In this Week in Review for November 15: CDCR celebrates Veterans Day statewide; Avenal participates in Visalia’s Hometown Heroes; and High Desert hosts Staff Appreciation Day.
Veterans Day
Air Force master sergeant begins CDCR career
Jonathan Massey, a master sergeant in the US Air Force Reserve, is putting his military experience to work as he begins his CDCR career.
For more than 16 years, Massey has served his country. When he graduated with Class 7-24A, Massey took an oath as a sworn peace officer. He’ll now join the ranks of correctional officers across California helping CDCR achieve its public safety mission.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
CTF‑Soledad salutes veterans
Friday’s Veterans Day celebration at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad marked another successful tribute to military service members.
Under the guidance of Director Jennie Nestler, with the Veterans Transition Center, and incarcerated liaison M. Wade, the Veterans Hub organized an engaging and reverent series of events Friday, Nov. 8.
The day kicked off with a solemn ceremony featuring a rendition of the National Anthem by Holmes, an incarcerated person.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
CDCR recruiters reach out to military, veterans
CDCR recruiters are engaging with military personnel and veterans across California to promote correctional officer careers.
Peace Officer Recruitment teams attended six airshows between July and October, connecting with thousands of potential candidates.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
CDCR participates in Sacramento Kings’ Salute to Service night
CDCR representatives joined the Sacramento Kings’ annual Salute to Service night, actively participating in the pre-game National Anthem Flag Ceremony. CDCR officers took center stage, proudly displaying the American flag honoring military veterans, highlighting the department’s commitment to public service.
CDCR’s Peace Officer Recruitment Unit worked with Sacramento Kings administrative staff to organize the collaboration. Department recruiters set up a booth to engage with fans, providing valuable insight about Correctional Officer career opportunities within the department. They spoke with potential applicants about how to apply with CDCR, navigate and find resources on JoinCDCR.com, and offered CDCR stickers to children.
The event underscored the department’s ongoing dedication to supporting veterans, fostering community engagement, and strengthening its recruitment efforts in support of northern Priority Prisons.
CDCR, CCHCS mark Veterans Day across state
Across the state, CDCR and CCHCS staff took part in parades and community events while the incarcerated also honored Veterans Day.
Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.
Staff Spotlight
3 Questions with Charles Staubitz, Nurse Instructor, California Medical Facility
Charles Staubitz, a Nurse Instructor at the California Medical Facility (CMF), brings a wealth of experience from his military service and healthcare career. His journey from the U.S. Air Force to CDCR reflects his commitment to service and discipline.
What motivated you to join the Air Force?
I grew up hearing stories from my dad’s side of the family, who served during the Vietnam era, and their sacrifices deeply resonated with me. When a good friend joined the Army, I saw it as an opportunity to gain independence, pursue education benefits, and serve my country with pride. I also admired the camaraderie and discipline of military life.
What does Veterans Day mean to you, as someone celebrated on this day?
Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and dedication of those who served. As a veteran, I have a deeper appreciation for the freedoms and security we enjoy today, thanks to the bravery of those who came before us. It’s a reminder of the values of service, integrity, and commitment that shape our communities.
How did your time in the Air Force influence your decision to join CDCR?
My military service instilled in me a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and core values like integrity and service before self. These values naturally led me to CDCR, where I started as a Medical Technical Assistant, then became a Registered Nurse, and now serve as a Nurse Instructor. The structured environment and sense of duty in both the military and CDCR align with my personal values.
Visit Inside CDCR to read more Beyond the Badge stories.
CDCR Unlocked
CDCR Unlocked podcast: Veterans Day special
In the latest installment of CDCR Unlocked, correctional sergeants William Bartow and Jose Andrade discuss military veterans.
Andrade served eight-and-a-half years in the US Army. While in basic training, he learned everyone had the same core job.
“It didn’t matter what your job was. No matter what you pick, at the end of the day, you’re a soldier. You’ll always be a soldier,” he recalls. “That’s your primary job.”
Andrade was 18 when he joined the military. Growing up in a small California town, reporting to boot camp on the opposite coast was a bit of a culture shock.
Visit RSS.com to listen to the podcast.
In the Community
Avenal takes part in Visalia’s Hometown Heroes event
Avenal State Prison’s recruitment team joined the Visalia community to celebrate its local heroes during the annual Hometown Heroes event. The city gathered downtown to honor military personnel, law enforcement officers, and first responders for their invaluable service in safeguarding the community.
The Avenal recruitment team set up an interactive booth featuring extraction gear, which drew the attention of many children eager to try on the equipment and imagine themselves the action.
Lt. Lara, Recruitment Lead for Avenal, described the event as a “resounding success,” noting the strong community turnout and positive feedback from attendees. The event celebrated the bravery of those in uniform and fostered a sense of unity, gratitude and appreciation among all who attended.
Visit Inside CDCR to read more community involvement stories.
In Our Institutions
Correctional Training Facility hosts softball game with Veterans
Correctional Training Facility hosted a friendly softball game involving the Veterans Transition Center population, general incarcerated population, and institution staff. The event was initiated by the Veterans Hub at the institution and aimed to foster community and build relationships through sports.
Two games were played: the first, with staff competing against a mix of Veterans and general incarcerated participants, ended with a win for staff (8-3). The second game saw staff face off against the Veteran population, with staff losing 5-3.
The event highlighted key components of the California Model—normalization and dynamic security—which promote a community-like atmosphere inside the institution and encourage positive interactions between staff and incarcerated individuals. Institution staff are already planning a rematch to continue strengthening these bonds.
Visit the CDCR website to learn more about the California Model.
High Desert hosts Staff Appreciation Day
High Desert State Prison recently held its annual Staff Appreciation Day, honoring the dedication and hard work of its nearly 1,000 employees. The event recognized staff for their adaptability and commitment to the institution’s evolving mission. The institutions administrative team organized the event.
Employees from various departments worked together to create gift baskets for opportunity drawings, offering staff a chance to win prizes. Managers made a special effort to greet first-watch staff, ensuring they felt valued for their contributions.
Throughout the day, staff were recognized and served a lunch hot off the grill. The event showcased High Desert’s commitment to fostering a positive and appreciative workplace culture.
“Employee Appreciation Day matters because it helps employers remain mindful of how important their team is to the success of the mission,” said Warden St. Andre.
Visit Inside CDCR to read more awards and appreciation stories.
Upward Mobility
Teauna Miranda has been assigned as Chief Deputy Warden, Folsom State Prison.
Division of Adult Parole Operations
Parole supports Valley State Prison resource fair
Fresno and Merced Parole Offices represented the Division of Adult Parole Operations at the Valley State Prison Re-Entry Resource Fair. The fair brought together resource providers from across California and aimed to support incarcerated individuals preparing to re-enter society.
Parole staff provided valuable insights into the parole process, answering questions and explaining the importance of the Parole and Community Team meetings. These meetings are attended by individuals on parole and offer essential resources to address criminogenic needs and support successful reintegration. Addressing these needs can also make individuals on parole eligible for earned discharge consideration.
Parole Service Associates Tammy Wilson, Celeste Van Anne, and Candis Rodrigues from the Fresno office, and Shannon Allatorre from the Merced office were in attendance. The staff help to connect individuals with the resources needed for a successful re-entry into the community.
Visit the CDCR website for more information on parole services.
Observances
World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day is a global observance dedicated to promoting and celebrating acts of kindness. This day serves as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals, communities, and the world. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity.
Kindness is a partner to empathy, compassion, generosity, and patience. It takes its rightful place among the traits that confirm our humanity. Kindness sits at the table where diversity, equity, inclusion, fairness, and social justice are being discussed. On Nov. 13, let’s commit to kindness as an essential daily action to be carried out in public or in private. Let’s be kind. Participating in World Kindness Day is a simple yet impactful way to make a positive difference in the world.
Submission by GARE Ambassador Troy Tenhet
To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing observances throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE website.
Rehabilitation
Incarcerated students present at online incarcerated scholars conference
Incarcerated students from three CDCR institutions took part in the inaugural online Incarcerated Scholars Conference, hosted by the National Alliance for Higher Education in Prison. This two-day event featured presentations from incarcerated scholars via Zoom, connecting students from state and federal prisons across the U.S., including institutions in Colorado, Maine, Michigan, and Ohio.
California was represented by bachelor’s degree students from Cal Poly Humboldt, presenting from Pelican Bay State Prison, and master’s degree students from CSU Dominguez Hills, presenting from California Institution for Men and Mule Creek State Prison. The conference highlighted the academic achievements of incarcerated individuals and their contributions to the national conversation on higher education in prison.
The event underscored the importance of educational opportunities within correctional facilities, fostering personal growth and rehabilitation.
Visit the CDCR website for more information about education programs offered to incarcerated people.
California Correctional Health Care Services
California Correctional Health Care Services Nursing Services held its annual Nursing Excellence Awards in Elk Grove. The event is part of the statewide Chief Nurse Executive Conference and celebrates nursing professionals for their outstanding contributions to institutional healthcare excellence.
The awards recognize individuals and teams who demonstrate high-quality patient care, a strong commitment to practice and education, collaboration with colleagues, and exceptional performance beyond their regular duties. Since its inception in 2010, Health Care has honored over 100 awardees for their dedication to advancing nursing practice.
The 2024 awards included the Nursing Excellence Award, Nurse Champion Award, and Distinguished Practice Award. The ceremony is funded by donations from Chief Nurse Executives and Health Care executives, also acknowledged the numerous nominees for their unwavering dedication and impactful work within the correctional healthcare system.
Please visit Health Care Services website for information on their clinical resources.
In the Media
From prisoner to Pulitzer finalist, Rahsaan Thomas writes his redemption tale
Rahsaan “New York” Thomas is one of the nation’s most unusual journalists. He published his first major article in Business Insider while serving time at San Quentin in 2020, shedding light on the experience of prisoners during the coronavirus pandemic. He is also the coproducer of the Pulitzer Prize-finalist podcast “Ear Hustle,” made by current and former San Quentin prisoners.
Visit The San Francisco Standard website to read the full story.
Rehabilitation Through Beautification project
Joel Abreu and Peter Lewis, incarcerated at the R.J. Donovan Correction Facility near San Diego, talk about their Rehabilitation Through Beautification project.
Visit NBCNews website to read the full story.
It used to be a notoriously violent prison. Now it’s home to a first-of-its kind education program
In less than 15 minutes, Michael Mariscal validated why a team of officials at Cal Poly Humboldt have spent more than three years trying to set up the first bachelor’s degree program at a maximum-security prison in California.
At the end of a class in persuasive speaking, Mariscal was tasked with giving a presentation to highlight his personal growth. His 22 classmates inside B Facility at Pelican Bay State Prison were skeptical: Just two weeks earlier, Mariscal had used his presentation time to give step-by-step directions on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Visit CalMatters website to read the full story.
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