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- Erasing the Past
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- Hana Baba
Each year in California, an average of 120 thousand prison inmates are released from jail. When they try to reintegrate into society, their prior convictions often stand in their way. So, what if that conviction could be - erased? It might seem like wishful thinking, but for the last six years, that wish has been granted for many ex-cons in San Francisco. San Francisco County is the only one in the State that has been actively implementing a little known provision in the California Penal Code that allows some to do just that- have their criminal records expunged - so they can qualify for loans, land their dream jobs, and lead normal lives.
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Piece Description
Each year in California, an average of 120 thousand prison inmates are released from jail. When they try to reintegrate into society, their prior convictions often stand in their way. So, what if that conviction could be - erased? It might seem like wishful thinking, but for the last six years, that wish has been granted for many ex-cons in San Francisco. San Francisco County is the only one in the State that has been actively implementing a little known provision in the California Penal Code that allows some to do just that- have their criminal records expunged - so they can qualify for loans, land their dream jobs, and lead normal lives.
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Phil Corriveau
Posted on October 02, 2005 at 02:12 PM | Permalink
Review of Erasing the Past
This is a very well written, tightly produced news feature with a human interest appeal. Narrator Hana Baba has a good radio voice, and makes nice use of actualities from the public defender and some of the offenders. The "clean slate" program enables persons who have served time for some crimes to have their criminal record expunged. The story becomes more poignant when it is revealed that the public defender is herself an ex-offender. The pacing of the piece is excellent, and it is tightly edited and well mixed. There is a nice opening setup by Holly Kernan. Overall, this is a very good public affairs piece that would fit well in a news magazine format.