UNITED STATES PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE,
U.S. PENITENTIARY, ALCATRAZ, CALIFORNIA.
AUGUST 29, 1939.

Memorandum to the Warden:

Re: School Bus

I take the liberty of addressing you on this matter because of the continued comment which reached me last year and again now that school has opened again.

The complaint seems to be that the children have to leave the Island at 7:40 A.M. and then have more than an hour to reach school which they usually spend idling along the street. The parents feel that there is considerable danger to the children in that way and in crossing intersections.

The solution which has repeatedly come to my mind is that the Institution could institute a bus service similar to that operated for the children at Ft. McDowell. I realize that this would entail the services of an Officer but I still feel that it might be given serious consideration. A school bus is operated at McNeil Island and the additional expense would likely be approved here also.

I felt sure that the situation had not been brought clearly to your attention, and that you would be favorably inclined to any remedial measures which would be administratively feasible.

Respectfully,


Romney M. Ritchey, Surgeon (R)
Chief Medical Officer