Taco Tuesday takes on new meaning at RJD

July 12, 2019

Staff heaped their plates with tasty tacos.

In a state as large and diverse as California, one day can unite many: Taco Tuesday.

With that in mind, the staff at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, or RJD, prepared for a taco-themed throw-down showdown in mid-June.

Man wears apron that says Never Trust a Skinny Cook. — Teams prepped fresh ingredients for their taco throw-down.

Teams geared up with their favorite ingredients, colorful aprons, and festive music, gathering outside the Administration building on June 11.

While some at RJD transferred from Central California or the north state, many staff hail from the southern regions. These longtime locals know their roots.

The street tacos were sold for $1. They featured ingredients such as beef, beef chorizo, premium pollo asada, fresh mango salsa, peppers and scallions.

Each team, knowing the most tacos sold would claim the coveted People’s Choice Award, had elaborately decorated taco “stands.”

The teams also knew the high honor was winning the Judges’ Blind Taste Test. This award is given by a three-judge panel based on flavor alone.

Getting into the Taco Tuesday competition

All teams set up in designated visiting rooms.

Each team prepared enough fresh ingredients to serve 100 tacos. They didn’t take long for all teams to be sold out, most within an hour.

Members of the Employees Association tallied up each team’s money box and consulted with the judges.

The final results were Facility B’s Team “Taco Bravo” claiming the Judges’ Taste Test. Meanwhile, the People’s Choice award winner went to the “Admin Taco Team.”

According to organizers, the real victory when to those employees who participated on either side of the taco stand. They came from all areas of the institution representing CDCR, health care and parole. Funds raised went to RJD employees’ association.

By Lt. Jennifer Davies