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Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, February 19, 2010
Warden’s Conference Room
Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, February 19, 2010
Warden’s Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairperson V. Abrunzo, E. Muniz, J. Erb, V. Doran, J. Walthall, D. Brown, N. Rubinstein
GUESTS
J. Garcia
EXCUSED ABSENCE
J. Erb, Secretary
STAFF PRESENT
G. Colmenero, B. Sanders, K. Bibb, M. Graves, M. Burns, J. Rivera, L. Arellano, B. Pisano, P.Untalon, C. Etcherbehere
Chairperson V. Abrunzo, E. Muniz, J. Erb, V. Doran, J. Walthall, D. Brown, N. Rubinstein
GUESTS
J. Garcia
EXCUSED ABSENCE
J. Erb, Secretary
STAFF PRESENT
G. Colmenero, B. Sanders, K. Bibb, M. Graves, M. Burns, J. Rivera, L. Arellano, B. Pisano, P.Untalon, C. Etcherbehere
Note to Families:
WE NEED HELP WITH HOLIDAY PACKAGES FOR OUR INCARCERATED WOMEN
WE NEED HELP WITH HOLIDAY PACKAGES FOR OUR INCARCERATED WOMEN
In the past the IFC has prepared a small Christmas gift for every inmate, last year it was just one candy cane. This year we are hoping to fill a clear plastic baggie with a few hygiene type item for every person. We will try to get donations of items such as travel size shampoos, lotions, hard candy, pencils, greeting cards, etc. The task is enormous to produce and distribute some 4,000 bags. All items must be approved by the VSPW staff. Getting the donations is hard enough but we can also use help collecting storing and packaging donated items. If you are interested in helping please leave us a message on our website (
www.vspw-ifc.com
). We could use: product donations ** gift cards to buy items ** space near Chowchilla ** willing volunteers.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Abrunzo at 13.06.
Old Business
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1. Visiting Appointments - Reservation Line: Council members asked about complaints that the reservation line not being answered. VSPW visiting staff says line gets busy and there is no voice mail. They assured the IFC that the visiting reservation line is being monitored during the prescribed hours, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 to 3 PM. It was suggested that staff consider e-mail appointment requests that could be answered by a simple return e-mail with the appoinntment time. CSP Solano and at least two other institutions are apparently using the e-mail method. Visitation staff said they would look into it.
Overall the visitation reservation phone line has been received well and is considered a very good idea by VSPW staff.
2. New Visitation Vendor
A. IFC has received complaints about the food, the cost, the quantity, and the method of delivery. VSPW staff admits that the change in visitation is a disappointment to visitors; however, it is controlled by the Department of Rehabilitation, not the Department of Corrections. They claim VSPW is actually now in line with the visitation food service at most other CDCR correction facilities. They too have requested but have not received a copy of the vendor’s contract.
B. IFC asked VSPW staff to check on the credit only refund policy, vendor says he is not allowed to give cash refunds. VSPW staff was not aware of this policy and will check on it.
C. Staff said they will pay attention to the frequency the machines are being refilled during the visitation days. They have requested a copy of the vendor’s contract to see what kind of terms they can hold them too in the delivery of his service. As far as they know there have not been any violations to the Health and Safety Codes.
D. VSPW staff will look at with site check on visiting days.
E. Unknown about Madera County Environmental County inspecting the operations.
F. Copies of the Vendor contract and operational guidelines have been requested.
Staff said they will pay attention to the frequency the machines are being refilled during the visitation days. They have requested a copy of the vendor’s contract to see what kind of terms they can hold them too in the delivery of his service.
IFC recommended the vendor fill the machines earlier in the morning to avoid a large line which occurs when the machines are filled after the visitors have arrived. IFC also asked the VSPW staff to check on the credit only refund policy, vendor says he is not allowed to give cash refunds.
While we have not identified a responsible person who will respond at the Department of Rehabilitation, the Director, Anthony Sauer can be reached at the following mailing address:
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Abrunzo at 13.06.
Old Business
Return to Top
1. Visiting Appointments - Reservation Line: Council members asked about complaints that the reservation line not being answered. VSPW visiting staff says line gets busy and there is no voice mail. They assured the IFC that the visiting reservation line is being monitored during the prescribed hours, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 to 3 PM. It was suggested that staff consider e-mail appointment requests that could be answered by a simple return e-mail with the appoinntment time. CSP Solano and at least two other institutions are apparently using the e-mail method. Visitation staff said they would look into it.
Overall the visitation reservation phone line has been received well and is considered a very good idea by VSPW staff.
2. New Visitation Vendor
A. IFC has received complaints about the food, the cost, the quantity, and the method of delivery. VSPW staff admits that the change in visitation is a disappointment to visitors; however, it is controlled by the Department of Rehabilitation, not the Department of Corrections. They claim VSPW is actually now in line with the visitation food service at most other CDCR correction facilities. They too have requested but have not received a copy of the vendor’s contract.
B. IFC asked VSPW staff to check on the credit only refund policy, vendor says he is not allowed to give cash refunds. VSPW staff was not aware of this policy and will check on it.
C. Staff said they will pay attention to the frequency the machines are being refilled during the visitation days. They have requested a copy of the vendor’s contract to see what kind of terms they can hold them too in the delivery of his service. As far as they know there have not been any violations to the Health and Safety Codes.
D. VSPW staff will look at with site check on visiting days.
E. Unknown about Madera County Environmental County inspecting the operations.
F. Copies of the Vendor contract and operational guidelines have been requested.
Staff said they will pay attention to the frequency the machines are being refilled during the visitation days. They have requested a copy of the vendor’s contract to see what kind of terms they can hold them too in the delivery of his service.
IFC recommended the vendor fill the machines earlier in the morning to avoid a large line which occurs when the machines are filled after the visitors have arrived. IFC also asked the VSPW staff to check on the credit only refund policy, vendor says he is not allowed to give cash refunds.
While we have not identified a responsible person who will respond at the Department of Rehabilitation, the Director, Anthony Sauer can be reached at the following mailing address:
PO Box 944222
Sacramento, CA 94244-2220
Sacramento, CA 94244-2220
3.
Budget-Related Item: College Courses at VSPW
College Program: VSPW Education staff is trying to continue the College Program funding but it is still undecided at this time. It looks like students enrolled in this semester will be able to continue. Teachers were extended up to 3/2/2010, will just have to wait to see if there are layoffs and what kind of teaching staff will remain. Much of the college program seems to focus on Mr. Thatcher, a long term dedicated teacher who may have discovered an effective tool in battling recidivism with very little cost, if any, to the State and the taxpayers. It is clear that VSPW management is very proud of Mr. Thatcher’s forward thinking and dedication.
Volunteers to Assist with Teaching: If a volunteer group is to be established to assist students with their studies it must be initiated by the prison population. There is a formal process to establish volunteer groups including developing bylaws. VSPW has a template for bylaws that would be made available. If this is to be started it should maybe start with a notice of interest from the WAC (Women’s Advisory Council).
One other catch – all self help type programs must be supervised by a VSPW staff person. Finding spare staff is difficult at this time.
The IFC requested current delay time in mail delivery. Administration stated there was no delay; in fact the mail received today was being processed today. In order to address specific concerns, administration will need specific inmate name, dates, etc., to trace transaction and report back. V. Abrunzo stated he would have to speak to the inmate.
Volunteers to Assist as Proctors: Mr. Untalon says volunteers cannot be used as proctors. They can assist individuals with studies but cannot proctor exams. VSPW is trying to retain Mr. Thatcher as a volunteer proctor.
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Donated Textbooks for Education: The Chair asked about any problems with the mailing of used textbooks. The administration stated that as long as they were sent direct from a vendor or school, there was no problem with accepting them. The books should be sent to the education dept and not directly to the inmate.
New Business
1. CREDIT EARNING PROGRAM (CEP); The "Early Release Program"
A. The "Credit Earning Program" is what is erroneously referred to as the Early Release Program. The CEP entitled one to earn an additional 6 weeks a year off their sentence for completion of a credit program. One of the qualifying programs is the SAP program administered by Walden House. The program is 90 days and will accommodate 175 people. Budget issues have cut back on the number of programs that would allow inmates to qualify for CEP time. (CEP was created by Senate Bill X3-18, particularly with reference to the modifications of Penal Code #2930-2935, modifying the rate at which inmates earn good time credit).
Here are some factors that are in place right now:
i. A1A time (working) still earns half time.
ii. A2B time (inmate is available to work but not working) went from two thirds time to half time.
iii. C over C time earns two thirds time.
iv. There are no retroactive adjustments to these time changes; they are from 1/25/10 forward.
V. VSPW is reviewing people's releases.
B. Non-Revocable Parole: This will help the inmate population upone their release. This was another part of the prison population effort. Certain minor parole violations will no longer result in jail or prison time.
C. More Information: For more information on the Credit Earning Program, please go to the IFC website ( www.vspw-ifc.com ) and view VSPW's "New Parole Credit Time Rules" document.
2. Gate Money & Money on Inmate Trust at Release: The $200 gate money that is given to the person being released is in cash. If there is money on their books, it is refunded in the form of a check, either at the time they are released or sent to them via their parole agent.
3. Mailroom Issues: Slow mail seems to always be kind of a sporadic problem with mail delivery. VSPW staff says sometime mail increases, especially over holidays and distribution may slow down. They try to keep the mail moving through all types of budget climates.
The question of Stationary came up. VSPW will allow 500 sheets of stationary, up to (but not at) 13 ounces in weight, to be delivered in one package. It was pointed out that 500 sheets of paper usually weighs more than 13 ounces. 13 ounces is the cutoff point where the Postal Service changes the status of the mail from standard mail to "Priority Mail". Priority Mail is not accepted for inmates at the prison.
Pictures are now being taped to envelopes rather than stapled. The IFC members thanked the staff for that change.
VENDOR PACKAGE ISSUES:
4. Quarterly Package Items Returned: There are a few items on ACCESS’s allowable inventory that have been returned because they contain alcohol. Most specifically body spray. ACCESS will be updating their inventory list so these items are no longer available.
NOTE: The list of approved vendors changes 24 February 2010.
5. MGM: MGM is no longer taking orders -- DO NOT USE THIS VENDOR!! If they owe you money or you have an outstanding packageyou will have to work through their customer service department, if you can reach them.
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OTHER ISSUES:
6. Clothing Donations: Grandmothers of the Light (GOTL) were not able to complete the task of procuring items and preparing the bags due to an illness. However GOTL has promised that 2009 will be delivered, or the IFC will be contacted by mid-year to try and reinstate the project.
7. Inmate Re-Entry Programs at VSPW: Two re-entry programs may be stopped if teachers face layoffs. Substance Abuse Program (SAP) has gone from a potential of a two year program to 90 days. The Female Offender Temporary Employment Program (FOTEP) will be discontinued.
8. Restitution: 55% of money sent to a resident will be taken off the top to pay restitution (money deemed by the courts to be owe to a victim) or to restitution fine (no specific victim but funds go into a victim assistance trust account). For example, if you send someone $150, $82.50 will be taken off of the top for restitution. The person you have sent the money to will receive the difference, $67.50.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 14:20.
Next meeting scheduled June 4, 2010.
College Program: VSPW Education staff is trying to continue the College Program funding but it is still undecided at this time. It looks like students enrolled in this semester will be able to continue. Teachers were extended up to 3/2/2010, will just have to wait to see if there are layoffs and what kind of teaching staff will remain. Much of the college program seems to focus on Mr. Thatcher, a long term dedicated teacher who may have discovered an effective tool in battling recidivism with very little cost, if any, to the State and the taxpayers. It is clear that VSPW management is very proud of Mr. Thatcher’s forward thinking and dedication.
Volunteers to Assist with Teaching: If a volunteer group is to be established to assist students with their studies it must be initiated by the prison population. There is a formal process to establish volunteer groups including developing bylaws. VSPW has a template for bylaws that would be made available. If this is to be started it should maybe start with a notice of interest from the WAC (Women’s Advisory Council).
One other catch – all self help type programs must be supervised by a VSPW staff person. Finding spare staff is difficult at this time.
The IFC requested current delay time in mail delivery. Administration stated there was no delay; in fact the mail received today was being processed today. In order to address specific concerns, administration will need specific inmate name, dates, etc., to trace transaction and report back. V. Abrunzo stated he would have to speak to the inmate.
Volunteers to Assist as Proctors: Mr. Untalon says volunteers cannot be used as proctors. They can assist individuals with studies but cannot proctor exams. VSPW is trying to retain Mr. Thatcher as a volunteer proctor.
Return to Top
Donated Textbooks for Education: The Chair asked about any problems with the mailing of used textbooks. The administration stated that as long as they were sent direct from a vendor or school, there was no problem with accepting them. The books should be sent to the education dept and not directly to the inmate.
New Business
1. CREDIT EARNING PROGRAM (CEP); The "Early Release Program"
A. The "Credit Earning Program" is what is erroneously referred to as the Early Release Program. The CEP entitled one to earn an additional 6 weeks a year off their sentence for completion of a credit program. One of the qualifying programs is the SAP program administered by Walden House. The program is 90 days and will accommodate 175 people. Budget issues have cut back on the number of programs that would allow inmates to qualify for CEP time. (CEP was created by Senate Bill X3-18, particularly with reference to the modifications of Penal Code #2930-2935, modifying the rate at which inmates earn good time credit).
Here are some factors that are in place right now:
i. A1A time (working) still earns half time.
ii. A2B time (inmate is available to work but not working) went from two thirds time to half time.
iii. C over C time earns two thirds time.
iv. There are no retroactive adjustments to these time changes; they are from 1/25/10 forward.
V. VSPW is reviewing people's releases.
B. Non-Revocable Parole: This will help the inmate population upone their release. This was another part of the prison population effort. Certain minor parole violations will no longer result in jail or prison time.
C. More Information: For more information on the Credit Earning Program, please go to the IFC website ( www.vspw-ifc.com ) and view VSPW's "New Parole Credit Time Rules" document.
2. Gate Money & Money on Inmate Trust at Release: The $200 gate money that is given to the person being released is in cash. If there is money on their books, it is refunded in the form of a check, either at the time they are released or sent to them via their parole agent.
3. Mailroom Issues: Slow mail seems to always be kind of a sporadic problem with mail delivery. VSPW staff says sometime mail increases, especially over holidays and distribution may slow down. They try to keep the mail moving through all types of budget climates.
The question of Stationary came up. VSPW will allow 500 sheets of stationary, up to (but not at) 13 ounces in weight, to be delivered in one package. It was pointed out that 500 sheets of paper usually weighs more than 13 ounces. 13 ounces is the cutoff point where the Postal Service changes the status of the mail from standard mail to "Priority Mail". Priority Mail is not accepted for inmates at the prison.
Pictures are now being taped to envelopes rather than stapled. The IFC members thanked the staff for that change.
VENDOR PACKAGE ISSUES:
4. Quarterly Package Items Returned: There are a few items on ACCESS’s allowable inventory that have been returned because they contain alcohol. Most specifically body spray. ACCESS will be updating their inventory list so these items are no longer available.
NOTE: The list of approved vendors changes 24 February 2010.
5. MGM: MGM is no longer taking orders -- DO NOT USE THIS VENDOR!! If they owe you money or you have an outstanding packageyou will have to work through their customer service department, if you can reach them.
Return to Top
OTHER ISSUES:
6. Clothing Donations: Grandmothers of the Light (GOTL) were not able to complete the task of procuring items and preparing the bags due to an illness. However GOTL has promised that 2009 will be delivered, or the IFC will be contacted by mid-year to try and reinstate the project.
7. Inmate Re-Entry Programs at VSPW: Two re-entry programs may be stopped if teachers face layoffs. Substance Abuse Program (SAP) has gone from a potential of a two year program to 90 days. The Female Offender Temporary Employment Program (FOTEP) will be discontinued.
8. Restitution: 55% of money sent to a resident will be taken off the top to pay restitution (money deemed by the courts to be owe to a victim) or to restitution fine (no specific victim but funds go into a victim assistance trust account). For example, if you send someone $150, $82.50 will be taken off of the top for restitution. The person you have sent the money to will receive the difference, $67.50.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 14:20.
Next meeting scheduled June 4, 2010.
