Beyond the Badge, CDCR Weekender, Community Involvement

Warden spreads holiday cheer as Mrs. Claus

December 14, 2024

Warden Gena Jones and retired Lt. Barry Tisdale spreading holiday cheer as Mrs. Claus and Santa.

California Health Care Facility Warden Gena Jones helps spread holiday cheer by putting on the iconic Mrs. Claus costume. For three years, she has visited schools as Mrs. Claus, distributing presents to those in need. Meanwhile, retired Lt. Barry Tisdale returns as Santa each year.

Editor’s note: Jones was appointed director of the Division of Adult Institutions on Friday, Dec. 13.

Jones was appointed warden in 2023, after serving as acting warden since 2022. Her career with the department stretches back to 1997, when she graduated the Basic Correctional Officer Academy and reported to California State Prison, Solano, in Vacaville. She’s been a correctional counselor I and II, worked at headquarters, California State Prison, Sacramento, and later at California Health Care Facility.

Inside CDCR caught up with Jones to discuss why she volunteers her time to spread holiday cheer. She’s one of a small army of staff volunteers who put on holiday costumes to brighten the holidays.

It’s important to keep old traditions alive. For many of the children, this is the only time they will get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Warden Gena Jones, Mrs. Claus volunteer

Q&A with Warden Gena Jones, aka, Mrs. Claus

Why do you don the Mrs. Claus outfit?

Gena Jones, Warden of CHCF. — Warden Gena Jones

I love nothing more than to see the children’s eyes light up when they see Mrs. Claus. It’s important to keep old traditions alive. For many of the children, this is the only time they will get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.

What is it like to see the kids’ faces?

When the children see Santa and Mrs. Claus, their faces light up with grins from ear to ear. It warms my heart and brings me such joy to watch the children overjoyed with happiness.

What is one of the oddest kid questions you’ve been asked?

I can’t say I’ve had an “odd” question. What Santa and I hear a lot is the selfless acts many of the children display. At least once or twice a year, a child will request a gift for their younger sibling and forgo getting a gift themselves.

The staff at the California Health Care Facility have been providing Christmas gifts for the community and one thing they do is donate additional gifts for requests like this.

By the end, the aches and pains for being on the go all day are well worth it. I am so thankful for the opportunity the department has given as it allows me to provide for those less fortunate. The spirit of Christmas is about giving, and the staff at California Health Care Facility proudly gives back to the community making many young children’s Christmas a memorable experience.

What advice would give someone considering volunteering?

If anyone is contemplating whether or not to volunteer, I would tell them to look at the children’s faces and watch them shine.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Lastly, I’d like to thank all California Health Care Facility staff who have donated gifts and volunteered hours of shopping, gift wrapping and the personal time away from their families to make the children’s dream come true to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. California Health Care Facility is a family of kind and generous people and I’m so grateful for each of them. Happy holidays to all.

Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications