by Angel I think about what type of possibilities I could turn out to be in the future. I always think forward in what I want myself to be. I picture myself being an NBA basketball player and building a company to help kids who think this life is the only way. I believe in that dream that I fantasize. I know it’s a small chance that it will come true, but I’ve put my own dreams and my heart on a shelf. It has been up on that shelf for a very long period. I started to realize, you
Continue ReadingYear: 2018
Ed Note 23.41/42
Greetings friends! If you came to this editorial note this week hoping to read the latest update from our dear friend, OT, in Nicaragua, you’ll most likely have to wait until the next issue, given our longtime friend and colleague, Kathy Ellison, has so kindly offered to write this week’s wonderful ed note! Kathy not only gives us an excerpt from her 2010 book, “Buzz: A Year of Paying Attention,” she also gives us a snapshot of her life. We are incredibly grateful to Kathy for her years of commitment to The Beat Within workshops in the Marin County Juvenile
Continue ReadingVolume 23.41/42
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingA New Perspective
by Richard Angulo As a kid, I used to look back on my life and realize I wasn’t dealt the best hand. Danny had a mom and dad that absolutely loved and adored him. His parents were involved in his life, heck, Danny’s mom was a regular on our middle school campus volunteering her time. Sylvia, on the other hand, came from a family that embraced high education. Sylvia’s father went to work every day in a suit and tie. He was the president of his own company while Sylvia’s mom was a high school teacher. While visiting their home, conversations
Continue ReadingThe Tenderloin
by Aimee I live in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. There are a lot of homeless people in my neighborhood which makes my neighborhood different from other neighborhoods. My neighborhood is very diverse with Mexicans, Blacks and Filipinos. I miss all my “uncles” (family friends) that hang around my block barbequing. If I grew up in a different neighborhood I wouldn’t be who I am today, which is a strong girl with a strong personality. In my neighborhood I connect mostly with Turk and Jones which is the intersection of where I live. My neighbors are cool, and I know
Continue ReadingEd Note 23.39/40
Welcome friends to our amazing publication, 23.39/40, of writing and art from inside juvenile hall and beyond. This latest issue has our initial writings from our recent workshops inside Sacramento County Juvenile Hall and Sonoma County Juvenile Hall. We are thrilled about our new partnerships and all the potential. Like every issue, there is plenty to read and find inspiration from, if it’s the featured writings, POW writings, Community writings or the BWO, we know you will find something in this issue that speaks to you. All right, allow us to cut to the chase and hand over the keyboard
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Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingWhy?
by King J God if you’re good, why did you put him in a grave? God if you could would his life have been saved? See, I’m mad at God but really I’m mad at myself. I never got to say goodbye or thank you for the help. See you picked me off the streets, told me how you really felt. As a young boy, you took me under your wing, And showed me how the game’s cards are going to be dealt. I hope you’re listening because I appreciate every little thing that you did for me. You’re the
Continue ReadingTo The Youth At All Juvenile Detention Centers
by Noel Rodriguez My names’ Noel Joe Rodriguez and I’m writing this piece and message to you straight from the penitentiary at Calipatria State Prison, where I am currently serving a sixty to life sentence for two murders. Not something to say or be proud of. I don’t even know how to begin or whether I am even worthy of expressing and sharing my past and thoughts with you all. But I write this message with the hope that what I share will help at least one of you to find a better path in life. At this point in your
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Volume 23.37/38
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
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