CCI Tehachapi staff, incarcerated hold town hall

February 12, 2025

California Correctional Institution’s (CCI) Facility C hosted a town hall forum for the incarcerated population and correctional staff. The event, held Jan. 31, offered a chance to speak about topics intended to stimulate conversations to alleviate possible contention from both sides.

Facility C Capt. Mark Lopez provided eight questions. One of these questions included, “How do you deal with stress that this place may cause?” Both parties had five minutes to discuss before moving on to the next question.

Town hall opens dialogue between staff, incarcerated

Jonathan Salazar, a 25-year-old incarcerated person, was one of the many participants asking and answering questions with staff.

Incarcerated person Salazar discusses the CCI town hall with staff. — Jonathan Salazar

“We’re talking and interacting with staff. These conversations help everyone get along. This is what the California Model is about and makes the facility better for everyone,” Salazar said.

He was asked how he would explain the California Model to a new arrival just beginning their sentence with CDCR.

“There are a lot of opportunities and advantages to the California Model, but in order to do that, you have to do the work,” Salazar said. “You have to take the steps that lead you to constructive results. The California Model makes taking those steps easier than ever.”

Correctional Officer Scott McKern, employed with CDCR for seven years, was one of the first eight officers who volunteered to participate in the town hall.

“Going into today was kind of nerve wracking,” McKern states. “Coming out of the town hall, I feel like the incarcerated population and staff found a common ground and will ultimately make the facility feel more rehabilitation centered.”

Getting buy-in from line staff, leadership

Administrator Skaggs with two incarcerated people. — Capt. Brian Skaggs at the town hall.

An administrator speaks with the incarcerated population. — Capt. Brian Skaggs at the town hall.

Correctional administrators from other locations at the institution, such as Correctional Capt. Brian Skaggs and Associate Warden Miguel Garcia, shared their experience and insight with the incarcerated community.

Benjamin Ackerman and Eric Ramos, initially observers, were soon participating after being informally asked by a staff member about their thoughts.

“We understand there are many different types of incarcerated people and different types of correctional officers. At the end of the day, I think everyone just wants to do their time here and go home without any issues,” Ramos said. “Whether you’re (incarcerated) or you work here, if you know how to have conversations with each other, I think you will find your time here will be a little easier.”

Town hall inspired by California Model

Two incarcerated people at the town hall. — Capt. Lopez

Lopez at the CCI town hall. — Capt. Lopez

Organized by Capt. Lopez, the goal was simple: improving communication as part of the normalization pillar of the California Model.

“This event is about the incarcerated community and correctional staff mentoring each other. This is a part of normalization,” said Lopez. “Having a conversation outside of the housing unit and being able to speak on these topics freely sets the tone and resonates with what the California Model was designed for. We’re all human. One community, one purpose: to move ahead.”

The CCI town hall, and other events such as these, humanize staff and the population. It’s a crucial part of establishing the California Model’s normalization pillar within CCI.

Learn more about the California Model on the CDCR website.

Sharing stories, perspectives, and removing departmental taboos helps create an environment promoting positive behavior and insight. All this impacts rehabilitative efforts and better prepares those who are incarcerated for returning to their communities.

Story by Lt. T. Harrison