Monterey Bay Justice Project

Tri-County Issues

As part of the CSUMB mission to serve the Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties, the Monterey Bay Justice Project is committed to exploring issues related to the justice system in these areas.

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

by Maia Rodriguez “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

by Maia Rodriguez 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.

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.

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.