Dear John xxxxxx, 

Earlier today, Sam Lewis powerfully advocated for the release of more people in custody during the California State Senate Public Safety Committee hearing on COVID-19 in State Prisons. ARC, along with many other organizations and voices, are calling on our state leaders to protect the safety and health of the people inside, our brothers and sisters who fear for their lives during this pandemic.  

During his testimony, Sam recalled his harrowing experience battling norovirus in Soledad Prison. At that time, he wondered, lying alone, in his cell, "Am I going to die in here like an animal that no one cares for?"

CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz, Federal Receiver Clark Kelso, Ella Baker Center's James King, public health leaders, community members, advocates, and loved ones of currently incarcerated people testified at the Senate oversight hearing about the California State Prisons’ COVID-19 response. The link to the full hearing is here: https://www.senate.ca.gov/media-archive

Already, 22 people in custody and 2 correctional officers have died from contracting COVID-19 in California state prisons.  As Sam noted to the committee, "The correctional officers are there to do a job and they're human beings and they have families and loved ones. The people in custody have broken the law, are being held accountable but they too are human beings and have loved ones."

Please watch the video of Sam's testimony and know that, we are here to serve our people in custody and those returning home. We call upon Governor Newsom to #LetThemGo. 

Sincerely, 

Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC)