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Moos · #1 07-26-2002, 04:55 PM

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.

danielle · #2 07-26-2002, 04:58 PM

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

Keep us updated on your trip to the States!

Moos · #3 07-26-2002, 05:07 PM

Hi Danielle,

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

vnvdvc · #4 07-26-2002, 05:49 PM

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?

Moos · #5 07-26-2002, 06:08 PM

Hi,

You are nice people

)

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.

BillnDenise · #6 07-26-2002, 06:26 PM

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.

Hugs,

Moos · #7 07-26-2002, 06:36 PM

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.

Cameo · #8 07-26-2002, 07:12 PM

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!!

Cameo · #9 07-26-2002, 07:28 PM

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!!

sherri13 · #10 07-26-2002, 11:48 PM

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!

SSK · #11 07-27-2002, 01:10 AM

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

Moos · #12 07-27-2002, 04:41 AM

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 · #13 07-27-2002, 04:46 AM

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.

sherri13 · #14 07-27-2002, 05:14 AM

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!!

Moos · #15 07-27-2002, 05:22 AM

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

B-Ray · #16 07-28-2002, 12:31 AM

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.

Moos · #17 07-28-2002, 05:00 AM

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.

KelliKoz · #18 07-28-2002, 10:27 AM

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

Cameo · #19 07-28-2002, 10:43 AM

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

Moos · #20 07-28-2002, 11:12 AM

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.

jdswifey02 · #21 07-28-2002, 12:35 PM

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....

Moos · #22 07-28-2002, 12:47 PM

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

SSK · #23 07-28-2002, 01:33 PM

i wish i could join ya.....i wanna go to the States too but i dont have the money

Well maybe next year...

Moos · #24 07-28-2002, 02:49 PM

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!!

KConnor56 · #25 07-28-2002, 03:49 PM

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