Return to Meeting Archives
Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, April 3, 2009
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, April 3, 2009
Warden’s Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT
V. Abrunzo, Chairperson
V. Doran, Deputy Chairperson
E. Muniz
D. Fulton
GUESTS
Frank Young
EXCUSED ABSENCE
J. Erb, Secretary
STAFF PRESENT
Acting Warden J. Cavazos
CDW Velda Dobson-Davis
Community Partnership Manager P. Untalon
Lt. J. Neeley
Visiting Lt. K. Diaz
AW L.R. Peterson
AW W. Miller
Lt. McCraw
Cpt. D.E. Penner
C. Etcheschera
Education Dept. Zachary Patrick
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Abrunzo at 13:01.
Prior meeting minutes were presented, motion to approve and second carried.
Return to Top
1. APPROVAL & POSTING OF IFC MINUTES: The Chair asked if there were any special steps that needed to be taken for approvl of the minutes to be sent to the yards and the Visitor Processing Center. Captain Neeley explained that due to the transition in jobs last month was slow and will improve in the future. Also there was a problem with the format in February. Mr. Abrunzo explained that he prepared the minutes and between the changes he was not able to turn off the tracking in Word. The administration will take care of printing and posting on the yards and Visitor Processing Center.
2. NEW OP AND DOM SUPPLEMENTS: Chair requested information about an Operating Procedure or D.O.M. Supplement regarding a new mail or package (?) procedure and apparently more restrictive than Title 15 §3134 and without approval by Headquarters (?), referencing D.O.M. §54010.01, and dated 2/24/09. This was apparently posted in units. It appears to modify Title 15 regulations and changes limits re numbers and colors. This limits paper pads to white only. Admin stated that this was not the goal. IFC requested that they be advised at time of posting of all local rules which have an affect upon family contact with inmates. Chair went on to request a specific location where these documents area available for “Public Examination”.
Among other issues is reasonable pre-implementation notice so that the IFC may advise families via the website. The problem families are encountering is that some stationary is being allowed while others are being returned. AW Cavazos will look into the matter and advise at next meeting.
Chair repeated his request for a copy of the D.O.M. Supp. or O.P. providing the process for visitors to bring documents into Visiting. Again administration will look into this matter and respond. Administration believed that the issued had been addressed previously.
3. MAIL AND PACKAGES: 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. Return to Top
4. 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.
5. INDIGENT KIT: The administration brought in an Indigent package that is given out once a month to those inmates who can not purchase their own products. The kit contains, shampoo, soap, Vaseline, sanitary items, deodorant, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss on a pick. If the inmate runs out of any item, she may request additional item from the staff.
6. RESTROOMS ON THE GENERAL YARD: Administration stated that four months or so ago there was an issue regarding the restrooms on the general yard, but that is not a regular problem. There have been no long term problems with those bathrooms. The administration has advised WAC that the restrooms are open. However when the yard is not full bathrooms may be closed, however they are always open when the yard is full.
7. DNR MEDICAL DIRECTIVE AND MEDICAL DISCLOSURE FORMS: DNR and medical disclosure forms are still on hold. The administrative directive and current instructions are being used. The proposed forms were handed out to the IFC members and were told that these may be scanned and placed on the website. This form will also be available in Spanish.
8. NEW VISITING PROCEDURE BEING SUGGESTED: The IFC was questioned regarding having appointments for visiting vs. first come, first served. The IFC was in favor of leaving the procedure as it is. The administration agreed and will report to Sacramento.
9. IFC FACILITY TOURS: The Chair asked for clarification on why the IFC is currently being denied any tours of the facility. The administration stated that all tours will be denied, no explanation was provided.
10. GET ON THE BUS PROGRAM: There are no current issues or problems, everything is proceeding, the announcement and clearance for visitors, inmates are being processed. AWA Dobson Davis asked if there was any issue that arose last year that they would need to be aware of. The IFC advised her that the only problem seems to be the exiting procedure from the visiting rooms. Administration stated that they have purchased “bullhorns” to announce bus departures and hopefully this will resolve some of the problem.
Return to Top
11. CHRISTMAS GOODIE BAGS: 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.
12. PERSONAL CLOTHING/STATE ISSUED CLOTHING: The IFC inquired about clothing issued to inmates, i.e. cold weather clothing vs. warm weather clothing. The administration claimed that all inmates had the appropriate clothing. It was later discovered that it was probably not completely true, as inmates being processed in during warm weather would receive warm weather clothing, and those being processed in cold weather would receive cold weather gear. Those that need what they did not receive should speak with staff and explain the issue Administration stated that in inmates wanted to provide their name and number to IFC they would look into the matter. AW Cavazos will look into the matter and report back at the next meeting.
13. INMATE WELFARE FUND: A report was made before the California Rehabilitation Oversight Board (CROB). Ms. Judy Parker at Headquarters is apparently responsible for distribution on behalf of all inmates. Mr. Abrunzo made an appointment with Ms. Elizabeth Siggins of Mr. Cate’s Office to address issues raised. The reports are available to the inmates in the library and canteen. IFC requested a copy of the reports. The administration stated that only inmates may have a copy. Mr. Abrunzo requested a copy again and was denied by W(A) Cavazos. The Warden stated that department directions with limited posting are mandated and staff will not vary from the directive. IFC asked if it would create an issue if the IFC requested a copy from Sacramento. The Warden stated he would not be offended, he was only following policy.
14. SCANTRONS (POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION EXAMINATION SCORING FORMS): Vice Chair Doran reported that her discussion with Mr. Thatcher indicated that these forms were required for end of semester exams. Given that staff has refused to make a request to fund these through the IWF; the IFC is willing to donate a quantity to get through the end of the school year. IFC asked that staff initiate the required forms to authorize the donations on an ASAP basis to meet testing deadlines.
15. IFC BROCHURES - RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS: Chair reiterated the concern that we recruit family members to serve on the IFC. Chair provided a new version of the three fold brochure with new internet linkages and asked Lt. Diaz to have the form approved for introduction into Visitor Processing and the Visiting areas.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 14:05.
Next meeting scheduled June 5, 2009.
V. Abrunzo, Chairperson
V. Doran, Deputy Chairperson
E. Muniz
D. Fulton
GUESTS
Frank Young
EXCUSED ABSENCE
J. Erb, Secretary
STAFF PRESENT
Acting Warden J. Cavazos
CDW Velda Dobson-Davis
Community Partnership Manager P. Untalon
Lt. J. Neeley
Visiting Lt. K. Diaz
AW L.R. Peterson
AW W. Miller
Lt. McCraw
Cpt. D.E. Penner
C. Etcheschera
Education Dept. Zachary Patrick
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Abrunzo at 13:01.
Prior meeting minutes were presented, motion to approve and second carried.
Return to Top
1. APPROVAL & POSTING OF IFC MINUTES: The Chair asked if there were any special steps that needed to be taken for approvl of the minutes to be sent to the yards and the Visitor Processing Center. Captain Neeley explained that due to the transition in jobs last month was slow and will improve in the future. Also there was a problem with the format in February. Mr. Abrunzo explained that he prepared the minutes and between the changes he was not able to turn off the tracking in Word. The administration will take care of printing and posting on the yards and Visitor Processing Center.
2. NEW OP AND DOM SUPPLEMENTS: Chair requested information about an Operating Procedure or D.O.M. Supplement regarding a new mail or package (?) procedure and apparently more restrictive than Title 15 §3134 and without approval by Headquarters (?), referencing D.O.M. §54010.01, and dated 2/24/09. This was apparently posted in units. It appears to modify Title 15 regulations and changes limits re numbers and colors. This limits paper pads to white only. Admin stated that this was not the goal. IFC requested that they be advised at time of posting of all local rules which have an affect upon family contact with inmates. Chair went on to request a specific location where these documents area available for “Public Examination”.
Among other issues is reasonable pre-implementation notice so that the IFC may advise families via the website. The problem families are encountering is that some stationary is being allowed while others are being returned. AW Cavazos will look into the matter and advise at next meeting.
Chair repeated his request for a copy of the D.O.M. Supp. or O.P. providing the process for visitors to bring documents into Visiting. Again administration will look into this matter and respond. Administration believed that the issued had been addressed previously.
3. MAIL AND PACKAGES: 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. Return to Top
4. 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.
5. INDIGENT KIT: The administration brought in an Indigent package that is given out once a month to those inmates who can not purchase their own products. The kit contains, shampoo, soap, Vaseline, sanitary items, deodorant, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss on a pick. If the inmate runs out of any item, she may request additional item from the staff.
6. RESTROOMS ON THE GENERAL YARD: Administration stated that four months or so ago there was an issue regarding the restrooms on the general yard, but that is not a regular problem. There have been no long term problems with those bathrooms. The administration has advised WAC that the restrooms are open. However when the yard is not full bathrooms may be closed, however they are always open when the yard is full.
7. DNR MEDICAL DIRECTIVE AND MEDICAL DISCLOSURE FORMS: DNR and medical disclosure forms are still on hold. The administrative directive and current instructions are being used. The proposed forms were handed out to the IFC members and were told that these may be scanned and placed on the website. This form will also be available in Spanish.
8. NEW VISITING PROCEDURE BEING SUGGESTED: The IFC was questioned regarding having appointments for visiting vs. first come, first served. The IFC was in favor of leaving the procedure as it is. The administration agreed and will report to Sacramento.
9. IFC FACILITY TOURS: The Chair asked for clarification on why the IFC is currently being denied any tours of the facility. The administration stated that all tours will be denied, no explanation was provided.
10. GET ON THE BUS PROGRAM: There are no current issues or problems, everything is proceeding, the announcement and clearance for visitors, inmates are being processed. AWA Dobson Davis asked if there was any issue that arose last year that they would need to be aware of. The IFC advised her that the only problem seems to be the exiting procedure from the visiting rooms. Administration stated that they have purchased “bullhorns” to announce bus departures and hopefully this will resolve some of the problem.
Return to Top
11. CHRISTMAS GOODIE BAGS: 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.
12. PERSONAL CLOTHING/STATE ISSUED CLOTHING: The IFC inquired about clothing issued to inmates, i.e. cold weather clothing vs. warm weather clothing. The administration claimed that all inmates had the appropriate clothing. It was later discovered that it was probably not completely true, as inmates being processed in during warm weather would receive warm weather clothing, and those being processed in cold weather would receive cold weather gear. Those that need what they did not receive should speak with staff and explain the issue Administration stated that in inmates wanted to provide their name and number to IFC they would look into the matter. AW Cavazos will look into the matter and report back at the next meeting.
13. INMATE WELFARE FUND: A report was made before the California Rehabilitation Oversight Board (CROB). Ms. Judy Parker at Headquarters is apparently responsible for distribution on behalf of all inmates. Mr. Abrunzo made an appointment with Ms. Elizabeth Siggins of Mr. Cate’s Office to address issues raised. The reports are available to the inmates in the library and canteen. IFC requested a copy of the reports. The administration stated that only inmates may have a copy. Mr. Abrunzo requested a copy again and was denied by W(A) Cavazos. The Warden stated that department directions with limited posting are mandated and staff will not vary from the directive. IFC asked if it would create an issue if the IFC requested a copy from Sacramento. The Warden stated he would not be offended, he was only following policy.
14. SCANTRONS (POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION EXAMINATION SCORING FORMS): Vice Chair Doran reported that her discussion with Mr. Thatcher indicated that these forms were required for end of semester exams. Given that staff has refused to make a request to fund these through the IWF; the IFC is willing to donate a quantity to get through the end of the school year. IFC asked that staff initiate the required forms to authorize the donations on an ASAP basis to meet testing deadlines.
15. IFC BROCHURES - RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS: Chair reiterated the concern that we recruit family members to serve on the IFC. Chair provided a new version of the three fold brochure with new internet linkages and asked Lt. Diaz to have the form approved for introduction into Visitor Processing and the Visiting areas.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 14:05.
Next meeting scheduled June 5, 2009.
