In 2023, staff and the incarcerated population continued to prove the department’s commitment to being community involved, helping those in need.
Top Five Community Involvement stories
Inside CDCR features stories about staff, programs, and being community involved. Check out all the stories in the Community Involvement category. The following garnered the most views from the category in 2023.
Baker-to-Vegas run honors staff member’s memory
The most-viewed story in the Community Involvement category in 2023 focused on CDCR volunteers honoring the memory of Benny Alcala by taking part in the Baker-to-Vegas Challenge Cup Relay. Read the full story published in May.
CDCR staff attend Galt Market, Safety Expo
Recruiters interacted with the community at the Galt Market and Safety Expo. Published in June, the story proved popular with Inside CDCR readers. Read the full story.
Recruiters attend California State Fair
The third most viewed story involved staff working an information booth at the California State Fair. Read the full story.
Lieutenant, football team help flooded community
Winter floods inundated parts of California, but staff was ready to help. One such story drew enough readers to come in fourth in 2023. Read the full story published in April.
Staff attend special needs prom; incarcerated food sale helps school
Coming in fifth, a story about California Institution for Women staff volunteering at a prom for special-needs students got the attention of Inside CDCR readers. Packaged together in the same story, incarcerated people at North Kern State Prison held a food sale, raising funds to help a local school. Read the April story.
More highlights from 2023
Community causes benefit from CDCR, CCHCS community involvement
Staff reach into their pockets to donate funds, or donate their time, to community causes. One such example is the staff at California Institution for Men walking to find a cure for cancer.
In October, staff and volunteers with the Chino Valley Employees Association sold pink ribbon lapel pins and pink patches to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation walk in Murrieta. Together, they raised over $3,500 for the 2023 event.
“I would like to thank all who participated in this special event,” said Chief Deputy Warden Travis Pennington. “This has become a tremendous turnout and our prayers go out to the families in need.”
Special Olympics holds a special place for staff, incarcerated
Known for taking part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, staff and the incarcerated also help Special Olympics through other events like Tip A Cop or institution-specific food sales. One such example was a game held at Sierra Conservation Center, benefiting Special Olympics athletes. Run by the Community Resource Manager’s office, three food sales were held in September, with the Sept. 16 event featuring a daylong softball tournament. The teams included Prison Sports Ministry, Special Olympics Tuolumne Ravens, and the incarcerated population. Read the original story to see more photos.
Law Enforcement Torch Run
The Torch Run is a popular event with staff in the institutions, headquarters and parole offices. Relive the Law Enforcement Torch Run for 2023.
Inside CDCR publishes daily, except holidays and weekends. Learn more on the website.
Compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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