Week in Review: October 18, 2024

October 18, 2024

In this Week in Review for October 18: California Health Care Facility holds first Bridging the Gap meeting, Governor Newsom proclaims Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Avenal State Prison celebrates graduates.

In Our Institutions

California Health Care Facility first Bridging the Gap meeting

California Health Care Facility (CHCF) held its inaugural Bridging the Gap meeting Oct. 4 as part of its job shadowing program. The event welcomed newly assigned correctional officers and featured open dialogues with incarcerated individuals who shared their life experiences. The group conducted an open questions and answers dialogue between the incarcerated population, newly assigned correctional officers, and staff in attendance.

This program was started in collaboration between Warden Gena Jones and incarcerated person Jovian Davis. Bridging the Gap aims to foster strong working relationships between staff and the incarcerated population through purposeful activities and respectful communication. By facilitating these interactions, CHCF seeks to cultivate a more collaborative and supportive environment within the facility. This initiative is designed to benefit staff and incarcerated individuals, enhancing understanding and cooperation.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more jobs, training and facility stories.

Centinela’s first intra-facility basketball game

Centinela recently hosted its inaugural intra-facility basketball game between Facilities A and B, highlighting athleticism, teamwork, and discipline. The competitive matchup ended with facility A narrowly defeating Facility B, 48-46.

Following the game, the facilities enjoyed a lunch together. Staff members attended the event and engaged in the excitement of the close contest.

“This was a great experience that has never been seen before. I want to thank the staff and Coach Altamirano for organizing this game,” said a participant.

Altamirano, inspired by the California Model, aimed to create a peaceful and stress-free environment for the population and staff.

Warden Guzman, also in attendance, expressed enthusiasm about the event.

“I’m glad both the population and the staff were able to enjoy this,” Guzman said.

Plans are in place to expand the tournament to other sports. Centinela’s TV specialist recorded the game so it can be viewed by the entire population.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more rehabilitation stories.

Avenal State Prison celebrates 61 graduates

incarcerated father holding child at ASP graduation

Avenal State Prison (ASP) recently celebrated the graduation of 61 incarcerated individuals, recognizing their achievements ranging from high school diplomas to college degrees. The ceremony featured speeches, award presentations, and touching moments.

The ceremony acknowledged the achievements of six high school graduates, 25 GED recipients, nine college graduates, and 16 Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificates. Additionally, five incarcerated individuals received Youth Offender Program (YOP) mentor certification.

The event showcased the resilience and dedication of the graduates, many of whom have faced significant challenges. Families beamed with pride as graduates stood tall, reflecting a newfound sense of purpose. The ceremony concluded with a reception, where loved ones celebrated the graduates, symbolizing hope and brighter futures ahead.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about the department’s education programs.

Upward Mobility

Anu Banerjee has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Health Care (Safety), California Heath Care Facility.

Eric Mejia has been appointed as Chief Deputy Warden, California Institution for Men.

Andres Esquivel has been appointed as Chief Deputy Warden, Centinela State Prison.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Associate Warden Hector Lopez, California Rehabilitation Center

Associate Warden Hector Lopez, California Rehabilitation Center, is a leader in corrections as well as a passionate baseball enthusiast and dedicated Dodgers fan. His love for the game shapes his approach to community engagement and personal fulfillment.

How did your love for baseball begin, and what does it mean to you?

Growing up in Southern California, I was immersed in the culture of baseball from an early age. I’ve loved the Dodgers most of my life, and I vividly remember my childhood visits to the stadium. Taking my sons to games has deepened my passion and created lasting memories together.

Going to the games as a family has meant everything to me. When my oldest son passed away, it hit the family hard. We continue to go to games with my youngest son to keep the tradition alive in his brother’s honor. For me, baseball is more than just a sport; it’s a way to connect with family and the community. I want to share that excitement and joy with others.

What impact does your extensive bobble-head collection have on your community involvement?

I’m a prolific collector of Dodgers bobble-heads. I have every bobble-head distributed in the history of the Dodgers organization. I use my collection to engage with the community, taking time to speak with staff in my office about the collection I have at work. If my son’s friends see one, they really like, I am always happy to share. It’s rewarding to foster a love for baseball.

What outlet does the Dodgers community provide you outside of work?

Within an institution, we are always very focused on work. At a baseball game, we have a true opportunity to socialize. I have friends in the department that I see at the games, and if it weren’t for the Dodgers, I wouldn’t have the time at work to speak with them. When we go to games, we’re hardly in our seats because we are with friends and family. My son used to be shy, but after spending so much time at the games with family friends, he’s become a huge talker. It allows me the socialization we sometimes miss while practicing security and professionalism at the institution.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more Beyond the Badge stories.

Observances

Governor Newsom proclaims Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Parole supervision week Seal of the 40th Governor of California

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 14, 2024, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The text of the proclamation can be found below:

For the sixth year in a row, California proclaims today as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In doing so, we reflect on the vibrant cultural diversity, and tenacity, of the Indigenous peoples who now call California home – including those who originate from and maintain deep relationships with these lands and waters, those who were relocated here from their sacred homelands by federal policies and those who have crossed oceans and borders with hope in the ability to find economic stability, community and safety in these lands of opportunity.

In recent years, we have experienced a global effort to disentangle the harmful legacies of historical violence and extraction and restore the beneficial legacies of Indigenous balance, sustainability and reciprocity. This includes a growing understanding of how the doctrine of discovery was called on historically to justify the expropriation of Indigenous lands and subjugation of Indigenous peoples, a legacy that has also been linked to the worsening of climate change and other environmental harms.

Increasingly, we are turning to Indigenous peoples in the existential imperative to restore balance, weather climate impacts and preserve biodiversity. This year alone, California followed the charge of the Klamath Basin tribes to complete the largest dam removal project in American history; welcomed native beaver, wolf and condor populations home; and enacted historic land access, return and stewardship mechanisms for Indigenous peoples. Later this month, California, along with leaders from across the globe, will meet to discuss the need to respect, preserve and maintain the knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous peoples in the race to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

As we look toward a future in which we continue to support these practices while also bolstering Indigenous language learning and revitalization, uplifting Indigenous sports in mainstream spaces, spotlighting Indigenous arts and infusing governance with Indigenous values, we are excited for the chance to demonstrate this work on the world stage at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Los Angeles boasts not only a rich community of the first people of those lands and waters, but also one of the largest populations of Native American people and diverse Indigenous immigrants alike. Further, for the first time in over 100 years, the games will include the Indigenous sport of lacrosse, offering an opportunity to showcase the Haudenosaunee athletes whose ancestors invented the game.

Today, as we are reminded of the forces of violence, displacement and oppression that tried and failed to eradicate Indigenous communities, I call on all Californians to find meaningful opportunities to uplift, validate and engage with Indigenous peoples and cultures on a global scale.

Visit the Governor’s Office website to read more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

International Pronouns Day

International Pronouns Day, founded in 2018, is observed on the third Wednesday of October each year. The intent is to promote respect of individual’s personal pronouns and to celebrate people’s identity through education and advocacy. This is important to transgender and gender nonconforming individuals who are often marginalized, harassed, humiliated and frequently intentionally identified by the wrong pronouns. While many people go by the pronoun sets, he/him or she/her, some may use they/them, or other pronouns not associated with the gender binary. Sharing your own pronouns and respecting the pronouns others promotes a culture where everyone feels safe to share. This also encourages others not to assume, providing a sense of inclusion.

Submission by GARE Ambassador Samantha Bruton

Spirit Day

Spirit Day, celebrated this year on Oct. 17, is the largest and most visible LGBTQIA+ anti-bullying campaign in the world. The purpose is to raise awareness and show solidarity with LGBTQIA+ youth who face a disproportionate amount of bullying and harassment due to gender identity and sexual orientation.

As a mental health admission intake nurse, I work with clients who identify as LGBTQIA+ and some suffer from severe depression, accompanied with a report of experiencing recent and historical trauma related to being physically, sexually and/or emotionally abused.

Driven by the spike of suicides among teenagers in 2010, Spirit Day was founded to support LGBTQIA+ youth and to stand against bullying. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) looked to unify millions of teachers, workplaces, celebrities, and media outlets to wear purple on Spirit Day, symbolizing spirit on the rainbow flag. This day takes place in October intentionally to coincide with National Bullying Prevention Month.

Submission by GARE Ambassador Beverly Scott-Washington

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.

Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health

Juvenile Justice Workgroup

Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health will host a Juvenile Justice Workgroup to provide an overview of the student behavioral health and school transition programs within the California Department of Education and local level that serve justice-involved youth with behavioral health needs.

The workgroup will meet Friday, Oct. 25, from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. The meeting can be attended virtually via Microsoft Teams, with an option for in-person participation at 1515 K St., Suite 550, Sacramento, in compliance with Bagley-Keene changes effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Recruitment

Two officers, one wearing pink patches, at a cancer awareness event in San Francisco.

Soledad farmers market with CDCR recruiters wearing pink patches for breast cancer awareness.

CDCR recruiters go pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CDCR peace officer recruiters are proudly wearing pink to show their support. As part of the 30×30 initiative, recruiters are engaging with the community at women’s events throughout October.

On Oct. 3, the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) recruitment team attended the breast cancer awareness-themed Soledad Farmers Market. There, local police pinned CDCR recruiters with awareness ribbons, symbolizing unity in the fight against breast cancer.

On Oct. 6, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) recruiters participated in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk at the San Francisco Zoo. As the only law enforcement agency represented, CDCR’s presence was notable, with Lt. Berry wearing her Class A uniform and pink patches.

On Oct. 27, CDCR recruiters will join over 20,000 attendees at the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Sacramento, promoting career opportunities and supporting breast cancer awareness.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about the 30×30 Initiative.

In the Community

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office honors CDCR staff

California Community Colleges Chancellor with CDCR staff

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s office recently recognized several key staff members from CDCR. The chancellor’s office hosted a conference with over 200 community college faculty and staff in attendance. Honorees included Secretary Macomber, former Division of Rehabilitative Programs Director Brant Choate, Superintendent Shannon Swain, and Deputy Superintendent Rebecca Silbert.

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s office oversees 116 community colleges statewide. CDCR collaborates with 25 California community college partners to serve more than 10,000 students each semester. Chancellor Sonya Christian highlighted her “Vision 2030” plan, emphasizing incarcerated students as a top priority for the community college system.

“CDCR’s partnership with the California Community Colleges is changing lives, reducing recidivism, and transforming our facilities. College staff and CDCR staff work hard every day to make these classes happen, and we see the benefits every day,” said Shannon Swain, Superintendent of the Office of Correctional Education

The event also featured Director Chelsea Esquibias, from the Chancellor’s Office, who joined in celebrating the efforts to improve educational opportunities for justice-involved individuals. The recognition underscores CDCR’s commitment to rehabilitation and education within California’s correctional facilities.

Visit California Community Colleges Chancellor’s website for more information on their office.

Rehabilitation

Female Community Reentry program participants enjoy giant pumpkin festival

Participants from Sacramento’s Female Community Reentry Program attended the Oct. 6 Giant Pumpkin Festival at Elk Grove Park. The festival featured a giant pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin-based cuisine, rides, arts and crafts, and games. The event held a unique pumpkin regatta, where boats made from carved pumpkins raced across the water.

This event provided program participants with a pro-social experience, allowing them to engage positively with the community in a family-friendly environment. Attendees enjoyed the festivities, which fostered connections and supported their reintegration efforts. The festival highlights the programs commitment to enhancing community engagement and building supportive relationships.

Visit the CDCR website for more information on the Female Community Reentry Program.

In the Media

Female Community Reentry Program graduates first all-incarcerated female firefighting class

Britaney Gomez was 16 years old and high on weed — as she was most days back then — when she crashed her car in her hometown of Modesto seven years ago, killing two people.

She went to prison, serving out most of a 12-year sentence at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla.

But on Tuesday, the 23-year-old was one of five women to graduate from the state’s first training program for female inmates who want to be firefighters when they are released from incarceration. She became the crew leader in the grueling program, funded by Cal Fire and run by a former inmate who became a firefighter upon his release in 2018.

Visit The Sacramento Bee website to read the full story and watch the video.

New rescue dog program at Folsom State Prison a story of fresh starts, redemption

For the first time since it opened in 1880, Folsom State Prison has a few rescue dogs living behind its granite rock walls, and their incarcerated trainers couldn’t be happier about it.

The now-closed women’s section of the prison had a prison puppy raising program at one time, but this is the first time the men’s side has housed rescue dogs.

Recently, Folsom State Prison partnered with Foothill Dog Rescue, based in Shingle Springs, for a new program called Paws on the Block, a foster program pairing rescue dogs with skilled incarcerated trainers to socialize, train and give love to the dogs so they can be adopted into forever homes.

Visit Gold Country Media website to read the full story.

Prison newspaper hopes to bridge inside and outside worlds

After being incarcerated for 19 years, most people would be happy to never step foot in a prison again. But Jesse Vasquez returns week after week, flashing his state-wide security clearance to correctional officers who know him by name.

Vasquez leads the Pollen Initiative, a non-profit organization supporting the development of media centers and newspapers in prisons. When he was incarcerated, he was sent to 12 different prisons before ending up at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, located just north of San Francisco. There, he got involved with the prison’s long-running newspaper, San Quentin News. He served as the paper’s editor-in-chief before he was paroled in 2019.

Visit The Daily Yonder to read the full story.

California prison holds film festival

Several top celebrities were invited to attend the first-ever San Quentin Film Festival, held in the institution last week.

The films showcased the work of current and formerly incarcerated filmmakers, according to a CDCR news release announcing the event.

Visit Microsoft Start website to read the full story.

First film festival inside a prison

The Bay Area’s newest film festival has a curious dress code.

“No blue, green, orange, gray or all-white clothing,” reads an email sent to attendees by an event organizer. White is allowed if combined with other colors, but all black is always safe, the instructions continue. Open-toed and open-backed shoes are not permitted.

Rules like that come with the territory when you’re planning the world’s first-ever film festival inside a prison.