Week in Review: August 23, 2024

August 23, 2024

In this issue of Week in Review for August 23, Actors’ Gang Prison Project brings global awareness to ASP, NKSP incarcerated population and staff donate to Make-A-Wish, and California observes Transgender History Month.

Observances

California observes Transgender History Month

August is Transgender History Month in California, thanks to the State Assembly passing a resolution in 2023.

Why August? In August 1966, there was an uprising at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco when trans women, drag queens and other gender diverse folks stood up for their rights.

State Assembly member Matt Haney authored the resolution, representing an Assembly district in San Francisco.

Transgender activists Jupiter Peraza and The Transgender District have led the efforts to have August be recognized as Transgender History Month in San Francisco. In 2021, San Francisco Mayor London Breed signed and declared, “August in the City and County of San Francisco as Transgender History Month.”

Now, Transgender History Month is recognized statewide, celebrating the rich and vibrant history of transgender people in our community and their contributions to society.

To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Ambassadors are sharing celebrations and awareness days throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE webpage.

Submitted by GARE Ambassador Trisha D. Wallis

Rehabilitation

Female Community Reentry Program Sacramento hosts inaugural luau

Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) Sacramento hosted its inaugural family luau.

The event celebrated and educated participants about Polynesian cultures.

Participants researched and presented on Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. They learned and performed native dances from these nations, guided by a guest Polynesian dancer. A lei-making station allowed guests to learn this traditional craft.

Saint John’s curated a Polynesian-inspired menu, including buns, barbecue chicken, coleslaw, spam musubi, and other dishes.

MCRP Butte participants volunteer to help fire victims

Eight incarcerated participants from Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) in Butte volunteered at the Tiny Pine Foundation. They distributed supplies to victims of the Park Fire.

Tiny Pine Foundation is a non-profit focused on environmental conservation, particularly pine ecosystems. Their mission includes restoring pine habitats and promoting sustainable land management. They aim to raise awareness about these ecosystems’ importance for biodiversity and climate stability. Activities include planting trees, conducting research, and educating the public about pine forests.

MCRP is a voluntary program for eligible males who have two years or less of their prison sentence left to serve. This allows eligible people committed to state prison to serve the end of their sentences in the community, in lieu of confinement in state prison. MCRP is facilitated by the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP).

Please visit MCRP’s webpage for more information on the program.

Visit Tiny Pine Foundation’s website for more information.

CSP-Sacramento celebrates DRP graduates

California State Prison (CSP), Sacramento recently held graduations for two courses concluding month of hard work though the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP). Incarcerated participants completed either the 16-week Living in Balance course or the 28-week Life Skills course, contracted through Center Point Inc. The ceremony honored their efforts and progress in their rehabilitative journey.

Warden Jeff Lynch congratulated the participants for reaching this milestone and encouraged them to continue with their rehabilitative journey. He emphasized the great opportunity and resources that participants have available to them through DRP courses offered.

CDCR prioritizes rehabilitative programming and skills to incarcerated individuals to reduce their likelihood of reoffending by the time they return to their homes and communities to promote public safety.

Visit DRP’s webpage for more information about the office.

Visit Center Point’s website for more information on their programs.

Avenal State Prison’s (ASP) Actors’ Gang

Actors’ Gang Prison Project brings global awareness to Avenal prison

“Actors’ Gang teaches us that anger is a secondary emotion stemming from hurt, pain, and fear,” said the play’s writer, incarcerated person Letuli.

Avenal State Prison’s Actors’ Gang presented their play, “Last Born, First Raised.” The play aimed to bring awareness to current issues across the globe such as the Russia/Ukraine war, the US border crisis, and poverty. The play addressed global issues. Those attending included Avenal mayor, city manager, a state senator, district representative, and mentors from The Actors’ Gang Prison Project.

Since 2006, The Actors’ Gang Prison Project has offered theater arts in prisons and reentry facilities. Their mission is to build supportive communities, help participants manage emotions, and drive systemic change. The program uses physical theater to foster vulnerability, break barriers, and strengthen human connections. The project is currently offered in 15 CDCR institutions.

Learn more about the Actors’ Gang Prison Project on their website.

In the Community

Ironwood donates to community organizations

Ironwood State Prison donated over $36,000 to various non-profits.

The donations were raised through multiple institutional fundraisers. Community Resources Manager Ochs expressed appreciation for the partnership with the incarcerated population to support the Blythe Community and non-profits. The recipients included:

Harmony Food Kitchen
Joe Wine Recreation Center
Blythe Police Activities League
Rotary International Club of Blythe
Special Olympics of Southern California
Blythe Area Chamber of Commerce
Blythe Emergency Food Pantry
and Venice Arts Council.

These organizations focus on community support and development. They offer essential food resources, provide recreational and youth programs, emphasize local development and business support, and promote inclusive sports and the arts. These groups work together to improve quality of life and support community growth.

North Kern incarcerated population and staff donate to Make-A-Wish

North Kern State Prison (NKSP) staff and incarcerated population raised over $7,900 through a food sale, donating proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The donation goes toward helping seriously ill children fulfill wishes, as well as improving their health outcomes and family connections. There are currently six children residing in Delano who are in the wish process.

Visit Make-A-Wish website to learn more about the foundation.

Council of Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health

CCJBH intern presents at the UC Davis Summer Showcase

Council of Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (CCJBH) intern Grace Sutter recently presented at the UC Davis Summer Showcase.

Her research project, “Pandemic and Prison Education: Analyzing Enrollment Trends and COVID-19,” examined COVID-19 rates and educational enrollment in California’s prisons from 2018 to 2021.

Her findings reveal a slight increase in enrollment despite pandemic challenges.

This increase is crucial for reducing recidivism and aiding rehabilitation.

The research highlights education’s impact on recidivism and underscores the need for continued support for these programs.

Her work enhances understanding of the pandemic’s effects on prison education and supports informed policy responses for incarcerated individuals.

In the Media

California changing language for people in prisons

Governor Newsom has been pushing a new California Model in state prisons since April 2023. One of the changes is with the language.

Through a public records request, 17 News received documentation on the language change, like the change from “inmate” to “incarcerated persons,” and “parolee” to “supervised persons.”

As part of Gov. Newsom’s criminal justice reform, the language of the state has changed to be more sensitive to incarcerated people in California institutions.

Visit KGET’s website to read the full story.

Incarcerated women receive vital job training skills in California prison program

It’s all about second chances for a group of 85 women who are currently incarcerated but just received job certifications in a variety of fields.

Some learned how to code, while others learned about construction.

The goal is to ensure these women find meaningful employment once they re-enter society.

Angela Hernandez made the trip from Stockton to Chino to support her sister as she graduated with a certificate in healthcare facilities management.

Visit ABC7’s website to read the full story.

The War Horse brings writing seminar to San Quentin incarcerated veterans

This spring, The War Horse hosted our seventh writing seminar in our most unique setting yet —inside the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, formerly known as California’s San Quentin State Prison.

We helped give voice to the powerful stories of 18 incarcerated veterans, thanks to the generous support of donors to The War Horse.

Visit The War Horse website to read the full story.