmates, they worry others who get infected won’t come forward until it’s too late.

Powerful DROP LWOP Rally
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.

Vigil for Vickie Lee Hammonds
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.

#MeToo Behind Bars Rally
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.

Dejohnette is CCWP’s Inaugural Charisse Shumate Fellow!
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.

CCWP Co-Sponsors AB 1764 -Sterilization Compensation
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.
Brown grants 73 More Commutations for People with LWOP!
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
CCWP Victories in 2018
“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
CCWP Benefit Film Showing
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
DROP LWOP RALLY/LOBBY DAY GREAT SUCCESS!
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
DROP LWOP/ RALLY LOBBY DAY AUGUST 6TH
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
FOR FATHER’S DAY, GOVERNOR BROWN PLEASE COMMUTE MORE PEOPLE WITH LWOP!
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
Governor Brown Grant More LWOP Commutations for Mother’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.
Community Applauds Governor Brown’s Historic Easter Commutations and Pardons
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
DROP LWOP TOWN HALL
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.
Lawsuit Filed Denouncing Assaults on Trans & Queer Prisoners at CCWF
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
SUPPORT CCWP’S IMPORTANT WORK!
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
DROP LWOP! LETTER TO GOVERNOR BROWN
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
CIW June 1 Vigil Highlights
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”
PRESS RELEASE – CIW VIGIL THURSDAY JUNE 1
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,
LWOP COMMUTATIONS FOR SUE RUSSO & KEN HARTMAN!
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
CCWP 2016 Highlights- Please donate today!
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,
Support the Family of Denise Gomez!
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
Proposition 62 and The Other Death Penalty
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
Vigil at CIW Saturday Oct. 1st, 2:30 pm
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
SHOUT THEIR NAMES – A TOWN HALL
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
REST IN POWER SHAYLENE
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
Advocates Demand Justice for Erika Rocha!
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
#FreeBlueSky Parole Update
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
No to Physical & Sexual Assault on People in Women’s Prisons!
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
No to Physical & Sexual Assault on People in Women’s Prisons!
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
Violence & Medical Neglect at CCWF
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,
Thank you for a fabulous 20th Anniversary!
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
20th Anniversary Countdown # 10 & #9
Don’t forget to reserve your tickets for our 20th Anniversary Celebration on November 7th. Have you gotten your Transcending quilt raffle tickets yet?
COUNTDOWN 20 YEARS OF SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER #18 & 17
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
20 Years of Speaking Truth To Power Countdown!
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
No New SF Jail! Create Alternatives to a Jail Rebuild!
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.
Act Now to Free Kelly Savage!
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

WE MARCHED TO SHUT MCFARLAND DOWN!
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 MCFARLAND GEO WOMEN’S PRISON!
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
Is Orange the New Black? Packed event hears from women & trans prisoners
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? A Conversation with Piper Kerman Sunday February 23, 3 pm
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
A Conversation with Piper Kerman
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
Take Action Against the New SF Jail!
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
A Strategy Meant to Break Me Fuels My Passion for Human Rights
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
Chowchilla Freedom Rally Media
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
Over 400 protest overcrowding at Chowchilla Freedom Rally
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
Angela Davis and Windy Click Op-Ed: Rallying to end women’s prison crisis in California
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
Chowchilla Freedom Rally!
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
US Supreme Court Declares that Requiring Mandatory Sentencing of Youth Under 18 to Life Without Parole is Unconstitutional.
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
State prison “realignment” falls short with plans for female ex-convicts
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
New bills regarding the death penalty, juveniles and gangs
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
Bill Hackwell Photos: 2-20-12 Occupy San Quentin
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/
STOP THE CONVERSION OF VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN TO A MEN’S PRISON: FINAL PETITION READY TO SIGN
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
A Call to Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence to Share Their Stories
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
Please Sign Prop 9 Petition- Do Not Sentence YOUTH to Life Without Parole!
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
Tell Tom Ammiano to Repeal AB 900
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
Youth Deserve a Second Chance: We Need to Pass Senate Bill 9!
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
Great Piece by Victoria Law on Formerly Incarcerated and Convicted People’s Movement
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
Feb 18th Art/Visual Prop Making Party for Occupy San Quentin Rally!
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
A Rally for Political Prisoners
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 Recommendations
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
End of Prison Oversight Not Certain
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 in San Francisco Produce Educational Films on Prison System
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
Valley State Prison inmates express concerns over pending conversion
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 us to Make Valentines Day Cards for Prisoners
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.
A Major Victory for Us and for Parole Reform
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
Petition to Stop the Conversion of Valley State Prison for Women to a Men’s Prison
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
Inhumane Conditions at Ventura Youth Correctional Facility
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
Hundreds Turn Out to Oppose Massive LA County Jail Expansion
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
Bill to Amend California’s Three Strikes Law Passes Appropriations Committee
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
Healthcare in Prisons Likely to Worsen
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
Gang Injunctions are Spreading, Communities are Reacting
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
Stop LA Jail Expansion: Pack the Board of Supervisors Jan 24th!
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
How incarceration affects families: Interview with Lateefah Simon
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
Murder Victim Family Members Speak out Against Juvenile LWOP
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
Please Sign Petition for Amber Riley, Sentenced as a Teen, Doing Life
Click here: Criminal Justice Petition: Teenager Deserves New trial | Change.org
National Occupy Day in Support of Prisoners
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
Legislation to Allow Media Access to Prisoners
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
Alternative Custody Program for women and The 2012-2013 State Budget
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
Help Close California’s Youth Prisons
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
JAN 24th: MOBILIZE TO STOP JAIL EXPANSION AND SAVE LA COUNTY!
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
State high court revises parole appeal guidelines
“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
Human Rights Watch Releases New Report that Shows Juvenile Lifers are Suffering in Solitary Confinement
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
The current state (demands and progress) of the Pelican Bay Struggle: Message: People need to remain focused, and continue to apply pressure on CDCR via letters, emails, fax, etc.
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
SB 391 has been withdrawn!
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
Photos from the 15th Anniversary of The Fire Inside and Art Auction
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,
Take Action to Stop Prison and Jail Expansion
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
Arguing Three Strikes Article & Video, May 2010
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
Convening of the Formerly Incarcerated and Convicted People’s Movement
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
Compassionate Medical Release for Patricia Wright!
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 »
Compassionate Medical Release for Patricia Wright
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 »
California Prisoner Hunger Strike Update
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
CCWP on Hard Knock Radio!
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
Religious Affiliation Inmate Pen Pal services
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
National Inmate Pen Pal Correspondence Resources
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.
LGBT Pen Pal Resources
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
Hunger Strike Update
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
The Beat Within Newsletter
275 Ninth Street San Francisco, CA 94103 Telephone: 415-503-4170 Fax: 415-503-0970 http://thebeatwithin.org/
Attorneys Needed
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 California
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? Who are we as a people if we cannot forgive our children? Who are we as a people if we cannot help teach our
Correction to The Fire Inside Spring 2011 Issue
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
Focus on Parole
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
Parole Beat
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
Human Rights Lawyer Imprisoned
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
Pursuit for my Pardon
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
Editorial: STOP the School-to-Prison Pipeline!
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 Organizing Resources
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 Yanet Herrera and All Who Submitted Writings
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
No Quiero Morir en Prision!
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
Free Alex Sanchez!
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
Take Me As I Am
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
What Happened?
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
Surviving the System
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
Learn More about Parole for Life-Term Prisoners in California . . .
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
Juvies: A Chance Film Documentary
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,
Sara Kruzan: Sentenced to Life Without Parole at Age 16, 2009 YouTube video
To watch this video, please click this link.
Inaugural Meeting of Formerly Incarcerated – Alabama, 2011
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
Faith Organizations Come Out Against Mass Incarceration, February 2011
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
Eleven Year Old in PA may face Life Imprisonment Without Parole, 1/30/2011
To watch this video, please click this link.
Help Patricia Wright get Compassionate Release
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
Wanted – Justice in the Desert
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
Giving Birth to Justice in the Desert
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.
Mary Shields is Free!
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
Editorial: Compañeras Resistiendo/Resisting
Compañeras Resistiendo/Resisting CCWP Fire Inside Collective
Locked up in Israeli-Occupied Palestine
Locked up in Israeli-Occupied Palestine By Kelly Bornshlegel
Maria Suarez Speaks on Trafficking and the Prison Industrial Complex
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
We Are All Legals in the Lord?s Eyes By Anna Bell Chapa (CCWF)
Voices from Inside Speaking out on Immigration
Voices from Inside Speaking out on Immigration
Thirteen Springs
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
?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
Debbie Peagler-Always In Our Hearts by Mary Campbell
Lori Berenson Released on Parole in Peru
Lori Berenson Released on Parole in Peru By Diana Block
Deportation Follows Parole
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
Parole Beat
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
Another World is Possible, Another US is Necessary By Diana Block and Mary Heinen
Rincón Legal: Los Inmigrantes a Los EE.UU., La Deportación y El Complejo Industrial de La Prisión (PIC)
Los Inmigrantes a Los EE.UU., La Deportación y El Complejo Industrial de La Prisión (PIC) por Martha Escobar Rincón Legal
Legal Corner: US Immigrants, Deportation and the PIC
US Immigrants, Deportation and the PIC By Martha Escobar, Legal Representative for the Compañeras Team
Compañeras: Working With Immigrant Women
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
Dedication: Marilyn Buck
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,
Lucasville, Ohio Prisoners on Hunger Strike – Update
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
A Step Forward in the Fight to Free Sara Kruzan
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
The Scott Sisters are Free! Sign their Welcome Home Card!
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
Statement of Solidarity with Georgia Prisoner Strike, December 2010
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
Dedication: Debbie Peagler
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
Freedom through knowledge
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
Legal Corner: Your Right to Education
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
Barbwire Rose
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
Supreme Court Decision Upholds Immigrant Rights
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
Editorial: Resistiendo el ataque a la educación, adentro y afuera
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
Editorial: Resisting the attacks on education, inside and outside
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
Peer counseling, a source of growth
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
Goodbye Shawna Sanchagrin
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
Introducing Deirdre Wilson, new CCWP coordinator
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!
Peer-to-peer: helping each other survive
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
Living in the CCWF Honor Dorm
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
March 4th day of action: demonstrations against education cuts!
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
Disaster In Haiti ? Send us your thoughts!
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
AB2232 Threatens to increase co-pays
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.
It?s Your Health: What?s Health Got to Do With It? Cost-cutting is the bottom line!
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,
Addressing healthcare inside
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
Save Jamie Scott! Demand justice for the Scott sisters!
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
Help Tell Our Story!
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
October’s Statewide Meeting . . .
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
A Tribute to Marilyn Buck
This video tribute to Marilyn Buck is wonderful and inspirational. To watch the video, please click here. Thank you.
Protesters Rally Against No-Parole Policy, 2002
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’
Legislative Hearings: Speaking Truth to Power, October 2000
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
What we are reading: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
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
Legislative Hearings: Battered Women Speak
October 2000
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
Legislative Hearings: Women Prisoners Tell It Like It Is
October 2000
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
Help Free Sara Kruzan!
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
Help Free Sara Kruzan!
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
Images from the Fast 4 Freedom Solidarity Rally!
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). ”
Juvies: A Chance Film Documentary
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,
Elimination of First Mandatory Minimum Since Nixon Administration
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
Interview with Maria Suarez, former prisoner and slave
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
Frankie Williams is Free!
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
June 21st, 2010: CCWP Supports Fast for the Scott Sisters
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
Unjust Life Sentence
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
Good News to Share from LA . . .
From Youth Justice Coalition: The Proposed 1.4 Million Dollar Cut to Gang Intervention Did Not Go Through!
May 12, 2010: Mass visit to Mothers at CCWF
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
A New Way of Life Reentry Project
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
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
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….
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
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
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, CCWP and Parole Support
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
AROC and ASATA release statements on homophobia, racism, and Islamophobia
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
Recent Event on March 11, 2010
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
Freedom for Margaret Moore!
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
Thank you for the Benefit Concert!
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
Beyond the Odds
beyondtheodds.org A website featuring the perspectives and personal stories of young people living with HIV/AIDS.
2 More Lifer Parole Townhall Events: 7/18 Los Angeles and 8/08 Fresno
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
Lifers and Lifer Families and Friends: Parole Preparation Events
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
Federal 3 Judge Panel Rules on Prison Overcrowding
California Must Reduce Number of People in Prison
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
Rally for Prisoner Releases Friday December 19th 8:30 AM
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
About Human Rights
This website offers information on human rights issues, including prisons and detention, and the Human Rights Act.
Loving a Convict webforum
This is an online community for incarcerated loved ones, families and supporters of prison reform. http://lovingaconvict.forumco.com/default.asp
Dedication
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
“Caged” Mental Health
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
Legal Corner – Coleman v. Wilson on mental health
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
Without hope I can’t cope
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
Lack of Mental Health Care at VSPW Puts Everyone at Risk
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
Editorial – Caged Mental Health
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
Editorial – Salud Mental Enjaulada
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
CCWP hosts Without Walls radio show
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
Family Visiting Day, 2008
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
CURB sues to stop AB900
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,
Mental health in prisoners’ experience
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,
The union we yearn for
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
Statewide Demonstrations Against the Runner Initiative
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,
CCWP’s volunteer appreciation
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
FAMM’s Commutations Project
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
“Grief Share” program at CCWF
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
Parole Beat
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 — threat to parole
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
STOPMAX Campaign conference
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
It’s Your Health – Medications schedule change
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
Too late for Sista K!
(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.
Prison Creative Arts Project
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
Dedication
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
Responses to Jena
[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
Legal Corner – Fighting for your rights: Parole
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
Luchando por sus derechos
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
Arrival
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
Pledging My Love
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,
Suicide City
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
More Suicides ? Whose Responsibility?
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
Oct. 20 Mobilization to Chowchilla?s Prisons
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!?
Transforming Justice Conference
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
The Visiting Room
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
Free the New Jersey 4
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
Parole Beat
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
Court Threatens to Reverse Release
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
Inadequate telephone service
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
Inadecuado servicio telefónico
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
What about the Jena 6?
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
In memory of Virginia Garcia aka “Boy”
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.
Prison Place
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
Maafa Awareness Month Events Organized by CCWP Advisory Board Member Wanda Sabir
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
Dedication
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
I’ve Found Myself
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
Me encontré a mi misma
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
Angry! Yes I am!!!
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
Legal Corner-Cases About Transgender Rights
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
Race, Class, and Transgender
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
Editorial-Lucha a terminar opresión género
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
Editorial-Fight to End Gender Oppresion
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
SB 40 and Supreme Court Cunningham Decision
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
Scam alert
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
CCWP on the Radio!
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
Lobby Day
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
Family Visiting Day 2007
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
I Consider Myself Me and Free
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
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
A Vision for Love and Justice
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
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
Prison Expansion Coup
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
Why am I still in prison?
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.
Expanding the Web of Criminalization
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
“Prop 36 Works” Rally
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
It’s Your Health-Transgender People in Prison
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
Parole Beat
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
Women’s Prison Activism Archives
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
Mother Infant Facility Under Investigation
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
Facts About California Women’s Prisons
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),
Family Visiting Day 2007
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
Fire Inside Tenth Anniversary Event
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
Dedication
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
Working for the P.I.A.
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
Legal Corner: Work provisions in Title 15
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 .
And I am you, too
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
Work that helps others helps me
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
Editorial: New Millennium Slavery
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
Editorial: La Esclavitud del Nuevo Milenio
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
It’s All About Us: How did you survive your time inside?
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
Prison Labor Hierarchy
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
CCWP?s celebration
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
Our Voices Within: Out of the Shadows
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
A Medical Assistant Stands up for Human Rights
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)
In Memoriam
“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
Vigil for Outreach and Justice
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
Parole Beat
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
Special Session Prison Expansion Defeated
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
First Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Day at VSPW
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
It’s Your Health: Work in Prison
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
The heath care system in prison has failed us
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
Coalition for Accountable Health Care Meets with Sillen
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,
Dedication
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
It’s Your Health: The New Prison Scourge
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
Legal Corner: Custody interference in healthcare
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
The Coalition for Accountable Healthcare
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
A letter to Receiver, Robert Sillen
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
Editorial: Cuidado a Salud en Prision Peor que Nunca
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
Editorial: Prison Health Care Worse Than Ever
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
Women Prisoners Oppose the Governor?s Master Plan
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?
It?s All About Us: Jail Health and Re-entry
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
To Those I left Behind
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
Get on the bus
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
New tools of torture
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
Torture in Mexican Prison
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
Tortura en la prision de Mexico
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
From Martha Fernandez? friends to her family
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
CCWP Founding Member Diana Block Honored
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
Free reading material
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
Katrina Amnesty
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
The Fire Inside 10th Anniversary Event Coming Nov. 5
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.
Calling All Women Inside
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
Parole Beat
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
For Annie Castiglione
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
Are You Aware of Your Rights If You Are Pregnant?
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 Collaborates with Mills College
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
2006 Family Visiting Day
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 (en Español)
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
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
Dedication
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
Woman prisoner writes
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
Legal Corner: Correcting your sentence
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
All of Us or None Wins a Victory over Employment Discrimination in San Francisco
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
USF Creative Justice Art Show
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
It?s All About Us: Getting Ready to Get Out
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
Se trata de nosotras: Preparándose para salir
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
Freedom
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
Letters for Liberation
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
Are We the Lost?
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
Voices from the hood
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.
Seeds of Light
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.
Solitude
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
See What I See ?
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 ?
Dignity Denied: The Price of Imprisoning Older Women in California
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 (en Español)
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
The Story of Martha Fernandez
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
Standing up at Sacramento County Jail
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
San Joaquin County Jail Suicide
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
Are Vendors Gouging Prisoners?
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
Family Visits: Keeping Precious Connections Strong!
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
It’s Your Health: Cleanliness?Medical Basics?
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
Parole Beat
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
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
Dedication
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
Chowchilla?s women prisoners on Katrina
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
Legal Corner: CDCR?s recievership background
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
Health care recievership update
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
Editorial: Nuestro 10 Aniversario de la CCWP
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
Editorial: On the tenth anniversary of CCWP
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
Victim #1
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
Is anyone out there?
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
The Impact of Incarceration on Children of U.S. Prisoners
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
Messages from inside
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,
Women?s art from inside: Changing perceptions, challenging violence
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
Finland?s prison reforms
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,
Katrina aftermath
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
A Family Survives Katrina
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
It’s Your Health: Domestic violence on the inside
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
Parole Beat
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’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
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
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 project
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
Dedication
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
Compañeras adentro ? compartiendo historias
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
Compañeras inside ? sharing stories
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
Immigrants? Rights
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
Post Prison Detention
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
Inmigrantes: Encerrados Adentro y Afuera
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
Immigrants: Locked In / Locked Out
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
Middle Eastern and Muslim immigrants targeted ? two 16 year old girls detained for six weeks
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
11 year old girl jailed in Fresno!
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
Aliens?
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,
Introduction
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
Projecto Compañeras
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
Compañeras project
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
Family visiting day
?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
So Address Me As Such
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,
Dictionaries to Women in Prison
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
Parole Beat
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
Anti-ribbon cutting ceremonies for Delano II
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
Health care hard to find
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
CCWP honors 10 years of work with women prisoners
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.
Dedication
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
To All Mothers in Prison
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
A Bill of Rights for children
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
Stress on families
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
Mother-daughter in prison
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
Family values
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
Valores Familiares
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
Our Voices Within: Our Journey
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
Parole Beat
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.
Judi Ricci, Presente!
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
Theresa Azochar, Presente!
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
Book review: Couldn’t Keep It to Myself
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
Charisse Shumate video
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,
Mujeres, Latinas y madres: la triple resistencia
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
Women, Latinas and mothers: the triple resistance
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
Peace and Justice Community Summits
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
Family is Hard Won
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
Prison Tears Families Apart
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
Giving Voice to Family Members
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
It’s Your Health
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.
To pregnant women in prison
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
Are you a woman who was sexually assaulted while in detention in California?
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
Disappointments with Prop 66 and Prop 69 Results
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
Asian Prisoners’ Revolution
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
Dedication
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
Abu Ghraib Torture Began at Home
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
Legal Corner: Torture is Always Illegal
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
Editorial: Torture in Prison: Prisoners’ Perspective
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
Editorial: El Fuego Que Llevamos Dentro
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
For Angela: After she is told she has cervical cancer
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
Health: The Health Effects of Prison Torture
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
Family Visiting Day
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
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
Dedication
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
Before and After: Prison Continues Domestic Abuse
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
Legal corner:Bill of Interest to Prisoners
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
Editorial:Domestic violence, institutional violence: Making The Connections
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
Editorial
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
Human Rights Day Rally
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
SB 1385: Expanding Habeas Corpus Provisions
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
Where I Come From
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
Why Philosophy?
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
To CCWP Visiting Team
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
CCWP Takes Time to Reflect
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
It’s Your Health! Prisons: Threat to Communities
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
Transitional Tips:Hope Haven Transitional Shelter for Women
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
Dedication
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
The Battle Must Go On!
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 Will Have Their Day in Court
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
International Women’s Day Celebration, 1997
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
One Thing Missing: I Was Black
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
They have only one diagnosis
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
Patty Contreras Free at Last!
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
Dedication
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
Women Prisoners Win Shumate Case! Demonstration for Rights of Women Prisoners Set for October 4th
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
Long Night at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF)
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
From One Prison, a Movie About Abused Women in Prison
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
Morbid Sanctuary
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.
Fighting Abuse and the Criminal Injustice System
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
Compassionate Clemency for Claudia Reddy: Justice for a Battered Woman
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
Abused Before Entering, Battered While Waiting for a Death Sentence not Ordered by Judge
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
Welcome Back, Geronimo!
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
Dedication
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
Who Said?
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.
Pros and Cons of Being a Lead Plaintiff
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
Justice for All?
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
Editorial: Death Penalty is Dead Wrong
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
Medical Neglect Kills Minerva Gonzalez
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
Women Campaign for Better Medical Care
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
A Nightmare in Chowchilla
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,
Mail Restrictions Raise the Question: What Makes Us Human?
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
To our Sisters Behind the Walls
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
The Great Smoke Screen
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,
The Kemba Smith Story and the Injustice of Mandatory Minimum Sentences
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
Mass Punishment Denies Women Basic Needs
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.
Dedication
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
Family visits, privilege or right?
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
A Day in One Prisoner’s Life…
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;
HIV/AIDS in Prison Project closes February 13; reopens as part of California Prison Focus
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
Does Long Hair Threaten Prison Security?
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
Deaths from Medical Neglect Continue at CCWF
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
The “Pin” System
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
Medical Abuse Mounts Despite the Settlement
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
Is Anyone Listening?
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
Claudia Reddy Dies at Madera Community Hospital
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
Three Strikes Law: where is justice?
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
Punishment or Reform: Looking from the Inside Out
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
Dedication
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
Roz Simpson Moore-Bey, HIV and AIDS activist
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
Battered Woman in Federal Prison
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
Theresa Cruz’s Bail Revoked
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
Editorial
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
Critical Resistance: Expanding Our Vision of What Is Possible
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
Inhumanity of Central California Women Facility Is in Full Effect
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
Former Prisoners and Activists Speak Out on HIV Behind Bars
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
Convicted Battered Woman Seeks Relief from Same Court System That Allowed Exclusion of Women from Jury
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,
Poetic Justice
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,
Blaming the Lawsuit: Shumate v. Wilson Is the New Excuse
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.
Lacresha Murray – Another Child Locked Away
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
News Briefs
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
Dedication
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
A Visit to a Doctor
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
The Privilege of Being Sick in the California Department of Corrections
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 for California’s Women Prisoners
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
Resistant Spirit – a tribute to political prisoner Marilyn Buck
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
STOP THE ATTACKS ON HIV+ WOMEN AT CHOWCHILLA!!
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,
Courage
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,
Amnesty International Condemns Treatment of Women Prisoners in the USA
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,
Caravan for Prisoners’ Human Rights
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
Justice Overruled – Theresa Cruz’s Conviction Upheld
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
In Memoriam to Tina Balagno
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
News Briefs
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
Dedication
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
Is This an Offence?
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
A Woman’s Story
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
In Memoriam to Patty Contreras
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
Testimony at Joint Committee on Prison Construction, Sacramento, CA
[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
Editorial: The War Against Communities, Families, and Women
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
Impact of the Drug War
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
Sisters and Sisterhood: Tearing Down Walls Behind Walls
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
International Women’s Day
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 sister, Tina Balagno
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
The Changing Times
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
Yvonne Bunny Knuckles, 1937-1999, We love you and will miss you very much!
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
Women in Black: Vigil for Women’s Health Care
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
Snitch
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
Prison psychiatrist arrested
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.
Justice Battered: Theresa Cruz Denied Parole!
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
Millions for Mumia
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
Amnesty International writes!
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
Dedication
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
NO on Proposition 21! NO to War on Youth!
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.
The Community of Women Inside
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
Know the Law: Dealing with the PLRA
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
Editorial: The Invisible Targets of Proposition 21
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
to my father
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
Through My Eyes
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
Honor Women Prisoners Who Dare to Fight
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
Giving Girls An Opportunity
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.
Proposition 21: What About the Girls?
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.
Punishing the Victim, Once Again
(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
Shumate v. Wilson Lives! Judge Shubb rejects CDC’s request to dismiss
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
Standing Up for Women Prisoners
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
Health Corner
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,
ABC’s Nightline Features Women Prisoners
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
Dedication
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
To sisters, mothers, daughters, grandmothers
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
International Women’s Month Celebration by CCWP
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
Legal News
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
Editorial: Mothers in Prison; Children in Crisis
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
Demonstrate on Friday, May 12!
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:
For My Children
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
Mothers and Infants Together – the way it should be
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,
Life without Children
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
News Notes
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
The Power of Thought
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
Qualifications of Medical Staff at Chowchilla’s Prisons
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
Get on the Bus; Mother’s Day Visit, May 14
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
Youth Protest Passage of Prop. 21
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
Dedication
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
New Spirit of Solidarity
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
Legal Corner: Punish and Isolate?
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
Editorial: Divisions in prison?
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
Views from Inside
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
There is Strength in Numbers
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
First State-wide Strategy Session on Working with Women Prisoners
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
Tell Arnold – Bring Our Prisoners Home!
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
Cross Gender Pat Searches Halted!
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
To My Sister
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
Irony
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
Perry Fund Scholarships
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
Welcome New Volunteer Coordinator Patricia Chase!
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
Bienvenida a la Nueva Coordinadora del Programa de Voluntarios/as Patricia Chase!
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
Our Voices Within: Healing from the Inside Out
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
It’s Your Health: A Tribute to Peer Counselors
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
A New Northern California Chapter of CCWP Formed
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
Dia de los Muertos in San Francisco …
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
…and in Los Angeles
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
Proyecto Common Touch
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
Chevigny, Bell Gale (ed) and Helen Prejean. Doing Time: 25 Years of Prison Writing. A Pen American Center Prize Anthology. Arcade Publishing, 2000.
An anthology featuring writings from death row inmates, POWs of the drug war, and more.
Evans, Jeff ed. Undoing Time: American Prisoners in Own Words. North Eastern University Press, 2000.
Contains 36 pieces from a broad range of prisoners.
Extracts From Pelican Bay: An Anthology of Prisoner Poetry, Drawings and Essays.Pantograph Press, 1995.
A collection of writings and art by male prisoners at Pelican Bay Prison in California.
Shakur, Assata. Zed Books, 1987.
Autobiography of Assata Shakur (born Joanne Chesimard), Black Panther leader politically persecuted in United States, and living in exile in Cuba.
Amnesty International Western Regional Office
500 Sansome St., Suite 615 San Francisco, CA 94111 415-291-9233
Bosco, Antoinette. Choosing Mercy: A Mother of Murder Victims Pleads to End the Death Penalty. Orbis Books, 2001.
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
Mitchell, Greg and Robert Jay Lifton. Who Owns Death? Capital Punishment, the American Conscience, and the End of Executions. William Morrow and Co., 2000.
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, Helen, C.S.J. Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States. Vintage Books, 1996.
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
Sarat, Austin. When the State Kills: Capital Punishment and the American Condition. Princeton University Press, 2001.
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.
Baum, Dan. Smoke and Mirrors: The War on Drugs and the Politics of Failure. Little, Brown and Co., 1997.
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
Norris, Mikki, Virginia Resner, Chris Conrad (ed) and R.U. Sirius. Shattered Lives: Portraits From America?s Drug War. Creative Xpressions, 1998.
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.
Malloch, Margaret S. Women, Drugs and Custody. Waterside Press, 2000.
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
Free Battered Women
1540 Market St., Suite 490 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 255-7036 ext. 6 info (at) freebatteredwomen (dot) org
California Prison Focus
2940 16th St. Suite 307 San Francisco, CA 94103 415-252-9211 Fax: 415-252-9311 info@prisons.org
Legal Services for Prisoners with Children
1540 Market St., Suite 490 San Francisco, CA 94102 (tel) 415-255-7036 (fax) 415-552-3150 info@prisonerswithchildren.org
Surviving the System
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.
2001- 4th edition Statistics Packet. National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women, 2001.
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
Amnesty International. Abuse of Women in Custody: Sexual Misconduct and Shackling of Pregnant Women. Amnesty International, 2001.
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.
Amnesty International. “Not Part of My Sentence”- Violations of the Human Rights of Women in Custody. Amnesty International, 1999.
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
Atwood, Jane Evelyn. Too Much Time: Women in Prison. Phaidon Press Limited, 2000.
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
Bhattacharjee, Anannya and Silliman (eds. Policing the National Body: Race, Gender, and Criminalization. South End Press, 2002.
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
Bosworth, Mary.. Engendering Resistance: Agency and Power in Women?s Prisoners. Dartmouth Publishing Company Limited, 1999.
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.
Brenzel, Barbara. Daughters of the State. MIT Press, 1983.
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.
Browne, Angela. When Battered Women Kill. The Free Press, 1987.
Domestic violence and the legal system
Chigwada-Bailey, Ruth. Black Women?s Experiences of the Criminal Justice: A Discourse on Disadvantage. Waterside Press, 1997.
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, Elizabeth. Women in Trouble: Connecting Women?s Law Violations to Their Histories of Abuse, Fernwood Publishing, 1996.
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, Karlene. The Long Prison Journey of Leslie Van Houten: Life Beyond the Cult (The Northeastern Series on Gender, Crime, and Law) . Northeastern University Press,
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,
Faith, Karlene. Unruly Women: The Politics of Confinement & Resistance. Press Gang Publishers, 1993.
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
Gillespie, Cynthia K. Justifiable Homicide: Battered Women, Self-Defense and the Law. Ohio State University Press, 1989.
Political/legal analysis by the late director of the Northwest Women’s Law Center in Seattle, WA.
Girshick, Lori B. No Safe haven: Stories of Women in Prison. Northeastern Press, 1999.
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
Harlow, Barbara. Barred: Women, Writing, and Political Detention. Wesleyan University Press, 1992.
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.
Human Rights Watch. All Too Familiar: Sexual Abuse of Women in U.S. State Prisons. December 1996.
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
Malloch, Margaret S. Women, Drugs, and Custody. Waterside Press, 2000.
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
O?Brien, Patricia. Making It in the “Free World”: Women in Transition From Prison (Suny Series in Women, Crime and Criminology). State University of New York Press, 200
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, Barbara. In The Mix: Struggle and Survival in a Women?s Prison. State University of New York Press, 1998.
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.
Rafter, Nicole Hahn. Encyclopedia of Women and Crime. Oryx Press, 2000.
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
Sadawi, Nawal. Memoirs from the Women’s Prison. University of California Press, 1994 (reprint ed).
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
Scheffler, Judith A. (ed). Wall Tappings: Women?s Prison Writings, 200 A.D. to Present. Feminist Press, 2002.
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.
Shakur, Assata. Assata. Zed Books, 1987.
Autobiography of Assata Shakur (born Joanne Chesimard), Black Panther leader politically persecuted in United States, and living in exile in Cuba.
Walker, Lenore E. Terrifying Love: Why Battered Women Kill and How Society Responds. Harper Perennial, 1989.
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
Watterson, Kathryn. Women in Prison: Inside the Concrete Womb. Northeastern University Press, 1996.
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
Williams, Evelyn. Inadmissible Evidence. Lawrence Hill Books, 1993.
The story of Assata Shakur?s aunt and lawyer.
Bhattacharjee, Anannya and Silliman (eds). Policing the National Body: Race, Gender, and Criminalization. South End Press, 2002.
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
Chinosole, ed. Schooling the Generations in the Politics of Prison, 2d ed. Afrikan/Black Prison Education Fund, 1997.
Contributors include Mumia Abu-Jamal, Assata Shakur, Sundiata Acoli, Ramona Africa, Erskine Johnson, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, Yvonne Johns, Karen Johnson and others.
Chigwada-Bailey, Ruth. Black Women?s Experiences of the Criminal Justice: A Discourse on Disadvantage. Waterside Press, 19
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
Diaz-Cotto, Juanita. Gender, Ethnicity and the State: Latina and Latino Prison Politics. SUNY Series in New Directions in Crime and Justice Studies, 1996.
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
Garland, David. The Culture of Control: Crime and Social Order in the Contemporary Society. University of Chicago Press, 2001.
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.
James, Joy, ed. States of Confinement: Policing, Detention, and Prisons. St. Martin?s Press, 2000.
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
Reed, Little Rock, ed. The American Indian in the White Man’s Prisons: A Story of Genocide. UnCompromising Books, 1993.
A collective statement by Native American prisoners, former prisoners and spiritual leaders of North America.