Week in Review: September 13, 2024

September 13, 2024

In this Week in Review for September 13: Three questions with Salinas Valley Property Controller Daniel Valenzuela; Incarcerated firefighters helping contain the Boone Fire; and Richard J. Donovan takes part in 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Observances

Painted banner in honor of those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

CDCR events honor lives lost Sept. 11, 2001

CDCR, CCHCS events across California honor lives lost Sept. 11, 2001. From walks and music to art, events united staff and the incarcerated population for a common cause.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Team from RJD at a 9/11 memorial stair climb event in San Diego.

RJD takes part in 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) staff participated in the annual San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The Aug. 31 event saw 29 Richard J. Donovan staff firefighters, custody, medical, and their family members climb stairs to raise funds for the 9/11 Memorial Firefighter Aid.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Medal of Valor

CDCR to host annual Medal of Valor ceremony

On Sept. 20 at 10 a.m., CDCR will hold the Medal of Valor awards to honor employees and community members who have distinguished themselves through acts of heroism, bravery, or service beyond the normal demands of correctional or community service. This event will be lived streamed on our social media platforms.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about Medal of Valor.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Daniel Valenzuela, CCHCS Property Controller

SVSP Property Controller Daniel Valenzuela

At his children’s sports events, Daniel Valenzuela can be found capturing every candid moment with his camera, a passion he uncovered through his family’s influence. By day, he manages the inventory and assets of the health care system at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) as a property controller for California Correctional Health Care Services. Whether it’s safeguarding medical equipment or freezing precious memories in time, Daniel’s life is a testament to his commitment and creativity.

How did you get started in photography?

I got into photography around 2013 when my son was growing up quickly. I wanted to capture those fleeting moments, and I didn’t have many photos of myself from my own childhood. So, I decided to buy a camera. At the time, I was dealing with stress and photography became my way of clearing my mind. Watching my son play sports and capturing those significant moments became something special. Each photograph represents a memory, a moment in time I can hold onto forever. What started with documenting my son’s growth turned into a deep appreciation for photography.

How has your family been involved in your photography hobby?

My family has become deeply involved. When I upgraded to a new camera, my daughter took over my first one. It’s been wonderful seeing her passion for photography grow. My oldest son often joins me at events, offering tips on angles and perspectives, and my wife has started to explore photography as well. It’s turned into a collective family activity. We share ideas, help each other with shots, and it’s created a fantastic bond among us. The hobby has become a way for us to connect, enjoy each other’s company, and unleash our creativity together.

What role does photography play in your life outside of work?

Photography serves as a mental break and helps me clear my mind. When I’m out with my camera—whether capturing a family event or just strolling around—it allows me to focus on the beauty in small things and step away from daily stressors. The process of taking photos, hearing the shutter click, and seeing the results offers a form of relaxation and satisfaction. It’s like a reset button for my mind, helping me maintain balance and keep work stress from affecting my home life.

Conservation Camps

Incarcerated firefighters helping contain Boone Fire

The Boone Fire currently has eight CDCR camps assigned with 16 crews, totaling 249 incarcerated firefighters. All CDCR crews have been assigned to Division Kilo. Due to the rugged, inhospitable terrain, Cal Fire used helicopters to shuttle the fire crews to and from the fire line. The CDCR fire crews’ mission was to construct a fire line in the difficult terrain to tie into an existing fire line, creating a perimeter around the fire. The Boone Fire is currently 17,766 acres and started Sept. 3.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about the Conservation (Fire) Camps Program.

Upward Mobility

Leanna Lundy has been appointed as Warden at California State Prison, Los Angeles County.

Jeffrey Funk has been appointed as Deputy Director, Integrated Business and Technology Solutions, Division of Enterprise Information Services, better known as EIS.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

Victim Services attends public safety fair

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) staff attended the San Joaquin Delta College public safety career fair Sept. 3.

A booth was set up in the campus quad where staff provided information about victim and restitution services offered by OVSRS.

Brochures on victim and restitution services covered topics such as parole hearings, victim notifications, and an overview of available services. OVSRS attends this event annually to promote its resources to the public.

“San Joaquin Delta Safety Fair was a great event for outreach to the students who attend the college. Many students and vendors had never heard of OVSRS within CDCR before and inquired on more information regarding employment with our unit,” said Estee Coloma, a restitution analyst.

Visit OVSRS website to learn more about their restitution resources.

Rehabilitation

Avenal celebrates multiple graduations

Avenal State Prison (ASP) recently held multiple graduations at the institution. Complexes I and III celebrated achievements including high school diplomas, GEDs, Peer Literacy Program certificates, Career Technical Education completions, Braille Program diplomas, Youthful Offender Program diplomas, and college degrees.

Graduates beamed with pride as they walked before their peers, families, and friends. They received their diplomas and certificates from dedicated teachers, instructors, and support staff. With one more complex scheduled to graduate this year, the total number of Avenal graduates in 2024 has reached 363.

A standout moment occurred when Michael Airo, an incarcerated graduate from Complex III, received his Master of Business Administration degree.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about the Office of Correctional Education.

Council of Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health

Substance Use Awareness within the American Indian/Native American Population

CCJBH will hold a lunch-and-learn session Sept. 18 from noon to 1 p.m. The session will offer experts discussing behavioral health in tribal communities.

Some topics will include substance use disorders and the challenges faced by Native American and Native Alaskan communities. Both communities are disproportionately impacted by substance use disorder and are overrepresented in justice system and incarceration data.

Speakers will provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical contexts of engagement with tribal communities, support and treatment approaches, and necessary infrastructure and resources.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health.

In the Media

Are programs at San Quentin helping stop inmates from coming back?

Just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge sits San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. It’s California’s oldest prison, first built in 1852.

“We roughly have about 3,300 incarcerated right now,” said San Quentin’s public information officer, Lt. Berry.

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, formerly known as San Quentin State Prison, was also where condemned inmates sat on death row until this year. In summer 2024, all condemned inmates were transferred to other facilities throughout the state.

Visit ABC10 website to read the full story.