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CRLA - Press Clippings, May 1971 (2 of 6)
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118564762
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CRLA - Press Clippings, May 1971 (2 of 6)
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Ronald Reagan's Governor's Papers of the Press Unit
California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) Files
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Reagan, Ronald: Gubernatorial Papers,
1966-74: Press Unit
Folder Title: CRLA - Press Clippings, May 1971
(2 of 6)
Box: P29
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
Oakland, Calif.
Tribune
(Cir. D 225,038, Sat. 209,931,
Sun. 251,534)
MAY 21 1971
Allen's
P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Angela
Link
The commission earlier this
week in Salinas found "no
merit" in four of 39 charges
included in the Unler report of
which more evidence was re-
quested.
To Legal Aid
Yesterday's ruling applied
to Uhler's allegation involving
Miss Davis and George Jack-
son, one of the three Soledad
inmates. He is the brother of
Tossed
Out
Jonathan Jackson, who died
with two convicts and a judge
during the Marin County
shooting last August.
The commission, appointed
EL CENTRO (AP)-A fed-
ance lawyers were "improper-
to investigate CRLA after
eral commission has dis-
ly" involved with black activ-
Reagan vetoed its $1.8-million
missed as unfounded Reagan
ist Angela Davis and the Sole-
budget from federal antipov-
administration charges that
dad Brothers.
erty funds, is scheduled to
California Rural Legal Assist-
Commission Chairman Rob-
consider allegations regarding
ert B. Williamson said yester-
CRLA and other Soledad
day the three-judge panel had
Brothers at further hearings
asked the state for more evi-
June 3 in San Francisco.
dence on its charges against
Mrs. English testified after
the CRLA but received none.
CRLA attorneys said earlier
He said the commission spe-
this week that she had been
cifically asked for details on
under "a form of house ar-
allegations concerning Miss
rest" by welfare officials be-
Davis and three black Soledad
cause she intended to go be-
Prison inmates accused of
fore the commission.
killing a white guard.
She was allowed to appear
"But no evidence whatsoev-
on leave from her work with-
er has been produced to sup-
out pay.
port any claim of misconduct
CRLA attorneys had won
by CRLA personnel or attor-
"admiration and respect"
neys regarding these mat-
from low-income people, Mrs.
ters,". said Williamson, a re-
English said. After Reagan's
tired chief justice of Maine.
veto of the CRLA budget,
A report by Lewis K. Uhler,
some of the poor "went down
state director of the Office of
to the church and lit candles
Economic Opportunity,
in hope the veto would be
charged CRLA attorneys "in-
overturned."
tervened" at the prison in an
The courtroom hearing was
effort to arrange a meeting
attended by more than 100
between Miss Davis and one
persons, including several
of the inmates.
Mexican-Americans listening
During yesterday's proceed-
to a Spanish translation
ings the commission heard
through earphones.
testimony from an Imperial
County welfare worker who
stated termination of the
CRLA program would cause
bitterness among the poor.
Donna English said the
CRLA was instrumental in the
adoption of the Work Incen-
tive Program to assist welfare
recipients obtain training that
would qualify them for jobs.
San Jose, Calif.
Mercury
(Cir. D. 126,382)
MAY 21 1971
FEDERAL PANEL'S FINDING
Page 1
State CRLA Attack
Ruled 'Unfounded'
From: The Los Angeles Times
Reagan that CRLA attorneys
cision after hearing testimo-
EL CENTRO - The Feder-
were "imporperly involved"
ny Wednesday in a closed
Jackson is one of the Sole-
al Commission on California
with Angela Davis and three
session at Soledad Prison.
dad Brothers, three black in-
;
Rural Legal Assistance on
prison inmates known as the
That proceeding was sus-
mates accused of murdering
Thursday dismissed as "to-
Soledad Brothers.
tally unfounded and without
pended after it was learned a
a white prison guard. He is
The commission, now hold-
the brother of Jonathan
:-
merit" allegations by the ad-
ing public hearings here, an-
prison official had been
Jackson, who died with two
y
ministration of Gov. Ronald
nounced it had made the de-
stabbed to death in another
convicts and a superior court
a
part of, the facility. Authori-
judge in an abortive court-
ties told the commission
room kidnap and shooting in-
cident last August at the
there was "absolutely no
Marin County Civic Center.
connection" between its pro-
The state has charged Miss
ceedings and the killing.
Davis with murder, kidnap-
Chairman Robert William-
ing and conspiracy, alleging
son noted that the commis-
she was involved in a plot to
sion had asked the Reagan
use hostages taken in the in-
administration for additional
cident as a means to free the
evidence on its charges
Soledad Brothers.
against CRLA regarding
Miss Davis and the inmates.
The commission ruling
also applied to charges by
"But." said Williamson,
the state that CRLA attor-
"no evidence whatsoever
neys had been improperly
has been produced to sup-
involved with another
port any claim of miscon-
group 0 f inmates, called
duct by CRLA personnel or
the Soledad Seven.
attorneys regarding these
matters "
Three of this group are
now on trial for the death of
The commission ruling ap-
another prison guard.
plied to allegations made in
Charges have been dropped
the "Uhler Report." pre-
against the remaining four.
pared by Lewis Uhler, direc-
Other allegations made by
tor of the California Office of
the Reagan administration
Economic Opportunity, that
concerning CRLA and other
CRLA attorneys and another
Soledad inmates will be
lawyer "intervened" at Sole-
heard at further proceedings
dad "in an attempt to ar-
of the commission in San
range a visit for Angela Da-
Francisco on June 3.
vis to meet with George
Jackson."
San Jose, Calif.
The News
(Cir. D. 75,531)
MAY 21 1971
Allen's
P.C.B.
Est. I888
2 Reagan CRLA Charges
EL CENTRO(AP)
--A federal commission has
dismissed as unfounded Rea-
Branded 'False'
gan Administration charges
that California Rural Legal
Assistance lawyers were
"improperly" involved with
black activist Angela Davis
and the Soledad Brothers.
Commission Chairman
panel had asked the state for
"But no evidence what-
Robert B. Williamson said
more evidence on its charges
soever has been produced to
Thursday the three-judge
against the CRLA but re-
support any claim of miscon-
ceived none.
duct by CRLA personnel or
attorneys regarding these
He said the commission
matters," said Williamson, a
specifically asked for details
retired chief justice of
on allegations concerning
Maine.
Miss Davis and three black
A report by Lewis K. Uhl-
Soledad Prison inmates ac-
er, state director of the Of-
cused of killing a white
fice of Economic Opportuni-
guard.
ty, charged CRLA attorneys
7
"intervened" at the prison in
CRLA program would cause
an effort to arrange a meet-
bitterness among the poor.
ing between Miss Davis and
Donna English said the
one of the inmates.
CRLA was instrumental in
During Thursday's pro-
the adoption of the Work In
ceedings the commission
centive Program to assis
heard testimony from an Im-
welfare recipients obtair
perial County welfare worker
training that would qualif:
who stated termination of the
them for jobs.
PROBERS: may 21.
CRLA Did Did
1
Not{Aid
santa
Rosa
I
:
Angela
Phl.
EL CENTRO (UPI) -A
federal commission has dis-
missed as "totally unfounded
and without merit" allegations
by the Reagan Administration
that attorneys for the California
Rural Legal Assistance were
"improperly involved" with
Angela Davis and the "Soledad
Brothers."
The decision was made in a
closed session at Soledad prison
Wednesday but was not an-
nounced until Thursday during
a public hearing here.
"No evidence whatsoever has
been produced to support any
claim of misconduct by CRLA
personnel or attorneys regard-
ing these matters," said
commission chairman Robert
B. Williamson, retired chief
justice of Maine.
The commission, composed of
three judges, is holding hear-
irigs around the state intol the
Continued on Page 6, Col. 1)
Angera
1
(Continued from Page 1)
CRLA at the direction of the
Nixon Administration after
Gov. Ronald Reagan last
December vetoed the federal
grant funding the organization.
Thursday's announcement re-
ferred to charges contained in a
report prepared by state Office
of Economic Opportunity direc-
tor Lewis K. Uhler. He alleged
that CRLA attorneys and
another lawyer "intervened" at
the prison in an effort to
arrange a meeting between
George Jackson, one of the
"Soledad brothers," and Miss
Davis.
Santa Rosa P.O.
The decision also applied to
charges that CRLA attorneys
were involved improperly with
5-21-71
another group of inmates
known as the "Soledad Seven,"
three of whom are on trial for
the death of a guard.
The commission will consider
other allegations made by the
Reagan Administration against
CRLA at a. hearing in San
Francisco June 3.
Los Angeles, Cellif.
Times
(Cir. 0.955,945 $ 1,269,469)
MAY 21 1971
Allen's
C.S.
Est. 1888
ENCOUNTER IN HALLWAY
Judge Gets Into Struggling
Match With TV Cameraman
Exclusive to The Times from a Staff Writer
EL CENTRO-"Who nt the hell
ordered to pay a $50 fine or spend 10
are you?" Los Angeles televisione
days in jail.
meraman Leslie Paul Meeks cried
Co-workers obtained a Superior
Thursday as he struggled with a
Court habeas corpus writ freeing
man in a hallway of the court build-
Meeks and said the case would be
ing here.
appealed.
"I'm the judge," Meeks' elderly
According to witnesses, the hall-
opponent shouted back, "and I'm
way encounter came while a KNBC
going to get you for contempt of
crew was filming an interview with
court."
a witness from a hearing on a CRLA
controversy.
The pushing match between
Floodlights were lighted and film
Meeks, ameraman for station
was rolling when Keating, 66, ap-
KNBC, and Justice Court Judge
peared. He pointed to a tripod in the
Hugh Keating ended abruptly.
middle of the hall and then to the
The judge, who had interrupted
doorway to his office on the other
Meeks by grabbing a tripod and
side.
knocking over a floodlight as the lat-
"I've got to get into that office," he
ter was filming an interview,
said. "Get the hell out of the way."
stormed into his nearby office and
Meeks, not realizing the man who
called Sheriff Raymond Rowe.
spoke also was the judge, said: "You
Moments later, the sheriff and six
can go around."
deputies arrived and took Meeks to
"I don't choose to go around," the
jail. He was found in contempt and
judge said. The struggle followed.
C
San Francisco, Calif.
Examiner
(Cir. D 203,026 - Sol. 159,057)
MAY 21 1971
Allen's P.C.B.
Est. 1888
CRLA Critic
Has Office
Firebombed
Special to The Examiner
SALINAS - The law of-
fice of a witness who testi-
fied earlier this week, criti-
cizing the California Rural
Legal Assistance in its
dealings over Cesar Chav-
ez' lettuce boycott. was
firebombed before dawn to-
day.
A bomb tossed through a
window caused damage to
the office and property of
attorney William Moreno
estimated at $20.000 by a
fire inspector. Moreno ar-
rived in time to salvage
some of his files.
12-Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, California, Thursday, May 20, 1971
Reagan: Muzzling
In CRLA Probe
SACRAMENTO (UPI) -Gov.
light on the practices and
Ronald Reagan has charged the
procedures which have been
commission appointed by the
and are being engaged in by
Nixon administration to investi-
CRLA personnel,' Reagan said.
gate the California Rural Legal
The governor told Carlucei
Assistance is "muzzling witnes-
"the fault for the current
ses."
confusing state of affairs must
"Events of the past several
lie at the doorstep of federal
days," Reagan said Wednesday
OEO which misinformed the
in a telegram to Frank
commission members as to
Carlucci, director of the federal
their proper role in these
Office of Economic Opportuni-
proceedings-to investigate all
ty, "are deeply disturbing to
of the facts pertaining to
me and should be to you."
CRLA's activities."
He charged that a "firm
Reagan has increasingly at-
understanding" between him,
tacked the commission's proce-
the federal OEO and the U.S.
dures, and at his Tuesday news
Justice Department over the
conference said, "very frankly
commission's procedures "has
I don't have too much
been breached repeatedly in
confidence in what is going to
recent months."
be the outcome of the
Consisting of three out-of-
commission's findings."
state judges, the commission is
A commission hearing which
conducting hearings to deter-
had started Wednesday inside
mine whether CRLA should
Soledad State Prison was
continue to exist. The probe
cancelled because two convicts
was prompted by Reagan's veto
stabbed a prison official to
last December of CRLA's $1.8
death.
million federal grant.
Robert B. Williamson, com-
The governor charged the
mission chairman, said prison
agency, now operating on a
officials had told him "there is
temporary grant, did not really
absolutely no connection be-
serve the needs of the poor as
tween the hearing and this
it was set up to do and that it
tragic event."
violated OEO regulations.
Commissioners had intended
Reagan told Carlucci he was
to investigate assertions that
particularly angry because the
CRLA attorneys were connect-
commission announced Tuesday
ed to prison tensions and at
that three of the governor's 35
least partially responsible for
specific allegations against the
racial disturbances there.
agency were without merit.
Before the meeting started, a
"I urge you to clarify
spokesman for the California
Immediately your instructions
Correctional Officers Associa-
to the commission in such a
tion complained that the state's
manner as to require that its
attorney general was "handcuf-
findings be filed directly with
fing" guards and prison offi-
you all in the same context,"
cials who planned to testify.
he told Carlucci.
Kenneth Brown, the organiza-
The governor said "the
tion's press officer, said the
commission has imposed a
attorney general's office had
virtual gag rule on non-CRLA
prohibited guards and officials
witnesses. limiting their testi-
from testifying on any incident
mony only to narrow items"
that may be pending in the
contained in the Reagan courts, or on current investiga-
administration report that tions that might lead to an
prompted his veto.
inquiry.
"It has become increasingly
The CRLA has denied all
clear that the procedures
assertions concerning its law-
adopted by this commission are
yers and the prison.
having the effect of muzzling
Commissioners will meet
witnesses whose testimony
today and Saturday in El
would otherwise shed valuable
Centro.
San Francisco, Calif.
Examiner
(Cir. D 203,026 - Sat. 159,057)
MAY 20 1971
Allon
P.C.B.
Est. 1888
KENNETH CONANT, ERICK HILTON AND JERRY LUND
Slain Soledad administrator (left) and suspects held in fatal knifing
-UPI Photos
Tight Security Follows
Stabbing at Soledad
Special to The Examiner
Robbers
SOLEDAD - Prisoners at
Two suspects - Orange
Soledad State Prison re-
County robber and jail escap-
mained locked in their cells
ee Jerry W. Lund, 28, and
as the investigation contin-
Los Angeles robber Erick V.
Hilton, 24 - were being held
ued into the fatal stabbing
in maximum security.
of a prison official.
Curtis said inmate assault
The prisoners were being
and murder charges will be
taken to eat in groups of 150
filed against Lund and Hil-
in the prison's Central Facili-
ton. He did not say whether
ty, where Kenneth E. Con-
others will be charged al-
ant, 49, a program adminis-
though he said the slaying
trator. was stabbed to death
apparently was planned.
and two other officials were
"It appears to be an execu-
wounded.
District Attorney William
Curtis interrogated staff
members and inmates until
late last night and resumed
the investigation today.
tion slaying
a very delib-
A memorial service was
erate thing."
scheduled for 2 p.m. Satur-
Assistant Prison Superin-
day at First Methodist
tendent Chuck Stowell said
Church in Salinas.
no motive has been uncov-
ered but it appeared Con-
The stabbing brought an
ant's slaying - unlike others
abrupt suspension of a spe-
at the troubled prison-was
cial three-judge federal com-
not racially motivated. Con-
mission investigation inside
ant and his attackers were
white.
the prison into charges by
Governor Reagan that the
Home-Made Knife
California Rural Legal As-
A knife made from a piece
sistance has engaged in im-
of steel was the death weap-
proper actions at Soledad.
on.
The hearing moved on to El
Extra guards went on duty
Centro in Imperial County to-
and 1200 prisoners were
day.
locked in their cells after the
In Sacramento. Loren V.
10th violent death - four of-
Smith, general manager of
ficials and six convicts -
the California State Employ-
since Jan. 15, 1970. Family
ers Association, said the
visits were cancelled today
hardened inmates at Soledad
and outside activities were
should be put in a new maxi-
cancelled through May 31.
mum security prison.
Conant was knifed in the
back of the head as he sat at
"The (Soledad) facility is
the desk where he handled
antiquated," Smith asserted.»
programming for 600 con-
It was quite normal for
victs. Lt. E. D. Steele and
convicts to be in the head-
Supervising Counselor Ed
quarters room where Conant,
Whalen were injured slightly
a 20-year veteran in penal
when they went to Conant's
work, dealt with such prob-
aid.
lems as rehabilitation and
Services
training. But Lund and Hil-
ton were not on the prisoner
Private funeral services
committee meeting with Con-
were held for Conant today.
ant.
The Reagan Adminis-
Los Angeles, Calif.
tration, in a document pre-
Times
pared by the state Office
City is 955,915 $ 1,269,469
of Economic Opportunity
director, Lewis K. Uhler,
had asserted that CRLA
MAY 20 1971
attorneys represented in-
mates at Soledad in viola-
tion of federal regulations.
P.C.S.
1898
It was those and other
charges by Uhler that
Reagan used as a basis for
his veto of CRLA's $1.8
CRLA
Investigators
million budget, which is
supported by federal anti-
poverty funds.
Delay Soledad Hearing
Later, in answer to an
inquiry by Unler, Ray-
mond K. Procunier, state
of Proceedings Suspended After Slaying
director of corrections, as-
serted that CRLA attor-
Prison Official Will Resume June 3
neys had played a "major
BY PHILIP HAGER
Times Staff Writer
role" in disturbances in
state prisons.
SOLEDAD, Calif. A
(Mr. and Mrs. Michael
federal commission inves-
English said Florence
Last month, Moe Cama-
tigating the California
Kinlock, the welfare direc-
cho, president of the Cali-
Rural Legal Assistance
tor, has prohibited them
fornia Correctional Offi-
controversy heard testi-
from making or receiving
cers Assn., said there was
mony Wednesday in a
telephone calls or visiting
"reason to believe" that a
closed hearing at Soledad
restrooms without permis-
series of assaults that took
State Prison.
sion and has declined to
The proceedings were
approve leave SO they can
suspended at midmorning
testify at the commission
place at Soledad "were
after it was learned that a
hearings on CRLA.
motivated by or at least an
prison administrator had
(Winifred Hutchens,
outgrowth of talks with
been killed in another part
assistant welfare director,
certain attorneys, many of
of the facility.
said "some restrictions
them employed by
State officials said they
have been placed against
CRLA."
had no reason to believe
the Englishes
But if
Neither Procunier nor
there was a connection be-
anyone has been su b-
Camacho presented details
tween the killing and the
poenaed to testify at a
of their charges and
hearings on CRLA.
hearing, it has been our
CRLA officials vigorously
The commission indicat-
policy to give permission
denied the allegations.
ed it would conduct the re-
and even provide trans-
At Wednesday's hearing,
mainder of the proceed-
portation." Any elabora-
ininates quoted in the Uh-
ings scheduled for Soledad
tion about the restrictions
ler report had completed
on June 23 in San Francis-
would have to come from
their testimony when the
65. Today's hearings will
Mrs. Kinlock, she said.
killing was reported. Be-
be at El Centro.
Mrs. Kinlock was not
cause guards waiting to
(In El Centro, an Imper-
available for comment.
testify had been closely as-
ial County Welfare De-
Wants to Testify
sociated with the dead of-
partment official agreed
(CRLA attorneys earlier
ficer, the commission de-
Wednesday that "some re-
this week said Mrs. Eng-
cided to suspend the hear-
strictions" had been
placed on two social work-
lish wanted to testify on
ings.
ers who claim they have
behalf of CRLA.)
T he commission had
virtually been held priso-
ners at their desks during
agreed to private proceed-
working hours. Associated
ings at the prison to pro-
tect corrections officers
Press reported.
and inmates who request-
ed anonymity. But a trans-
cript of the testimony,
with those names and pos-
sibly other identifying in-
formation deleted, will be
made public, perhaps by
next week.
Sacromento, Calif.
The Bee
(Cir. D. 172/11 Sun. 200,346)
MAY 20 1971
Allen's
P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Soledad Prison Killing Is
Ninth Within 18 Months
SOLEDAD (UPI) - A
Four prison employes and
veteran Soledad State Prison
five inmates have died in the
official was stabbed to death
racially tense prison 115
Wednesday - the ninth per-
miles south of San Francisco
son killed at California's
since January 1970, when a
troubled penitentiary in the
guard killed three black
past 18 months.
prisoners fighting in the
Kenneth E. Conant, 49, a
yard. A young white guard
program administrator, was
was killed a few days later.
stabbed in the back of the
The slaying of Conant ap-
head with a prison-made
parently had no connection
knife and two other officials
with the earlier racial inci-
suffered minor wounds
dents as the victim and the
while subduing his inmate
two inmates seized after his
attackers.
death were white. Jerry W.
Lund, 28, and Eric Hilton,
29, both convicted robbers
from Southern California,
were held for investigation
of murder.
The slaying occurred as a
special federal commission
was meeting in another part
of the prison investigating
charges that California-Ru-
ral Legal Assistance, a feder-
ally financed legal aid group
had fomented violence
among inmates. The hear-
ings were indefinitely post-
poned after Conant's death.
Three out-of-state judges
are investigating charges by
the Reagan administration
against CRLA, including the
accusation that its attorneys
were involved in the "moti-
vation" of earlier violence at
Soledad. The hearings had
no apparent link to Wednes-
day's killing
Two groups of black con-
victs - the "Soledad Broth-
ers" and "Soledad Seven" -
have been charged with the
slayings of two white prison
guards in the months follow.
ing the deaths of the three
Negro prisoners.
Conant, of Salinas, was a
nonuniformed employe who
directed activities, custody
requirement and rehabilita-
tion programs for inmates.
Burbank, Calif.
Daily Review
(Cir. 6XW 11,013)
MAY 20 1971
Allen's P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Witnesses blocked
SACRAMENTO - Gov. Reagan says
the federal commission investigating
California Rurah Legal Assistance is
"muzzling" potential witnesses who
might substantiate Reagan's charges
against the controversial agency.
In a telegram to Washington, Reagan
said the commission is operating under
rules which have "tied its hands in such
a manner that the truth cannot and will
not be known without a major change in
approach."
His latest criticism was in a telegram
Wednesday to Frank Carlucci, director
of the federal Office of Economic Oppor-
tunity which sent the panel of three out-
of-state supreme court justices to probe
CRLA's activities.
Santa And, Celif.
Kis (Evening Edition)
you See Eva 91111
143,012)
MAY 30 1971
CRLA Probers
(Continued From Page A-1)
light on the practices and
CRLA Probers Muzzling
procedures which have been
and are being engaged in by
CRLA personnel," Reagan said.
The governor told Carlucci
"the fault for the current
Witnesses, Reagan Says
confusing state of affairs must
lie at the doorstep of federal
OEO which misinformed the
commission members as to
SACRAMENTO (UPI) -Gov.
Consisting of three out-of-
Reagan told Carlucci he was
their proper role in these
I
Ronald Reagan has charged the
state judges, the commission is
particularly angry because the
1
proceedings-to investigate all
commission appointed by the
conducting hearings to deter-
commission announced Tuesday
of the facts pertaining to
I
mine whether CRLA should
CRLA's activities."
Nixon administration to investi-
continue to exist. The probe
that three of the governor's 35
gate the California Rural Legal
was prompted by Reagan's veto
specific allegations against the
Reagan has increasingly at-
agency were without merit.
tacked the commission's proce-
Assistance is "muzzling witnes-
last December of CRLA's $1.8
ses."
"I urge you to clarify
dures, and at his Tuesday news
million federal grant.
The governor charged the
immediately your instructions
conference said, "very frankly
**
"Events of the past several
I don't have too much
7
days," Reagan said Wednesday
agency, now operating on a
to the commission in such a
1
temporary grant, did not really
manner as to require that its
confidence in what is going to
in a telegram to Frank
be the outcome of the
:
Carlucci, director of the federal
serve the needs of the poor as
findings be filed directly with
!
Office of Economic Opportuni-
it was set up to do and that it
you all in the same context,"
commission's findings."
he told Carlucci.
A commission hearing which
:
ty, "are deeply disturbing to
violated OEO regulations.
me and should be to you."
The governor said "the
was started Wednesday inside
He charged that a "firm
commission has imposed a
Soledad State Prison was
understanding" between him,
virtual gag rule on non-CRLA
conceled because two convicts
the federal OEO and the U.S.
witnesses, limiting their testi-
stabbed a prison official to
Justice Department over the
mony only to narrow items"
death.
1
commission's procedures "has
contained in the Reagan
Robert B. Williamson, com-
been breached repeatedly in
administration report that
mission chairman, said prison
officials had told him "there is
,
recent months."
:
3
prompted his veto.
1
"It has become increasingly
absolutely no connection be-
clear that the procedures
tween the hearing and this
or
adopted by this commission are
tragic event."
Commissioners had intended
>
having the effect of muzzling
E
witnesses whose testimony
to investigate assertions that
,
would otherwise shed valuable
CRLA attorneys were connect-
1
(Turn To Page A2 Col. 3)
ed to prison tensions and at
least partially responsible for
racial disturbances there.
1
Before the meeting started, a
spokesman for the California
Correctional Officers Associa-
tion complained that the state's
attorney general was "handcuf-
fing" guards and prison offi-
cials who planned to testify.
Kenneth Brown, the organiza-
tion's press officer, said the
attorney general's office had
prohibited guards and officials
from testifying on any incident
that may be pending in the
courts, or on current investiga-
tions that might lead to an
inquiry.
This CRLA has denied all
assertions concerning its law-
yers and the prison.
Commissioners will meet
today and Saturday in El
Centro.
Glendale, Calif.
News Press
(Cir. 6XW 23,253)
MAY 20 1971
Allen P. C.B.
Est. 1888
Witnesses blocked
SACRAMENTO - Gov. Reagan says
the federal commission investigating
C
California Rural Legal Assistance is
r
"muzzling" potential witnesses who
j
might substantiate Reagan's charges
b
against the controversial agency.
it
In a telegram to Washington, Reagan
said the commission is operating under
ti
rules which have "tied its hands in such
V
a manner that the truth cannot and will
g
not be known without a major change in
u
approach."
His latest criticism was in a telegram
Wednesday to Frank Carlucci, director
of the federal Office of Economic Oppor-
h:
tunity which sent the panel of three out-
B
of-state supreme court justices to probe
gi
CRLA's activities.
TC
V₁
El Centro, Calif.
Imperial Valley Press
(Cir. D 7,831)
MAY 20 1971
Allen
P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Reagan charges CRLA
probe with "muzzling"
SACRAMENTO (UPI) Gov.
Office of Economic Opportuni-
conducting hearings to deter-
Ronald Reagan has charged the
ty, "are deeply disturbing to
mine whether CRLA should
commission appointed by the
me and should be to you."
continue to exist. The probe
Nixon administration to investi-
He charged that a "firm
was prompted by Reagan's veto
gate the California Rural Legal
understanding" between him,
last December of CRLA's $1.8
Assistance is "muzzling witnes-
the federal OEO and the U.S.
million federal grant.
ses.
Justice Department over the
The governor charged the
"Events of the past several
commission's procedures "has
agency, now operating on a
days," Reagan said Wednesday
been breached repeatedly in
temporary grant, did not really
in a telegram to Frank
recent months."
serve the needs of the poor as
Carlucci, director of the federal
Consisting of three out-of-
it was set up to do and that it
state judges, the commission is
violated OEO regulations.
Santa Barbara, Calif.
News Press
(Cir. D 37,612 * 37,636)
MAY 20 1971
Allen's
P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Witnesses 'Muzzled'
In CRLÀ Probe: Reagan
SACRAMENTO (P) - Gov.
commission apparently
Reagan says the federal com-
have allowed them to publicly
mission investigating Califor-
announce their findings piece-
nia Rural Legal Assistance is
meal each day, instead of in a
"muzzling" po al-wit-
report to you."
nesses who might substantiate
He urged Carlucci "to clari-
Reagan's charges against the
fy immediately your instruc-
controversial agency.
tions to the commission in
In a telegram to Washing-
such a manner that its find-
ton, Reagan said the commis-
ings be filed directly with you,
sion is operating under rules
all in the same context, and
which have "tied its hands in
that the commission members
such a manner that the truth
avail themselves of all offered
cannot and will not be known
evidence or testimony, even if
without a major change in ap-
it proves CRLA is not provid-
proach."
ing legal services to the
poor."
WIRE SENT
BLAMES 0E0
His latest criticism was in a
He added that "I regret to
telegram yesterday to Frank
say that most of the fault for
Carlucci, director of the feder-
the current confusing state of
al Office of Economic Oppor-
affairs must lie at the door-
tunity which sent the panel of
step of federal OEO."
three out-of-state supreme
Reagan said the commission
court justices to probe CRLA's
has refused to allow cross-ex-
activities.
amination of pro-CRLA wit-
Reagan wrote that "the pro-
nesses and has failed to give
cedures adopted by this com-
adequate notice to other per-
mission are having the effect
sons who wished to testify.
of muzzling witnesses whose
"Thus far this week," he
testimony would otherwise
said, "a number of witnesses
shed valuable light on the
desiring to testify to their
practices and proceedings" of
knowledge of CRLA's activi-
CRLA.
ties have simply given up in
"The commission has im-
frustration after being ex-
posed a virtual gag rule on
posed to the way in which the
non-CRLA witnesses, limiting
hearings are being conduct-
their testimony only to narrow
ed."
items in the state OEO report
He noted one former CRLA
on CRLA," Reagan continued.
employe who wanted to testify
"Any new information - how-
"became SO disgusted after
ever pertinent - is being
having observed firsthand 'the
ruled out of order."
commission's biased limita-
Reagan referred to the
tions on testimony' that she
283-page report submitted to
refused to subject herself to
back up his veto last De-
the 'personal aggravations,
cember of a 1.88-million-dollar
harrassment and frustrations
federal grant to run CRLA
of such a sham'."
this year. Carlucci authorized
Reagan said "she is the
a temporary grant while the
same woman who was sub-
panel investigates whether
jected to pressure by the
CRLA is not doing its proper
CRLA attorney; Robert Gnaiz-
job representing the Califor-
da, several months ago in
nia's rural poor as Reagan
four separate telephone calls
has charged.
in one evening to change
The governor also told Car-
her story about CRLA's im-
lucci "your instructions to the
proper activities."
Oakland, Calif.
Tribune
(Cir. D 225,035, Sat. 209,931,
Sun. 251,534)
MAY 80.1971
Allen's P.C.B.
Est. 1888
CRL. Pag
Boost From
Welfare Aide
EL CENTRO (AP) - A so-
cial worker who claimed her
supervisors tried to keep her
from testifying told a public
hearing today that the poor
need and like the California
Rural Legal Assistance pro-
gram.
The witness, Donna English,
said a decision to end the pro-
gram "would cause bitterness
among the poverty group."
With her husband, also an
Imperial County welfare em-
ploye, Mrs. English has pub-
licly accused their superiors
of trying to keep them from
testifying.
The two-day hearing was
opened by a federal commis-
sion investigating CRLA after
Gov. Ronald Reagan charged
in Sacramento that potential
witnesses who might substan
tiate his stand were being
"muzzled."
Oakland, Calif.
Tribune
(Cir. D 225,038, Sat. 209,931,
Sun. 251,534)
MAY 20 1971
Allen's P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Expansion of School
Lunches on Agenda
RICHMOND - A PTA Gnaizda, deputy director of
conference dedicated to help
California Rural Legal Assist-
improve and expand school
ance; and Mrs. Barbara Hen-
lunch programs will be held
ry, president of Welfare
Monday at the Memorial
Rights Organization of Rich-
Youth Center here.
mond.
Speaker will be. State Sen.
Among the seven discussion
George Moscone, D-San Fran-
groups during the day-long
conference will be those on
cisco.
funding, preparation, distribu-
The conference is sponsored
tion, nutrition education and
by the Richmond Elementary
personnel training for school
Council with PTA districts
lunch programs.
from Alameda, Contra Costa
The conference stems from
and Solano counties.
an announcement last Febru-
The panel will consist of
ary by state superintendent of
James Hemphill, chief of
public instruction, Wilson
Food Service Bureau, State
Riles calling for expansion of
Dept. of Instruction; Robert. the lunch program.
/
Son Jose, Calif.
The News
(Cir. D. 75,531)
MAY 30 1971
Allen's
P.
C.B.
Est. ISSS
Reagan Says CRLA Probe
Witnesses 'Muzzled'
By KIETH HEARN
SACRAMENTO (AP) ---
continued, "Any new Infor-
Gov. Reagan says the federal
mation however pertinent
commission
investigating
- is being ruled out of or-
California Rural Legal As
der."
sistance is "muzzling" poten-
Reagan referred to the
tial witnesses who might sub.
283-page report submitted to
stantiate Reagan's charges
back up his veto last Decem-
against the controversial
ber of a $1.88 million federal
agency.
grant to run CRLA this year.
In a telegram to Washing-
Carlucci authorized a tempo-
ton, Reagan said the com-
rary grant while the panel in-
mission is operating under
vestigates whether CRLA is
rules which have tied its
not doing its proper job rep-
har. n such a manner that
resenting the California's ru-
the truth cannot and will not
ral poor as Reagan has
be known without a major
charged.
change in approach."
The governor also told Car-
His latest criticism was in
lucci "your instructions to
a telegram Wednesday to
the commission apparent-
ly have allowed them to pub-
Frank Carlucel, director of
the federal Office of Econom-
ic Opportunity which se: the
Licly announce their findings
panel of three out-of-state su-
piecemeal each day. instead
preme court justices to probe
of in a report to you.'
CRLA's activities.
He urged Carlucci "to clar-
Reagan wrote that "the
ify immediately your instruc-
procedures adopted by this
tions to the commission in
commission are having the
such a manner that its find-
effect of muzzling witnesses
ings be filed directly with
whose testimony would oth-
you. all in the same context,
erwise shed valuable light on
he practices and proceed-
ngs" of CRLA.
and that the commission
affairs must lie at the door-
"Thus far this week,", he
"The commission has im-
members avail themselves of
step of federal OEO."
said, "a number of witnesses
osed a virtual gag rule on
all offered evidence or testi-
Reagan said the commis-
desiring to testify to their
on-CRLA witnesses. limiting
mony, even if it proves
sion has refused to allow
knowledge of CRLA's activi-
heir testimony only to nar-
CRLA is not providing legal
crossexamination of pro-
ties have simply given up. in
)W items in the state OEO
services to the poor."
CRLA witnesses and has
frustration after being ex-
:port on CRLA," Reagan
He added that "I regret to
failed to give adequate notice
posed to the way in which the
say that most of the fault for
to other persons who wished
hearings are being conduct-
the current confusing state of
to
testify.
ed."
San Francisco, Calif.
Chronicle
(Cic. D 478,704 Sot. 443,306)
MAY 20 1371
Stowell said Lund and Hil-
ton, neither of whom were
More Violence
scheduled to appear before
the committee, wordlessly
walked in to the room.
Conant was fatally stabbed
in the back of the head. Lieu-
A Fatal Knifing
tenant E. D. Steele and SU-
pervising counsellor Ed Whe-
lan were also in the room at
the time, and both suffered
At Soledad
minor injuries in grappling
with the two alleged assail-
Page 1
ants.
Investigators from the
2 Cons Accused
Monterey county district at-
torney's office, already at
the troubled institution on an-
other matter, arrived mo-
ments after the stabbing and
From Our Correspondent
took a piece of steel honed
Soledad
into a prison knife or
"shank" as evidence.
Kenneth E. Conant, 49,
The Federal committee in-
a program administrator
vestigating the CRLA had
at Soledad prison, was
convened at 7 a.m. in anoth-
stabbed to death yester-
er part of the prison. but ad-
day, and two other offi-
journed an hour after the
stabbing and postponed its
cials were wounded while
subduing his alleged in-
mate attackers.
The killing-fourth mur-
der of a Soledad prison
employee since Jan. 13,
1970 - occurred while a
Federal investigating pan-
el was holding meetings in
another part of the prison
on the alleged role of Cali-
fornia Rural Legal Assist-
ance in prison violence.
IP #irephotos
Two inmates, Jerry W.
KENNETH E. CONANT
Lund, 28, and Eric Hilton, 29,
The victim
both convicted Southern Cali-
fornia robbers, were held for
investigation of murder.
ATTACK
Assistant Superintendant
(P Wirephoto
1P Wirephoto
Chuck Stowell, who was in
charge of some 600 men in
ERIC HILTON
JERRY W. LUND
four wings of the prison, was
Los Angeles robber
Imprisoned since 1967
seated at his desk about 9:30
a.m. preparing to conduct a
routine disciplinary commit-
tee hearing involving several
Soledad Slaying-
inmates.
Official Stabbed
From Page 1
employees and six inmates
killed and many others in-
hearings at the prison to an
jured.
indefinite date.
Yesterday's attack, howev-
The 1200 inmates in Sole-
er, came at a time when So-
dad's Central Facility were
"
ledad's often-criticized Cen-
immediately locked in then
tral Facility was undergoing
tion. cells pending an investiga-
a major easing of strict secu-
rity.
Conant was a 20-year vet-
The iron-tight "X" wing
eran in correctional work. He
adjustment center, scene of
is survived by his wife and a
several violent attacks. was
son at the family's home in
drained of inmates in
Salinas.
March and closed. Its coun-
Program administrators in
terpart "O" wing, which
State prisons and non-
made the other half of Sole-
uniformed employees who di-
dad's notorious "hole," was
rect activities, custody re-
also slowly being emptied of
quirements and rehabilita
inmates sent there for disci-
tion programs for inmates in
plinary reasons.
their charge.
TRANSFER
WHITE
Many inmates have been
Although previous incl-
transferred from the restrict-
dents at the prison have had
ed inside corridor of Soledad
a racial overtone thought to
Central to the more spacious
stem from the killing of three
and relaxed North Facility at
black inmates by a white of-
the prison.
ficer in January. 1970, in this
Yesterday's incident, how-
case both Conant and his al-
ever. was expected to bring a
leged assailants were white.
flurry of new calls for a
Lund was sentenced to
tougher institution.
prison in 1967 from Orange
Almost before complete de-
county on a first degree rob-
tails of the incident were
bery charge with added time
known yesterday, Smith dis-
for an escape from the Los
patched two of his top aides
Angeles County Jail.
from the employees associa-
Hilton entered Soledad in
tion to discuss with correc-
1967 on a conviction of first
tions officials the possibility
degree robbery in Los Ange-
les county.
Otey Mesa Prison in San Die-
In Sacramento, the Califor-
go county.
nia State Employees Associa-
The project was once
tion promptly called for "im-
planned to replace San Quen-
tin Prison, but was scrapped
mediate steps to prevent fur-
for financial reason.
ther tragedies" at Soledad.
"For the kind of hardened
CALL
inmate Soledad in called
upon to handle. the facility is
Loren V. Smith. the asso-
antiquated." Smith charged
ciation's general manager.
yesterday.
called for improvements in
Funeral services for Con-
security et the prison
ant were pending vesterday
cially to: 11 21 the Co :C-
at Terry's Mortuary in the
tional Training Facility.
town of Soledad.
The Federal hearing at the
prison yesterday had been
expected to center on
charges by the California
Correctional Officers Asso-
ciation that CRLA attorneys
had some role in inspiring in-
mates to a series of violent
incidents in the last year and
a hair that have seen four
San Francisco, Calif.
Chronicle
(Cir. D 478,704 - Sal. 443,305)
MAY 20 1971
Allen'se.c.B.
Est. 1888
Guard Slain
CRLA Hearing at
Soledad Canceled
By George Murphy
Chronicle Correspondent
Soledad
"We understand how all
A Federal commission
personnel at the Soledad fa-
investigating charges that
cility are personally affect-
ed; therefore we have con-
the California Rural Legal
Assistance program fo-
curred in the request (of the
mented disturbances at the
correctional officers) that
the
Soledad Correctional
hearings
be contin-
ued to a later date."
Training Facility here was
The commission left last
abzruptly halted yesterday
after a prison official was
night for El Centrp. where it
murdered.
will hold hearings today and
tomorrow.
Commission chairman
The three-member, Nixon
Robert B. Williamson said
administration-appointed
later prison officials had told
commission will split up on
him "there was absolutely no
June 1 and 2.
connection between the hear-
One commissioner each
ing and this tragic event."
will preside over hearings at
Williamson said that when
Santa Maria, Madera and
word of the murder reached
Marysville on June 1. On the
the hearing room, represent-
following day, simultaneous
atives of the California
hearings will be held in Mo-
Correctional Officers Asso-
desto, Gilroy and Santa
ciation told the commission
Rosa.
that guards. scheduled to tes-
On June 3 and 4 the full
tify, were "deeply affected
commission will meet in San
by the tragic loss of a
Francisco.
friend," and asked that the
The commission is investi-
hearing be postponed.
gation Reagan administra-
"This, of course, was
done," Williamson said, add-
ing that the Soledad question
tion charges against CRLA
will be considered at a hear-
which led to the governor's
ing to be held June 3 in San
veto last January of $1.8 mil-
Francisco.
lion in Federal funds for the
Attorney representing
legal aid organization.
CRLA issued a statement of
Reagan, a frequent critic
"deepest condolences" to the
of the Federal commission
widow and family of slain
since its probe began, fired
prison admiistrator Ken-
off a new telegram to Feder-
eth Conant.
al OEO Director Frank Car-
lucci yesterday, saying he
was "deeply disturbed" by
the commission's conduct.
Scin Jose, Calif.
The News
(Cir. D. 75,531)
P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Art Buchwald
Reagan Proper
Client For CRLA
No matter how I try, I can't stop
the first time we represented someone
worrying about Gov. Ronald Reagan's
who made money but didn't pay income
personal financial situation. As everyone
taxes.
knows by now, Gov. Reagan had such
"Surely there is something wrong
bad financial reverses last year that he
with the system if the governor of the
didn't have to pay state income taxes.
largest state in the union has been hurt
Instead of Californians sympathizing
so badly financially that he can't pay
with him over these financial reverses,
any taxes."
they became upset and felt there was
"But what legal defense would you
something wrong because they had to
have for him?" I asked.
pay taxes and Reagan didn't.
"First, we would have to find out
Very few people in the state said, "If
what financial reverses Mr. Reagan had,
the governor makes $44,000 a year as
whether they came from cattle, oil, real
estate or the stock market. Then we
salary and has assets of around $1 mil-
lion and still can't pay his state income
would prove that it wasn't his fault that
taxes, then he must be hurting very bad-
his investments went sour. It was proba-
ly, and needs pity rather than censure."
bly due to the general economy."
"But the Republicans are in charge of
My first thought was that the gover-
the economy right now. Wouldn't it look
nor should seek legal aid from the local
bad if Reagan blamed his own party for
Office of Economic Opportunity. Al-
the fact he had such a bad income situa-
though Reagan is trying to abolish legal
tion.
aid for the poor in California, I'm sure
"I guess you're right. We'll have to
the poverty lawyers would take his case
think of something else. Perhaps we
anyway, just to prove that they will take
could persuade the courts to allow the
anybody in dire financial straits, regard-
governor to make one motion picture a
less of race, creed or elective office.
year."
To make sure, I telephoned a CRLA
"Or a new Death Valley Days se-
(California Rural Legal Assistance law-
ries," I suggested.
yer in California and asked him if he
"I was thinking of a remake of the
would take Reagan as a client.
'Grapes of Wrath.' the lawyer said.
"Yes," he said, "he would qualify for
"They could shoot most of it around Sac-
free legal aid. Our charter specifically
ramento, SO the governor wouldn't have
says that any governor of a state whose
to be on location too long. But the impor-
finances are in such poor shape that he
tant thing is to get him healthy financial-
doesn't have to pay personal state in-
ly so he doesn't have to eat from the
come taxes is in no position to pay a
public trough.
lawyer, and is therefore eligible for free
"This thing has far more ramifica-
legal advice. It would be our pleasure to
tions than anyone wants to admit," he
help Gov. Reagan in anyway we could."
said. "We're trying to pull the poor up
"How would you go about it?"
by their bootstraps SO they become hon-
"From a legal standpoint it would
est, hard-working citizens. But if they
probably be the most interesting case
see somebody like Gov. Reagan, who has
we've ever handled. Most of our cases
worked all his life and still has nothing
have had to do with people who didn't
left over for income taxes, they going
pay any state income taxes because they
to say to themselves "The hell with it.
didn't make any money. This would be
Let's stay on welfare.'
Lob Angeles, Calif
Times
or 1,269,459
MAY
P.O.B.
Reagan Income Tax Proves
You Just Can't Get Ahead
BY ART BUCHWALD
WASHINGTON-No matter how 1
try, I can't stop worrying about Gov.
"From a legal standpoint it would
Ronald Reagan's personal financial
probably be the most interesting
case we've ever handled. Most of our
situation. As everyone knows by
cases have had to do with people
now, Gov. Reagan had such bad fi-
who didn't pay any state income
nancial reverses last year that he
taxes because they didn't make any
didn't have to pay state income
money. This would be the first time
taxes.
we represented someone who made
Instead of Californians sympathiz-
money but didn't pay income taxes.
ing with him over these financial re-
"Surely there is something wrong
verses, they became upset and felt
with the system if the governor of
there was something wrong because
the largest state in the union has
STATE
they had to pay taxes and Reagan
been hurt so badly financially that
didn't
he can't pay any taxes."
Very few people in the state said,
"But what legal defense would
"If the governor makes $44,000 a
you have for him?" I asked.
year as salary and has assets of
around S1 million and still can't pay
his state income taxes, then he must
be hurting very badly, and needs
"First, we would have to fina UUS
pity rather than censure."
what financial reverses Mr. Reagan
had, whether they came from cattle,
"If you have any business sense, you'll
My first thought was that the gov-
oil, real estate or the stock market.
save all your welfare checks
ernor should seek legal aid from the
Then we would prove that it wasn't
for a rainy day."
local Office of Economic Opportuni-
his fault that his investments went
tv. Although Reagan is trying to
abolish legal aid for the poor in Cali-
sour. It was probably due to the gen-
"They could shoot most of it around
eral economy."
Sacramento. SO the governor would-
fornia, I'm sure the poverty lawyers
would take his case anyway, just to
"But the Republicans are in
n't have to be on location too long.
prove that they will take anybody in
charge of the economy right now.
But the important thing is to get
dire financial straits, regardless of
Wouldn't it look bad if Reagan
him healthy financially so he doesn't
race, creed or elective office.
blamed his own party for the fact he
have to eat from the public trough.
had such a bad income situation."
"This thing has far more ramifica-
"I guess you're right. We'll have to
tions than anyone wants to admit,"
To make sure, I telephoned a
think of something else. Perhaps we
he said. "We're trying to pull the
CRLA lawyer in California and
could persuade the courts to allow
poor up by their bootstraps so they
asked him if he would take Reagan
the governor to make one motion
become honest, hard-working citi-
as a client.
picture a year."
zens. But if they see somebody like
Gov. Reagan, who has worked all his
"Yes," he said, "he would qualify
"Or a new Death Valley Days se-
life and still has nothing left over for
for free legal aid. Our charter speci-
ries," I suggested.
income taxes, they're going to say
fically says that any governor of a
state whose finances are in such
"I was thinking of a remake of the
to themselves "The hell with it. Let's
poor shape that he doesn't have to
Grapes of Wrath," the lawyer said.
stay on welfare."
pay personal state income taxes is in
no position to pay a. lawyer. and is
therefore eligible for free legal ad-
vice, It would be our pleasure to
help Gov. Reagan in any way we
could."
"How would you go about It?"
Son Francisco, Calif.
Examiner
(Cir, D 203,026 Sell. 159,057)
Threats
MAY 20 1971
In Probe
EM.1883
Of CRLA
Panel Drops
-From Page 1
Three CRLA
officials will get a chance to
testify on CRLA activities
within Soledad Prison on
Charge 1
June 3, when the hearings re-
sume in San Francisco
By Joel Tlumak
That portion of the hear-
Examiner News Staff
ings will be closed to the pub-
EL CENTRO - Three
lic and the press, although
more of Governor Reagan's
testimony of the guards, pris-
charges against California
on officials and the inmates
Rural Legal Assistance were
dismissed today by a panel
will eventually be made pub-
appointed by the Office of
lic with names and identifi-
Economic Opportunity in
cations withheld.
Washington.
The hearings here. near
The OEO commission
the Mexican border, will end
called the allegations "total-
the commission's second
ly unfounded and without
week of inquiries into Gov.
merit."
Reagan's charges against
CRLA. Reagan vetoed
Two of the charges were
CRLA's $1.8 million grant on
that CRLA was linked to So-
the grounds it engaged in il-
ledad Prison incidents in
legal activities throughout
which: Officer William C.
the state and didn't properly
Shull was slain in July 1970,
serve the poor.
leading to charges against
seven inmates; and in which
The Office of Economic
Guard John V. Mills was
Opportunity in Washington
slain in January 1970, leading
appointed the special com-
to charges of murder against
mission to check into the
the so-called Soledad Three
Governor's charges and rec-
ommend whether to uphold
1
- George L. Jackson, John
W. Clutchette and Fleeta
or override Reagan's veto.
Drumgo.
Here in the Imperial Val-
1
ley, CRLA faces its biggest
1
A third dismissed charge
test. The young, urbane pov-
E
was that CRLA attorneys at-
tempted to arrange a meet-
erty lawyers aiding Chicano
{
ing between Angela Davis
farm workers are looked
1
and Jackson at Soledad prior
upon as intruders by growers
and county and city officials.
to the Marin County shootout
I
One witness against CRLA,
Turn to Page 8. Col. 4
attorney F. Douglas McDan-
:
iel, is reported to be under
I
police surveillance because
I
he received threatening
1
phone calls this past 12 week.
Sacramento, Calif.
The Bee
(Cir. D. 172,411 Sun, 200,546)
MAY 20 1971
Allen's P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Reagan Claims Gagged
CRLA Probe Witnesses
Gov. Ronald Reagan is
againstCRLA.
complaining that the federal
"A number of private at-
inquiry commission on Cali-
torneys have stepped for-
fornia Rural Legal Assis-
ward to present witnesses
tance has imposed "a virtual
and other evidence," Reagan-
gag rule" on witnesses criti-
told the Washington official.
cal of the antipoverty law
"They have requested the
agency.
opportunity to cross-examine
"The procedures adopted
CRLA's witnesses, but the
by this commission are hav-
commission has steadfastly
ing the effect of muzzling
refused their requests.
witnesses whose testimony
"Moreover, the commis-
would otherwise shed valu-
sion has imposed a virtual
able light on the practices
gag rule on non-CLRA wit-
and procedures which have
nesses, limiting their testi-
been and are being engaged
mony only to narrow items
in by CRLA personnel," de-
in the State OEO report.
clared the governor.
Any new information-how-
Reagan voiced his criti-
ever pertinent - is being
cism yesterday in a lengthy
ruled out of order."
and sharply worded tele-
Reagan apparently was re-
gram to Frank Carlucci,
ferring to the April 27 com-
director of the US Office of
mission ruling that any wit-
Economic
Opportunity
ness not mentioned in the
(OEO). Carlucci appointed
critical State OEO report
the three-judge panel which
must file a request to testify
is hearing the Reagan ad-
by a May 12 deadline if he
ministration's
complaints
wished to appear.
HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA - THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1971
EVENING FREE LANCE
9
TCE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Local HRD personnel have
always been willing to discuss
problems openly with anyone
and while not easy to get along
with personally, have gone out
of their way to solve said
problems. Discriminatory? No!
As for the free clinic, there
already is a free clinic for
migrants at the local Health
Department every Wednesday,
Letter
and as every poverty project has
always been migrant oriented, I
wonder about this free clinic.
If you and all you concerned
To The Editor
citizens look around carefully,
you will find that the only ones
who benefit from your tax
money are outsiders and that
discrimination in the field of
Mr. Editor:
very little of that tax money is
Many of us in San Benitc
employment, housing, welfare
staying in our community.
County are in favor of CRLA
and in many other areas
But CRLA goes on, in the
being re-funded.
affecting the lives of the poor.
name of the Consumers Co-op
But when they start to tell
and no one dares to speak out
No question about it, they
have been very effective in
you how to vote, and that you
because they are all powerfull in
should not associate or talk to
our courts.
stemming the rise of racial
your Congressman because he is
Well, I've stuck my neck out,
Republican, then I say it is time
let's see who wants to chop it
to impose limitations.
off.
Take the local Consumers
To CRLA I would say, your
Co-op as an example.
actions and attitude call for
It is completely under the
limitations to be placed on your
dominance of the Gilroy office
organizations.
of CRLA and its staff.
It has been used as a front for
John Hernandez
the milk program, the hot lunch
program, the lawsuit against
HRD, and now for a free clinic.
This is a duplication of
existing services and therefore a
waste of money and energy.
I have been told by several
school administrators that milk
has been available for any child
upon request.
I've also been told that there
will be "hot lunch" facilities in
the new school and this was long
before CRLA induced
Consumers personnel to
campaign for hot lunches.
Reagan Claims Gagged 5-20-11
CRLA Probe Witnesses
Gov. Ronald Reagan is againstCRLA.
complaining that the federal
"A number of private at-
inquiry commission on Cali-
torneys have stepped for-
S
fornia Rural Legal Assis-
ward to present witnesses
tance has imposed "a virtual
and other evidence," Reagan
gag rule" on witnesses criti-
told the Washington official.
cal of the antipoverty law
"They have requested the
2-Day CRLA
agency.
opportunity to cross-examine
"The procedures adopted
CRLA's witnesses, but the
HearingOpens
by this commission are hav-
commission has steadfastly
ing the effect of muzzling
refused their requests.
EL CENTRO (AP) - The
witnesses whose testimony
"Moreover, the commis-
federal commission investi-
would otherwise shed valu-
sion has imposed a virtual
gating state charges against
able light on the practices
gag rule on non-CLRA wit-
the California Rural Legal
and procedures which have
nesses, limiting their testi-
Assistance began a two-day
been and are being engaged
mony only to narrow items
hearing here today.
in by CRLA personnel," de-
in the State OEO report.
The commission will con-
clared the governor.
Any new information-how-
sider charges that El Centro
Reagan voiced his criti-
ever pertinent - is being
office personnel took an ac-
cism yesterday in a lengthy
ruled out of order."
tive part in the strike activi-
and sharply worded tele-
Reagan apparently was re-
ties of Cesar Chavez' United
gram to Frank Carlucci,
ferring to the April 27 com-
Farm Workers Organizing
director of the US Office of
mission ruling that any wit-
Committee and that it trans-
Economic
Opportunity
ness not mentioned in the
ported students from nearby
(OEO). Carlueci appointed
critical State OEO report
Brawley to the Imperial
the three-judge panel which
must file a request to testify
County Courthouse to take
is hearing the Reagan ad-
by a May 12 deadline if he
part in a demonstration by
ministration's complaints wished to appear.
union members.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Herald Examiner
(Cir. D 519,391)
MAY 20 1971
Allen's
P.C.B.
Est.1888
Soledad Official Slain;
Charge Two Convicts
SOLEDAD, Calif. (UPI)-An
administrator was stabbed to
death at Soledad State Prison
Wednesday while a special
commission was in the peniten-
tiary investigating charges that
a federally funded anti-poverty
legal society had fomented
violence among inmates.
Kenneth E. Conant, 49, prison
program administrator, was
killed by two prisoners who
attacked him with a knife at his
desk.
The commission hearing was
adjourned after the slaying,
which was the ninth at Soledad
in less than 18 months.
The killing apparently had no
connection with the scheduled
hearings into charges that the
UPI Telephotos
California Rural Legal Assis-
ERIC HILTON
JERRY LUND
tance (CRLA) was involved in
the "motivation" of earlier
charged with murder. The
violence at the prison.
brother of George Jackson, one
The attack on Conant did not
of the "Soledad Brothers," was
appear to have the racial
killed, along with two San
overtones of previous slayings
Quentin convicts and a judge,
that started with the killing of
last Aug. 7 in a shootout at the
three black inmates by a white
Marin County Court in San
guard in January, 1970.
Rafael, Calif.
Two prison employes suffered
The state, which contends the
minor injuries while subduing
Marin County episode was
Conant's assailants, who were
aimed at freeing the "Soledad
identified as Jerry W. Lund, 28,
Brothers," has charged Angela
and Eric Hilton, 24.
Davis, former UCLA instructor
Shortly after the killings
and an avowed Communist,
began in 1970 a white guard
with taking part in the plot. She
was stabbed fatally, and three
is awaiting trial in San Rafael.
black inmates, now known as
The investigative commission
the "Soledad Brothers," were
at the prison when Conant was
killed Wednesday is composed
of retired Wisconsin Supreme
Court Chief Justice George R.
Currie, retired Maine Chief
-UPI Telepholo
Justice Robert B- Williamson,
KENNETH CONANT
and Colorado Supreme Court
Justice Robert B. Lee.
Prison victim
Aide Slain
At Desk
In Soledad
SOLEDAD (UPI) - An ad-
ministrator was stabbed to
death at Soledad State Prison
Wednesday while a special
commission was inside the
walls probing charges that a
federally funded anti-poverty
legal society had fomented
violence among inmates.
The commission adjourned
its hearings after Kenneth E.
Conant, 49, prison program
administrator, was fatally
stabbed at his desk in the insti-
tution about 9: 30 a.m.
Two other prison employes in
the room subdued the attack-
ers, identified as inmates Jerry
W. Lund, 28, and Eric Hilton,
24. The victim and his assail-
ants were white.
Conant's slaying - the ninth
at Soledad in the last two years
- had no apparent connection
with the hearings into charges
by some prison guards that the
California Rural Legal Assist-
ance was involved in the "mo-
tivation" of previous violence
at the prison.
Los Angeles, Calif,
Herald Examiner
(Cir. D $19,391)
MAY 20 1971
Allen's P.C.E.
Est. 1888
:
CRLA Witnesses
:
(
'Muzzled'
Reagan
2
:
f
SACRAMENTO (AP)-Gov.
ings piecemeal each day, in-
i
Reagan has C 0 m plained to
stead of in a report to you
C
Washington that a federal com-
"I urge you to clarify immedi-
mission probing California Ru-
ately your instructions to the
(
commission in such a manner
E
ral Legal Assistance is "muz-
zling" witnesses who might
as to require that its findings be
t
back up Reagan's charges
filed directly with you, all in the
t
against CRLA.
same context, and that the com-
a
mission members avail them-
a
The commission has adopted
selves of all offered evidence or
procedures which have "tied its
testimony, even if it proves
I
hands in such a manner that the
CRLA is not providing legal
I
truth cannot and will not be
services to the poor."
y
known, without a major change
in approach," Reagan said in a
The panel of three out-of-state
telegram sent yesterday to
supreme court justices is prob-
f
Frank Carlucci, director of the
ing the federally-funded legal
federal Office of Economic Op-
aid agency for the rural poor,
portunity.
now operating on a temporary
in
1
federal grant.
The governor wrote that "it
I
has become increasingly clear
Reagan in December vetoed
}
that the procedures adopted by
CRLA's $1.88 million full-year
t
this commission are having the
grant, contending the agency vi-
t
effect of muzzling witnesses
olated numerous federal guide
t
whose testimony would other-
lines and did not concern itself
S
wise shed valuable light on the
with the needs of individual
a
practices and procedures which
poor people.
C
have been and are being en-
gaged in by CRLA personnel."
Reagan also wrote Carlucci
that "your instructions to the
CRLA investigating commission
apparently have allowed them
to publicly announce their find-
Son Diego, Calif.
Union
(Cir. D 148,337 $ 253,550)
MAY 20 1971
Allon's
P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Felons Kill Prison
Counselor At Soledad
SOLEDAD (UPI) - An ad- fornia Rural 1 gal Assistance
ministrator was stabbed to
was involved in the "motvia-
death by two felons at Soledad
tion" of previous violence at
the prison.
State Prison yesterday while a
The attack yesterday did not
special commission was inside
have the racial overtones of
the walls probing charges that
previous killings, which were
a federally funded anti-poverty
touched off by the slaying of
legal society had fomented vio-
three Negro inmates by a white
lence among inmates.
guard in January, 1970. Three
The commission adjourned
white prison employes had been
its hearings after Kenneth E.
killed previously.
Conant, 49, prison program ad-
Soledad officials said Conant
ministrator, was killed in an-
was attacked at his desk. Two
other part of the institution
other prison employes, E. E.
about 9:30 a.m. All prisoners
Steele and Supervisor counselor
were locked in their cells.
Ed Whalen, suffered minor in-
Conant's slaying - the ninth
juries while subduing the at-
at Soledad in two years - had
tackers, identified as Jerry W.
no apparent connection with the
Lund, 28, and Eric V. Hilton,
hearings into charges by some
24. They, like Conant, are
prison guards that the Cali-
white.
Secremento, Calif.
The Bee
(Cir. D. 172,411 Sun, 200,546)
MAY 20 0 1971
Allen's F.C.B.
Est. 1888
2-Day CRLA
HearingOpens
EL CENTRO (AP) - The
federal commission investi-
gating state charges against
the California Rural Legal
Assistance began a two-day
hearing here today.
The commission will con-
sider charges that El Centro
office personnel took an ac-
tive part in the strike activi-
ties of Cesar Chavez' United
Farm Workers Organizing
Committee and that it trans-
ported students from nearby
Brawley to the Imperial
County. Courthouse to take
part in a demonstration by
union members.
Oakland, Calif.
Tribune
(Cir. D 225,03S, Sat. 209,931,
Sun: 251,534)
BIRY 80 1971
Allen's
P.C.B.
Est. 1858
Improved Soledad
Security Proposed
SOLEDAD The California
State Employees Association
The slaying took place
while, in another part of the
has called for "immediate
prison, a special federal com-
steps to prevent further trage-
dies" at the Correctional
mission was investigating
Reagan Administration
Training Facility prison here
following the killing of a non -
charges that the federally-
uniformed prison program ad-
ministrator yesterday.
Kenneth E. Conant, 49, a
20-year career penologist, died
financed California Rural Le-
at his desk yesterday after
gal Assistance aid group, had
being stabbed above the left
fomented previous violence
ear with a prison - made
among inmates.
knive.
The hearing, which had no
Prison authorities identified
apparent link with Conant's
two suspects held in his death
slaying, was indefinitely post-
as Jerry Lund, 28, and Eric
poned.
Hilton, 24, both serving sen-
tences of five years to life for
robbery.
Conant was the fourth pris-
on employe slain since Janu-
ary, 1970.
Although previous attacks
at the state's maximum secu-
rity prison have had racial
overtones, the victim and sus-
pects yesterday were all
white.
Conant was slain while at a
desk preparing to conduct a
routine displinary committee
hearing.
Two other prison employes
in the room at the time, Lt. E.
D. Steele and supervising
counselor Ed Whelan, were
slightly injured in grappling
with the suspect.
Immediately following word
of the attack, Loren V. Smith,
general manager of the Cali-
fornia State Employes Asso-
ciation, called for improved
security at the trouble-
plagued prison, and asked that
plans to build a new maxi-
mum security prison be re-
vived.
"Security improvements
were needed at Soledad before
the first murders took place,"
Smith said
San Jose, Calif.
Mercury
(Cir. D. 126,332)
MAY 20 1971
Cons Slay
Soledad Official
242
Prison
Lockup Page 1
Ordered
Tenth Killing
In 16 Months
By MAC BOWE
Mercury Staff Writer
ERIC HILTON
JERRY W. LUND
KENNETH CONANT
SOLEDAD - A high
Named as suspect
Held in stabbing
Slain official
ranking prison official wa
stabbed to death and two oth
ers were injured Wednesda
when they were attacked b
two convicts at Soledad Stat
Prison.
The attack occurred about
9:30 a.m. just as a specia
commission to hear testime
ny about activities of the Ca
ifornia Rural Legal Assis
ance had convened elsewher
in the prison.
The commission canceled
no
When recaptured, he also
hearings, which will be re-
Soledad
was convicted of second de-
scheduled later.
gree burglary, first degree
robbery and escape.
Dead is Kenneth E. Con-
Hilton was committed in
ant, 49, a program admin-
Official
1967 from Los Angeles County
istrator who, with several
after his conviction for first
others of equal positions,
degree robbery.
ranks just under the job of
associate superintendent.
Stowell said Conant was
Slain
sitting at his desk at the
The slaying is the tenth
time of the attack but
since Jan. 13. 1970, including
would nout describe details.
three guards and six con-
victs.
(Continued from Page 1)
Conant wa a 20-year veter-
Injured slightly while cap-
in the hand and once in the
an of the California Depart-
turing the two convict sus-
peets Wednesday were I.t. E.
neck according to the Monte-
ment of Corrections, starting
rey County Coroner's office.
his career as a parole offi-
D. Settle, a prison guard offi-
Neither Stowell nor Monte-
cer.
cer. and supervising counse-
rey County Dist. Atty. Wil.
The fatal stabbing is the
lor Edward Whalen.
liam Curtis would comment
second this year.
Chick Stowell, assistant
on possible motives for the
On March 3 guard Robert
to the superintendent,
attack and killing.
McCarthey, 43, was stabbed
named convicts Jerry W.
by a convict and died the fol-
Lund, 28, and Eric Hilton,
In Sacramento, Gov.
lowing day.
Ronald Reagan described
The trial of three Soledad
24, as suspects in the slay-
the slaying as "brutal and
inmates in the fatal stabbling
ing.
wanton" as he spoke to
of one of the three slain Sole-
Stowell said Conant, Steele
state women's and men's
dad guards is now under way
and Whalen were in his office
clubs.
in Salinas. On trial are Jesse
preparing for a committee
Phillips, James Wagner and
meeting between ofificials
Stowell said all 1,200 mer
Roosevelt Williams, accused
and convict representatives
of the Central Facility, scent
of killing guard William Shull
when the two convixts burst
of the murder, had beer
last July 23.
in the door.
locked up.
Funeral services for Con-
"Normal activities have
"Conant was stabbed with
ant, who lived at 427 La
been suspended," he said.
a prison-made weapon. a
Mesa Dr. in Salinas, are
piece of rolled steel," Stowell
The North Facility, which
houses another 1,000 men, is
pending at Muller Mortuary,
said. He would not say who
also in Salinas.
operating without incident
stabbed Conant.
He is survived by his wid-
"Whalen and Steel suffered
however, Stowell said.
ow, the former Helen Steven-
minor injuries subduing the
Conant, who has been at
son, who once lived in San
Soledad for the past 10 years,
suspects," Stowell said.
Jose, and a son.
Conant was stabbed once
was sort of a "junior ward-
F
en," according to Stowell.
(Beek of Section, Col- 1)
"He was in charge of Unit
1. in Central Facility, which
is composed of Wings D, E,
F and G, and houses about
600 men."
Both Lund and Hilton
have been in Soledad Pris-
on for less than five
months, according to Stow-
ell. Both, however, had
been serving sentences
elsewhere in the state.
Lund was committed in
1967 from Orange County on
a first degree robbery con-
viction.
Later he escaped from Los
Angeles County Jail where
he was being housed for
court proceedings in another
matter.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Times
1,269,469)
Allen's
P.C.S.
Est.
1883
X surgetted Citirs
At the time of the attack, a hearing
by a special federal commission con-
Soledad Prison Official
ducting an inquiry into the Califor-
nia Rural Legal Assistance system
was under way at the prison. It was
halted and is to be rescheduled later.
An investigator from the Monterey
Slain; 2 Convicts Held
County district attorney's office was
at the prison on another matter
Wednesday morning and was sum-
moned to the scene of the stabbing
within minutes. The suspects were
immediately taken to 0 Wing, the
Administrator Knifed
maximum security adjustment cen-
ter.
as He Sits at Desk;
Conant was in charge of a four-
wing housing unit in the central fa-
Motive Not Learned
cility, supervising about 600 of Cuit-
dad's approximately 2,900 inmates.
He was No. 4 in the administrative
Exclusive to The Times from a Staff Writer
chain of command.
A spokesman for the Department
SALINAS-A high official at So-
of Corrections in Sacramento said
ledad Prison was fatally stabbed
Conant was the first high rank-
Wednesday when he was attacked
ing official in the prison system kill-
in his office by two inmates armed
ed by inmates in recent years.
with a homemade knife, authorities
Lived in Housing Unit
reported.
Conant, a graduate of the Univer-
Kenneth E. Conant, 49, a program
sity of Denver who did postgraduate
administrator and 20-year veteran of
work at USC, was preparing to at-
the State Department of Correc-
tend a disciplinary and classification
tions, died in the prison hospital af-
committee meeting. However, pri-
ter a doctor tried for 28 minutes to
son spokesmen said that although
revive him.
the suspects lived in Conant's hous-
The victim, who had been sitting
ing unit, they were not scheduled to
at his desk in his office when the un-
face any disciplinary proceedings.
provoked attack occurred, sustained
Conant was the fourth member of
a stab wound above the left ear.
the Soledad staff killed in the last 16
A motive for the stabbing was not
months. In addition, four black and
immediately learned.
two white inmates have died in the
Lt. E. D. Steele and Ed Whalen, a
same period.
supervising counselor, were present
Lund was first sent to Soledad in
when Conant was stabbed shortly
1967 for first-degree robbery in Or-
before a 9:30 a.m. committee meet-
ange County. He later escaped from
ing with inmates was to begin.
the Los Angeles County Jail while
They were slightly injured in sub-
he was in litigation on another
duing the two suspects, Jerry W.
Lund, 28, and Eric V. Hilton, 24,
charge. After Lund's recapture, he was
both imprisoned since 1967 for rob-
convicted of second-degree burglary
bery in Los Angeles and Orange
and first-degree robbery. In 1968, he
counties.
was convicted of escape.
Frequent Racial Clashes
Hilton was sentenced from Los
Soledad Prison, located 20 miles
Angeles County in 1967 for first-de-
south of Salinas, has been the scene
gree robbery.
of frequent racial clashes over the
last 18 months, but the victim of
Wednesday's stabbing was white, as
are the suspects.
Los Angeles, Callf.
Times
(Cir, D 953,915 . $ 1,269,459)
MAY 20 1971
Allen's P.C.B.
Est. 1888
Reagan Raps
Handling of
CRLA Probe
SACRAMENTO (UPI)-
Gov. Reagan fired off a
telegram to the Nixon Ad-
ministration Wednesday
complaining that the com-
mission it appointed to in-
vestigate California Rural
Legal Assistance is "muz-
zling witnesses" and not
obtaining the facts.
In a wire to Frank Car-
lucci, director of the Fed-
eral Office of Economic
Opportunity, Reagan said
"events of the past several
days
are deeply dis-
turbing to me and should
be to you."
The governor charged
that a "firm understand-
ing" between him, the fed-
eral OEO and the U.S. Jus-
tice Department over how
the commission's hearings
would be conducted "has
been breached repeatedly
in recent months."
Reagan told Carlucci he
was particularly icked be-
cause the commission pub-
licly announced on Tues-
day that three of the gov-
ernor's 35 specific allega-
tions against CRLA were
without merit.
Oakland, Calif.
Tribune
. (Cir. D 225,038, Scf. 209,931,
Sun. 251,534)
MAY 19 1971
Allen
3
P.
C.B.
Est. 1888
A special federal commis-
Another
sion investigating Governor
Reagan's charges against the
California Rural Legal Assist-
ance had scheduled closed
Slaying at
hearings in the prison today
but postponed them to an un-
specified future date.
Soledad
In Sacramento, the Califor-
1
nia State Employes Associa-
Paga
tion called for "immediate
steps to prevent further trage-
SOLEDAD (AP) - Kenneth
dies," including revival of
E. Conant, 49, program ad-
plans to build a new maxi-
ministrator at Soledad Prison,
mum security prison.
Loren V. Smith, CSEA gen-
was stabbed to death today
eral manager, dispatched two
and two other prison em-
top aides to discuss with State
ployes suffered minor injuries
Department of Corrections of-
in subduing his two convict at-
ficials the possibility of build-
ing the Otey Mesa Prison in
tackers, officials said.
San Diego County. The project
He was the fourth prison
was once planned to replace
employe stabbed to death
San Quentin Prison, but was
since Jan. 13, 1970.
scrapped for financial rea-
Chuck Stowell, assistant su-
sons.
perintendent, said Jerry W.
"Security improvements
Lund, 28, and Eric V. Hilton,
were needed at Soledad before
24, both Los Angeles robbers
the first murders took place,"
imprisoned since 1967, were
Smith said. "It should be ob-
held and a prison-made knife
vious by now that the actions
was recovered.
were insufficient.
Lt. E. D. Steele and super-
"For the kind of hardened
vising counsellor Ed Whalen
inmate Soledad is called upon
were slightly hurt in overpow-
to handle, the facility is anti-
ering the convicts.
quated," he added.
While racial problems were
involved in most previous in-
cidents, prison officials said
the principals in this case
]
were Caucasian.
]
The stabbing took place at
1
9:30 a.m. as Conant sat at a
:
desk in the prison's central fa-
1
cility, preparing to preside at
:
committee meetings with pris-
(
oners.
Steele and Whalen were in
{
the room.
1
An investigator for the Mon-
]
terey County district attorney
was in the prison on another
;
matter and reached the scene
within moments.
U.
Both Sides Angry
New CRLA Probe Charges
Associated Press
Governor Reagan said Tuesday critics
of California Rural Legal Assistance Inc.
have been "restricted" in hearings of a
blue-ribbon panel appointed by the Nixon
administration to investigate CRLA.
Metro Page
The Republican governor renewed his
attack on the three-judge panel at his
The Sacramento Union
weekly news conference, complaining the
judges had shown "an unwillingness to
allow or hear testimony that might be
Wednesday Morning, May 19, 1971
Page A3
detrimental to CRLA's activities."
At the same time, the head of the As-
sembly Labor Relations Committe said he
commission Tuesday, charging the com-
what we know now, and if we had the in-
will demand a state investigation into "in-
mission with bias in favor of the CRLA.
formation we have now, we could have
timidation" of two welfare workers
gone ahead," Reagan said.
named as potential witnesses in CRLA
AMELIA HARRIS of Salinas, a former
hearings.
CRLA secretary who was to have testified
ON OTHER matters, Reagan said:
in support of the governor's veto of CRLA
Democrats' $2-billion tax reform
"I AM PERSONALLY outraged by the
federal funds, sent a telegram, saying,
passed by an Assembly committee Mon-
clearly arbitrary action of the director of
"Having observed the commission's
day is still unacceptable to him because it
the Imperial County Department of Wel-
biased limitations on testimony, I find
has half a billion dollars of tax increases
fare in respect to Donna and Michael Eng-
that the commission is not interested in
hidden. He said the plan was also unsound
lish," Assemblyman David A. Roberti, D-
learning the whole truth but is merely
because it has no spending limits on local
Los Angeles, told a news conference.
going through the motions."
government and added he still might in
The man and wife say they have been
Reagan said he believes President
troduce his own tax reform plan this year.
ordered to rémain in the county welfare
Nixon is committed to finding a new sys-
Coastline conservation must start
building during working hours. forbidden
tem of legal help for the poor to replace
on the local level with the state playing
to use the telephone and restrooms with-
CRLA no matter how the panel rules.
some part, but not with a total veto.
out permission and barred from meeting
Reagan also said Democrats who
University of California regents "no
together or with welfare recipients whose
claim he could have put most of his pre-
doubt" will do something about a Berke-
cases they ve been handling.
sent welfare reform into effect four years
ley campus student newspaper editorial
In Salinas, a woman who was to have
ago when he first took office are "misin-
supporting last weekends second anniver-
been a key witness in Reagan's fight de-
formed."
sary demonstration at People's Park in
clined to testify before a special federal
"Yes, if we had known four years ago
Berkeley.