Valentine’s Day was celebrated in CDCR and camp visiting areas as staff and volunteers decorated to make the day special. The following institutions, camps, and parole offices offered families a chance to make memories during their visits.
Editor’s note: As more submissions are received, this story will be updated. Send submissions to editor Don Chaddock (email found in Global).
CRC-Norco goes all in for Valentine’s Day



On Saturday, Feb. 15, the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) Visiting Unit at Norco hosted a Valentine’s Day event. The day brought together families and incarcerated individuals for a day filled with laughter and connection. Overall, the event was a tremendous success, with 450 people gathering in the visiting center to celebrate the occasion.
Attendees embraced the festive spirit, wearing Valentine’s themed outfits while enjoying decorated backdrops for photos. Children played, families bonded, and warm, heartfelt interactions filled the visiting room, creating cherished memories for both visitors and incarcerated persons. The event highlights the importance of family connections and provides a meaningful opportunity for loved ones to come together in a positive and uplifting environment.
Submitted by Lt. J. Lopez
Centinela visiting staff, volunteers host Valentine’s Day crafts




On Saturday, Feb. 15, Centinela State Prison Visiting staff along with the incarcerated persons’ family council hosted craft activities in honor of Valentines Day. Visitors and their incarcerated loved ones were provided with a heart shape jewelry box and picture frames to paint. A bag of goodies was also given to the children when exiting the visiting processing area.
Visitors said this event had a great turn out and made them feel like they were on a family-fun day or date with their significant other.
Submitted by Lt. D. Loop

Ironwood surprises care facility residents
On Valentine’s Day, nursing facility residents were surprised with cards, roses, and kind words from Ironwood State Prison (ISP) staff. Read the story.
Read more rehabilitation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
CTF marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) commemorated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2026 with a series of events held April 20-24.…
Watch: Franco finds Second Chance via mentor program
Maria Franco, formerly incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, was serving a 34-to-life sentence when she began…
Watch: At MCRP, Bernal finds Second Chance
Incarcerated at 19 years old, Steven Bernal doubted change was possible for him as he faced decades in prison. “I…
Undersecretary observes VR program at CMC
CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson visited California Men’s Colony (CMC) to observe the Creative Acts Virtual Reality (VR) Program. Johnson observed…
RJD hosts Crime Victims’ Rights Week event
RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) recently hosted a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week awareness event for staff and the incarcerated…
CMC hosts annual Day for Atonement
California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo hosted its annual Day for Atonement event in the Protestant Chapel on…