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
CHCF thanks staff through third annual automotive show
The California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton recently hosted its third annual automotive show. This event provides staff with…
CTF staff enjoy Coffee, Food Truck Pop‑Up Day
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) recently hosted its monthly Coffee and Food Truck Pop-Up Day. Dubbed What’s for Lunch Wednesday,…
Ironwood State Prison leaders show staff appreciation
Leaders at Ironwood State Prison recently hosted a staff appreciation event to honor employees for their exceptional dedication, hard work…
Solano Fallen tourney raises over $12,500 for staff, families
Correctional professionals, law enforcement partners and community supporters came together to raise more than $12,500 during the recent Solano Fallen Resource…
CDCR, CCHCS show up at US Police and Fire Championship
Staff from CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) showed up at the recent US Police and Fire National…
Pleasant Valley holds first staff cornhole tournament
Off-duty staff from Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga gathered off-site for the first cornhole tournament. Organized by the Employee…