San Quentin facts and trivia
The death row at San Quentin is divided into three sections: the quiet "North-Segregation" or "North-Seg," built in 1934, for prisoners who "don't cause trouble"; the "East Block," a "crumbling, leaky maze of a place built in 1927"; and the "Adjustment Center" for the "worst of the worst." Most of the prison's death row inmates reside in the East Block.
The dining hall has three murals painted by Alfredo Santos, a famed artist who did time there for drug possession. The murals chronicle California's history and Mr. Santos's view on life. It is reported that the Smithsonian will inherit the murals should the State of California sell the San Quentin land.
The prison is situated on ultra prime real estate, overlooking the SF Bay. Entry from the east goes through San Quentin Village which looks like a beautiful and quaint sea side village. The houses are well kept, with white picket fences and beautiful gardens. Old victorian houses dot the beautiful Marin hills and come with spectacular views. Much of the housing is occupied by prison officials and employees. A few of the houses provide free lodging for out of area visitors. Across the street, there are stairs leading to a small beach. I used to go fishing there. It is a beautiful place sitting beneath the San Rafael bridge, with the Bay bridge in the near distance. The Golden Gate is nearby too.
Just inside the prison gates is the San Quentin Handicraft Shop. Open to the public, patrons will find handcrafted items made by death row inmates. A sign on the store’s door notes that of 750 prisoners currently on death row, 430 participate in the prison’s “Hobby Program.”
San Quentin was built in 1854, and has a rich and interesting history.