California Model, Inside CDCR Video, Rehabilitation

California Medical Facility hosts Prison Palooza 3.0

October 3, 2024

Staff and the incarcerated play corn hole at California Medical Facility Prison Palooza 3.0.

California Medical Facility staff, community organizations, and the incarcerated population recently gathered for Prison Palooza 3.0.

“We had a lot more staff, people from the community and incarcerated folks who heard about it from last year who wanted to participate this year,” said Lt. Priscilla Gonzalez, public information officer. “So, it was cool to have that many people see what we did and want to be a part of it.”

Warden Daniel Cueva said the event is a great way to foster positive interactions between staff and those incarcerated at the institution.

“(It’s inspiring) seeing the incarcerated folks and the staff members playing corn hole or listening to music side by side,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot more staff participation (because they didn’t) realize this was an event for everybody.”

Richard Tan, television specialist with the Office of Public and Employee Communications, was on hand to capture the event. Watch his video (story continues below):

Breaking down barriers, working together

Anthony Gonzalez, an incarcerated attendee, believes this is a way to help break down barriers and improve communication.

“(It’s) simply human connection and stepping out of the realms of blue and green,” he said. “It really connected us on a different level.”

Pulling off the event requires a team effort.

“One of our officers has a lot of horses on her property,” said Lt. Gonzalez. So, Prison Palooza organizers asked if she’d be willing to bring them to the institution.

Correctional Officer Andrea Garcia was happy to pitch in and help. She already takes the horses to other community activities, so the process wasn’t difficult.

“We’re trying to do some new things here (at California Medical Facility), incorporating some normalcy,” Garcia said.

“I grew up taking care of horses, so this took me home. This is a beautiful experience,” said Matthew Lane, another incarcerated attendee. “I love it. It kind of takes me out of prison.”

Several bands performed during the Palooza, including the Travis Air Force Band.

According to Lt. Gonzalez, the Travis band is the top hit.

The Palooza included an incarcerated food sale fundraiser with the money going to a local charity.

“We’ve been able to share music, art, and games,” said Warden Cueva. “That’s something we all enjoy whether staff or an incarcerated person.”

Video by Richard Tan, TV Specialist
Story by Richard Tan and Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Photos by Emily Humpal, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications