Update: San Quentin to Adjust GTL Phone Use Policy, Jarvis Ends Hunger Strike

From September 18-October 7, 2020, Jarvis Jay Masters had been on a hunger strike to raise awareness of a new wave of phone restrictions at San Quentin State Prison. Normally, residents on Death Row's East Block are allowed access of up to 3.5 hours of GTL state phone usage every day of the week. The current policies only allow up to 2 hours of phone access total per week. Jarvis says these new rules exacerbate the suffering brought on by the pandemic by curtailing the men’s contact with attorneys as well as their family and friends, many of whom come from under-resourced communities of color, and thus are more vulnerable to the myriad effects of COVID-19.

On October 7, 2020 Jarvis met with the associate warden overseeing East Block.  Arrangements are now being made to allow for the maximum use and equal distribution of the GTL state phone. However, we must continue to hold San Quentin to account.

TAKE ACTION NOW.
Until further notice, friends and supporters are still asked to contact the following officials to inquire about the revised GTL phone use policy and requesting that it allows for full scheduling capacity for all residents of San Quentin State Prison.  

Letters, emails, and phone calls should be addressed to:  
1) Kathleen Allison
Secretary, CA Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
1515 S St #101N,
Sacramento, CA 95811
Kathleen.Allison@cdcr.ca.gov

2) Sgt. Robert Gardea
Admin. Asst. to the Warden, San Quentin State Prison
1 Main Street
San Quentin, CA 94964
415-454-1460 Ext. 5705
Robert.Gardea@cdcr.ca.gov

3) Ombudsman Tami Falconer (SQ)
(916) 324-5448
Tami.Falconer@cdcr.ca.g

Thank you for your support and advocacy during these uncertain times.