CDCR Weekender

Weekender Digest: Veterans, retirement and graduates

Walkers at the prison.
Avenal Veterans Day Walk.

In this Weekender Digest, we look at veterans, a retiring leader, promotions and program graduates.

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.

Honoring Veterans

Podcast, Veterans Day round up and more

Stories of veterans in CDCR and CCHCS dominated Inside CDCR content for the week. The week kicked off with a story on a veteran graduating the academy (video by Rob Stewart, television special with the Office of Public and Employee Communications). Meanwhile, TV Specialist Clarissa Resultan filmed the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad’s event. There were also recruiters who attended multiple military airshows across California. Avenal State Prison hosted their annual Veterans Day Walk. The department also released a new special Veterans Day episode of the CDCR Unlocked podcast. Lastly, staff and the incarcerated marked Veterans Day through various events and activities across California. The Week in Review also highlighted veterans.

Appointments & Promotions

Executive officer appointed to Board of Parole Hearings

Scott Wyckoff has been appointed executive officer of the Board of Parole Hearings. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment Friday, Nov. 8. Read the story.

Kern Valley holds promotion ceremony

One captain and five sergeants were recognized during Kern Valley State Prison’s recent promotion ceremony. Read the full story.

Retirement

Office of Correctional Safety chief retiring after nearly 30 years of public service

Derrick Marion began his state career nearly 30 years ago. He’s held various positions with Alcohol Beverage Control and CDCR. Since 2015, he’s overseen a staff of 170 people as chief of the Office of Correctional Safety. Learn about Marion’s career and how he has maintained a health-focused work/life balance. Read the story.

Rehabilitation

SATF sees 150 graduate programs

In September and October, the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) held seven graduations to recognize 150 students. Read the story.

Obituaries

Officer Christopher Martinez killed in auto accident

Christopher Martinez, a correctional officer, passed away following a vehicle accident while on his way to work Nov. 9, 2024. Read his story or view the obituaries category.


See more stories from the CDCR Weekender.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Recent CDCR Weekender stories

SCC Chief Deputy Warden presents Officer of Year Award to Masterson for actions taken late last year to assist a car crash victim.

SCC Officer Masterson named Angels‑Murphys Officer of Year

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) Correctional Officer Masterson received the Angels-Murphys Rotary Club of California Officer of the Year. The award…

Heather Duarte, the Community Resources Manager (CRM) at Calipatria State Prison, earned a CIF award for coaching a local swimming team.

CRM Heather Duarte earns CIF coaching honor

Calipatria State Prison Community Resources Manager (CRM) Heather Duarte has devoted over three decades to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring student-athletes.…

A staff member enjoys a break with a horse during a CCWF mental health awareness event.

CCWF staff focus on mental health awareness

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla hosted a special May 12 mental health event for staff in partnership with…

Two maintenance mechanics enjoy the lunch during National Skilled Trades Day 2026.

Kern Valley State Prison celebrates Skilled Trades Day

Kern Valley State Prison staff celebrated National Skilled Trades Day, recognizing all staff who keep Plant Operations going. The correctional…

CDCR staff from LAC with another police officer to read to students during Read Across America Week, celebrating Dr. Seuss.

LAC staff interact with students during Read Across America

Staff from California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), visited young students during Read Across America Week. A local elementary…

CRC Last Rodeo for Nurses Week with four staff members posing for a photo against an Old West themed backdrop.

CRC‑Norco hosts Last Rodeo for Nurses Week celebration

The California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) at Norco recently hosted the Last Rodeo in honor of National Nurses Week. CRC showed…