hard climb journal
The Hard Climb Journal is a publication out of the California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi. It is produced by a staff of eight incarcerated journalists under the supervision of Lt. J. Robinson, PIO Lt. T. Harris. HCJ is committed to equality, innovation, and social justice, embracing the ideas and practices of others.
2025 Print Issues
Past issues
2024
2023
Staff members
Roland Cardiel, Editor in Chief
Media has been a source to express my creativity while highlighting the positive things that take place in my community. Being of service in this way has given me great reward. My initial experience with incarcerated media content began at California Correctional Institution writing for the Hard Climb journal when it was just a newsletter. I really found my voice as an incarcerated journalist after completing the San Quentin Journalism Guild during my time there. My hope is to bring journalism to the incarcerated community while building opportunities for others to take part in innovative and life changing programming, like journalism. Teaching the journalism society here at CCI has been one of the best experiences I’ve had while incarcerated. Seeing the guys begin to think and write objectively, honing the skills of time tested techniques, becoming better journalist and finding rehabilitation in the process is an honor that I will carry with me the rest of my life.
Cainen Chambers, Senior Editor
My journey in prison has been one filled with many life lessons. Media was not originally on my radar, but I have been truly blessed by being able to learn these skill. I started in the media center at San Quentin working with SQTV. Eventually, I was hired by San Quentin News were I became the head of the video department. It was there where I learned how to work with cameras of all kinds, under the leadership of Skyler Brown, the TV specialist. I was able to work with entities like Ear Hustle, Uncuffed and the Pollen Initiative. Incarcerated media content is as impactful as any other content out there. Your stories matter. Capturing your stories has been one of the biggest honors of my life.
Howard Jenks, Layout & Design
My rehabilitation started in mid 2018 when I realized I was facing life in prison. That made me realize that I took too much for granted. Since coming to CCI I’ve made it a point to help myself and others become the best versions of themselves. I’m now apart of the IAC at CCI, I co-facilitate for DEFY Ventures and I’m writing for the Hard Climb Journal. Programs like these along with CDCR have made going home a reality and my goals are to make that happen. Furthering my education is another big part of who I am as I am currently a student at Cerro Coso Community College earning my Associates in Liberal Arts.