From parties to toy drives, CDCR and CCHCS showed staff appreciation throughout the holidays. Meanwhile, other events also offered holiday fun for the incarcerated population.
Hot cocoa for holidays show Avenal staff appreciation
Avenal State Prison, in association with the Employee Action Committee, hosted its annual Staff Appreciation Day with a holiday-themed extravaganza.
The event was filled with desserts, hot cocoa bar, and coffee station to keep spirits warm. Staff also participated in a free drawing for prizes.
Darrienn Sanders, the Employee Action Committee President, said it’s important to recognize staff for their hard work.
“Staff do an amazing job here at Avenal State Prison,” Sanders said. “With the holiday season approaching, the committee wanted to show their appreciation of staff and all the hard work they do here.”
Submitted by Lt. Jose Reyes
California Medical Facility hosts holiday events
California Medical Facility hosted a wide array of events to bring staff and the incarcerated population together to celebrate the holidays.
For starters, the incarcerated population coordinated a Christmas Extravaganza which both staff and the population enjoyed. The Extravaganza included a choir singing carols and meaningful raps, a play based on the true story of an incarcerated person’s life, games, refreshments and snacks. Many staff also attended the event, showing their support by wearing ugly sweaters.
Next up, staff in the Hospice Unit passed out stockings to the patients. The stockings were filled with treats they could enjoy. The incarcerated patients were very thankful for the kind holiday gesture.
Lastly, the California Medical Facility Management team came together to host a holiday appreciation for staff. The event included beverages and snacks as well as taking photos with Santa Claus in front of the Christmas Tree and facility Fire Truck.
“I am constantly impressed by our staff and population as they always come together to celebrate the holidays,” said acting Warden Daniel Cueva. “It was a wonderful holiday season at California Medical Facility, enjoyed by all.”
Submitted by Lt. Priscilla Gonzalez
Staff, incarcerated collaborate on decorating Correctional Training Facility
The Correctional Training Facility at Soledad recently hosted two holiday decorating contests. The first decorating competition saw various departments within the institution get into the season.
Staff members showcased themes such as Disneyland, The Polar Express, Christmas Tree Farm, and Santa’s Toyshop. The Correctional Counselors’ Toyshop display took first place.
What made these events more special was the involvement of incarcerated workers assigned to these departments. They actively participated, either by crafting holiday decorations or helping with the decor.
“I felt like a kid again. Growing up, we couldn’t afford decorations or toys. But here, I put together a train set for the Counselor’s decorations,” said one of the incarcerated workers who helped with the display. “Playing with that train, something I never got to do as a kid, was an unforgettable experience.”
The second event brought creativity to the Facility C Housing Units. Here, housing unit staff collaborated with the population to create holiday decorations for the sally port areas.
“It really means a lot to me. Being able to decorate reminds me of when I was able to spend the holidays with my family,” said another incarcerated person.
Correctional Sgt. D. Rendon, who helped organize the event, said he was impressed by those who participated.
“I didn’t realize the impact this event would have until the incarcerated people shared their stories. Hearing how it brought back holiday memories for them, memories they cherished from their lives outside, was moving,” Rendon said. “It showed us the power of such events in fostering a sense of community.”
Submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum
Christmas Puppy Parade spreads cheer at California Health Care Facility
The California Health Care Facility held its annual Christmas Puppy Parade on Dec. 22. The Canine Companion puppies were dressed in Christmas themed attire as they paraded throughout the institution to help spread holiday cheer to staff and the incarcerated population. The parade is popular with staff and the population who look forward to it every year, promoting wellness and normalization.
Submitted by Lt. Michelle Orozco
Dogs go on holiday parade at California Institution for Men
California Institution for Men (CIM) hosted their second Pawz Behind Wallz Holiday Parade. The parade included staff and the incarcerated population housed on Facility C. The Pawz Behind Wallz K-9 handlers showcased their service dogs while handing out candy canes to the incarcerated population and staff, wishing everyone Happy Holidays.
Submitted by Lt. Paul Ybarra
Holiday extravaganza for population at California Men’s Colony
Members from the Enhanced Outpatient Program at California Men’s Colony held a Holiday Extravaganza for their peers and institution staff. Organized by the institution’s recreational therapist, incarcerated performers put on “The Grinch who stole Christmas.”
The outpatient program population showcased their acting and musical talents.
For a dozen years, this event has been a tradition, held twice each year.
“The enhanced outpatient full theater program includes script writing, stagecraft, music selection, dance and acting,” said Sonia Robesky, recreational therapist. “Theater allows them an opportunity to step outside the prison walls and create art. The joy extends to the audience who can escape into imagination for a moment. My favorite part of leading the theater program is seeing the patients come together as a group.”
Population sat alongside staff in the audience to enjoy the theatrical production.
Submitted by Lt T. Eilers
Correctional Training Facility hosts first Winter Wonderland
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) celebrated the holiday season with its first Winding Way Winter Wonderland event in mid-December. The staff event was a success, drawing a large crowd of staff, family members, and friends to enjoy the festivities.
The event was organized by the CTF and Salinas Valley State Prison Employee Action Committees, along with the CTF Management Team. Taking inspiration from the Candy Cane Lane holiday event concept, the CTF event was decorated with holiday decorations, activity booths and holiday treats.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Ugly Sweater Contest. Staff members showcased their quirkiest holiday sweaters, with the crowd voting for their favorites. The competition was all in good fun, with the winner receiving a special prize.
Adding to the event was music, arts and crafts, as well as decorating cookies and ornaments.
Santa Claus entered on the CTF Fire Engine, making his way to the photo booth for photos with children. Meanwhile, a gift basket silent auction raised $3,765 for the EAC Fund.
“The Winding Way Winter Wonderland event was not just a celebration of the holiday season but also a demonstration of our commitment to staff wellness and community spirit,” said acting Warden Edward J. Borla. “By bringing together our staff and their loved ones in a welcoming environment, we underscored the importance of work-life balance and mental well-being, which are crucial components of CDCR’s California Model.”
Submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum
High Desert State Prison gets festooned for holidays
Employees took advantage of the opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit at High Desert State Prison this year.
Decorating office doors and offices for holidays is a fun way to bring holiday cheer into your workplace. It’s also a great way to get everyone in the spirit.
Some staff members said getting to hang stockings, decorating doors and trees makes the work place a happier environment.
Submitted by Lt. J. Micone
Staff Deck the Doors for the holidays at Valley State Prison
Valley State Prison recently embraced the holiday season with the Deck the Doors Decorating Contest. Staff from various disciplines poured their creativity into adorning their doors with festive cheer, transforming the facility into a festive wonderland.
The competition showcased the unity and collaborative spirit among employees, as they collectively worked to infuse the prison with the warmth of the holidays. Participants invested considerable time and effort into their decorations.
In the spirit of giving, all contestants received bags of chocolate, symbolizing the sweet rewards of shared efforts. The Valley State Prison Employee Association recognized the outstanding contributions by awarding gift cards to the winners.
The first-place honor went to the Healthcare Access Unit. The second-place accolade was bestowed upon the A-Yard Dental Clinic, and third-place spot celebrated the creativity of the Masonry Shop.
“VSP staff showcased not only their creativity but also the unity that comes with shared festivities. It was heartening to witness how much fun everyone had, turning our doors into vibrant expressions of holiday spirit,” said Amanda Rowe, Use of Force Coordinator.
Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum
Door decorating at Southern Region Parole
In the heart of the Division of Adult Parole Operations, Southern Region Headquarters, the 2023 Holiday Door Decorating Contest sparked a season of cheer and friendly rivalry among the departments. Special guest St. Nicholas brought a twinkle of festive spirit as he joined the esteemed panel of judges, including Dr. G. Souza and Office Manager Lizzie of Physical Therapy & Associates.
Together, they toured the corridors where creativity and imagination hung in the air, inspired by teamwork. With their unparalleled display, Business Services took home first place, leaving Return to Work/Reception and Training with the respectable second and third places.
As St. Nicholas proclaimed the winners, every door, whether adorned with ribbons or lit with strings of light, stood as a testament to the collective joy and blessing of the season, whispering wishes of a peaceful holiday to all.
Submitted by Division of Adult Parole Operations
California Institution for Women thanks staff during holidays
The California Institution for Women (CIW) in Chino, in conjunction with the local Chapters of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California Correctional Supervisors Organization and the Service Employees International Union, served fresh cooked food to more than 1,000 staff members over two days. Staff also donated unwrapped items to the Toys for Tots drive. Due to staff generosity, 11 barrels were filled with toys.
The menu consisted of acting Warden William’s famous grilled teriyaki chicken, steamed vegetables, white rice, and macaroni salad. Staff also enjoyed green apple lemonade and cupcakes from Cupcakes and Curiosities in Riverside.
The two-day event was filled with music, laughter, and good old-fashioned fun. After the event, remaining food was donated to Summitt House Shelter in Corona. With CIW’s food donation, Summit House was able to feed 300 families and homeless in the local community.
“It’s times like these that make me thankful, grateful and blessed to be a part of the CIW team,” said acting Warden Williams.
Story submitted by Associate Warden Delinia Lewis
Salinas Valley State Prison gets into holiday spirit
Salinas Valley State Prison held its sixth annual Christmas office decoration contest. On Dec. 1, staff in the Administration Building decked the halls in preparation of its annual event.
Submitted by Lt. W. Fonseca
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