Week in Review: February 28, 2025

February 28, 2025

In this Week in Review for February 28, we highlight CDCR/CCHCS teams honored for Special Olympics fundraising, hiring events, and CrossFit certification at Avenal State Prison.

Staff Highlight

Meet Myrna Hernandez, new correctional officer

Among the recent 142 graduating correctional officers stood Myrna Hernandez, clad in her crisp new uniform. Hernandez was stepping into a new chapter of her life as she prepared to begin her custody role at California State Prison, Solano. Watch the video & read the story.

Upward Mobility

Joseph Tuggle appointed Warden, Folsom State Prison

CDCR to launch enhanced Upward Mobility Program

CDCR is announcing the launch of the new and enhanced Upward Mobility Program (UMP). Read the full story.

CDCR Unlocked Podcast

The latest CDCR Unlocked podcast highlights the Career Technical Education (CTE) program through a conversation with Dr. Joseph Piazza, who oversees CTE. Read the full story. You can also, listen to the podcast on RSS.

In the Community

CDCR-CCHCS teams honored for Special Olympics fundraising

Multiple people standing in front of the torch run banner

More than 200 law enforcement personnel gathered Feb. 6 for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Kickoff Conference and Award Ceremony, hosted by Special Olympics Northern California. The event recognized law enforcement’s dedication to raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes.

Among the top fundraising teams from CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) were the Sacramento Region Team ($22,370), Correctional Training Facility ($18,409), Valley State Prison ($18,081), San Quentin Rehabilitation Center ($12,799), and California State Prison-Solano ($10,500). Collectively, these teams raised more than $82,000 through community events such as Polar Plunge, Tip-A-Cop, Badges with Buckets, Bike the Bridges, and the Torch Run.

LETR is a year-round campaign supporting sports, education, and health programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, ensuring they can participate at no cost.

To learn more about the Law Enforcement Torch Run visit: Get Involved in LETR | Special Olympics Northern California or contact Martina Virrey at CDCR (email found in Global).

Division of Adult Parole Operations

Pomona FOTEP helps women rebuild their lives

Pomona FOTEP women standing in room in front of Healthright 360 banner

The Community Reentry Unit toured the Female Offender Treatment and Employment Program (FOTEP) at HealthRight 360 in Pomona Jan. 28. The 32-bed residential and reentry center, contracted by CDCR, provides a supportive environment for formerly incarcerated women, addressing trauma, addiction, and criminal behavior through evidence-based practices. Participants can stay for up to 15 months or until they complete their parole term.

FOTEP offers women opportunities for parenting classes, therapy, employment assistance, and education. Those without a high school diploma enroll in the GED program through Five Keys Charter School. The program also includes a parent-child residency option for mothers with children under 3.

“I needed this program to stay sober and reunify with my children,” said Elecia Sloon, a one-month participant.

Brooke Prentiss, who was previously homeless, now lives at FOTEP with her 14-month-old son. “I have a plan in place, and this program will help me get there,” she said.

For many, FOTEP is a fresh start. “This program is helping me put my life in order,” said Alondra Salinas, a returning participant.

Through housing, education, and employment support, Pomona FOTEP helps women transition successfully back into their communities.

Parole division supports supervised individuals

Group photo of staff from the Division of Adult Parole Operations Community Reentry Unit fair in Vista, California.

A collaborative effort between state parole and county probation resulted in a resource fair for supervised individuals. Watch the video.

Recruitment

CDCR recruiters connect with educators at Tulare County hiring fair

Four CDCR recruiters standing at their booth at Tulare County hiring fair

On Feb. 21, the Tulare County Office of Education hosted its 40th annual Tulare and Kings Teacher Recruitment Fair in Visalia, drawing educators interested in teaching in the region. Representatives from CDCR attended to recruit for teaching opportunities within state institutions.

Recruiters Martina Espinoza and Joshua Ramos, along with Assistant Principal Vanessa Alcantar (Avenal State Prison) and Associate Superintendent Troy Tenhet (Region III), engaged with candidates to discuss career opportunities. Many attendees were unaware of the educational programs available inside California state prisons.

By participating in these events, CDCR helps inform prospective teachers about career pathways in correctional education while strengthening its workforce with skilled educators.

CCHCS Hiring Event Draws Hundreds of Candidates

Large room with many people sitting at tables with laptops at hiring event

California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) hosted a hiring event at the University of the Pacific in Stockton Feb. 10-12, attracting 605 attendees. The event resulted in 348 interviews and 275 job offers, highlighting the efficiency of the one-stop-shop hiring format.

The approach allows candidates to apply, interview, and potentially receive job offers all in one day, expediting the hiring process for critical health care positions within California’s correctional system.

Due to high demand, follow-up interviews were scheduled, with 250 candidates pre-registered. Looking ahead, CCHCS will host hiring events in Hanford (April 8-10), Lancaster (May 20), Vacaville (July 22-24), and Paso Robles (Oct. 7), continuing efforts to recruit skilled health care professionals for California’s correctional facilities.

Rehabilitation

SDSU Vista/CEN open house showcases educational impact

Chief deputy Warden Andres Esquivel addressing incarcerated

Centinela State Prison’s (CEN) Centinela Desert Institute hosted its first-ever San Diego State University (SDSU) VISTA Open House Jan. 31, highlighting the transformative power of education within prison walls.

Chief Deputy Warden Andres Esquivel opened the event, noting a decline in incidents on the yard since the Valuing Incarcerated Scholars Through Academia (VISTA) Bachelor of Arts program began. SDSU dignitaries, professors, Mellon Fellows, prison staff, and prospective students attended, totaling 150 participants across two facilities.

SDSU’s multidisciplinary and journalism studies cohorts presented research printed on full-sized posters, covering topics such as education’s role in reducing recidivism, the need for stronger ESL support in prisons, and historical analyses. Visitors engaged in discussions with students, who showcased academic research and artistic talent through a gallery featuring political satire and prison life.

The event demonstrated how higher education thriving in prison. With pathways from adult basic education and general education diplomas to associate and bachelor’s degrees, Centinela Desert Institute is proving education creates opportunity, reduces recidivism, and builds a better future for incarcerated scholars

In Our Institutions

CrossFit Certification Brings New Opportunities to Avenal State Prison

CrossFit instructor and incarcerated individuals

Incarcerated working out with CrossFit coach and utilizing equipment

Avenal State Prison (ASP) held the first-ever CrossFit seminar last week. Coach Bryan Eskew and 15 incarcerated individuals took part in the two-day coach certification training.

“It is the first time that California Department of Corrections has provided a level one CrossFit certification for the population,” said Headquarters Recreation Coach, Heidi Wippel.

Michael Razo and Adam Baker, both incarcerated at ASP, started this CrossFit group six years ago.

The in-person introductory course focuses on the fundamental principles and movements of CrossFit, teaching techniques and nutritional strategies.

“It’s a dream come true, it’s a way for me to give to others,” said Razo. Upon release, they will have the certificate, and skill sets to teach at CrossFit affiliates, find jobs at gyms, and move up levels within CrossFit, possibly allowing them to open their own gym.

“I’m thankful for this,” said Head CrossFit Trainer, Patrick Barber. “If I think there is a demographic that could be served more than these guys by this, I don’t think I could come up with that right now.”

Art exhibit showcases talent at Folsom State Prison

Folsom incarcerated drawing artwork on table

Folsom State Prison hosted an art exhibit featuring the work of 40 incarcerated artists on Feb. 13. The event, designed to foster connection among staff, the community, and the incarcerated population, showcased a variety of artwork including sketches, papier-mâché, leatherwork, and architectural designs.

The exhibit provided a platform for incarcerated individuals to share their creativity, instilling confidence and a sense of accomplishment. It also created a positive environment for staff and attendees to engage with the artists, reinforcing the rehabilitative power of artistic expression.

RJDs DRP Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Completion

Staff and incarcerated shaking hands during ISUDT completion ceremony

The Division of Rehabilitative Programs at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility held an integrated substance use disorder treatment completion ceremony Feb. 13. Incarcerated individuals were celebrated for their successful completion of programs and their sobriety.

Incarcerated Individuals graduated from the following programs:

Substance Use Disorder: 21
Life Skills/Cognitive Behavioral Interventions: 34
Both modalities: 7

Observances

February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. but impacts some communities disproportionately. Join efforts around the country to promote heart health in your community. American Heart Month | NHLBI, NIH

Recreational therapist plays a game with an incarcerated person as part of Sac360.

National Recreation Therapy Month. Recreational therapists making rehabilitation strides through Sac360. C. Bellisario, a recreation therapist, said the growing program works closely with the California Model at California State Prison, Sacramento, in Folsom. Sac360 is making rehabilitation strides – Inside CDCR

In the Media

Image of producer of Uncuffed, Matt Sheppard as a child

Uncuffed Podcast: In this episode, Uncuffed goes back in time to the early ’90s to talk about life changing moments like the LA Riots, unforgettable music, and the rage that came out of it all.

Season 4, Ep. 3 – Where Were You In ’92? | KALW

Warriors take up Twinning Project with Bay Area Inmates. More than 20 incarcerated people have graduated from the Warriors program, which uses the sport as a catalyst for change, according to the CEO. Warriors take up Twinning Project with Bay Area inmates – NBC Bay Area

Image of basketball hoop. Warriors twinning project

Markelle Taylor develops passion for long-distance running after spending 18 years in prison. To say Markelle Taylor is running from his past, isn’t exactly correct. Maybe you’d say he’s running with it. Markelle Taylor develops passion for long-distance running after spending 18 years in prison – NBC Bay Area