CTF hosts first car show for staff, incarcerated

June 10, 2024

The first CTF car show organized by staff and the incarcerated population.

In an unprecedented event, Correctional Training Facility (CTF) custody staff and the incarcerated population organized their first car show.

On May 19, staff and the population of Facilities A and B put on the first-of-its-kind car show. While being a celebration, this event also aligns with the department’s goals of the California Model.

CTF first staff/incarcerated car show highlights

Large group of incarcerated people at a car show in Soledad prison, Correctional Training Facility. — A great turnout for the first car show organized by staff and the population at CTF.

Opening ceremony: National anthem proudly sung by an incarcerated veteran from Facility B’s Veterans Hub.
Car display: 19 vehicles along with two motorcycles from New Arrivals and Aztec Legacy, along with additional vehicles displayed by CTF staff.
Live music: Performances by incarcerated population.
Staff BBQ vendor provided by the Veterans Transition Center of Marina

Winning vehicles:

First: New Arrivals Car Club 1965 Buick Wildcat
Second: Aztec Legacy Car Club 1937 Pontiac Silver Streak
Third: Aztec Legacy Car Club 1964 Ford

The California Model emphasizes a correctional philosophy fostering normalization, peer mentorship, trauma-informed care, and dynamic security. These principles aim to cultivate a humane, rehabilitative environment where staff and incarcerated individuals interact with mutual respect and understanding. Events like these are critical components of the department’s efforts to prepare incarcerated people for successful reintegration into society.

“This event is crucial for us to show appreciation for staff’s consistent efforts to aid our rehabilitation. It’s about respect and community, and that’s what motivates us to keep improving,” said one of the incarcerated participants.

Guest speakers included a retired correctional officer and members of the car clubs, all noting the innovation behind allowing a car show to be held inside a prison.

The event also featured a food sale fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting Soledad Swim, a non-profit organization. The food sale raised $2,908 for the group.

Acting Warden Edward J. Borla also commented on the significance of this event.

“Events like the car show are the catalyst for breaking down barriers and building positive relationships within the prison. Bringing outside community members in to share within this community brings all of us together. The sentiment from many who attended the car show, both staff and the incarcerated population, (was how) it did not feel like prison during the event,” Borla said.

“The razor wire and towers all disappeared, and it felt like a car show at a park. It was those feelings that are the essence of the California Model. The conversations about the beautiful cars on display between the community members, staff, and population, won’t end just because the car show has ended. They continue for days, weeks and months to come.”

Submitted by Lt. Luis Mares