Week in Review: February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

In this Week in Review for February 21, we highlight efforts to help wildfire victims, recruiters visiting a women’s conference, and celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Fire Response

Calipatria State Prison assists LA wildfire victims

Incarcerated people with staff and a charity for wildfires relief.

In January, Calipatria State Prison (CAL) stepped up to support Los Angeles County residents affected by devastating wildfires.

The CAL fire chief and two fire captains assisted with the Palisades Fire before safely returning to the institution. Inspired to help, incarcerated individuals, many from the LA area, teamed up with Community Resources Manager Heather Duarte and the United Way of Imperial County to organize a donation drive.

A friendly competition between facilities quickly took off, with participants submitting Trust Account Withdrawal Slips. In just 11 days, they raised $4,432. On Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, CAL presented the donation to United Way Executive Director Ken Wuytens.

Wuytens praised the effort, calling it “gratifying to see the empathy shown for wildfire victims.”

“This event was monumental for us to help the LA community in a positive way,” said incarcerated participant Ronneld Johnson.

Even behind walls, CAL continues to show how generosity and compassion can make a difference.

ASP raises funds for LA firefighters

On Jan. 31, 2025, the incarcerated population at Avenal State Prison raised $4,715 to support firefighter relief efforts in Los Angeles County.

This initiative highlights the impact of community support, even from those behind prison walls. Fundraising efforts like these provide much-needed assistance for first responders and fire victims. It also gives incarcerated individuals a meaningful way to contribute to society.

“These efforts foster a sense of responsibility and connection,” said Lt. Erica Lewis. “They also show the potential for rehabilitation and community involvement.”

By coming together for a common cause, Avenal’s incarcerated population demonstrated generosity and compassion.

Sunrise High School Students Lead Fire Relief Effort

Sunrise students sitting on truck with donations from the community

Avenal State Prison staff joined the community and students at Sunrise High School to support victims of the recent Los Angeles fires, leading a community-wide donation drive.

With determination and compassion, the students reached out to local businesses and residents, gathering donations to help those in need. Their efforts demonstrated leadership, civic engagement, and the power of young people to make a difference.

The strong sense of community was evident in the overwhelming support for fire relief efforts, reinforcing the commitment of the town and Avenal State Prison staff to helping others in times of crisis.

By the numbers: 2024 California wildfire season

By the numbers: CDCR 2024 wildfire response with photos of incarcerated fire crews and CDCR firefighters.

In 2024, California faced another intense wildfire season, with thousands of fires scorching more than a million acres across the state.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reported hand crews provided 4,375,811 emergency hours battling wildfires.

A significant portion of the effort came from CDCR Conservation Fire Camps, where incarcerated fire crews played a critical role in emergency response. Read full story: By the numbers: 2024 California wildfire season

In the Community

ISP staff give Valentine’s gifts to nursing facility

In a courtyard, two staff members present a patient with a rose.

On Valentine’s Day, nursing facility residents were surprised with cards, roses, and kind words from Ironwood State Prison (ISP) staff volunteers. Read the full story.

Black History Month

3 Questions: Bev Allison, Correctional Health Services Administrator II

For three years, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Correctional Health Services Administrator II Bev Allison has organized a potluck to celebrate Black History Month.

What inspired you to launch the Black History Month potluck luncheon?

What inspired me was thinking about Black history and the culture, coming together to celebrate with soul food and community. So, I organized (the potluck) and everyone brought dishes we were raised on in different areas of the country.

Are there any specific cultural celebratory elements you incorporate?

For food, there are several dishes such as turkey and dressing, barbecue, macaroni and cheese, turkey wings, candied yams, greens, cornbread and black-eyed peas. For desserts, it’s banana pudding, German chocolate cake, 7-Up cake, pound cake. We play ‘60s and ‘70s soul music. We hang different pictures on the walls showing important people in Black history. Of course, we also include current icons like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama.

How do you celebrate Black history throughout the year?

Showing my grandkids the culture, raising them with elements from how I was raised. I show my older grandsons how to prepare soul food. I have always had staff from diverse backgrounds working for me. So, I make sure they gain the tools and knowledge they need to feel valued and move forward in their careers, as I have.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

Ventura Training Center engages fire camp participants

VTC and incarcerated fire crews in front of a CalFire truck

Ventura Training Center (VTC) representatives visited the Norco Fire Camp and the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) Firehouse to speak with incarcerated fire crews and staff on Jan. 22.

VTC representatives, including Parole Agent Tiffany McGrue, life coach Jose Olmedo, and program participants Andrew Hernandez, James McGarrah, and Michael Raley, provided an overview of VTC’s opportunities. They covered program eligibility, training certifications, career preparation, and performance expectations.

Beyond job readiness, the team emphasized personal growth, self-help resources, and the importance of trusting the process. The visit reinforced VTC’s strong partnership with Norco and CRC, creating a direct platform for engagement and encouraging individuals to pursue a path to success.

FCRP Stockton raises awareness for Human Trafficking Victims

Group of women holding signs raising awareness for human tr

In recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) Stockton dedicated January to educating and supporting those affected by the issue.

On Jan. 30, clients, along with staff from CDCR and WestCare, gathered at Victory Park in Stockton for a meaningful awareness event. Clients created signs and walked through the park to honor trafficking victims and spread awareness.

The event provided an opportunity for participants to connect, share experiences, and reinforce their commitment to raising awareness. By standing together, they not only remembered victims but also helped spark important conversations within the community.

San Diego hosts micro job fair for supervised persons

The San Diego Workforce Partnership hosted its second Micro Job Fair, connecting supervised persons with employment opportunities.

Job fair for formerly incarcerated people.

More than 60 attendees met with employers, including Family Health Centers San Diego, Second Chance, Kitchens for Good, Restoring Citizens, Western Towing, Goodwill, and H.I.R.E. The DAPO Community Reentry Unit also participated, reinforcing its commitment to successful reintegration.

Jerson Rafanan, recently released from prison, attended to explore job opportunities. “I am ready to start working,” he said.

Dejanara Monroe, formerly incarcerated at the California Institution for Women, echoed his enthusiasm: “I am ready to work and contribute to the community.”

The San Diego Parole District will continue hosting quarterly job fairs, helping supervised persons access employment, skills training, and networking opportunities.

Recruitment

CDCR recruits at California Conference for Women

The Correctional Training Facility (CMF) recruitment team attended the 2025 California Conference for Women in San Jose, engaging with nearly 5,000 professional women.

Two correctional officers standing at recruitment booth at Women's Conference

As part of CDCR’s 30×30 Initiative to increase female representation in law enforcement, recruiters highlighted career opportunities, benefits, and flexible schedules.

Officer Freeman, featured in Women of CDCR, shared her perspective: “Women have come a long way in the department, so we need to support and encourage each other.”

CTF Sgt. Cervantes added, “Strong women leaders inspire, empower, and create lasting change.”

To learn more about the 30×30 Initiative and career opportunities, visit Women of CDCR – Peace Officer Careers

In Our Institutions

SATF artists team up with Fresno Skateboard Salvage to help youth

Person speaking to a group inside a prison gymnasium.

People holding an oversized donation check.

Fresno Skateboard Salvage has partnered with incarcerated artists at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) to support underprivileged youth through skateboarding.

Although the project took time to launch, participants at SATF are enthusiastic about the initiative. Incarcerated individuals from Facilities A, B, E, F, and G contributed artwork to be auctioned to raise funds for purchasing skateboards and safety equipment for disadvantaged youth.

Rodney Rodriguez, founder of Fresno Skateboard Salvage, was impressed by the artwork and received a $1,498 donation from the incarcerated population to help purchase additional items for young skaters in need. Acting Warden Raul Morales thanked participants for donating their time and money to support the cause.

During the event, a facility band provided live entertainment. The artists are now eagerly awaiting blank skateboard decks to begin their next project.

CRC Valentine’s Event Brings Families Together

Incarcerated male with four family members pictured in front of a Valentine's Day decorated wall

On Saturday, Feb. 15, the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) Visiting Unit hosted a Valentine’s Day event, bringing together families and incarcerated individuals for a day of laughter and connection.

The event was a success, with 450 people gathering in the Visiting Center to celebrate. Attendees embraced the festive spirit, wearing Valentine’s-themed outfits and posing for photos against a decorated backdrop. Children played, families bonded, and heartfelt conversations filled the room, creating cherished memories.

The event underscored the importance of family connections, offering a meaningful opportunity for loved ones to come together in a positive, uplifting environment.

CMF spreads Valentine’s cheer with candy grams and bouquets

Acting Warden at CMF dressed as cupid celebrating Valentine's Day with corrections officer

California Medical Facility (CMF) staff celebrated Valentine’s Day with flowers, candy, and a touch of humor, thanks to the efforts of administration and the Employee Activity Committee (EAC).

The EAC sold bouquets throughout the day, while acting Warden Sircoya Williams embraced the holiday spirit by dressing as Cupid and delivering candy grams to staff. The surprise gesture brought smiles and a sense of lightheartedness to the workplace, fostering camaraderie and appreciation among employees.

The celebration highlighted CMF’s commitment to workplace morale, creating a festive atmosphere and moments of joy for staff.

In the Media

New Warden announced at CIM

Photos of CIM personnel, including acting warden

Eric Mejia is the new acting warden for the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino, replacing Travis Pennington, the former acting warden who was appointed warden just two months ago. Read the story in the Chino Valley Champion.

CMC inmate firefighters share experience battling Palisades Fire

Incarcerated people training to become firefighters.

KSBY visited Camp Cuesta at California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo. “Basically, I better myself and reprogrammed my subconscious to know how I was living was negative, and now it’s like I’ve got a positive attitude, mind frame, and you know, things are different,” said incarcerated camp participant Cornelius Draper. “I’m a different person thanks to CMC, Cuesta Camp, and CAL FIRE.” Check out the story on the KSBY website.