Day 110 & 111 (1/10/15) Chaos and Problems are growing

I was frustrated still being here, so I reached out to the Sergeant to see if I could work and/or participate in programs here while I wait to be transferred. To my surprise, I got a response telling me that I was eligible to apply to work and program. I wasn’t guaranteed anything, because it would be based on behavior and charges, but I was happy to possibly get a chance if I had to be here a few more weeks. I’d like to do something to pass the time. This week really dragged and has been a little hard. I wrote a request to the hiring deputy and plan on re-applying to work on Monday. I’m hoping it works out, as the chaos and problems grow here, I don’t want any part of it. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, the start of my 3 visits in a row and the end of yet another week. 

Day 111 (1/11/15)

Happy birthday to my best friend I’ve known since we were 13 ! We still keep in touch and we’re still friends even after she found out about my current situation. Happy Birthday !

It’s raining out today, which means no walking to the chowhall or going outside. We passed inspection today, but only because the corporal was nice enough to re-inspect a bunch of cells because they didn’t pass. The entire unit could have been locked down. Thank goodness we were not. But, it was frustrating to start the day off that way. 

One of the new girls flushed her towel down the toilet last night and when her roommate used the toilet this morning, their cell flooded. So, that was a mess and it affected our dayroom time and really irritated the corporal. Of course the girl didn’t care and was laughing about it. That is, until the corporal made her clean it up. It was a rough start to my day. I was a little depressed, but after my visit with my Daughter, my day turned around. I was happy. That visit got my spirits up and through the day. We got late night, no fights tonight, but we did have to lockdown 20 minutes early because of a select few couldn’t be quiet. The deputy warned us, but there are always the few that don’t care and ruin it for everyone else. There were a lot of upset women who didn’t get to see the end of the movie. The problems are brewing. There was talk of another fight. Cuba, the girl that got into that fight a few weeks back, was threatening to kick someones ass again. She was able to stay in our housing, I knew that would be a problem. Seriously, if another fights breaks out, the entire unit is going to suffer and I’m not going to be happy about it. Maybe I’ll be out of here soon. At least another week is down. 

Day 108 (1/8/15) Things are getting out of control

Today was a little easier than yesterday. I just have to accept the fact that I’m still here and make the best of it. Plus it helps that last night, my Son told me he was happy I was still here. Hearing that on the phone just warmed my heart. If he’s happy I’m hear, then I’m happy. 

In the past two days, we have gotten a lot of new people in our housing unit and it’s not good. I feel like this unit went to hell in a hand basket over night. We have a bunch of loud, rude, and annoying ladies in here. A bunch of them love to talk about themselves. Guess what ? I don’t know you, we are not friends and I don’t care ! I’m not your lawyer, do not ask me for legal advice. I’m not your therapist, don’t tell me about you family and home life issues. I’m not your friend, so do not ask me for advice. I’m not your doctor, do not tell me about all your ailments and I’m not your personal trainer, so no, I don’t want you walking with me today. I just mind my own business and prefer to be left alone. I couldn’t get away from these newbies fast enough today. I am tired of being punished as a housing unit because they can’t follow simple rules. The deputies need to step up and start rolling the problems out of the movement dorms. Send them to lockdown dorms. They don’t care, so get rid of them. 

Day 109 (1/9/15)

Finally, chocolate cake for dinner. We haven’t had chocolate cake in weeks. It’’s one of the little things I look forward to. Helps me get through the week. 

I’m on the phone with my family last night, when we get sent to lockdown again. Another fight. This time, next door in “C”. The fights are starting to get out of hand here. That’s 5 fights in the last month. 2 in our housing unit and 3 next door in “C”. I guess a new girl just moved into “C” and had a bunch of her psych meds (Xanax), not sure if she was cheeking them or saving them, but she had them and was selling them for commissary items. A bunch of women paid her candy bars and chips for the pills. I guess she didn’t pay up or pay up to everyone she owed. It was said she stiffed 3 Mexican ladies, so she was assumed racist and someone kicked her ass. They fought, we went on lockdown the rest of the night. One girl was moved into our unit and put on a 24 hour lockdown (great move, another problem in our unit). The entire 3C dorm is on lockdown today and I saw them roll out four women into 3E/3F. Things are really getting out of control here. 

Day 107 (1/7/15) I Waited and Waited, Nothing

We locked down at 9:45pm. Night count was over, lights went out. I waited and waited, nothing. I stayed up and wrote a letter to my Husband and after the second walk through by our deputy, I knew I wasn’t going. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it. How can I still be here ? I got ready for bed and just laid there in dis-belief. 

I woke up this morning and just the thought of being here another week brought tears to my eyes. Then, the reality of another 4 weeks here killed me. They say the bus comes every week or every other week. But, I have been here and have watched 3 prison runs and they are every 4 weeks. So, by not being on that bus means, I’m stuck waiting another month. There is no guarantee I’ll be on February's run. This isn’t right. I am so upset. It’s not that this place is so horrible, the point is I’m not eligible to work or participate in any programs and services because I’m a Department of Corrections transfer (basically means i’m headed to Prison). Yet, they won’t transfer me and now I’ve been here for so long, it’s going to jeopardize my chance and opportunity to be eligible for programs and schooling once I eventually do get transferred. I want to go to fire camp and by them holding me here, my window of opportunity is closing. That is infuriating to me. Either transfer me or let me work and / or program here. You can’t keep denying me services and refuse to allow me to transfer. I was told over a month ago I could not participate in the Book Legacy’s Program here, because I was told I wouldn’t be here long enough. I’m still here. I could have participated in November, December, and January. It’s becoming ridiculous. All I keep seeing is the tax payers money continually being wasted. For example, there is a girl here waiting to be transferred, she should have went Tuesday, but she’s still here. She has 8 days until here release date. Everyday she is held past her release date, they have to pay her. They are going to pay to transfer her to prison, process her, and then release her. It’s just a total waste of money. It’s totally absurd. It does not seem like they have a very well run system. But, I am sure the salaries of the ones in charge of the prisons and jails systems are outrageous. 

I hope people read this and realize what’s really going on here. 

Days 105 & 106 (1/5/15) Nervous and Jittery

Monday morning, the start of a new week. Only two days before the next prison run. Our housing unit is now down to only 33 inmates. I like it, it’s nice and quiet. All morning, all the talk was about the big fight last night. Eyebrows was moved to one of the lockdown units, 3E. While Skeletor was moved next door to unit 3C. But, Rockstar got moved to 3A. The units are supposed to be set up that you start in 3D and move up to 3A. If you are programming, behaving, and following the rules, you get to move. 3A has a microwave, soda machine, and ice cream machine in their unit. But, it seems they treat these 4 housing units the same. How can someone get into a fight and get moved to a better dorm ? It makes no sense to me. There’s no incentive whatsoever to behave and act right here. The inconsistency of the rules and deputies on a daily basis is frustrating. Every deputy has different rules or shall I say every deputy picks and chooses what rules they want to enforce. It drives me crazy, I can’t wait to get out of here. 

On a good note, I had an amazing visit with my Husband. Tomorrow is my Son’s turn. We had two incredible deputies today. Both our day and night deputies were awesome. So , it makes my last two days here rather enjoyable. 

Day 106 (1/6/15)

It’s Tuesday, I’m 99% sure I’m on that prison bus tonight. I have to be, I’ve been here 15 weeks, it’s time for me to go. I am nervous and a little jittery this morning. But, I’m ready to go. I want to get home to my family and the only way to get home is to get transferred and get on with the process. Today was a good day, went by fast and I got an hour visit with my Son. The final of my 3 visits this week. It was the perfect visit before I leave. Everything seems to be working out. Got my shower in this evening, all my letters in the mail and my final calls to my family. I hope tonight is the night. 

“One never knows what each day is going to bring. The important thing is to be open and ready for it”

Days 100 & 104 Eyebrows, Skeletor, and Rockstar

Happy New Year. Day one pf 2015. It’s nice to be able to say I will be home this year, even though I don’t get my official release date until after I’m transferred to the Department of Corrections. I’m confident I will be released and be coming home this year. As I start the new year, I’m staying strong and positive. I’m ready to be transferred and finish serving my prison sentence. I can’t wait to come home and start the new chapter of my life. As my journey continues, I hope to help others, promote reform, and create programs that are effective, better lives, keep our communities safe, and end the cycle of crime. 

Day 104 (1/4/15)

Sunday inspection day. This weeks inspection went by quickly. As a unit, we passed and earned late night. Only 2 cells went on lockdown for not getting up for inspection. Today’s going to be a great day. I’ve been looking forward to today and the next two days. I have 3 visits, starting with today's. It was just me and my daughter. We both needed that visit. I was in a great mood after our visit. But, got a little sad because I miss my daughter and friend very much. I am happy to have spent the time together, laughing and talking. It was a really wonderful visit. 30 minutes after my visit, we went on facility lockdown. Seriously, this is the second time this week. I am so over facility lockdowns. Not counting our holiday lockdowns, I have been through 8 facility lockdowns. 

The lockdown was lifted shortly after 4:30pm. I was just glad to get our evening dayroom time. We have late night tonight, we get out until 11pm. We have not earned late night for the past 2 weeks. 

The new year has been pretty quiet and peaceful in our housing unit. Until tonight, when  a fight broke out a little after 9pm. There went late night and back to lockdown. 

We were watching a movie, when a group of girls decided to clown and make fun of Eyebrows. Eyebrows has tattooed eyebrows. So, these girls got up and drew eyebrows on Skeletor (yes, that’s her prison name) and attempted to do her hair the same. Then they came back, sat down, and started laughing and talking shit. Eyebrows got off the phone and went to her roommate and asked what they were saying and doing. When she found out, that set her off. Eyebrows tried to call Skeletor over, but she refused to get up. So, Eyebrows grabbed some toilet paper and came up to Skeletor, got in her face and told her “take it off”. Skeletor replied with “fuck you”. She told her again to take it off. She refused. Eyebrows went to walk away and then grabbed Skeletor’s hair, yanked her head back and started punching her in the face. In all the commotion, Rockstar jumped up and started wailing on Eyebrows. The two of them were throwing down. The deputy got up and told them to stop fighting at least 3 times. They wouldn’t stop, so she pepper sprayed them . Rockstar ended taking the brunt of it. The fight ended immediately. We all locked down as 4 or 5 deputies rushed in. All 3 girls were rolled out of our unit. Another day at Las Colinas.. 

Day 99 & 100 (12/30/14) Lockdown / Life has changed

Not sure what happened today, but at 9:15am, we had another facility lockdown. We got stuck eating our lunch in our housing unit. Thankfully, it was lifted by 1pm. But still, I am over all these lockdowns. We have been locked down 5 times this past week. 2 because of the holidays, 2 for a fight (one in our unit and one next door), and then today's and I have no idea why. I’m hoping I can make it the next seven days with a “normal” schedule. 

We had a great deputy today, but she was irritated with our housing unit. We are supposed to be an incentive dorm. We earn extras like, walking to the chow hall, not being tiered, getting patio time, access to classes and programs, but she was disappointed how dirty our housing unit was and a lot of the cells. She was going to take away our afternoon tv time, but myself and a couple of other women offered to help clean after dinner and she agreed. A lot of these women do not pick up after themselves. They spill and they leave it, they don’t throw their trash away and they don’t put things back (chairs, games, books). It’s horrible. So, after dinner, we spent an hour and a half cleaning our unit. That’s the cleanest it’s ever been. A lot of these women don’t care and take for granted the housing unit they are in. I think the women who can’t follow the rules and those who don’t care and or take the unit for granted, should be moved. I’m tired of them. Let the experience the non-movement dorms like I was in and maybe they will be grateful for what they have. 

Day 100 (12/31/14)

New Years Eve. Just another day here. No lockdown tonight due to the holiday, so that was pleasant. Surprise, spent New Years Eve watching Pretty Woman and then in bed by 9:30pm. As I lay here, I think about my family. The years we would try and stay awake for midnight together. The time my Husband and I went to a big New Years party. It was so much fun. My, has life changed. 

I’m ready for the new year. I am hopeful that 2015 will be a good year and that my family and friends will have a happy and healthy year. 

Day 97 & 98 (12/28/14) Inspection / The sun will shine

Sunday inspection, our cell passed of course, but 12 cells failed. Over half of them because they were not up and ready for inspection. The deputy had to go wake them up. Totally ridiculous. This deputy didn’t even start until 7am and we usually would start at 6am. These women have no excuse. So many cells were on lockdown, we lost tv privileges for the entire day, including the evening. Really sucks for those of us that follow the rules. I guess we're supposed to help the new women and work as a unit to get ready. Not sure how that’s possible when we are locked in our cells. The only person you can help is your cellmate and if they refuse to get up or follow the rules, what are you supposed to do ? We are grown women here. Start taking some responsibility and get your act together. I hate inspection day and not because of the actual inspection, but of the consequences I may face because of others. Others I cannot control. Well with no tv, the dayroom was pretty boring and the time went by slow. At least, I had a good book to read. 

Day 98 (12/29/14) The sun will shine sometimes

It’s Monday, the start of a new week. We have our tv privileges back today. I’m ready to get through another week. I had a visit today from my Husband. I got to visit with my Husband and kids yesterday afternoon. We schedule all our visits on Sunday and Monday so I get them in before I transfer. Today was a great visit with my Husband. The deputy on duty gave us almost a full hour for our visit, instead of the normal 30 minutes. It was incredible and I really enjoyed that extra time. On top of the extra time, the deputy also scheduled my one hour visitation with my son ! They have a program here for mother and children visits outside the normal visiting schedule. I’ve been trying to get one since October, but have been unsuccessful. But, I refused to give up and continued to apply and put in requests and then finally I got approved. The deputy scheduled me for every Tuesday night in January from 5-6 pm. One hour visit with my son. It’s only for children 12 and under, so unfortunately, my daughter does not meet the requirement. I won’t get a chance to use all the visits with my son because I’ll be transferring, but I am very happy and thankful to get one in before I transfer. I am very excited and have something great to look forward to this week. 3 visits. Sunday with my daughter, Monday with my Husband, and Tuesday with my son ! It works out perfect right before I hopefully leave. It was a great day to start off my week. 

Day 95 & 96 (12/27/14) I need medical. Too Bad

Another holiday done and over, with 6 days more days until the new year. I am ready to put an end to 2014 and get 2015 started. Today was pretty uneventful. Mrs. B came back from medical today pretty upset. 5 months ago she saw the doctor about a foot problem and pain. The doctor told her she had bone spurs and ordered her a pair of orthopedic shoes. We are given plastic sandals to wear and they are very bad for your feet. Needless to say, she never received the shoes the doctor ordered for her. Mrs. B even offered to pay for them. She didn’t want the shoes denied for lack of funds by the San Diego Sheriff. Still no shoes. She had her follow up with the doctor today and was told her condition was worse because she keeps walking in the sandals and not the orthopedic shoes. She’s facing surgery if she cannot get the shoes. She gets released in 3 weeks, she will thankfully be able to see her doctor when she gets out. 

As inmates, we are given medical treatment, the doctor’s seem to be pretty good, the problem lies with approving the doctor’s orders. Whether it’s ordering shoes, scheduling a surgery, filling a prescription or ordering a special diet. I mean, we are incarcerated, but we still have medical needs. We are human. There are those that work here that care and treat you with respect and then there are others that could care less. Like the deputy that told the inmate “I don’t know why you bother with treatment, you’re going to die anyway”. The inmate was battling cancer. They become judge and jury deciding whether or not you deserve the antibiotics the doctor ordered, or allowing you to see the doctor when you’re in pain, or even telling you “Oh well” when you were served spoiled lunch meat or rotten fruit. I know medical treatment while incarcerated has always been an issue, now I’m actually witnessing it. I really pray I never get really sick in here. 

Day 96 (12/27/14) Put Up or Shut Up 

Yesterday was pretty uneventful. But, today was not. We had lots of drama. At lunch today, we found out one of the inmates in our dorm was in here for child abuse charges. I thought you were automatically kept separate with those types of charges, but I guess not. She was telling people, so I guess she didn’t care. Well, my roommate decided that that was not acceptable and went to kick her ass in the chow hall. She got up from the table and myself and another inmate stopped her. we had her sit her ass back down and reminded her she only had 10 months to go and did she want to spend the full 10 months on lockdown ? She would have only been hurting herself to prove what ? We don’t even know the circumstances or the details of her charges. She’s supposed to leave on Monday, so why give up your opportunity for schooling, contact visits and work for a complete stranger ? Plus, I don’t want to suffer the consequences of a fight in the chow hall. 

So, we diffused the the lunch situation, but another arose at dinner. We have a new girl that showed up at our dorm on Tuesday. We call her “The Spitter”, because she spits all the time. It’s actually quite gross. Well, tonight, she decided to spit in the chow hall while we were in line at dinner, narrowly missing the girl in front of her. The girl got really upset and made a huge scene. Then the entire dorm went off about how disgusting she was and how she needed to be removed from our housing unit. The deputies finally addressed the issue and removed her from chow hall. She stayed in our housing but was on lockdown for 2 days. She leaves Monday morning, so we don’t need t worry about her anymore. 

Then 7pm rolls around, we are out for our evening dayroom time and within 5 minutes of us being out, a fight breaks out downstairs in cell 11. Now, we are being locked down for an hour and 45 minutes. Locked down because to selfish bitches have to go at it. The couldn’t wait until 9:50pm to fight ? It was so petty. I was pissed the entire housing unit suffered because one of the girls couldn’t be “punked like that”, when she was the one talking shit behind the other girls back for two days. Cuba got mad about a comment Cort made on Thursday when we were in line for dinner. But, Cuba didn’t say anything or kick her ass right then. Instead, she spent the next 2 days talking shit, including telling Cort’s roommate to give her the message. Total immature BS. Cort ignored her and laughed it off, but Cuba wouldn’t let it go. So, Cort went to her room and confronted her and told her if she had something to say, say it ! Then I believe it was “Put up or shut up” and Cuba “put up” and gave her a black eye and possibly broke Cort’s nose. After Cort got back from medical, she was rolled up and sent to 3F (behavioral). Cuba was supposed to go to 3E, but begged to stay. She’s still here but on a 3 day lockdown. I’m irritated that Cuba’s still here. She should have been removed too. I’m sure there will be lots of bragging, but I really don’t care. It’s just a bad High School here. Please let me transfer ! 

Day 94 (12/25/14) WE will make a difference

Merry Christmas from Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility. 

I woke up to the cell doors popping open this morning. I jumped up, got ready, and ran downstairs to call my family. It was good to hear their voices on Christmas morning. I’m thankful for the call. Today was like any other day, nothing special. The dorm did get a gift today, “Charmed” was not on TV ! Thank you Santa ! There was a full Catholic Mass this morning at the outside amphitheater and for dinner we got roast beef with marble cake and vanilla ice cream. The girls in mu housing unit had a Christmas party. They made food for the entire unit and did a secret Santa gift exchange. The food was really good. It’s amazing how creative you can get in jail with limited resources. Miss Miserable tried to ruin the party, but the girls made it happen. I spent my lockdown playing 3 hours of rummy, before reading and going to bed. Our night deputy let us make a phone call home and I got to talk to my family again and hear all about their day. It was a nice surprise. Before bed, I read my Husbands Christmas email:

“I am thankful to have such an awesome, supportive family. I am thankful, that even though my Wife’s away, she still finds a way to encourage me. I am thankful that my kids and I have a chance to see their Mom face to face before she leaves for receiving. 

I am thankful for the two deputies at the visitation that have been kind and helpful to us. I am thankful for my Wife’s first roommate that comforted her and prayed for her. I am thankful for the deputy that realized my Wife was in the wrong housing unit and made the effort to get her moved into the correct housing, resulting in contact visits. I am thankful that my Wife has remained safe in the first phase of her incarceration. I am thankful that I have met many people with the same views on incarceration reform. I am hopeful when my Wife gets home, WE can make a difference together” 

I couldn’t have said it better. I am thankful for my wonderful Husband. Merry Christmas, I love you. 

Day 93 (12/24/14) I was ready and said my goodbyes again.

It’s Christmas Eve and I’m still here. I did not get transferred to receiving (CCWF) last night. A little disappointed and frustrated this morning. I was ready. I was packed and said my goodbyes (again) to my family, just have to do it all again next week. 

It was a rough night. I didn’t go to sleep until after midnight and this morning was just as hard. I called my Husband to let him know I was still here. I was very upset. He helped me through it as usual. Once I reminded myself that everything happens for a reason and thought of all the positives. Like getting two more visits with my Husband and kids. Getting to call my family on Christmas morning, spending lockdown with a good roommate, and reminding myself, it could always be worse. I know people here, I have good “acquaintances”, I’m comfortable, it’s only 7 more days until the next chance to leave. I can do this, it’s not that bad. But, in the back of my mind, I’m thinking, what’s the next part of this going to be like ? Will it be like Las Colinas ? Receiving is the hardest part of this whole journey. The mix of all crimes and security levels. 

I got through the day, even though Miss Miserable is back working our unit the next two days. I hope I never see her again. Negativity is infectious and I don’t like to be around it. Then, to top off the night, we were on lockdown. They were short staffed, so it was lockdown. I wasn’t expecting it tonight.  I knew Christmas we would be on lockdown, but two nights in a row really sucks and my family is waiting for my phone call tonight. 

It was difficult, but I got through the night. I think of my Husband and kids whenever I’m down. They give me the strength to make it through another day. 

Christmas Eve was always the night my Husband and I would share our gifts with each other. So much love. Plus, that would free up Christmas morning for the kids. This is the first time in 17+ years we won’t have that. I can’t even describe the feeling and I don’t want to. This will be the last one ever we’ll be apart. 

Day 91 (12/22/14) Hoarding, Cheeking, and selling meds in Prison

It’s Monday, the start of a new week. The 24 hour lockdown for those that didn’t pass inspection is over. So, were back to 3 hours of the TV show “Charmed”. The newspaper has disappeared too. Another day at Las Colinas Women’s Detention. 

During an evening walk through by the Sergeant tonight, Butter gets caught with a bag full of medication. Hoarding, cheeking (pretending to swallow pills), and/or selling medication is a big no no. That rule is even on the welcome orientation video we have to watch regularly. She got caught with 30+ pills and it’s obvious she sells them for commissary items. I’m expecting to see a one day lockdown, maybe two for Butter. 

They end up not writing her up or even giving her lockdown. They throw her pills away and discontinue her medication. That’s all. I can’t believe it. It’s so irritating. She gets away with hoarding meds and I lose dayroom time because women can’t walk in a straight line and keep their mouths shut. I wish the deputies would just roll out the problems out of this dorm. 

I had an amazing night. I got to talk to a friend of mine that I hadn’t talked to since I have been in here. She’s a true friend and it was great to talk to her. This situation does not change our friendship. Friends for life ! 

“Good Friends are hard to find and impossible to forget” 

Day 92 (12/23/14)

It’s Tuesday. The prison bus should be here tonight. The question is, will I be on it ? I hope I leave tonight. I’m ready to go and get on with it. I can’t keep saying goodbye to my family every week. It’s like ripping a bandaid off really really slow. I want to rip it off fast so it can start to heal. The sooner I get out of here the sooner I can get home. I am really anxious and jittery today. I want 10pm to get here, so I know if I’m leaving or not. 

Santa Claus came to Las Colinas today. We got to use the outdoor amphitheater and enjoy Santa, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, and 3 elves, play and sing Christmas carols. The head Chaplain put it together. It was a really nice event. It was a San Diego Christmas, 80 degrees outside. I enjoyed the sun and the music. Hopefully, it reminded the women of their families and gives hope to be home next year and to not come back. It certainly does to me. It hits you like a ton of bricks. I cannot believe it. What have I done to my family as they will be having Christmas without me. I’m just so sorry. My kids having Christmas without their Mom. My Husband having Christmas without me. I love and miss them so much.

Day 90 (12/21/14) 1680 hours on Lockdown

I have been here officially 90 days. In the last 13 weeks I have been in two housing units, 5 different cells with 7 different cell mates. I walked to the chow hall 103 times, ate 39 bananas, 11 pieces of chocolate cake. I’ve had 89 cheese sandwiches, and drank 178 milks. I’ve been through 13 inspections, 6 facility lockdowns. I’ve read 16 books, received 189 emails and 14 postcards. I’ve received 2 gift packs, had 27 visits (14 video / 13 contact). I’ve purchased 64 envelopes, 13 postcards, and have earned 8 late nights. 

From 9/23/14 through 12/21/14, I’ve spent 2178 hours here, 498 hours have been out of my cell and 1680 hours spent in lockdown. 

We had inspection again today. Up at 6am. Same deputy we had two weeks ago, so we knew what to expect. But still, 8 cells failed and went on 24 hours lockdown. They tell you ahead of time they are doing inspection. How can you fail ? 

It’s going to be a quiet night tonight tonight. The funny thing is, Butter got locked down. That means, no watching “Charmed” tomorrow morning or her taking over the newspaper. The little things we have to look forward to.

The deputy told us we were one point away from the entire housing unit failing and going on lockdown. How the hell is that possible ? She marked us down for the trash, the dayroom not being clean, and the showers being dirty. Are you kidding me ? The inmate workers come 2 times a day to take care of the common areas. For the past 5 days, she’s turned them away and then refuses to let us have the cleaning supplies to clean. So really ? We almost failed ? More like she was setting us up to fail. Everyone’s been complaining about it all week. This is our temporary home, give us the chance and we will keep it clean. At least most of us will. It’s very frustrating. I’me just glad we passed and we have a new deputy on shift tomorrow, and with some luck, today will be my last inspection. 

Today’s thoughts: Life has a plan. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing is impossible, and miracles happen ! Lord, please give me the strength to keep believing this. 

Day 89 (12/20/14) She hadn't showered in 6 weeks

It’s Saturday. I always remind myself when I am down or feeling sad, that it could always be worse. I try and find the positive. Today might be one of those days. Our miserable deputy is not here today, that’s great. Then, I realize we have the deputy that put the entire housing unit next door on 48 hour lockdown. She’s not one to be messed with. I personally have nothing to worry about. It’s the 43 other women in this unit that I’m very concerned about. I guess when we were complaining yesterday, about our deputy, we should have reminded ourselves it could always be worse. I just want to get through the day without any incidents. We have an older lady here that doesn’t speak English and is a little crazy in our unit. She’s been here longer than I have and in the last 6 weeks, she has not showered or changed her clothes once. She fails inspection every week and it’s not very sanitary, yet the deputies don’t care. She stays in her cell, so they ignore her. But, every time we have to go to dinner, it’s a ordeal, because she smells really bad. Yesterday, the chow hall deputy put her at a table far away from everyone, all alone because it was so bad. It’s just like the head lice ordeal, you can’t just ignore it. There are health codes to follow and the risk of disease the jail and county are liable for. If anything, move her to a single man cell and into a non-movement dorm. She clearly has some mental issues. She’s not able to utilize any classes or programs offered. She’s taking up a bed and spot for someone that could benefit from them. It’s just ridiculous how much is avoided and ignored. It’s not good health and hygiene to allow such unsanitary behavior. Tonight at dinner, the chow hall deputy again tried to put the old lady at a table by herself. This time she got angry and refused. She was removed from the chow hall. I am hoping they remove her from the unit. In the old jail I guess, if you didn’t shower, they dumped water on you while in bed or when you got up to eat they would take your mattress and belongings  and throw them outside. The new jail, you can’t do anything about it, but talk to the deputy who usually just ignores the issue. I read the jails rules and regulations, there is nothing about personal hygiene. Only keeping your cell clean and the facility clean. 

They did remove her from our housing unit. I know poor hygiene can be a sign of mental illness. The woman was not all there, but you can’t just throw her in a cell, ignore her, and let her rot in her own filth. It’s not fair or right. 

We have a new inmate. Some of the women here call her “curb creature”. She’s dirty, rude, and has a loud mouth, and is always yelling at the deputies from her cell. If you can’t listen and be respectful, you should not be in this housing unit. There is a behavioral unit for that. I wonder what classification is thinking sometimes when they place these women. When I was sent here, the jail was over populated and I was sent to the behavioral unit because that’s the only space they had. Now, the jail has thinned out. So, classification has no excuses. I think this place is starting to really get to me.

Well, the evening was a good one. We got late night and were able to watch a movie without any arguments. Another day down. 

Day 88 (12/19/14) Reality of having a baby in Prison

It’s Friday, what a busy day today. First, one of the girls left today to have her baby. It’s exciting, but very sad at the same time. She’s going to give birth, then her Daughter will be taken away from her and after a day or two in the hospital, she’ll be back in jail. Not getting a chance to hold, love or bond with her baby. At least she has family to come get her baby, otherwise, Child Protective Services comes and it’s another innocent child lost in the system. There are Mother / Infant programs available. I don’t understand why it’s not mandatory that she and her baby go there after she gives birth. The girl is young. First time offender, non-violent. She’s a perfect candidate for a program while she bonds with her daughter. 

Today, Bri got some good news about her surgery for her brain tumor that the San Diego County Sheriff Department denied treatment for. Her Grandmother wrote and called District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Sheriff Bill Gore about her granddaughter’s situation. She bugged them until someone listened. Her granddaughter will be getting the surgery done and taken care of within the next 2 weeks. Guess they decided the surgery was cheaper then  a lawsuit and settlement. 

I officially hate the TV show “Charmed”. I have been in this housing unit for 6 weeks and every morning we have watched “Charmed”. 3 hours a day, Monday through Friday, it’s always “Charmed”. I thought it was just me, but I guess everyone hates “Charmed” too. We are all sick of watching it, with the exception of one person, Butter. She tried to tell us she only watches TV in the morning and that there is 6 hours of TV a day that we can watch and that we need to leave her alone about “Charmed”. I guess she tried to take over the TV in her last housing unit and got booted. Well, the uprising is about to begin !

Everyone is over our deputy. She is a real bitch to everyone. She refuses to give us the cleaning supplies. She sends the trustees, who are supposed to clean the day room and showers everyday, away. The showers are disgusting and the dayroom is filthy. We can’t clean it ourselves, let alone our cells because she does not want to be bothered to open the janitor closet. It’s just awful. Her negativity is such a downer. How are we supposed to pass the hygiene inspection if this deputy forces us to live in filth ? This is a brand new 270 million dollar facility paid for by the tax payers. It’s only 5 months old, don’t you think she owes it to the tax payers to try and keep the facility in decent condition ? She may not give a shit about the inmates, but don’t piss away taxpayers money because you’re a bitter bitch. Only 2 1/2 more days until  a new deputy. Monday can’t get here fast enough. 

Day 86 & 87 (12/17/14) "Be careful what you wish for"

Well, it’s Wednesday and I’m still here. No prison bus run last night. I am a little disappointed and upset. I was ready and prepared yesterday, had everything ready to go, said all my goodbyes, had all my letters written, and I’m here another week to do it all over again next Tuesday. To top it off, I woke up to a miserable deputy. We just had this deputy for 5 days, two weeks ago and she’s back for another 5 days this week. 

I’m out of visits this week because I used them on Sunday and Monday preparing for my transfer. How am I going to get through this week ? I am so ready to go to receiving (CCWF). I walked for an hour and a half this morning after I called my Husband and let him know I was still here. Hearing his voice and exercising helped me shake my negativity. I remind myself that everything happens for a reason. I think about all the positives. I get two more visits with my Husband and kids. I get to talk to them on the phone another week. I get to finish the book I was reading and I get to talk to a great friend on the phone before I get transferred. I know I can get through this week easily. I just need to keep my head up, try and stay busy, and be positive. My Husband did warn me “Be careful what you wish for, especially if it’s the unknown”. 

Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change. 

Day 87 (12/18/14)

Got an email last night from my Husband telling me how very happy my Son was that I was still here. It was nice to see him smile. All he wanted was one more visit. My Husband and kids just want “one more” visit with Mama ! I just want my family to be happy and I’m glad we get another visit. I know this ordeal is really hard on my family. I hate to see my Husband and kids struggling. I did this to them. My recklessness caused irreversible pain to those I love the most. I feel guilt, pain and regret for having my family endure this nightmare, because of my poor choices. 

I think of the millions of Americans that have been incarcerated. The families, the children that have been subjected to the system. They are punished as well. There has to be a better way to avoid such tragedy to the families. 

Losing a family member to incarceration is a life changing event. It either tears families apart or draws them together. Too many times than not, families are destroyed and torn apart. Children lost and forgotten on the system. We need more programs and efforts toward rehabilitation. Keeping the bonds of families and children together, rather than tearing them apart. The goal should be to put a stop to crime, break the cycle, not let it continue. It’s in the best interest of society that we consider families and children of non-violent criminals before sentencing. We also need to prepare, educate, and assist these families and children as well. I come from and have the most amazing family that never turned their back on me when they probably should have with all I have put them through. I am thankful for all the love and support I have been given. I hope to share and give that same support to others. 

Day 84 (12/15/14) "Been here long Enough"

Another week down and the start of a new week. 10 days until Christmas. The time seems to have picked up a little. Just looking for it to fly by and look forward to heading home. Had a wonderful visit with my awesome Husband and handsome Son today. It was a great visit ! It was a little sad, because this could be my last visit for a while. We all hugged and shed some tears as we said goodbye this time. I’m planning on being transferred to receiving tomorrow, but I don’t know for sure. My case has been all wrapped up and I have no more court appearances. There is no more reasons for me to stay here any longer. The anticipation is killing me. I’m ready to get this over with. I hate to have to say goodbye and prepare every week. We will see what tomorrow brings. 

Tonight after dinner, one of the girls got released two days early and then an hour later, one of the Mom’s to be, got released. He due date was December 13th. She was holding that baby in, hoping to go home before he was delivered. Her original release date was early April, but her attorney said it could be any time and her time was tonight. That was really good to see. Now she can have her baby. The baby’s Dad can be there, family and friends, and she won’t be away from her baby at all. She will be home with her family, right where she needs to be. It was very exciting ! Everyone was so happy for her. Everything happens for a reason ! I can’t wait to be able to go home to my family. 

Day 83 (12/14/14) Contraband

Up early today for inspection. I pass every week with flying colors, but this week I get busted for too many emails. I have kept every email I have received since I’ve been in here (178 to be exact). The rule is you can have no more than 20. In the last 12 weeks it has never been an issue, until today. So, I asked the deputy if I can just release them to my Husband, fill out an outgoing property slip and have him pick them up ? I need him to anyhow before I get transferred. She told me “no”. She said that they don’t release property anymore. That didn’t make sense to me, but I wasn’t going to argue. I still passed inspection and she was nice enough to let me go through the ones I wanted to keep, but had to throw the rest away. I was thankful for that because she could have just confiscated it all and tossed it all out. It was a little irritating and frustrating because really they are concerned about too many emails ? What about the drugs being smuggled in here ? The pills being hoarded, the medications being sold. The food being smuggled in from the chow hall. One lady brought back in 8 apples and 6 bags of carrots. She sold half of them. How about the newspaper hoarding ? The contraband and all the extras these women have and hide ? Isn’t that what inspection should be about ? Why in the world would they tell you when the inspection is going to be ? I don’t understand. What’s the point ? It seems like a waste of time. You’re giving the inmates time to hide their extras, food, meds, and contraband. They also call it a hygiene inspection. Basically to insure your cell is clean and you’re not hoarding. Yet, we have an old lady than has been here longer than I have (I have been in this housing unit for 5 weeks). She never leaves her cell, never showers, never exchanges laundry, never cleans, just sits or sleeps on her bed. She comes out for dinner and sometimes for lunch. Everyone avoids her like the plague, yet the deputies don’t do anything about it. She’s failed inspection the past two weeks and they just lock her down. She needs to be moved out of this unit. She’s taking a bed up than could be used for someone who actually wants to program and participate. The inconsistency of the deputies and the rules here, drive me crazy ! I’m hoping today is my last inspection. 

Had a visit this afternoon with my beautiful Daughter and my Dad. My Dad is visiting all the way from Florida for the holidays. t was good to see them both. The visit brightened my day, especially since the Chargers didn’t win today !  Another day down.   

Day 82 (12/13/14) Medical Denied

Had a facility lockdown last night. We got out at 7pm and 35 minutes later, we had to lockdown. I am really tired of this facility and the lockdowns. It’s time for me to go and get my sentence over with. I’ve been waiting to go to receiving for too long. I hope to be leaving in 4 days. 

One of the girls was really upset this morning. She has a brain tumor and needs to have surgery. She’s been waiting over two months for approval to have it done. She just went to the clinic to see the doctor and the doctor didn’t understand why the surgery had not been done or wasn’t at least scheduled. They looked into it and found out the San Diego Sheriff’s Department denied the surgery. They don’t want to have to pay for it, so the doctor has to treat her, because it can’t be ignored. So, he put her on a chemo pill to try and break down the tumor. She was really upset and angry. She has four months on her sentence and needs that surgery. In County Jail, you’re at the mercy of the County. Does the county pay for the surgery or pay the lawsuit if something happens to her because they denied her medical treatment ? 

Interesting info on medical neglect:

1. Do California inmates have a right to health care?

Inmates have a right to health care under the Eighth Amendment constitutional right against cruel and unusual punishment.

It is not a right to the best possible health care. But it is a right to at least that level of health care that a civilized society would think necessary.

"The United States Constitution does not require that the state provide its inmates with state-of-the-art medical and mental health care, nor does it require that prison conditions be comfortable," wrote one three-judge panel that carefully examined medical conditions in California's prisons.

"California must simply provide care, sufficient to prevent the unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain or death."

Sadly, the CDCR has fallen woefully short of that requirement, resulting in enormous suffering and death:

A significant number of inmates have died as a result of the state's failure to provide constitutionally adequate medical care. As of mid-2005, a California inmate was dying needlessly every six or seven days.

Taken from:

http://www.shouselaw.com/jail-medicalnegligence.html

Day 81 (12/12/14) "Not much shocks me anymore"

Went to court today. This trips not as enjoyable as the last bus ride. I had AM court and had to leave at 4:40am. I had breakfast, got ready, and walked to transportation. There were 9 women in the holding cell, 3 were sleeping, and 5 were talking away. There were 3 conversations going on. Super loud, it was a freaking hen fest in there. Then some of them were singing (not very well). I couldn’t get out of there or away from them fast enough. We got on the bus, it was packed, and I couldn’t hear the radio. Once we got to the courthouse, it was off to the court holding cell.  There was only 5 of us now, but we got the nasty, dirty girl who was kicking drugs. She asked if she could lean on me to sleep. My answer in my head was “Hell no ! Are you kidding me !? Did you really just ask me that !?” I respond with “No, you can use the wall right there to lean on”, trying to be as nice as possible. Another girl told her she could lay down on the floor. I didn’t care what the hell she did, as long as it was away from me. She just wreaked of sweat, pee, and shit. Coming down from heroin. All the poison coming out of her body. 

After sitting in the holding cell for 2 hours listening to these women’s stories and cases was interesting, sad, and made me angry. I mean, wrong place, wrong time, selling themselves to feed the family, hooked on drugs, bad boyfriend. I’ve seen so much in the past 81 days, it’s crazy. Not much shocks me anymore. I’ve become, as my Husband says, immune to the toughest times, the toughest situations, and tough people. He worries that I will be a changed person. I tell him no way, but he says how can I not be. It will take time to “come back” to my family, but I will. 

I saw the judge and got done in time to make it on the 11am bus and was back to the housing unit. Now, it’s time to prepare and get ready to be transferred to receiving. Sure hope it’s soon. 

It’s amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday.        

Days 79 & 80 (12/10-12/11/14) Repeat Offenders "Frequent Flyer"

Day 79 (12/10/14)

The prison bus came last night. Helen and Piggy got transferred. I was a little down they left, not because I wanted to go with them. But,more of, if they didn’t go, I knew we would all be going the next week. Now it’s a guessing game. I could go next Tuesday, the following Tuesday, or 4 weeks from now. It’s the unknown that drives me crazy. I’m a planner so, this “maybe going” or “maybe not going” is killing me. For security reasons, they don’t tell you when you will be transferred (county to receiving). The prison bus comes on Tuesdays. Sometimes every week, sometimes every other week. You don’t know until that night after 10pm when they have you roll up and transfer you in the middle of the night. The only way my family will know is when I stop calling. It’s hard to have to prepare to say goodbye every week. I am hoping it happens quickly, as to not put myself or my family through the agony and torment of the waiting and guessing. 

Thought of the Day: If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine. 

Day 80 (12/11/14)

Happy Birthday to my Sister ! 

Today’s inspiration comes from my 12 year old Son who emailed me “Don’t Stop Believin’, I will always keep believin’ in you, love Son” I am one lucky and proud Mama to have been blessed with two very amazing and special children ! 

Today is the first day I have seen someone go home and return. One of the ladies in our housing unit went home 4 weeks ago in early November and today she’s back. I know it happens often, but after 80 days, it’s the first time I have seen it. Usually when a “newbie” walks in the door, someone knows them. Whether it’s from the streets or they did time together. Lots of repeat offenders in here or “frequent flyers”. It’s hard for me to comprehend. I never want to come back here. I don’t want to know people as they walk in here. I don’t want to have the menu memorized, know the deputy’s schedules, reminisce about stories from the old jail, or when I went to prison. That’s all I hear about all day long. I wouldn’t be proud to be a “frequent flyer” or a jail “know it all”. That’s what I call them. They think they know everything and anything about jail, prison, and court. Some even try to give legal advice. It's ridiculous and most of it is so exaggerated, wrong, and not true. Just the other morning, one of the “know it alls” was saying how they removed eggs and Chirizo from the menu and believed it to be fact. I was wondering how she found out ? She sleeps half the day and other than meals, she never leaves the housing unit. Well, two days later, we had eggs and Chrizo. So much for being removed from the menu. This is the annoying non-sense I am subjected to on  a daily basis.