Byline Mendocino: OneTaste and the Mendocino County Jail

October 21, 2022--Host Alicia Bales takes a deeper look at a story that ran on the KZYX Local News on October 5th titled: “Sheriff suspends restorative justice program with connections to "orgasmic meditation" organization.” The story involves a group of people who were cleared to volunteer at the Mendocino County Jail in Ukiah, and have been working with inmates there for over a year, called the Unconditional Freedom Project. They worked with County staff at the jail on a program called The Prison Monastery, teaching inmates yoga, meditation and gardening. Individuals involved with Unconditional Freedom are associated with a sexual wellness company called One Taste, which promotes a practice called Orgasmic Meditation. One Taste is currently under investigation by the FBI for alleged sex trafficking, prostitution, and violations of labor law. The story raises serious questions about the vetting process at the jail, and who is responsible for letting Unconditional Freedom have access to the people incarcerated at our jail. How did these people get into the jail, and who let them in? Note: This podcast has been edited to reflect Kate Feigin's correct title, Restorative Justice Program Manager at the Mendocino County Jail. -AB