Your 73-year-old reporter is on week 2 of San Carlos, and I’m starting to look past the wonders of air conditioning.

I’m sure readers that have never been in Perryville, wonder why I’m so enthralled with a/c. To them…please read the archives of this blog.

I’m here on Charley Bay….the “old folks home” of the 3 minimum units. If you take “watch/swallow” medication, or have a no-work chrono, you’re assigned to this Bay on Carlos. I’ve noticed quite a few bald heads from cancer, many wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.

I’m not the oldest anymore…. some of these gals must be in their 80’s. One woman looks 90, but looks are deceiving around here. Most appear to be in their late 50’s and 60’s. Which begs the question DOC….are these people you’re protecting from the public? They look to be needing protection from YOU!

I am particularly annoyed with Carlos’ ironclad rule about not going to the bathroom during count. This can take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half, depending on who’s doing it. I’m guessing 80% of us here take diuretics, so old age plus medication make it impossible to make it that long without a bathroom visit. The guards WILL issue tickets if you have to tinkle during count. My fellow old ladies have found a way around that without wetting the bed. Make the State pay for DIAPERS! I’ve already signed up for them:-)

This is one woman’s journey from Medium custody to Minimum custody.–Ed.

“Winston Churchill famously said, ‘If you’re going through Hell…keep on going.’ That would be true of my 13 years in Perryville’s medium custody units, Lumley, Maria, and Cruz. Although, to be fair, Maria was always an oasis of calm compared to the other two units.

I sweated for 12 summers with no air conditioning, endured daily insults, dehumanizing searches, so-called ” medical care” from the incompetent, and downright criminal behavior from the staff. This place, in my opinion, is the most CORRUPT institution in government.

The Arizona Republic newspaper, and channel 15 news, have tried to penetrate the darkness that is the DOC. Even the courts have seen the evidence of cruel and unusual punishment here.

When I finally was transferred to San Carlos, I felt immediate relief. Overall, the word that came to mind was Civilization. This was a place that housed people, not animals. The staff even treated me like a person…whaaat?? I have been here one week, and still marvel at the cleanliness, and the absence of rodents and insects. No more camping.

Of course, no place is perfect and you can count on me to write about the good, bad, and ugly. Stay tuned:-)”