Part 6/9:
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unparalleled challenges to the already fraught environment. San Quentin became a hotspot for the virus, where overcrowding exacerbated conditions, resembling a dystopian horror movie where running was not an option. Legal action followed allegations of negligence, revealing systemic vulnerabilities that placed both inmates and staff at risk.
In response, California's governor called for a moratorium on the death penalty, extending reform opportunities to inmates on death row by integrating them into general populations where job and educational prospects abound. Programs aimed at reducing violence and connecting individuals with their humanity now form a crucial part of rehabilitation efforts within the institution.