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Judge Goodman Denies Prison Release for Richard Johnson

Published

12 years ago

December 1, 2014

Special to the Post

Richard Johnson, who is currently serving a 25-years-to-life sentence for a third, non-violent felony conviction, is qualified for resentencing and release under the Three Strikes Reform Act of 2012.

The 2012 Act amended the law to impose life sentences only for violent crimes, and to impose lesser punishments for those who have previously been convicted of serious crimes but currently face less serious third felony convictions. This means that those convicted of a third felony, which does not involve violence, will no longer be given life sentences.

Under the 2012 Act, prisoners such as Johnson may petition the court to have their life sentences modified. In ruling upon his petition, the court conducted a “dangerousness hearing” to assess the threat that Johnson might pose if released.

On September 4, Alameda County Judge Larry Goodman denied Johnson’s petition, ruling that resentencing would “pose an unreasonable risk of danger to public safety.” His findings appear to be based entirely on insubstantial evidence and unjustified opinion.

Much of the basis for the denial of Johnson’s petition focused on his criminal history. Johnson has a criminal history and has been in prison for a long time. The facts of this history before his most recent (1997) sentencing are irrelevant when considering the threat that he might pose to society today, if released.

If the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) intends to be at all effective in its work, it should be correcting and rehabilitating people who have been convicted of crimes.

Does the Superior Court have such little faith in the ability of the CDCR to perform this intended function that it assumes that a prisoner is as dangerous after 19 years of “correction and rehabilitation” as he was before?

If so, that’s another issue.

Johnson has spent a majority of his lifetime in the prison system and the past 19 years in solitary confinement (SHU), and doesn’t have a single violation on file since 2001 (a harmless mail violation). This means Johnson has spent 13 years acting as a “model prisoner.”

A CDCR success? According to Judge Goodman, Johnson has been in the system so long that he has learned how to manipulate the system. Johnson supposedly knows how to trick the prison guards, the court, and even the court-ordered psychologist.

When Dr. Daisy Switzer conducted a Psychological Risk Assessment, she concluded that Johnson does not pose a threat. Instead of accepting this opinion, Judge Goodman shut it down and even questioned the qualifications of Dr. Switzer, whom he had appointed, seemingly because her findings did not support what he had already concluded.

Other evidence being used against Johnson was his alleged involvement with the Black Guerilla Family (BGF), a political community of black prisoners that has been labeled a “gang.”

The majority of the information regarding the BGF that affected the court’s opinion was presented by a so-called “expert” on black prison gangs, a white police officer who appeared to have never had significant interactions with any so-called “prison gang members.” Even with his interest in framing BGF members in a bad light, this officer was entirely unable to come up with any instances of violence, or even threats of violence, related to the BGF since the 1980s.

Nonetheless, the BGF was considered by the Court to be a “threat to institutional security.” In addition to a lack of evidence in the hearing indicating that the BGF poses a real threat within the prison system, there was no discussion as to how Johnson’s involvement with the BGF would pose a threat outside of the system if he were to be released.

Without this discussion, the use of Johnson’s involvement with the BGF as an indication that he is “dangerous” is not supported by any real evidence and only serves as another example of Judge Goodman’s marked bias.

Goodman goes on to declare that Johnson, who is now in his 60s, has not taken advantage of programming opportunities that would prepare him to be self-sufficient after release. He notes, however, that “the court is aware SHU inmates are not afforded the opportunity for programming as are inmates in the general population,” thus limiting any possibility of Johnson’s involvement in such programming.

Goodman contends that Johnson should have engaged in “self-programming,” though he offers no indication as to what this might be. Goodman cites Johnson’s “lack of marketable skills” as proof that Johnson continues to pose “unreasonable risk of danger to public safety.”

If “marketable skills” are such an important factor in reducing risk, why are SHU inmates not afforded this opportunity?

Furthermore, Johnson is a writer; he writes political essays and poetry and has been offered a job working for Paul Cobb at the Post News Group if and when he is released. Is writing no longer considered a marketable skill, even though it has already secured Johnson a job?

In addition to having a job lined up, Johnson’s sister Yvonne has said that she would invite him to live with her and that payment would not be necessary. Goodman shuts this down as a weak plan, as well.

It is unclear what Goodman would consider to be a valid plan for life after prison, but it is clear that any plan presented by Johnson or his supporters has little to no chance of fitting into that vision.

Goodman’s conclusion is that “there is nothing in Johnson’s court file or prison records, Johnson’s activity while in prison, or in the testimony presented at the ‘dangerousness hearing’ to indicate that Johnson would not return to his life of crime.”

What information could possibly be presented in Johnson’s court file or prison records that would serve as evidence to the contrary? Given that Johnson’s good behavior in SHU these past two decades has elicited no acknowledgement – nor is such acknowledgement common practice at Pelican Bay State Prison – this seems like an absurd assertion.

Further, under the 2012 law the burden is on the District Attorney to prove that Johnson’s release would pose a danger to the community rather than on Johnson to prove that his release would not.

Judge Goodman stated that he does not believe in the Three Strikes Reform Act. Goodman’s resolve to keep Johnson in prison is a blatant disregard for the law and a human rights violation.

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New Protections for Ticket Buyers: Gov. Newsom Signs Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s Bill

OAKLAND POST — Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

Published

5 days ago

October 4, 2026

Post News Group

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights). File photo.

By California Black Media Staff

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sept. 27 authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) that strengthens consumer protections for Californians purchasing tickets to concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment.

Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

“Buying a ticket shouldn’t come with hidden risks or unfair practices,” Newsom wrote on social media after signing the measure.

Under AB 1349, ticket sellers are prohibited from listing tickets before they have been officially released unless they have authorization or a legally enforceable right to receive them. Online marketplaces must also take reasonable steps to prevent speculative ticket sales on their platforms.

The law prohibits sellers from using bots, multiple accounts, email addresses or internet protocol addresses to circumvent ticket limits, presale restrictions, electronic queues and other controls. It also bans websites and advertisements designed to mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing tickets from an authorized seller, venue or event organizer.

Sellers who violate certain provisions and fail to provide a promised ticket may be held liable for twice the ticket’s contracted price. Buyers may also recover nonrefundable expenses incurred while attempting to attend an event, along with reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

Pastor Tecoy Porter Sr., president of the National Action Network’s Sacramento chapter, said the law establishes needed accountability.

“Buying a ticket to a concert or show shouldn’t mean entering a marketplace where the rules are stacked against you. This year, we worked with a coalition of consumers, civil rights advocates, community groups, and businesses to make AB 1349 stronger. Consumers deserve enforceable rules that protect them. We thank Assemblymember Bryan for his leadership, and we will keep working to make ticketing fair for every Californian.”

Jose L. Barrera, national vice president for the Far West Region of the League of United Latin American Citizens, also praised the measure.

“Californian families deserve certain protections when they buy tickets. Assemblymember Bryan listened to communities across California and delivered a bill that puts fans first. We thank him and Governor Newsom for making it law.”

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Zakiya Jendayi Arrested, Locked Out of Home by Sheriff’s Deputies

OALAND POST — On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi as she left her residence of 13 years to file documents in her case at the Appellate Court. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita Jail.

Published

5 days ago

October 4, 2026

Post News Group

By Tanya Dennis

Yesterday, more than 10 Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to take possession of Zakiya Jendayi’s home on behalf of a court-appointed administrator. Jendayi was arrested at the courthouse and transported to Santa Rita Jail around the same time.

Jendayi, who has been embroiled in a probate court battle to retain the inheritance bestowed on her by a longtime friend and colleague who passed away in 2013, had received a notice of eviction last month.

With help from neighbors, friends and clergy, she was able to fend off the eviction from 3614 Randolph Ave. in Oakland and even obtained a reprieve when her bid to file bankruptcy was approved by a county court.

But Philip Campbell, the court-appointed administrator, had already placed Jendayi’s home in his name in October 2025.

On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi when she left her residence of 13 years to go to the Appellate Court to file documents in her case. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita jail.

Undersheriff April Luckett-Fahini said Jendayi was arrested for “safety reasons.” At this time, it is unknown what charges were used for the arrest.

In Jendayi’s absence, Campbell came to her residence accompanied by deputies, had the property taped off with yellow crime tape, and had the locks changed.

Afterward, Campbell requested a police escort to his car amid several angry neighbors who had been advocating that officials pause the eviction pending Jendayi’s appeal.

“Zakiya Jendayi is a respected Black elder in our community,” said Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, who has been working with Jendayi to prevent her eviction. “It’s outrageous that she was arrested. There needs to be more justice and equity in our probate system.”

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Ask California: Golden State Releases New AI Chatbot

Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced the prototype as part of the state’s broader effort to use artificial intelligence to make government services easier to access. The launch follows his March 2026 executive order directing state agencies to responsibly implement generative AI while protecting privacy, security and civil liberties.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 22, 2026

Post News Group

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California has launched AskCA, a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to help residents find and navigate state and local government services through a single online platform.

Developed by the state’s Office of Data and Innovation, AskCA is designed around major life events rather than individual government agencies. Californians can use the tool to find information about finding a job, starting a business, accessing family services and recovering from disasters.

“When a Californian needs help, they shouldn’t have to become an expert in government to find it,” said Newsom. “We’re using the best technology California has to offer to make the government more efficient, effective, and more engaged.”

The state is now seeking Californians age 18 and older to participate in the pilot and help test and refine AskCA’s responses. Officials said subject matter experts across state governments are helping inform the chatbot’s answers, which are designed to draw from verified government sources and provide actionable information.

The prototype grew out of California’s response to the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Early testing included more than 140 fire recovery leaders and Altadena wildfire survivors, a dozen job seekers and more than 100 general users.

Jeffery Marino, director of the Office of Data and Innovation, said the tool is intended to remove the need for residents to understand how government agencies are organized before they can get help.

“Californians should not have to understand how the government is organized just to get basic help,” Marino said.

AskCA’s technology will also be used in a new job-skills matching feature that the California Department of Human Resources plans to launch Sept. 30 on CalCareers. Job seekers will be able to upload a resume and receive potential matches to state job classifications.

The state said the CalCareers pilot will not store personal information or require users to have a CalCareers account. California plans to continue testing AskCA as officials evaluate its accuracy, performance and usefulness before expanding the system.