Week in Review: November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

In this Week in Review for November 1: Restoring voting rights; CDCR carries out Operation Boo Halloween safety campaign; and three questions with teacher Stacy Zelenski.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

CDCR kicks off Operation Boo Halloween safety campaign

With Halloween fast approaching, CDCR is helping keep kids and families safe through Operation Boo. Throughout the week, CDCR parole agents will provide safety tips for trick-or-treaters via social media and as part of a comprehensive parents’ guide on our 2024 Operation Boo webpage.

Hundreds of parole agents, along with local law enforcement partners, conduct compliance checks on sex offender supervised persons across California. Operation Boo helps ensure those who are prohibited from having contact with minors are following their conditions of parole.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Parole’s Operation Boo 2024 is community effort

On Halloween, CDCR parole agents will partner with local community law enforcement agencies for Operation Boo 2024. This effort in the community helps ensure sex offender supervised people are following their conditions of parole.

“Operation Boo and the work we do to ensure children and families are safe this Halloween reminds us (to take steps to) prevent child sex-abuse offenses,” said Parole Agent Kamal Singh.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Bakersfield Parole participates in Taft College Career Expo

On Oct. 15, the Bakersfield Parole Office represented CDCR at the Taft College Career Expo. The event began with a luncheon where college staff sought input from law enforcement officers regarding the modern policing program, initiated under Assembly Bill 89 in 2021.

In addition to college students, representatives engaged with local middle and high school students to discuss career opportunities in law enforcement and rehabilitation. Participating agencies included the California Highway Patrol, Kern County Probation, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Taft Police Department, Bakersfield Police Department, and Hall Ambulance.

Representatives from the department included Parole Administrator Onyanga Dean, Parole Service Associate Rebecca Alvarez, and Parole Agent Sergio Rios. This collaborative event aimed to foster connections and inform students about careers in public safety and corrections.

Visit parole’s website for more information on their services.

Kern Valley State Prison hosts provider resource fair

DAPO staff at Kern Valley standing at table

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) recently held its second Provider Resource Fair of the year, bringing together various units from the Division of Adult Parole Operations. Representatives from the Community Transition Program, Bakersfield Parole Office, and the Community Resource Unit informed the incarcerated population about the parole process, from incarceration to supervision.

The resource fair is part of parole’s commitment to connecting individuals with resources tailored to their criminogenic needs. Additional organizations present included Community Action Partnership of Kern, Nueva Vida, WestCare, Garden Pathways, Kern Health Systems, Be Finally Free, and Caltrans.

Key attendees included Chief Deputy Administrator Cory Alvarez and various parole staff members, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in promoting successful reintegration into society.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more Division of Adult Parole Operations stories.

What’s New?

Honoring Our Veterans: Introducing the New CDCR Patch

In recognition of Veterans Day, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) proudly introduces a new “U.S. Veteran” patch, authorized for all CDCR staff who have served in the U.S. Military. This patch will be worn throughout November, serving as a visible symbol of their dedication and service.

Additionally, we invite all military veterans to wear their earned medals throughout the month. Non-uniformed staff are welcome to display their medals on their work attire. This initiative is a meaningful way to celebrate and honor the contributions of our veteran employees within the CDCR community.

Let’s show our gratitude this November by proudly wearing the patch and medals and encouraging others to do the same. Together, we honor the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

Please visit the CDCR website for more information on military and veteran incentives in the department.

Observances

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Daylight Saving Time officially ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024. At this time, clocks will “fall back” one hour, giving many a chance to enjoy an extra hour of sleep.

To best accommodate the time change, it is recommended to set your clocks back one hour before heading to bed on Saturday night. This simple adjustment ensures a smoother transition into standard time.

In the Community

Voting Right’s Restored

CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber and Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber explain how individuals with prior convictions their voting can have rights restored.

You can register to vote if you are:

A U.S. citizen and a resident of California
18 years old or older on Election Day
Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court
Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony

If you have a misdemeanor conviction, are on parole or probation, or on post-release community supervision, you may still be eligible to vote under specific conditions.

Learn more at votingrightsrestored.sos.ca.gov and visit registertovote.ca.gov to check your eligibility and register.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Stacy Zelenski, teacher, California Men’s Colony

Stacy Zelenski, a dedicated teacher at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, has transformed her love for pickleball into both a personal passion and a means to foster community engagement. For eight years, Zelenski has made significant strides in the sport, culminating in her recent draft into the National Pickleball League (NPL) with the Coachella Valley Scorpions.

Zelenski’s vision extends beyond personal achievement as she aims to bring pickleball into the California Men’s Colony. She believes pickleball can offer incarcerated people physical activity as well as a pathway for reintegration into the community.

Where did your love for pickleball start?

My love for pickleball started when I moved to Morro Bay about eight years ago. Initially, I was drawn to the courts out of curiosity and a desire for competition. After attending an introductory clinic, I wasn’t overly impressed, but watching more experienced players inspired me. I thought, “That looks like fun; I want to play on that court.” It was that competitive drive that pushed me to practice relentlessly. Now, after five years of dedicated training, I’ve surpassed many players I once looked up to, proving that with hard work, anything is possible.

What opportunities has pickleball provided you?

Pickleball has opened numerous doors for me. Beyond meeting new friends and enjoying outdoor exercise, I’ve traveled across states for competitions and clinics, broadening my experiences. I’ve been able to teach the game to others, facilitating clinics that foster community connection. Additionally, my partnership with the Boys and Girls Club in Coachella Valley has been fulfilling, allowing me to share the sport with youth. Most importantly, I’m grateful for the support from my community, which has been essential in making these opportunities a reality.

How do you use pickleball as an outlet outside of work?

After work, pickleball became my go-to for stress relief and social interaction. It started as a fun escape but quickly turned into an everyday commitment. I often play six hours a day, and while the sport has become more demanding, I remind myself to enjoy the journey, not just the end goal. Playing at the pro level requires discipline and balancing that with my teaching responsibilities can be challenging. However, the joy I feel on the court helps me recharge and stay focused, both in my professional and personal life.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more Beyond the Badge stories.

Fire Response

CMC physical fitness class is first step to become firefighter

For incarcerated people interested in becoming a firefighter, California Men’s Colony (CMC) offers Physical Fitness Training (PFT).

The three-week program conducted at CMC’s Camp Cuesta in San Luis Obispo tests the men’s strength and endurance.

“PFT class is conducted on and off the yard where they can be challenged similar as they would be fighting a fire on a hill anywhere in the state of California,” said Sgt. B. Schnore.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Upward Mobility

Jason Schultz has been assigned as acting Warden at California State Prison, Sacramento.

Janan Cavagnolo has been assigned as acting Warden at California State Prison, Solano.

Dr. Melinda Chau has been assigned as acting Chief Executive Officer at California State Prison, Corcoran.

In Our Institutions

San Quentin hosts first ever all-incarcerated softball game

On Oct. 11, California Medical Facility in Vacaville transported a team of incarcerated individuals to San Quentin Rehabilitation Center to compete in an incarcerated versus incarcerated softball game.

This was the first time such a game was ever played.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

California Institution for Men celebrates Anti-Recidivism Coalition graduation

Anti-Recidivism Coalition celebrated the graduation of over 83 incarcerated students from its programs on Oct. 8 and 9, at California Institution for Men. Graduates completed courses in Emotional Intelligence, Criminal Gangs Anonymous, and Board of Parole Hearing Preparation, participating in programs lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Attendees included Warden Pennington, Public Information Officer Lt. Ignacio Vera, facility captains, and Community Resource Management staff. Following the ceremony, a reception was held, offering food to the graduates.

This graduation reflects the Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s commitment to rehabilitation and reducing recidivism by equipping individuals with vital skills and knowledge as they prepare for reentry into society. The event was coordinated and supported by the Community Resource Manager’s office and community-based organization program providers at the Anti- Recidivism Coalition.

Visit Anti-Recidivism Coalition website to learn more about the organization.

California Men’s Colony hosts first institution graduation with family in attendance

graduates sitting and listening to speaker at ceremony

California Men’s Colony celebrated a historic milestone as 24 incarcerated students from Cuesta College graduated with Associate of Arts Degrees Oct. 24. Additionally, three students earned high school diplomas, 19 received their GEDs, and two were awarded Certificates of Attendance & Participation.

“This accomplishment reflects not only academic achievement but also tremendous courage and resilience,” said Warden Danny Samuel. “Your hard work has paid off, and today you stand as graduates.”

Former incarcerated person Luis Venegas, a past Rising Scholars student, returned as the keynote speaker. He shared his positive experiences, stating, “I truly enjoyed my education there and have used those skills since my release.”

The event marked a significant step in California Men’s Colony’s commitment to education and rehabilitation, allowing graduates to celebrate with their families.

Visit Cuesta College’s website for more information on the Rising Scholars program.

Kern Valley State Prison delivers early Christmas cheer to local school

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) Community Resource Office recently presented a check for over $6,700 to Richgrove Elementary School to fund sweatshirts for fourth- through sixth-grade students. This generous donation was made possible by profits from third-quarter food sales by incarcerated individuals.

Kern Valley adopts a local school each year to spread holiday cheer, and this year’s choice is Richgrove Elementary. At the end of the year, Kern Valley staff will also provide hundreds of gifts tailored to the wish lists of students in transitional kindergarten through third grade.

This initiative reflects Kern Valley’s commitment to supporting the local community and fostering positive relationships, ensuring that all students can celebrate the holiday season with warmth and joy.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more Community Involvement stories.

In the Media

Operation Boo aims to ensure Halloween safety for trick-or-treaters in Bakersfield

Operation Boo is where parole agents and local law enforcement conduct compliance checks on sex offenders to protect children, including in Bakersfield.

Operation Boo ensures Halloween safety by conducting compliance checks on sex offenders. The initiative is led by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Parole agents and local law enforcement collaborate to enhance public safety. Last year, 97% of sex offenders complied with Halloween restrictions.

Visit ABC 23 website to read the full story.

Sacramento Republic FC hosts training session at Folsom State Prison

soccer ball in field with incarcerated behind

Sacramento Republic FC has been “rolling out the ball” at Folsom State Prison the last seven years, and you’d be amazed how much a soccer ball and positive attitude gives hope to so many people.

It’s big part of the reason why Tuesday morning was no ordinary morning at Folsom State Prison.

“Today is a special day,” said Solomon Ruiz, who is currently incarcerated at Folsom State Prison. “What it means to me is the ability to wake up and have something to do with my life.”

Visit ABC10 website to watch the video.

Dozens of San Diego prison inmates earn associate’s degrees

incarcerated graduates sitting at ceremony

Thirty-nine inmates at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility are new college graduates. The state’s restorative justice program helped them earn associate’s degrees in sociology or liberal arts.

Visit NBC San Diego website to watch the video.