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"Thank You Ladies"
August 2, 2002 Minutes
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday August 2, 2002
Warden's Conference Room
Members Present:
Louisa Camorlinga
Marvin Coolbaugh
Lee Conroe
Jim Gilmore
Elizabeth Muniz
Edvardo Pabros
Leon Wiley
Virgil Jenzen
Michael W. Cox
Alternates Present:
Maureen Burgess
Dr. John Stanley Videen
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT:
Martin Montalvo
Donald Wheeler
Rosalia Carranco
Steven Lavoie
Staff Present:
Gloria A. Henry, Warden
Alex Hernandez, Administrative Assistant (A)
Pat Callahan, Correctional Captain (A)
Kathleen Clemons, Appeals Coordinator
Kim Gary, Executive Assistant
Jerry Hazelwood, Correctional Plant Manager
The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:05 p.m. The Warden welcomed the council.
The issue of Quarterly Packages was discussed. A question was raised regarding why clear bottle lotion still has to be poured into a bag. The Warden pointed out that things can still be hidden in the liquid even though the bottle is clear. The Warden is reviewing the need to continue requiring see through containers particularly since everything gets poured into a bag for inspection. However, she is reluctant to make changes to current property, since the Department, has submitted new property regulations for review. The women’s prisons have different policies to approve property.
The sign which was posted indicating that toothpaste needed to be emptied was removed as soon as it was brought to the Warden’s attention. Pump toothpaste is no longer allowed, only regular squeeze tube.
General Discussion
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh started the meeting with addressing old business, which begin with the issue of water testing and the committee’s ability to receive copies of the test.
Jerry Hazelwood, Correctional Plant Manager, was present to discuss VSPW’s water testing requirements and to provide copies of the institutions water testing report. A correction was made to the last meeting where it was indicated that CALOSHA conducted the testing on VSPW’s water, which is incorrect. Mr. Hazelwood clarified that it is the Department of Water Resources that conducts the testing and provides the report reflecting the sample results. He further indicated that these results are required by law to be posted for review by all visitors, staff and inmates. Currently, these reports are posted in every housing unit, yard program building, administration building and visitor processing center. Mr. Hazelwood stated that his staff take samples of the water and conducts various tests to include testing for chlorine levels on a daily basis.
Mr. Cox raised the issue with regards to the high number of inmates who are diagnosed with various forms of cancer and suggesting that it was directly related to the institutions water source. The Warden asked Mr. Cox if he had any data to support his claim, because there had been no such determination made from a medical perspective that inmates came to prison free of cancer. It was stated that staff only drink bottled water, yet the inmates don’t have access to bottled water. A suggestion was made that perhaps bottled water could be made available to the population through the inmate Canteen. The Warden indicated that because of limited space in the canteen typically when new items are introduced, an existing item would have to be removed. She further indicated that the Women’s Advisory Council (WAC) representing the desires of the population usually initiates this process. Another option was suggested, a water softener/filtering system for the drinking water. The Warden advised that due to current budget issues that it is not an option any time soon, nor is there any reason to suggest such a system is necessary. Dr. Videen, introduced himself as a medical doctor and biochemist, and commented on his review of the water report. He advised the group that the test results met California standards and the water to be appropriate for public consumption. He did indicate trace levels of pesticides were noted but not harmful. He suggested to the council members that perhaps they could pool their resources and pay for further independent water sampling tests to be conducted.
¨ M. Coolbaugh was concerned with the suggestion box in the Visiting Room. He made allegations that staff have destroyed, censored, or edited mail intended for the Inmate Family Council. It was his understanding that an officer, staff and a Council Member would be present at each opening of the suggestion box.
The Warden clarified the original intent of the current suggestion box, in that it was never placed there specifically for the Inmate Family Council. The suggestion box was placed in all institutions as directed by the previous Director of Corrections along with questionnaires available for visitors to complete commenting on their experience while visiting. The Warden further expressed her concern that Mr. Cox and Mr. Coolbaugh throwing out innuendos that someone on her Administration staff would have a need to censor what is given to the Council from the suggestion box. She asked them both if they had information that visitors had placed items in the box addressed to the Inmate Family Council. They indicated they had been told that but were unable or unwilling to provide specifics. If the Inmate Family Council is interested in having a box specifically for mail intended for the Council, this can be arranged. Mr. Coolbaugh was interested in having a box. He will provide the lock and key and will have the sole responsibility of checking the box.
The Warden let the Council know that only the Administrative Assistant, Chief Deputy Warden and Warden have the key to the Suggestion Box. She has complete trust in these individuals. The Administrative Assistant (A) did have one piece of mail from the Suggestion Box intended for Mr. Jim Gilmore which he delivered. Mr. Coolbaugh specifically asked A. Hernandez, Administrative Assistant (A) if he had taken or tampered with anything from the Suggestion Box. Mr. Hernandez replied, “No”. Mr. Coolbaugh asked for this information to be placed in the minutes. The Warden was concerned with the tone of the meeting. She indicated that the reason the Council was established was to help positive staff/inmate visitor relations and she was not feeling that the meeting was being conducted in a positive manner.
Mr. Callahan made the suggestion that facts should be brought to these meetings not innuendos
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh distributed a “Notice” flyer he would like placed in the Visitor Processing area. The flyer contains information on the Inmate Family Council’s Web Page and e-mail address. The Warden approved his distribution of the flyer. The flyer will also be posted inside each visiting room (attached).
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh voiced his opinion that he has not experienced any drop off calls since he switched to Pac Bell from MCI. The branding has slowed down also. J. Hazelwood indicated that the contractor/engineers are looking to see why the drop offs are occurring. They are running tests. Mr. Coolbaugh suggested that the problem is probably not with the VSPW equipment as originally suggested by MCI, but MCI needs to upgrade their equipment fairly quickly or he would be reporting them to the Public Utilities Committee.
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh raised the concern that the meeting minutes are being edited and items are left out. He asked the process of our minute taking. Mrs. Gary, Executive Assistant, explained that the initial minutes are taken by her, a draft submitted to Ms. Hedlind and forwarded to the Warden for final approval and signature. The Warden advised him that she does review the minutes for approval prior to distribution, however, has not had an occasion to take anything out or “soften” them up. Again she asked Mr. Coolbaugh to be specific regarding what he thought was changed or left out of the last minutes. He indicated a statement made by Lt. Donaldson regarding staff discipline and inmates not knowing what happens. The Warden referred him to the minutes of the last meeting. The information was in the minutes. Warden Henry advised the committee that her review of the minutes is to ensure accuracy, not censor. Mr. Coolbaugh was also concerned that minutes were taking a long time to get to the Council Members. He would like to see them distributed in a timelier manner. The Warden agreed to have the minutes distributed by ten working days. The minutes will continue to be posted on the board under the Council members pictures for visitors to see. The minutes will also be posted in the housing units.
¨ There was a concern that money orders and mail are taking an excessive amount of time to reach the inmates. P. Callahan will have R. Jordan, Correctional Captain (A), look into this matter on August 5, 2002. P. Callahan indicated that the Quarterly Packages are about 12 days behind schedule. He also explained that there has been a shortage of staff in the Mailroom, which has put the Mailroom approximately two - three weeks behind schedule. Custody staff that are on light duty have been helping with the backlog.
¨ Per Mr. Coolbaugh, he would like to see the communication at VSPW get better. The “real world” is that the current situation is not good. He still feels that CCPOA encourages the code of silence and staff cover up of wrong doings. The Warden stated the need to continue working on communication.
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh would like to see the Inmate Family Council information disseminated to the inmate population and to inform the population that they are here. Dr. Videen suggested that the WAC be able to attend the meeting. Warden Henry advised him that was not possible nor appropriate since this committee was formed to establish a line of communication with inmate family members and the administration. The Warden indicated that the WAC is aware of the Council and the Council’s board is up for visitors to see. The Warden also meets with WAC on a monthly basis, which is their forum to address issues/concerns. The WAC also has monthly meeting with various administrative staff in different departments.
¨ A. Hernandez gave the Council a sample of the Inmate Family Council logo provided by Graphic Arts at VSPW.
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh inquired about Ken Hurdle, Ombudsperson, not being present at the meeting. The Warden explained that Mr. Hurdle has a busy schedule assisting Wardens who are in the Confirmation Process. The Warden announced that two new Ombudsperson positions have been filled. They work for the Director and act as a liaison for inmates and citizens. The Ombudsperson has a box on the yards and he/she is the only one with access to the box.
¨ M. Cox distributed an article on “Prison Barriors” (attached).
¨ The members of the Council would like to meet an hour before the meeting to go over any issues of concern. The Warden’s Conference Room will be booked accordingly. The suggestion of refreshments was brought up.
¨ J. Gilmore inquired about a dry cleaning spill. Mr. Hazelwood gave a brief synopsis of the events that occurred. The Vocational Instructor had a test of the soil done which came back clean. An outside contractor took two tests, which also came back clean. The crew of inmates who assisted in the clean up wore gloves and masks.
PRESENTATION OF APPEALS PROCESS
K. Clemons, Appeals Coordinator, gave a presentation and overview of the appeals process. Each yard has an appeals box, which is checked by the Appeals Office Assistant every Tuesday and Thursday. There are only two keys which are issued to the Appeals Coordinator and Office Assistant. Ms. Clemons distributed the CDC 602 Appeals Form (attached) used to initiate the grievance process. An inmate is allowed to appeal anything she feels has an adverse affect on her welfare. The appeals process has specific timeframes, which are located in the Title 15. The CDC 602 Form currently in use does not have the updated timeframe information on it. The inmates are aware of the new timeframes as the Title 15 is given to each inmate.
The informal level appeals are not tracked by the Appeals Coordinator. First and Second Level Appeals are tracked by the Appeals Coordinator. She has a database which provides logging numbers for each CDC 602.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting
¨ Would like Sgt. Wozniak, Receiving and Release, to come back to the meeting to discuss quarterly packages and the timeframe for distribution.
¨ Availability Distribution Process of Cleaning Items to the Inmates
Next Meeting:
October 4, 2002
1:00 p.m.
VSPW’s Warden’s Conference Room
|
Complaints & Appeals
IFC Suggestion Box IFC Fliers |
IFC Minutes Editing
Quarterly Package Items Water Quality |
Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
August 2, 2002 Minutes
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday August 2, 2002
Warden's Conference Room
Members Present:
Louisa Camorlinga
Marvin Coolbaugh
Lee Conroe
Jim Gilmore
Elizabeth Muniz
Edvardo Pabros
Leon Wiley
Virgil Jenzen
Michael W. Cox
Alternates Present:
Maureen Burgess
Dr. John Stanley Videen
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT:
Martin Montalvo
Donald Wheeler
Rosalia Carranco
Steven Lavoie
Staff Present:
Gloria A. Henry, Warden
Alex Hernandez, Administrative Assistant (A)
Pat Callahan, Correctional Captain (A)
Kathleen Clemons, Appeals Coordinator
Kim Gary, Executive Assistant
Jerry Hazelwood, Correctional Plant Manager
The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:05 p.m. The Warden welcomed the council.
The issue of Quarterly Packages was discussed. A question was raised regarding why clear bottle lotion still has to be poured into a bag. The Warden pointed out that things can still be hidden in the liquid even though the bottle is clear. The Warden is reviewing the need to continue requiring see through containers particularly since everything gets poured into a bag for inspection. However, she is reluctant to make changes to current property, since the Department, has submitted new property regulations for review. The women’s prisons have different policies to approve property.
The sign which was posted indicating that toothpaste needed to be emptied was removed as soon as it was brought to the Warden’s attention. Pump toothpaste is no longer allowed, only regular squeeze tube.
General Discussion
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh started the meeting with addressing old business, which begin with the issue of water testing and the committee’s ability to receive copies of the test.
Jerry Hazelwood, Correctional Plant Manager, was present to discuss VSPW’s water testing requirements and to provide copies of the institutions water testing report. A correction was made to the last meeting where it was indicated that CALOSHA conducted the testing on VSPW’s water, which is incorrect. Mr. Hazelwood clarified that it is the Department of Water Resources that conducts the testing and provides the report reflecting the sample results. He further indicated that these results are required by law to be posted for review by all visitors, staff and inmates. Currently, these reports are posted in every housing unit, yard program building, administration building and visitor processing center. Mr. Hazelwood stated that his staff take samples of the water and conducts various tests to include testing for chlorine levels on a daily basis.
Mr. Cox raised the issue with regards to the high number of inmates who are diagnosed with various forms of cancer and suggesting that it was directly related to the institutions water source. The Warden asked Mr. Cox if he had any data to support his claim, because there had been no such determination made from a medical perspective that inmates came to prison free of cancer. It was stated that staff only drink bottled water, yet the inmates don’t have access to bottled water. A suggestion was made that perhaps bottled water could be made available to the population through the inmate Canteen. The Warden indicated that because of limited space in the canteen typically when new items are introduced, an existing item would have to be removed. She further indicated that the Women’s Advisory Council (WAC) representing the desires of the population usually initiates this process. Another option was suggested, a water softener/filtering system for the drinking water. The Warden advised that due to current budget issues that it is not an option any time soon, nor is there any reason to suggest such a system is necessary. Dr. Videen, introduced himself as a medical doctor and biochemist, and commented on his review of the water report. He advised the group that the test results met California standards and the water to be appropriate for public consumption. He did indicate trace levels of pesticides were noted but not harmful. He suggested to the council members that perhaps they could pool their resources and pay for further independent water sampling tests to be conducted.
¨ M. Coolbaugh was concerned with the suggestion box in the Visiting Room. He made allegations that staff have destroyed, censored, or edited mail intended for the Inmate Family Council. It was his understanding that an officer, staff and a Council Member would be present at each opening of the suggestion box.
The Warden clarified the original intent of the current suggestion box, in that it was never placed there specifically for the Inmate Family Council. The suggestion box was placed in all institutions as directed by the previous Director of Corrections along with questionnaires available for visitors to complete commenting on their experience while visiting. The Warden further expressed her concern that Mr. Cox and Mr. Coolbaugh throwing out innuendos that someone on her Administration staff would have a need to censor what is given to the Council from the suggestion box. She asked them both if they had information that visitors had placed items in the box addressed to the Inmate Family Council. They indicated they had been told that but were unable or unwilling to provide specifics. If the Inmate Family Council is interested in having a box specifically for mail intended for the Council, this can be arranged. Mr. Coolbaugh was interested in having a box. He will provide the lock and key and will have the sole responsibility of checking the box.
The Warden let the Council know that only the Administrative Assistant, Chief Deputy Warden and Warden have the key to the Suggestion Box. She has complete trust in these individuals. The Administrative Assistant (A) did have one piece of mail from the Suggestion Box intended for Mr. Jim Gilmore which he delivered. Mr. Coolbaugh specifically asked A. Hernandez, Administrative Assistant (A) if he had taken or tampered with anything from the Suggestion Box. Mr. Hernandez replied, “No”. Mr. Coolbaugh asked for this information to be placed in the minutes. The Warden was concerned with the tone of the meeting. She indicated that the reason the Council was established was to help positive staff/inmate visitor relations and she was not feeling that the meeting was being conducted in a positive manner.
Mr. Callahan made the suggestion that facts should be brought to these meetings not innuendos
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh distributed a “Notice” flyer he would like placed in the Visitor Processing area. The flyer contains information on the Inmate Family Council’s Web Page and e-mail address. The Warden approved his distribution of the flyer. The flyer will also be posted inside each visiting room (attached).
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh voiced his opinion that he has not experienced any drop off calls since he switched to Pac Bell from MCI. The branding has slowed down also. J. Hazelwood indicated that the contractor/engineers are looking to see why the drop offs are occurring. They are running tests. Mr. Coolbaugh suggested that the problem is probably not with the VSPW equipment as originally suggested by MCI, but MCI needs to upgrade their equipment fairly quickly or he would be reporting them to the Public Utilities Committee.
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh raised the concern that the meeting minutes are being edited and items are left out. He asked the process of our minute taking. Mrs. Gary, Executive Assistant, explained that the initial minutes are taken by her, a draft submitted to Ms. Hedlind and forwarded to the Warden for final approval and signature. The Warden advised him that she does review the minutes for approval prior to distribution, however, has not had an occasion to take anything out or “soften” them up. Again she asked Mr. Coolbaugh to be specific regarding what he thought was changed or left out of the last minutes. He indicated a statement made by Lt. Donaldson regarding staff discipline and inmates not knowing what happens. The Warden referred him to the minutes of the last meeting. The information was in the minutes. Warden Henry advised the committee that her review of the minutes is to ensure accuracy, not censor. Mr. Coolbaugh was also concerned that minutes were taking a long time to get to the Council Members. He would like to see them distributed in a timelier manner. The Warden agreed to have the minutes distributed by ten working days. The minutes will continue to be posted on the board under the Council members pictures for visitors to see. The minutes will also be posted in the housing units.
¨ There was a concern that money orders and mail are taking an excessive amount of time to reach the inmates. P. Callahan will have R. Jordan, Correctional Captain (A), look into this matter on August 5, 2002. P. Callahan indicated that the Quarterly Packages are about 12 days behind schedule. He also explained that there has been a shortage of staff in the Mailroom, which has put the Mailroom approximately two - three weeks behind schedule. Custody staff that are on light duty have been helping with the backlog.
¨ Per Mr. Coolbaugh, he would like to see the communication at VSPW get better. The “real world” is that the current situation is not good. He still feels that CCPOA encourages the code of silence and staff cover up of wrong doings. The Warden stated the need to continue working on communication.
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh would like to see the Inmate Family Council information disseminated to the inmate population and to inform the population that they are here. Dr. Videen suggested that the WAC be able to attend the meeting. Warden Henry advised him that was not possible nor appropriate since this committee was formed to establish a line of communication with inmate family members and the administration. The Warden indicated that the WAC is aware of the Council and the Council’s board is up for visitors to see. The Warden also meets with WAC on a monthly basis, which is their forum to address issues/concerns. The WAC also has monthly meeting with various administrative staff in different departments.
¨ A. Hernandez gave the Council a sample of the Inmate Family Council logo provided by Graphic Arts at VSPW.
¨ Mr. Coolbaugh inquired about Ken Hurdle, Ombudsperson, not being present at the meeting. The Warden explained that Mr. Hurdle has a busy schedule assisting Wardens who are in the Confirmation Process. The Warden announced that two new Ombudsperson positions have been filled. They work for the Director and act as a liaison for inmates and citizens. The Ombudsperson has a box on the yards and he/she is the only one with access to the box.
¨ M. Cox distributed an article on “Prison Barriors” (attached).
¨ The members of the Council would like to meet an hour before the meeting to go over any issues of concern. The Warden’s Conference Room will be booked accordingly. The suggestion of refreshments was brought up.
¨ J. Gilmore inquired about a dry cleaning spill. Mr. Hazelwood gave a brief synopsis of the events that occurred. The Vocational Instructor had a test of the soil done which came back clean. An outside contractor took two tests, which also came back clean. The crew of inmates who assisted in the clean up wore gloves and masks.
PRESENTATION OF APPEALS PROCESS
K. Clemons, Appeals Coordinator, gave a presentation and overview of the appeals process. Each yard has an appeals box, which is checked by the Appeals Office Assistant every Tuesday and Thursday. There are only two keys which are issued to the Appeals Coordinator and Office Assistant. Ms. Clemons distributed the CDC 602 Appeals Form (attached) used to initiate the grievance process. An inmate is allowed to appeal anything she feels has an adverse affect on her welfare. The appeals process has specific timeframes, which are located in the Title 15. The CDC 602 Form currently in use does not have the updated timeframe information on it. The inmates are aware of the new timeframes as the Title 15 is given to each inmate.
The informal level appeals are not tracked by the Appeals Coordinator. First and Second Level Appeals are tracked by the Appeals Coordinator. She has a database which provides logging numbers for each CDC 602.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting
¨ Would like Sgt. Wozniak, Receiving and Release, to come back to the meeting to discuss quarterly packages and the timeframe for distribution.
¨ Availability Distribution Process of Cleaning Items to the Inmates
Next Meeting:
October 4, 2002
1:00 p.m.
VSPW’s Warden’s Conference Room
