Week in Review: September 6, 2024

September 6, 2024

In this issue of Week in Review for September 6: Three questions with Centinela Officer Rudy Leyvas Jr.; Avenal hosts Battle of the Bands; and Pleasant Valley hosts Bowl-O-Rama.

What’s New?

New officers benefit from peer mentorship

Inside CDCR followed new officers from the Basic Correctional Officer Academy through their training, graduation, assignment, and peer mentorship.

Field Training Sgt. K. Fox helps mentor and guide 18 cadets through what will be their assignment at California Medical Facility (CMF) at Solano.

“To be there with hands-on training at the academy and walk with them through CMF, it shows them the way (we do) it and our expectations,” Fox said.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Centinela Correctional Officer Rudy Leyvas Jr.

Rudy Leyvas Jr. began his career with CDCR in 2016 and is currently a Correctional Officer at Centinela State Prison. Prior to joining CDCR, Rudy developed a passion for photography. Over time, this hobby has evolved into a meaningful way for him to engage with his community.

What got you into photography, and how did you start?

I started photography in 2013. My mom wanted photos of my brother, so I grabbed the camera my dad had and began taking pictures. The camera was a simple Kodak point-and-shoot. I took this to my brother’s sports events and enjoyed capturing these moments. That’s what sparked my interest in photography.

How has photography affected your community and personal life?

Photography has helped me get involved with my community and grow personally. I run an annual toy drive where I offer free photo sessions in exchange for toy donations. This event not only supports local causes but also helps me connect with people. Seeing the joy and appreciation from others has shown me how meaningful my work can be.

What does photography mean to you beyond taking pictures, and how does it change your view on life?

Photography is more than just taking pictures for me; it helps me stay grounded and see life from a different angle. Capturing special moments, like family events or important milestones, makes me feel fulfilled and reminds me life is bigger than just work stress. It helps me appreciate the small, beautiful moments in life.

Upward Mobility

Bryan Byrd has been appointed Chief of Strategic Communications and External Affairs in the Office of Public and Employee Communications at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Terri Hardy has been appointed Press Secretary of Media Relations in the Office of Public and Employee Communications at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

In Our Institutions

Avenal State Prison hosts Battle of the Bands

Avenal State Prison Facility F recently hosted a Battle of the Bands. The event featured performances by One Kings Way, Cincos de Avenal, Codigo F.M., Ecos Divinos, and Rebel Army, all incarcerated bands.

Staff and the incarcerated population gathered to enjoy the diverse music styles. The bands were judged by their incarcerated peers. Cincos de Avenal, also known as The Avenal 5, was the fan favorite, winning the title of Best Band. At the end, members from all the bands performed a Banda/American Rock version of “Folsom Prison Blues.”

“It’s so refreshing to take my daily walks around the yard while listening to music. I’ve never listened to Spanish music before, but I had to stop and enjoy the positivity it brings to the yard,” said an incarcerated person attending the event.

Incarcerated person Linn organized the event with support from Capt. J. Diaz and Associate Warden D. Groves. Linn, a dedicated member of the Avenal Music Program, aims to spread happiness through music. He is working to expand the program institution-wide, coordinating band performances for graduations and other celebrations at Avenal.

In the Community

Pleasant Valley State Prison hosts Bowl-O-Rama

Pleasant Valley State Prison’s Employee Action Committee held its annual Bowl-O-Rama fundraiser event at Kings County Bowling Alley in Hanford. All funds raised go to support future prison staff events. CDCR staff, families, and friends received invitations to attend.

Seventeen teams participated, each with four players. Those in attendance included staff, families, and friends from Pleasant Valley, Avenal State Prison, Corcoran State Prison, and Substance Abuse Treatment Facility.

Team Gutter Balls, from Pleasant Valley, won this year’s tournament. The team included Correctional Sgt. Terrance Mike and Correctional Officers Mason Martin, Luke Avila, and Jared Clark.

Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services

OVSRS brings resources to CMF staff

The Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services (OVSRS) set up an informational booth for staff at California Medical Facility (CMF). The goal was to inform CDCR staff about available victim and restitution services.

OVSRS answered questions and provided brochures on their services, including restorative justice, restitution, and how to register for OVSRS notifications. The resources are available to anyone who may have been a victim, including the public and CDCR staff.

“Over the course of the day, we were able to hand out information to over 200 individuals both custody and non-custody-staff employees. They were very pleased with our information and even surprised that we existed within CDCR. Staff thanked us for the information we provided,” said Karen Johnson, Restitution Services analyst.

Visit OVSRS website to learn more about the office.

CCJBH

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

On Sept. 11 from 12-1PM, CCJBH will present a pivotal Virtual Lunch and Learn session focused on 988 crisis services, including suicide prevention. The presentation will optimally serve individuals with behavioral health needs, focusing on those involved with the justice system. Attendees will learn how to use these critical resources for support and rehabilitation. The presentation will also cover how compassionate interventions can enhance community safety.

Visit CCJBH website to learn more about the office.

In the Media

Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner visit inmate firefighting crews

Inmate firefighting crews received a special visit from a major celebrity last week.

Celebrity Kim Kardashian visited Crew 3, Crew 5 and Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp at the Growlersburg Conservation Camp on Thursday to learn more about the fire programs operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Cal Fire’s Amador-El Dorado unit.

“These incredible men are incarcerated firefighters saving our state, homes and communities from fire,” the star wrote in a caption on her Instagram Saturday. The photo shows her and her half-sister Kendall Jenner posing with a group of incarcerated firefighters.

Visit The Sacramento Bee to read the full story.

Kim Kardashian visits Amador, El Dorado counties, touring fire camps

Cal Fire and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation got a shout-out from a major celebrity on Friday.

Kim Kardashian took to social media to share her experience visiting incarcerated firefighter camps in Amador and El Dorado counties.

Kardashian visited Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp and Growlersburg Conservation Camp Crew 3 and 5 on Thursday.

Visit KCRA3 website to read the full story.

Centinela inmates raise $18,000 for youth sports

Centinela State Prison’s incarcerated population along with its advisory council recently held an institutional food sale, raising over $18,600 for youth sports.

Partnering with the local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, incarcerated individuals were able to order meals for the fundraiser.

The amount raised was equally split into two separate donations to organizations helping fund city league youth sports. The first half went to El Centro Youth Football Association, represented by board president Todd Evangelist. The other half went to El Centro Little League, represented by board president Ivan Murillo.

Visit Imperial Valley Press to read the full story.