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
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
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
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
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
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