Week in Review: December 6, 2024

December 6, 2024

In this Week in Review for December 6: Parlin Fork saves local Thanksgiving, California State Prison, Sacramento hosts rock concert, and Substance Abuse Treatment Facility launches dog academy.

What’s New?

CDCR Seeking Incarcerated Person Who Escaped During Transport to Kern County Courthouse

Escaped incarcerated person Cesar Hernandez

CDCR’s top priority is both the safety and security of the people who live and work in our institutions and the surrounding communities. Investigators have determined the security risk around Delano has subsided as it is most likely escapee Cesar Hernandez has fled the area.

In the instance of an escape, CDCR must strike a careful balance between providing important safety information to the public with maintaining confidentiality of sensitive investigative details. No further information will be released about the investigation at this time.

We are listening to the concerns of the community and school districts regarding this situation and want to assure the Delano community that CDCR is fully committed to locating and apprehending Hernandez.

Anyone with information regarding Hernandez’s whereabouts should call 661-721-6314 or 911.

Please visit the CDCR website to read the full news release.

Staff Spotlight

Undersecretary Foss retires after nearly 30 years

Undersecretary Tammy Foss sits in her office shortly before retiring in November. The quote "I hope people remember me for caring about them and the department."

After nearly 30 years with the department, Undersecretary Tammy Foss is looking forward to the next chapter in her life: retirement.

Her career began as a correctional officer in 1996 at Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City. She’s worked various jobs across the department, serving in leadership roles at Pelican Bay, San Quentin, High Desert State Prison, headquarters, California Correctional Health Care Services, and leading Salinas Valley State Prison as warden 2018 to 2019.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

High Desert officer receives American Legion Law Enforcement Award

High Desert State Prison Correctional Officer Andrew “Andy” Roberts was honored with the American Legion Post 204 Law Enforcement Award during a ceremony for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The event recognized local law enforcement officers for their outstanding service.

Roberts recently uncovered a major security breach involving fraudulent vendor packages being delivered to CDCR facilities statewide. His keen situational awareness led to the discovery of narcotics hidden in the packages, preventing further distribution.

“It is with great honor to present this award to Andy for his years of dedication to this department and for always taking the time to help train new staff,” said Warden St. André.

Roberts, who began his career with CDCR in April 1990, has dedicated over 34 years to public safety. Throughout his tenure, he has been consistently praised by peers and supervisors for his exemplary performance. Outside of work, Roberts is a devoted parent, grandparent, and coach.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more awards and appreciation stories.

3 Questions with Sergeant Loren Hornsby, Investigative Services Unit, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison

Sgt. Loren Hornsby has long found balance in his life through a love of fishing. Hornsby, who also enjoys golfing and boating, says fishing holds a special place in his heart, passed down from his father to him, and now to his sons.

Hornsby’s fishing trips are more than just recreational—they’re an opportunity to connect with his loved ones and recharge, giving him the strength to continue his important work at CDCR.

What makes fishing special to you?

For me, fishing is about much more than catching fish. It’s about spending quality time with family and friends. I grew up fishing with my dad, and now I enjoy taking my sons out to experience the same thing. The catch itself is secondary to the memories we create together.

How does fishing connect with your role at CDCR?

Fishing is a great way to relieve stress and recharge. Working in a correctional facility can be intense, and finding time to unwind is essential. Fishing provides calm, helping me stay focused and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Where do you like to fish, and what’s your favorite experience?

I love traveling to different spots to target larger species. Each trip has its own unique moments, but seeing my sons catch their first big fish is always special. It’s not just about the fish; it’s about the joy and connection we share as a family.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more beyond the badge stories.

In Our Institutions

San Diego Padres show RJD staff appreciation

The baseball season may have ended, but the San Diego Padres are still making waves, stopping by the RJ Donovan (RJD) Correctional Facility Staff Appreciation Day.

Pitchers Joe Musgrove and Jeremiah Estrada, along with pitching coach Ruben Niebla, provided an exciting and uplifting experience. Their surprise visit added something special to the RJD Staff Appreciation Day held Nov. 20.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Avenal incarcerated participate in global fitness challenge

incarcerated people with coaches jumping on boxes

Incarcerated people at Avenal State Prison recently participated in the CHAD1000X fitness challenge. The challenge involved completing 1,000 weighted 20-inch box step-ups for time. Institution recreation coordinator B. Eskew guided the workout. Several incarcerated people took part, with some even enlisting their families to participate from home.

The results were impressive, with two Avenal participants, Adam Baker and Eddie Michael Razo, ranking among the top 10 globally out of nearly 1,000 competitors. The event gave Avenal participants the opportunity to showcase their physical fitness on an international stage, fostering pride and camaraderie within the group. Many expressed excitement about contributing to a global challenge and celebrating the success of their peers.

This fitness challenge brings attention to veteran suicide prevention in honor of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, who tragically took his life due to post-traumatic stress disorder. The goal of this workout is to honor his life and legacy while promoting awareness for suicide prevention.

Visit CHAD1000X website to learn more about the challenge.

California State Prison, Sacramento, hosts rock concert for staff and incarcerated

California State Prison, Sacramento, hosted a rock concert on Facility C yard. The event featured the band Parabellum, a group founded by the son of an officer at the institution. The band played three separate sets, allowing the entire population of C Facility to enjoy the concert during their scheduled recreational yard time.

The incarcerated population and staff attended the event, marking a significant step forward in fostering a sense of unity. The event was a positive demonstration of the California Model, focusing on collaboration and community. This inevitably furthers efforts to build mutual respect and understanding at the institution.

Rehabilitation

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility launches Unleashed Rescue Academy

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison at Corcoran has introduced the Unleashed Rescue Academy, a program aimed at training rescue dogs while fostering rehabilitation for the incarcerated population. Six rescue dogs have already been brought to the F and G yards, with four more joining in mid-November.

The initiative, in partnership with Wiley’s Wish Animal Rescue and the Veterans Transition Center (VTC), allows participants to train dogs, earning certification as “Canine Good Citizens” to improve their chances of adoption. The program has already boosted morale among staff and inmates, offering a sense of companionship and responsibility.

“The impact is life-changing,” says Vona Darnell, Lead Trainer at Wiley’s Wish. “Participants learn valuable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.”

SATF plans to expand the program to other facilities, aiming to rescue more dogs and provide incarcerated individuals with meaningful rehabilitation opportunities.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more rehabilitation stories.

Mother-Daughter book club continues to strengthen bonds

Central California Women’s Facility recently launched the Mother-Daughter Book Club, an initiative aimed at fostering stronger connections between incarcerated parents and their children. The program was proposed by Angela Kent, Associate Director, Female Offender Programs and Services, and began with 40 parents who packaged and mailed books for the project.

The club’s first book, Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters, has encouraged meaningful conversations. Incarcerated person Mary Krupp shared how she and her daughter, who lives across the country, read together over the phone, discussing the book’s themes of love, kindness, and shared interests.

“We get to share something special, just the two of us,” Krupp said.

While initially set for three months, the project is continuing thanks to requests from participants. The initiative has become a powerful tool for building relationships despite separation, according to organizers.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about Female Offender Programs and Services (FOPS).

Upward Mobility

Rafael Acevedo has been assigned as acting Warden at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

Christopher Pierce has been assigned as acting Warden at Ironwood State Prison.

Leo Quiroz has been assigned as acting Warden at the California Rehabilitation Center.

*List is in alphabetical order based on last name.

In the Community

CDCR steps into boxing ring for mental health

CDCR staff gathered in Sacramento to compete in the 2024 Battle of the Badges, raising mental health awareness through the boxing ring.

Participants joined to physically challenge themselves and promote wellness.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Mule Creek donates to Lincoln High School wrestling team

Mule Creek State Prison recently raised over $7,400 during its incarcerated quarterly food sale fundraiser, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Lincoln High School wrestling team. The funds will help the team purchase new mats and equipment for their training and competitions.

Chief Deputy Warden Bryan Holmes joined the team for a photo to celebrate the donation, underscoring the prison’s commitment to supporting youth initiatives. This contribution highlights Mule Creek’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community ties and support local educational programs, furthering the prison’s mission to give back to its surrounding area.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more community involvement stories.

Recruitment

Peace Officer Recruitment November Virtual Career Fairs

Peace Officer Recruitment hosted virtual career fairs in November, attracting 61 attendees. The events, held via Zoom, garnered strong interest, with 93% of participants indicating they will apply or have already applied for positions.

The virtual career fairs are held twice a month on Wednesdays, offering a structured format: a presentation on the role of a correctional officer runs from noon to 12:45 p.m., followed by a Q&A session and one-on-one meetings with recruiters.

One attendee praised the interactive nature of the session, noting, “It was nice to hear from different guest speakers, especially younger staff.”

The final career fair of 2024 will be held December 18. The virtual fairs will continue into 2025.

Visit the CDCR website to register for the next virtual career fair.

In the Media

Willits community rallies to save Thanksgiving meal

Parlin Fork incarcerated tossing turkey in air

There was a moment when canceling the annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Willits Senior Center was considered. But it was only a moment.

“We did wonder if we wouldn’t be able to hold it this year,” John Glyer said of the annual gathering that serves hundreds a free holiday meal “But when the distress call was put out, many people stepped up and we decided we could put it on after all.”

The crew from Parlin Fork Conservation Camp, shown above, pitched in to help as well.

Visit The Willits News website to read the full story.

California Men’s Colony over the years

In the 1950s, California’s population was rapidly growing, and the state needed more prisons.

There were only seven state prisons when the California Men’s Colony was built — today there are 31 adult institutions listed on the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website.

Visit The Tribune website to read the full story.

Cal State LA to celebrate graduates at the California State Prison in Lancaster

Cal State LA will confer bachelor’s degrees to the third cohort of the Prison Graduation Initiative (PGI) at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County in Lancaster on Thursday, Dec. 5.

This group of participants is an extraordinary cohort as it was formed during the start of the pandemic, prohibiting in-person instruction for more than a year. With their determination to transform their lives, these students will be earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication while incarcerated.

Visit California State University, Los Angeles website to read the full story.