Hi,

I'm new here. My name is Moos (f) and i'm Dutch, my English isn't very very good so I hope I won't make any mistakes...

Uhm, I found this page and I have some questions, perhaps anyone can help me out?

I live in Holland and since a few years I write with a man who currently is on death row in San Quentin state prison California. I am going to visit him for the first time coming up September and I am pretty nervous to go to there because of all those rules.
There is told me that when I will wear wrong colors or materials they won't allow me to visit anyone there.
My question is; is there somebody who can tell me things about a visit in San Quentin state prison? I would be very happy to hear!

Thank you very much so far,

Moos.

Welcome to PTO. I am sure you will find the information you need here.

Keep us updated on your trip to the States!

Hi Danielle,

Thank you! I will tell you all about it, it's nice to see your reply!

:p

Welcome to the site, Moos! And never worry about your English here! I only wish I could speak two languages so you are ahead of me!
Have you tried calling the facility and asking about the visitation rules?

Hi,

You are nice people :o)

Yes i have called the visiting San Quentin departement but there was aproblem, because my name wasn't in the computer yet, but i already received my approval slip months ago! (cry!) Before i called the prison i never really had to talk in English, out loud i mean, so i was incredible nervous and forgot hald of what i wanted to ask! Anyway i have made several appointment for contact visits (yeah!) and that was it...
Erik (with whom i write with) once sent me a visiting handbook, so i know which colors i can't wear, but that same visiting handbook says that you can't wear any clothes which exposes chest/breast area and buttocks, but what kind of pants can i wear without exposing mine?! Perhaps i am worried for nothing, i really don't know because i have never been in a U.S. prison before, i have never been in the U.S.A. before!
The reason that i am that worried about clothes (drives me crazy!) is that when i make mistakes they won't let me visit him and we both need to see each other! (desperate). I will only be in California for two weeks so i can just vist him 8 times and ican't make any mistakes because ...repeat repeat! grin)
So i have been looking for some one who probably can tell me anything what i need to know before i go there and finally i found this web site full of American people! (happy!)

I don't know what will happen when i call the visiting department again because i already have called them twice, i don't want to upset them, (oh it's her again!) i need them to stay kind ;o) because my name isn't in the computer yet...
I don't know much about all the procedures for visitors. (Yet?)

As for your language, i think it's pretty hard not to make mistakes, i don't want to offend someone by something what i said or wrote.


By the way this website is huge! it's great!

thank you again so far!


moos.

Hi Moos. Welcome to PTO. It seems that you've gotten all the rules down ok. Sounds like you're just a bit nervous. I know that in the prison my boyfriend is in, they make exceptions for a first time visitor, and let the rules slide a little. I'm not sure about the prison your friend is in though because we are in West Virginia.

I hope that you can find the answers to your questions. Sorry I can't be more help, but welcome to PTO. :wave:

Hugs,

Hi Bill and Denise,

I hope you're right !
I'm not a bit nervous I am incredible nervous! Still 5 weeks to go for September is here!! Anyway I hope they will close their eyes a little and let me visit Erik anyway.
I'm very happy with your message because it calms down my nerves a bit! I don't know how things get along in America when you have someone in prison but overhere in Holland it's not very funny to hear and see reactions from people I mean their reactions don't do very much to keep me calm, but I think that will be the same for American people, or even worse? Hope not, it is difficult enough.

Thank you very much for your message!

Goodnight (it's night over here)
Moos.

Welcome Moos! Just to be on the safe side, where jeans and a top that has a 'normal' look to it. Will you be staying with anyone that you know in California? I'm going to go check on the web site for that prison and see what information I see. I'll be back with more info! Glad to see you here...We'll all 'walk' you up till the moment you leave your home to get on the plane!!

O.K. Moos...forget the recommended 'jeans'...thats not allowed. So any 'colored jeans' or dress pants are allowed. Also, did you fill out the form CDC 106?
I know how nervous you are about speaking to these people. If you'd like I could call for you and see what I could do to make sure your visit is all approved. Feel free to e-mail or pm me and I'll let you know what I need!!

MOOS- GLAD TO SEE YOU HERE ON PTO! AN CONGRATULATIONS ON GETTING YOUR VISITATION APPROVED! I AM SURE ERIK WILL BE SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU! LET US KNOW ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP MAKE THIS GO SMOOTHLY FOR YOU-WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!

Moos, welcome here, im from holland too (i live close to amsterdam).
groetjes, tamara
(greetz, tamara)

Hello again,

I missed a lot of messages last night!
Thank you all, and Mara nice to see you're Dutch too! I live in Harderwijk, I think you will know Harderwijk?

Pamela, I will wear colored pants, thanks for the tip, but what is a CDC 106 form? The only form I had to fill in and send back to san Quentin was a visitor form.

No I don't know anyone in California, accept for Erik! I made a reservation for a KOA kabin at a campground in Petaluma near by San Francisco, I sent them an e-mail to ask how far it is from San Quentin state prison, they told me that it's only 20 minutes away, I hope that's true!
Pamela, thank you verrrrrrrrrrrrrry much for your help, I would be very happy to hear from what you found out!

This morning I got a new letter from Erik, lately he told me that he couldn't call me because WorldCom is bankruptcy so he couldn't make any international calls, we have never spoken to each other by phone, he is just released from the hole anyway he told me that he will call me today! Exciting!! So I think they found a new telephone company...


Ehm, i'm happy that I signed in for this web site, thank you all so much!!!!!

later, Moos.

Hello again,

I missed a lot of messages last night!
Thank you all, and Mara nice to see you're Dutch too! I live in Harderwijk, I think you will know Harderwijk?

Pamela, I will wear colored pants, thanks for the tip, but what is a CDC 106 form? The only form I had to fill in and send back to san Quentin was a visitor form.

No I don't know anyone in California, accept for Erik! I made a reservation for a KOA kabin at a campground in Petaluma near by San Francisco, I sent them an e-mail to ask how far it is from San Quentin state prison, they told me that it's only 20 minutes away, I hope that's true!
Pamela, thank you verrrrrrrrrrrrrry much for your help, I would be very happy to hear from what you found out!

This morning I got a new letter from Erik, lately he told me that he couldn't call me because WorldCom is bankruptcy so he couldn't make any international calls, we have never spoken to each other by phone, he is just released from the hole anyway he told me that he will call me today! Exciting!! So I think they found a new telephone company...


Ehm, i'm happy that I signed in for this web site, thank you all so much!!!!!

later, Moos.

moos- wow! i bet you cant wait for that phone call! first time you hear his voice and he yours! and the shortly after, a visit--how wonderful!! there ae several people on pto from california and i am sure they would help you find your way around the state etc--i am also pretty sure there are some familiar with san quentin--there is a forum for the state of california too- you may want to make a post there- wish i could be of more "practical" help but i know very little about the DOC in california-take care!!

grin! it's exciting yes!! i'm very curious how his voice will sound and i hope i won't stutter, i usually don't but since i write -or try to, grin- in English i know what i want to say and all the words are tumbling inside of my head so when i start to talk in English it sounds like a mess! Just have to get use to it, grin!

Great tip! i will seek for that California-forum!

moos

There are many map sites on the internet. Find one and get a map of California. Once there, you'll see where you'll be and where you want to go.

Some of the larger cities have a web site, check to see and if so, check for info on what to see and do and maybe they will send you information if you tell them your coming to visit there area of CA.

I'm in Stockton (centrol valley) about 50 miles South of Sacramento (Capital) and 1 1/2hr drive to San Franisco International Air Port. Veronica and I are the only ones this far North in the State that I know of? She's in the SF area.

Hi B-Ray,

Thank you, i will search for maps on the internet and ask around for information.
I found out that the web site from San Francisco has a lot of information, nice!

Bye, Moos.

Hi Moos,

I am from the West Coast. My sister lives fairly close to San Quentin. Have you thought about a hostel? I am concerned about you camping in that area as it gets very cold and damp at times. Here is the closest one, in Marin County.

Just a thought! I have camped a lot in California and they charge close or more than this amount.

www.norcalhostels.org
There is an 800 number here though for you to call.

HI-Marin Headlands
Location: Building 941 at Fort Barry in the Marin Headlands section of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Mailing Address: Fort Barry, Building 941, Sausalito, CA 94965-2607
E-Mail: marinhdl@norcalhostels.org
Phone: 415.331.2777
Telephone Tree Reservation System: 800.909.4776 #62
Price: US$13.00-15.00
Closed Dates: never
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Access Hours: 3:30 p.m.-10:00 a.m.
Beds: 104
Private Rooms: 5 (additional charge)
Facilities: self-service kitchen, meeting room, laundry, on-site parking, wheelchair access, information desk, equipment storage area, linen rental, fireplace
Groups: welcome, reservations required (see Schools and Groups)
Reservations: essential; accepted by mail or phone with credit card
Credit Cards: MasterCard, Visa, JCB, Discover
Manager: Michael Byrnes
Directions:
from south--take Highway 101 North across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Alexander Avenue exit; go 1/4 mile down road to the first left and go through tunnel
from north--take Highway 101 South to the second Sausalito exit at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge; make a right, go under freeway, make a left at first road, and go through tunnel
from tunnel--go 2 miles down Bunker Road to the Visitor Center; follow signs to the hostel
from public transportation--San Francisco MUNI bus #76 (Sundays and holidays only)


Best of luck,

Kelli

Kelli, I just wanted to add my thanks for all that info...(You too, B-Ray)...I've been 'talkin' with Moos and I know together we'll make sure her trip and visit go as smoothly as possible!

Pamela

Hi Kelli and others!

Gee!!!!Thanks! i keep on thanking you all it seems, grin! But thank you very much for this information.
I already had made a reservation by e-mail for that KOA campground, but now it seems that i don't get a conformation e-mail even not since i sent another e-mail to ask about it, so i'm going to have a look at the web site address you gave me and read all about it!

I also have a question, Erik told me that the toll fee for the golden gate bridge is now $5.00, do i have to cross that bridge each time when i want to go to san Quentin or to San francisco? Do you have any idea?

Did you all have had a great night last night in the chat room? sorry i missed it!

see you, Moos.

Moos...
I don't have any info for you that others haven't already covered... :) But just wanted to extend another welcome to PTO!! I know your trip will go well.... :)

hi!

Thanks! i am sure my coming up trip will go well, because of everyone's help! and i am very much looking forward to come to America!
i don't know how to stick a smiley in a message but i have a huge smile now!

moos

i wish i could join ya.....i wanna go to the States too but i dont have the money :( Well maybe next year...

it cost a hell of a lot money to travel from Holland to America isn't ?!! i've been saving money for longer then a year for this trip.. So it's possible that you can go next year! hope so!!

Moos,

Hi, my names Ken, & welcome to PTO. There is a woman on here named Veronica. Her husband was at San Quentin. She can probably tell you all the specifics regarding visiting there. I am in Calif. & am fairly familiar with CDC, but each prison has it's own interpretation of the rules, so she can give you more detailed info than I can. You can find her under "Members" She uses her name for her screen name, & there should be a link there to e-mail her. She is a wonderful lady, & I'm sure she will be glad to assist you. She hasn't been on lately, so it would be best to e-mail her instead of making a post. Good luck.-------Ken

Ms. Moos:
Welcome to PTO. Glad you came and hope you stay with us. Hope your visit goes well. Alabama prisons require an outfit like a pants suit style clothes. A button down the front shirt and matching pants should be appropriate. Write a letter to the State Of California for information about living arrangements in the area of San Quentin Prison. Explain that you are new to the area and request assistance. Good Luck, Best wishes with your visit, and do come again....38 Special...

Hi Ken,

thanks, it's nice to join you here!
thank you for telling me how i can find Veronica. B-Ray also told me about Veronica is here. I am going to send her an e-mail tomorrow because it's 00.15hr pm here now..
Thoughtful of you to tell me how i can find her!

Later, Moos.

Moos,

I already sent you an e-mail, the distancei is only 14 miles. Not bad for the price. You don't have to cross the bridge (Golden Gate) from the hostel. You are already cross it from San Francisco. The hostel is in a little area that is very artsy and quaint, Sausalito. It also backs right up to Muir Woods. You will want to check out the park. Veronica can give you all the ins and outs of San Quentin, which is great.

I have lived and traveled this area my whole life, so between Pam, B-Ray, me and Veronica, we can hopefully make your visit here easier. It is a beautiful part of the States and San Francisco is one of our most famous cities.

Best wishes,
Kelli

Hi Kelli and others,

I saw your e-mail, you're right the hoster is very cheap! That's good, grin!!
It is nice to hear that i don't have to cross the bridge each time, because of the toll fee.

The hostell web site had some photos, it looks very nice over there, i probably don't want to go home again!

Somewhere today i will sent Veronica an e-mail to ask all about san quentin, it's very hot over here and tmy kids want to play in the pool so i have to keep an eye on them... catch you later!

moos.

welcome to pto, moos! best of luck with your friend! i bet you're thrilled about your upcoming visit! :)

hi! Thanks for your welcome and yes i am thrilled! (and a little scared too)

moos

Welcome to PTO Moos. I live in New York and my husband is incarcerated here too so unfortunately I can't provide you with any information. But I wanted to send you a warm welcome and let you know we're here for you.

Welcome to PTO Moos
I see you are getting some good help from other members in CA. This is a great place to come to talk & get much needed advise or help!

Moos, I'm from California but unfortuneltly I don't have any answers to give you. But I am going to check around and try to find out some information for you and if I do I will post it okay? I'll do my best.

Amy

Hi Moos...Well I called San Quentin and I guess I missed the 'visiting information' calling hours... only from 8 - 10 in the morning...I pushed it and made it to the Warden's secretary, but that's where it ended! I'll try earlier tomorrow...Also I think the Hostel sounds great...You could even try it for a few nights and when you see more of the area, maybe find something else!
See didn't I tell you how much help and support you would get here?!!! *smiles*
You said something about your kids and the pool...how many children do you have? I bet they are excited about the trip too!!!

Hi Amy and Pam,

yes Pam you said it already and i am still very happy and kind of amazed to find so much help and support! Thank you all once again!
And oh Pam i am sorry i knew people just can call to schedule a visit between 8 - 10 am Ca time, sorrryyyy i should have told you that! *blush!*

I have two kids Samantha is 2 1/2 and Luc will be 5 on August 21. They won't come with me because i think they are too young they will stay with their favorite aunt which will be much more fun for them than when i would drag them along to America. A flight from Holland to America will take 11 hours and that's too long for both of them i think.

By the way, the hostel Kelli advised me seems great to me too, also it is much more cheaper than such a KOA cabin! i like that too! *grin* Now, don't think Dutch people are stingy!

Amy, thank you too! I wonder how is it like to live in California?


see you, Moos.

MOOS

WELCOME TO PTO..... I SINCERELY HOPE YOUR TRIP FROM THE NETHERLANDS IS GREAT..... DO YOU KNOW SORAYA? I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HER IN AWHILE AND I MISS HER TERRIBLY... SHE TOO IS FROM THE NETHERLANDS..


MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ON YOUR TRIP.... I KNOW YOU ARE A LITTLE FRIGHTENED BUT THINGS ARE NOT AS BAD OVER HERE ASIS PUBLICIZED.... MOST PEOPLE IN US ARE GOOD, LOVEING AND CARING INDIVIDUALS.... OF COURSE AS IN ANY COUNTRY, THERE ARE THE RUDE AND HATEFUL ONES TOO.

EVEN ON YOUR TRIP, FINDA PC AND COME ON TO PTO.... THE FOLKS HERE WILL HELP YOU OUT A GREATDEAL


MY LOVE AND PRAYERS

DONNA

Hi Donna,

Thank you for your kind words!

I'm sorry i don't know Soraya, yet, i hope everything will be okay with her!

Hey that's a good idea, to find an internet-cafe *do you call it like this too?* somewhere in California while i'm there and sent an e-mail to PTO, fun!

Bye, Moos.

Well Moos,

We are e-mailing each other a lot anyway, but yes, there are internet cafes everywhere. Plus our public library system here will allow you to sign on as well. You don't have to have a card unless you check out books.

I am glad you are getting some support. Just visiting a prison for the first time was a bit daunting to me, let alone a new country.

God bless
Kelli

Hi Kelli,

Oh that's great, i think it would be nice to be able to send e-mails, i already tought about all the 'withdrawal symptoms' i probably will going to have because i can't take the computer with me, smile.
I won't have to sign in again, is it? I mean when i will use an other computer than this one when i want to e-mail to PTO?

As for visiting a prison, i don't really know what to expect, i never have been inside of a prison, so everything what i read about and what i saw about American prisons on TV made me pretty scared to go there, but i'm sure they won't eat me in there and when i won't try all this then i can't see Erik too, so.... i can do it!!! grin!


bye moos

moos, have you tried searching the california doc system on line? they may have a link to that prison and it's regulations, they do here in oregon. they often list mail rules and visitation rules and related links..... as for living in california... i guess it depends on your point of view. i was born and raised in sourthern california, but now i am what is referred to as a california refugee, i just couldn't stand how much it changed. i grew up there and watched my home go through drastic changes that i couldn't stand. maybe ken has insight, but that's southern california i liked northern better, i guess because it had less of what southern california had become that i didn't like anymore. there are times i miss it though.
your english is fine.

WELCOME!!

hi there,

Ehm i don't know what the californian doc system on line is?*think... think* Oh i guess i know what you mean, there is a site from CDC where someone here directed me to and in there i read a lottttttttt of rules and things what are allowed and not etc it's useful!

Now i sure am curious to see California! So there is a huge difference between north and south California!
I don't know if i am allowed to ask this here but lately i saw on the Dutch news that the seqioa trees are on fire in ca, are there some of those trees left??!! I heard that they are huuuuuuge! or where huge?

Thanks for your welcome!

groetjes, Moos

MOOS

I MYSELF HAVE NEVER BEEN TO CALIFORNIA.. I LIVE IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT I HAVE HEARD SO MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT CALIFORNIA....

EACH PART IS THE STATE IS DIFFERENT... YOU HAVE MOVIE STARS AND MOUNTAINS AND FIRES IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT AREAS.

DO GO TO A LIBARARY WHEN YOU GET HERE AND LET US HEAR FROM YOU.... ALSO, THE HOTEL YOU STAY AT PROBABLY HAS INTERNET RIGHTS. SO YOU CAN GO ON THERE ALSO. KEEP YOUR LOG IN INFO WITH YOU BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE TO LOG IN EACH TIME YOU VISIT US...

LOVE YA
DONNA

Hi Donna,

Are you all form different states? it is hard to imagine how big the U.S. is, Holland is small in comparison with th U.S. but it isn't that small, anyway it will be a great experience to be there for a while!

I didn't found out yet if the hostell has internet rights too, i will check that out! Okay i will take my log in info with me :o)

mazzel, Moos.

oh heehj how did i do that? i sticked a smily in my message but it is sleeping???? I don't even know how i did that! Sorry, i am not a sleep!

moos

MOOS- I KNOW FIRSTHAND THAT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS BEAUTIFUL- I HEAR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA IS TOO-

I HAVE BEEN TO HOLLAND AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL TOO- I LIVED IN GERMANY FOR SEVERAL YEARS

Hi! You diddddd?! Where in Holland have you been, in which places? I am very curious! Fun! Germany is nice too, some parts are really beautiful. I had some family in Germany and travelled there are lot too. Fun! i think it is nice that you have been here in Holland!

MOOS- IT WAS QUITE A FEW YEARS AGO AND THE ONLY PLACES I REMEMBER THE NAMES OF ARE ROTTERDAM AND AMSTERDAM--I DO REMEMBER BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS- I WILL ASK MY MOM ABOUT WHERE ALL WE WENT WHILE THERE-- WE TRAVELLED ALL OVER EUROPE --UNFORTUNATELY AT THE TIME I WAS QUITE YOUNG AND DID NOT REALIZE THE VALUE OF SUCH TRAVEL-- A LOT OF THE TRIPS I HAD MY NOSE STUCK IN A BOOK IN THE BACK OF OUR VW CAMPER....

Wihihihi so you sat with your nose in a book and didn't pay attention at all! shame on you! grin, no doesn't matter, so you have been in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Amsterdam is our capital city and Rotterdam has lots of harbours, not very much fun about it i think, anyway i guess you have seen the flowers, Tulips i guess, somewhere in or around Amsterdam.
You should come back again and enjoy Holland! Would be fun to be your guide!

I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT AGAIN! AND I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO BE MY GUIDE!

Smile!
Just let me know when you need me as a guide!

Moos, when using a different computer, you will have to log on to everything you want to use. PTO will be no exception. The different computer will not have that information saved in it's system, like at home. So, bring all your screen names and sign in codes with you.

BR

Thanks B-Ray,

I wrote it down in a little book inwhere i wrote down everything what is important to take with me, grin, so also my log in things, i will take them with me!

Bye, moos

Hi Moos...I emailed you some information on when I called San Quentin...You need to call that direct number and talk to the Srgt. that I had spoken with. (check your e-mail) he seems a little 'rough on the edges', but if he can give you the information that will re-assure you that your visit is all set, that is all that matters!!
Also, I'm going to try and find the nearest library, from the hostel. I'll e-mail you the directions. We'll all be anxiously waiting to hear how everything is going! As for those tree's I've read the fire is under control, but you know what was interesting...they said that the trunks of the trees don't burn, just the tops! (interesting huh?)
I can see by reading all they posts that you have made quite a 'hit' here! *smiles*

Moos, another belated welcome to our community!

David

Hi Pam,

I didn't receive your e-mail yet, i think it's coming up.
Thank you soooooooooooooooo much for making that phone call! Why is that srgt. a little'rough on the edges'?! I think he will be speechless when he will hear my accent, *giggle!* anyway i have called to there twiceand both times i thought that it would be nice just to tell them right away that i was very nervous and that turned them into nice people right way. GRIN. I will call again tomorrow at 5 pm/8.00 am ca time.

oh SMACK! You are really sweet! I already tried to seek for a library which has internet things but i didn't found one yet! * kind of a dummy somethimes*

I also heard on the news that just the tops of the trees would burn but that it cuold set the whole wood on fire, ieehk!

Why is that a hit? I don't know what is usual up here, yet... smile!


Oh i saw that your e-mail just arrived i think!

Thank you so much again!!

happy-moos.

Hi Fed-X,

Thank you, you are the one who started this forum isn't it? It's great you did that!!!!!!

bye, Moos.

yes moos the redwoods are very beautiful and some groves depending on the species of redwood are HUGE!! the ones in danger are those. all of california is beautiful. a very diverse state, scenic coasts of many different types, deserts, mountains, alpines it has it all geographically speaking. it was only the metropolis i was escapeing. i think northern has more to see geographically speaking in a smaller area than southern. you can see more in less miles travelled. in southern you have to travel more to see more of the diversity.

Your very welcome Moos

Moos, just a little ' encouragement' keep working on everythings until YOUR satisified the visit is all set. Looking forward to hearing an update!

Thanks Pam!

i called again today and think they will remember my name next time, grin! anyway again i have to send them copies of all the forms i have and a week after i sent everything i have to call again to hear if they think i'm okay....so that i can visit Erik.

it's pretty exciting because there are just 4 weeks left before September gets here [and i get there!]

i'll keep in touch!

thanks for all your help so far!! you're really great!


moos.