CDCR’s Week in Review: July 29, 2022

July 29, 2022

What’s New?

CDCR Unlocked podcast: CCJBH celebrates 20 years

Green ribbon with a word cloud of various behavioral health themes

In the latest episode of the CDCR Unlocked podcast, Brenda Grealish, Executive Officer of The Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (CCJBH) walks listeners through the past, present and future goals of the Council in recognition of its 20^th anniversary.

(Listen to the Unlocked episode.)

Grealish discusses how CCJBH council members use their expertise and experiences to assist and advise the administration and legislature on ways to reduce the incarceration of youth and adults with mental illness and substance use disorders. The focus of these efforts are on prevention, diversion and reentry strategies.

In our Institutions

Valley State Prison staff and Special Olympics representatives hold an oversized check for $16,025.

VSP shows strong support for Special Olympics

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Northern California (SONC). LETR is the largest public awareness fundraiser for Special Olympics. Valley State Prison (VSP) has been busy raising funds and support for the cause.

In March, several VSP staff at institution entrances. In June, several employees assisted and participated in the four-mile LETR leg from the Madera County Courthouse to California Highway Patrol’s Madera Office.

In July, the Community Resources Department facilitated a population food sale to benefit SONC. Nearly 900 incarcerated people participated in the sale that coincided with a softball tournament organized by the Inmate Men’s Advisory Council. Funds also benefited the local scholarship fund that helps high school graduates in Madera County offset the cost of a higher education and achieve their goals. Students throughout Madera County are nominated by their school as recipients of this award.

At the completion of the Badges with Buckets, Torch Run event and Food Sale, VSP presented SONC with a check for $16,025.66.

ASP population sponsors local soccer team

Group photo of a soccer team in uniform. Text on photo reads "Lemoore Arsenal FC '07 Boys"

The population from Facility E at Avenal State Prison (ASP) donated $2,400 to sponsor a local youth soccer team from Lemoore.

The 2022 team is made up of 15-year-olds from Lemoore as well as rural communities including Avenal, Riverdale, Stratford, and Laton. Thanks to the donation, the team will be able to buy new backpacks for players who recently joined the team and help minimize the cost of tournament fees for parents and the players.

“I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the sponsorship, which is very much appreciated by myself and the players,” shared head coach, ASP Principal Mel Albarran. “The smiles on the players’ faces when they receive their backpacks and winter jackets means so much.”

Parole

Three uniformed officers stand under a shade.

In June 2022, Parole Agent II Supervisor Marco Cruz and Parole Agent I Franklin Clay participated in the Breakfast with Local Heroes event in Rocklin. Along with other local law enforcement agencies and first responders, representatives from the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) met with numerous families who asked questions about what the division does and what parole agents do, as well as offered thanks for DAPO’s community service.

Community members were offered recruitment flyers for Parole Agent jobs, and children were given goodie bags that included coloring books, erasers, pencils, stickers and toy badges. Cruz and Clay are pictured here with Senior Deputy Probation Officer S. McLeod.

Recruitment

Recruiters talk careers at State Fair

Recruiters have been supporting CDCR efforts by staffing the department’s recruitment booth at the California State Fair.

These experienced correctional professionals provided career information and answered questions about working for CDCR. Representatives included Officer R. Dawson and ISU Officer A. Smith from Mule Creek State Prison and Officers A. Strayhorn and J. Huston from San Quentin State Prison.

There will be a Virtual Career Fair August 17, with sessions at noon and 5:30 p.m.

Victim Services

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OSVRS) attended a recent Military, Veteran & First Responder Appreciation Day event to do outreach and show the community who they are and what they do.

Employees spoke to many people, and answered many questions and had a successful day of spreading awareness. OSVRS representatives agreed they were quite lucky to be able to attend the event alongside many hardworking officers and military members.