Please feel free to use this (below) and email the Warden directly...

David.Holbrook@cdcr.ca.gov

Subject: Request for Immediate Removal of Current IFC Chair and Members

Dear Warden Holbrook,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally request the removal of the current IFC Chair and all current members of the IFC at Ironwood State Prison. The following issues have arisen, which suggest that the IFC is no longer serving the interests of ISP families and loved ones as intended:

Inappropriate Influence and Threats: The current IFC Chair has asked her husband to intervene and speak with other members’ loved ones in an attempt to silence their voices on social media platforms regarding IFC matters. In addition, some individuals have received private messages containing thinly veiled threats or outright threats of retaliation for speaking out against the IFC or questioning their practices.

Lack of Fair Opportunity for Participation: There was no public notice of vacancies within the IFC, either on social media or in the visiting rooms, preventing others from the opportunity to join the IFC or even consider running for the Chair position. This lack of transparency and opportunity goes against the spirit of openness that the IFC is supposed to embody.

Failure to Announce Meetings and Provide Minutes: No notices have been provided for IFC meetings, and there have been no communications regarding when a vote for the new Chair or other vacancies would occur. (The then chair tendered her resignation on Tuesday evening and a social media post was made on Friday of the new chair.) Additionally, no meeting minutes have been made accessible, despite repeated requests. The only meetings we are aware of are with ISP staff, and even those require continuous follow-up to obtain minutes. Agendas are rarely posted as per the bylaws, which mandate a notice of no less than 10 business days prior to the meeting. For example, the agenda for the 9/20 meeting was posted on social media only on 9/16, after numerous public calls for it.

Restrictive Social Media Practices: The IFC’s Facebook group is overly restrictive and not inclusive. Members who had previously been blocked by the outgoing Chair should be unblocked without prejudice. Members have asked repeatedly for this over the past few weeks. Although the IFC has a new Chair, they continue to operate under mandates from the previous leadership. No informational notices are posted at the visiting rooms, leaving many to rely solely on social media for information, which is inaccessible to those who have been unfairly blocked.

Exclusive Reliance on Social Media for Communication: Requests for concerns or questions to be submitted to the IFC are only done through Facebook, and there is a complete lack of communication in the visiting rooms. For instance, there is a meeting between the IFC and ISP staff scheduled for 9/20, but no post was made in the visiting rooms to inform those without social media, preventing them from submitting their concerns or questions. Those concerns and suggestions that were submitted, unless it aligns with the current IFC members, it is often ignored. As the majority, if not all, members of the IFC do not have family visit privileges, any request made pertaining to the family visiting units are often left off any discussions with ISP staff. 

Communication Gaps: There is a significant communication gap between the IFC and the families they are supposed to represent. The standard response to concerns—"we are looking into it and will get back to you"—is seldom followed up on, leaving many without answers. This was most apparent during the recent power outage. Despite the power outage occurring at around 11 PM, no IFC update regarding the cancellation of visiting or other details was posted until after 9 AM the next morning. This delay caused considerable confusion and frustration for those traveling to the facility. Additionally, the IFC Chair claimed to have no control over the CDCR IFC page, which remains outdated since the power outage. This inconsistency is causing further distrust.

Mr. Warden, I understand that you are not directly involved in the IFC’s management of social media. However, you do have the authority to remove the IFC Chair and other members. We respectfully ask that you exercise this authority. The current IFC has caused a deep divide within the ISP community and has not demonstrated that they are adequately advocating for the loved ones of those at ISP. They appear to be pursuing personal agendas rather than representing the interests of the majority.

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. We hope that action will be taken to restore trust and improve the representation of ISP families.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]