Week in Review: October 11, 2024

October 11, 2024

In this Week in Review for October 11: CDCR fire crews assist with Glenhaven fire; Meet the award‑winning North Kern beekeepers; and Centinela walks for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Rodney Michael, California Correctional Institution Correctional Counselor II (Specialist)

Rodney Michael, a correctional counselor II (Specialist) at the California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi, has dedicated over a decade to coaching youth football. His passion for the sport and commitment to his community have made a significant impact on young athletes.

Michael’s journey in football exemplifies the power of mentorship and community involvement, as he continues to shape the lives of young athletes in Tehachapi.

When did your passion for football start?

Watching football was a passion of mine growing up. I signed up to play tackle football in eighth grade, but I was over the weight limit and had to wait. As soon as I hit high school, playing football was my top priority. When I graduated high school, I received a full-ride scholarship to attend California State University, Fresno, and played as a starting offensive lineman and participated in various all-star games.

How has coaching youth football influenced your life?

Coaching has allowed me to take the knowledge I gained from my playing days and pass it on to the next generation. Watching kids grow from being nervous beginners to confident young athletes ready for high school football is incredibly rewarding. I also love that I can coach alongside my wife, Jenn, who shares my passion for seeing these kids succeed. I was blessed to be able to coach my children, making it a true family affair.

How do you feel about the growth of the Tehachapi youth football program?

It’s been amazing to witness the program grow to nearly 200 athletes. I often take a step back to appreciate how far we’ve come and the incredible team of volunteers and coaches who have dedicated themselves to our mission. Knowing that kids I coached years ago still reach out for advice is a testament to the positive impact we’ve made together.

Fire Response

CDCR Fire-fighting Crews assist with Glenhaven Fire

The Glenhaven Fire, which ignited Oct. 4, has burned 417 acres and is currently 100% contained as of Oct. 9.

CDCR has mobilized four conservation fire camps, deploying seven crews comprising 89 fire crew members and 11 staff members to combat the blaze. Their efforts have been crucial in enhancing containment and managing the fire’s spread.

The fire crews worked diligently to assist controlling the situation to keep the community safe.

Visit CALFIRE website for updates on the Glenhaven Fire.

Visit CDCR’s Conservation (Fire) Camps webpage for more information on the program.

In Our Institutions

Meet the award‑winning North Kern beekeepers

Incarcerated beekeepers are learning valuable skills through a new program at North Kern State Prison in Delano.

“Well, we started a few months back when we placed a bee colony here on grounds,” said Luis Cardenas, North Kern State Prison’s Apiary Beekeeper. He’s also a retired parole agent. “We’re providing a lesson plan and hands-on instruction on keeping bees and maintaining a healthy apiary.”

What is an apiary? It’s simply a place where beehives are kept, especially those used for honey production.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Centinela State Prison hosts charity walk for Breast Cancer Awareness

CEN staff observe breast cancer awareness

Centinela State Prison recently organized a charity walk to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. Staff gathered to walk around the institution perimeter, enjoying music and camaraderie while sporting pink ribbons.

Participants donated money in exchange for the ribbons, raising over $1,200 during the one-day event. “I want to thank everyone for taking the time to support us. Nearly every person here has somehow been affected by breast cancer. This is our chance to give back,” said Capt. T. Soriano, who coordinated the event with Associate Warden E. Bustamante.

Centinela plans to continue fundraising throughout October, with all proceeds benefiting the Cancer Resource Center of the Desert. Warden F. Guzman praised the staff for their commitment.

“I’m proud of our staff for supporting such a great cause,” he said. “We all had a great time while being able to give back.”

Visit Inside CDCR to read more Beyond the Badge stories.

New Girl Scouts program launches at Central California Women’s Facility

children standing together with stuffed animals

Central California Women’s Facility launched the Girl Scouts of Central California South Behind Bars program. The program is a collaborative effort led by Warden Anissa De La Cruz, Community Resources Manager’s Office, and assisted by retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson Davis. The initiative, in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Bakersfield, aims to strengthen family bonds and build social capital for incarcerated individuals and their families.

The program kicked off with its first troop meeting, Troop 2020, where 12 children and their families participated in activities such as a Build-a-Bear workshop and fashion show. The Pollen Initiative Team contributed significantly by funding essential items for the event.

“We are so excited for this partnership and the difference we are making in these families’ lives,” said Shannon Pamiza, Vice President of Girl Scouts of Central California South.

Visit Girl Scouts of Central California South to learn more about the organization.

Recruitment

CDCR recruitment visits Reno Rib Cook‑Off

More than a culinary event, the 2024 Reno Rib Cook-Off also served as a CDCR recruitment platform. The Peace Officer Recruitment Unit attended the event to help fill vacancies at nearby High Desert State Prison in Susanville.

Recruitment efforts were led by High Desert State Prison Associate Warden Anthony Lane and Lt. Jeremy Micone, the institution’s public information officer. They were joined by Danny Royster, associate governmental program analyst with the recruitment unit.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Visit the CDCR website for more information on how to join the department.

Upward Mobility

Pedro Chanelo has been appointed as Chief Deputy Warden, Valley State Prison.

California Correctional Health Care Services

New CDCR Podcast Episode on Raising Mental Health Awareness airs on World Mental Health Day

In honor of World Mental Health Day Oct. 10, check out the most recent CDCR Unlocked Podcast episode featuring guest speakers Dr. Amar Mehta, Deputy Director, Mental Health Services, CCHCS, and Dr. Brianna Rojas, Chief Psychologist, Office of Employee Wellness, as they discuss the importance of making your mental health a priority, avoiding stigma, and the resources available to you.

Visit RSS.com to listen to the full podcast.

Congratulations to Amelia Carlson, 2024-2025 Population Flu poster contest winner

CDCR’s Public Health Team held a statewide population flu poster contest over the summer.

The contest asked the incarcerated population to submit their unique artwork promoting the 2024-2025 Flu Vaccination Campaign.

The winning poster, alongside a collage of honorable mention posters, will be displayed at CDCR institutions across California.

Statewide Population Flu Poster Contest Winner:
Amelia Carlson, California Institution for Women

Visit CCHCS Lifeline for Influenza Resources and Guidance.

In the Community

San Bernardino Children’s Fund Partners with San Bernardino Reentry Initiative for Family Fair

The San Bernardino Children’s Fund, in collaboration with the Cal State San Bernardino Reentry Initiative, held its third annual Family Fair Sept. 21, attracting over 300 families.

The event provided supervised individuals and low-income families with essential resources, including food, clothing, school supplies, and household assistance. Attendees enjoyed a barbecue hosted by San Bernardino firefighters and activities like face painting for children.

Parole agents from the San Bernardino Division of Adult Parole Operations facilitated the event, helping families gather necessary items and load them into their cars. The Reentry Initiative aims to support the successful reintegration of supervised individuals by connecting them with educational programs, counseling, and transitional housing resources. Through partnerships with community organizations, the initiative also offers a Day Reporting Center to assist in accessing vital services for a successful transition.

Visit San Bernardino Children’s Fund for more information on the organization.

Avenal State Prison presents check to Rotary Club

Avenal staff holding check with rotary club

Avenal State Prison senior management presented a check for over $3,000 to the Avenal Rotary Club. The funds were raised through an incarcerated food sale coordinated by Avenal’s incarcerated advisory committee with staff support.

Shown in the photo are Chief Deputy Warden A. Williams, acting Associate Warden M. Godina, and Complex II Capt. C. Munoz attended the event, alongside members of the Rotary Club and Avenal’s Chief of Police.

“We love being able to partner with the Avenal community,” said Chief Deputy Warden Williams.

The donation will aid the Avenal Police Department in revitalizing its Explorer Program, fostering future law enforcement leaders. The Rotary Club expressed gratitude for the contribution and looks forward to its community impact, marking the beginning of a collaborative relationship with Avenal State Prison.

Bakersfield college students standing together

Bakersfield College hosts Public Safety career expo

Bakersfield College held a Public Safety Career Expo on Sept. 18, featuring staff from the Bakersfield Parole Complex and North Kern State Prison alongside various Kern County law enforcement and first responder agencies. Agencies in attendance included local ambulance services, the Kern County Fire Department, Bakersfield Police Department, Shafter Police Department, Delano Police Department, Kern County Probation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and Fish and Game.

The event attracted college and local high school students, providing them with an opportunity to learn about minimum qualifications and available positions within each organization.

“This career expo is essential for recruitment and fostering positive connections with our community,” said a representative. Attendees left with valuable insights into potential career paths in public safety, highlighting the bright future for those interested in serving their community.

Visit CDCR’s parole webpage for more information.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

Victim services showcase support services at Delta College Career Fair

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services recently participated in the Delta College Career Fair. Victim service representatives engaged with approximately 20 students and staff, discussing services such as restitution options, notification registration, and restorative justice programs.

Brochures on victim services and the restitution department were distributed to enhance understanding of available support. The event aimed to connect students with support systems and encourage awareness of victim rights within the community.

Visit victim services webpage to learn more about their resources.

In the Media

Common-Produced and Scored Doc Short ‘Four Letters’ to Premiere During San Quentin Prison Film Festival (EXCLUSIVE)

The San Quentin Film Festival — the first-ever film festival taking place inside of a prison — has added a new title to its lineup: “Four Letters,” a documentary short that was scored and executive produced by Common.

The festival marks the first industry and press screening of “Four Letters,” but its world premiere took place on screens across all state prisons administered by California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation in April as a part of Second Chance Month, an initiative led by justice reform nonprofit Prison Fellowship.

Visit Variety website to read the full story.

Warriors visit San Quentin: Humanity, storytelling and sports

The people who spend their days and nights at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center call the concrete ramp that connects the complex campus’s entrance to the prison yard “the big hill.”

When the Warriors walk down the big hill for their annual game against incarcerated players, it officially starts what many on the inside consider their Super Bowl.