In this Week in Review for February 23, 2024, CDCR celebrates World Day of Social Justice, Family night at Pleasant Valley State Prison, and Fathers Behind Bars help youth sports.
What’s New?
CDCR braves Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
CDCR and CCHCS employees joined 300 others to brave the chilly temperatures in the 2024 Greater Sacramento Area Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Northern California.
The CDCR and CCHCS employees joined forces Saturday, Feb. 10, at Brown’s Ravine in Folsom to represent the department’s Sacramento area offices.
The CDCR Headquarters Freezin’ for a Reason polar plunge team raised $15,519 for Special Olympics Northern California athletes. The team ranked first as the 2024 Top Law Enforcement Torch Run Fundraising Team for the Sacramento Region.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Observations
World Day of Social Justice
World Day of Social Justice, internationally observed Feb. 20 each year, recognizes the importance of social justice and the equitable treatment of all people.
We have the opportunity and responsibility to foster environments where fairness and justice are not just ideals, but tangible realities. This is particularly vital in criminal justice and behavioral health, where disparities and injustices have long persisted.
By championing collaboration, effort, and empathy, we can make change.
World day of Social Justice, embodying the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), stands as a beacon, ensuring no individual is left behind and extending support to all, irrespective of color, class, or creed.
Our collective efforts are crucial in shifting the paradigm, paving the way for a more equitable and just society, in which everyone can thrive.
Submission by GARE Ambassador Cameron Byrd
To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing observances throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE website.
In the Community
CDCR hosts Japanese prison officials
CDCR recently welcomed a delegation of officials from the Japanese Ministry of Justice’s Corrections Bureau. The delegation embarked on a comprehensive tour of several CDCR facilities, including:
- San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
- California Medical Facility
- and Folsom State Prison.
The visit was part of a broader initiative by the Japanese Ministry of Justice to explore innovative approaches to offender rehabilitation and victim support.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Upward Mobility
Naginder Dhillon has been appointed Deputy Director of Program Support in the Division of Rehabilitative Programs.
Arturo “Roberto” Arias III has been appointed Warden at Calipatria State Prison.
Emily Sheffield has been appointed to the Board of Parole Hearings.
Bryan Phillips has been appointed Warden at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility.
In Our Institutions
Family night at Pleasant Valley State Prison
Pleasant Valley State Prison recently hosted an educational night of activities for family and friends.
Under the shelter of the covered parking lot, prison staff hosted department booths, vendors and refreshment stations.
Once checked in and registered, attendees received gifts, door-prize tickets and were encouraged to visit booths to receive additional giveaways donated by staff.
Exploring the booths in the parking lots, family members could interact with staff and learn more about daily operations within an institution.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services
OVSRS attends Capitol District PACT Meeting
Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) staff attended the Capitol District Parole and Community Team (PACT) meeting.
The meeting included 14 vendors that were available to visit and discuss what they offer.
Approximately 55 parolees attended.
Over 40 parolees visited the OVSRS booth to ask questions regarding restitution. Most parolees were aware they owed restitution but were not aware of their balance.
OVSRS provided parolees with restitution information and explained the direct order payment process.
Parolees were provided with OVSRS’ brochure and dollar amount of restitution owed.
Rehabilitation
7 Habits program recognized at Pelican Bay
Pelican Bay State Prison continues to have successful graduating classes for the 7 Habits on the Inside course.
The course aligns with CDCR’s focus on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism by providing the population with tools for personal development and behavior change.
Additionally, by incorporating the 7 Habits into their programming, CDCR demonstrates a commitment to offering holistic and impactful educational opportunities for the incarcerated population.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Goal‑planning student project at High Desert
A goal-planning project offered by an educator at Susanville’s High Desert State Prison has been transformative for her students.
Lisa Scotti’s Adult Basic Education I/II classes participate in a variety of activities to meet the basics for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. She applies best practices to maintain student engagement, increase student knowledge, meet common core standards, and facilitate collaboration between students.
The more students use these skills, the more confident they will be in public speaking. This all helps their reentry efforts for job interviews and employability.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Fathers Behind Bars help youth sports
In January, the Fathers Behind Bars program donated over $16,000 to Monterey High School sports teams.
A check donation presentation for the girls’ volleyball and basketball teams was made by Correctional Training Facility staff on Jan. 9.
All the funds were raised by donations from the incarcerated population from an October 2023 food sale organized by the Fathers Behind Bars program.
The funds are used to support team transportation, uniforms, and equipment, significantly aiding in their athletic endeavors.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Second study shows CALPIA programs reduce recidivism
A second University of California, Irvine study shows most California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) job training programs lower recidivism rates.
The study found most all job training programs and enterprises through CALPIA are equally matched when it comes to lower rates of rearrests, reconvictions, and reincarcerations among participants.
“These results prove that CALPIA’s job training programs work – no matter what program is available, incarcerated individuals will benefit by participating in the long run.” said General Manager Bill Davidson. “The skills learned by incarcerated individuals make a positive difference when it comes to their reentry and success.”
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
In the Media
After serving time for murder, SoCal man is looking ahead, dreaming big
For many teens who serve time behind bars, getting out and going on to college may seem unrealistic or impossible.
But thanks to a program founded by formerly incarcerated students, recently released inmates have a pathway to pursue college degrees at the University of California, Irvine.
Shawn Khalifa on campus is one of the few students who can be spotted on campus, carrying a backpack, and comforting a baby.
The father of two spent nearly half his life in state prison. Khalifa, now 35 years and released from prison, began serving a life sentence for first-degree murder when he was 15 years old.
Visit NBC Los Angeles to read the full article.
Art therapy helps CA prisoners improve themselves and their community
California is rethinking its prison system in an effort to reduce the recidivism rate which has averaged about 50% over the past 10 years.
At California State Prison Corcoran, Sean O’Brien is using art as therapy.
“Personally? It probably saved my life,” explains O’Brien who is now 34 and has been in prison since he was 16.
Along with other participating artists, O’Brien uses art as a way to explore emotions, reduce stress and improve self-esteem while in prison. Some say it’s using the time instead of just doing time.
Visit ABC 7 to read the full article.
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Family night at Pleasant Valley State Prison
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