Week in Review: September 27, 2024

September 27, 2024

In this Week in Review for September 27: We introduce the California Model magazine; Netherlands officials tour two CDCR prisons; and Peace Officer Recruitment attends 30×30 Initiative Women’s Law Enforcement Symposium.

What’s New

Introducing the California Model Magazine

The first issue of California Model Magazine is here! This biannual publication offers key insights into the CA Model’s pillars and progress, featuring expert views from CDCR leadership.

Click here to read now!

Visit The California Model webpage.

Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services

National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) attended the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, an annual event hosted by the Sacramento Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children. Held at the Howe Community Center, the event provided a space for families and supporters to remember their loved ones and raise awareness of victims’ rights. OVSRS staff were on hand with an information booth to connect with families and offer guidance on constitutional victim rights and available services.

For more information on OVSRS and Victim Rights please check out our website: Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services (ca.gov)

Observances

Hispanic Heritage Month

National Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a time to honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of Latino and Hispanic communities in the United States.

This observance begins on Sept. 15, coinciding with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed by Mexico’s independence on Sept. 16 and Chile’s on Sept. 18.

Throughout this month, we celebrate the history, traditions, and influence of Latino and Hispanic people, whose diverse cultures have significantly shaped American society. It’s a time to acknowledge achievements in arts, politics, business, and education, while also reflecting on the ongoing challenges faced by these communities. By engaging in events, discussions, and educational activities, we not only celebrate this vibrant heritage but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity that enriches our shared experiences.

Submission by GARE Ambassador Luis Garnica

International Day of Peace

Sept. 21 is the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Program of Action on the Culture of Peace.

The declaration recognizes that peace is “not only … the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic, participatory process where dialogue is encouraged, and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.” There has never been a more necessary time to remember the values needed to cultivate a culture of peace.

Imagine a day when everyone just takes a break from all the fighting and feuding. Instead of arguments, there are discussions. Instead of weapons, there are olive branches. People hold events, talks, and concerts to spread the idea of peace.

May this day inspire us to promote love, understand, and have compassion toward all. Imagine a giant global group hug. Because whether you’re in a big country or a small one, peace is something that connects us all.

Submission by GARE Ambassador Elana Chavez

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

National Preparedness Month

Sept. marks National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign aimed at emphasizing the importance of preparing for emergencies and disasters.
The initiative serves as a reminder that being prepared can help ensure the safety of individuals, families, and communities.

Discussions about potential disasters or emergencies can be uncomfortable, leading many to avoid the topic, however; addressing these issues is crucial for fostering readiness.

National Preparedness Month encourages individuals to develop comprehensive emergency plans tailored to their specific needs. Resources are available through local and national agencies to assist families in creating effective plans.

Visit Ready website to make your plan.

Upward Mobility

Madelynn McClain has been appointed as Assistant Deputy Director, Facility Support, Division of Adult Institutions.

Fidencio Guzman has been appointed as Warden at Centinela State Prison.

Edward Borla has been appointed Warden at the Correctional Training Facility, Soledad.

Peggy Llamas has been appointed as Chief Deputy Warden at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility.

Darren Chamberlain has been appointed as Chief Deputy Warden at California State Prison, Los Angeles County.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Phoebe Salas, California Men’s Colony Acting Office Services Supervisor I

In a recent ceremony that highlighted dedication and teamwork, Phoebe Salas, acting office services supervisor I, received a certificate of recognition from the State of California and an honorary challenge coin from the institution for her exemplary leadership in the mailroom.

What does this achievement mean to you and how did your team earn it?

Receiving the certificate and challenge coin from Warden Danny Samuel and senior management was a proud moment for us. We were recognized for our commitment to secure and efficient mail processing, achieving zero noncompliance during our recent security audit. This accomplishment reflects our core values of consistency, respect, and trust, essential to our success in the mailroom.

Can you describe a typical day in the mailroom at California Men’s Colony?

A typical day in the mailroom involves processing mail for staff and incarcerated individuals, ensuring proper postage and addresses while checking for contraband. My team inspects every package to maintain security and facilitate communication between incarcerated individuals and their families. I oversee operations to ensure adherence to departmental policies and address unexpected challenges. This role is crucial for logistics and for sustaining important connections.

What motivates your work ethic in the mailroom daily?

My motivation comes from my incredible mailroom staff, whose dedication creates a positive work environment I look forward to each day. Job security and the trust of my superiors provide stability in my role. Facing challenges together fosters team growth, and our positive energy inspires me to make a difference in others’ lives.

Knowing our work impacts families keeps me focused. Receiving state-level recognition validated our team’s efforts and reaffirmed our purpose, inspiring me to uphold a strong work ethic and encourage others to strive for excellence.

Recruitment

Central California Women’s Facility recruiters attend Women’s Conference

The recruitment team from Central California Women’s Facility participated in the Sept. 17 Women’s Conference, connecting with over 2,300 attendees. Lt. Monique Williams, Sgt. Rihanna Hodges, and Officer Teng Thao represented the facility, promoting opportunities within the peace officer selection and hiring process.

The purpose of the Women’s Conference of Fresno is to educate and facilitate idea-sharing on how to succeed personally and professionally in life while juggling the increasingly complex and diverse demands of life. The event highlighted Central California Women’s Facility’s commitment to fostering a diverse workforce and encouraging women to pursue careers in law enforcement. Warden Anissa De La Cruz promotes all recruitment efforts.

“It is so nice to see the diversity, equity, and inclusion among women at this conference,” said one potential candidate.

Visit the CDCR website to read about the department’s 30×30 Initiative.

Recruiters attend 30×30 Initiative Women’s Law Enforcement Symposium

The Peace Officer Recruitment team, along with staff from the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center, participated in the 30×30 Initiative Women’s Law Enforcement Symposium and Career Fair Sept. 18 in Oakland. The event aimed to empower women in law enforcement and foster collaboration within the industry.

Panels featured speakers sharing personal stories, successes, and the challenges women face in a predominantly male field. The symposium focused on strategies to support women’s advancement in law enforcement.

CDCR is committed to the 30×30 Initiative, which seeks to increase the representation of women in law enforcement to 30% by 2030. Attending events like this provides valuable insights and inspiration to drive change in the industry.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about the Women of CDCR.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

Parole recognized at San Francisco Geographic Awards Ceremony

DAPO receives award from GEO reentry services

San Francisco Geographic Reentry Services held an awards ceremony Sept. 19 to honor contributors to the reentry program, including staff from CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) and federal probation.

During the event, San Francisco Geographic Director Maria Richard presented a special recognition award to Parole Agent Damien Lopez for his exceptional support of people on life parole supervision enrolled in the Geographic program. Lopez was commended for his vital role in helping these individuals successfully reintegrate into the community.

The ceremony featured the testimony of Everett, who was discharged from parole supervision. He credited Agent Lopez with guiding him through his parole supervision and facilitating his positive transition back into society.

Several members of CDCR’s San Francisco Parole Unit joined Agent Lopez for the recognition, including Parole Agent III Hinojosa, Parole Agent II Tram, and Parole Agents Ebuen, Yee, and Contreras.

Visit Geographic Reentry Services website to learn more about the organization.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about parole.

In Our Institutions

Finding peace through gardening at High Desert

For incarcerated person Paschall, gardening has transformed from a stress-relief activity into a meaningful commitment to rehabilitation. Before his incarceration, he had no gardening experience, but while at High Desert State Prison’s Minimum Support Facility, he discovered a passion for cultivating plants.

Finding an unused area at the facility, Paschall began clearing weeds and tilling the soil. He used seeds from vendor packages and state-issued meals to grow peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, and watermelons.

“A busy day in the garden helps me clear my head. I feel normal and in a better mood,” said Paschall.
His efforts fostered connections with staff and fellow incarcerated, encouraging collaboration on the garden. Recognizing its impact, staff provided additional resources to expand the gardening project, highlighting the positive transformations possible within a prison environment.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more gardening stories.

Avenal State Prison supports creative expression through arts collective

Avenal State Prison recently sponsored Avalie Media, LLC, to film and interview participants of the Prison Arts Collective in collaboration with San Diego State University. This partnership has fostered a vibrant arts program across two facilities, with Facility B focusing on visual arts and Facility E on music.

Lead facilitators, who completed a two-week training course, now conduct weekly classes for fellow incarcerated, tracking attendance and receiving mentorship from Prison Arts Collective.

The Prison Arts Collective promotes art as a human right, emphasizing its ability to foster community and drive positive change. Through partnerships with California state universities, Prison Arts Collective leverages faculty expertise and student enthusiasm to provide transformative visual and interdisciplinary arts programming for incarcerated individuals.

Visit Prison Arts Collective website to learn more about the organization.

Netherlands officials tour two CDCR prisons

Officials from the Netherlands Ministry of Justice recently toured the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) and Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad. The tours, led by CTF Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Landrum and SVSP PIO Lt. Fonseca, aimed to explore how CDCR manages large prison populations and offers innovative programs.

The visiting officials focused on CTF’s non-designated programming facilities and observed how SVSP supports the California Model. They were impressed by pillars of the California Model including normalization and dynamic security.

“We’re amazed at how California manages such large populations while offering so many programs, promoting family reunification, and supporting staff wellness,” said one Netherlands official. “We hope to take some of these concepts back to our system.”

The visit left the Netherlands delegation inspired, with plans to explore some of CDCR’s successful strategies in their own correctional facilities.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the story.

Central California Women’s Facility celebrates Paper Trail

On September 16, 2024, the Central California Women’s Facility celebrated its inaugural guild graduation for the institution-wide newspaper program, Paper Trail. The newspaper features articles about activities within the facility as well as content from other institutions, including San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and Mule Creek State Prison.

Paper Trail is supported by the Pollen Initiative, an organization dedicated to advancing community engagement and innovation. Each guild member received a certificate of completion for participating in the program. The graduation was attended by CCWF senior management, staff, incarcerated individuals, and their families.

In the Media

Sgt. Charles Davis receives 2024 Medal of Valor for rescuing young man from fire

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation awards Medals of Valor to employees who have demonstrated bravery or heroism. Sgt. Charles Davis was awarded the 2024 Medal of Valor for his bravery in saving a young man’s life from a house fire.

“I am being recognized for my involvement and helping save the life of a young man with special needs. I was on my way home from work one day and saw some smoke and noticed that there was a house on fire, and I was told that there when I arrived there, I was told that there was somebody still inside, so I went inside to go check and make sure he got out and to make sure nobody else was still in there,” said Sgt. Davis.

Visit ABC 7 website to read the full story.

CDCR honoring heroes who go above the call of duty

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is celebrating its heroes with awards at the 39th Medal of Valor ceremony.

Friday morning in Galt, 16 employees throughout the state received an award from the CDCR for their heroic displays of bravery. According to CDCR, these employees distinguished themselves at a caliber beyond the normal demands of correctional service.

Visit NBC 5 website to read the full story.

Founder of college based at San Quentin receives prestigious national award

The founder of Mount Tamalpais College — an accredited school that provides classes to incarcerated people at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center — received a prestigious national award last week for her work in the prison.

Jody Lewen was one of three recipients of the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education, given by the McGraw Family Foundation and University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Lewen and the other two winners will each receive an award of $50,000, an awards sculpture, and will be celebrated at a ceremony in November.

Visit LocalNewsMatters website to read the full story.