Weekender Digest: April 5 Double edition

April 5, 2025

In this double edition of the Weekender Digest for April 5, we compress the stories published over the last two weeks into this easy-to-read round-up.

Promotions & Awards

Watch: CIM holds first promotional ceremony

California Institution for Men (CIM) celebrated a historic milestone with its first-ever staff promotional ceremony, recognizing employees for their dedication and leadership. The event honored newly promoted correctional sergeants, with family members, and institutional leaders in attendance. Read the story.

Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes CIW, CIM staff

During the recent Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce Salute to Public Safety event, staff from two CDCR institutions were honored.

California Institution for Women Associate Warden Delinia Lewis presented awards to her institution’s staff. Lt. Francine Hinostroza, above left, received the 2025 Supervisor of the Year while Sgt. Anna Avina, above center, was named the 2025 Employee of the Year. Read the full story.

California Institution for Men (CIM) acting Warden Eric Mejia also presented awards to two staff members. CIM Correctional Officer Daniel Lopez was awarded Officer of the Year while correctional plant supervisor Manny Rodriguez was named Employee of the Year at the chamber event. Read the full story.

Beyond the Badge

Spotlight on CHCF dietary services staff

At California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Sandra Guzman and Nathaniel McKee improve the health of incarcerated individuals through personalized nutrition care. Watch the video.

Obituaries

Porfirio Garza wearing his correctional officer's uniform. — Alila Dakaj

California Institution for Women is mourning the April 2 passing of Correctional Officer Alila Dakaj. She worked for the institution for 25 years. Retired Correctional Officer Porfirio Garza, Jr., passed away in March. He worked for the department for 21 years, retiring in 2011. Two others passed away last year, with Inside CDCR only being made aware in the last two weeks. Steven “Steve” Ray Kruse, retired deputy director for the Division of Juvenile Justice, passed away in February 2024. Jessica Urka, a registered nurse at California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton, passed away in September 2024.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

HQ to hold Crime Victims’ Rights Week event

During the week of April 6-12, CDCR will join the nation in honoring our victim and survivor community during National Crime Victims Rights’ Week. To honor the victim community and families impacted by crime, the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services will host a ceremony and information fair at headquarters Tuesday, April 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CDCR in Elk Grove. This event will feature guest speakers, food trucks and representatives from organizations. Read the story.

Recruitment

Recruiters and others in front of Folsom State Prison.

Recruiters ramp up College Outreach Program

CDCR recruiters from the Peace Officer Recruitment Unit are ramping up the College Outreach Program. The program demonstrates a commitment to fostering connections with the next generation of professionals by working with colleges throughout California. Read the story.

Patient Safety Awareness Week

Staff at the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad held their first health fair for patient safety week. The group photo also has the words "patient safety priorities."

Observing Patient Safety Week across state

Across the state, institutions observed Patient Safety Awareness Week through special events and gatherings. Multiple institutions submitted their events. Read the full round-up.

Reentry & Rehabilitation

Second Chance Month focuses on reentry, rehabilitation

April marks Second Chance Month, a nationwide effort to recognize the importance of rehabilitation and reentry for justice-involved individuals.

At CDCR this month is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to restoring lives through innovative programming, strong community partnerships, and a belief in the power of transformation. Learn more.

CCWF hosts first CSU‑Fresno graduation

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) hosted the first-ever California State University, Fresno, graduation for their bachelor’s degree program. The degrees, and the hard work to earn them, exemplify the spirit of giving people second chances. Read the full story.

Getting information at a resource fair at CHCF.

Second reentry resource fair at CHCF with a booth for Jack Tone Adult School.

CHCF hosts second reentry resource fair

California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton hosted its second reentry resource fair March 6-7. The fair connected incarcerated individuals with organizations offering rehabilitation and reentry support. Read the full story.

Three people, one a parole agent, at the Pomona Day Reporting Center.

CDCR parole staff tours Day Reporting Center

Staff from the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community Reentry Unit (CRU) recently toured the Pomona Day Reporting Center. The center is a contracted CDCR non-residential reentry facility run by GEO Group, serving people on parole supervision to help them prepare for reentry. Read the full story.

CDCR and parole staff tour FCRP-Sacramento, group photo, with the words "talking reentry" overlying the image.

Undersecretary tours FCRP‑Sacramento

Jason Johnson, acting Undersecretary of Operations, saw first-hand the power of rehabilitation while touring the Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) Sacramento. Read the story.

A group photo of Danny Trejo with people at a Male Community Reentry Program in Los Angeles.

Actor Danny Trejo encourages MCRP Los Angeles participants

Actor Danny Trejo recently spoke to 70 participants at the Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) in Los Angeles. For those in the MCRP, Trejo understands their rehabilitation journeys, having spent time in multiple California prisons. Read the story.

A basketball game at CSP-Solano with the Warriors recreational team.

Warriors play CSP‑Solano Wolverines

In late February, the Warriors Basketball Coaching Academy, along with their recreational team, visited California State Prison (CSP) Solano, for an exhibition game. The event was held Feb. 22, pitting the Warriors recreational team against the Solano Level II All-Star Wolverines. Read the story.

Team with trophy at Corcoran prison for interfacility softball game.

CSP‑Corcoran hosts interfacility softball game

California State Prison (CSP) Corcoran hosted the first interfacility softball game March 21 between Facilities 3B and 4B. The players, all incarcerated at CSP-Corcoran, showed sportsmanship while building camaraderie. Read the story.

Bill Davidson, CALPIA general manager, speaks at a graduation ceremony at Valley State Prison. Overlaying the image is the quote: "Thank you for the decision you made to participate in a CALPIA program."

Valley State Prison hosts CALPIA graduation

The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) recognized 46 incarcerated individuals at Valley State Prison. The March graduation was made possible through a partnership with CDCR, CCHCS, and the Department of Industrial Relations. Read the story.

Safety & Security Updates

California Medical Facility (CMF) Safety and Security Update for staff, officer injured in attack, incident or riot.

Officers injured in attack at California Medical Facility

Three correctional officers at California Medical Facility in Vacaville were injured in an attack by an incarcerated person on Friday, April 4. Read the full update.

For media inquiries, e-mail the Office of Public & Employee Communications.

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