Weekender Digest: Plunging, welding & history

March 8, 2025

In this Weekender Digest, we look at Polar Plunges, welding at CTF-Soledad, and the history of women in California prisons. The digest is one more way we keep employees informed with the latest information.

Community Involvement

CDCR, CCHCS Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics

Group photo of Sierra Conservation Center staff at Polar Plunge.

Across California, CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) dove into the Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics. This round-up of Polar Plunge events will be updated as more events are submitted. Send event write-ups and photos to editor Don Chaddock, email found in Global. Read the round-up.

Beyond the Badge

CTF-Soledad welder sparks careers

Tiffany Orff explains why she enjoys breaking barriers and helping others learn a trade before parole. Read the full story.

CDCR History

1965: History of women in California prisons

Women History Month Spotlight about the history of women in California state prisons, circa 1965, with a woman and a quote.

During a 1965 talk, California Institution for Women Superintendent Iverne R. Carter discussed the history of women serving sentences in California prisons. She even hinted at what could be considered more modern approaches to normalization. “Finally, there is a continuing need for the resident in a penal institution to understand community expectations through contacts with responsible citizen groups,” she said. Read the full story.

Rehabilitation

CrossFit at Avenal prison

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

Memorials & Obituaries

20 years: CIM remembers Officer Gonzalez

Two decades ago, Correctional Officer Manuel Gonzalez was killed in the line of duty at California Institution for Men (CIM). Every year since his death, CIM staff gather to remember their fallen coworker. Read the full story.

CDCR, CCHCS mourn recent losses

John Jones, retired sergeant, as a young Marine and later in life. — John Jones

Tip Kindel obituary featured image showing him young and more current. — John Jones

John Jones, a retired correctional sergeant from California Institution for Men (CIM), passed away Feb. 17. He was 61 years old. After graduating high school, Jones answered the call to serve, joining the United States Marine Corps in 1982. He served in several deployments and missions, including the Persian Gulf War from 1990 to 1991. Read his obituary notice.

Tipton “Tip” Craig Kindel, retired assistant director of communications, passed away Feb. 28. He was 81. Kindel built a distinguished career in journalism and communications, working for many years as a reporter and producer for KCRA Channel 3. He left TV news to become assistant director of communications for the California Department of Corrections. Kindel served in this role throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Read Kindel’s obituary.

>> View all obituaries.