Inside CDCR News Blog
FEATURED STORIES
New training focuses on Wellness and Stress Resiliency
In 2022, all CDCR and CCHCS employees will receive a three-hour Wellness and Stress Resiliency course during annual in-service training (IST). Read on to learn more about this new and exciting course.
VIDEOS
Recognizing officers during National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Secretary Kathleen Allison: “January 9 is designated as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. While we should celebrate the work of our peace officers every day, on this occasion I want to honor the brave people who wear the badge for our department.”
Free COVID‑19 at‑home tests available
This week the federal government launched www.covidtests.gov, which is a website allowing individuals to order free at-home COVID-19 antigen tests delivered directly to one’s home.
After 20 years, CCC Fire Captain Terry Mallery enjoys retirement
For two decades, Fire Captain Terry Mallery helped CDCR fulfill its mission of public safety through rehabilitation. His career was spent in Susanville’s High Desert State Prison and California Correctional Center (CCC).
REHABILITATION
Gratitude expressed via High Desert message tree
The incarcerated population at High Desert State Prison expressed gratitude through messages of hope. The Gratitude Tree represented a physical opportunity for participants to express appreciation of life, learning, sobriety and second chances.
Meet Michael Love, incarcerated poet at Folsom State Prison
Folsom State Prison incarcerated student Michael Love recently presented his long-form poem at the 50th annual International Gebser Society convention. The poem Love wrote and presented was a personal take on one of the most difficult and esoteric concepts in Gebserian thought.
Incarcerated individuals secure state job offers before leaving prison
A civil service workshop and hiring event for incarcerated individuals was held at California State Prison, Solano, on November 17. Twenty-three individuals received conditional job offers for employment from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) before returning to their communities.
ABOVE THE CALL
Inside CDCR looks back at 2021
As 2021 comes to a close, Inside CDCR looks back at the top stories for the year. The month logging the most views this year was November. The story logging the most views deals with employment and how to become a correctional officer in CDCR.
According to the Office of Peace Officer Selection (OPOS), CDCR’s current staff serve as our best recruiters. They help get the word out to the community that we are hiring. “We really appreciate the support we get from our employees to meet the department’s correctional officer hiring needs,” said OPOS Chief Rob Calderon. “We couldn’t do it without them.”
CDCR Sergeant Villarreal honored for heroism in statewide recognition
Governor Gavin Newsom honored Correctional Sergeant Hector Villarreal with a Gold Medal in today’s Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor ceremony for his heroic act in protecting citizens in the city of Kerman from a serial shooter in 2018. The award represents the highest honor the State of California bestows upon its employees.
Avenal prison staff act to save unresponsive coworker
The morning started out like any other for Stationary Engineer Cesar Quiroz. Reporting to the Avenal State Prison Co-Generation plant on July 9, he spotted a coworker who appeared to be unconscious. Stationary Engineer Kevin Sizemore, slumped over in his chair in an office, was unresponsive and did not appear to be breathing.
BEYOND THE BADGE
After 20 years, CCC Fire Captain Terry Mallery enjoys retirement
For two decades, Fire Captain Terry Mallery helped CDCR fulfill its mission of public safety through rehabilitation. His career was spent in Susanville’s High Desert State Prison and California Correctional Center (CCC).
After 54 years of state service, Gloria Torres retires
With a state career spanning seven decades, longtime DJJ employee Gloria Torres is taking her well-earned retirement. She began her state career in 1964.
Troy Fennel retiring after nearly three decades with DJJ
Troy Fennel, the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Superintendent of Education, is retiring after almost three decades serving youth. Fennel began his career as the sports coach at N.A. Chaderjian in 1992, often showing up for work in gym shorts.
HISTORY
Photo Timeline: San Quentin State Prison
From the first days of California statehood, the fledgling government wrestled with how to handle those who broke the law. In 1851, the Waban was the first official state prison. During the day, the incarcerated population built the cells for San Quentin prison.
1938 photo shows scars of George Moore’s hard life
In 1938, three-time convicted felon George Moore sat for his identification photo at Folsom State Prison. According to prison records, he was 73 years old, serving a term for “sex perversion.” In this installment, Inside CDCR goes behind the photo to tell the cautionary tale of George Moore.
Deuel Vocational Institution deactivation in photos
Deuel Vocational Institution (DVI) officially deactivated September 30, 2021, bringing an end to nearly 70 years of public service in Tracy.