Weekender Digest: Alcatraz, luau, 9/11, and basketball

This week, Inside CDCR covered 9/11 remembrances, an Alcatraz tour, rehabilitation programs, basketball, and a luau in visiting.

Beyond the Badge

San Quentin staff tour Alcatraz Island

Following in the footsteps of a San Quentin warden from a century ago, staff recently toured Alcatraz Island. What is now a national park once served as a federal prison. The first warden of the prison, James Johnston, had previously served as warden at Folsom and San Quentin. Read the story submitted by Lt. M. Berry.

Community Involvement

Kern Valley staff raise awareness of suicide prevention

Joining forces with county organizations, Kern Valley State Prison in Delano took part in the annual Stomp Out Suicide Walk (above) as part of September’s Suicide Prevention Month. Staff also held an information event at the institution. Read the story submitted by Lt. J. Hernandez.

CTF food sale raises $11k for families in need

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad donated nearly $11,000 to help families in need. This effort was all thanks to a food sale organized by the incarcerated participants in the Alternatives to Violence Program. Read the story submitted by Lt. W. Landrum.

Mule Creek fundraising benefits community

Recent food sales allowed Mule Creek to donate over $14,000 to five Amador County programs, including a children’s shelter, sports boosters, and a wildlife organization. Read the story submitted by Lt. B. Campbell.

Obituaries

Department mourns loss of staff, retirees

Correctional Officer Stephanie Graff, only weeks away from retiring, is one of many staff and retirees who have recently passed away. Read recent obituaries.

Observances

CDCR, CCCHS remembers lives lost Sept. 11

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. Shown above, the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center staff and cadets gathered for a moment of silence and remembrance. If your institution, division, or program held 9/11 observances, submit photos and information as soon as possible to Don Chaddock (email found in Global). This story will be updated as submissions are received. Read the full round-up of events.

Rehabilitation

First reentry resource fair at Salinas Valley

Salinas Valley State Prison held the institution’s first reentry resource fair. Outside organizations joined CDCR divisions and programs to educate the incarcerated population as they prepare for parole. Read the story submitted by Lt. W. Fonseca.

Labor Day luau hosted by Mule Creek visiting

Thanks to Mule Creek State Prison visiting staff and the family council, Labor Day weekend was made special by adding a touch of a Hawaiian luau. Read the story submitted by Lt. B. Campbell.

Taylor Swift fans find hope while serving life sentences

Swifties for Life: Those serving life sentences at High Desert State Prison in Susanville are finding hope and inspiration through the songs of Taylor Swift. A film crew shadowed the group to learn more about them and their lives inside the walls. Read the story submitted by Lt. J. Micone.

CHCF unveils palliative care mural

California Health Care Facility (CHCF) staff joined the incarcerated population and outside stakeholders to unveil the palliative care mural Aug. 23. Artists incarcerated at the Stockton facility spent over 80 days painting the creative murals. Read the story submitted by Lt. M. Orozco.

Sports

First intramural basketball game at RJ Donovan

The Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility held their first competitive intramural basketball game. Two Level II non-designated programming facilities, D and E, faced off for four exciting periods. Read the story submitted by acting Capt. S. Amador and Lt. A. Garvey.

The Weekender Digest is compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor.

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