Week in Review: July 5, 2024

July 5, 2024

In this issue of Week in Review for July 5, 2024, CDCR Unlocked features an exclusive 4th of July Patriotic Special with Sgt. Aguilar. We also highlight Independence Day celebrations across CDCR institutions and provide essential tips to stay safe during California’s excessive heat wave.

Observations

4th of July, Independence Day Celebration

As the nation celebrated the 4th of July, CDCR/CCHCS extends its hopes for a brighter California to all our staff, the incarcerated individuals in our care, and loved ones. We acknowledge the sacrifices of those who couldn’t attend the celebrations and recognize the selfless work required to promote public safety and build a better California and nation

CDCR Unlocked

4th of July Patriotic Special

In this episode of CDCR Unlocked, we talk to Sgt. Aguilar about his life and journey. He tells us about his time in the National Guard, where he earned two Purple Hearts, and his work in the CDCR. Sgt. Aguilar also helped start the Field Training Sergeant program. You can listen to CDCR Unlocked on any podcast platform. CDCR Unlocked – 4th of July Patriotic Special | RSS.com

Health and Safety

Excessive Heat Wave

With temperatures set to exceed 110 degrees throughout much of the state this week, Governor Gavin Newsom is urging Californians to take extra precautions as they celebrate the Fourth of July.

The Governor directed the Office of Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center and move into Phase II of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan. This is triggered by National Weather Service (NWS) predictions of excessive heat activity and moves the state into action to coordinate an all-hands response by state government.

The state has already begun outreach to a network of community organizations to ensure the most vulnerable Californians can access resources like cooling centers. Additionally, the state is enforcing heat protections for outdoor workers.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

In the summer, multiple days and nights of hot weather can be very dangerous. Getting too hot can make people sick. California Department of Health recommends learning the signs and how to help someone with heat illness:

HEAT STROKE: red, hot, dry skin; very high body temperature; dizziness; nausea; confusion, strange behavior, or unconsciousness; rapid pulse or throbbing headache. Call 9 – 1 – 1.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting. Move to a cool place and get medical help if vomiting or symptoms get worse or last longer than 1 hour.

Go to ready.ca.gov to find resources and tips to stay safe from extreme heat, and other natural disasters.

CCJBH

REMINDER: Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) Demonstration Addendum Public Comment Period

DHCS has opened a 30-day public comment period for a new addendum to the Section 1115 BH-CONNECT Demonstration. This period runs from June 14, 2024, to July 14, 2024. The addendum aims to enhance care for Medi-Cal members with significant behavioral health conditions and risk factors.

Proposed Additions: California proposes to allow county behavioral health plans to opt into two new programs designed for Medi-Cal members with complex behavioral health needs:

Community Transition In-Reach Services: Supports individuals with significant behavioral health conditions returning to the community from long-term institutional stays.
Room and Board in Enriched Residential Settings: Offers up to six months of support in settings with 16 beds or fewer, which must be unlocked, voluntary, and provide recovery-oriented services. These settings will meet standards set by DHCS with input from individuals with lived experience, advocacy groups, stakeholders, and tribal partners.

Details on how to provide feedback during the public comment period are available on the DHCS BH-CONNECT webpage: California Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment Waiver

For more information on CCBJH please visit their webpage: Welcome to the Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (ca.gov)

Recruitment

Special Recruitment Unit attends Sacramento Pride

Specialized Recruitment Unit (SRU) participated in Sacramento Pride for the second year. SRU represented CDCR’s support of current and future LGBTQIA+ employees and welcomed over 22,000 attendees.

SRU and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) recruiters engaged with booth attendees who expressed gratitude for CDCR’s presence and showed interest in CDCR and CCHCS careers.

As active members of the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce and partners of the Sacramento Black and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, SRU continues to participate in Chamber sponsored events cementing CDCR as a diverse and supportive employer of choice.

In Our Institutions

SATF Hosts Inaugural “Battle of The Blackstone’s”

On July 3rd, the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF) held its first “Battle of The Blackstone’s” event, sponsored by the CCPOA SATF Chapter. To foster camaraderie among staff, each facility was given a Blackstone grill and encouraged to compete for the title of best chefs.

Staff from each facility prepared samples for the judges, using ten to-go containers (five for 2nd Watch and five for 3rd Watch). Participants provided descriptions of their dishes and ensured meals were ready on time. The event was a hit, with some facilities earning bragging rights until next year!

For 2nd Watch, Board of Parole Hearing/Inmate Day Labor and Facility C tied for first place. Facility D took the top spot for 3rd Watch. Winners received a choice of a gift card or catering for their next training event.

This competition exemplified the teamwork and dedication of SATF staff, making it a memorable way to celebrate the 4th of July.

Submitted by Lt. Brent Urban, AA/PIO

Heartwarming 4th of July Celebration at Centinela State Prison

Centinela State Prison’s visiting staff and Inmate Family Council (IFC) hosted a special 4th of July event, bringing joy and connection to incarcerated individuals and their loved ones.

Families and incarcerated individuals painted wooden windmills and stars together, sharing laughter and conversation. The event created a sense of community and warmth, reminding everyone of the importance of love and connection.

For a brief moment, the challenges of incarceration were set aside as families enjoyed each other’s company. The painted windmills and stars symbolized the unbreakable bonds between loved ones.

“This was one of the best visits I’ve had to date. The staff were great and extremely helpful,” said a family member of an incarcerated individual.

Submitted by Lt. S. Cazares, AA/PIO

California Correctional Institution Celebrates 4th of July with Families

On Thursday, July 4th, 2024, the California Correctional Institution (CCI) hosted a special 4th of July event for the incarcerated population and their families. Visiting staff distributed colorable 4th of July cards and picture frame kits for children. Additionally, visitors and incarcerated individuals received gifts donated by the Inmate Family Council (IFC).

Submitted by Lt. Adrian Hart, PIO/AA

Staff and population working together to BBQ

Valley State Prison Celebrates Independence Day with Community BBQ

Valley State Prison (VSP) marked Independence Day with a festive barbecue, serving hamburgers and hotdogs to the entire population. Incarcerated individuals and staff came together to prepare and distribute BBQ plates throughout the institution, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.

The 4th of July BBQ plates were well received, bringing joy and a taste of home to everyone involved.

Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum Jr, AA/PIO

Centinela State Prison hosts X-Fest

X fest participant hurdling incarcerated on skateboard

Centinela State Prison hosts X-Fest

Centinela State Prison recently hosted X-Fest on Facility A. The event promoted faith, prayer, and a chance for incarcerated individuals to participate in an event resembling their communities.

More than 70 participants volunteered their time, including Pastor Dennis Martinez from New Vision Church in San Diego.

Incarcerated individuals were able to enjoy endless entertainment which included skateboarding, concerts, lowrider vehicles, motorcycles and BMX bicycle showcases.

Hundreds of incarcerated individuals and staff gathered around the event to enjoy the fun. Within the crowd in attendance, Warden (A) Fidencio Guzman enjoyed the entertainment and even participated in the event.

Rehabilitation

FCRP, San Diego participants prepare to be chefs

Female Community Reentry Program, San Diego participants prepare to become culinary chefs, highlighting for Week in Review for July 5, 2024.

Two participants from the Female Community Reentry Program, San Diego, are preparing to become culinary chefs through the Kitchen for Goods (KFG) in San Diego County. The culinary apprenticeship program prepares student apprenticeships in kitchen management, culinary arts, and kitchen safety. The program provides job placement assistance after an intensive ten-week program.

Once participants graduate, KFG assists in placing them in high-end kitchen employment as cooks in restaurants to help them build a career. The partnership between Division of Rehabilitative Programs and KFG continues to be a successful transition for participants to gain careers in the culinary arts as they transition back into their communities.

Two former CCWF incarcerated graduate from Fresno State

former incarcerated at CCWF graduate college for Week in Review for July 5, 2024.

Two students who started their bachelor’s degree with Fresno State while inside Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) were released before they finished their program.

Following release, they finished their classes with Fresno State and graduated with the Fresno State Class of 2024.

CCWF Principal Wendy Olono and two teachers from CCWF attended the graduation. Since the graduation was a normal part of being in the community, family and friends attended the ceremony and celebrated with the students.

In the Media

23 incarcerated students receive bachelor’s degrees from UC Irvine

For former convicts, transitioning from prison life to society often comes with pitfalls and unexpected risks that could lead to another unfortunate stay behind bars.

For 23 incarcerated individuals in California, a new program is helping them re-enter civilian life with more than they had when they entered the correctional system.

Earlier this month, through a groundbreaking partnership between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the University of California, those 23 people will have bachelor’s degrees to lean on when they restart their lives.

Visit MSN’s website to read the full story.

California college classes in prison are transformative, claims state

California College Classes in Prison Transformative, Claims State

The recent graduation of 23 incarcerated individuals from UC Irvine’s LIFTED program at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility marks a significant milestone in California’s prison education reforms, according to an opinion piece in the San Diego Tribune.

Shannon Swain, Superintendent for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Rehabilitative Programs, Office of Correctional Education, told the SD Tribune, “This inaugural cohort has helped lay the foundation for the program, inspiring others to pursue higher learning within correctional settings.”

Visit Davis Vanguard website to read the full story.