26 Years in Pelican Bay: The Shocking Story Behind the Pelican Bay SHU Hunger Strikes

Welcome Back to another episode of the Reentry Network Podcast. This Week we sat down with Ernesto as he told us the story of how he ended up doing 26 years in prison, the Pelican Bay SHU conditions, surviving the hunger strike and much more. If you enjoyed this episode hit us with a Sub, Like, And Comment! See you next Tuesday

[@Flashbang83]

The thing about his story is you can't get back 26 years . Those are some of the best years of a man's life. Raising children, married life, and all the experiences of that time. I'm glad he's out and doing good, God Bless him

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Thanks for listening to the episode

[@TonySantuccistudios]

I'm glad this man is alive, and survived a terrible time in life. God bless you brother.

[@Helelsonofdawn]

he let jesus inside him, i assume, thats how my old man gave up being a man, my mom has less hair more of a stash too

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Thanks for listening to the episode. Appreciate the support

[@peterwatkins9815]

You’re doing a great job finding these stories. I run a DUI Program in Carson, CA and often use peoples stories in class settings to discuss life after prison, substance abuse/recovery, etc. keep up the good work 👌🏽

[@BHWATTZ]

Made up stories

[@peterwatkins9815]

@@BHWATTZ fact or fiction, do stories not enrich the lives of humans?

[@sanpedro310x]

Good work I'm from San Pedro.

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Thanks for the support. We are actively engaging with those in our community in order to help share their stories.

[@JuniorPolanco-em2br]

Damn u run a dui program I got 90 days I have to do if u can help me out let me know more when ever time permits thank you t🫡

[@jynavarro10]

This is a very intelligent person they are interviewing. Much respect for picking up the pieces and continuing to try and make a great life. 🙏

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Thanks for listening to the episode

[@midnitemoon577]

The ending from 1:34 and on was so meaningful Ernesto drops some extra powerful words of wisdom for anyone including "If you ain't with me, you're against me--I don't need you." And more. Thanks for your hard earned wisdom and for the great, true inspiration, Ernesto. 🙏🏽 My respect to you! God bless you.💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥 Interviewers--good job too! Thanks. 💥👍🏽

[@jessetapia3996]

As a northern Hispanic I can understand that he took off on the northerner in reception in San Quentin. To my understanding in reception centers it was always onsight action with north and south Hispanics. He did that too have a good standing with the south siders when he got to the hole. He was just following protocol

[@californialiving6318]

That’s the program for both Kanpol/ Ixpol.

[@michanarcia416]

My older brother who has passed away, would write to me from there and tell me how doing time in their was. Crazy stories

[@JamesBreadnwater]

Glad your out ESE FEELS GOOD TO SEE THE SHU GETTING RELEASED SOME NEVER COMING HOME

[@warnerann67]

“Know who you are”…. great episode!👏🏾👏🏾💎

[@farias1559]

Good to see you made it home. Still remember working with you at Ironwood. Life is good out here and glad your sharing your story.

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

We are very glad he was able to share his story

[@thisfoo9446]

“MY MOM RAISED ME RIGHT,I JUST DID BAD ON MY OWN”…SHOUT OUT TO THE REAL ONES DOING ALL DAY…DID 9YRS FLAT NOT GONNA LIE PRISON SAVED MY LIFE

[@SortBOH]

Damn 9 yrs what did you do?

[@mikecz201]

Hope you’re doing well my friend

[@JBLancs]

I enjoyed that & thanks for sharing some of your story/personal shit Ernesto 💯 Goodluck for the rest of your life big dog 👌

[@guillermoperezjr2670]

This vato was my cellie briefly..glad u made it out popeye

[@eileenwright1742]

Glad you made it out also. Are you doing well?

[@guillermoperezjr2670]

@@eileenwright1742 it's Memo you remember me homie? From ISP

[@eileenwright1742]

@@guillermoperezjr2670 Greetings Memo. Peace be with you and your loved ones.

[@Helelsonofdawn]

@@guillermoperezjr2670 Did you let jesus inside you?

[@SoundOfGuns46]

My boy Ernesto from my rehab program “positive steps!”, thank you for helping me turn my life around homie 🙏🏻

[@SoSkanless23]

The homie Popeye! That’s a good ass dude right there much love and respect I personally met him in ironwood on D yard

[@hollywoodhugo]

Its hard to believe a person with so much life in him did 26 years in a box!

[@josephangulo6400]

He's legit

[@FAFOCLUB]

Anyone and anything that is slammed in a box for 26 years will straighten out.

[@timk7209]

@@FAFOCLUB- High suicide rate and many come out badly and permanently damaged

[@CalebBrady-i4t]

He sounds like hes about to say "i dont want his pork chop,i want his life"😂

[@4asadatogo552]

Happy for tio hope he keeps it clean and good vive la vida OG

[@Thegreyworldofj]

You know resonates more with me about this interview some of the Chicano terms that where used weren’t even known that’s how far our culture has fallen chicanoism as whole has become a thing of the past and there’s only a handful of our people who still know what it is our people have lost their sense of identity and that breaks my heart

[@brianyaquian8911]

Learned something new with this episode, good stuff 🔥

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Thanks for listening in

[@jCarloGalliano7279]

Congratylations to Mr.Ernesto Gonzalez ! God Bless You...thank you to the host ,,,its all about helping and supporting our raza !

[@arnulfogonzalez3236]

There should be a movie about this hunger strike

[@ElGuapo-d8n]

These dudes were on a hunger strike, and they were gaining weight. Yeah, they refused their state meals, but they were still allowed their canteen. They figured out how to manipulate the people in charge.

[@gboy6695]

Great episode, looking forward to the next one.

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Thanks for the support

[@Rocketboy357]

The man is obviously on good terms with the blue team if you know you know

[@raymondtrevizo7818]

Mp😂😊😊

[@jay1843]

Until he decided to go on a podcast.

[@evanspark1510]

getn caught not paying attention IS the definition of getting caught slipping

[@memyself7995]

The school hes talking about in Monterey Park is most likely Macy Intermediate. Dudes probably from South Side Montebello maybe Vail St.

[@g-bhustlin9192]

He’s a inspiration god bless.

[@josephangulo6400]

This guy is 💯 Legit . I know him. He forgot to mention the story of his other AKA " Grumpy Cat " 😂

[@farias1559]

Grumpy cat!!!😂 I forgot we use to call him that😂😂😂. I’m glad he’s home good guy.

[@bets7423]

I love having a job and getting a paycheck. Thanks to yall behind the curtains that finally alling me to work. Love that I now u have a lil money saved for my creation 👍

[@arnoldwalker1783]

Thanks for sharing this Story

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

We're so glad we have the opportunity to share real stories, like this one

[@BirdFromYakiVegas]

Sh!t hits the fan.... Yeah then it goes everywhere & most of it got on me 🤣

[@kastrothetrucker7820]

Great podcast guys 😎✊🇲🇽🇺🇸

[@carlosmiranda908]

Kiy😊😊😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉😂😊🎉😊😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊😊😊🎉😊🎉😊🎉😊😊🎉😊😊😊🎉😊😊😊😊😊😊u😊🎉😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🎉😊😊😊🎉😊🎉😊🎉😊🎉😊😊😢😊😊😊😊🎉

[@carlosmiranda908]

My old 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅e

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

thanks for the support

[@mattyc363]

This one is great!

[@elchemavenegas1301]

Cool Video. Mad respect.

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Appreciate the support

[@4asadatogo552]

Here in Chicago we call them primos weed Coke roll in a blunt juvenile days tooooo

[@johngalindo3466]

What's up Popeye.....glad your out and doing good if you ever see this reach out ....nothing but respect bro ...Noid HG

[@dannymurilloba4058]

What's up with Pokey from the Gardens? I was with him in Tehachapi SHU in 2004, and I was with Playful in High Desert from 98-03

[@Ti0midwest]

​@@dannymurilloba4058 tell us stories from those times if you can

[@Helelsonofdawn]

@@dannymurilloba4058 which high desert i used to trick for Biddy

[@DanielPerez-ix3dl]

Hey dog, you from the Gardens? If so how's your homeboy Popeye doing? I was busted with him in the county a couple of times then at Corcoran. If you have contact with him tell him Blazer from LONGO WEST says Q'VO dog. Gracias

[@dannymurilloba4058]

@@DanielPerez-ix3dl I'm from Varrio Norwalk.

[@Sinaloa4u1616]

This guy should be in any Cholo movies cuz he’s a real G not like Hollywood actors playing the role as a G ..

[@Fatfreddys707]

Great listen. And message

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelbaquera4538]

This is for Ernie , homie I’ve been out since June 18th 2017 and jumped right into the spoon and about a month ago my rig broke off in my leg and I couldn’t find another one so I started smoking fentanyl, I want to quit but the weekend isn’t long enough and I can’t miss work, what would you say to that?

[@trujillo71921]

Dam homie.. im in the same boat as you I don't smoke em I bust em down and snort em.. never did black or any of that just this sh1t.. but like you said the weekend ain't long enough to quit and if I leave work and go get help I'm gonna lose everything my krib and some other stuff I'd rather keep off here involving family but still.. I hate this sh1t homie stay up we'll find our way eventually

[@peterlino4505]

I got the recipe brothas I was the worst of the worst until I met my girl she gave me the ultimatum so I got on suboxen it saved my life I been clean 15 yrs now and became successful in the construction field life is good being clean and being on suboxen u don’t even trip on drugs please give it a shot your better than that at least try u will b much happier if I could do it anyone can do it

[@KingMarioRF]

Jump on simboxin look into that see how it could help to get you off the shit brotha

[@eileenwright1742]

Get a support person. A sponsor of sorts. If you can.

[@BRAINSTORMTROOPER11]

I say Your, Job, Crib, and Materials are replaceable. I had to lose my kids, First Apartment, Car, and Income. Once my kids were taken that hit was worse than losing anything material. I had organ failure twice....Cold turkey is the only way....Plan for A Bad Flu for Two weeks... I have my life, my kids, New Car, and Own my own House now. You have to walk through fire, It's the only way....Lose the Material, before it's You. I was on Opiates for 6+ years. I am almost 10 years sober this Year.

[@Sncedayone]

He sounds like Cheech😅😅 Also the kid on the left occasionally uses a fake Mexican accent when asking him questions. He probably read alot of books

[@Yourmommais]

Damn I just stumbled across this channel and figured I'd have a watch. Great job on this video you guys! Hands down a very great interview. The interviewers knew when to speak, and what to ask to make this story as vivid as possible. Not to mention homeboy is well spoken and the three had good chemistry. Great job bros

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Thank you so much for your support.

[@GABA-Gool]

My Mom used to work at Pelican Bay as a guard. I thought having your Mom come home from work with bruises and cuts was a normal thing for a long time. Lol.

[@FacundoFlores-l3u]

6:29 I was there too from 92 to 2023 the shu help to be a survivor and to keep my mouth close

[@justthinking7602]

What building? I was a correctional officer in the shu for about 10 yrs

[@mr_unsane]

Great podcast, keep in mind there was a victim that died so this man could tell his story.

[@cesarlozano2529]

I wonder if DUBS AND MR. GONZALEZ KNOW OF EACHOTHER.

[@VictorCastillo-qc5ce]

Dubs is a Debriefer

[@ronl7982]

Good interview 🍊

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

thanks for the support

[@redbaboonass4416]

36:24 Right Right!! 😂

[@jeorges]

Nike shirt is a co I feel like I saw him when I was locked up in rancho

[@Hangover90911]

“Prison isnt for everyone” lol

[@antonioquijas8033]

There were lots of dude's putting in work Up State back in the days.

[@Helelsonofdawn]

did they all make love to jesueess

[@classicgiraffe]

Education should me a must for prisoners, many cant read or write and the majority will be back out on the streets eventually

[@bennyb6071]

Smart like dump truck

[@tomnohmy1273]

I wonder if he wears the long shorts, white knee socks and vans?

[@jgggvcrunjjyyer]

I think I was in Westside with the guy with Nike shirt

[@F30586]

West side?

[@Lyingking323]

@@F30586 Peter J. Pitchess Detention Center Aka Wayside

[@jonlong5541]

Ya I been in west side throwing up the W 😆😂smh

[@zachowen3895]

Where u live up north?

[@closgasca4162]

I got raised right too but I lacked the same too and I got the pad In the back and the acceptance from my homies I embraced like family some intimidating thugged out homies. Barrio Logan Calle 33rd. They would get at any one that got at me wrong. They open their pad and theyr family to me.. before I knew I was putting in work with them too. They like my big brothers shout out Bambam ,Gato theyr youngest brother Rage theyr cousin Reazoe . And I became a little soldier and been more and more involved till I got my first gun charge and when on the run for 5 years I couldn’t turn my self In since I was having my first kid and I dint wanna miss welcoming her and been there. Been on the run took a big toll mentally in me. But that’s the life I chose at that time. And eventually got me more in to trouble and developed drug addictions a ego and bad habits that’ were hard to let go. Like hitting up. Gangbanging . Using drugs. Been a crook. Everyone was getting locked up and I dint want to have the same faith plus I ended getting more gun charges. So when on the run again. And tryed to stay out the way. Just to survive and to stay away from been locked up. I still stay In touch. And they ain’t active anymore. So it’s safe to say .

[@whodafook3202]

Anthony Fantano really took a turn in life….

[@fraseavila779]

My question is, why do some people believe they deserve more than the basic only because they're human beings? Their victims were human beings and that didn't stop them from victimizing them.

[@PHILLIPGARIBAY95205]

I’m confused he said he was next to death row inmates in pelican bay????maybe I heard it wrong

[@evanspark1510]

dude you basically told your kid you went to prison cause you didnt want to take responsibility or want him, which is probably true,and you wonder why he tells you he hates you in visiting? and then you actually want to whip him, but cant cause of guards in visitation? your a winner dude!

[@Isaak1030]

wondering if they had heating up there

[@fernandoalmanza831]

Where is up north?

[@boosterstephanie5700]

Anything above the Bay Area/SF line, basically.

[@Mudville209er]

Delano and up

[@dfilipino4443]

Does Ernie know dubs

[@VictorCastillo-qc5ce]

Dubs is a Peceta Debriefer

[@pyroteebeen1008]

🔥🔥🔥

[@grimlok86]

Daaam ma boi looks like dubs older brother

[@lukehemsworth3686]

I’m sure they know each other.

[@Sam-uk3sr]

Montebellow like a suburban dude 😂😂😂😂 bro Is definitely no sabo

[@PatricioTv-]

🎙️ 🔥

[@davidramirez7073]

I live in Smith River and Im literally like 2 mins away from Pelican Bay, yeah he is right it’s a shitty place to live 🤣 but I grew up here and I wouldn’t trade it for nothin.

[@hanksrecycling]

I live in crescent city. love the winters here summer are beautiful.

[@world-famous707]

I was up there in Gasquet at the boy's ranch the views up there are one of a kind

[@gizmothedon]

When you get thrown in the SHU visits are not allowed, I don't know how this guy was able to get visits there.. Now I question this whole story.

[@stevengonzales8645]

Visits are allowed they’re just behind glass no contact visits

[@triplecrownwinner6897]

This guy wasn’t in the SHU he was on the 1 or 2 yard…I don’t know why he says he was in the SHU, there’s absolutely NO visits inn there

[@hollywoodhugo]

So he did it on New Years

[@Charlii223]

Damn bro 26 years fuckkkk I can’t imagine that I just got out of jail for eluding and endangering the troopers life going 85mph on a 55 and dwi first offense n in on Pretrial supervision rn but I might do a month for the eluding/felony charge 😢 btw it was over 85 I took him Thru three counties at 122mph cuz my car has a limit on it or else I woulda hit more 😂

[@javiercoronel1169]

Bro I'm eating, damn toe naiil

[@tootoosick18]

Interesting that he's not from a gang. Just solo thug life.

[@gmanzano89gm]

He's 18th Street it's tatted on his hand and knuckles.

[@DanielPerez-ix3dl]

He is homie, just didn't mention what Varrio

[@jimdub8361]

Don’t go to prison. FIN

[@Helelsonofdawn]

my scared vulnerable tiny miniscule "anxiety", if jesus wants to enter me he better pray to his dad he let him in those gates before i givemhell

[@israelmunoz4016]

👏🏾

[@gangish]

That amount of time in the Bay is ubsurd. I did 4 years and some change in the box, this stuff isnt right

[@locochang6533]

Crime also isn’t right, but there you were….

[@gangish]

@@locochang6533 yeah good one 😂😂, that justifies solitary confinement 🤡

[@locochang6533]

@@gangish absolutely it does. Stop being a criminal

[@calavera57_]

@@locochang6533 🤣 What criminal beat you up or took your girl to have have you this emotional

[@trujillo71921]

​@Calavera 57 lmao homie got his lady taken by a ese with a rag hanging out his pocket 😂

[@macdaddy6453]

💯

[@Alexsburneraccount]

bro took an extra 16 years straight to the chin.

[@NinoAmerica]

You are in prison. Why would you expect great treatment ? You obviously didn’t care for the victims. Smh

[@alexxhernandez77]

The foo with the Nike shirt looks annoyed; doesn’t look welcoming

[@jackiemartinez1155]

The 🎤 mic image is soo Annoying was it necessary to keep popping up?

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

We appreciate the feedback. We are improving the quality of the podcast.

[@joeybarra6629]

Did he parole active????.

[@tigerblood213]

Does that matter?

[@pyroteebeen1008]

Yup

[@GnosticCushite]

@@tigerblood213 Are you a dropout?

[@WsSanJonerox3]

​@@GnosticCushite IF HE IS ARE YOU GONNA TAKE CARE OF IT...???

[@GnosticCushite]

@@WsSanJonerox3 Are you a dropout?

[@JavierAlvarez-lu7bf]

👏

[@marthaavila718]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️

[@javiercoronel1169]

CgA criminal gangmemebers annonymous 😂😂😂😂 thats a first

[@Orlando6969]

Og

[@josephosckel5681]

I’m so tired of hearing all these prison programs and poor me. What about your victim? What about get up and go to work every morning you chose your path society on you shit society don’t know.3 what

[@apache7074]

You have free will to choose to watch or not……… I heard him taking responsibility for his CHOICES and the bad decisions he made…

[@locochang6533]

Can’t do the time, don’t do the crime

[@shoywest5491]

Relax

[@captaineo8399]

Family planning and denial management. Yeah everything is coming back to me

[@shoywest5491]

A lot of square ass comments on here 😮 relax though guys. Free my homie REX in pelican bay rn! 613

[@timdybala7127]

If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.

[@shoywest5491]

@@timdybala7127 program time!

[@joshpelton8068]

​@@timdybala7127 just curious , and I've never done a day in prison but if you are so judgemental towards criminals what brings you to this video tough guy?

[@timdybala7127]

@@joshpelton8068 none-ya

[@jrgonzalez5781]

🫡

[@MikeCervantes-cb2rr]

Noiee

[@manuelpinal8606]

Monte Bello fool!

[@cardenas86pcec]

Where the hosts from?

[@josephosckel5681]

It’s called prison get a job if you want healthcare

[@KJOzz]

C’mon “the color of your skin”????

[@Cyanide999]

Some of the questions are pretty dumb " why were you going 120 mph 🥴" Why do you think? Lol come on now guys stop with the naive questions. You sound like a mom.

[@reentrynetworkpodcast]

Thanks for the feedback. We are constantly improving.

[@MikeTrujillo-fd2fn]

That prison is for losers!! 👹🤡🤪

[@joeman6730]

Hey OG, try growin out your hair.

[@leonardomosqueda1508]

So does this OG realize that the people in prison committed some sort of crime to get to the Pen, so to me those people have no right in demanding certain privileges such as a good health care, good education, good food, theres people out here working their ass off to be able to provide and yet have no health care insurance, can't afford to put thier kids thur a decent school and yet pat thier TAXES so these thugs can be locked up and have privileges, chales California needs to do what the president of el Salvador is doing with the MS, lock them all up for life with 2 meals only, rice and beans 🫘 only, SORRY NO TORTILLAS

[@apache7074]

Yeah, they may be in prison, but they STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE TREATED HUMANELY…Whether you agree or not!

[@B1GH0RNEEEE]

Homie stories don't make sense or fit in his timeline