In this Week in Review for March 1, 2024, CDCR celebrates Women’s History Month, Kardashian sisters tour two California prisons, and Philippine Public Safety Executives visit CDCR.
Observations
Women’s History Month
March celebrates Women’s History Month. CDCR strives to become a more inclusive environment for all women within the department.
In September 2023, CDCR Secretary Jeffrey Macomber signed a “30×30” pledge.
This pledge sets a goal to have women make up 30 percent of correctional officer cadets by 2030.
In celebration of Women’s History Month and commitment to 30×30 initiative, PORU is hosting a Women’s Virtual Event in March that will consist of a panel of CDCR women who will share their personal experiences and successes in the department.
Staff Spotlight
Meet Correctional Officer Brian Board
In honor of Black History Month, CDCR is highlighting Brian Board, a correctional officer at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
Board has helped the department fulfill its public safety mission for 18 years, marking his employment anniversary in March.
“In 18 years, I’ve worked in over 90 percent of the posts at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, gaining a deep understanding of its operations,” said Board. “I continually strive for improvement as the institution embraces new initiatives.”
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
Unlocking History
San Quentin evolution through the years
The evolution of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center began with the first prison ship in 1851 and the spirit of change continues to this day. (See the video below.)
San Quentin was California’s first institution to incarcerate those who’ve been convicted of breaking laws.
After briefly relying on two county jail ships, one in Sacramento and the other in San Francisco, John Coffee “Jack” Hays acquired the Waban. Hays, the sheriff of San Francisco, outfitted the Waban to operate as the first state prison. In December 1851, he sailed to Angel Island with roughly 40 incarcerated people.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
In Our Institutions
Philippine Public Safety Executives visit CDCR
A total of 43 Philippine Public Safety Executives recently visited CDCR in one of the largest international visitations the department has ever held. The executives come from various professions in the Philippines including Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail & Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Manila Airport Police.
They are all currently undergoing a 12-month Public Safety Officers Senior Executive Course (PSOSEC). The purpose of PSOSEC’s visit was to see how the department functions daily and what programs are offered to the incarcerated.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Kardashian sisters tour two California prisons
Kim and Khloé Kardashian toured two California prisons in Chowchilla: Valley State Prison and Central California Women’s Facility. On Feb. 9, they recorded footage for their upcoming show, set to stream on Hulu in six months.
During their visit to Valley, they met with participants of the Youth Offender Program, including Travon Willis who found it to be a great opportunity to have visiting celebrities.
“Today we are here to give people an opportunity to see what it’s like for us,” Willis said. “(They can) see we are able to change (and make) different choices.”
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
Second Chances art auction benefits horses
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Second Chances program recently launched an online art exhibit and auction, thanks to Pleasant Valley State Prison.
Celebrating the birth of every thoroughbred horse foaled in 2024 in the northern hemisphere, the exhibit showcases the Second Chance Prison Art Program at Pleasant Valley.
The incarcerated program participants wanted to support the foundation and the work they do since it’s all about second chances.
“This is a way to give back to society (to help make up for) what we’ve taken,” said one participant.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
Upward Mobility
Joseph Williams has been appointed Director, Corrections Services.
Rehabilitation
CMF Military Assistance Program aims high
The California Medical Facility (CMF) recently hosted the Military Assistance Program, a collaboration between military personnel and incarcerated individuals.
Travis Air Force Base Commander Brigadier General Derek Salmi and Staff Judge Advocate Lisa Moseley joined other executive staff and base personnel for the Military Assistance Program at CMF in Vacaville.
Since its inception in 2016, the military program has served as diversion for young airmen who may be veering off course. The incarcerated population at CMF offers them firsthand insight into the consequences of their actions. Through facility tours, shared meals, and testimonials, these individuals get a glimpse into the realities of life behind bars.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.
Meet Penny, Men’s Colony first peer support dog
The California Men’s Colony Peer Support Team is welcoming new member Penny, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever.
Penny graduated from the California Men’s Colony New Life K-9 Program as a facility dog.
Peer Support Team Capt. M. Thury discussed the benefits of adding a K-9 to the Peer Support Team with Warden Samuel, who gave his blessing.
The California Men’s Colony then had its first official K-9 Peer Support member.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
In the Media
Sacramento County job fair offered job-seekers chance at finding new career
A free career fair in Sacramento County on Thursday was an opportunity for many to meet local recruiters and decision-makers who are hiring right now.
Some of the companies present included: 3P Partners, Alert Shack, LLC, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Housing & Community Development, the California Department of Social Services, Caltrans, Cardinal Glass and ChildCare Careers.
Visit KCRA’s website to watch the video.
Words matter at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center is about to begin a new cultural transition. One of the big changes at the facility will target the way in which language is used.
Correctional officers are being directed to use words like incarcerated person or resident, rather than the word “inmate” for those under their custody and care.
Jesse Milo, who is incarcerated at the prison, said a language change is long overdue.
“The stigma attached to these labels gives people the perception that I’m an alien and that I don’t matter,” Milo said.
Visit Local News Matters to read the full article.
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