From Floating Prison to Million-Dollar Views: How San Quentin Ended Up in Marin County

The drive west across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge offers majestic views of San Francisco’s skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the turquoise water of San Francisco Bay. Looming in the distance is Mount Tamalpais and beautiful Marin County, known for its tony real estate and great hiking. Off to the left as the bridge touches down in Marin, right on the water, is San Quentin State Prison, California’s only death row for men. Terese O’Malley has long wondered how this famous prison came to be located in Marin County, and whether state officials have ever considered moving it… read more >