I spoke to the editor of Marin Magazine and we are going to get together next week to discuss a talk about the possibility of his magazine doing a story about the positive side of San Quentin. There is a huge positive side and great journalistic potential.

Tonight's story from the "Q" is about Darrell. Darrell grew up in Oakland, without really knowing his father. He was raised by his mother. His mother had relationships that were abusive and violent so he saw a lot of negativity and violence while growing up. He also felt helpless when he was young to intervene when his mother was being physically assaulted by her boyfriends. This was very hard for him to deal with. In spite of it he was a really good kid, got good grades played sports and by the time he was 19 he had his own carpet cleaning business and was doing very well. His father came back into his life at this time and Darrell was so anxious to have a relationship with him he let him talk him into robbing a bank. Darrell had never been in any trouble before. When they robbed the bank a teller was moved from her post inside the bank to the outside. Darrell and his father were charged with robbery and kidnap and were both given a life sentences. Before coming to San Quentin, he spent time with his father as a cellmate in Pelican Bay a level four prison and one of the worst prisons in California. He invited me to attend the SQUIRES program. He has been very active in this program as well as many other programs such as the T.R.U.S.T, an acronym for "teaching responsibility using sociological techniques". It is a year long program where men look deeply into their own lives and also have the opportunity to learn practical things that will help them when they are released. He also is involved in the I.M.P.A.C.T programs which stands for "immature men putting away childish things". The S.Q.U.I.R.E.S program is designed to help at risk kids to understand that there is nothing cool about being in a gang activity or being in prison. A segment of the Dr.Phil program was filmed with two young men brought into San Quentin because of their habitual crimes and drug habits. Young men are brought in for a two day intensive counseling program to both help them get more in touch with their own feelings as well as understand that being in jail is not something they should aspire too. I was very impressed with the program when I went through. I was impressed with the men's skills at breaking down the barriers and defenses the young men had and getting them to talk. He invited to attend the Protestant Chapel with him which I did for three years. He was also in my Positive Attitude Group for life prisoners. He has worked very hard while he has been down to both keep a positive attitude and be a member of many self help groups. On Sundays he often preaches and he is a wonderful speaker, he speaks to his own experience and what he learned as part of his own transformation. He has both self confidence and a great attitude. His honesty and courage are well known at San Quentin. I learned one thing about him while I was there if you ask him a question expect a direct and honest answer. I personally find that to be a wonderful attribute. He continues to be denied parole, even though he has never been in any trouble while he has been there and some of his ideas are being incorporated into youth programs outside. I don't know how he does it but stays positive about his release. I feel he will be released and when he is will contribute a great deal to our society. He tutors young men in both their classes and their spiritual lives. He lives a very spiritual life. It is my opinion that a man, imprisoned, has the opportunity to either sink to the lowest level or rise to the highest. He has risen to the highest! I feel blessed to know him.

A note on a cool CD its a first release for a half Irish and half Nigerian soul singer named Laura Ibizio. She is very soulful, a little like India Arie. My prayers and blessings go out to all of you and special prayers for the "Men of Blue." You are in my heart.