Week in Review: August 30, 2024

August 30, 2024

In this issue of Week in Review for August 30, San Quentin nurse moves forward on America’s Got Talent; CDCR observes National Women’s Equality Day; and CDCR provides updates on San Quentin progress.

What’s New?

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center progress

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is making significant strides in transforming San Quentin Rehabilitation Center with the construction of a cutting-edge educational complex.

After completing the demolition of an existing warehouse, work began on opening up the space to create a campus-like environment, with full construction set to start in mid-September.

This project is part of a broader initiative, the California Model, aimed at improving rehabilitation and creating safer communities.

Governor Gavin Newsom and CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber have emphasized the importance of this transformation, which will nearly triple classroom space and offer a modern, rehabilitative environment. The project is expected to be completed by early 2026.

For more details and updates, visit the San Quentin Transformation webpage.

Staff Spotlight

San Quentin nurse moves forward on America’s Got Talent

San Quentin’s own registered nurse, Dee Dee Simon, is making waves on America’s Got Talent (AGT) after delivering a live performance that earned her the coveted golden buzzer. With this, she’s secured her spot in the finals, skipping the usual wait for the results.

Known not only for her exceptional singing but also for her dedication as a nurse, Simon has been balancing her medical career at San Quentin with her love for music. Her journey on AGT is a testament to her talent and determination. Simon hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter the challenges.

For the full story and to watch her incredible performance, check out the video linked below.

Visit Inside CDCR to watch her August 27 performance and interview with CCHCS.

California Model

CCWF graduates first Peer Support Specialist cohort

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) recently made history, celebrating the first graduating cohort of the Peer Support Specialist Program. The institution recognized 36 Peer Support Specialist Program (PSSP) graduates on July 24. These participants were the first PSSP graduating cohort in any prison, worldwide.

“Instead of being ashamed of our pasts, we use it to give hope to others,” said one of the graduates. “We show people they are not alone.”

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Observances

Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day, observed annually in the United States on Aug. 26, celebrates the anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment.

This amendment prohibits states and the U.S. federal government from denying citizens the right to vote based on sex, in effect, recognizing women’s right to vote.

As we remember the brave women and their fight for voting rights, this day reminds us of the constant fight of women around the world for gender equality.

This is a time to celebrate how far women have come, commit to empowering the next generation of women, and bring attention to ongoing struggles. Women’s Equality Day is celebrated through events and activities raising awareness about gender equality.

This day helps to raise awareness of girls’ and women’s rights and opportunities regardless of their origin. It is a call to keep on pushing for a chance for every woman to be able to maximize her full potential.

Submitted by GARE Ambassadors Delinia Lewis and Joyce Diala

To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing celebrations and awareness days throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE website.

Upward Mobility

Michael Whittaker has been appointed as the Regional Health Care Executive (RHCE), Region III for California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS).

Michael Felder has been appointed as the RHCE, Region II for CCHCS.

In Our Institutions

CCWF launches mother-daughter book club

On Aug. 14, Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) launched a book club for mothers and daughters. Incarcerated mothers meet weekly to package books and decorate envelopes for their daughters. The program will conclude Sept. 27 with visiting room bonding for mothers and their daughters.

The club is reading “Mended” by Blythe Daniel and Helen McIntosh, which explores healing mother-daughter relationships. Gordon Philanthropies sponsors the group and buys all the books. Warden Anissa De La Cruz supports the club and encourages staff to participate. Several CCWF employees who are also mothers and daughters participate in the program.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about FOPS.

CMF’s hospice celebrates incarcerated worker’s 25 years of service

CMF Warden shaking hands with incarcerated

The California Medical Facility (CMF) hospice unit celebrated Sean Derutte’s 25 years of pastoral care service. Warden Daniel Cueva thanked Derutte and presented him with a service pin.

“Mr. Derutte, I appreciate all the years you have given to our hospice unit and our patients. It’s not an easy job, but you are humble and do it selflessly,” said Warden Cueva.

In 1993, CMF opened the nation’s first licensed hospice unit inside a state prison. The 17-bed unit serves incarcerated individuals from across California nearing the end of their lives. CMF hospice staff and pastoral care workers help make the end of life more comfortable, ensuring no one dies alone.

Pastoral care workers volunteer in the hospice unit, providing spiritual and emotional support. They also offer counseling, lead religious services, and assist with personal crises.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more about CMF palliative care.

Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services

OVSRS attends Folsom’s resource fair

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) recently attended Folsom State Prison’s resource fair to address restitution, accountability, and victim-offender dialogue. Restitution and victim services staff were present, offering informational brochures on these topics to assist with community reintegration.

Visit OVSRS website to learn more about accountability/victim offender dialogue.

K-9

Folsom brings canines to the institution

Folsom State Prison recently partnered with Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras to launch “New Paws on the Block.” This program provides obedience training for canines, facilitated by the incarcerated population at the prison.

Incarcerated participants with dog-training credentials from Paws for Life will teach basic commands and proper behaviors. After the four-to-eight-week program, the dogs will be available for adoption, increasing their chances of finding homes.

“We are bringing a program to Folsom State Prison that rehabilitates and normalizes the environment for both the incarcerated and our staff,” said Warden Tuggle.

Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras is a non-profit group dedicated to rehoming dogs from high-kill shelters and those in need.

They provide medical care, including vaccines and surgeries, and place dogs in safe foster homes. The organization also supports spay/neuter and vaccination clinics to reduce unwanted dogs in shelters.

Visit Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras website to learn more about the group.

Visit Paws for life to read more about their prison program.

In the Media

These programs helped former inmates get treatment, jobs. Prop. 36 could slash their funds

After spending time in jail, Rachel Flores never expected to work adjacent to the criminal justice system.

At 26, she was jailed with a felony DUI charge. She had struggled with alcohol and substance abuse since she was 18.

The Ventura County resident said with help from her parents and a sponsor, she turned her life around and got her record expunged. Now 35, she recently earned a master’s degree in social work and is employed as a case manager, helping people who struggle with substance abuse and barriers to reentering society after incarceration, as she once did.

Visit the Sacramento Bee to read the full story.

Gov. Gavin Newsom touts progress in San Quentin State Prison’s transformation

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced the progress in transforming San Quentin State Prison into new education and rehabilitation facility has reached a significant milestone.

Newsom first went public with his plan to turn San Quentin into a rehabilitation and re-entry facility last March.

Built in 1852, the facility is the oldest prison in California and at one point held the largest active death row in the United States. The last execution at San Quentin was in 2006; Newsom ordered a moratorium on California executions in 2019.

Visit CBS News website to read the full story.

California prison nurse gets Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent

A nurse at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center wowed the audience and the judges with her voice during America’s Got Talent.

Registered nurse Dee Dee Simon performed her own rendition of Teddy Swim’s “Lose Control” during America’s Got Talent’s quarterfinals round 3, which aired results on Aug. 27. She earned high praise from all judges and a live golden buzzer from judge Heidi Klum.

Visit Corrections1 website to read the full story.

Tackling the politics of prison reform: Ex-NFL star records podcast during San Quentin visit

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former NFL superstar Marshawn Lynch visited San Quentin Rehabilitation Center recently to record their podcast called “Politickin’” and to tour the facility.

The two were accompanied by Warden Chance Andes and NFL agent Doug Hendrickson.

Newsom and Lynch recorded their podcast in San Quentin’s media center. They spoke about issues related to prison reform and Newsom’s “California Model,” which approaches incarceration through the lens of rehabilitation and education to increase public safety.

Visit LocalNewsMatters website to read the full story.