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VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, October 7, 2005
Warden’s Conference Room
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, October 7, 2005
Warden’s Conference Room
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES PRESENT
Marvin Coolbaugh, Chair
Dr. John Videen, Co-Chair
Nancy Rubinstein, Secretary
Helen V.
Regina T.
Irma C.
Louisa C.
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT
Alexandria B. (excused)
Frank A. (excused)
Mark H. (excused)
Tammy R. (excused)
Sherrie G. (unexcused)
Elizabeth M. (unexcused)
STAFF PRESENT
T. Hornbeak, Assistant Warden
J. Cavazos, Administrative Assistant
D. Harman, Captain
G. A. Martinez, D Yard Facility Captain
Dr. C.A. Bowers, Chief Dental Officer
J.R. Hansen, Sgt. R&R
Mr. R. Oldfield, Librarian
Ms. D. Haworth, Education S.A.I.
Mr. Lou Donaldson, Captain
Ms. J. Pacini, Office Technician, Warden’s Office
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 PM by Marvin Coolbaugh, IFC Chair. Introductions were made around the room.
(Back to Issues List)
A. OLD BUSINESS
1. Free Book Program: Sgt. Hansen told us a little bit about the Free Book Program. There are only two bookstores that send in free books to the inmates at VSPW. Those two bookstores are ‘Arise’ and ‘Prison Book Project’. Inmates can request their books from these book stores. It then becomes their Special Purchase. If they get a box of books from anyone (including these two distribution groups) and they don’t want them, they may donate the books to the prison library.
2. Books Via Special Purchase ONLY: Books at VSPW are now only allowed into inmates through Special Purchases. Every inmate who is allowed Special Purchases may receive ONE Special Purchase every three months. Books may not come in through the regular mail, or through the Quarterly Purchase. They are ONLY allowed through a single Special Purchase per quarter. A maximum of 10 books are allowed via this one Special Purchase. Backorders will not be allowed. In other words, if the publisher does not send all 10 books in via the single Special Purchase, then the remaining delivery will not be allowed. Therefore, the inmates must get all 10 of their books in a single package, all at the same time. They will be ducated to go to R&R to pick up their books. Books may NOT be distributed via regular mail.
Inmates may only have 10 books in their possession at any time. The number of books owned by an inmate is recorded on her property card. This limit in property (books) is due to the new property matrix, which went into effect this summer.
Quarterly Packages now include things that used to be in the Special Purchase. The Special Purchase is now used for entertainment items and similar objects.
In summary:
Only 10 books per quarter are now allowed.
All 10 books must be in the same package.
Books may only be delivered to inmates via Special Purchase.
Inmates may only have 10 books maximum in their possession at any time.
Books may be donated to the library to allow an inmate to receive new books.
(Back to Issues List)
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. VSPW LIBRARY & IFC BOOK DRIVE
General Yard Library: The prison has a library on the General Yard. It is available to any inmate that has access to the General Yard, off of B, C, and D Yards. There is a separate library available on A Yard.
The VSPW Librarian is Mr. Oldfield, who is in attendance at this meeting. It is run under the Education Department at VSPW. Mr. Oldfield works with Ms. Haworth and Mr. Patrick, both of the Education Department. Ms. Haworth is also in attendance to answer our questions and listen to our concerns.
The prison appreciates receiving donations for the General Library. They currently have approximately 20,000 recreational books catalogued into the library, which are logged into their computerized Dewey Decimal system. They also have books used for the various College Programs, including the GED program, sponsored by the Education Department. In addition, they have another full selection of legal materials and texts, as required by California. They are required to upgrade the law library annually, and are working to have more materials available via computer, to cut down on the space required for the law library, and to add space to the recreational section of the library.
ESL Books: The Librarian answered a question about other language books. The ESL population is low in VSPW, but they have several other-language books available for non-English speaking people.
Donations of Books to the Library: The VSPW library welcomes donations of books. They accept both paperback and hardcover books. Anyone wanting to donate books needs to fill out an “AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT GIFTS/DONATIONS” ”, CDC Form 922. This form is available through VSPW, and is a triplicate form that the donor fills out and sends in to the Warden’s Office for approval. The Warden’s Office approves the donation, and lets the donor know when the approval has been given. Books should be delivered through the R&R Department, where they are inspected and forwarded to the Library, where they are sorted, tagged, and catalogued.
(Back to Issues List) 2. VENDORS
MGM: MGM has not been accepted as a Vendor since July 1, 2005 at VSPW. This decision was made at the Warden’s level. CDCR has not come out with a list of approved vendors yet, so the decision was made locally. It was based on several problems that the administration was having with MGM, including their changing of available catalogue items that were not approved.
Walkenhorst: The IFC members report that Walkenhorst has recently sent in a catalogue that includes non-approved items.
VSPW reports that Walkenhorst appears to be confused over the new property matrix requirements for VSPW. Sgt. Hanson speaks with them two or three times a month, trying to get these issues straightened out. There have been several problems lately, including catalogue items that haven’t been approved by VSPW. These items are returned by VSPW when they are received. Inmates need to follow the property matrix guidelines, no matter what is in the catalogues. They should check with their WAC representatives to verify purchase items.
(Back to Issues List)
3. TV Antennas and TV Earphones: IFC members report that the property matrix requirements allow inmates to order antennas and earphones WITH their TV orders, via Special Purchase. Unfortunately, Walkenhorst does not seem to know this, and sometimes order-takers refuse to allow antennas and earphones with the TV orders. This means that the radios can’t be used for 3 months.
This is not correct. Family members need to know that the inmates are allowed to get antennas and earphones for TVs with the TV order. They need to insist on it, since the order-takers at Walkenhorst might not have all the information.
Sgt. Hanson agrees that this is the property matrix rule. She says that she will discuss this with Walkenhorst as soon as possible, and recommends that Marvin talk to his contacts there, too, to get this straightened out.
ACTION ITEM: SGT. HANSON WILL TALK TO WALKENHORST ABOUT ALLOWING TV ANTENNAS AND EARPHONES WITH TV PURCHASES.
ACTION ITEM: MARVIN COOLBAUGH WILL TALK TO HIS WALKENHORST CONTACT ABOUT ALLOWING TV ANTENNAS AND EARPHONES WITH TV PURCHASES.
Radio Earphones: IFC members report that when families order big radios for inmates, they are not allowed to have earphones sent in at the same time. This is a serious problem, since inmates are not allowed to use their radios without earphones. Earphones for radios (the big radios) have, in the past, come only in the separate Quarterly Packages. This means that the radios can’t be used for 3 months.
Right now, this is not addressed in the property matrix rules at VSPW. Sgt. Hanson says she will talk to WAC and to supervisors to see about getting this rule changed, and to see about getting headphones approved for delivery with radio Special Purchases.
ACTION ITEM: SGT. HANSON WILL TALK TO WAC AND TO VSPW SUPERVISORS ABOUT GETTING HEADPHONES APPROVED FOR DELIVERY WITH LARGER RADIOS.
(Back to Issues List)
4. MAILROOM REPORT AND DISCUSSION
Mailroom Delays: Lt. Donaldson reported that as of this date, the mailroom is approximately 3½ days behind on getting trays of mail sorted and distributed from the post office. That means that there are trays of mail in the mailroom that were received from the post office 3½ days ago, that still need to be opened, checked, and distributed to the yard bags. Due to recent staffing problems, stemming from summer vacations, lockdowns, etc., the mail was approximately 6 to 7 working days behind through the last part of the summer, until just the end of last week.
Helen Valdez reported that her daughter had reported to her that mail throughout most of the summer has been on time, and that this is very much appreciated.
(Back to Issues List)
Publications: Magazines are allowed via regular mail, in any amount. All types of publications are allowed, except for publications that violate the regulations regarding pornography, nudity, etc. The mailroom does monthly magazine scans, which entail a random search of various publications. Occasionally, a magazine is rejected, due to content that might affect the safety and security of the institution. For instance, in October a magazine was flagged due to an article near the back that talked about how to commit some type of crime. Otherwise, most publications are allowed in, without interruption in service.
(Back to Issues List)
Certified Mail: How are certified letters handled by the Mailroom? The United States Post Office receives them, then they check with the prison to confirm the presence of the inmate at VSPW. The prison picks up the letter, signs for it, and logs it in, in a logbook that has a specific designation for certified letters.
(Back to Issues List)
5. HARDSHIP TRANSFERS:
The question of hardship transfers for inmates was raised. Captain Martinez spoke to the IFC about Hardship Transfers. She reported to us that transfers have been curtailed due to the budget crisis and lack of room everywhere. At this time, the only hardship transfers that are being considered are only for medical hardships. Convenience moves are not available right now.
An inmate may request a hardship medical transfer if he or she has a family member that has medical problems that would prevent that family member from visiting over long distances. The family member must be approved to visit, must prove that the medical condition prevents travel to the current prison, but that the family member is still capable of visiting if the inmate is moved to a closer prison.
(Back to Issues List)
6. HOUSING:
Associate Warden Tina Hornbeak gave us a report on VSPW inmate population and the possible addition of new bunks to the facility. VSPW has been directed to put forth a plan to add new beds to the facility.
CRC Norco may close down their women’s program, and send the 500-plus women to VSPW and CCWF, to be split between the two facilities. The deadline for this move is June 1, 2006.
Additionally, the women’s prison population has been steadily increasing statewide. The women’s prisons are beginning to feel the same population pressure as men’s prisons, which have been triple bunking, dorm bunking, and bunking in gyms for some time now.
Ms. Hornbeak reported that VSPW is already at maximum capacity, and that the weekly release of inmates in not keeping up with the new inmates being received. VSPW already has extra beds in the dayroom of A3.
VSPW has been told to present a plan immediately for increasing housing. The administration has looked at several plans, from triple bunking to using the gym, to using the dayroom. Currently, the best plan seems to be to add an extra bed to the 8-person dorm rooms. The administration does not want to go to triple bunking. Going from 8 people in the dorm rooms to 9 people in the dorm rooms seems like the best choice. If triple bunking was used, the room crowding would be much higher. Also, the administration would like to keep the gym clear.
IFC member Dr. Videen expressed concerns about crowding and the spread of contagion.
IFC member Marvin Coolbaugh asked about the original Honor Dorm 6-person dorm room concept. It was explained that this cannot be accomplished, due to overcrowding throughout the prison.
(Back to Issues List)
7. INMATE NUMBERS, AND WHAT THEY MEAN:
Captain Harmon explained that the statewide women’s numbering system is simply sequential. The men started with “A”, and have already worked their way through to “T”. Women started with “W” (and it wasn’t because that stands for ‘women’, it was just coincidental), and they are now into “X”. the numbers started with “00001” and go through “99999”. There are no special clues in the numbers that tell about location, medical conditions, or anything else.
8. HURRICANE KATRINA PROJECT:
The Inmate Family Council statewide is involved in the “Hurricane Katrina Project”, which has been approved by the CDCR. IFC volunteers are helping inmates find loved ones who may have been dislocated by the recent hurricane disasters in the Gulf States.
The project is going very well. One of our IFC members, Nancy Rubinstein, is a team leader, and is active in the project. The project was developed from scratch, and will be reviewed for possible use in future similar disasters, by California, and possibly by other states, as well.
(Back to Issues List)
C. OTHER DISCUSSION
1. MEDICAL ISSUES
Current Dental and Medical Staffing Levels at VSPW: Dr. Bowers is currently heading up the CMO’s office. He reported that they now have 5 dentists contracted to work with VSPW. Most of these dentists are semi-retired, but this is working out okay. The Medical Department is actively recruiting, but it has become increasingly difficult to do. This is due to the fact that the medical profession has lots of positions available to medical personnel that are much more competitive. The state will eventually up salary offers to be more competitive, but that will not be happening for some time yet, although Ms. Hornbeak reports that the state is currently beginning to explore raising salaries.
The other problem is that CDCR no longer allows regular family practitioners to be hired. There are 2 nurse practitioners on staff, and they are very good. However, we cannot simply increase the number of nurse practitioners, without the corresponding number of doctors already hired and in place. The state organizes slots for medical personnel according to a quota system. Nurse practitioners must have specific doctor oversight, and it’s ‘by the numbers’.
WAC Needs Regular meetings with Medical Staff: IFC members have heard from inmates that the WAC has not been able to have any regular meetings with Medical staff. Dr. Bowers says that they were able to meet with Medical yesterday, after not having a meeting with them since June.
Is the Incidence of Staph Increasing?: No increase of staph has been noted by the medical staff.
(Back to Issues List)
Cleaning Supplies Available?: The IFC reported that inmates in the dorm rooms don’t have the cleaning supplies they need, and when they’re locked down, it’s impossible to get what they need.
The administration reported that cleaning supplies are available on the units, but can only be accessed when the doors are unlocked. Disinfectant is not allowed to be stored in the dorm rooms. However, there are plenty of cleaning supplies on the units, and when the doors are unlocked, it is okay for the women to access them as needed. They also report that Dr. Martin does regular audits on cleaning supplies on the units. The auditors check availability of supplies regularly every week, and any problems are brought to the attention of Housing, and then are followed up on. The Public Health Nurse that works at VSPW is part of the audit team.
(Back to Issues List)
Physicals Given to Each New Incoming Inmate: Every inmate that comes in through Receiving is given a physical exam. This includes a blood draw (HIV may not be tested for without permission), a TB test, a Pap smear, a dental exam, and an interview with a registered nurse. The interview is scheduled to occur within approximately one hour of having entered the prison through Receiving. HIV peer counselors (inmates) regularly talk to the inmates about the HIV testing process, and encourage women to test for HIV.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B immunizations are not given at the prison. It’s too expensive and the women may reject this type of injection, if they choose to. Hepatitis B is estimated at a 3% conversion from clean to infected in the prison population. In other words, 3 inmates out of 100 inmates will contact Hepatitis B while in prison.
2. CHILDREN’S AREA IN THE VISITING ROOMS
Carpeting: Marvin Coolbaugh has heard that Sara Malone has told WAC that the IFC is replacing the Children’s Area carpeting. This is not so. Currently, we are working on our Kiln donation and on the Book Drive. We asked if there are any plans to clean or replace the carpeting in the Children’s Area. The staff present at our meeting were unaware of any plans to do anything with the Children’s Area. Captain Harmon said that someone would look at the carpeting and see what is needed.
Can Deposit Money in Visiting Rooms: Right now, the can and bottle deposits collected from the Visiting Rooms are turned over to Victim’s Services in Madera. The IFC respectfully requests that the administration consider allowing these refunds to be returned to the Visiting Rooms, as a way to raise funds for fixing the Children’s Areas, and getting games, toys, and books for them. It was pointed out that the bottle deposits are coming from the Visitors, and that the Visitors should be able to get some say in how those funds are distributed. It would be more appropriate to use them for needed Children’s Area materials and repairs.
ACTION ITEM: ASSISTANT WARDEN TINA HORNBEAK WILL LOOK INTO HOW THE REFUNDS MONEY IS ASSIGNED, AND SEE IF THIS ASSIGNMENT CAN BE CHANGED.
(Back to Issues List)
3. HONOR DORM:
Honor Dorm Policies not yet implemented: Captain Martinez was at the meeting to give us information on the Honor Dorm. She is on the Honor Dorm Committee, and is scheduling a meeting within the next 2 weeks to go over the latest developments and work on some of the outstanding issues. The Warden and Captain Martinez have both been gone extensively over the last two months, and it has been difficult to get the issues updated and handled.
There are some issues that weren’t implemented when the Honor Dorm was put in place, and these have been outlined in a recent memo regarding policies and instructions that weren’t originally put in place on startup. Although the original Honor Dorm policy was signed, it didn’t include all the issues. These remaining issues have been documented, and the material is ready to go before Warden Henry for signing, hopefully within the next two weeks.
Honor Dorms at CCWF and CIW: Nancy Rubinstein reports that both of the other two women’s prisons have contacted our IFC to see about how to start an Honor Dorm at their prisons, too.
The inmates need to start the process. Captain Martinez says that if anyone would like some guidance in this process, they may contact her.
4. INDIGENT ENVELOPES:
Sgt. Jacobson has been notified that in August, indigent envelopes were short; there were less than 20 available for each inmate that qualified. The staff split up what was available, and distributed it evenly. This was a single months’ shortage, and it took about two weeks to get corrected. There are enough on hand now to get back up to the 20-per-inmate count.
(Back to Issues List)
5. BOMB THREATS AND LOCKDOWNS:
There have been several lockdowns over the last two months because of bomb threats. The prison is still receiving anonymous notes saying that there are devices. The staff must take these threats seriously. The notes are found in medical co-pay boxes, on desks, in the warehouse, and in the mail. Investigative Services are working on ways to identify the individuals who are doing this. It appears to be more than one person is doing this.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections is having the same problem with bomb threats. VSPW is in touch with them, and they are trying to find some solutions. VSPW is the only prison in California having this problem steadily at this time.
Lockdowns are expensive, the inmates loose their regular programming, and they loose several privileges, such as canteen and library.
The canteen is off-limits during lockdowns. If an inmate misses her canteen time, she will not be able to do her shopping until the next cycle. If the lockdowns continue as they have been, some sort of modified canteen program may be considered. For now, however, once a canteen slot has been lost, it is lost with no recourse.
6. VISITING
Visiting Guideline Book: There is a new Visiting Guideline being produced by the Graphics Department at VSPW. It is very nicely put together. IFC would like to have a set distributed to IFC members.
Captain Harmon is the Visiting Sergeant at this time, and doesn’t have access to these booklets yet. She will look into it.
Lockdowns and Visiting: VSPW has been keeping Visiting open even during the ongoing lockdowns. Visiting has only been closed down twice during the last 1½ years.
If a visitor is told that the lockdowns are not allowing visits, the visitor should ask to talk to a Supervisor.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 PM.
Next Meeting: Friday, December 2, 2005
1:00 PM
VSPW Warden’s Conference Room
Minutes prepared by Nancy Rubinstein
Agenda Items for next meeting due by November 19, 2005.
Marvin Coolbaugh, Chair
Dr. John Videen, Co-Chair
Nancy Rubinstein, Secretary
Helen V.
Regina T.
Irma C.
Louisa C.
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT
Alexandria B. (excused)
Frank A. (excused)
Mark H. (excused)
Tammy R. (excused)
Sherrie G. (unexcused)
Elizabeth M. (unexcused)
STAFF PRESENT
T. Hornbeak, Assistant Warden
J. Cavazos, Administrative Assistant
D. Harman, Captain
G. A. Martinez, D Yard Facility Captain
Dr. C.A. Bowers, Chief Dental Officer
J.R. Hansen, Sgt. R&R
Mr. R. Oldfield, Librarian
Ms. D. Haworth, Education S.A.I.
Mr. Lou Donaldson, Captain
Ms. J. Pacini, Office Technician, Warden’s Office
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 PM by Marvin Coolbaugh, IFC Chair. Introductions were made around the room.
(Back to Issues List)
A. OLD BUSINESS
1. Free Book Program: Sgt. Hansen told us a little bit about the Free Book Program. There are only two bookstores that send in free books to the inmates at VSPW. Those two bookstores are ‘Arise’ and ‘Prison Book Project’. Inmates can request their books from these book stores. It then becomes their Special Purchase. If they get a box of books from anyone (including these two distribution groups) and they don’t want them, they may donate the books to the prison library.
2. Books Via Special Purchase ONLY: Books at VSPW are now only allowed into inmates through Special Purchases. Every inmate who is allowed Special Purchases may receive ONE Special Purchase every three months. Books may not come in through the regular mail, or through the Quarterly Purchase. They are ONLY allowed through a single Special Purchase per quarter. A maximum of 10 books are allowed via this one Special Purchase. Backorders will not be allowed. In other words, if the publisher does not send all 10 books in via the single Special Purchase, then the remaining delivery will not be allowed. Therefore, the inmates must get all 10 of their books in a single package, all at the same time. They will be ducated to go to R&R to pick up their books. Books may NOT be distributed via regular mail.
Inmates may only have 10 books in their possession at any time. The number of books owned by an inmate is recorded on her property card. This limit in property (books) is due to the new property matrix, which went into effect this summer.
Quarterly Packages now include things that used to be in the Special Purchase. The Special Purchase is now used for entertainment items and similar objects.
In summary:
Only 10 books per quarter are now allowed.
All 10 books must be in the same package.
Books may only be delivered to inmates via Special Purchase.
Inmates may only have 10 books maximum in their possession at any time.
Books may be donated to the library to allow an inmate to receive new books.
(Back to Issues List)
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. VSPW LIBRARY & IFC BOOK DRIVE
General Yard Library: The prison has a library on the General Yard. It is available to any inmate that has access to the General Yard, off of B, C, and D Yards. There is a separate library available on A Yard.
The VSPW Librarian is Mr. Oldfield, who is in attendance at this meeting. It is run under the Education Department at VSPW. Mr. Oldfield works with Ms. Haworth and Mr. Patrick, both of the Education Department. Ms. Haworth is also in attendance to answer our questions and listen to our concerns.
The prison appreciates receiving donations for the General Library. They currently have approximately 20,000 recreational books catalogued into the library, which are logged into their computerized Dewey Decimal system. They also have books used for the various College Programs, including the GED program, sponsored by the Education Department. In addition, they have another full selection of legal materials and texts, as required by California. They are required to upgrade the law library annually, and are working to have more materials available via computer, to cut down on the space required for the law library, and to add space to the recreational section of the library.
ESL Books: The Librarian answered a question about other language books. The ESL population is low in VSPW, but they have several other-language books available for non-English speaking people.
Donations of Books to the Library: The VSPW library welcomes donations of books. They accept both paperback and hardcover books. Anyone wanting to donate books needs to fill out an “AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT GIFTS/DONATIONS” ”, CDC Form 922. This form is available through VSPW, and is a triplicate form that the donor fills out and sends in to the Warden’s Office for approval. The Warden’s Office approves the donation, and lets the donor know when the approval has been given. Books should be delivered through the R&R Department, where they are inspected and forwarded to the Library, where they are sorted, tagged, and catalogued.
(Back to Issues List) 2. VENDORS
MGM: MGM has not been accepted as a Vendor since July 1, 2005 at VSPW. This decision was made at the Warden’s level. CDCR has not come out with a list of approved vendors yet, so the decision was made locally. It was based on several problems that the administration was having with MGM, including their changing of available catalogue items that were not approved.
Walkenhorst: The IFC members report that Walkenhorst has recently sent in a catalogue that includes non-approved items.
VSPW reports that Walkenhorst appears to be confused over the new property matrix requirements for VSPW. Sgt. Hanson speaks with them two or three times a month, trying to get these issues straightened out. There have been several problems lately, including catalogue items that haven’t been approved by VSPW. These items are returned by VSPW when they are received. Inmates need to follow the property matrix guidelines, no matter what is in the catalogues. They should check with their WAC representatives to verify purchase items.
(Back to Issues List)
3. TV Antennas and TV Earphones: IFC members report that the property matrix requirements allow inmates to order antennas and earphones WITH their TV orders, via Special Purchase. Unfortunately, Walkenhorst does not seem to know this, and sometimes order-takers refuse to allow antennas and earphones with the TV orders. This means that the radios can’t be used for 3 months.
This is not correct. Family members need to know that the inmates are allowed to get antennas and earphones for TVs with the TV order. They need to insist on it, since the order-takers at Walkenhorst might not have all the information.
Sgt. Hanson agrees that this is the property matrix rule. She says that she will discuss this with Walkenhorst as soon as possible, and recommends that Marvin talk to his contacts there, too, to get this straightened out.
ACTION ITEM: SGT. HANSON WILL TALK TO WALKENHORST ABOUT ALLOWING TV ANTENNAS AND EARPHONES WITH TV PURCHASES.
ACTION ITEM: MARVIN COOLBAUGH WILL TALK TO HIS WALKENHORST CONTACT ABOUT ALLOWING TV ANTENNAS AND EARPHONES WITH TV PURCHASES.
Radio Earphones: IFC members report that when families order big radios for inmates, they are not allowed to have earphones sent in at the same time. This is a serious problem, since inmates are not allowed to use their radios without earphones. Earphones for radios (the big radios) have, in the past, come only in the separate Quarterly Packages. This means that the radios can’t be used for 3 months.
Right now, this is not addressed in the property matrix rules at VSPW. Sgt. Hanson says she will talk to WAC and to supervisors to see about getting this rule changed, and to see about getting headphones approved for delivery with radio Special Purchases.
ACTION ITEM: SGT. HANSON WILL TALK TO WAC AND TO VSPW SUPERVISORS ABOUT GETTING HEADPHONES APPROVED FOR DELIVERY WITH LARGER RADIOS.
(Back to Issues List)
4. MAILROOM REPORT AND DISCUSSION
Mailroom Delays: Lt. Donaldson reported that as of this date, the mailroom is approximately 3½ days behind on getting trays of mail sorted and distributed from the post office. That means that there are trays of mail in the mailroom that were received from the post office 3½ days ago, that still need to be opened, checked, and distributed to the yard bags. Due to recent staffing problems, stemming from summer vacations, lockdowns, etc., the mail was approximately 6 to 7 working days behind through the last part of the summer, until just the end of last week.
Helen Valdez reported that her daughter had reported to her that mail throughout most of the summer has been on time, and that this is very much appreciated.
(Back to Issues List)
Publications: Magazines are allowed via regular mail, in any amount. All types of publications are allowed, except for publications that violate the regulations regarding pornography, nudity, etc. The mailroom does monthly magazine scans, which entail a random search of various publications. Occasionally, a magazine is rejected, due to content that might affect the safety and security of the institution. For instance, in October a magazine was flagged due to an article near the back that talked about how to commit some type of crime. Otherwise, most publications are allowed in, without interruption in service.
(Back to Issues List)
Certified Mail: How are certified letters handled by the Mailroom? The United States Post Office receives them, then they check with the prison to confirm the presence of the inmate at VSPW. The prison picks up the letter, signs for it, and logs it in, in a logbook that has a specific designation for certified letters.
(Back to Issues List)
5. HARDSHIP TRANSFERS:
The question of hardship transfers for inmates was raised. Captain Martinez spoke to the IFC about Hardship Transfers. She reported to us that transfers have been curtailed due to the budget crisis and lack of room everywhere. At this time, the only hardship transfers that are being considered are only for medical hardships. Convenience moves are not available right now.
An inmate may request a hardship medical transfer if he or she has a family member that has medical problems that would prevent that family member from visiting over long distances. The family member must be approved to visit, must prove that the medical condition prevents travel to the current prison, but that the family member is still capable of visiting if the inmate is moved to a closer prison.
(Back to Issues List)
6. HOUSING:
Associate Warden Tina Hornbeak gave us a report on VSPW inmate population and the possible addition of new bunks to the facility. VSPW has been directed to put forth a plan to add new beds to the facility.
CRC Norco may close down their women’s program, and send the 500-plus women to VSPW and CCWF, to be split between the two facilities. The deadline for this move is June 1, 2006.
Additionally, the women’s prison population has been steadily increasing statewide. The women’s prisons are beginning to feel the same population pressure as men’s prisons, which have been triple bunking, dorm bunking, and bunking in gyms for some time now.
Ms. Hornbeak reported that VSPW is already at maximum capacity, and that the weekly release of inmates in not keeping up with the new inmates being received. VSPW already has extra beds in the dayroom of A3.
VSPW has been told to present a plan immediately for increasing housing. The administration has looked at several plans, from triple bunking to using the gym, to using the dayroom. Currently, the best plan seems to be to add an extra bed to the 8-person dorm rooms. The administration does not want to go to triple bunking. Going from 8 people in the dorm rooms to 9 people in the dorm rooms seems like the best choice. If triple bunking was used, the room crowding would be much higher. Also, the administration would like to keep the gym clear.
IFC member Dr. Videen expressed concerns about crowding and the spread of contagion.
IFC member Marvin Coolbaugh asked about the original Honor Dorm 6-person dorm room concept. It was explained that this cannot be accomplished, due to overcrowding throughout the prison.
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7. INMATE NUMBERS, AND WHAT THEY MEAN:
Captain Harmon explained that the statewide women’s numbering system is simply sequential. The men started with “A”, and have already worked their way through to “T”. Women started with “W” (and it wasn’t because that stands for ‘women’, it was just coincidental), and they are now into “X”. the numbers started with “00001” and go through “99999”. There are no special clues in the numbers that tell about location, medical conditions, or anything else.
8. HURRICANE KATRINA PROJECT:
The Inmate Family Council statewide is involved in the “Hurricane Katrina Project”, which has been approved by the CDCR. IFC volunteers are helping inmates find loved ones who may have been dislocated by the recent hurricane disasters in the Gulf States.
The project is going very well. One of our IFC members, Nancy Rubinstein, is a team leader, and is active in the project. The project was developed from scratch, and will be reviewed for possible use in future similar disasters, by California, and possibly by other states, as well.
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C. OTHER DISCUSSION
1. MEDICAL ISSUES
Current Dental and Medical Staffing Levels at VSPW: Dr. Bowers is currently heading up the CMO’s office. He reported that they now have 5 dentists contracted to work with VSPW. Most of these dentists are semi-retired, but this is working out okay. The Medical Department is actively recruiting, but it has become increasingly difficult to do. This is due to the fact that the medical profession has lots of positions available to medical personnel that are much more competitive. The state will eventually up salary offers to be more competitive, but that will not be happening for some time yet, although Ms. Hornbeak reports that the state is currently beginning to explore raising salaries.
The other problem is that CDCR no longer allows regular family practitioners to be hired. There are 2 nurse practitioners on staff, and they are very good. However, we cannot simply increase the number of nurse practitioners, without the corresponding number of doctors already hired and in place. The state organizes slots for medical personnel according to a quota system. Nurse practitioners must have specific doctor oversight, and it’s ‘by the numbers’.
WAC Needs Regular meetings with Medical Staff: IFC members have heard from inmates that the WAC has not been able to have any regular meetings with Medical staff. Dr. Bowers says that they were able to meet with Medical yesterday, after not having a meeting with them since June.
Is the Incidence of Staph Increasing?: No increase of staph has been noted by the medical staff.
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Cleaning Supplies Available?: The IFC reported that inmates in the dorm rooms don’t have the cleaning supplies they need, and when they’re locked down, it’s impossible to get what they need.
The administration reported that cleaning supplies are available on the units, but can only be accessed when the doors are unlocked. Disinfectant is not allowed to be stored in the dorm rooms. However, there are plenty of cleaning supplies on the units, and when the doors are unlocked, it is okay for the women to access them as needed. They also report that Dr. Martin does regular audits on cleaning supplies on the units. The auditors check availability of supplies regularly every week, and any problems are brought to the attention of Housing, and then are followed up on. The Public Health Nurse that works at VSPW is part of the audit team.
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Physicals Given to Each New Incoming Inmate: Every inmate that comes in through Receiving is given a physical exam. This includes a blood draw (HIV may not be tested for without permission), a TB test, a Pap smear, a dental exam, and an interview with a registered nurse. The interview is scheduled to occur within approximately one hour of having entered the prison through Receiving. HIV peer counselors (inmates) regularly talk to the inmates about the HIV testing process, and encourage women to test for HIV.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B immunizations are not given at the prison. It’s too expensive and the women may reject this type of injection, if they choose to. Hepatitis B is estimated at a 3% conversion from clean to infected in the prison population. In other words, 3 inmates out of 100 inmates will contact Hepatitis B while in prison.
2. CHILDREN’S AREA IN THE VISITING ROOMS
Carpeting: Marvin Coolbaugh has heard that Sara Malone has told WAC that the IFC is replacing the Children’s Area carpeting. This is not so. Currently, we are working on our Kiln donation and on the Book Drive. We asked if there are any plans to clean or replace the carpeting in the Children’s Area. The staff present at our meeting were unaware of any plans to do anything with the Children’s Area. Captain Harmon said that someone would look at the carpeting and see what is needed.
Can Deposit Money in Visiting Rooms: Right now, the can and bottle deposits collected from the Visiting Rooms are turned over to Victim’s Services in Madera. The IFC respectfully requests that the administration consider allowing these refunds to be returned to the Visiting Rooms, as a way to raise funds for fixing the Children’s Areas, and getting games, toys, and books for them. It was pointed out that the bottle deposits are coming from the Visitors, and that the Visitors should be able to get some say in how those funds are distributed. It would be more appropriate to use them for needed Children’s Area materials and repairs.
ACTION ITEM: ASSISTANT WARDEN TINA HORNBEAK WILL LOOK INTO HOW THE REFUNDS MONEY IS ASSIGNED, AND SEE IF THIS ASSIGNMENT CAN BE CHANGED.
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3. HONOR DORM:
Honor Dorm Policies not yet implemented: Captain Martinez was at the meeting to give us information on the Honor Dorm. She is on the Honor Dorm Committee, and is scheduling a meeting within the next 2 weeks to go over the latest developments and work on some of the outstanding issues. The Warden and Captain Martinez have both been gone extensively over the last two months, and it has been difficult to get the issues updated and handled.
There are some issues that weren’t implemented when the Honor Dorm was put in place, and these have been outlined in a recent memo regarding policies and instructions that weren’t originally put in place on startup. Although the original Honor Dorm policy was signed, it didn’t include all the issues. These remaining issues have been documented, and the material is ready to go before Warden Henry for signing, hopefully within the next two weeks.
Honor Dorms at CCWF and CIW: Nancy Rubinstein reports that both of the other two women’s prisons have contacted our IFC to see about how to start an Honor Dorm at their prisons, too.
The inmates need to start the process. Captain Martinez says that if anyone would like some guidance in this process, they may contact her.
4. INDIGENT ENVELOPES:
Sgt. Jacobson has been notified that in August, indigent envelopes were short; there were less than 20 available for each inmate that qualified. The staff split up what was available, and distributed it evenly. This was a single months’ shortage, and it took about two weeks to get corrected. There are enough on hand now to get back up to the 20-per-inmate count.
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5. BOMB THREATS AND LOCKDOWNS:
There have been several lockdowns over the last two months because of bomb threats. The prison is still receiving anonymous notes saying that there are devices. The staff must take these threats seriously. The notes are found in medical co-pay boxes, on desks, in the warehouse, and in the mail. Investigative Services are working on ways to identify the individuals who are doing this. It appears to be more than one person is doing this.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections is having the same problem with bomb threats. VSPW is in touch with them, and they are trying to find some solutions. VSPW is the only prison in California having this problem steadily at this time.
Lockdowns are expensive, the inmates loose their regular programming, and they loose several privileges, such as canteen and library.
The canteen is off-limits during lockdowns. If an inmate misses her canteen time, she will not be able to do her shopping until the next cycle. If the lockdowns continue as they have been, some sort of modified canteen program may be considered. For now, however, once a canteen slot has been lost, it is lost with no recourse.
6. VISITING
Visiting Guideline Book: There is a new Visiting Guideline being produced by the Graphics Department at VSPW. It is very nicely put together. IFC would like to have a set distributed to IFC members.
Captain Harmon is the Visiting Sergeant at this time, and doesn’t have access to these booklets yet. She will look into it.
Lockdowns and Visiting: VSPW has been keeping Visiting open even during the ongoing lockdowns. Visiting has only been closed down twice during the last 1½ years.
If a visitor is told that the lockdowns are not allowing visits, the visitor should ask to talk to a Supervisor.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 PM.
Next Meeting: Friday, December 2, 2005
1:00 PM
VSPW Warden’s Conference Room
Minutes prepared by Nancy Rubinstein
Agenda Items for next meeting due by November 19, 2005.
