Ventura County Jail

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Leisure Time

Interview with Ford, Miss T, Reta and Julie

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Ford: I never saw any type of facility to help me pass the time. Never went to yard. None was offered. No board games. Only a half Baked tv. NO real activities to pass the time.
Miss T: There was a book cart, which had books and magazines. I read a LOT. Also we were allowed to watch TV for a few hours a day, but I rarely did that.
Reta: cards, reading, drawing, eating snacks you buy with money on your books. I suggest if turning yourself in to go with cash in your pocket so you have money on your books right away.
Julie: Tables, 2 TVs, and each other. Nothing more, nothing less.

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Ford: What entertainment? Some guys playing peaknuckle on a six year old deck. No entertainment was to be had. Sorry, we rolled dice with homemade dice. 10,000 is the game.
Miss T: No; there was not much competition.
Reta: T.V. was it. and yes it could get rough if you dare change a channel
Julie: I never sat at the tables, I ate on my bunk. I could see the TV from my bunk so whenever it was on I was ok, and I talked with people to pass time occasionally.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Ford: I didn't. I have no concern about weights or such. A burpee is not part of my life. I am of reasonable shape by genetics and am blessed.
Miss T: I did feel kind of like a slug most of the time, but I was able to walk laps around the main room, do push ups in my cell, and walk laps up on the recreation roof on the days we went outside.
Reta: there is NO EXCERISE- I got to go outside on the roof twice while there. the food is all starch. and food isn't the right word. it's not really food.
Julie: I didnt try. I rarly ate so I lost a lot of weight, besides that I didn't bother working out.

JM: How often did you get to go outside? What did you do outside if you were allowed to? If you were not allowed to go outside what could you do for exercise?
Ford: I never got outside at Ventura County Jail. Strictly an inside program.
Miss T: I am not sure, but I think it was twice a week.
Reta: 2 times in 100 days
Julie: Not once.

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Ford: I have no knowledge of any church services offered. I would of liked that option. The institution lacked most basic services,
Miss T: They did. They offered a service on sunday morning and Bible study once during the week. I attended both regularly.
Reta: yes, held in the jail in another room outside the quad. they strip searched everyone coming back from church so that right there kept people from attending the services. I don't see how that can happen but it did. I mean the inmates never left the floor or the jail.
Julie: Not to my unit.