Weekender Digest: Operation Boo, community and softball

This Weekender Digest focuses on Operation Boo, community events, and the first all-incarcerated softball game. Compressing the week’s stories into this new weekly digest is another way to help keep our busy staff up to date with the latest news.

Halloween, Harvest and Dia de los Muertos

Visiting staff, volunteers make Halloween special

Visiting staff, volunteers, incarcerated people and family councils made Halloween, harvest and Dia de los Muertos special. Through decorations, photo backdrops, and activities, family bonding was seen throughout California prisons and programs. This story will be updated as more submissions are received. View the full story.

Parole agents keep communities safe through Operation Boo

Throughout the week leading up to Halloween, the parole agents shared trick-or-treating safety tips for families. “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. Watch the videos and read the stories with Agent Singh and Agent Tracy Master.

Institutions get into Halloween spirit

Across California, CDCR institutions got into the spirit of Halloween through festivals, family days, and trunk-or-treat events. This round-up of events will be updated as more institutions submit their photos and stories. Read the latest updated story.

Cemetery Tales

Every October, Inside CDCR researches the stories of the people who were buried at San Quentin and Folsom State Prison. After policy changes in 1958, people were no longer buried in state prison cemeteries. View all the Cemetery Tales stories.

Cemetery Tales: Estranged husband and a robber

In this month’s fifth installment of Cemetery Tales, we examine the stories of an estranged husband and a robber. Damos Massonabe, angered over his estranged wife’s refusal to sign over the deed to shared property, began shooting his pistol, striking her twice. She survived the assault after her 14-year-old son intervened. He died in 1904 and is buried in San Quentin. Meanwhile, Thomas Halyley landed in Folsom State Prison after he knocked a man down and robbed him of $8 (worth nearly $300 in today’s money). He ended up in the prison cemetery when he passed away in 1904. Read the story.

Community Involvement

CDCR is committed to community involvement at all levels, from fundraising for nonprofit causes and leading parades to attending community events. View all stories in the community involvement category.

CDCR, CCHCS staff, incarcerated rally to fight cancer

Across California, CDCR/CCHCS staff and the incarcerated population joined forces to fight cancer and find a cure. Many laced up their shoes to walk for a cure for cancer while others held fundraisers to benefit families impacted by cancer. From breast cancer awareness walks to wearing pink patches, October is a time to help in the fight against cancer. Read the latest updated story.

Voting Rights Restored initiative

Video explains voting rights for those with prior convictions

Learn how individuals with prior convictions can have their voting rights restored. CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber and Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber explain the initiative. Read the full story or watch the video (above).

Rehabilitation

From learning job skills to earning diplomas, rehabilitation is a cornerstone of the department. View all rehabilitation stories.

Bill Glass brings Day of Champions to Avenal

Bill Glass Behind the Walls drew 90 volunteers to Avenal State Prison for the annual Day of Champions event Oct. 19. Read the full story.

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. Read the full story.

Sports in CDCR

From professional sports teams visiting California prisons to programs for our incarcerated population, sports are part of rehabilitation. For staff, sports can also play a role in maintaining a work-life balance. View all sports stories.

San Quentin hosts first all‑incarcerated softball game

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. Watch the video (above) and read the story.

See more stories from the CDCR Weekender.

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