I am writing this petition on behalf of Joshua Cardone, AT7733, an inmate at California State Prison, Solano.  Joshua is currently incarcerated at CSP-Solano Level 2.

 

As a child, Josh was faced with struggles. He was very sensitive to textures of cloth and seams in socks. Change was not easy for him. When I moved items in the house he would put them back the way they were telling me that’s where they belonged. 

Josh was very shy and had his own language when it came to communication. When it was time to start Pre-K Josh surprised me how well he took to class. When it was time for kindergarten Josh attended a Lutheran school; it was a good investment for him. The school closed due to hardships and Josh transferred to a public school. It wasn’t long before he began to get bullied. The transition wasn’t easy for him.  In his high school years he entered a live-in program in Davis, Ca and then transferred to  another program in Sebastopole, Ca .    

 

On August 4, 2014 Joshua pleaded out to 12 years on a voluntary man-slaughter charge.  

 

During his incarceration he has risen above his circumstances and used his time to become a great help to those who are still struggling with rehabilitation.

 

As a an offender, Joshua has prospered in areas that we never thought he would grow in  He has studied law and currently became the parliamentarian of the Men’s Advisory Council’s  Executive Body, helping incarcerated men with appeals and resolving issues between staff and the general population to improve the  environment they lived in.  He has also studied Christian Apologetics becoming a Chapel Assistant and Christian based self-help facilitator. 

 

Joshua also studied and received his GED and High School Diploma during the time he was awaiting his trial.  He also helps his Facility Captain organize and run fundraisers for the Flame of Torch Run for Special Olympics and a food drive for the Father’s House, a non-profit organization that he plans to continue to help once paroled  

 

Joshua is currently working for Plant Operations as an electrician, carpenter and engineer which will lead to his career once paroled  He has a job offer awaiting him in the trades.  

 

We feel that Joshua has made the best of his time while incarcerated,  learning skills that will aid him in the outside world.  He has learned to work with others and give of himself to worthy organizations.   This is a Josh that we have become very proud of and would like to see him come home and use what he has learned in prison to help better the community.     

   

Christine Hunter