PRIDE 2023
CDCR celebrates PRIDE
Each June, the world honors Pride Month to promote justice and equality for LGBTQIA+ members and celebrate the vibrant culture unique to their community. Pride festivities are a way to celebrate a diverse and accepting community, free from hate and judgment. We strive for a world where we can be ourselves, uniquely, freely, and unapologetically.
CDCR recruitment teams will be at several Pride festivals this month: Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, and San Diego!
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to creating supportive spaces and ally relationships for our LGBTQIA+ community and being supportive of all individuals in our communities, both inside and outside prisons.
To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE are sharing celebrations throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, visit the GARE website.
Visit CDCR/CCHCS GARE webpage for LGBTQIA+ resources to share with employees and family.
In Memoriam
CMC Honor Guard honors fallen officers
Members of California Men’s Colony (CMC) Honor Guard participated in the annual San Luis Obispo County Peace Officers’ Memorial ceremony. The ceremony in Paso Robles honored eight California peace officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2022.
The name and rank of each fallen officer was recited as a bell was tolled. This signaled the end of the officer’s watch. As the sound of the bell reverberated, Honor Guard members from CMC and other California law enforcement agencies paid tribute. They presented a single red rose and one final salute with respect and humility for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Agencies who lost a peace officer in the line of duty in 2022 included:
- Elk Grove Police Department
- Huntington Beach Police Department
- Salinas Police Department
- Department of Homeland Security
- Los Angeles Police Department
- El Monte Police Department
- and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
California Model
CTF hosts car show for employees, families
Correctional Training Facility (CTF) and the Employee Action Committee (EAC) will host the Second Annual Hot August Nights car show.
The “Show and Shine” car show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. August 12 at the CTF staff parking area.
There will be food vendors and entertainment. An awards presentation will take place at 1 p.m. This event is open to all California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff, friends, and families.
Between the Lines visits CIW
California Institution for Women (CIW) hosted Between the Lines (BTL) for a basketball exhibition game at the institution.
The game featured the CIW All Stars, former professional players, and college players. Coaches Monique Nolan and Aaron Moore organized the event with support from Principal Gayla Brown.
Warden Jennifer Core and staff attended to greet the visitors and cheer on the CIW players.
BTL is a non-profit organization that brings basketball, and the valuable life lessons associated with it, to rehabilitation centers throughout the country. Former basketball players Darren Duncan and Lamont “Tory” Stapleton founded the program.
BTL has previously organized events at California State Prison, Corcoran and Centinela State Prison. This was BTL’s first event at CIW. Everyone involved was excited to host future events.
In Our Institutions
Memorial Day at Folsom State Prison
Incarcerated people at Folsom State Prison (FSP) gathered on Memorial Day for the annual acknowledgement and remembrance of those who have fallen. Thirty-six members of the Military Veterans Group of Folsom (MVGF) met within the walls of Greystone Chapel.
The veterans shared memories and stories of military service. Brothers and sisters-in-arms filled the cavernous space with tears of joy, sadness, laughter, and somber.
CIM deactivates Facility D
California Institution for Men (CIM) Facility D (FAD) has been partially deactivated.
FAD was the third oldest facility in the state of California. The facility originated in 1941 and is formerly known as CIM-Minimum Support Facility.
Rehabilitative programs located in FAD will continue to be provided at CIM’s remaining three facilities.
Rehabilitation
MCSP and FSP celebrate BA graduates
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) and Folsom State Prison (FSP) students celebrated earning Bachelor of Arts degrees. The students graduated from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS).
CSUS has been an outstanding partner at both institutions and this is the first graduation ceremony celebrating this significant accomplishment. The commitment from the staff and students at the institutions has been tremendous, a truly effective collaboration between correctional officers, teachers, administrators, and Sac State faculty.
Correctional education is transformative, a great investment in public safety, and increases successful transition of incarcerated individuals back to their communities. Congratulations to all who contributed to these programs.
Recruitment
PBSP Recruitment visits Del Norte County
Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) attended three recruitment events within Del Norte County. PBSP staff interacted with interested candidates and explained the different process, benefits, and positions within CDCR. Approximately 100 attendees at each event that were interested and ready to start or engage in a new career.
In attendance included:
- Del Norte County Fire Department
- Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Del Norte Ambulance
- California Highway Patrol
- California Correctional Health Care Services
- and local business.
In the Community
Join Special Olympics Torch Run
The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run serves as a powerful symbol of unity, bringing together law enforcement officers and personnel, athletes, and communities across the state.
As employees of CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS), we have dedicated our careers to ensuring public safety and the well-being of our communities. The Torch Run fits right into those goals.
Participating in the Torch Run allows us to forge meaningful connections with athletes, their families, and the broader community. In standing side by side with Special Olympics athletes, we transcend the traditional roles of law enforcement and correctional healthcare professionals.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article and learn how to register.
PBSP participates in fundraisers
Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP), California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement attended a Tip a Cop fundraiser. Proceeds from the fundraiser went to the Del Norte County Special Olympics.
The event took place at the SeaQuake restaurant in Crescent City. The officers and local Special Olympics athletes waited tables, delivered food, and worked with the SeaQuake staff.
All tips for the night were donated to the Del Norte County Special Olympics.
Additionally, PBSP D Facility mural crew participated in their second year for Guitars of Hope. They hand painted six guitars to auction and donate. The funds raised went to Del Norte and South Coast humane society dog shelter.
The guitars sold on EBAY and raised over $11,500.
CTF food fundraiser helps local crisis center
Correctional Training Facility (CTF) Operation New Hope program held a food sale fundraiser for the incarcerated population. The event raised over $1.5k for the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center.
A food sale fundraiser is an event where food items are sold to the incarcerated population to raise money for a charitable cause. CTF leadership approved the sale of items from vendors in the community, such as Costco, Reds Doughnuts and a local pizza shop. A percentage of the proceeds go toward a charitable contribution.
Operation New Hope at CTF chose the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center as the recipient of the donation. The goal being to assist with their continued mission to assist people who have experienced harm.
NKSP donates to School of Science to help after flooding
North Kern State Prison (NKSP) staff organized a fundraiser to raise money through an population food sale. The proceeds went to SCICON, an Outdoor School of Science and Conservation.
Due to the recent floods, there was an immense amount of damage to the campus. As a result, trails, bridges, and roads leading in and out of the camp were destroyed.
Because of the severity of damage and the dangers imposed, the yearly SCICON barbecue was cancelled. This event is SCICON’s top fundraiser.
NKSP raised over $9,000 for the school.
“Many of my staff have fond memories of SCICON. Having visited the campus while they were young and also having their own children visit SCICON, providing them with a once in a lifetime experience. When I saw the video of the damaging floods and what they did to the campus, I knew we needed to assist in order for future generations of children to also experience this amazing educational experience that SCICON’s programs provide,” stated NKSP Warden Kevin Hixon.
Upward Mobility
Ismael Alomari has been appointed as Chief Deputy Warden, Wasco State Prison.
Top Inside CDCR Stories
CIM, CIW, CTF, SAC show staff appreciation