Week in Review: May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

In this issue of Week in Review for May 17, 2024: Three CDCR institutions attend Peace Officers Memorial, California Institution for Women represents CDCR at Capitol Peace Officers Memorial, Mule Creek hosts Fun Run, and CCHCS Celebrates National Nurses Week.

Observances

CCHCS Celebrates National Nurses Week

In honor of National Nurses Week, observed May 6-12 every year, CCHCS nursing leadership hosted an all-staff nursing luncheon in honor of nurses across the state. CCHCS leadership also attended the event at CCHCS headquarters in Elk Grove, representing several different program areas. They thanked nursing staff for their dedication and commitment to successful partnerships. The event included a well-stocked luncheon and words of appreciation from leaders across the region. Thank you to all who recognized our incredible nursing teams during National Nurses Week.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

DAPO hosts resource fair in Southern California

Division of Adult Parole Operations Los Angeles Central and Mid-City Parole Districts hosted a community-based resource fair at the Alameda Parole Office in Los Angeles. This event, dubbed the Freedom Festival, was a collaboration with Peer Voices and the Department of Mental Health.

The event showed the department’s dedication to supporting those in their reentry journey, fostering connections with peers who have successfully navigated similar paths, and connecting with community resources. Ten community vendors provided resources to help parole participants find employment, vocational training, mental health, housing, voter registration, and education opportunities.

Attending participants received care packages containing sweatshirts, shoes, hygiene products for men and women, food, and other essential items. Lunch was also included.

In the Community

CSP-Solano attends Peace Officers Memorial

California State Prison, Solano, acting Warden Jason Schultz, acting Chief Deputy Warden Andre Gonzales, and management attended the 34th annual Peace Officers Memorial. The event was held at the Solano County Sheriff’s Office where the Peace Officers Wall of Honor is located. Law enforcement agencies throughout Solano County attended to pay tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Solano County. Other CDCR institutions attending included San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and California Medical Facility. For more photos see the story on Inside CDCR.

CIW Honor Guard attend California Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony

honor guard from CIW in front of Capitol

California Institution for Women Honor Guard attended the 46^th annual California Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Capitol.

The names of eight officers were added, or “enrolled,” to the memorial monument during the ceremony.

The two-day ceremony began with a candlelight vigil at the Memorial Monument.

At dusk, families, friends, community members, and colleagues walked in solidarity to the Memorial Monument to remember and celebrate their fallen heroes.

This was followed by keynote speaker Riverside Sheriff C. Bianco.

The formal ceremony included a memorial procession for law enforcement vehicles and a Walk of Honor for department representatives and immediate family members of officers being enrolled.

This was followed by the Enrollment Ceremony, where the names of newly enrolled officers are formally added to the Memorial Monument.

In Our Institutions

SOL management outside of the institution

SOL management passing gift bag to officer

CSP-Solano management honors Correctional Officers

California State Prison Solano management greeted officers with snack bags in honor of National Correctional Officer Appreciation Week. Acting Warden Jason Schultz and acting Chief Deputy Warden Andre Gonzales were at the front gate personally handing out bags.

Pleasant Valley State Prison Mental Health Awareness art gallery

Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) incarcerated population participated in an art exhibit led by Nicolesha Reed, CCHCS Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker II.

Paintings created by incarcerated artists showcased Mental Health Awareness Month. Working with custody staff and the incarcerated population, Reed provided canvases, paint, and paint brushes.

Five paintings from each facility were chosen and displayed at the Fresno City Hall for the Art Hop event and will be on display until the end of May.

Learn more about the Fresno Art Hop on their website.

SAC playing ping pong with the resource team

individual doing pull ups with SAC resource team

CSP-Sacramento’s Resource Team making strides

During the last five-months, the Resource Team at California State Prison, Sacramento, has worked with the following programs:

A-Facility’s Enhanced Outpatient Program
Restrictive Housing Unit
and Correctional Clinical Case Management System population.

The prison’s Resource Team is led by Sgt. E. Ramirez as well as Officers Carpenter, Rios, Johnson, and Coffey. They have attended special trainings and learned from experienced staff to improve working with the incarcerated population at all levels of care.

Mule Creek State Prison hosts Splash Dash Fun Run

Mule Creek State Prison recently held Splash Dash 2024, the institution’s annual Fun Run. With nearly 100 participants, it was the biggest turnout yet.

The Fun Run allows staff and families to enjoy a few hours of healthy recreation while creating or strengthening bonds and relationships with other participants.

This year Rainbow Brockenborough, Regional Health Care Executive; Dr. Bradley Archibald, Chief Dentist; and Dawn Lorey, Assistant Deputy Director; attended the event.

For more photos from the event, see the story on Inside CDCR.

In the Media

Governor Newsom honors fallen San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Correctional Officer Frank Salas

Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday issued the following statement regarding the death of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Correctional Officer Frank Salas:

“As we remember Correctional Officer Frank Salas for his passionate and professional demeanor, Jennifer and I offer our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and co-workers during this time. We are grateful for his years of service to the people of California.”

Visit Sierra Sun Times website to read the full article. Or, read the story on Inside CDCR.