Update my son is home 8-9-07 it was a very long 15 years.

Hi, I have noticed that we have a lot of folks here with loved one at Pelican Bay. We have this sub-forum for the Bay; it is kind of a test run to see how sub-forums do. We need to hear from you and your relationship to Pelican Bay. I would like to make this thread a mini introductions thread. So if you have or have had loved ones at the Bay we want to hear from you.

As you probably know my son Richard is in the SHU at the Bay, he has been there about 12 years now. If there is anything good to come out of this it has been that we have really gotten to know each other better. To those of you do not know what the SHU is I will try to tell you a little bit about it. PB is at the north end of California on the Oregon border, it’s in the small town of Crescent City on the coast. The SHU is Secure Housing Unit, that is where you are locked down 23 hr a day and you have no contact with other humans. You get what they call Yard once a day for less than an hour, you are taken there by the guards (always by yourself). It is not really a yard it is an enclosure four walls and a frosted glass ceiling. You never really get to see the sun or the stars, just gray walls and subdued sunlight. Visiting here is weekends only and always behind glass.

I would like to invite you to do an introduction here so we can all get to know each other better and learn how you have managed to deal with this kind of life. If enough of you visit here I would like to see if we could meet up sometime this summer. Love Barb

Hi Barb..This is a great idea! I also have a son at PB/ SHU and this is his 2nd. time there. He managed to parole out of the Bay once and has now returned .I'd love to hear ways people have learned to cope with loved one's at P.B.

Hey Barb,

Well most of you know I'm an English gal :rolleyes: and I started to write to a guy in Pelican Bay SHU about 3 years ago.

I have now visited there quite a few times and my then pen pal is now my husband, we got married at the Bay in August 2003 :D

My hubby has been at the Bay for 6 years of an 11 year sentence and we have 17 months to go (max time served)

I will be an honorary Californian come beginning of 2005 :dance:

hello again Barb. as you already know, i started writing to a man at PB about 3 years ago, he was then in the SHU and had been for almost 12 years by then. he recently was returned to general population, after 14 years in that god awful situation. he's a lifer, so what he has now is more than likely the most fredom he will ever see. his hope though, is MAYBE, if all goes well, to be transfered to another facility. i'm not really clear on how all that works. he's not family, nor have i ever laid eyes on him. i'd like one day to be able to visit him, but it's a highly doubtful chance since i live in iowa and am poor as a church mouse. i count him among my true friends though. thru writing back and forth, we've seen each other thru some dark times, and as far as i'm concerned, he will always be a friend to me. i have a great respect for him, having lived thru his years there, and remained sane. we are now able to talk by phone and i know his situation is much improved. he can see the sun now, and after 14 years, one can only imagine what a joy that must be. i know i can't claim to feel what those with family there feel, but i certainly know, NO ONE should have to endure years in the SHU. who knows, perhaps the new governor can make some changes there...we shall see. best wishes to you all, Renee

Hello everyone. My husband has been at Pelican Bay State Prison for 2 years now and has been in the SHU since October 2003. Even though he has been in the system for almost 8 years now, SHU did come as quit a shock to him. He says the worse part is the isolation. He is in a one man cell and misses having someone to talk to. He is in his late 20's so he is one of the younger inmates there. He tries to keep himself busy writing letters to me or other family memebers, but with the way the mail is going now, we can never keep up a current dialouge. I met my husband while he was already incarcerated, we were together 2 years before marrying last year. The first thing that everyone always asks is how can you fall in love with someone who's in Prison. I don't have any one answer. It is for so many reasons. We had and still always have so much to say to each other, we have so much in common, I know all his deepest thoughts and secrets and he knows mine as well. I often wonder if we would know each other this deeply and completely if we had met under different circumstances. Meeting and communicating through writing, especially in the beginning, gave us a chance to ask and say things that we probably wouldn't have the nerve to in person. We often comment on how scary it is to know each other so well. Many times we will send each other letters at the same time saying the exact same thing. So no, I have never touched my husband, or seen him without a piece of glass in between us. I do not know what he smells like, of feels like, I do not know how he kisses or how his arms feel around me, or those other more intimate things, but I do know that I know him better than anyone and I love him becasue of that. So I do not know how I fell in love with him, I guess I just didn't have a choice. I go see my husband once a month and I drive up from the Bay Area. If anyone has any questions or suggestions about the trip, please let me know.

I have noticed that there are more and more members who have loved ones in the SHU at Pelican Bay so I thought I would make this a sticky so we can hear from all the new members. Love Barb

Hi all :) I live in the Sacramento area and my boyfriend(the love of my life since I was a teen who I loved and lost but later found again!) in the SHU at Pelican Bay,he has 8 more months left to do.He has been in about a year and a half,in general population during that time but got into a fight and was placed in The SHU.

My son was in Pel Bay for just a few weeks when he was transferred back to CSP (Sac) for charges he got while there. He is back at Pelican Bay now til he is able to transfer back down here closer for visiting.

I've heard so many different things but as for right now I guess I won't be able to visit him at all for a year and then window visits for a year after that.

CSP told me he would be locked down for about 3 months also because of his latest trouble in the prison but thank God he has been calling (nearly everyday) since he left reception and he is on main-line in the A yard.

I'll be reading through the Pelican Bay forum next week as I havn't had a chance to do much lately with so many different things happening with my life out here and both my sons lives in 'there'. For now, I'd just like to hear from someone that Pelican Bay isn't as scarey a place as all the documentaries on t.v. make it out to be. Hearing it is for 'the worst of the worst' really does me in every time I hear it. I know my son isn't even close to being in that category as I am sure there are many, many others. Why do they have to say things like that....I'll never understand(?)
Teri

If he is on mainline in the A yard it really isn't that bad! My boyfriend was in A before the altercations that led him to Ad Seg and then the SHU.He said it was NOT as bad as everyone said.He really had it ok there until the fights which in all honesty were as much his fault then anyone elses so your son should be ok at least from what I have heard from my guy.I hope that helps ease your mind a bit.

Thanks CA Sunshine! That will make it a little easier right now. I'm kind of worried because his dad is being sentenced, if he hasn't been already in the last few days for what my son is there for (his dad stayed in Sacto county all this time (over 4 yrs) fighting the case. When his dad was first arrested his 'street' attorney that he hired for himself (my son had a Pub Def that scared my son into taking 11-14) told me my x would either get out of it completely or 'his bones will turn to ashed as Pelican Bay'. His dad got a lot more charges than my son but supposedly was only found guilty for conspiracy which he told me would be 3 yrs if it weren't his 1000th strike! Because of that he wouldn't get out. THEN, come to find out when I called the courthouse to see if he had gotten sentenced yet...the lady that was helping me was reading everything off his papers and she said he got 20 yrs for the conspiracy and had to go back to court for 2 of the other charges (after all these years he lies just as much as the day I met him!) But...anyway, what I worry mostly about with my son being there, is if his father goes there also...somehow he might end up getting him into even more trouble than he has already!
Teri

Oh boy Jus Mom that would be a sticky situation! I would think they wouldn't send family members to the same prison but what do I know? That would just seem to make sense to me though!

My son seems to think it is just fine for them to both be there. Others, out here, that know them both seem to feel the same way because my x will be in the SHU and my son isn't. Guess at some point in time I'm just going to have to realize he isn't my 'little boy' anymore and quit worrying about him so much (this is what he says). He feels, at the age of 25 he can handle whatever comes along and constantly tells me to "quit stressing!". I'm sure his dad loves him alot and deep down doesn't want to see anything bad happen to him. It's just that he has been a con for so many years and with so many people that it just hasn't sunk into his head yet that he isn't messing with someone that has been around for as many years, into as many different type dealings as he has been around or experienced as much in life as he has. Or, that this time it is his own son's life that he is helping to destroy. (Some of what I try to explain might be hard to understand because I can't go into details about certain things but it helps me to get it out of my system anyway. Thank you for your thoughts, concern and...being there. I really appreciate it!) Teri

(Some of what I try to explain might be hard to understand because I can't go into details about certain things but it helps me to get it out of my system anyway. Thank you for your thoughts, concern and...being there. I really appreciate it!) Teri

Thats ok Teri sometimes it is better not to give to many details! You are welcome for my support,thats what I am here for :) And everyone else on PTO is here for as well
I hope everything works out ok for your son

Hi everyone,
I have only been coming to prisontalkonline for a few weeks. My guy is in the SHU up at the Bay and has been since Christmas 2002. He has been up at the Bay since 1999 (I think) I usually visit once a year in either summer or fall. I visited last August and then was lucky enough to visit again in January so that was a special treat. I have been with him for 10 years now and we met as pen pals. I had been involved in prison volunteer work in my state so I was not unfamiliar with prisons although California prisons are a world unto themselves. With his first letter I knew he was special and I have not been proved wrong on that. :) Anyway it is good to get to know you all.
Lee

Welcome to PTO and to the Pelican Bay forum :)

Hello Everyone,

My honey has been at PB for about a year now...he has another 2 to go. Talk about a long time. But I know we will make it thru it. I am going to visit him for the first time this weekend and am nervous. We have been together off and on for the past 17+ yrs and I ain't about to abandon him now. I love him so much and miss him even more.

This site has been so helpful. I don't know what I would do without it now.

Hi there and welcome!

Hi redredwine,welcome! I'm glad you found PTO and find it helpful.

Welcome to PTO redredwine, hope you have a great visit. Are you visiting the main yard or the SHU? Love Barb

The visit was wonderful :) He is at the ranch so it was a good visit...it was so good to see him and touch him and kiss him. I am already counting the minutes until I can see him again.

Susan

I do have a penpal in Pelican Bay , since January this year.
he is doing life and is in SHU.
I'm so glad I met him , he is a wonderful guy !

sandra

Hi, I have noticed that we have a lot of folks here with loved one at Pelican Bay. We have this sub-forum for the Bay; it is kind of a test run to see how sub-forums do. We need to hear from you and your relationship to Pelican Bay. I would like to make this thread a mini introductions thread. So if you have or have had loved ones at the Bay we want to hear from you.

As you probably know my son Richard is in the SHU at the Bay, he has been there about 12 years now. If there is anything good to come out of this it has been that we have really gotten to know each other better. To those of you do not know what the SHU is I will try to tell you a little bit about it. PB is at the north end of California on the Oregon border, it’s in the small town of Crescent City on the coast. The SHU is Secure Housing Unit, that is where you are locked down 23 hr a day and you have no contact with other humans. You get what they call Yard once a day for less than an hour, you are taken there by the guards (always by yourself). It is not really a yard it is an enclosure four walls and a frosted glass ceiling. You never really get to see the sun or the stars, just gray walls and subdued sunlight. Visiting here is weekends only and always behind glass.

I would like to invite you to do an introduction here so we can all get to know each other better and learn how you have managed to deal with this kind of life. If enough of you visit here I would like to see if we could meet up sometime this summer. Love Barb

my name is cynthia and i have afriend i met in the shu he been in there for 20yrs he is doing life i cant believe how they are treated like animals and they cant see a star or breath air like us ,he is so fill of joy that he met a girl like me ,i keep his spirits up recently he ask me to go visit him and since i am maried and i can t get away from that he understands that iam married and he does not trip at all i just want to get to know him better and he tells me not to get all sprung on him that its just a fantasy and i might loose my good thing for a vato thats beeen down all his life

Welcome :)

My name is stephanie my fiance was sent to pelican bay in dec of 2001 for parole violation after being released from pb in may he got in a fight with his cellie and has been in the hole since he recently was told he will wpend the rest of his time in the shu which will be about 6 months. He was supposed to be released this december but they tacked on 90 days for the fight. Our relationship couldnt withstand the prison sentence we split up a year ago but I recently realized that he was my life and I shouldnt have let the time come between us. He said he has done shu time befor but I am so scared for him it was bad enough thinking of him in gp but now the stories I hear about the shu are giving me nightmares. If anyone has words of comfort they would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to PTO you have found a great place for support.
The love of my life is in the SHU (similiar story he was due home but got in a fight and was sent to the SHU also similiar in the fact that he is the love of my life we did break up as well but are back together).He got a 9 months SHU sentence,He has actually been fine in there no problems per say so keep your head up.The no calls suck,the lonliness and boredom are hard but other then that he has been ok in there.
Hang in there

Hi, I just became a member of this site and would like to get to know everyone. My boyfriend is at Pelican Bay serving a 20 yr sentence. We have a daughter and hes been down for 7 yrs. We had been just friends for all this time but now have rekindled our relationship. I want to send him some joy in my letters cause he will have very little in his life since he will be gone so long. I enjoy reading what everyone says here and hope to be helpful to those who need it. If you see me just introduce yourself!:D

Welcome :) Glad to have you here!

Hello all,
I have writing someone doing life in the bay as he calls it for 7 months.I understand it is a hard place to do time even when your in the *main*line.For me i have never visited i cannot for some reason they won't allow visitors from Canada.So we write and he calls once a month.I willbe there for him as long as he needs me and i enjoy the letters.Any how i am glad to have found you all.At last other people who know and understand what the bay is all about.:)

Welcome,welcome,welcome :) Glad ya found us!

Welcome to PTO, Glad you joined this great site!

I'm new to this stuff. My fiance and I are expecting our first baby this month. He just arrived at pb. He will be there untill the 28th of September. This is his first time in prison he's in the level 1 facility. We want to get married. is there anyone who could help me figure out how to go about it? also, can I send him envalopes, paper, and stamps?

Hello all,

I am new to this forum, I stumbled on it when my husband gave me the website for the Prison Calls Online so we can save some money on the calls. When living in California the calls were only $3.95, I just moved up to Oregon and the calls are $20.00 a piece! It is insane. I haven't gotten the number yet so I'm not sure how good it is, I should get in within a couple days. Any comments from folks who use it would be great!

My husband has been at Pelican Bay a year now. He was on parole previously then went out & picked himself up a new charge. The visiting there is worse than any other pen I have been to. He is on level one & the room is small & the food sucks (although it's better than what he is used to :p ). Most level one facilities you can bring your own food. O-well, I know it could be much worse. As you all know having a loved one away is hard, especially this time of year. We are lucky that we do get family visits, they really help. Just to be able to spend time together without someone watching your every move. I think it's great that this forum exists to support the many women out there going through this. The California system is a joke. I moved to Oregon as I hear the parole laws are MUCH better here so hopefully when he finally does come home he can get off parole & we can get on with life.

Just wanted to introduce myself & say hello & tell you how great I think this site is :o

I'm not sure on how to get married although I know a couple did a couple of months ago. They do them during your visit. You may want to have your fiance talk to his counselor. SOME of them can be helpful. You can send stamps, paper & envelopes. The paper cannot have any metal bindings on it and the pens need to be clear. I think you can send 5. Hope this helps some.

Hi.....My Husband has been at PB since 1989,He is a lifer. I write to another inmate at PB that introduced my husband and I.....We knew we were soulmates the first letter we wrote.....We have been married for 6 months. I wasn't looking for a romantic relationship it just happened......He is like no other man I have ever known.....We haven't touched each other.....or felt the kisses or hugs we long to have with each other.....but we are so connected in all ways.....We are so much alike in all ways......since meeting and commiting to each other, we both have been in Harmony......We kiss the glass alot..... Smiling!!!!! I have learned alot from PTO, Thank You.......

Hello all,
I have writing someone doing life in the bay as he calls it for 7 months.I understand it is a hard place to do time even when your in the *main*line.For me i have never visited i cannot for some reason they won't allow visitors from Canada.So we write and he calls once a month.I willbe there for him as long as he needs me and i enjoy the letters.Any how i am glad to have found you all.At last other people who know and understand what the bay is all about.:)

Canadian Gal.........My Husband has a friend that is going to marry a gal from Canada,very soon......here at PB. Who told you PB doesn't allow you to visit because you are from Canada? Maybe you should double check by calling the prison or writing them(Warden)....Good Luck!!!!!!

Hi, I have noticed that we have a lot of folks here with loved one at Pelican Bay. We have this sub-forum for the Bay; it is kind of a test run to see how sub-forums do. We need to hear from you and your relationship to Pelican Bay. I would like to make this thread a mini introductions thread. So if you have or have had loved ones at the Bay we want to hear from you.

As you probably know my son Richard is in the SHU at the Bay, he has been there about 12 years now. If there is anything good to come out of this it has been that we have really gotten to know each other better. To those of you do not know what the SHU is I will try to tell you a little bit about it. PB is at the north end of California on the Oregon border, it’s in the small town of Crescent City on the coast. The SHU is Secure Housing Unit, that is where you are locked down 23 hr a day and you have no contact with other humans. You get what they call Yard once a day for less than an hour, you are taken there by the guards (always by yourself). It is not really a yard it is an enclosure four walls and a frosted glass ceiling. You never really get to see the sun or the stars, just gray walls and subdued sunlight. Visiting here is weekends only and always behind glass.

I would like to invite you to do an introduction here so we can all get to know each other better and learn how you have managed to deal with this kind of life. If enough of you visit here I would like to see if we could meet up sometime this summer. Love Barb

Hi Barb, I'm new to this website so am playing it by ear. I've seen you reply to various questions about Pelican Bay and read where your son is there and has been there for 12 years. Do you visit him often? The reason I'm asking is because I am about to send in my visitors form and find it a little scary to go up there by myself. When do you plan on visiting your son again? I live in Carson and would probably catch a flight from Long Beach. Can you tell me what hotel you stay in and do they provide transportation to the prison? thanks, Geena

Welcome to PB forum Detriot'sgirl,Garyzgal,Maeve, and Geena.

Hi Geena, yes my son is at the Bay and has been for many, many years. It is not a scary place to me and the staff have always been great to me and my family. I stay at the BayView in by the water. It is not a fancy place but the people there are very nice, I now know the gal on the desk her name is Christine. I drive up there so I don't need to rent a car so I don't know how to go about it. I know there is a bus of some sort that will pick you up in town and take you to the prison. I will see if I have anymore info on things if you like. Love Barb

Hello everyone!
I'm pretty new to this site. I enjoy reading what everyone has to say. My boyfriend is currently in Pelican Bay's SHU. He's been incarcerated now for 13 years and has about 5 more to go. I try to make the trip to see him as often as I can considering it's about a 12 hour drive. It's my understanding that if you drive a certain distance that you can ask to have your visiting time extended. If anyone has any information on this I would appreciate hearing how that works. I'm hoping to make it back up there in May.
Until then....Thanks everyone!

Hi BellasMom and welcome to PTO. Yes you can get the extended visits if you are driving 250 miles or more (I think that is the right amount). If you only visit ever few months, not sure of how many that is right now. Just write a letter to the visiting SGT and request the visit. It will allow you to visit both in the morning and afternoon for the weekend you are coming up. I have done this a number of times since I come up from Orange County and the staff have always been very nice to me. Love Barb

Hello Barb and thank you very much for the information I truly appreciate it! It's good to know that next time I visit I'll be able to spend a little more time with him. I'm glad I came across this site. It's been very informative. I will be visiting here often.
BellasMom

Hello everyone. My husband just arrived at Pelican Bay yesterday. I dont know that I am happy about the 3 hour or more drive to visit him, but the scenery is incredible so I'm looking forward to at least the first drive up there! Im very happy that he wasnt placed in a prison down in southern CA. So, I guess we cant have everything, but we can have some things right? Anyway, he has 14 months left to do from here. He was just arrested on Halloween morning 2004(It was a trick, not a treat :( ) and got a new case. Previously he was on parole for stupid stuff, drugs, giving a fake name etc. I met him 4 years ago, we've endured 2 four month violations which he did in Salono, and now this. Yesterday was the first time I heard his voice since he was shipped to DVI Tracy in January, the day before our one year wedding anniversary.:( My hope is, that this marks the begining of the end of the maddness and destruction in our life due to drug abuse. Your stories made me cry, Im a big baby right now anyway. Im looking forward to getting to know all of you. I am in Yuba City, CA. and would like to know if any of you pass through, or close by here to visit? It would be nice to carpool, or share the driving, I have had extensive surgery to both of my elbows and shoulders so long drives kill me!! Or anyone who might be between Yuba City and Cresent City would even work! Every little bit helps, I know. Thanks for sharing your lives here.

Welcome Mrs Chappell :) My ex is no longer at The Bay so I don't visit there anymore but I have a few friends still there.Mail is very slow right now so just be prepared when you write it may take awhile to get to him.

Welcome to our family MrsChappell :). Let's hope you can find someone to make the trip with you. Love Barb

Thank you California Sunshine for the heads up on that. He told me it would be at least 30 days behind. Thats not much worse than DVI :( . At least we can talk on the phone now though.:clap:
Welcome Mrs Chappell :) My ex is no longer at The Bay so I don't visit there anymore but I have a few friends still there.Mail is very slow right now so just be prepared when you write it may take awhile to get to him.

I guess I should introduce myself. My honey has been at PB since may 2004 and he is in the B yard. We live in the City of Pico Rivera in Los Angeles area. We have 2 little girls together and we are in the process of appeal. I hate that he is there so far away. I hate that they gave him the time took him away. My children are losing out on a great Daddy and he is missing out on so much of thier lives.

Welcome Queenmama!

Hi!

A very good friend of mine is at PB and I will be visiting him from Ontario this August, I have been approved and will be driving there, my questions are what do I expect, what is there to do for my 17 year old son who will not be going with me to the visits, where is there to stay in Crescent City? I would appreciate all the help I can get, so thanks inadvance.

Oh, he is on C yard, can anyone explain what that is to me?

Thanks

Greetings! My name is Nancy, I live about 3 hours from Pelican Bay, in Hayfork (that's in the mountains between Redding and Eureka, on Highway 299). I've been corresponding with one fellow from the SHU who has been there 10 years or so, and another fellow on B yard. I'm a member of the Inmate Family Council (IFC) at Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW), and hope to become a member of the IFC at Pelican Bay (it's about 3 hours closer than VSPW). This forum is helping me get a better understanding of the problems associated with Pelican Bay, and with the SHU, in particular. The problems here are much different than at a women's prison.....

Welcome Nancy :) Glad you are here!

Welcome Nancy!

Hi! and Welcome!! The people here are always understanding and helpful...Its the best support Ive had in a while!! :)

I just wanted to introduce myself to this forum. My very close friend was just transfered (5-10-05) from Corcorcan to Pelican Bay... I don't know much info since I haven't gotten any letters yet. Wierd he didn't tell me that he was transfering the last letter I got was dated 5-4-05. He told a friend of mine about his transfer and I was shocked because they told him he would be doing the rest of his time at Corcoran, I called this morning to confirm :( . Well I guess that's it.

~CG119

Hello, i'm new 2 this site, which i LOVE....anyhow, my boyfriend who was just a pen-pal @ 1 point, is @ Pelican Bay(yard B), been there for 6 yrs now, doing a 134yr sentence. Like anyone can possibly do that time. Yes it is depressing,but i have 2 remain strong & support him mentally in anyway possible. He recently wrote me a letter, he mentions "Just pray for me baby & keep the hope & fire burning. It means the world to me,because w/o you by my side, life in here is miserable & lonely"...u can b sure that sentence brought tears 2 my eyes. I write 2 him every 2nd day. @ keep him company (sorta speak) w/my letters. & u know what?...each letter is always 2 or 3 sometimes 4 pgs long. Oddly i never run out of things 2 tell him. He truly completes me...B4 as penpals, we opened up 2 each other & became aqquinted w/each other's "interperson".
One day we hope 2 b united as Man & Wife...I already selected the Wedding rings, engraved on them, "True Love Waits" as u can see on my signature. & that is SO true.
Yes he is "there" & i am "out here" yet we r close in heart. This whole experience feels so right. He is like my bestfriend & Loved one. The whole package. No matter who confronts me of "why w/an inmate"? I simply block all the negativity & Just say "He is Human as u & i, no different". I advise those all who read this. Keep supporting ur loved one. Believe me it goes father in their eyes(heart). Take care & keep the Faith.....Denise

Welcome to our little home CG and Faithfully :)

Hello Everyone,
My husband is in the SHU at PBSP and has been since 1999. We have been together for 10 years but married 4 years on July 21st.
I moved to Crescent City from Southern California in 2001. I am so blessed because I get to visit every weekend
I was told about your web site from a friend.
I am looking forward to gathering information from all of you and who knows I just might be able to share some too.:rolleyes:

My honey is also in the shu i met him on hte sts when i was a lil girl grew up and ran into a friend and we started to write know i m sodeeply in love it hurts alot that your true love is so far away this 4th of july weekend i went on a mission to were my daddy is so many miles away i went all by self and i was so happy to see him after so many yrs the visit was so nice that beatiful afternoon. im going back on aug 6 and i cant wait to see his eyes again

Welcome mfmorecook,bosbugg and Sleepysruca! Nice to meet ya :)

nice to meet you also so you understand my pain that i love my honey that is in th shu

For all of you who have not yet posted an Intro please let us hear from you here. Love Barb

Hello Everyone. I am writing to tell you my story. My babe is at Pelican Bay SHU and has been for quite some time. He was inthe mainline first, but then was sent to SHU soon after his arrival. He has been incarcerated for 14 yrs coming this Feb. He will possibly be up for parole then, but could still hasve 25 more to go. I miss him so. I have kept in contact with him thoughtout all these years, even though we were not together, we were ALWAYS friends. He is my one true love and has been since I was 15!! Now I am back as of 2003, that is MY MAN!!! :) I met him beofre he got sent up, but this hurts very much, it doesn't get any easier. I can't wait to hear from him and see him any chance I get. I love my Andre.............por vida

Hi Barb, I am feeling like i already know you. I have been reading your posts and responses to other people for a while now. My fiance was initially in San Quentin and just at the beginning of this month he was moved to Pelican Bay. This was his first time ever in prison and he had less than 90 days on his sentence when they sent him from San Quentin to Pelican Bay. We are from the Bay Area in California and for the world of me neither of us can figure out why he was sent way out there with such little time remaining and the fact this is his first time ever in prison.
I didnt know how to post my question in another forum but seen you requesting replys from P.B inmates loved ones. I need a little help if possible. As i said this is 1st time in prison and already he was attacked and had to defend hisself. he was told that if a person is bleeding after a fight then the person who made him bleed will catch more time. Is this true because he could be in jeopardy of catching more time which really is awful because he is so close to his date(less than 60days) and also is there anyone i can call to have him moved to a different location in the prison because after the attack on him he was moved to the Shu for 2 days and brought right back to the same location where the gang that attacked him is at. I am very concerned and worried. Just like many others i have seen countless documentarys on Pelican Bay and i honestly fear for his life. He is all alone in there with no others that have his back. What if anything can i do to help ensure my mans homecoming to me and his children!! Also he has not recieved any of my mail that i mailed to him, or the care package that i ordered online 2weeks ago. They have not even transferred his money that was already on his books from San Quentin. I need to get on the phone and help my baby out but i have NO idea where to start or who to call. I know you have some experience with the prison system so any advice or direction would really help.Thank you

Welcome to PTO Etta:) I am sorry to hear about your guy:(. There is really nothing you can do to get him moved closer to you I am sorry. They were probably just testing him to see what he would do. How long has he been down? You should send in a little money right away if you can. His money and his package might take a little while to reach him, also send him some paper and envelopes (envelopes pre-stamped from the Post Office). You can send him up to twenty envelopes and 200 sheets of paper. Just keep writing him and let him know you will be waiting for him to come home. Did they ever say why they moved him? I am sorry I don't have any real answers for you, please let me know if there is anything I can help you with. Love Barb

My best friend since high school was in the bay. I used to visit him often. The staff was always polite and respectful towards me. There is a van that will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. Then return to the hotel to transport you to the prison. The folks in the friendship house are really friendly and helpful. Donations are always appreciated but not expected for their services.

Thanks Barb for the welcome and advice. I haven't sent him any $ yet to p.b. is it the same process as other Ca state prisons? Just get the money order from the post office and make it out to him and use his prison P.O. Box? I really am not sure and want to make sure he gets the money asap. Also does anyone know if there is a mail hold up in A-gym in P.B. because i have been recieving mail but my man has not recieved one piece of mail from me since he's been in P.B. (first of September):confused:

Hi everyone! I started writing to my best friend as a pen pal about 3 years ago. We have become VERY close! He's my best friend that I tell everything to. My husband is also incarcerated in CA, in PVSP. I live over 12 hours drive from PVSP and have no idea how much longer it would take to drive to Pelican Bay!!:eek: I lived in Eureka when I was a kid but I can't remember!! I will be going to see my husband and friend around X-mas!!!:D Stay strong!:thumbsup:

Hello to all. ;) well I'm pretty new to PTO so let me introduce myself and of course the Love of my life my name is Renee and his is Esiquio Rodriguez we are both from the bay area (San Jose) he has been in PB since Jan. of this year it his first time in prison so I'm pretty new this whole thing and has I'm sure most of you all know just how much it sucks to be apart from the ones we hold closest to our hearts. We have 64 days til were together again although we talk over the phone I find myself constantly missing and thinking of him and of course praying that God is watching of him after all PB has its reputation right. Even with him always telling me not to worry about him I noticed its easer said then done, so as I stand by the Man I Love and wait til APRIL 21ST it helps out allot just to know that there's a place to go and share your feelings as well as find support with others going through the same situations. (PTO)


Please feel free to contact me and I will be more then happy to respond and answer any questions to the best of my knowledge.

I never really made any plans on visiting My Baby since he was transfered to PB and since he is due home soon but if theres any one who is from the bay area and making that trip to PB I would be interested in maybe going with if possible like Ive said before I'm pretty new to it all so would appreciate any info and or the support on any new information anybody comes across. THANK YOU

40555 4055640557
This is my Man my Best Friend my SoulMate
My Baby Boy!!!

Hi there Zeke&Renee and welcome to PTO and the Pelican Bay forum :)

hello everyone. my name is karen, and my friend is in the shu at pelican bay. i visited him this weekend, and i was amazed at how wonderful all the other friends and families are. i just wanted to thank you all for the amazing community you have created. it made me feel less alone and scared, and in much better spirits for my visit. i have so much respect for your loyalty and humanity.

Hi there Karen Welcome :)

I too visited in the SHU this past weekend at 10:45am both days maybe I had a chance to meet you. The visiting even in the SHU at PBSP is easy and always very friendly. :)
Since they started this new program we are getting shorted on our visiting time, although this past weekend we did get almost 2 hours each day. I have been reminded by the staff that in all the other SHU's you only get one hour of visiting each day.

Hi! My penpal is in the SHU and I first visited him last November. How anyone can survive under those conditions is unbelievable. After finding out everything I could about the SHU and visiting there, I keep him and all the others guys in my prayers EVERY night. I ask the Virgin of Guadalupe to take special care of all of them -- she always grants everyone's wishes -- as long as you have faith. I have devotion and a lot of faith in her! I ask her to please help and close the SHU! Thanks and God bless all the family and friends who have someone in the SHU.

Well,
Lets see my husband is in the S.H.U and has been since they opened it up in 1988.

One of my dearest friends, Cody, is in The Shu at PB. He is a very talented artist and dedicated man. He has been given some really bad family news lately and has suffered a cell change/extraction.

I would like to go up and visit, but I am currently waiting the appeal on my rejection of my application. If anyone knows Cody, or knows someone in D-1 maybe you could pass on a "Hello' for me. My letters take forever and I am a lousy story teller, but if he heard a shout out it would cheer him up.

Thanks,
Jeanette
* * FRISCO * *

Hello all. I am new to this site and am eager to learn all I can about Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP). My man has been down for 10 years and is serving 25 to life. Ive visited him at other prisons, but have never been to PBSP. When he got to PBSP, they checked his file and pretty much guaranteed him that he wasnt going anywhere. I have heard so much about that prison that I am nervous to go, but my love for my man is stronger than my fears. I am headed out that way in a couple of weeks. I dont think he is in the SHU.... anyone know anything about B yard? If they are not in the SHU, do you still have to schedule an appointment for visitations? I am full of questions but I know I am at the right place to ask them! Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated :-)

Hello,
Always call to make sure they are not on lockdown. Because it can happen at anytime. You don't want to be driving all the way from down South only to be told that they are on Lockdown (a 12-13 hour drive if you are coming from L.A). Call 707-465 1000 you can always get updates(hit *111 to get a live person). You get 6 hour visits if you are on the mainline. You can bring in $30 in ones or quarters. No jeans, no lowcut shirts. No grey sweats,yellow or orange clothing.
There is not much to do in town. Walmart is the mainstore in town.
Good Luck!
Rebe

Hi everyone, well, I've been keeping in touch with an old friend for seven years and we recently just became very close in our letters to each other. He makes me so happy but at the same time I am very scared.....I never thought we would be on this level with each other!:p I'm going to visit him for the first time and I'm just really nervous about how it's going to be. But at the same time I can't wait!!!!! Well, it's really nice to have a place like this to come to, I relate to so much of what I hear here. Thank you.

Hello All,
My name is Yvette. The love of my life is locked up in the SHU and will be for the next 9-13 years. I'll admit I'm having a bit of a hard time with all this stuff. It's pretty new, ya know.

That being said, I am SO SO grateful that there is a place to go to ask questions and read stories, etc. I look forward to meeting everyone.

Yvette

Greetings everyone! Glad to have ya here in the Pelican Bay forum

Greetings to you to Yvette:) and welcome to PTO. Are you going to be visiting your loved one? If you are just posted about when you will be going and maybe someone on here will be going at the same time. It is always nice to have someone to visit with after your visit to the SHU. Love Barb

Hi...new to this forum, but not PTO. I have a couple penpals, one at Pelican Bay's SHU and the other is in another midwestern state. I just wanted to quickly introduce myself. I began writing this guy in March...now I know the meaning of "snail mail"!!! Geez! It takes forever! ha Talk soon PB Peeps!

Welcome to the Pelican Bay Forum:) I see you are not new to PTO but welcome anyway:). You are right the mail at the Bay gives snail mail real meaning doesn't it. Sometimes it's 2 week sometimes it 2 months go figure. Love Barb

Hello everyone. I am new here, my friend told me about this forum and the great information and support available. I'm here because she also introduced me to my first pen pal and he is in teh SHU in PB.

hi everybody

my name is marit and i am from the netherlands. my fiancee is just moved to pelican bay prison.he came from hdsp.
so its all new now. i don't now yet where he stays i hope to find out soon.

Even though I've already posted some questions, I thought I would also introduce myself.

I'm Sarah, and I have a pen pal in the SHU at Pelican Bay. I had originally written to someone who I found on a prison pen pal site, but he apparently got inundated with mail b/c of the ad, so after reading my intro letter he found someone else in the SHU that had a lot in common with me, and passed my letter on to him and sent me a postcard explaining the situation and vouching for his friend. We have been writing since January of this year. At first mail was moving at a cold molasses rate, but it has improved somewhat lately, here's hoping it stays that way.

I also have a friend who is incarcerated here in Missouri, he's the one the 2009 club applies to, from what I have been reading on the PB threads, my pal in SHU isn't likely to ever get parole :(, he's serving 25 to life for bank robbery, he wouldn't be eligible for parole until 2019:(.

I am looking forward to getting to know you all.

My husband has been in the shu at Pelican bay since March of 94. He is currently serving a 61 to life sentence. My best advice to those who have loved ones there is take it one day at a time.

My husband is near your friend I am sure. I will ask him to send a hello.

you do not have to schedule an appt. with regular population inmates. Call the prison and ask to be sent a copy of there dress code. Pelican Bay is unlike any other prison in California.

I'd like to give a little intro here as well.

I found out about this site through a neighbor. I met a man serving 33 to life presently his home is the Ad Seg unit at Pelican Bay.
We started off as pen pals, became good friends and have now started getting a little deeper in our relationship. The word love is going on so that says something! :-)
I am 2300 miles away from him and not really sure how to handle this kind of relationship, but he is such a wonderful, loving, kind, caring man that I have to find a way. I'm hoping I will be able to do that here.

Thank you

My husband is being sent to the shu at the bay any day now he is currently at kvsp. Can anyone tell me what visiting there is like? I was also given the number of M&J coach service that takes you to the bay
has anyone ever used them? I live in orange CA.

Hello,
Visiting is okay. Not the best but it will work.
Visit's by appointment only. For Sat and Sun the visits are set up at either 8:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m or the 1:00p.m. The visits are only 2 hours long there are no contact visits at all.:mad: Sorry but that's the breaks there.
Your first visit make sure to write a letter to get an extended visit.
They are only allowed a few times a year. If you get approved you will get a double visit both days.
P.B.S.P # 707 465 1000
Good Luck!

Hi Barb and to the folks with loved ones in Pelican Bay,

I'd like to take this opportunity to provide my gratitude to PTO. It's a wonderful site and I look forward to utilizing it. Currently, I live in Sacramento, Ca. My companion is fighting a life sentance in the A-yard and I plan to visit every chance I can. I want to praise everyone that is here as a means of support for you loved one behind prison walls. Although distance may seperate you and them, remember you are truly a heartbeat away. Everyone keep your head to the sky.

Lots of Love and Respect,

Hermosa

Hi everyone, My baby brother just turned 18 in July and was sentenced to 5 years, he had previously been in CYA in Paso Robles, where he got into some trouble, he was told that he was going to be an example, and so he has now been in PB since Monday. I and my mom where told that he will be on a Level 4, I do not know what that means? Can anyone help? I helped raise my brother because my mom was a single parent with 3 girls and my one and only brother, the baby, so when he got into trouble I kinda blamed myself since I raised him. Now after all the stories I hear about PB I do not know what to expect.

Hello Sistersheart,
Is he going to the mainline or is he going to the S.H.U?
If he is going to the S.H.U there are no contact visits nor phone calls.
But if he is on the mainline he will be able to have contact visits and phone calls home.
I hope that helps.
Rebe

Hi! *waves*

I just recently started writing a man at Pelican Bay. I am looking for information on sending music and books.

I think he is on A yard. Is there a limit to the number of cds or books he can have? Is there some sort of list of which books, cds they can have?

I tried JPay but for some crazy reason they don't take Amex and it's the only card I've got. Western Union wants a lot for just sending a little(at least for stamps). Are there any other options for me. I am in Canada.

I'd really like to do something special for him. He's such a great guy! It's the least I can do.

i need help!!! I hope I Iam doing this right.. i just got approved for visitation. i wanted to get the extended visit and also wanted to find he easyest way to get to the bay. i live in los angeles and i plan on going the weekend of march 30th.. should i fly or drive?. it would be about a 12 hour drive.. i am going crazy... thank you

Hello!
Apply for an extended visit as soon as you can.
Explain in it you are coming more then 250 miles on a one way trip basis.
If you can fly fly.
See what the expenses will be.
Would it be cheaper to fly or drive.
If you fly you still got to get a rent a car to get around.
or Rent a taxi to get a around. Even though the hospitality house if you arrange it will pick u up from the hotel.
The drive is beautiful but long very long.
Check the prices of the motels some will give a discount for being a prison visitors. But if you have AAA the rates are usually alot cheaper.
Good Luck and ENJOY your visit.
Rebecca

Mirna123....Here is the address for extended visits...

PBSP
Visiting Processing
PO Box 7500
Crescent City CA 95532

Then call the Monday before the weekend you are coming for the visit after you get the approval 465-1000 ExT 5415

Hello all I have been lurking around here since December when my husband was sent to prison and just now decided to join PTO there is some great info on here. My husband is on the ranch and will be released in July, I know that doesnt seem like long for most of you who have loved ones serving years but when you have two small children who are used to seeing there daddy everyday it's still hard, he's been in county since August and was just sent to prison in December. May God bless you all and give you strength each and everyday because even one day without our loved ones seem like an eternity.

Hi countingdayz and welcome :)

Just wanted to say 'Hullo' to everyone on the PB list. Am brand new at this, but already have a much greater understanding of PB and the SHU from reading all the posts possible in this short time--so would like to say a big 'thank you' to you all. :) I have a rellie in the SHU, so hopefully won't be so naive in my letters to him. Cheers NB :)

I am new to this site...my son did time at Pelican Bay....then paroled and violated his parole and has been in county for six months and it is very likely he could return to Pelican Bay....I visited him as frequently as possible...I think he was in C or D I would have to look....He was on lock down 23 hours and had a cell mate....His yard time was not always given on a daily basis and showers tho offered every other day...were foregone because of tension on the block...
I went to PB when he paroled (I live in so cal) as he is dyslexic and I was worried he wouldn't make his plane changes or bus due to not reading well. He paroled to my house....I was in a state of shock and dismay and fear when he got settled in...he was experiencing extreme PTSD and was unable to cope with life.....he was in a constant state of paranoia which caused him to be irritable and edgy most of the time....he had a need to be in control...and it was just heart breaking to watch him go through this..he did get better but I don't think he will ever be the same...his cellie took a razor to him, tried to slit his throat about 30 days before he paroled...he was cut up pretty bad...a lot of other things went down as well...like one of the few times he was in a common area a man was stabbed to death and another one was shot by a guard...this is only a thumbnail sketch of his experiences...the idea of him returning there haunts me.....during the time he was there he never shared anything about what went on....didn't want to worry me...so if this is what happens at level 4 then those men in the SHU are experiencing much worse....and I pray for all of you and your families...we all are truly blessed to have this forum...I have been so isolated with my situation...thank you all for your support and strength and wisdom...~Cat

Welcome ladies :)

Thank you for the welcome, I've never been so glad to find an internet site as this one, cheers NB

Welcome Ladies....PTO also helped me with many questions...and still does...

Cheers Wolf, appreciate your welcome, NB

Hi there! Newbie here, and also new at this Pen Pal thing. I sent my 1st letter to an inmate at PB. I found him off of a pen pal ad site. So far I've got 5 letters from him, and Im finding him more and more interesting by the letter! For the 1st time in my life I am writing 10 page letters, and don't mind the occassional writer's cramp. He sent me visitation forms in my 3rd letter from him, and though Im nervous, I really do want to see him. Little sad that its going to have to be from behind glass, but at least glass can't hide a smile :D

Welcome Sandra74~~You're right, visits behind glass are bittersweet, but worth it! You can hear his voice and see his face, but to see their face light up is priceless!! :D

Hi N8tivNAZ...I tried sending a reply to you and all 3 times it said,
The following errors occurred when this message was submitted:

The following users were not found:So I don't know what I was doing wrong. So thank you for the invite but I need to call for an appt because my son is in the SHU. I haven't figured out how that works yet. I'm glad I found you here.

Classic~~No problem...I'm here to help, as well as others here. :)

You may have already done this, but I'll ask anyway...have you already sent in a visitor's application? If so, and you've been approved to visit, then all you need to do to make an appointment is call PB at 707-465-1000, extension 5415 on the Monday prior to the weekend you plan to visit. You can then choose morning or afternoon visits, which are 8:30-10:30 and 1-3pm respectively. They are only two hour visits on Saturday & Sunday. There are some inmates in the SHU who are in "D" block, and their visitation times are different, lasting from 10:45-12:45 (I believe those times are correct). Otherwise, most SHU visits are the earlier times above. And you can make these regular visits as often as you want.

You can also request for an extended visit, which gives you an extra two hours per day. Such "special visits" are only given once every six months. They have to be requested in writing to the Visiting Officer and approved before you call for an appointment. It's not as complicated as it sounds, but you'll get the hang of it soon! :) There are other threads about extended visits and who to write so on.

Hope this helps!

I recently started writing my cousin at PBSP where he got in a fight about 8 months ago and has been in ASU every since waiting for a bed in SHU. Another cousin called me and asked me to write to him because I've never actually met him that I can remember. After researching PBSP on the internet I realized he's in a hell hole and my heart went out to him because he has 99 years. I'm concerned about the time he's going to do in SHU because that sets him up for mental and social deterioration. I'll do whatever I can for him and hope I can help him survive the isolation. I can't visit because I live in Kentucky. I admire all of you ladies for hanging in there with your loved ones. Everybody needs somebody and they're all blessed to have all of you.

Ms. Cricket

Welcome to PTO, Ms Cricket...Sorry to hear about your cousin...Your letters will put a bit of sunhine into his space...and your support.
Have an awesome day...

Hi everyone. I recently found out my good friend from childhood has been in since he was 16. I'm patiently awaiting his return letter. Thanks to this site, now I'll be able to help him with money and care packages, hopefully taking a little weight off his brother's shoulders. Thanks all!

WHERE does one go to do an introduction? PK

OtherMother~~ This is a good place to start...Welcome! You can also post your own thread to introduce yourself. :)

ok so I sort of have a dumb question... When I got my last letter from my papi back in the beginning of JUNE, he had just been transferred to PB. He says he is in the hole.. Is that the same as the SHU. I get so confused with this stuff.

Sorry after reading a bit more it looks like ASU is where he is at... and that is different then the SHU right?

I have a dear friend who has been at Pelican Bay for several years. He's been in the SHU for the last 6. He is not a gang member or an ex gang member and I really get tired of hearing only the worst-of-the-worst end up at Pelican Bay. I would really like to share others experiences with this place.

I have a pen friend whom I have been writing since may...we have exchanged many letters and will continue for many years to come.

I know we both love getting each others letters. I never knew how important it was until my husband had to do a 180 day stint in tx. He is aware of my pen friends and thinks its a great thing.

I have had some questioned answered by several here....one special thanks to wolf.

Tina

TxRed9876....Wecome!!!

Welcome all!!! PTO has all the answers just ask and someone will be around real quick to answer.

TxRed9876....Wecome!!!


Welcome Everyone.....*SMILE*

Does it seem that the mail is taking a long time to come and go these days?

hello im new to this my boyfriend was sent to pelicanbay a couple months ago which i am confused about because he only has drug charges and i was told that was prison for people with violent crimes will somebody please help me understand thei

ButterflyGrl850...Some guys are sent to PB because they don't follow the rules or don't get along with others...

Hello my name is laura, and i too have a loved one at the bay. I met him through letters, i saw a special about the bay on abc news one night, and they posted a website with prisoner ads (penpals). I looked through them and picked mine. I always say things happen for a reason. I haven't met him yet but its been 2 years of letter writing and yesterday for the first time we heard eachothers voice. I'm a 23 year old mexican woman with 3 kids, and he is 24 yr. old mexican man too and in my culture my parents would frown upon this, but i' m an adult and i have made many mistakes in kife already, most because of anger ,lust, or rebellion. None had love involved.

Welcome all :)
My ex was in the SHU (we are no longer together and he is back in prison,I am not sure where) but I still have two good friends there.

hello my name is laura, and my connection to the bay is who i believe to be the love of my life. I started sending him letters as just a penpal curious of life in prison. Long story short we wrote back and forth for 2 years now, and through both our words we fell in love. Honestly he has given me more respect than all the men out here put together. The best part is that i have been 100% honest with him, with no fear of the truth. The sad part is that his release date isn't until 2018 and i have yet to meet him in person. I'm a 23 year old woman that may sound desperate but trust me i'm not. I got my fair share of loosers. Well if anyone share this similar situation feel free to contact me

Hey, don't feel bad! My man isn't getting out until 2029!!! Welcome to PTO, we're all here for each other, good days and bad...

also, the reason u probably havent seen him is because i live in crescent city and visit him everyweekend with our son.

volcomchk143... sorry that you have to go thru the drama of finding out your husband has been writing laurajanetmarti.... when i read the thread..WOW!!! he does not deserve either one of you.. be strong!!!

Hello...
I just found this site today, on accident, and i'm so happy that i did. My boyfriend is at PBSP SHU. He's been at PBSP for about 4 years this time, in the SHU a little over 2 & his release is set for August 2009 (=]). He's been in & out've prison/jail/cya for about 15 years, so this isn't anything new, but it's nice to read stories from other women in the same situation. No one in my home life really understands how i can love & stay loyal to "a man like HIM" as they put it... so this site is a wonderful refreshing change of pace!

Welcome Princssabsinthe....
Yes, I feel as We are all Family here...We all help each other in many ways...
Have an Awesome Day!!!!

Guess this will be my new forum at PTO... my cousin just got transferred to Pelican Bay two or three days ago... he was at High Desert in Susanville, soooo... this will be a fun one for my family! I have no idea what yard yet, SHU or whatever. I do know he'll probably be wherever the Special Needs inmates are kept. I'll probably be quietly lurking about while things settle down. My mother was on the family council at HDSP, and she also currently is serving on the Statewide IFC. So we're pretty active when it comes to the rights of families.

Anyways... hi!

Kethryvis....
Welcome...We used to have a Family Council about (2) years ago...I am hoping we get another together....They really help the convicts and families...
Have An Awesome Day...

Hello,

My name is Kelly, and I am a penpal to a Pelican Bay inmate since November, 2007. I watched a documentary about supermax prisons and Pelican Bay was featured. It was an eye opener, and like most people, until you know someone in this situation, one does not give much thought to prisons and how they operate. I went online after watching the documentary and read several articals.I ran across Pelican Bay Prison Project, it is a free service that provides inmate bios, along with addresses of the inmates. I volunteer at a youth detention center and thought that if I found a penpal that was willing to share his experience with the kids to detere them from idolizing the gang lifestyle it would be a great experience. Not only did I find someone that was willing to share that part of his life, but I have met a friend for me that is intuitive and has given me some excellent advice and support for what I am dealing with, professionally, and personally. :thumbsup: I eventually found this website, and I used it to help me understand the system, and I eventually joined. This is my first post, and I want to thank the people who put this together for your time and effort, and to all those who contribute, it has helped me tremendously . Kelly

Welcome to PTO Kelly! What a nice intro...

My teenage sweet heart is currently serving 52 years to life in pelican Bay. I come there often atleast one weekend every two months in the warmer months I go more often. My experiences at the bay have been o k, it is just far as hell and expensive. I live in the bay area, so it is about a 7-8 hour drive give or take. Currently, my baby is waiting for a new trial. Oh yea his housing unit is A-4, so i guess that's A yard

My husband has been down for 14 years and the last 8 have been in the SHU at the Bay....I have to say as far as visiting staff I have yet to have a problem...but the drive is terrible!!! ...I drive from San Diego but really what choice do I have? -Mrs Black

My Man Was Sent To Pb A Few Months Ago From High Desert.this Is My First Time Posting Here In This Forum.i Have Not Visited Him Yet Up There At Pb.i'm Waiting For Them To Approve My Visitors Form.right Before He Left Hdsp,my Visiting Approval Had Expired And I Had To Submit A Knew One,but Then They Transferred Him And Now I Have Several Unpaid Traffic Violations That Are Going To Take Awhile For Me To Pay Off.does Anyone Know If That Would Affect My Approval?

Hello CanaRican,
Did you already get re-approved while he was @ High Desert?
If so it should just follow.
If not Pelican Bay will want you to submit a new application.
Your Traffic violations should not have nothing to do with it.
BUt make sure you put everything down on your applications. i.e. any arrests made. anything with you being detained will come up.
Good Luck!

You wont beable to get approved while you have outstanding violations. But your approval dosnt Exspire you just need to update every 2 years or when things change. If you where approved at HDSP you'll still be approved at Pelican Bay. If you make the trip and PB asks you to do an Update and they do it and find the Trafic Violations you will be disapproved untill they are settled out on yor DOJ report.

I'm new to this site. I just found it while trying to find information on what I'm allowed to send directly to an inmate in PBSP. My little brother has been in Pelican Bay for about 3 years, now...

Crash1ca....It depends where he is...SHU or GP?

My man has just transferred to the SHU from Corcoran,are we eligible for extended visit's.He hasn't had a visit in over 4 years,and i am coming from the UK.

PB discontinued extended visits last year. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. :( However, there will be 3-days visits in July...Friday, Sat & Sun, I believe. It's posted some place here in the PB forum.

Just wanted to say hello to all of you on here. I haven't posted on this site for a few years, and I came on here a couple'a weeks ago while doing some research and decided I needed a little support and feedback on a few issues I've got. When you've got loved ones locked up esp. in SHU it causes us at home a great deal of pain knowing what horrid living situations they endure and restrictions they have to adhear to. So, anywhoo just wanted to send greetings to all and let you know that there is a lot of love and camaraderie on this forum. Sooo- Take advantage of it. All my very best to all of you. - Mia

Hello to Everyone, I am new to PTO.... I have been reading inserts on PTO for a while... My husband has been in SHU @ Pelican Bay since 2006. There has been a lot if informative information. I try to go up to the bay at least 4 times out of the year...would be nice to go more but it is very expensive and extremely far to say the least...

I commend all of the ladies who stand by their "Man" and continue to keep their head up! !

Hello, and welcome! You will find a lot of support here. The SHU... I guess you are writing a lot of letters too! Keep your head up too, look to the north, and smile, your man is there...

I just want to say hello to everyone, my man just got transferred to Pb just a couple of days ago and i'm a newbie so i'll be reading a lot of posts here, but if i do got a question i won't be afraid to ask. I just want to tell everyone in advance thank you for the help and god bless to all of you

Wicced085....
Hi and Welcome...Yes ask any question you need to ask...there is a lot of support here!!!
*SMILE*

Hello and welcome!

I am still new, and let me tell you, this site is the best support that you will ever get!
It really has made a difference. My guys family did not have knowledge of this for 14 years and they have all said they wish they know of it earlier.

Hi I'm all new to this, I started writing a guy in the SHU last year I saw his ad on a pen pal site. Well we've gotten pretty chummy. I absolutly love corresponding with him we really seem to mesh really well Hes been in prison for 28 yrs his outdate is 2012 I'm contemplating going to visit him. I live in salem oregon so I'm only a 3 hour drive from him. Iam so reluctant to meet him cuz I have a fear of really falling for this guy. He has such a wonderful attitude his mind is sharp hes learned thru years of being locked up to be thankful and appreciative and greatful for all the good things in life I'am amazed that he is sane after being in the SHU for 10 years. This is what has really attracted me to him.. Any suggestions or input would be greatly appreciated
Gina

Ginas Welcome to PTO and Pelican Bay! I am not sure why you are hesitiant to visit, but you have come this far, so why not! He will need to send the a Visitation Request form, and it took about a month, but 2 months by the time he mailed me the OK!