Ventura County Jail

Leisure Time

Interview with Ford, Miss T and Reta


JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Ford: I never saw any type of facility to help me pass the time. Never went to yard. None was offered. No board games. Only a half Baked tv. NO real activities to pass the time.
Miss T: There was a book cart, which had books and magazines. I read a LOT. Also we were allowed to watch TV for a few hours a day, but I rarely did that.
Reta: cards, reading, drawing, eating snacks you buy with money on your books. I suggest if turning yourself in to go with cash in your pocket so you have money on your books right away.

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce?
Ford: What entertainment? Some guys playing peaknuckle on a six year old deck. No entertainment was to be had. Sorry, we rolled dice with homemade dice. 10,000 is the game.
Miss T: No; there was not much competition.
Reta: T.V. was it. and yes it could get rough if you dare change a channel

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Ford: I didn't. I have no concern about weights or such. A burpee is not part of my life. I am of reasonable shape by genetics and am blessed.
Miss T: I did feel kind of like a slug most of the time, but I was able to walk laps around the main room, do push ups in my cell, and walk laps up on the recreation roof on the days we went outside.
Reta: there is NO EXCERISE- I got to go outside on the roof twice while there. the food is all starch. and food isn't the right word. it's not really food.

JM: How often did you get to go outside?
Ford: I never got outside at Ventura County Jail. Strictly an inside program.
Miss T: I am not sure, but I think it was twice a week.
Reta: 2 times in 100 days

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Ford: I have no knowledge of any church services offered. I would of liked that option. The institution lacked most basic services,
Miss T: They did. They offered a service on sunday morning and Bible study once during the week. I attended both regularly.
Reta: yes, held in the jail in another room outside the quad. they strip searched everyone coming back from church so that right there kept people from attending the services. I don't see how that can happen but it did. I mean the inmates never left the floor or the jail.