In this CDCR Week in Review, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility celebrates milestones, CDCR Unlocked speaks on recruitment at HDSP, and retiree Rex Gerber looks back on CDCR career.
California Model
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility milestones
In December, the last graduations were held for the year at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, marking milestones for many. There were 184 individual graduates earning a total of 224 awards for fall 2023. The graduations were conducted on all Facilities (A-G) from September through December.
Graduations included:
- 71 Career Technical Education (CTE) certifications
- 6 Peer Literacy Mentorship Program certifications
- 77 GED certificates
- 19 High school diplomas
- 50 Associate of Arts degrees
- 1 Bachelor of Arts degree
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
Women’s Facility expands Peer Mentor program
Retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson-Davis recently held training for 50 new Peer Mentor Facilitators at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. These mentors have the opportunity to provide extensive guidance and support to their peers.
“All these individuals are long-term, positive role models in this community, and have demonstrated the power of change. By utilizing their new skills, they can help their (incarcerated) peers understand pathways to trauma. They will be expected to provide verbal encouragement and positive feedback to their mentees,” said Dobson-Davis.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
Unlocking History
1944‑2024: CDCR marks 80 years of reform
Public troubles came to a head when a Governor-appointed commission recommended completely reorganizing the prison system. Their final report was submitted Jan. 21, 1944.
Governor Earl Warren wasted no time implementing the commission’s recommendations, formally establishing the California Department of Corrections in July 1944.
Much like today’s efforts to effect change through the California Model, state leaders faced a daunting task to create a department from scratch 80 years ago.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
Upward Mobility
Vinay Behl has been appointed as Deputy Director, Office of Fiscal Services (OFS).
CDCR Unlocked
Recruitment on the road at High Desert State Prison
In this episode of the CDCR Unlocked podcast, Sergeant Corey Ringer takes a trip back to the institution where his CDCR career started, High Desert State Prison. There, Ringer talks to Business Manager I Joseph Shelton and Correctional Officers Audrina Wannamaker and Patrick Parrish about their jobs, the camaraderie found working in an institution, and what it’s like living in the Susanville area.
Visit RSS to listen to the podcast.
Staff Spotlight
CIM honors memory of Correctional Officer Manuel Gonzalez
California Institution for Men (CIM) honored the memory of fallen Correctional Officer Manuel Gonzalez who was murdered 19 years ago.
The Jan. 10 ceremony marks the 2005 slaying of Officer Gonzalez when he was stabbed to death while on duty.
In remembrance of Gonzalez, a moment of silence was initiated at 11:52, marking the time he took his last breath. Following the moment of silence, an End of Watch Call was announced by Central Control with the activation of Sycamore Hall’s alarm.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
Car show revs up at Valley State Prison
Current and retired employees turned out to enjoy classic cars, food and camaraderie at the Valley State Prison car show. At the same time, they supported the institution’s efforts to honor employees who have passed away.
The prison recently hosted its third annual car show event. The primary goal of the event was to raise funds for engraving the memorial wall dedicated to staff members who have passed away, creating a lasting tribute to their contributions.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
Retiree Rex Gerber looks back on CDCR career
Rex Gerber, who retired from the department in 2020, spoke with writer Viorel Vintila to discuss his 27-year career as a correctional officer and sergeant.
Growing up, Gerber wanted to be in law enforcement. A couple of years after graduating college, he was hired by the department in April 1993.
“I wanted to be a deputy or city police officer,” Gerber recalled “I graduated from Western Oregon University in 1991 with a degree in criminal justice but was having trouble getting hired, and I must have done at least a dozen law enforcement interviews and applications.”
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
In the Community
California Men’s Colony food sale raises over $90k
Members of California Men’s Colony’s (CMC) Inmate Advisory Committee requested a food sale to generate funds. The money would benefit the Children’s Resource Network and Los Padres division of the Boy Scouts of America. Other local organizations and businesses also received donations this holiday season.
CMC donated $12,000 to the Children’s Resource Network. The Children’s Resource Network provides resources to help meet the educational and basic personal needs of socio-economically compromised children residing in California.
“It is an honor and privilege for the Children’s Resource Network of California to partner with CMC to provide clothing and other important direct resource support to the children. We look forward to personally thanking the incarcerated and staff for their generosity and kindness,” said Lisa Ray, CEO and Founder of the Children’s Resource Network.
Valley State Prison Staff Bowl for Special Olympics
Valley State Prison (VSP) attended the Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) Regional Bowling Tournament at the Bowlero in Clovis. The event raised funds and awareness for the Special Olympics, a cause that VSP has actively supported throughout its long-standing history.
VSP managers attended on their own time for the event, showcasing their dedication to contributing beyond the prison walls. Staff embraced the opportunity to enjoy a friendly game of bowling, showing their team spirit. What made this event particularly special was the staff’s initiative to personally hand out medals to Special Olympics participants. This created a direct and meaningful connection with the cause they were supporting.
“It’s essential to extend our support to the Special Olympics community. The joy on the faces of the participants is truly inspiring. I left the bowling event feeling good about donating my time for such a worthy cause,” said VSP Captain, R. Boozer.
In the Media
Prisneyland Part III: Job training programs in CA prisons are helping get parolees prepared
The California prison system is preparing inmates for life in the outside world by focusing on reform. The program at two facilities in the state earned the nickname ‘Prisneyland’ due to the facilities and programs offered.
Visit NBC News website to watch the video.
Project Rebound helps formerly incarcerated students rebuild their lives
After losing his freedom in 2018, Jon Hernandez mourned the life he once took for granted: college student, star wrestler, mentor to his younger brother.
“I thought I had thrown it all away,” said Hernandez, who had been sentenced to six years in prison for robbery in a scenario he describes as a drug deal gone awry. “I wondered how I would ever be able to fix the things that left a hole in me.”
Today, with the help of Sacramento State’s Project Rebound program for formerly incarcerated students, Hernandez is rebuilding his life, pursuing a degree in Computer Science, and looking toward a brighter future.
Visit Sacramento State’s website to read the full article.
Could Pickleball Help Change Prison Culture?
California’s oldest prison, San Quentin, has a new name. It’s now the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. It was already known for its college classes and arts programs. But Governor Newsom is hoping a major overhaul of the prison and new programs for everything from therapy to education and job training will be a model for prisons across the state.
This week, Uncuffed, a podcast produced by incarcerated journalists at San Quentin, tells us about a moment when the wall between correctional officers and incarcerated men broke down just a little bit over something new … a game of Pickleball.
Visit KQED’s website to listen to the podcast.
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