Weekender Digest: Secretary message, holidays, retirements

December 27, 2024

For this Weekender Digest, we revisit the message from the Secretary, holiday round-up stories, and numerous retirements.

The Weekender Digest compresses the week’s news, giving our busy staff a chance to easily get caught up on stories published throughout the week.

Secretary’s Message

Secretary Macomber thanks staff for hard work

In this video message, CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber thanks staff for their hard work while looking back at 2024 milestones. Read the full story.

Reorganization

CDCR 2025 reorganization: Regional leadership

CDCR reorganization means the department is switching to a regional leadership structure beginning Jan. 1, 2025. This way, leaders will be closer to the prisons they manage, making it easier to oversee day-to-day operations. This new structure brings together key areas like the Division of Adult Institutions (DAI), California Correctional Health Care Services Regional Administrators, and the Division of Rehabilitative Programs. See where institutions fall into the new regions by reading the full story.

Holidays

A visiting staff member presents a gift to a child at Avenal State Prison.

Visiting for Christmas at California Rehabilitation Center, Norco.

CDCR visiting efforts make holidays brighter

Across California, CDCR visiting staff and family councils made the holidays brighter for those visiting their incarcerated loved ones. Above left, Avenal State Prison brought smiles to children visiting their incarcerated loved ones. Meanwhile, California Rehabilitation Center at Norco, at right, held special holiday visiting. Read the holiday visiting round-up.

Ironwood State Prison donated gifts to a local school.

Incarcerated, staff give back to community

Staff and the incarcerated population are giving back to the community during the holiday season. Through toy drives, refurbishing bicycles, and staff visiting schools, the department is making a difference. Read the holiday community involvement round-up.

Staff watch the talent show at California Men's Colony.

CMC continues holiday talent show tradition

An 18-year tradition of putting on a holiday performance and talent show continued at the California Men’s Colony (CMC). The Dec. 18 performance included approximately 20 incarcerated individuals from D Yard who rehearsed for three months. CMC’s mental health staff showed true holiday spirit, offering cookies and coffee to all who attended. There were more than a dozen incarcerated individuals, as well as a dozen staff members, who watched the talent show. Read the full story.

A correctional officer smiles as he holds the paws of a dog wearing a Santa outfit.

A woman shakes the paw of a dog at the CHCF Christmas Puppy Parade.

Christmas Puppy Parade brings cheer to CHCF

California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton hosted its much-anticipated annual Christmas Puppy Parade Dec. 20. The heartwarming event features adorable canine companions decked out in festive, Christmas-themed costumes. As they make their way through the institution, they spread holiday cheer to staff and the incarcerated population alike. Read the full story.

Retirements

The warden and his wife with their daughters at CMF. — The Cueva family.

Daniel Cueva with newly appointed warden. — The Cueva family.

CMF Warden Daniel Cueva retires after 27 years

California Medical Facility (CMF) Warden Daniel Cueva retired after dedicating 27 years of service to the department. He started his career at CMF and ended his career in the same place, rising through the ranks all at the place he loved and community he called home. Read the full story.

Jennifer Shaffer, BPH executive officer with a flag and state seal in background. — BPH Executive Officer Jennifer Shaffer is retiring after 31 years of state service.

BPH Executive Officer Shaffer retires after 31 years

Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) Executive Officer Jennifer Shaffer is retiring after serving in key roles with the state for 31 years. “There have been many significant changes regarding the parole hearing process over the past 14 years. We have seen parole eligibility expand with changes in the law implementing youth offender hearings and elderly parole hearings. We have witnessed the Board become more professional and make evidence-based decisions through extensive training, greater transparency, and by adopting a structured decision-making framework,” she said. Read her journey.

California Parole staff pose in front of a backdrop for the Ventura Training Center after a firefighter graduation ceremony. — December 2023: Parole staff members, from left, are Parole Agents Omar Cuevas and Tiffany McGrue, Chief Deputy Regional Administrator (A) Jaimee Lacey, Parole Administrator (A) Gilbert Clements, Deputy Director Julie Kaplan, Director Jason Johnson, Parole Agent III Caesar Jimenez, and Parole Agent II Angelica Garcia.

Julie Kaplan retires after 30 years with CDCR

After 30 years with CDCR, including 28 at the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), Assistant Deputy Director Julie Kaplan is retiring. “I believe one of my biggest accomplishments is being part of the development of the Ventura Training Center and Firefighter Training and Reentry Program,” she said.

Portrait of principal Kenneth Spencer with Folsom State Prison's East Gate entrance in the background. — Since 2017, Kenneth Spencer has served as the Supervisor of Correctional Education Programs at Folsom State Prison.

Correctional education classroom with photo of superintendent superimposed. — Since 2017, Kenneth Spencer has served as the Supervisor of Correctional Education Programs at Folsom State Prison.

Two longtime educators retire

Longtime educator, Folsom State Prison Principal Kenneth Spencer retired. Read his story. Also, Shannon Swain, superintendent of CDCR’s Office of Correctional Education, retired at the end of December. Read her story.

Compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

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