Observances
Women’s Equality Day
August 26 celebrates Women’s Equality Day. This day is the anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. It calls attention to women’s continued efforts toward equality. This date commemorates the 72-year, peaceful civil rights movement which started at the world’s first women’s rights convention in 1848.
Women equality encompasses the idea of treating women and men as equals in all aspects of life. It fosters the belief in equal rights, opportunities, and freedom for women, enabling them to realize and achieve full potential. Reaching women equality is a crucial step toward having a fair, inclusive, and prosperous society.
Historically, women have faced discrimination in the workplace, including unequal pay and limited access to leadership positions. Women’s participation in politics, balanced representation in legislative bodies, and eliminating barriers to political engagement are essential toward true equality.
We are proud to celebrate this day and recognize all that our female employees have done for the department.
Submitted by GARE Ambassador Veronica Harris.
To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing celebrations throughout the year. To learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, visit the GARE website.
CDCR Unlocked
Case Records professionals are key to Department’s success
This week, the CDCR Unlocked Podcast sits down with Jill Johnston, Chief of Case Records Services for CDCR, and Chelsi Hardcastle, a Case Records Supervisor at High Desert State Prison. Case Records Services is responsible for ensuring the appropriate application of criminal sentences, including determining applicable credits; ensuring accurate release dates, and maintaining records for each and every incarcerated person in California, current and former. It’s a huge, complicated job, but luckily Johnston and her team are dedicated to accuracy and efficiency.
Listen to the latest episode of CDCR Unlocked.
CCHCS
Staff showcase impacts of ISUDT at SUD Integrated Care Conference
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) hosted a Substance Use Disorder Integrated Care Conference Aug. 15-17 in Long Beach. The event gathered professionals, experts, and stakeholders from across the state.
The groups discussed and explored innovative approaches to care and showcased a diverse range of insights, discussions, and strategies. The conference aimed to transform the landscape of SUD treatment. The Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program jointly operated by CCHCS and CDCR had an integral role. ISUDT leadership hosted a special workshop. Representing ISUDT included:
- Lisa Heintz, CCHCS Director of Legislation and Special Projects
- Dr. Renee Kanan, Deputy Director of Medical Services.
Their session showed data on impacts of ISUDT in CDCR prisons and practices that drive program implementation and growth. Several department staffers attended the event and learned trends and strategies in workshops hosted by CDCR/CCHCS partners and fellow innovators.
OVSRS
OVSRS attends local market
Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) staff attended the Living Smart Farmers Market. The Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights hosted the event. Staff provided information and answered inquiries about Victim and Restitution Services to market attendees. OVSRS aimed to spread awareness of their office and what they offer. Founded in 2008, Living Smart is a local nonprofit organization. They specialize in the education of youth and families in health, business, financial management, and life skills.
In Our Institutions
CTF hosts car show
Correctional Training Facility (CTF), Employee Action Committee (EAC) hosted their second annual Hot August Nights “Show and Shine” car show.
This family-friendly event provided food vendors and various entertainment options. The car show welcomed all CDCR members, friends, and families.
Over 40 custom cars and motorcycles highlighted the event. The cars ranged from vintage to modern vehicles and displayed craftsmanship, design skills, and passion for automobiles.
CTF presented awards at the conclusion of the event.
Rehabilitation
CCTRP-SD helps returning citizens find work
CDCR’s Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program, San Diego (CCTRP-SD) is assisting incarcerated individuals in obtaining higher paying jobs. CCTRP-SD currently has 54 participants enrolled in college courses and housing 98 participants. Over half, the participants at CCTRP-SD attend community college and one participant attends San Diego State University. Most participants at CCTRP-SD attend San Diego Mesa Community College both online and in person.
SAC chalk event
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC) received a visit from volunteer Scott Clark, who led a chalk art project.
CSP-Sacramento’s first chalk event provided new experiences for those in attendance. Participants inspired each other’s visions and commented on how great it felt to express themselves with chalk. They experimented with different types of chalk, surfaces, and designs. Each piece of art different and unique than the other. The participants worked alone and in teams to construct their masterpieces.
“Art is not about what you see, but what you make others see,” said Edgar Degas, SAC staff member.
Upward Mobility
Angela Kent has been assigned as acting Associate Director, Female Offender Programs and
Services/Special Housing Mission.
Patrick Eaton has been assigned as Acting Associate Director, General Population Males Mission.
Dr. Brittany Brizendine, PsyD has been appointed Regional Health Care Executive, Region II for California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS).
In the Community
CCWF donates backpacks across two counties
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) staff donated backpacks in an effort to help local youth. CCWF Community Resources Department coordinated the donation drive. Madera and Chowchilla School District Offices received a total of 70 backpacks donated by the institution. Both districts had received calls from schools who had identified students in immediate need of a new backpacks.
“This is another example of how staff at CCWF come together to help the community. As the CRM, I enjoy building those necessary relationships with council members, school officials and local law enforcement. We are able to obtain information as to how our facility can directly support through donations, guest speaking, or correctional outreach and recruitment,” said Courtney Waybright, CCWF Community Resources Manager.
Warden Anissa De La Cruz has supported all efforts in ensuring CCWF’s community involvement and presence makes an impact.
In the Media
San Francisco Giants partner with San Quentin baseball team to provide resources
The San Francisco Giants will provide support to San Quentin’s prison baseball team, which will be renamed the San Quentin Giants.
The prison team has operated for 70 years and serves as a form of rehabilitation, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Thursday in a press release.
The Giants will provide uniforms and equipment as well as support with mental health and physical performance to the San Quentin team.
The two teams have worked together in the past, but the Giants are now pledging to provide more resources than before.
Visit The Daily Journal to read the full article.
Bachelor’s degrees in prison promise incarcerated students a second chance
The last couple of years have seen an expansion of bachelor’s degree programs in prison.
Inside the first women’s program at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, incarcerated women are working to rebuild their lives by pursuing these higher degrees.
Visit EdSource to listen to the full podcast.
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