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April 5, 2002 Minutes

VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, April 5, 2002
Warden’s Conference Room

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Louisa Camorlinga
Marvin Coolbaugh
Lee Conroe
George Edding
Jim Gilmore
Elizabeth Muniz
Edvardo Pabros
ALTERNANTES PRESENT:
Leon Wiley
Michael W. Cox

MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT:
Virgil Jenzen
Donald Wheeler
Gloria Arreguin
Steven Lavoie
Martin Montalvo
Rosalia Carranco


 STAFF PRESENT:
Deborah Jacquez, Chief Deputy Warden
Kent Eichenberger, Associate Warden
Sylvia Hedlind, Community Resources Manager
Pat Callahan, Administrative Assistant
Sergeant Wozniak, Receiving and Release
Correctional Officer Evans, Receiving
Kim Gary, Executive Assistant and Release


The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:05 p.m. and Ms. Jacquez welcomed the council.

Portfolios and pens donated by Mr. Gilmore were distributed to the Inmate Family Council Members and Alternates present, as well as to VSPW staff. Thank you Mr. Gilmore.

The picture board and suggestion box has been set up in the Entrance Building. The minutes of the first meeting are posted there. Pictures were taken today of the council members and alternates so they can be posted.

PRESENTATION BY RECEIVING AND RELEASE:

Receiving and Release (R&R) Sergeant Wozniak and Officer Evans gave an overview of the rules, regulations and process of receiving and distributing quarterly packages.

Sergeant Wozniak distributed the Quarterly Package List, which was revised on March 14, 2002. This list is reviewed annually by the Warden. Quarterly packages are processed and distributed to the inmates within 15 day from the time VSPW receives them. Although delays can occur, every effort is made to stay within that timeframe. For example, when an inmate is ducated to receive a package and has a visit or a medical visit that takes precedence, the package is not received and the inmate has to be ducated again. Also, more packages are routinely received the last two weeks of the quarter and this makes it difficult to deliver these packages in a timely manner.


PRESENTATION OF RECEIVING AND RELEASE: (continued)

A concern was raised regarding mice droppings in the quarterly packages. Sergeant Wozniak explained that pest control is on grounds once a month to spray and mousetraps are laid out. The quarterly packages are kept on shelves and never on the ground. It should be noted that there have been no inmate appeals submitted regarding this issue.

When there are changes to the quarterly package process or vendor information, this information is distributed to the inmate population and also to the Women’s Advisory Council. It is the responsibility of the inmate to forward this information to her family and friends.

Agenda Item:
Potentially Inflammatory Books Received by Inmates.

Mr. Gilmore brought up the fact that there are books sent to inmates detailing the crimes of some of the inmates housed here. It is suspected that the subjects of these books are then harassed or threatened. Mr. Callahan reported that it is against the Penal Code to deny access to public information. If an inmate at VSPW is being threatened or harassed as a result of this material she should bring it to the attention of the Warden or Ombudsperson immediately.

Elections:

Council members nominated and elected officers as follows:

Chairperson – Marvin Coolbaugh

Vice-Chairperson – Jim Gilmore

Secretary – Edvardo Pabros


 General Discussion

There was a general consensus that there are medical issues the council wishes to discuss. It was determined that Dr. F. Follett, Chief Medical Officer, would be invited to attend the next meeting.

A question was raised as to whether or not the California Institution for Women would be closing. The possibility of Northern California Women’s Facility closing was also discussed. However, this is all purely speculation at this time.

Questions about the Heart Healthy Diet were raised. It was explained that this diet was mandated for use in prisons Statewide to reduce health risks. A sample menu is attached as requested by the council. Ombudsperson Ken Hurdle will address this issue at the next meeting.

No one present had attended the meeting regarding visiting issues held in Sacramento on March 8, 2002. The information from this meeting is being compiled by Headquarters and will be made available to the council when it is received at VSPW.

The high cost of collect telephone calls was brought up. Mr. Callahan stated that this is a Statewide issue. He informed the council that a new contract was signed off by Headquarters and that all the prisons will be receiving new equipment. This should decrease the number of dropped calls. Another issue raised was the frequency and volume of “branding” during a telephone conversation. Again, these are Statewide issues. Mr. Hurdle will discuss them at our next meeting.

Concerns regarding the food service provided for Visiting was discussed. Mr. Callahan informed the council that the contract is up for bid every four years. The same company provides services to CCWF.