Valley State Prison (VSP) was buzzing with excitement May 6 as it hosted its staff employee wellness and appreciation event.
The festivities coincided with Public Service Recognition Week, Correctional Officers Week, and Nurses Week. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the visitor parking lot, kicking off with vibrant opening ceremonies and a celebration of World Food Day.
Opening the appreciation event, Valley State Prison acting Warden R. Morales set the tone for the day. Staff were treated to an array of activities, including free food, music courtesy of local radio station B95, line dancing, massages, and cultural booths representing different ethnicities from around the world.
One highlight was Bravo Bites who generously provided free plates of tacos, sponsored by the employee association committee. The VSP Honor Guard added dignity to the event with a flag ceremony, underscoring the importance of the occasion.
What truly made the day special was the diverse representation of global cuisines. Staff set up booths showcasing culinary delights from Germany, Mexico, India, the Philippines, France, Spain, Japan, China, Cuba, and the USA. This not only tantalized taste buds but also fostered cultural appreciation and camaraderie among attendees.
“As we reflect on this event, it’s clear that the wellness and appreciation of VSP staff are paramount. Their dedication and hard work contribute to the California Model, prioritizing rehabilitation, reintegration, and community safety,” said Morales. “This celebration serves as a reminder of the profound impact our collective efforts have on the well-being of both staff and the incarcerated population. Here’s to the incredible VSP team – thank you for all that you do.”
VSP administration also thanked the following volunteers who came in at 4 a.m. to cook food and ensure the first watch staff was fed.
Early morning volunteers:
- N. Salas, In-Service Training Lieutenant
- D. Miller, In-Service Training Sergeant
- A. Rowe, Use of Force Coordinator
- J. Mensing, Health Care Access Captain
- E. Tiller, Plant Operations Manager
- A. Garcia-Cisneros, Chief Nursing Executive
- S. Goyal, Supervising Registered Nurse II
- G. Walker, Supervising Registered Nurse II
- B. Casarez, Supervising Registered Nurse III
Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum
See more awards and appreciation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
CCWF hosts staff Clover Awards Ceremony
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) recently hosted its first Clover Awards Ceremony, recognizing staff who lead with integrity, courage, and…
ASP honors staff with 25 years of service
Avenal State Prison (ASP) recently honored 18 dedicated staff who reached the extraordinary milestone of 25-plus years of CDCR service.…
Watch: CPOST 2025 Impact Award ceremony
In mid-December, CDCR’s Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST) honored employees at the 2025 Impact Award ceremony.…
CPOST honors employees with Impact Award
CDCR’s Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST) honored employees at the CPOST second Impact Award ceremony. During…
ASP health care leaders thank advisory council
Avenal State Prison (ASP) hosted an appreciation lunch to honor the vital contributions of the incarcerated-person advisory council (IAC). The…
Watch: Secretary Macomber looks back on 2025
CDCR’s Secretary Jeff Macomber reflects on 2025, examining the challenges, losses, and accomplishments the department has faced. Watch the Secretary’s…