In this Week in Review for March 22, 2024, we see how DAPO is Making a Difference, a CCJBH intern finished a big project; and CALPIA sees 52 earn job certifications.
What’s New?
CDCR launches CPR and first aid training initiative
CDCR initiated a landmark CPR and First Aid training program to strengthen public health and safety. The program will begin at Central California Woman’s Facility (CCWF) and aims to equip the incarcerated population with essential life-saving skills crucial for emergency response.
“This training marks a pivotal step in preparing our incarcerated population for success beyond institutional boundaries,” said Yong Lee, Staff Services Manager I from the Division of Rehabilitation Programs
With an estimated participation of over 6,000 individuals across various CDCR sites, the initiative serves to enhance preparedness among the population.
Women’s History Month
1973: DVI’s first female officer reports for duty
On June 4, 1973, Trella Robertson was hired as the first female correctional officer at Deuel Vocational Institution (DVI) in Tracy.
Robertson was no stranger to law enforcement, having served as a police officer in Albuquerque from 1963 until 1967.
After Robertson moved to California, she applied to become a correctional officer.
She attended a five-week Basic Correctional Officer Academy at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad. She was one of seven women out of 40 graduates.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Meet Redding Parole Unit Agent Kristen Blehm
In honor of Women’s History Month, Inside CDCR sat down with Agent Kristen Blehm to talk about her career, what it’s like working in a rural parole office and the difference between being a police officer and a parole agent. She is one of a team of agents, clinical social workers and others who work in the Redding Parole Unit. Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
CDCR Unlocked
Women’s History Month: A look into CDCR efforts to increase representation of women with the 30×30 initiative.
Hear about the 30×30 pledge CDCR recently signed to increase women representation by the year 2030 and the efforts planned to meet the goal shared by Rosanna Rodriguez, Manager within Office of Peace Officer Selection over Recruitment. Special guest Lieutenant Priscilla Gonzalez will share her personal experience as a peace officer woman working within the Department including her struggles, successes and encouragement of future female officers. Visit RSS.com to listen to the podcast.
Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health
CCJBH Intern presents CDCR rehabilitation standards
Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health intern Evelyn Padilla Quirarte recently completed her winter session at UC Davis. She presented her research project, titled “Forced Isolation or Self-Isolation: Education Bringing Alternate Realities to Prisons,” at the UC Davis Winter Showcase.
The project speaks to the transformative power of education within incarcerated populations, focusing on how academic programs can significantly reduce misconduct and recidivism rates, fostering a rehabilitative environment. Her application of social control theory to understand the behavioral changes in incarcerated populations illustrates a sophisticated integration of sociology and criminology.
This reflects the Council of Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health’s commitment to evidence-based approaches. Her analytical insights and policy implications provide valuable contributions to the development of correctional education initiatives.
Observances
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The department joined the rest of the world in observing International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21.
This annual observance commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, where South African police killed 69 people, wounding more than 180, including children, while they were peacefully protesting apartheid “pass laws.”
Apartheid was the official, government-sanctioned form of racial segregation in South Africa from 1948 until 1994. In addition to severely limiting the opportunity and movement of non-White South Africans, apartheid also ensured that control of the country remained in the hands of South Africa’s White minority. People of color in South Africa were forced to carry “pass books,” which limited the movement of black South Africans and restricted them to racially segregated areas.
This observance sheds light on how far South Africa has come in its post-apartheid era while building awareness of the racial inequality that persists in South Africa and worldwide. We acknowledge that racial discrimination remains a fundamental societal problem and firmly stand against racism.
To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing celebrations throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE website.
Division of Adult Parole Operations
DAPO Making a Difference: Meet Agent Richardson
CDCR Parole Agent Jonathan Richardson of the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) shares a day on the job, demonstrating how he makes a difference in the lives of the people he supervises.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Rehabilitation
CDCR officials attend Ventura Training Center graduation
The Ventura Training Center celebrated their graduation on March 15 for cohorts 16 and 17. This class was recognized for being the first class from VTC to have all 37 cadets start the program together and graduate together.
The graduates hold a significant role in California’s wildfire response efforts. Upon completion of their training, these individuals become qualified wildland firefighters, capable of assisting in firefighting operations across the state. Their work is crucial in combating wildfires, protecting lives, property, and natural resources.
In attendance were executive leaders from three CDCR Divisions:
- Amy Casias, Director of the Division of Rehabilitative Programs
- Ron Broomfield, Director of Division of Adult Institutions
- and Julie Kaplan, Assistant Deputy Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations.
San Quentin sees 52 earn job certifications
It was a day full of music and celebration as 52 incarcerated individuals received their industry accredited job certifications at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. The graduates are part of the job training programs offered through the California Prison Industry Authority, better known as CALPIA. These programs prepare individuals for meaningful employment when returning to their communities.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
In Our Institutions
Folsom State Prison Girl Scout cookie sale
On March 15, Folsom State Prison collaborated with Girl Scouts, a nonprofit organization, to hold a cookie sale. The incarcerated population fully supported the effort, purchasing cookies directly from the organization.
Over 3,500 Girl Scout cookie boxes were sold, raising over $21,000 for the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California.
“We are pleased to have contributed to the Girl Scouts’ mission and their efforts to foster leadership skills in young women,” according to prison officials.
California Model
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility hosts interfacility fútbol match
On March 15, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) staff with the institution’s California Model Team attended an interfacility fútbol match between Facilities F and G. The incarcerated population created the “Top Dawg” belt for the winning team to hold until the next event.
The game was fast paced and well played by both teams. After an hour of play, the game was at a draw. The game ended in penalty kicks won by Facility F. Sportsmanship of players on each team was at its highest and is to be commended.
No Matter What, San Quentin’s newest physical exercise program
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s (SQ) California Model resource team recently held their “No Matter What” physical exercise program. The 65-minute workout took place in the gym. SQ Officer S. Lopez and Officer C. Ramirez participated with 41 participants from various blocks in the institution. This was the first workout with the California Model Team and the, “No Matter What” group of incarcerated persons.
San Francisco Public Defenders visit San Quentin
Discussing the parole hearings process and reentry, San Francisco Public Defenders recently met with incarcerated people at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
In the Media
San Quentin coding program offers hope for careers after prison
Roughly 50 people incarcerated at San Quentin are now one step closer to getting a career out of prison. That’s through a program that gives job training in skills like coding and audio production to prisoners. Visit KQED’s website to listen to the full story.
Butte County Male Community Reentry Program offers opportunities
The Butte County Male Community Reentry Program works with Butte County Probation to bring the Future Firefighter Academy to help incarcerated people get back on their feet. “In the community, I don’t think the stigma is there anymore,” the program director of MCRP in Butte County, Jody Alsdurf said. “People are willing to work and they are willing to hire them so I don’t think they are judged harshly anymore.”
Visit Action News Now’s website to read the full story.
Free screening of California prison documentary
Solano County Probation Department recently hosted a free screening of “The 50” — a documentary by filmmaker Brenton Gieser. The film follows the first 50 incarcerated individuals to become certified Drug and Alcohol counselors through California’s Occupational Mentor Certification Program.
Visit Vallejo Sun’s website to read the full story.
Top Inside CDCR Stories
230 correctional officers join CDCR
Governor appoints 2 to CDCR leadership roles
CTF focuses on staff health, wellness
San Quentin holds Native American Powwow
For media inquiries, e-mail the Office of Public & Employee Communications.
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