Weekender Digest: Food service, mental health

February 15, 2025

In this Weekender Digest, we look at a nurse saving a coworker, celebrating Food Service Week, and mental health awareness. Catch up on this week’s stories.

Above the Call

Nurse choking incident with two people and a quote: "I am deeply thankful for Allen's quick response," Adelaido Duran. — Allen Francis reacted quickly when his nurse coworker, Adelaido Duran, began choking while at a restaurant.

Nurse acts quickly to save choking coworker

A dinner between two nurse coworkers took a serious turn recently when one began choking. In a remarkable display of calm under pressure, two California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) nurses demonstrated the life-saving power of quick thinking and professional training during the incident. Read the full story.

Awards & Appreciation

CTF food service week celebration with staff holding an appreciation barbecue.

Food Service Week at CTF group photo of incarcerated people and staff in the institution's kitchen.

Food Service Week recognized at CTF-Soledad

The Correctional Training Facility at Soledad (CTF) celebrated Food Service Week Feb. 4-7. They recognized the dedication of food service staff and incarcerated workers with special meals and appreciation events. Read the full story.

Mental Health

Staff and the incarcerated population group photo at California State Prison, Corcoran.

Corcoran hosts first Mental Health Awareness Day

California State Prison, Corcoran, held their first Mental Health Awareness Day with staff, recreational therapists, and the population. Recreational therapists worked with the several different groups of incarcerated persons to create a day of activities for Facility 3B on Jan. 9. These activities included dodgeball, basketball, cornhole, and talent competitions. Mental health staff were joined by various ranks of custody staff who provided supervision, officiated, and even participated in the events. Read the full story.

Rehabilitation

Camp Grace strengthens family bonds

For the first time, Camp Grace brought its family bonding experience to Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla. Read the story.

A woman and an incarcerated trainer who formed a bond with his dog at Pleasant Valley State Prison.

Love for dog leads to adoption

“Richard and Rascal have a double parole/paw-role date,” said Wiley’s Wish facilitator Vona Darnell. “It’s been a pleasure watching their relationship blossom.” Richard Marquez, incarcerated at Pleasant Valley State Prison, was a previous dog trainer handler and eagerly volunteered when the Second Chance Canine Program was brought to the prison. He quickly fell for Rascal, a lovable dog who needed a home. Not wanting to split up the pair, his wife adopted Rascal. Now, when he paroles, the dog and his handler will be reunited. Read the full story.

Staff members on the left and incarcerated people on the right while all seated at a long table for a CCI town hall.

CCI Tehachapi staff, incarcerated hold town hall

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. “Coming out of the town hall, I feel like the incarcerated population and staff found a common ground,” said Correctional Officer Scott McKern. “(It) will ultimately make the facility feel more rehabilitation centered.” Read the full story.

Obituaries

Michael Perry, retired correctional officer — Michael Perry

Kristin Barajas smiling with her chin resting on her hands. — Michael Perry

Recent obituary notices include retired Correctional Officer Michael Perry, Sierra Conservation Center Warden’s Executive Assistant Kristin Barajas, current North Kern State Prison Correctional Officer Pablo Linares and retired M&S Supervisor Herman Santaella. For more, read the obituaries section.

Week in Review

Week in Review: February 14, 2025

In this Week in Review for February 14, we highlight CalAIM’s early rollout, wildfire relief efforts, and Food Services Week. Read the recent Week in Review.

CDCR Weekender Digest is compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.