What’s New?
Pine Grove joins community for 2023 Veterans Day Parade
Thirteen youth from Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (PGYCC) participated in the 2023 Jackson Veterans Day Parade. Officer Perrin, Captain Haley, and camp dog Scrappy Doo attended the parade. Five youth from the current training crew were cheering on from the side along with Wellington from ARC, Officer Arriaga, and Senior District Representative Dana Jorgensen. The cheers became louder as the PGYCC youth walked down main street in Jackson.
Learn more about Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp.
California Model
SAC hoops with Between the Lines
Between the Lines, incarcerated basketball programs, held a basketball tournament at California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC). Program staff provided a DJ and played requested music for the incarcerated population.
Between the Lines staff and about 40incarcerated individuals participated in the basketball tournament to include warm-up drills and two full court games. The event allowed program employees to talk candidly with the incarcerated population and share life stories.
In the Community
Ironwood donates more than $32,500 to nonprofits
Ironwood State Prison (ISP) leadership presented five local nonprofit organizations with donation funds totaling over $32,000.
The generous donations were raised through various coordinated fundraising events at the institution.
“Ironwood State Prison is dedicated to being a good neighbor in the community of Blythe by donating to these and other local charities,” said Warden Neil McDowell.
The $32,524.80 presented to attending representatives of the following Blythe area nonprofits:
- $4,682.98 – Harmony Kitchen
- $4,618.96 – Joe Wine Recreation Center
- $4,618.96 – Veterans Assistance Rehabilitation Program (VARP) aka, Metcalf Recovery Ranch
- $9,301.94 – Frank Luke American Legion Post 24
- $9,301.94 – Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2987
DAC attends National Disability Employment Awareness Month
CDCR/CCHCS/CALPIA’s Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) attended the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Job Fair held by the California Highway Patrol at the State Capitol. The fair focused on promoting the Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP), which helps applicants with disabilities obtain state jobs.
The event provided a chance to speak with community members with disabilities. Staff networked with other agencies and outside organizations regarding job opportunities for people with disabilities. DAC looks forward to celebrating NDEAM through this targeted job fair in years to come.
If you have, or know someone with, a disability and would like more information on the LEAP program, email CDCRLEAP@cdcr.ca.gov or visit www.DOR.ca.gov/Home/LEAP. If interested in joining the DAC, email DAC@cdcr.ca.gov.
Rehabilitation
OCE participates in training seminar
CDCR’s Office of Correctional Education (OCE) staff participated in professional development days led by the San Diego County Office of Education. The professional development focused on providing targeted feedback to teachers to support high quality teaching and student learning.
The participants learned:
- characteristics of effective targeted feedback
- strength-based observation processes
- and providing effective feedback and support to teachers.
Learning this process provides CDCR schools with another research-based process to support continuous school improvement. Administrators will be working to implement targeted feedback cycles and targeted feedback walks at each site following this learning.
Recruitment
CDCR’s College Outreach Program
The College Outreach Program (COP) is a unique opportunity for students in Administration of Justice/Criminal Justice programs to learn about a Correctional Officer career. Through COP, students participate in two classroom presentations given by CDCR Correctional Officer recruiters, as well as an institution tour, in the same semester.
“We are excited to partner with colleges to offer this unique program to students. COP is not only a great way to promote Correctional Officer careers, it helps build relationships between CDCR and the academic community,” said Danny Royster, who initiated the program within the Office of Peace Officer Selection (OPOS).
Currently, there are 12 colleges partnering with local institution recruitment teams in this program throughout the state. OPOS encourages CDCR employees to help support the COP Program by spreading the word to their local colleges. Any colleges interested in joining this program in Spring 2024 can reach out to recruit@cdcr.ca.gov.
CHCF Recruitment at Kings event
California Health Care Facility (CHCF) Recruitment Team recently attended the Stockton Kings 2023 Fan Fest Event. The recruitment team is focused on working with community collaboration within Stockton.
“It gives a whole new meaning to giving back when you are able to assist members of your own community in starting a career within CDCR,” said Lieutenant Michelle Orozco, CHCF Recruiter.
The CHCF Recruitment Booth provided an interactive experience for visitors, who were eager to learn more about CDCR initiatives and operations. Recruiters were more than willing to answer questions and provide insights into the organization.
Upward Mobility
Albert Lundeen was appointed as the Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Employee Communications
Chris Chambers was appointed Director, Correctional Policy Research and Internal Oversight
Tammy Campbell, was appointed Warden of California State Prison, Corcoran,
Observations
International Day of Tolerance
November 16tmarks the International Day for Tolerance declared by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1995. This date was founded to respect and appreciate the rich variety of cultures around the world.
Tolerance refers to respect for the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of all. It’s an opportunity to highlight famous tolerant leaders in history like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is the mission of the CDCR/CCHCS, in partnership with Government Alliance on Race and Equity “to build an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace…to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts.”
Submission by GARE Ambassador Rhiannon Mehlhaff
Veterans Day
Veterans Day celebrates and honors those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Taking place on the anniversary of the end of World War I in 1918, Veterans Day is an opportunity to thank those who have served to protect our freedom, as well as remember those who have died defending it.
We may not know them all, but we owe them all. Today, as we reflect on Veterans Day, let’s remember to embrace each other’s uniqueness as it is the beauty of the world that lies in the diversity of its people. We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters of colors, creed, social background and ethnicity because when everyone is included, everyone wins.
We thank all current and former military members for their service — especially those that work with us every day!
Submission by GARE Ambassador and Retired SoldierTeng Thao
CCJBH
Juvenile Justice Workgroup
When: November 17, 12:45-2:45 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Microsoft Teams
Description: The webinar will feature a walkthrough by the RAND Corporation on the recently released Juvenile Justice Evidence-Based and Emerging Practices and Programs Compendium. Additionally, the Mental Health Oversight and Accountability Commission will provide a presentation on the initiatives underway for student behavioral health.
Visit Microsoft Teams to register for the workgroup.
Diversion and Reentry Workgroup
When: November 17, 3-5 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Microsoft Teams
Description: The webinar will highlight initiatives and programs that are supporting workforce development opportunities for individuals who are justice involved.
Visit Microsoft Teams to register for the workgroup.
In the Media
He was sentenced to 162 years in prison. Now he’s free and working at the California Capitol
In his tan suit and gold tie, Jarad Nava blends in easily at the California Capitol, as though he’s always belonged to its mahogany and rose-hued halls.
But underneath the button-down shirt — unseen and unimaginable to those who don’t know his story — tattoos evoke his former life: on his arms, the name of a park his gang claimed as territory, rolling dice and an inked-over “P” that had represented Pomona; on his chest, flames licking up the base of his neck.
Just a few years ago, Nava was serving a 162-year sentence for a crime he committed when he was 17.
Visit Los Angeles Times to read the full article.
Top Inside CDCR Stories
PVSP recruiters work 2023 Big Fresno Fair
Folsom staff, population go Between the Lines
HDSP hosts annual Staff Appreciation Day