Inmates at the Santa Rita Jail are holding a hunger strike because of alleged lockdowns that are connected to the Kincade Fire.
The inmates say they are protesting the lockdowns, which have them in their cells for longer than usual, as well as what “unsanitary” and “inhumane” conditions.
The sheriff's office has said the jail's staffing levels have dropped while deputies have been sent to assist with the Kincade Fire.
Attorney Yolanda Huang, who filed a lawsuit on behalf of the inmates against the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, said the inmates are packed 30 to a cell and are not given adequate cleaning supplies or time.
“Clouds of gnats live in their cells with them, and they congregate around the toilets and the water,” said Huang. “They can’t eat food in their cells because the gnats fly into their faces, and it’s an intolerable situation.”
Dozens of sheriff’s deputies have been sent to areas threatened by the Kincade Fire to help with evacuations.
Huang says that’s “great,” but the inmates are now suffering.
A Sheriff’s Department spokesperson said that while inmates are not getting as much outdoor time as usual, it’s still within minimum jail standards. They hope everything will return to normal soon, when the fire is closer to being contained.
Wong is already suing the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on behalf of female inmates who have some of the same complaints as the men.
The hunger strike is expected to last through Friday.
