SUMMARY

Rosalba Contreras is a 60-year-old woman who has been incarcerated for 19 years at California Institution for Women (CIW). In September 2020, Rosalba was diagnosed with skin cancer. As a result, Rosalba has a compromised immune system - making her highly vulnerable to Covid-19. Despite being 10 months into the pandemic CDCr has failed to implement an effective safety protocol to deter the spread of the virus. CIW administration has placed women in dirty units and expects incarcerated women, even those with severe illnesses, to clean and disinfect their own cells. Rosalba urgently needs her sentence commuted in order to properly shelter from the virus, and obtain critical medical attention and nutrition. Her sons are able to care for her outside of prison and are eager to support her through her fight with cancer.

Please join us in asking Governor Gavin Newsom to commute Rosalba Contreras’ Life Without Parole sentence and grant her immediate release.

BACKGROUND

Rosalba Contreras has been incarcerated for 19 years at California Institution for Women (CIW). Rosalba was diagnosed with skin cancer in September 2020, making her especially vulnerable to Covid-19. She has a Life Without Parole sentence, making her ineligible for release. Rosalba’s only opportunities for release is a commutation of sentence by California’s Governor Newsom or being re-sentenced under SB 1437. 

Rosalba Contreras is adored by many women in prison for her caring and peaceful character. She is also admired for her strong work ethic. She is always eager to learn new skills and loves to report to work. She gleams when she describes her work as a carpenter. Throughout her sentence she has been intentional in supporting the young women inside, by providing guidance and encouragement. She is also the chair for the Mexican American Resource Association (MARA), a cultural program where she strives to make everyone feel at home despite their incarceration. 

In the current health crisis, Rosalba and others are made increasingly vulnerable by prison conditions that accelerate risk of infection, including severely inadequate medical care.

Rosalba has experienced incidents of medical negligence by prison staff. Despite her vulnerability to Covid-19 ,she was put in a dirty unit that was not disinfected and had no screen on the windows. The open window made it possible for insects to come in and out of the unit. Rosalba urgently needs to be released from prison to receive adequate medical care. Her sons are able to care for her and ensure she has access to healthcare outside of prison.

Rosalba prays to return home to her children, who due to her incarceration she was not able to be by their side. Rosalba was sentenced while expecting twins and gave birth in prison. Unfortunately, only one of her babies survived. Despite her not being able to be with her sons everyday and to raise her new born baby she has been a dedicated mother.  Her sons eagerly await her return home.

We urge Governor Newsom to grant commutation for Rosalba Contreras and allow her to return home to her children and family.