Week in Review: September 20, 2024

September 20, 2024

In this Week in Review for September 20: CDCR hosts the 2024 Medal of Valor ceremony; Governor Newsom proclaims Latino Heritage Month; and three questions with Dr. Gail Fernandez, chief of mental health at California Institution for Women.

Observances

Governor Newsom proclaims Latino Heritage Month

Parole supervision week Seal of the 40th Governor of California

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2024, as “Latino Heritage Month.”

The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

California is home to more than 15 million Latinos who are foundational to our state’s identity, success and future. During Latino Heritage Month, we celebrate the central role of Latinos throughout every chapter of our history, and in our rich culture and prosperity as a state and nation.

Latinos are California’s largest ethnic group, with diverse roots throughout the Americas, Indigenous communities of Latin America and Africa, and beyond. The contributions of generations of Latinos have helped shape California’s society, economy, culture and values. The leadership, service, sacrifices and vision of Latinos continues to enrich all facets of American life.

Californians understand that our diversity is a source of strength and believe that our state as a whole is better off when all of our communities have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we have advanced transformative investments and actions that are empowering Latino communities across California and forging a brighter future for all of us.

California is transforming our public education system by investing in universal transitional kindergarten and community schools, and by improving college access and affordability. We’re building more affordable housing, protecting workers, supporting small businesses and building new pathways for students and workers to succeed in whatever career they choose.

We’re expanding access to health care, regardless of immigration status, working to lower the cost of lifesaving drugs, and supporting expanded behavioral health care, including veterans services. The state is working to improve food security and nutrition through universal school meals and its Farm to School program, and California is leading the global shift to our clean energy future – more clean air, less pollution.

We continue working to make the California Dream a reality for everyone through bold action and inclusive policies to expand opportunity, keep all Californians safe, push back against the forces of hate and injustice, and advance our collective progress.

This month and every month, let us recognize and celebrate the countless contributions of Latino communities to our California story throughout the centuries and for generations to come.

Visit the Governor’s Office website to read more about Latino Heritage Month.

Medal of Valor

2024 Medal of Valor recipients

Thomas Coyle, Senior Laboratory Assistant, Mule Creek State Prison

Thomas Coyle was awarded the Medal of Valor.

Thomas Coyle risked his own life to help save at least two other lives on his drive home from work in August 2023.

Coyle was stopped at a traffic light in Sacramento County behind a CHP officer when he saw a garbage truck slam into a Chevrolet Silverado, causing the pickup truck to fly through the air, landing in the middle of Grant Line Road. It immediately burst into flames. Two other vehicles involved struck a power pole, causing it to lean and knocking down high-voltage power lines.

The CHP officer in front of Coyle initially did not see the accident so Coyle slammed on his horn to alert the officer, who immediately pulled forward and blocked the intersection.

Visit CDCR’s Medal of Valor website to read the full story and watch the video.

Charles Davis, Sergeant, Pelican Bay State Prison

Charles Davis, Medal of Valor recipient.

Sgt. Charles Davis risked his own life to enter a burning house to save a stranger. It turned out that the life he saved was the nephew of another sergeant at Pelican Bay State Prison.

On a Friday afternoon in August 2023, Davis was driving home in Crescent City after working a double shift when he noticed a house on fire. He pulled over and pounded on the front door. Dogs were barking inside, and a neighbor said multiple people lived in the home.

Visit CDCR’s Medal of Valor website to read the full story and watch the video.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Dr. Gail Fernandez, CIW Chief of Mental Health

Dr. Gail Fernandez, Chief of Mental Health at California Institution for Women (CIW), is working to bring a new kind of therapy to the prison: equine-assisted therapy. Her deep love for horseback riding is driving this innovative approach to mental health care.

How did you first become interested in equestrian sports?

I fell in love with horses when I was very young. My passion started when I was about 3- or 4-years old living in Thailand with my family. I saw people riding horses along the beach and knew right then I wanted to ride too. That experience ignited my lifelong interest in horses.

What is equestrianism all about?

Equestrianism involves various styles of horse riding, such as Western and English riding. I practice dressage, which is like ballet on horseback. It focuses on working in harmony with your horse and requires a lot of concentration. It’s great exercise and helps clear your mind because you must stay fully engaged with the task at hand.

What are your goals for the equine-assisted therapy program at CIW?

Implementing this program at CIW will help incarcerated deal with trauma, anxiety, and depression. This type of therapy involves building trust with horses, which can help people manage their emotions. Horses are very sensitive to human feelings, so if you approach them with confidence, they respond positively.

I’m collaborating with Rebel’s Farm, a nonprofit running similar programs at other facilities. We plan to start with a few visits from horses and eventually set up a permanent facility at CIW. Once established, this program could offer therapy sessions daily and provide incarcerated with certification as equine therapists, which could be useful for them after they leave the institution.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

Parole attends Delta College job recruitment fair

Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) attended the Delta College Job Recruitment Fair, featuring parole agents from the Stockton Parole Office and correctional sergeants from the Galt academy.

Parole agents and correctional sergeants provided students with information about career opportunities with the CDCR. Participants learned about the CDCR hiring process and peace officer duties.

Attendees included Parole Agent II Supervisor Jon Garcia, Parole Agents Chris Arevello, Ramrattan Ramrattan, Shoaib Shaikh, Susan Gosal, M. Acierto, A. Guintu, and W. Chao, along with, Parole Service Associates Jennifer Maloney and Kevin Cuevas.

The event included local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the CDCR Division of Adult Institutions, California Highway Patrol, and Stockton Police Department.

“The information DAPO provided motivated me to apply,” said Tracy, a Delta College student.

Visit CDCR’s website to learn more about parole.

Firefighters

CDCR Fire Crews assist in containing fire in San Bernardino forest

CDCR Conservation Camp crews are playing a critical role in combating the extensive Line Fire currently burning through the San Bernardino National Forest.

As of Sept. 17, there are 23 of CDCR’s 85 fire crews actively working to contain the blaze. The Line Fire has burned through approximately 39,111 acres and is now 49% contained.

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

In Our Institutions

Central California Women’s Facility celebrates historic newspaper unveiling

On Monday, Sept. 16, Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) celebrated its first journalism guild graduates and new media center.

CCWF Paper Trail is a pioneering publication that serves the largest women’s prison in the world. Their goal? To engage with the community, promote hope, create positive solutions, and amplify voices rarely heard.

The celebration was made possible by CCWF staff as well as partnering with the Pollen Initiative who also helps facilitate San Quentin News.

Visit CCWF Paper Trail website to learn more about the program.

San Quentin, parole host Mental Health Awareness event

San Quentin hosts CDCR offices to speak with incarcerated

The Division of Adult Parole Operations, Community Transition Program, and Behavioral Health & Reintegration teams held a Mental Health Awareness event Sept. 13 at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.

Over 100 incarcerated individuals attended three workshop sessions. They learned about transitioning from the Division of Adult Institutions to parole. Parole Service Associates TeNeka Brown, Miya Dorn, Melissa Serrato, Jamila Godine, and La’Tesh Wheeler led the workshops.

Participants also took part in a Q&A panel with Parole Agent II Kamal Singh and Parole Agents Jonathan Richardson and Andrew Stragalinos. The panel answered questions, focusing on easing reintegration anxiety and stress.

The event applied dynamic security and trauma-informed practices to address reintegration challenges.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about transition programs.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about Behavioral Health & Reintegration.

CCWF presents check to Special Olympics

CCWF donates to Special Olympics Northern CA

California Correctional Women’s Facility (CCWF) Community Resource Management staff hosted a Torch Run event, raising over $19,000 for Special Olympics Northern California and the Madera Howlers Special Olympics Team.

Participants included members of the Madera Howlers Team, their coach, and Brooke Gibboney, manager of Development and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The ceremonial Torch Run featured staff and participants running together around the track.

Two water tunnels were set up for runners to cool off during the event. The day concluded with the check presentation to Special Olympics, showcasing the community’s support for the organization.

Visit Inside CDCR to read about the Law Enforcement Torch Run 2024.

High Desert opens family library, activity center

High Desert State Prison recently celebrated the opening of its new family library and activity center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Facility A visiting. The event marked a collaboration by Gordon Philanthropies, Place4Grace, and CDCR.

Warden Rob St. Andre cut the ribbon, acknowledging the contributions of all parties involved.

The ceremony was attended by Associate Warden N. Albonico, Capt. G. Harrison, Place4Grace CEO and Founder Karen McDaniel, and High Desert staff.

The library features a bookcase symbolizing a giving tree, representing growth and hope. The library is meant to be a space where families can bond and create lasting memories.

This library is the first of several planned by Place4Grace as part of its Hope and Healing Project. Special thanks to Gordon Philanthropies for funding the initiative.

Visit Place4Grace website to learn more about the organization.

Visit Gordon Philanthropies website to learn more about the organization.

Avenal State Prison donates to local non-profit

The Avenal State Prison Inmate Advisory Council recently held a food sale fundraiser. The event raised over $900 in donations to “Learn & Grow With Special Needs,” a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families of children with special needs.

The organization focuses on providing education, resources, experience, and emotional support to parents and families navigating special needs advocacy. The donation from the advisory council will help further these critical services. The food sale fundraiser was supported by acting Capt. E. Araiza, Community Resource Manager D. Lovette, and Office Technicians S. Flores and A. Castro.

Division of Rehabilitative Programs

DRP attends 2024 Los Angeles Al-Impics

On Sept. 14, approximately 140 participants from the Male Community Reentry Program Los Angeles 1 and HealthRIGHT 360 attended the 2024 Los Angeles Al-Impics. Joined by 27 staff members, the group celebrated recovery through athletic competition at Harbor College.

The Al-Impics, a one-day event, showcases the positive aspects of recovery from substance abuse, uniting treatment providers, recovering individuals, and local communities to promote health and prevention.

HealthRIGHT 360, which offers integrated healthcare services, emphasizes compassionate care for underserved populations. Participants from the Male Community Reentry Program were early arrivals, proudly displaying the HealthRIGHT 360 banner and leading the opening ceremony march. Their efforts earned them first place for best banner and best uniform march.

The event fostered camaraderie and highlighted the commitment of both programs to recovery and community engagement.

Visit HealthRIGHT 360 website to learn more about the organization.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about the Division of Rehabilitative Programs.

Council of Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health

HealthRIGHT 360’s Contingency Management Program

Join Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (CCJBH) for an insightful Lunch and Learn session as we explore HealthRIGHT 360’s Contingency Management Program. This session will delve into how behavioral therapy techniques can benefit individuals suffering from Stimulant Use Disorder (StimUD), including those who are justice-involved.

The event will feature stories from individuals with lived experience, illustrating how this evidence-based approach has supported their recovery and contributed to their success. Do not miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into effective strategies for managing StimUD.

In the Media

Sacramento Female Community Reentry Program provides women with tools for ‘the rest of their lives’

Anyone who’s pursued a path to change knows that at least three things are needed to make it happen: the right environment and resources, and the will.

Sacramento nonprofit Saint John’s Program for Real Change, which has operated a shelter for women and children facing homelessness for nearly 40 years, is home to a voluntary reentry program for women incarcerated in California prisons. They are eligible to carry out the remainder of their sentences in alternative custody — between 45 days and 32 months before being released on parole or probation.

Visit Sacramento News & Review website to read the full story.

CALPIA graduates earn job certifications at Mule Creek

Forty-five incarcerated people obtained their job certifications and/or apprenticeships from the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) at Mule Creek State Prison on Sept. 12.

In partnership with CDCR, California Correctional Health Care Services, and the California Department of Industrial Relations, CALPIA acknowledged the graduates for their dedication and accomplishments.

Visit RecentlyHeard website to read the full story.

Inside Knowledge: California’s largest community college honor society chapter is populated by incarcerated students

Ten years ago, none of California’s community colleges were offering in-person classroom learning experiences for any of the state’s more than 120,000 incarcerated adults shelved within its sprawling prison leviathan.

By 2019, more than 6,000 imprisoned learners at 34 of the Golden State’s then 35 prisons were attending in-person community college classes each semester. Today, Valley State Prison’s (VSP’s) Merced College 2024 Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) Honor Society chapter now ranks as the largest among all of California’s community colleges.

Visit DavisVanguard website to read the full article.