Press
‘We can do better’: Calif.’s incarcerated firefighters just got a nearly 700% raise
SF Gate, October 14, 2025
These men had their sentences commuted. Now they are fighting for Californians serving life without parole.
Prism , September 29, 2025
I mentored the Menendez brothers. Here’s why I have hope for them
Sac Bee, September 3, 2025
Vic Blends Academy opens at CA prison
FOX 11, August 8, 2025
Celebrity Barber VicBlends Opens Barber School in California Prison
Complex Magazine , August 7, 2025
Bill to increase incarcerated firefighters’ pay advances
Spectrum News , July 11, 2025
California inmate firefighter pay bill blazes path through Legislature
Courthouse News Service, July 8, 2025
The Fire of Freedom
Men's Health Magazine, July 1, 2025
This Chef Is Feeding California’s Incarcerated Firefighters
Civil Eats, June 10, 2025
Under Fire Act, inmate firefighters could have a new pipeline to employment
LA Times, May 27, 2025
Cash aid helping ex-inmates avoid jail at risk from state budget deficit
Spectrum News, May 27, 2025
‘Relic of slavery’: California lawmakers are trying again to raise pay for incarcerated workers
Cal Matters, May 19, 2025
Incarcerated firefighters could soon join LA County Fire Department after they’re released
LAist, May 14, 2025
Inmate firefighters battled LA’s wildfire. Now a lawmaker wants to help launch their careers
Cal Matters, May 7, 2025
Women train for a career in firefighting through LA County program
CBS News , April 29, 2025
Inside LA’s mental health court: meth, homelessness and the judge who wants to help
Cal Matters, April 25, 2025
Rauw Alejandro Brought Hope, Soccer, and Heart to a California Prison
Mitu, April 25, 2025
Rauw Alejandro Brings Hope and Healing to Valley State Prison Amid ‘Cosa Nuestra’ Tour in the USA
Los 40, April 24, 2025
Ventura Fire Training Center works with ex-convicts
CBS News, April 11, 2025
Anti-Recidivism Coalition Grand Opening
The EastSider, March 25, 2025
Family of Menendez brothers reject prosecutor criticism and lead rally for their release
AP, March 20, 2025
California officers accused of facilitating ‘gladiator fights’ among minors
NBC News, March 4, 2025
How is Prop. 36 implemented in Sacramento? Officials share early results of new crime law
Sac Bee, February 27, 2025
This Is How You Put Out a Fire—and Keep It Out
Popular Mechanics, February 27, 2025
California introduces new bill to pay incarcerated firefighters the same wage as non-incarcerated firefighters
Real News Network , February 22, 2025
The Sacramento Bee’s Black Change Makers: Meet the Top 20 leaders changing the region’s future
Sac Bee, February 19, 2025
Californians rejected an anti-slavery ballot measure. Lawmakers want to try again
Cal Matters , February 13, 2025
Incarcerated firefighters face danger, low wages for chance at do-over
Cal Poly Post, February 4, 2025
Life As An Incarcerated Firefighter
Living On Earth, January 31, 2025
California’s Incarcerated Firefighters: Heroes on the Frontlines, Building Futures Beyond the Flames
BET, January 23, 2025
How incarcerated firefighters are helping battle the blazes around Los Angeles
PBS, January 22, 2025
Anti-Recidivism Coalition
KTVU, January 21, 2025
Incarcerated firefighters offer aid, find potential career path battling L.A. blazes
LA Times, January 19, 2025
On LA fire lines, inmates shoulder heavy packs and tackle dangerous work for less than $30 a day
AP, January 18, 2025
‘This has been really devastating’: Inside the lives of incarcerated firefighters battling the L.A. wildfires
Los Angeles Times , January 17, 2025
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay, Featuring Sam Lewis
The Ringer , January 17, 2025
$1 an hour: Experts question low wages for California incarcerated firefighters
Daily Bruin , January 16, 2025
Incarcerated Crews Fight Fires for Dollars a Day. Once Free, Jobs Are Hard to Get
KQED, January 15, 2025
‘Running to danger and saving lives’: 1,100 incarcerated firefighters are on the LA frontlines
The Guardian , January 15, 2025
What it’s like to be an incarcerated firefighter
High County News , January 14, 2025
LA-area wildfires: Private crews charge thousands, inmates make $27 a day
News Nation , January 13, 2025
How you can help the incarcerated firefighters battling L.A. wildfires
LA Times , January 11, 2025
Emergency declaration at LA juvenile hall is ‘too little too late’
LA Public Press, December 20, 2024
Women’s prisons are rife with trauma. Can California set a new course at Chowchilla?
LA Times , December 19, 2024
LA County Supervisors pass emergency proclamation for Los Padrinos
KCAL, December 18, 2024
Los Padrinos ’emergency’
LAist, December 17, 2024
As We Support Survivors of Domestic Violence, Let’s Not Forget Those Behind Bars
Newsweek , December 3, 2024
How California’s Embrace of a Tough-on-Crime Measure May Undo a Decade of Reform
Bolts Magazine , November 25, 2024
California voters reject measure to ban forced prison labor
Spectrum News, November 21, 2024
Californians Voted Against Outlawing Slavery. Why Did Proposition 6 Fail?
KQED, November 11, 2024
California votes ‘no’ on measure to ban forced prison labor
Washington Post, November 9, 2024
California and Nevada voters consider ending inmate ‘slavery’
NBC News , November 5, 2024
Prop. 36 could threaten funding for drug treatment in LA
LA Public Press, November 1, 2024
A California ballot measure wants to ban slavery. Why is it losing?
Politico , October 29, 2024
California Voters Have The Chance To End Forced Prison Labor
Huffington Post, October 29, 2024
Forced Prison Labor in California Could Be Stopped if Voters Pass Prop 6
Teen Vogue , October 28, 2024
Los Padrinos compliance
Laist, October 23, 2024
A look at California’s Prop 6: Forced Prison Labor Ban
CBS News Bay Area, October 22, 2024
What do California’s propositions mean? Hear from experts on 2024 ballot measures
Sac Bee, October 17, 2024
State Board Allows Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall To Remain Open Despite Concerns From Advocates, Families
LAist, October 17, 2024
A Voice for Change: From Behind Bars to the Front Lines of Youth Justice Reform in Los Angeles
Knock LA, October 17, 2024
The Anti-Recidivism Coalition helps give formerly incarcerated a 2nd chance
Spectrum News, October 17, 2024
State Board Allows Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall To Remain Open Despite Concerns From Advocates, Families
LAist, October 17, 2024
Proposition 36
CBS News, October 4, 2024
Involuntary servitude still exists in California. A ballot measure in November could change that
The Guardian, October 4, 2024
The California Ballot Measure That Could End Forced Prison Labor
Bolts Magazine, September 26, 2024
Prop 36: Should we create harsher penalties for shoplifting and burglary crimes?
Air Talk KPCC, September 24, 2024
Inside Kim Kardashian’s Prison Reform Visits: How They Came to Be
Entertainment Tonight, September 23, 2024
Prop 6: Californians to vote on the future of forced labor in state prisons
Spectrum News Socal, September 19, 2024
Formerly incarcerated people speak out about forced labor; support for Prop. 6
Laist, September 16, 2024
Prop. 47-funded programs are working to break cycles of crime. Prop. 36 will undermine those efforts.
La Daily News, September 15, 2024
Formerly Incarcerated Turned Mentors
ABC 7, September 9, 2024
Prop 36 support remains split in Bay Area as debate continues over drug sentences
ABC 7 Bay Area, August 27, 2024
Prop. 6 explained: What California’s involuntary servitude ballot measure is asking you
Sac Bee, August 22, 2024
A Free Ride, a Burger and a Cellphone: Helping the Newly Freed Transition Out of Prison
NBCU Academy, August 20, 2024
Here’s What Criminal Law Will Look Like in 2025
Daily Journal, August 19, 2024
“There’s No Dignity in Giving Birth in Prison”: New Bills Would Improve Care Behind Bars
Bolts Magazine, August 13, 2024
Ventura Training Center gives the formerly incarcerated fire crews a second chance at life
KEYT, July 17, 2024
If Californians vote to ban slavery this fall, will prisoners get a raise?
CAL Matters, July 17, 2024
Will it stay or will it go? California voters decide fate of ‘momentous’ criminal justice law
The Guardian, July 1, 2024
Californians will vote on slavery ban in November
Politico, June 28, 2024
I’m Proof of the Power of a Second Chance
Newsweek, May 7, 2024
90 days in solitary won’t solve America’s criminal justice problem
Baltimore Sun, April 12, 2024
California is clearing criminal records — including violent crimes — to offer second chances
Cal Matters, March 21, 2024
California Voters Begin Mailing in Ballots from Libraries, Senior Centers, and, Increasingly, from Juvenile Halls
The Imprint, March 4, 2024
Proposed ballot measure seeks to repeal Prop 47
CBS News, February 13, 2024
Formerly incarcerated mentors guide youth in juvenile halls toward a path of redemption
Spectrum News, January 30, 2024
He was sentenced to 162 years in prison. Now he’s free and working at the California Capitol
The Los Angeles Times, November 10, 2023
Jail reforms and anti-recidivism efforts in SoCal
Spectrum News, July 30, 2023
A Voice for Change: From Behind Bars to the Front Lines of Youth Justice Reform in Los Angeles
Knock LA, July 27, 2023
California is closing its last youth prisons. Will what replaces them be worse?
Los Angeles Times, June 2, 2023
Anti-Recidivism Coalition & Universal Helping Disenfranchised Earn Hollywood Careers
Deadline Hollywood, May 18, 2023
Lawsuits target ‘extortionate’ phone calls, commissary items in California jails
Los Angeles Times, April 5, 2023
California to transform infamous San Quentin prison with Scandinavian ideas, rehab focus
Los Angeles Times, March 16, 2023
Formerly incarcerated men earn second chance thanks to Los Angeles Rams
KTLA 5, March 14, 2023
Sentenced to life for stealing $14: ‘I needed help, but was given jail’
The Guardian, November 2, 2022
California imprisoned her for killing the abusive father of her unborn son. Now free, she fights for change
The Sacramento Bee, June 7, 2022
After Statewide Reform, L.A. County Will Rely on Camps, Not Juvenile Halls
The Imprint youth & family news, March 15, 2022
The man who paid for America’s fear
San Francisco Chronicle, March 11, 2022
Why efforts to scale back California’s ‘three strikes’ law for juveniles are failing
LA Times, February 11, 2022
More Troubling Conditions Revealed at L.A. County Juvenile Hall
The Imprint youth & family news, February 2, 2022
California Could Finally End ‘Three Strikes’ Law for Teens
Voice of San Diego, January 22, 2022
Rams surprise three local social justice leaders who inspire change with tickets to Super Bowl LVI
LA Rams News, January 21, 2022
California Lawmaker Adding to Growing Calls for an End to ‘Three Strikes’ Laws for Teens
The Imprint youth & family news, January 20, 2022
Could juvenile detention centers look like college campuses?
Ed Source:Highlighting Strategies for Student Success, October 14, 2021
Bill That Will Drastically Change How Gang Charges Work Signed into Law by Governor
The Davis Vanguard, October 9, 2021
Bill That Will Drastically Change How Gang Charges Work Signed into Law by Governor
The Davis Vanguard, October 9, 2021
Rams invite young adults housed by LA County Probation Department and Anti-Recidivism Coalition for SoFi Stadium tour and panel discussion
LA Rams News, October 1, 2021
Bail Reform Efforts Become a Two-Year Bill
The Davis Vanguard, September 11, 2021
California voters rejected ‘zero bail.’ Now lawmakers weigh new overhaul of system
LA Times, September 7, 2021
Beacons of Hope: Humboldt State’s Project Rebound builds a prison-to-college pipeline
North Coast Journal, August 19, 2021
A New Lease on Life: Michael Mendoza, Anti-Recidivism Coalition
thesencentingproject, June 29, 2021
Inspire Change & the Anti-Recidivism Coalition Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform
NFL, January 9, 2021
What Happens When Prison ‘Lifers’ Get a Chance at Healing and Redemption?
The Appeal, December 3, 2020
http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-adrian-vasquez-california-community-foundation-los-angeles/
VoyageLA, November 18, 2020
Hard Knocks’ Recap: Practice Takes Backseat as Rams, Chargers Hold ‘Uncomfortable’ Conversations
SI NFL, September 2, 2020
“Hangover” Producer Starts Nonprofit to Transition People Out of Prison
Spectrum News 1, August 20, 2020
As fire season bears down on thirsty California, incarcerated crews prepare to battle flames
Bay View, August 19, 2020
Parolee Hopes to Help Restore Voting Rights to People on Parole
Spectrum News 1, August 14, 2020
Reformers Aim to End Prison Firefighters’ ‘Indentured Servitude’ in California
The Real News Network, August 12, 2020
We need a smarter approach to post-prison reentry
The Press-Enterprise, August 8, 2020
The coronavirus is spiking in California’s youth prisons. So why isn’t the state letting young prisoners out?
San Francisco Chronicle, August 8, 2020
Guards Without Masks, Tests With No Results
LA Progressive, August 6, 2020
Dodgers Black Lives Matter Game-Used Jerseys to be Auctioned to Support Combating Racial Inequality
Inside the Dodgers News, July 31, 2020
Common: ‘Young people need better opportunities to live, correct themselves and be forgiven’
Music News, July 17, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers “In This Together”
Los Angeles Dodgers Twitter Account, July 16, 2020
Race in America: Prison Reform
Washington Post, July 16, 2020
Race in America: Prison Reform
Washington Post, July 16, 2020
Passing the Mic: Formerly Incarcerated Women – On Telling Their Own Stories
KQED, July 12, 2020
California Prison Population Could be Reduced by up to 8,000 as California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Announces Additional Actions to Address COVID-19
Sierra Sun Times, July 11, 2020
California could release up to 8,000 inmates early because of coronavirus
NBC News, July 10, 2020
NFL Inspire Change social justice grant recipients
NFL, July 9, 2020
Help Fight Mass Incarceration by Entering to Win This Awesome Mercedes
Gear Patrol, July 9, 2020
LA County Officials deliver criminal justice reform updates
Santa Monica Daily Press, July 3, 2020
Medical Expert Calls for Immediate Decarceration of San Quentin Prisoners
The Davis Vanguard, July 2, 2020
LA County Officials Address Criminal Justice Reform, LASD Oversight
KHTS, July 2, 2020
San Quentin overseer: Prison virus response escalating
Marinij, July 1, 2020
Coronavirus in Jails and Prisons
The Appeal, July 1, 2020
‘A moral failure’: California not tracking jail inmates and staff infected with coronavirus
Sacramento Bee, June 23, 2020
Seven Days in Solitary
Solitary Watch News, June 23, 2020
Kim Kardashian received over $120k worth of designer bags for her birthday
Grunt Stuff, June 23, 2020
California Coalition Calls for Moratorium on State Gang Database
Electronic Frontier Foundation, June 22, 2020
From Prison to the Halls of Power: A Politician’s Son Lobbies to Let People on Parole Vote
Lost Coast Outpost, June 22, 2020
Why Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook and other NBA stars are fighting to save Julius Jones
ESPN, June 22, 2020
California Measure to Restore Voting Rights to Parolees Advances
The Epoch Times, June 20, 2020
Time to Abolish Racist Foster Care System, Children’s Commissioner Says
The Chronicle of Social Change, June 15, 2020
Uncomfortable Conversations, Comfortable: Rams host ‘Character Chat’ for youth correctional facilities
LA Rams News, June 11, 2020
Inmates Help Out Essential Workers
Antelope Valley Press, June 11, 2020
NFL commits $250M over 10-year period to combat systemic racism
NFL, June 11, 2020
Sacramento Kings Pledge To Our Black Community
NBA, June 9, 2020
As Fire Season Bears Down on Drought-Stricken California, Inmate Crews are Preparing to Battle Flames While Facing Manpower Shortages Because of the COVID Crisis
Redheaded Blackbelt, June 9, 2020
Kings develop ‘Pledge to Our Black Community’
SB Nation: Sactown Royalty, June 9, 2020
State Leaders Propose Chokehold And Crowd Control Reforms, While At The County Level, Advocates Call For Changes That Go Deeper Than Use-Of-Force Policy
Witness LA, June 8, 2020
Probation Conditions Relaxed During the Pandemic. Some Say They Should Stay That Way.
The Appeal, June 8, 2020
Kanye West Set Up A College Fund For George Floyd’s 6-Year-Old Daughter
SimpleMost, June 5, 2020
Statement on Mayor Garcetti’s Announcements During Ongoing Protests
LA Sentinel, June 4, 2020
California Proposal Would Limit Teens’ Transfer to Adult Jails
The Chronicle of Social Change, May 20, 2020
Community Coalition Hosted the People’s Assembly to Encourage Unity to Fight Injustice Across Los Angeles
LA Sentinel, May 14, 2020
Incarcerated People Can’t Get Left Behind in COVID-19 Protections
Milken Institute, May 12, 2020
Film Producer says coronavirus “shouldn’t be a death sentence” for inmates
CBS News, April 23, 2020
Coping With COVID-19 Crisis: Producer/Prison Activist Scott Budnick On Dangers Of Pandemic Spread Behind Bars
Deadline, March 24, 2020
Los Angeles County Creates Its First Ever Youth Commission
The Chronicle of Social Change, February 20, 2020
Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 42: Anti-Recidivism Coalition
The Davis Vanguard, February 17, 2020
For Returning Citizens, Success Begins with a Ride Home
Yes! Magazine, February 6, 2020
Not your typical fire academy: Ventura Training Center makes firefighters out of parolees
VC Star, January 31, 2020
Ventura Training Center Provides Parolees Path in Firefighting
Spectrum News 1, December 26, 2019
Bucks visit Racine Correctional Institution for discussions and a pickup game
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, December 17, 2019
Why Is ‘Hangover’ Producer Scott Budnick Under Investigation By The LA County Sheriff?
LAist, December 16, 2019
He Produced Movies, Then Quit to Fight for Justice Reform — Now He’s Back With ‘Just Mercy’
The Hollywood Reporter, December 6, 2019
How the HART & Anti-Recidivism Coalition Helps Men in Prison Reclaim Their Lives
Now This News, November 21, 2019
Meet Local Hero Nominee
KCET, October 9, 2019
Inside CSUSB
Inside CSUSB, January 24, 2019
What It Feels Like to Be A Teen In Solitary Confinement
Teen Vogue, November 8, 2017
Scott Budnick produced the Hangover movies. He’s also one of the most effective advocates for prison reform in California. It doesn’t make any sense until you see him at work.
Outside Man- The California Sunday Magazine, March 1, 2015
Once Again, California Eases Harsh Sentencing Laws
The New York Times, September 25, 2013
Why the Producer of “The Hangover Part III” Spends So Much Time in Prison
Mother Jones, May 23, 2013
