Monterey Bay Justice Project

Criminalizing of the Homeless

A short documentary by Maia Rodriguez.

Life of a Park Ranger: Educating the public about microtrash and park degradation

It was only May, however temperatures were already rising and Pinnacles National Park ranger Elizabeth Hudick was out patrolling the trails. Hudick has been with the National Park Services for almost a decade, serving at well-known spots such as Carlsbad Caverns and Joshua Tree national parks. Her inspiration derives from talking about conservation and protecting resources and helping visitors experience the beauty in national parks.

Life after prison - the struggles of re-entry

“You’re worried about where you’re going to sleep, you’re worried about how you’re going to get the money to pay for your rent, you have all the worries that you’re not equipped and prepared to deal with coming out of prison,” said Ricky Cadriel. In 2013, Cadriel was serving a life sentence in Salinas Valley State Prison when he was granted parole. Having been in prison since he was 17 years old and serving over 25 years, Cadriel was unsure of where he would go upon his release. Then he met Jordan Jeske, a former inmate dedicated to helping others transition back into society after serving prison sentences.

Life after prison - photo essay

On Thursday, November 15, California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) hosted a talk with Jordan Jeske of J&J Prison Consultants in the University Center to discuss life in prison and the struggles inmates face when re-entering society. Several participants of Jeske’s re-entry program also spoke at the event, offering their personal journeys as an inside look into the prison system and means to reduce the rate of recidivism.

Capstone students consider the future of mass incarceration in the U.S.

Every semester students at California State University, Monterey Bay take part in Capstone courses. This spring, some students from the School of Humanities and Communication, explored the theme of the Year 2050 in their Capstone experience.

Advocating for Project Rebound at CSU Monterey Bay

Project Rebound started in 1967 at San Francisco State University by Professor John Irwin. Irwin created this program to aid in the matriculation of formerly incarcerated students into the University. Project Rebound attempts to combat the “revolving door” policy of the criminal justice system, or the likelihood of previous incarcerees to re-enter the system after release. The project has since expanded as a California State University (CSU) network for students to enter the university system after the criminal justice system.

The impact of SB54 in Monterey County

In 2017, Monterey County cities actively passed sanctuary city policies after the election of President Donald Trump. Now California has made its own move with a new law, SB54. Deemed the “Sanctuary State Bill,” Senate Bill 54 now puts an end to state funding to aid federal immigration authorities.

Anna Vasquez, Texas woman exonerated after nearly 20 years of legal battles, visits CSUMB for documentary screening

“Where did the story come from?” Anna Vasquez, a former Texas inmate of 12 years, asks as she stares out the bright screen with piercing eyes. “All I can do is speculate.”

Stolen Innocence: An update of the transfer hearing of AJ Gonzalez

It has been two years since AJ Gonzalez was arrested for the rape and murder of eight year old, Maddy Middleton. After an excruciating nine week hearing, Judge Salazar finally has decided whether AJ will be tried in juvenile or adult court.

San Antonia Four exoneree to visit CSUMB campus for Nov. 29 screening

After a 20 year legal battle, four Texas women who had been accused and convicted of raping two young girls, were formally exonerated in November 2016. The San Antonio Four, as they grew to be known, are now speaking out about their experiences, and are featured in a documentary: Southwest of Salem.

Prison hospice documentary sheds light on death behind bars

Most people do not imagine the stale, white walls of a prison cell when they think about where they will die. However, this is the reality for prisoners with life sentences and elderly inmates, both of which are growing populations in our U.S. prisons.