This Weekender Digest focuses on the new California Model Magazine; the Paper Trail; and the Peer Support Specialist Program. This new weekly digest has been created to help keep our busy staff up to date with the latest news.
Appointments & Promotions
Governor appoints wardens at Centinela, CTF
Governor Gavin Newsom appointed two new wardens: Fidencio Guzman at Centinela State Prison and Edward Borla at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad. Both have served as acting wardens since 2023. Read the full story.
California Model
New magazine offers inside look at California Model
The first issue of the California Model Magazine is available for view now. This print and digital magazine, scheduled for release twice a year, contains important information and updates on the implementation and impacts of the California Model. Read the story and watch the video by Ike Dodson, Information Officer II, California Correctional Health Care Services.
Peer Support Specialists deliver improvements for staff, population
An incredible resource is growing quickly inside California prisons: Peer Support Specialists (PSS). They are incarcerated people trained to use their lived experiences to provide valuable and trusted recovery and rehabilitative support to their peers. Read the full story by Ike Dodson, Information Officer II, California Correctional Health Care Services.
CDCR highlights Suicide Prevention Week
Staff and the incarcerated population across CDCR and CCHCS promoted Suicide Prevention Week and Month to raise awareness. Read the round-up compiled by Don Chaddock.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation through journalism: CCWF Paper Trail
The Central California Women’s Facility celebrated its inaugural guild graduation for the institution-wide newspaper, the Paper Trail. Read the full story and watch the video by Quinn Sheppard, Office of Public and Employee Communications.
Pre‑Release Fair offers resources at RJ Donovan
The mental health department at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility, in partnership with custody staff, hosted a Pre-Release Fair on Echo Yard. Read the full story submitted by Nadia Camarillo, Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker.
Strategic Communications & External Affairs
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 Lt. Landrum and SVSP Lt. Fonseca, aimed to explore how CDCR manages large prison populations and offers innovative programs. Read the full story by David Maldonado, Deputy Chief, Strategic Communications and External Affairs.
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Recent CDCR Weekender stories
SCC Officer Masterson named Angels‑Murphys Officer of Year
Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) Correctional Officer Masterson was named the Angels-Murphys Rotary Club of California Officer of the Year. The…
CRM Heather Duarte earns CIF coaching honor
Calipatria State Prison Community Resources Manager (CRM) Heather Duarte has devoted over three decades to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring student-athletes.…
CCWF staff focus on mental health awareness
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla hosted a special May 12 mental health event for staff in partnership with…
Kern Valley State Prison celebrates Skilled Trades Day
Kern Valley State Prison staff celebrated National Skilled Trades Day, recognizing all staff who keep Plant Operations going. The correctional…
LAC staff interact with students during Read Across America
Staff from California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), visited young students during Read Across America Week. A local elementary…
CRC‑Norco hosts Last Rodeo for Nurses Week celebration
The California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) at Norco recently hosted the Last Rodeo in honor of National Nurses Week. CRC showed…