Sierra Conservation Center

Last night, I was called to the podium at 4:30 pm by the Correction Officer. I was summoned to bring my identification card and to be fully dressed. I threw on my orange top and walked briskly to the podium. I was greeted by another CO who was there to collect a sample of my DNA. I had already done this in county, but the state needed to do this as well. He was very pleasant and walked me through the process. He told me about the DNA sample which needed to be collected prior to my transfer. As I swabbed my gums seven times with the tongue-like instrument, the CO asked me where I was being transferred. I told him Jamestown – SCC – and he said, “That is great. How did you manage that?”

I told him, “God was watching out for me or someone is watching out for me.”

He replied, “ This is good that you acknowledge that this is good luck.”

I said, “Good night” and went to bed.

The process for my transfer was in full gear with another step taken. After this I went to dinner with the “normal inmate” and a few other “friend-like inmates”. This would be my last dinner at the Reception Center and most likely the last time I would see these inmates. Dinner was actually edible for me because it was Spanish rice, red beans, corn, lettuce, chicken enchiladas (which I traded for rice) and tortillas. I made myself a vegetable burrito and was actually satisfied for the first time in a long time. Unfortunately, due to the seating arrangements, I did not sit with my friend – the “normal inmate” – but he was at the adjacent table. I was at a table with the inmates who I have been close to over the past two months.

After dinner, I settled with the rest of the inmates to watch game seven of the Met / Cardinals Series. Unfortunately, the Mets came up a little short and I would imagine my brother-in-law and nephew were going a little crazy during the game because they are “die-hard” Mets fans. It was a great game and most of the inmates were rooting for the Cardinals with very few of them cheering for the Mets. There was a great deal of comical antics during the game and even though the Mets lost, I enjoyed myself watching the game.

The game ended and I went around to those inmates who I have been acquainted with to say good-byes. Including the “normal inmate,” there were four inmates who I said good-bye to. It’s very interesting because two months ago, I knew no one and now considering the circumstances, I felt close to these four inmates. Now we are all going our separate ways which is just how it goes. I did save my good-bye for the “normal inmate” when I departed at 3:00 am per his request. Yes, the CO came over to my bunk area to wake me up at 2:45 am, but I was already awake when he came by. I got out of my bunk, dressed, brushed my teeth, and stopped by the “normal” inmate’s bunk said my good-bye and off I went with six other inmates from the dorm. All seven of us were going to Sierra Conservation Center and we were all the same race which seemed a little unusual.
As we walked toward the checkpoint, we met up with four other inmates from other dormitories and they were of different races than we were. This was more the case and I stopped reading into it once I saw them. We went through the checkpoint but not before we were padded down by the COs. The one who padded me down was the same one who led us over to the kitchen at 4:30 am. He recognized me and asked how I was doing which I thought was very nice of him. Then we were led over to the R&R (I should know what these letters stand for but I don’t. I just know it’s the area where everyone comes in and departs). We were then stripped searched just as I was when I came in on August 11th. All of us took off our clothes and were given paper boxers, paper tee-shirts, and a red paper jumpsuit. These were our transfer clothes and after putting them on, all eleven of us were led into a holding cell. It was now 3:20 am and we were given a sack breakfast of peanut butter, jelly, potato chips, cookies, and an apple. I thought this to be a peculiar breakfast and when the CO told us we couldn’t take it with us on the bus, I wondered to myself when I would eat this. We sat there for a few hours and were joined by another inmate.

This inmate looked to be 12 years old – but was actually in his early 20’s – and as I listened to him speak, I realized he has been in trouble for his entire short life. As he spoke, I noticed a bravado, and it was almost as if he was wearing a badge of honor for being in prison. I thought to myself, what a shame this was, and I instantly thought of my five year old son and how I hope and pray he continues to be a good kid.

The six other inmates in the cell were from my dorm and I knew each one. I wouldn’t say I became friendly with them except for the one who was the oldest of the group. He is from the same area where I used to live and he also had the same judge as I did. He had also been to Jamestown a few times and knows the drill inside and out. He was the one to tell me about the fire camp which is located very near to where I used to live. In fact, he has done a great deal of construction on this camp and knows the “powers to be” very well. He is also the one who came to the Reception Center the same day as I did and had very similar transfers. There was some type of connection and I wanted to stay close to him for his knowledge.

We sat in the holding cell until 5:40 am when the CO called each one of us out. We were again stripped searched and after this, we received the handcuffs and leg irons for the bus ride. On days like today, I do everything in my power to stay positive because these are the horrible consequences of my horrible actions. I am treated just like the murderer and the rapist because we are all criminals. Even though I do everything in my power to stay positive, it is very difficult not to have a complete breakdown. Fortunately, so far, I have not. I have fallen into a depressed state, but I think about my creed of being safe and being strong. Also, I constantly think about those three wonderful people in New Jersey and how I look forward to being with them in due time.

We were lead onto the bus in our handcuffs and leg irons – I had a chain around my waist and was handcuffed to the chain. This was different from the county where I was handcuffed to another prisoner for that bus ride. The transportation CO then gave us the “rule” of the bus ride which was when the bus was moving we were not to make a sound; he made this crystal clear to the 26 inmates on board. The bus was separated by a metal fence where 23 of us sat. In front of the metal fence were three individual cages where the remaining three sat in their handcuffs and leg irons. We were told by the CO that it would be a 4 hour ride to Jamestown. Around 6:00 am, after the two CO’s in the rear of the bus obtained their shotguns from the weapon’s shed, we were on our way.

As I looked around this was again a very real experience. It is no longer an outer body / surreal experience. This is my reality and I must stay strong in order to stay safe. I have been told that this is the last time I would be transferred in handcuffs and leg irons. The next bus or van ride will – hopefully – be to an actual fire camp with no restraints, shackles, or cuffs. The transportation is provided by the Ca Dept of Forestry – the dept that runs the camps – and they will treat me like a firefighter (assuming that I qualify) not like a prisoner. I don’t know when this will happen because I am hearing varying reports on getting to an actual camp. I heard it can take up to 6 months to get there. It will happen when it happens~

We reached our destination at 10:00 am and we even stopped for 15 minutes so the CO’s could get a cup of coffee. We did a great deal of non- freeway driving and we were headed toward Yosemite National Park. We made many turns and found the prison tucked fairly far away from civilization. After making the final turn, the prison was on the right hand side. I took notice of the age, size, and all the razor wire surrounding the prison. It appeared much older and larger than I thought it would be.

This prison houses levels 1, 2, and 3. Level 3 appears to be more secure and houses inmates who have more than 10 years to serve on their sentences. The level 1 and level 2 are differentiated by the number of points an inmate has. Level 1 goes up to 18 points and level 2 ranges from 19-27. These points are calculated by the length of sentence, age of first arrest, and previous sentences. My points were easy to calculate. My sentence is 4 years and this is multiplied by 2. I don’t have any previous sentences and the age of my first arrest was 39 which equates to 0 points on the scoring grid. Thus, my total points are 8 which means I am a low level 1 inmate.

We arrived at the prison and as soon as we drove through the gates we stopped and the two armed CO’s went to store their firearms. The bus drove to the rear and when we stopped we were instructed to step to the front of the bus. When we made our way to the front of the bus, the CO unfastened the waist chain and handcuffs. We had arrived at the R&R Center for Sierra Conservation Center. We were then led into the very small receiving office where we were subjected to yet another strip search. Just like the previous two before we departed, I felt humiliated and debilitated, but it is a regrettable part of the process.

After this we were led into a small holding room. It wasn’t a cell because the room was both inside and outside of the R&R Office. We were given a sack lunch which consisted of baloney, bread, potato chips, cookies, and a drink mix – which by the way I have stopped using even though it is sugar free, I believe the ingredients were causing my night urinary problems. I stopped drinking these 10 days ago and I have not had any issues since. I gave away the entire contents of my lunch and I wasn’t even that hungry.
After the sack lunches were eaten by the other inmates, we were called in to have our picture taken for the SCC Identification Card. Also, after the picture was taken, all of us went into the sergeant’s office individually for a brief interview. Mine consisted of a few questions such as, “What are you claiming?” I didn’t understand this question because at first I thought it had to do with taxes which I knew was wrong so I asked the sergeant to please clarify. He restated, “What race are you claiming, white, other, etc?” Another question from him was, “Do you have any gang relations or other concerns?”

I said, “No.”

He asked, “Is this your first time?”

After saying, “Yes,” he wished me good luck and we were finished with the interview.

I returned to the holding room to wait for the nurse so she could administer the tuberculosis test. We waited until 1:15 when we were all given the test on an individual basis. The nurse had everyone’s medical file for their previous incarcerations. Out of the 22 inmates, I am the only first timer. The nurse remarked about my being very healthy, administered the test and gave me a booklet on the medical care in the prison and off I went. We were finished with the R&R portion of our intake process; now it was off to the yard to get our bedding and clothing.

We were first given our work boots which are fairly comfortable. I don’t know how I am going to run in these boots because I was not allowed to have the canvas sneakers my previous Bunkie gave me. However, there are catalogues from companies that are approved to deliver to this prison and I can receive one package every three months. I will get a copy of this and pick out some items so I can have some comfortable running shoes for the physical training section of getting into fire camp. After I received the work boots, I was given bedding and clothing. We were then escorted to the gym so we could change our of our paper jump suits into our new clothing. Now that I am in a “main-line” prison, the color is blue pants and blue shirts – no longer am I wearing orange. I have worn orange for the last 100 days. Yes, today marks my 100th day in custody since my sentencing date.

As I was changing out of my paper jumpsuit into my new clothing, I noticed the sizes. My boxers were a 2XL and unfortunately even though the boxers fall off when I put them on I didn’t have a choice to get a smaller size. I have to wait until next Thursday when clothing is exchanged to see if I can get a smaller size. I had this same problem at the reception center and when I found a size which fit, I never exchanged it for fear of not getting back the same size. I am sure the process is the same here and eventually I will find boxers which fit – up until then I will make do. The pants are okay because they are elastic and aren’t nearly as large as the boxers. The tee shirts and shirts are big but workable. Again, it is about improvising and I believe I can configure the boxers and shirts to fit temporarily.
We were in the gym changing into our new clothing looking from the second floor into the sea of bunk beds. This gym was twice the size of the one at the reception center. This also serves a dormitory with 300 beds compared to the 140 beds at the reception center. The configuration of the gym was not nearly as “cozy” as the one I just left and I was hoping that I wouldn’t get placed into the gym.

The last thing we were waiting for was our dormitory assignments. I was hoping to be assigned with one of the older inmates who were with me at the reception dorm so at the very least I would see a familiar face. We waited until after 3:00 pm for the CO to come upstairs with the dorm assignments. He called out our names one by one and as we approached him, he gave over the ID card with the dorm/bunk assignment. The whole time during this process, my name was directly behind the oldest inmate who I have a great deal in common with so I was again hoping I would be with him in a dormitory. I waited patiently for my name to be called and I heard the “oldest” inmate’s name called, but I was not called after him. Twenty of 22 inmates were called before my name. I gathered my ID card from the CO and was directed to go left out into the yard. I noticed the “oldest” inmate went right into a different yard.

I had all my belongings and walked to my dorm assignment. I noticed directly behind me was the “youngest” inmate – the one who looked 12 years old. Do I need to say who my Bunkie is? “Hmm…out of the 21 other inmates ~ I am placed with the one I would not have chosen. As I walked toward the dorm, I was amazed at the number of inmates on the yard and also the way they all seemed to look. I thought I was walking into the set of a Hollywood movie about prison. I tried to find a familiar face or a “normal” face but couldn’t. With all this said, I was not nearly as paranoid as I have been in the past because I have to trust in God and the plan that has been bestowed on me. Also this IS the place I wanted. I am just hoping it is not a case of “Be careful of what you ask for.”

I waited for the Co to unlock the dorm for the both of us. I entered and was not very impressed. Yes, it is older and in okay shape. There are 18 bunks to house 36 inmates. My area is about 40 feet long and 15 feet wide. There is one television and bathroom – which consist of one urinal, two toilets, one with a door – amazing- three sinks and one shower. These are both located at the far end of the dorm. I am on the lower bunk next to a three foot locker where I store my clothes, toiletries, and food (peanut butter and soups) which is secured by a combination lock. The one very noticeable difference from anywhere I have been is there isn’t a CO in the dorm whatsoever. This is the smallest dorm I have been in and it will take some getting used to.

As I made my way to the bunk, I looked around at the other inmates and noticed most of them were around my age and some very much younger. I was looking for a “normal” face but didn’t find one. I was introduced to a few neighbors and received the – “We are going to need to see your paperwork” question. I knew this was going to happen sooner or later and I have been told various responses to this question. I opted for the “Sure, no problem,” response because the last thing I want is any problem reminding myself of the “be safe” motto. I got my papers and showed then to one of the other inmates. Yes, I was correct there were no problems when I showed my paperwork. I believe this is standard prison inmate procedure in order to weed out the child predators. I am not sure if I agree with this concept but I am not one to argue from my lonely vantage point.

I unpacked all my belongings, mostly letters which take up the bottom half of my locker. It was now time for dinner/chow. The menu is essentially the same but as luck would have it, the one meal I can eat (pizza / pasta) which would have been served tomorrow at the reception center was served last night here. It looks like my timing was off. Chow is a little different with the seating arrangements because not everyone goes and the whole yard/prison has dinner at the same time. I did go with my Bunkie and two other dorm mates. As we entered, I looked around and said to myself, “This is more of a prison experience than the reception center” as I looked at the faces seated at the tables. We had to wait for our race’s table to become open and it only took a few moments. I made one of the dorm mates very happy because I gave away my chicken leg for spinach. By the way, my eating habits are a great ice breaker in prison and invariably, there are many people who want to sit at the same table as me and it’s not because they enjoy my company!

We finished dinner quickly, but this was all our decision which again is very different than the reception center where the CO’s dictated our eating time at dinner. Please don’t get me wrong, there are many CO’s around the perimeter of the prison and yard but they aren’t as visible and again I was amazed at the sheer number of inmates. Please remember, this is supposed to be one of the better prisons to serve time in the entire California Department of Corrections so maybe my expectations were a bit off.

As we made our way toward the dormitory I asked one of my dorm mates if this was the level 1 yard because I felt something was wrong. They answered, “No, this is level 2 yard.” Instantly it hit me, I was on a higher level yard then I should be which is why everything has felt a little more “serious”. My response to them was, “I have 8 points, why the hell am I on a level 2 yard?” They did tell me this was a combination of 1 and 2 with more 2’s as opposed to the other side where it is just a level 1. Fortunately, I haven’t freaked out (yet!) and the paranoia has not set in. I go to classification in one week where they will give me my proper status which is a level 1 and presumably should move me to the level 1 yard. I believe I can make it a week without freaking out and with being safe. Hopefully, I can chalk this up to an administrative mix-up which will be corrected very shortly. Of course, I cannot figure out how the only first timer out of all the inmates who were transferred - why I was the only one to get mixed-up. I understand due to the volume of inmates, mistakes do happen and everything does happen for a reason. I have been very fortunate thus far with my prison (not the county jail) housing assignments. I do believe they will only be temporary (very temporary) so there is no need to panic.