Contact: Eric Reslock (916) 358-1802 (916) 764-1696, cell
With great sadness, Charles L. Pattillo, General Manager of the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA), reports that Leonard Greenstone, a great friend to CALPIA and a mentor for staff at all levels, passed away this morning in Sherman Oaks after a short illness. He was 89.
Mr. Greenstone leaves a vibrant and permanent legacy in offender rehabilitation programs. Successful in private life, he will be remembered for his determined advocacy and compassion for the men and women serving time in prisons.
In 2006, the dive facility at the California Institution for Men in Chino was renamed the Leonard Greenstone Marine Technology Training Center (MTTC) in recognition of his founding and stewardship.
The MTTC commercial dive and welding program has a recidivism rate of less than seven percent due to the rigorous curriculum and “tough love” spirit imparted by Mr. Greenstone.
Mr. Greenstone retired from the Prison Industry Board in June, 2011, marking 50 years of volunteer service to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – the longest span of volunteer service in the department’s history.
CALPIA has lost a great friend and colleague. The many offender participants, Prison Industry Board members, and staff that knew him will remember his strength and willingness to give others a second chance.
Secretary Matthew Cate, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, says, “Mr. Greenstone was a colleague, mentor, and friend. He applied a generous and indomitable spirit to serving the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for 50 years as a volunteer. He cared deeply about transforming the character of those behind bars so they would become law-abiding citizens. California is a better and safer place because of his commitment.”
CALPIA is a self-financed and self-sufficient state entity that receives all of its revenue from the sale of products it manufactures. The recidivism rate among CALPIA inmates over 25 percent lower than the general prison population, a success attributed to the job skills that they receive by working in CALPIA business enterprises.
