Week in Review: June 14, 2024

June 14, 2024

In this issue of Week in Review for June 14, 2024: CCJBH interns shine bright in academics; Meet a Pride Month ally; California Correctional Institution staff earn awards; and the Folsom warden speaks at the academy graduation.

Observances

Juneteenth – June 19th

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when 250,000 slaves in the state of Texas were declared free by the U.S. Army. This had been the last stronghold of slavery near the end of the Civil War. Also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, Juneteenth has been an official holiday in the state of Texas since 1980. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and California state holiday in 2022.

While many African Americans may identify with the significance of Juneteenth, some have diverse cultural backgrounds, such as Afro-Caribbean or with direct ties to an African nation and may not descend from Africans enslaved in America. Sensitivity is key when recognizing Juneteenth in the workplace. By promoting awareness and understanding of African American history, staff can foster inclusivity and respect. It’s crucial to approach discussions with sensitivity, acknowledging diverse backgrounds. Ultimately, acknowledging Juneteenth fosters a more respectful and inclusive workplace for all.

Submitted by GARE Ambassador Nina Thomas

To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing celebrations and observances throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE website.

Pride Month Executive Ally – Justi Caraballo, Associate Warden, Folsom State Prison

What is important about being a LGBTQIA+ ally to you?

The importance of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is a natural reaction in choosing to be kind. Being an ally is to ensure I express acceptance to receive a person no matter their identity, and to also share that message, which at times may mean standing up against adversity. When choosing to accept an individual’s worth and contributions without judgement, the hope is to create a safe space for others to be free to be themselves without bias. I do and will continue to communicate fostering an environment of acceptance to empower all to thrive in life. Releasing bias and judgement upon others fosters peace to move forward and simply live.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to creating supportive spaces and ally-ships for our LGBTQIA+ community and to being supportive of all individuals in our communities, both inside and outside of our prisons. CDCR/CCHCS GARE has established a webpage of LGBTQIA+ resources to share with employees and their family. https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/gare/lgbtqia/

Upward Mobility

Edmond Blagdon has been assigned as Director of Enterprise Information Services (EIS), California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

CCJBH

CCJBH interns shine bright in academics

Council of Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (CCJBH) intern Maha Ghafoor recently shared a presentation during UC Davis’s Spring Showcase, illustrating public perceptions of First Amendment rights. Her insightful research on the influence of protest content highlights the nuanced ways in which societal views are shaped and underscores the importance of informed policymaking.

Meanwhile, fellow CCJBH intern Nithzia Espinoza Navarro presented on healthcare in California state prisons. Her investigation shines a light on disparities in healthcare funding and its impact on mortality rates.

Both Maha and Nithzia have demonstrated outstanding academic rigor and a profound commitment to addressing pivotal issues within our community. Their contributions not only enhance our understanding but also pave the way for meaningful changes in policy and practice.

CCJBH would like to share their support for their interns. Their work exemplifies the dedication and impact that young scholars can have in the fields of criminal justice and behavioral health.

Staff Spotlight

CCI recognizes two phenomenal employees

California Correctional Institution would like to reflect on two amazing women who have been recognized for their outstanding job performance in 2023. Correctional Officer Andrea Brass was recognized as the institution’s Employee of the Year as selected by her supervisors and managers. Brass, now a sergeant, has gone above and beyond by stepping up during emergencies. She has showed poise and leadership, making others take notice.

Personnel Specialist II Toni Longcrier was recognized as the institution’s Supervisor of the Year. She has dedicated many years to ensure institution staff are taken care of through the challenges we face. Longcrier’s compassionate heart and subtle-yet-firm leadership have made her a tremendous asset to the institution and CDCR.

In Our Institutions

Folsom Warden attends Basic Correctional Officer Academy Graduation

Folsom State Prison acting Warden Joseph Tuggle attended the recent Basic Correctional Officer Academy graduation at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt. As the keynote speaker, Tuggle recognized the graduating class for their accomplishments and offered them valuable advice to take with them as they report to their newly assigned institutions.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, Tuggle met with the 15 cadets assigned to Folsom State Prison. He congratulated them and commended them for their hard work and dedication. He expressed his confidence in their ability to positively contribute to Folsom State Prison and CDCR.

“As Warden of Folsom State Prison, witnessing the graduation of the 4-24 class of cadets holds a fond memory, marking 26 years since I graduated with the class of 4-98. This milestone is a profound reminder of the dedication, growth, and resilience inherent in our profession. I am incredibly proud of these officers for their commitment and hard work,” he said.

High Desert hosts first incarcerated choir concert

Several incarcerated individuals performed in the first choir concert at High Desert State Prison.

Over a year ago, a group of incarcerated individuals joined a choir class. As the class became more involved and the harmony began to take its course, the idea of putting on a concert arose.

For three months, the choir practiced each day, bonding and perfecting their melody.

On the day of the event, the choir performed songs from different backgrounds and languages.

All choir participants had smiles of joy, taking pride in their performance.

Audience members included administration and the incarcerated population.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

DAPO San Gabriel hosts women's empowerment event

San Gabriel parole hosts Women Empowerment event

Division of Adult Parole Operations’ (DAPO) San Gabriel Valley District recently held their monthly Women Empowerment (WE) meeting.

Participating in the event were 16 females under parole supervision.

Parole Service Associate Susan Calhoun received donated snacks from Costco for the ladies to enjoy.

A non-profit organization, Women in Progress, donated backpacks filled with hygiene kits as well as clothing to DAPO’s parolee closet.

El Monte parole hosts potluck

Division of Adult Parole Operations’ El Monte District hosted a potluck for their monthly Peer Reentry Navigation Network (PRNN) meeting.

While the potluck featured food, it also offered a gathering place for those on parole supervision to openly discuss challenges they face within the community as well as acknowledge their successes.

Guest speakers from Mass Liberation encouraged participants to share their experiences without fear of being judged.

District Administrator Melanie Reyes, Parole Agent II Rodrigo Campos, and Parole Service Associate Roy Quintero facilitated the event, cultivating an environment of positive and respectful communication.

Rehabilitation

MCRP LA2 Participant Christopher Carson earns bachelor’s degree

MCRP LA2 participant graduates from CSUDH

Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) Los Angeles 2 participant Christopher Carson recently received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Carson arrived at the MCRP in December 2022 with goals to further his education. In the fall of 2023, Carson enrolled at the university as a full-time student.

There, he also participated in Project Rebound, an organization providing supportive services and pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals through education.

The university recently held their graduation ceremony where Carson received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology. During the ceremony, university President Thomas A. Parham acknowledged Carson, honoring his perseverance and accomplishments.

Correctional Training Facility Alternatives to Violence Project Cultural Group

CTF hosts Alternatives to Violence Project Cultural Group (AVP)

Alternatives to Violence Project Cultural Group held a three-day basic workshop to train the incarcerated population to be facilitators at Correctional Training Facility in Soledad.

The group participants go over guidelines and exercises which creates a transforming power and role to facilitate workshops.

The workshops and organizations are open to people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ages, histories of crime, disabilities, religions, beliefs, and backgrounds. Upon completing the workshop, participants gather for a certification competition ceremony.

The Alternatives to Violence Project plays a big part in the California Model, emphasizing 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 institutions’ efforts to prepare incarcerated people for successful reintegration into society.

In the Media

Dogs graduate from service dog training program at California Men’s Colony

Seven dogs (recently) graduated from the New Life K-9s training program at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo.

The dogs are trained by incarcerated participants at the prison for about two years, learning how to be service dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD.

New Life K9s’ motto is “Saving lives through the healing power of the human-canine bond.” Those involved in the program say that’s not only true for those receiving the dogs but also for the people who train them.

Visit KSBY’s website to read the full story.

San Quentin chess event unites prisoners, officers to transform lives

incarcerated plays chess with correctional officer

Prisoners and officers at San Quentin faced off and partnered up recently to play games of chess in the facility’s gymnasium. The goal was to have incarcerated people and staff members engage with each other as part of the ongoing effort to convert the 171-year-old state prison into a rehabilitation center.

The event, dubbed “Pawns to Progress,” was sponsored by Mechanics’ Institute — a San Francisco-based cultural center and chess club — and San Quentin SkunkWorks — a nonprofit that empowers incarcerated people.

Visit KTVU’s website to read the full story.

San Quentin Nurse brings judges near tears on America’s Got Talent

Before performing on America’s Got Talent on Tuesday, June 11, singer Dee Dee Simon told judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel that she has spent 20 years of her adult life as a nurse at San Quentin.

Focused on family and career, singing became more of a hobby. The Oakland native said she even attempted to perform for prisoners on two occasions: the first time led to a riot before she gained a more peaceful audience during her second round.

Visit American Songwriter’s website to read the full article.

Introducing San Quentin State Prison’s newest audio storytellers

Uncuffed is KALW’s prison radio training program and podcast where people in California prisons tell their stories.

We’ve taught the art of arts of radio and podcasting to over 60 participants, who record and edit personal interviews and conversations about their shared humanity.

Today, we’re going to introduce you to the newest cohort of students in the storytelling program inside San Quentin.

Every week, six incarcerated producers gather in the San Quentin Media Center to learn the ins and outs of audio storytelling.

In first few weeks, they take the mic and begin sharing a little bit about themselves. In this show, we’ll hear what they’ve produced so far.

Visit KALW’s website to read the full article.

Alternative to Violence Program paves new paths, fosters connections

Roger Brown said he had his “head cut off from the rest of his body” most of his life.

He was riddled with anger and frustration, but above all – fear.

He didn’t care for his own livelihood and in turn was unable to care for others.

His brother and group of friends – at the time – let him into their idea of a planned robbery. Brown didn’t know the details beforehand – nor did he bother to ask. The robbery turned deadly. The group took a witness, brought him into a field and shot him.

Visit Mustang News’ website to read the full article.