Chaplains, Rehabilitation

CDCR’s first Day of Peace and Reconciliation in pictures

Compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications

Across California, 34 adult institutions and five community correctional facilities observed the first Day of Peace and Reconciliation during the last week of January. Nearly 7,400 inmates took part in the events offered by chaplains of all faiths. Read another story about the event.


California City Correctional Facility in pictures


California Correctional Center

By Lt. Charlene Ruggiero

California Correctional Center chaplains reminded attendees about the importance of peaceful coexistence within the stressful environment of a state prison.

The chaplains and Community Resources Manager spoke about the different religious leaders throughout the world, who all encourage peaceful living and forgiveness. They also discussed opportunities to change and live in peace.

A few incarcerated people prepared speeches and spoke about setting an example for children by reducing racial unrest and the crime rate.

One gave a speech about crimes within communities. He said those crimes prevent children from simply playing at parks or walking down the street.

The social worker spoke about how she can see every person as individuals. She shared a success story of someone who changed his life and met his 6-year-old child for the first time. He paroled from CCC and has since married. He has not returned to prison. 

The Arts in Corrections music instructor and local Opera Singer, Liudmila Mullin, and the inmate choir sang peaceful music for the audience.

Warden S. Peery relayed Secretary Diaz’s message and encouraged forgiveness and peaceful behavior while incarcerated and when they are released into the community.


California Correctional Institution


California Health Care Facility

By Lt. Wilona Lewis

California Health Care Facility’s Day of Peace and Reconciliation was a huge success, according to organizers.

The event began with an opening prayer led by Chaplin Cedarholm followed by a memorandum authored by Secretary Ralph Diaz read by Warden Laura Eldridge.

CHCF’s inmate Drama Team put on a play titled “Hate & Division” and CHCF’s rendition of Rock Soup.

During the ceremony inmates shared stories of encouragement and the positive benefits CHCF programs have had on the inmate population. They also recognized they were able to put prison politics aside.

One said, “I was on a level 4 yard and you have to wear boots all day, boots to bed and boots in the shower and you can’t talk to different races. I arrived at CHCF and now all I wear is flip flops and I can speak to any race.”

CHCF’s music group performed a medley of songs including one they titled “Peace and Reconciliation.”


California Institution for Women

Photos by Jonathan Mumm, TV Specialist


California Medical Facility

A chaplain speaks at CMF for the Day of Peace and Reconciliation.
Rabbi C. Zaklos speaks at the Day of Peace and Reconciliation at California Medical Facility.
California Medical Facility Native American drumming.
Native American activities at the Day of Peace and Reconciliation at California Medical Facility.
Inmates perform at the Day of Peace and Reconciliation.
Performing for the Day of Peace and Reconciliation at CMF.

California Men’s Colony


California Rehabilitation Center


CSP-Corcoran

Corcoan state prison inmates stand in a yard listening to a man speak.
CSP-Corcoran’s 3B Facility gathered on a sunny January day for the event.
Corcoran prison inmates stand in a yard listening to a man speak.
CSP-Corcoran inmates gather to listen during the event.

Correctional Training Facility

Chapel at Correctional Training Facility in Soledad for the Day of Peace and Reconciliation.
Inmates at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad take part in the Day of Peace and Reconciliation events.

Deuel Vocational Institution

Large room in a California prison with inmates and guests.
Deuel Vocational Institution’s Day of Peace featured guest speakers and video presentations.
CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz speaks to inmates at DVI.
CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz speaks at DVI’s Day of Peace and Reconciliation.
Inmate with 'mobility' note on a vest listens to another inmate speak at DVI.
Inmates gathered at DVI to hear messages of hope, peace and cooperation.

Folsom State Prison

CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz speaks at peace event at Greystone Chapel in Folsom State Prison.
Secretary Diaz addresses inmates in the Greystone Chapel at Folsom State Prison during the Day of Peace and Reconciliation.

High Desert State Prison


Ironwood State Prison


Kern Valley State Prison


CSP-Los Angeles County


Mule Creek State Prison

By Lance Eshelman, Community Resources Manager

Tucked away in the foothills, Ione is surrounded by majestic wildlife and green flora. On a crisp January morning, you can see a family of deer calmly grazing the hillside.

It is the backdrop of serenity, yet sharing this same tranquil terrain are 4,000 men housed at Mule Creek State Prison with crimes of different variation as well as length of stay.

On the week of Jan. 27, an event held for inmates and staff offered encouraging messages of peace and unity.

Warden (A) Patrick Covello made an appearance along with the state chaplains and the Inmate Advisory Council. The message was clear, we live and work in a dark place, but we need to be the light to make it better.

In a packed room with a max capacity of 288, there wasn’t an empty chair. CDCR Division of Adult Institutions Director Connie Gipson stopped in for the event as well.


Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility


CSP-Sacramento


Sierra Conservation Center

Sierra Conservation Center inmates perform on stage.
Inmates perform music at Sierra Conservation Center.
Prison chaplain speaks to inmates in a chapel.
A chaplain speaks at Sierra Conservation Center’s Day of Peace and Reconciliation event.

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility & State Prison, Corcoran


Valley State Prison

Photos by Rob Stewart, TV Specialist
CDCR Office of Public and Employee Communications


Wasco State Prison-Reception Center

Wasco State Prison chaplain speaks to inmates.
WSP-RC chaplains, staff and volunteers spoke to the inmates during the Day of Peace and Reconciliation.
Chaplain speaks to inmates at Wasco State Prison-Reception Center.
Wasco State Prison-Reception Center’s Day of Peace and Reconciliation was one of many such programs hosted across the state.