CDCR hosts special July Fourth visiting, events

July 10, 2024

Recognizing the importance of maintaining family connections, CDCR visiting staff and family councils made July Fourth visiting special. Some institutions, such as Valley State Prison, held a barbecue for the entire institution.

Editor’s note: As more institutions submit their information, this story will be updated.

Centinela hosts special Fourth of July visiting

An incarcerated person and two family members visiting for July Fourth at Centinela State Prison.

An incarcerated person and two family members work on an art project.

Centinela State Prison’s visiting staff and the Inmate Family Council recently hosted a special Fourth of July event, bringing joy and connection to incarcerated individuals and their loved ones.

During visiting, families painted wooden windmills and stars, sharing laughter and conversation. The event created a sense of community and warmth, a reminder of the importance of love and connection.

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

Submitted by Lt. S. Cazares

California Correctional Institution offers special day

An incarcerated person and a young child visiting on July Fourth at California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. In the background are red, white, and blue streamers.

Two people visiting an incarcerated person.

California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi hosted Independence Day visiting on July 4. Visiting staff distributed patriotic cards for the children to color. There were also picture frame kits. Visitors and incarcerated individuals were also given gifts donated by the Inmate Family Council.

Submitted by Visiting Sgt. S. Zazueta

Incarcerated, staff barbecue for entire institution

Two incarcerated people with plates of food. — Barbecue food plates were well received.

Fourth July barbecue at Valley State Prison. — Barbecue food plates were well received.

Valley State Prison celebrated Independence Day with a barbecue for the entire incarcerated population. Incarcerated cooks and staff grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, providing a barbecue food plate. According to organizers, the barbecue plates were well received by the incarcerated population.

Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum

Avenal State Prison hosts visiting, Fourth of July events

Family visiting for Fourth of July at Avenal prison. — The incarcerated veterans Honor Guard held a ceremony on July 4 as Avenal State Prison.

Couple hugging with a Happy Fourth of July banner behind them. — The incarcerated veterans Honor Guard held a ceremony on July 4 as Avenal State Prison.

Avenal State Prison Facility C staff held a virtual fireworks celebration for the incarcerated population, coordinated by Facility Lt. R. Landeros. According to Landeros, staff and incarcerated population said it was a huge success. They enjoyed live music from the facility band and a ceremony put on by Avenal State Prison incarcerated veterans’ Honor Guard. There was also volleyball and cornhole competitions, as well as five fireworks displays shown on a video projector set-up in the hobby room.

The entire event got glowing reviews from the population. “This was the best I’ve seen in 25 years,” said one person. Another agreed, saying “I’m so thankful. I’ve never seen anything like this since I’ve been incarcerated.” During the fireworks displays, staff said the population was respectful and quiet for the entire show.

Visiting also got into the spirit of the Fourth of July with staff offering word searches, mazes, and patriotic-themed coloring pages. There was also a special Fourth of July backdrop for family photos in all six visiting rooms.

Submitted by Lt. Ashley Schuller
Avenal State Prison