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"Thank You Ladies"
Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, February 7, 2003
Warden’s Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Louisa Camorlinga
Marvin Coolbaugh
Lee Conroe
Leon Wiley
Michael W. Cox
Elizabeth Muniz
Edvardo Pabros
Virgil Jenzen
John Videen
ALTERNATES PRESENT:
Maureen Burgess
John Errante
Wanda Patton
Joan Taylor
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT:
Jim Gilmore
David Miller
STAFF PRESENT:
Gloria Henry, Warden
Robert Padilla, Associate Warden
Deborah Zeh, Ombudsperson
P. Callahan, Correctional Captain
Lieutenant Donaldson
Javier Cavazos, Administrative Assistant Sylvia Hedlind, CRM
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, February 7, 2003
Warden’s Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Louisa Camorlinga
Marvin Coolbaugh
Lee Conroe
Leon Wiley
Michael W. Cox
Elizabeth Muniz
Edvardo Pabros
Virgil Jenzen
John Videen
ALTERNATES PRESENT:
Maureen Burgess
John Errante
Wanda Patton
Joan Taylor
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT:
Jim Gilmore
David Miller
STAFF PRESENT:
Gloria Henry, Warden
Robert Padilla, Associate Warden
Deborah Zeh, Ombudsperson
P. Callahan, Correctional Captain
Lieutenant Donaldson
Javier Cavazos, Administrative Assistant Sylvia Hedlind, CRM
The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:05 p.m.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Quarterly Packages:
The fact that the California State tax seal is required on all cigarettes mailed to inmates in quarterly packages was discussed. A copy of the addendum to Operational Procedure 54030.01 is attached. This information was posted for inmates through a flyer (copy attached) put out by the Women’s Advisory Council. It was confirmed that cigarettes that do not have the tax seal will not be allowed into the institution.
The Inmate Family Council (IFC) requested that additional canned items be added to the quarterly package list. After much discussion, the final outcome to this request is that Headquarters is working on a standardized list of property allowed in quarterly packages for all prisons and no changes will be made at this time in anticipation of this list. Ms. Henry also explained that there is a limit to what can be allowed.
A member of the IFC asked why blue clothing is not allowed in quarterly packages.
Ms. Henry responded that the color is often associated with gang membership and therefore not allowed. The restriction on spandex clothing was also questioned. Spandex is only allowed in underclothing and the waistbands of clothing. Although spandex is popular in today’s clothes, there is a wide variety to choose from that does not contain spandex.
A member of the IFC asked why dental floss is not allowed in quarterly packages. It is not allowed because it is available to inmates in Canteen. Ms. Henry told the IFC that in many institutions, anything available through Canteen is not allowed in quarterly packages.
A member of the IFC asked what belts are allowed. This was discussed and the Quarterly Package List was reviewed. Without seeing the belt, it was not possible to say why it was disallowed. However, when an item is not approved and the inmate questions it, she may appeal this decision.
MCI Telephone Service:
The MCI posting (copy attached) for inmates to read regarding a change in MCI telephone billing was discussed. The IFC said the posting was confusing and alternatives to MCI were not mentioned. It was explained that the Department of Corrections has a contract with MCI through the State bidding process and the information disseminated in the posting came directly from MCI. Although there is a telephone number on the posting that family and friends can call to get help, it was reported that it is very difficult to get through on that number. Ms. Zeh is taking these concerns to Headquarters for clarification and assistance.
Medical Issues:
Several IFC members said they have been getting reports that inmates are not being seen by Medical Staff in Facility C in a timely manner. Both Ms. Zeh and Ms. Henry explained that this is a difficult issue to address without specific information. They explained that the Inmate Appeal Process is available and the inmates can write directly to the Warden or the Ombudsperson when they want to report something of this nature. Ms. Zeh went on to explain that although inmates are welcome and encouraged to bring things of this nature to her attention, she will not circumvent the Inmate Appeal Process. Except in emergency situations, when she receives a complaint, she ensures that the Inmate Appeal Process has been exhausted before she intervenes. However, because of the IFCs concerns, Ms. Henry will check on the status of time frames for medical attention in Facility C.
A question was raised regarding the use of Celebrex, as this drug has been known to have side effects. Dr. Videen interjected that some people have an adverse reaction to Celebrex, but it is a widely accepted medication. He went on to say that there have been no indications that it should not be used. This brought up the question as to whether or not Medical Staff are questioning the inmates about known allergies. Questions about allergies are routinely asked when medication is administered.
There was a discussion about the availability of Medical/Dental treatment and it was asked if an outside doctor or dentist can treat an inmate if there is no expense to the State. This type of arrangement can be made with the consent of the Warden and the Health Care Manager. The process can be initiated through a written request to the Warden.
The IFC was informed that immunizations are given to the inmates as medically indicated.
The question regarding an alleged outbreak of H.pylori was addressed. According to the VSPW Medical Staff, the occurrence of H. pylori at VSPW is equal to the number of occurrences in the outside community. The Medical Staff is very aware of the symptoms and treatment, and are careful not to misdiagnose it as the flu.
Family Visiting Menu:
The IFC members asked how the menu was developed for family visiting. It is the opinion of the IFC that the food provided for family visits could be better, as it is all frozen and costly. They also said the refrigerator provided is too small and there are no cooking utensils available. Lieutenant Donaldson is in the process of reviewing these issues and will report his findings at the next meeting.
General Discussion:
An IFC member asked why inmates cannot supplement their lunch with food they have purchased through the Canteen. It was mentioned that some of the food they would like to bring through Work-Change to their work-site has been prepared in their room. It was explained that the food that is served in the box lunch does not need refrigeration and is safe to eat later in the day. Since there is no way of ensuring that food illegally prepared by the inmates in their rooms is safe to eat without refrigeration, it cannot be allowed to pass through Work-Change. Furthermore, the calories provided the inmates each day are adequate and do not require supplementation.
A follow-up question to this was that inmates need additional disinfectant so they can clean up after cooking in their rooms. Ms. Henry informed the IFC that inmates are not allowed to cook in their room. (Please refer to the minutes of the December 2002 meeting regarding cleaning supplies issued to inmates.)
There was a question regarding what percentage of each dollar paid to the institution for services is kept by the institution. Mr. Henry responded that ten percent goes to the Inmate Welfare Fund.
The question was raised again regarding inmates working on their days off. It was determined that this should be handled outside the IFC. Lieutenant Donaldson is working with the IFC member who has a concern.
A question was raised regarding whether or not the mail was caught up. It was reported to the IFC that the mail was somewhat behind due to the holidays, but that it is caught up now.
The IFC thanked the Warden for the television and the VCR in Visiting, but said it is not always available to visitors. Lieutenant Donaldson said there are videos and they should always be available. He will look into this matter, and report back at the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1550 hours.
All agenda items for the next meeting should be submitted to Ms. Hedlind by March 19, 2003.
Next Meeting:
April 4, 2003
1:00 p.m.
VSPW Warden’s Conference Room
AGENDA ITEMS:
Quarterly Packages:
The fact that the California State tax seal is required on all cigarettes mailed to inmates in quarterly packages was discussed. A copy of the addendum to Operational Procedure 54030.01 is attached. This information was posted for inmates through a flyer (copy attached) put out by the Women’s Advisory Council. It was confirmed that cigarettes that do not have the tax seal will not be allowed into the institution.
The Inmate Family Council (IFC) requested that additional canned items be added to the quarterly package list. After much discussion, the final outcome to this request is that Headquarters is working on a standardized list of property allowed in quarterly packages for all prisons and no changes will be made at this time in anticipation of this list. Ms. Henry also explained that there is a limit to what can be allowed.
A member of the IFC asked why blue clothing is not allowed in quarterly packages.
Ms. Henry responded that the color is often associated with gang membership and therefore not allowed. The restriction on spandex clothing was also questioned. Spandex is only allowed in underclothing and the waistbands of clothing. Although spandex is popular in today’s clothes, there is a wide variety to choose from that does not contain spandex.
A member of the IFC asked why dental floss is not allowed in quarterly packages. It is not allowed because it is available to inmates in Canteen. Ms. Henry told the IFC that in many institutions, anything available through Canteen is not allowed in quarterly packages.
A member of the IFC asked what belts are allowed. This was discussed and the Quarterly Package List was reviewed. Without seeing the belt, it was not possible to say why it was disallowed. However, when an item is not approved and the inmate questions it, she may appeal this decision.
MCI Telephone Service:
The MCI posting (copy attached) for inmates to read regarding a change in MCI telephone billing was discussed. The IFC said the posting was confusing and alternatives to MCI were not mentioned. It was explained that the Department of Corrections has a contract with MCI through the State bidding process and the information disseminated in the posting came directly from MCI. Although there is a telephone number on the posting that family and friends can call to get help, it was reported that it is very difficult to get through on that number. Ms. Zeh is taking these concerns to Headquarters for clarification and assistance.
Medical Issues:
Several IFC members said they have been getting reports that inmates are not being seen by Medical Staff in Facility C in a timely manner. Both Ms. Zeh and Ms. Henry explained that this is a difficult issue to address without specific information. They explained that the Inmate Appeal Process is available and the inmates can write directly to the Warden or the Ombudsperson when they want to report something of this nature. Ms. Zeh went on to explain that although inmates are welcome and encouraged to bring things of this nature to her attention, she will not circumvent the Inmate Appeal Process. Except in emergency situations, when she receives a complaint, she ensures that the Inmate Appeal Process has been exhausted before she intervenes. However, because of the IFCs concerns, Ms. Henry will check on the status of time frames for medical attention in Facility C.
A question was raised regarding the use of Celebrex, as this drug has been known to have side effects. Dr. Videen interjected that some people have an adverse reaction to Celebrex, but it is a widely accepted medication. He went on to say that there have been no indications that it should not be used. This brought up the question as to whether or not Medical Staff are questioning the inmates about known allergies. Questions about allergies are routinely asked when medication is administered.
There was a discussion about the availability of Medical/Dental treatment and it was asked if an outside doctor or dentist can treat an inmate if there is no expense to the State. This type of arrangement can be made with the consent of the Warden and the Health Care Manager. The process can be initiated through a written request to the Warden.
The IFC was informed that immunizations are given to the inmates as medically indicated.
The question regarding an alleged outbreak of H.pylori was addressed. According to the VSPW Medical Staff, the occurrence of H. pylori at VSPW is equal to the number of occurrences in the outside community. The Medical Staff is very aware of the symptoms and treatment, and are careful not to misdiagnose it as the flu.
Family Visiting Menu:
The IFC members asked how the menu was developed for family visiting. It is the opinion of the IFC that the food provided for family visits could be better, as it is all frozen and costly. They also said the refrigerator provided is too small and there are no cooking utensils available. Lieutenant Donaldson is in the process of reviewing these issues and will report his findings at the next meeting.
General Discussion:
An IFC member asked why inmates cannot supplement their lunch with food they have purchased through the Canteen. It was mentioned that some of the food they would like to bring through Work-Change to their work-site has been prepared in their room. It was explained that the food that is served in the box lunch does not need refrigeration and is safe to eat later in the day. Since there is no way of ensuring that food illegally prepared by the inmates in their rooms is safe to eat without refrigeration, it cannot be allowed to pass through Work-Change. Furthermore, the calories provided the inmates each day are adequate and do not require supplementation.
A follow-up question to this was that inmates need additional disinfectant so they can clean up after cooking in their rooms. Ms. Henry informed the IFC that inmates are not allowed to cook in their room. (Please refer to the minutes of the December 2002 meeting regarding cleaning supplies issued to inmates.)
There was a question regarding what percentage of each dollar paid to the institution for services is kept by the institution. Mr. Henry responded that ten percent goes to the Inmate Welfare Fund.
The question was raised again regarding inmates working on their days off. It was determined that this should be handled outside the IFC. Lieutenant Donaldson is working with the IFC member who has a concern.
A question was raised regarding whether or not the mail was caught up. It was reported to the IFC that the mail was somewhat behind due to the holidays, but that it is caught up now.
The IFC thanked the Warden for the television and the VCR in Visiting, but said it is not always available to visitors. Lieutenant Donaldson said there are videos and they should always be available. He will look into this matter, and report back at the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1550 hours.
All agenda items for the next meeting should be submitted to Ms. Hedlind by March 19, 2003.
Next Meeting:
April 4, 2003
1:00 p.m.
VSPW Warden’s Conference Room
