Awards and Appreciation, Beyond the Badge, CDCR Weekender

Centinela holds salsa contest, thanks retiring employee

August 2, 2024

The Centinela Employee Activities Committee (CEAC) recently hosted the annual salsa contest and thanked a retiring employee.

Centinela State Prison employees were able to submit their homemade salsa, which was later judged by a panel for its taste, texture and flavor. The committee also provided food and fresh beverages as part of the staff appreciation event. Executive staff and committee members pitched in to organize this event.

Centinela Employee Activities Committee boosts morale

Centinela employees activities committee members stand behind a table for a salsa contest. — The salsa contest and Centinela activities committee members.

Salsa contest with staff waiting in line to enter. — The salsa contest and Centinela activities committee members.

The CEAC was formed over 25 years ago with the intention of raising funds to return it back to their staff, improve morale and show appreciation to employees. Throughout the years, many events were provided by the CEAC, including crab feeds, golf tournaments and competitions. Warden Executive Assistant Josie Lizarraga has been a part of the CEAC since its beginning and served as a board member for over 15 years.

Josie Lizarraga reflects on 30-plus year career

Centinela State Prison employee Josie Lizarraga sitting at her desk. — Josie Lizarraga, executive assistant to the warden, is retiring after 31 years at Centinela State Prison.

Lizarraga has worked at Centinela State Prison since it opened in 1993. She has met many individuals and worked for many wardens over three decades. She is set to retire this year after over 31 years of service. She also participated in her last event as a CEAC board member.

“It’s been a pleasure to work for a such a great institution and be a part of the CEAC,” she said. “It is now time to enjoy retirement and family.”

Warden Fidencio Guzman, who was a judge in the contest, thanked Josie for her hard work and dedication to the institution.

“Josie makes my job easier each day. I do not know where I would be without her,” Guzman said. “I thank her for her commitment to the institution and the CEAC.”

Future of the CEAC

The CEAC plans to continue its tradition of providing events for its employees to maintain high morale throughout the institution.

“I thank this committee and Warden Guzman for its hard work in coordinating these events for our staff. I hope we can continue this for years to come,” said one of the employees.

Submitted by Lt. S. Cazares
Centinela State Prison

See more awards and appreciation stories.

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).