Week in Review: April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

In this Week in Review for April 11, we honor National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and spotlight Community Resources Manager Marlene Robicheaux.

Observances

NCVRW 2025 kinship connecting and healing.

Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has reminded us of the progress made in supporting victims of crime and the ongoing need to ensure justice and healing for all survivors. In 2025, NCVRW will be observed April 6-12 with the theme: Connecting KINSHIP Healing. Read the full story.

Chief, Mariam El-Menshawi takes a moment to share highlights from our event in Elk Grove on April 8, honoring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Learn how we came together with partner agencies to educate the community, support victims, and raise awareness. Hear her reflections and see a glimpse of the impact we made together.

National Public Health Week

National Public Health Week is a time to recognize the vital role public health plays in keeping our communities safe, healthy, and resilient. Celebrated each April, NPHW brings together public health professionals, advocates, and communities across the country to highlight pressing health issues, promote equity, and inspire action. Through events, education, and community engagement, the week serves as a reminder that everyone’s health is interconnected – and that together, we can build healthier futures for all.

Staff Spotlight – 3 Questions

3 Questions with CRM Marlene Robicheaux

Marlene Robicheaux holds her award and flowers.

Today you’ll find Marlene Robicheaux making a difference as a community resources manager (CRM) at California State Prison, Corcoran. Four decades ago, she would more likely be found on the basketball court, helping lead to her team to a state championship.

Those accomplishments were honored March 21 when Robicheaux, along with her four sisters, were inducted into the College of the Sequoias Hall of Fame.

We caught up with Robicheaux to talk about her award and her memories of those basketball glory days.

What does it mean to be inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame?

Robicheaux and her sisters hold a basketball.

The Hall of Fame induction is the highest award presented to someone who has contributed to the betterment of college, and the community which reflects positively on the college.

During my time at the college as a Lady Giant, I had the opportunity to work with the best group of women and coaching staff ever.

The highlight during this time was being able to play with my four biological sisters.

According to sports research, there has never been more than three biological siblings of any sports of any kind on the same team, however, we had five. We made history and it most likely will never be broken.

With so many siblings on the team, were there any issues?

Even though I had to prove herself on the court, because three of us vied for the same position, we always remained each other’s cheerleaders. Growing up, sports started at a very early age for us. We come from a background of sport standouts including my uncles Tommie Smith, track and field, and NFL player Mark Lee. We talked about sports around the dinner table.

Did you continue with sports after college?

Because of my dad’s encouragement and my love for sports, I went on to coach basketball and volleyball at Corcoran High School as well as basketball at Hanford High School, all with winning seasons. To date, our College of the Sequoias Lady Giants team still holds the record set in 1987 of 35-0.

Upward Mobility

Eric Joe, appointed Chief, Office of the Ombudsman

Edward Martin, appointed Chief Executive Officer, Health Care (Safety), California State Prison, Corcoran, (COR)

Penny Shank, appointed Chief Executive Officer, Health Care (Safety), California Correctional Institution (CCI)

Chad Williams, DHA, Chief Executive Officer, Health Care (Safety) Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP)

In the Community

Honoring Lives Lost: A Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services joined families and community members at the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, hosted by the Sacramento Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children. The heartfelt event took place at a local park, where survivors shared emotional stories and spoke the names of loved ones lost to violence.

Murder victims images on posters POMC event

National day of remembrance for murder victims event, 4 victims releasing doves

Attendees decorated ribbons with victims’ names and tied them to POMC’s memorial tree, planted beside a dedicated bench. The ceremony closed with the release of doves as the organization’s national song, “We Are the Survivors,” played. This annual gathering offered space for reflection, healing and community support.

Butte County Honors Courage During Crime Victims’ Rights Week

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services attended the 2025 Butte County Recognition Ceremony in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Two representatives infront of podium at Butte County Recognition ceremony NCVRW 2025

District Attorney Michael L. Ramsey recognized a survivor of a random act of violence and presented a special award to an officer who responded to an active shooter at Feather River Adventist School. Principal Kathy Spiva received the Courage Award for her bravery during the incident. In her remarks, she recounted going into “Mama Bear” mode and shouting to first responders, “I will not answer any questions until you take care of these boys.” She later offered heartfelt apologies, repeating her protective instinct in the moment.

The ceremony honored those who act with courage in the face of tragedy and recognized the resilience of survivors.

CMF Donates to Solano Family & Children’s Services

CMF Warden (A) Sircoya Williams with charitable donation check to Solano Family & Children's Services in Fairfield

On Feb. 28, CMF acting Warden Sircoya Williams presented a charitable donation to Solano Family & Children’s Services in Fairfield. The $2,026 donation was raised through a food sale hosted by the community resources manager’s office.

Warden Williams included a personal letter explaining why she selected the organization.

CMF Warden (A) Sircoya Williams speaking with Solano Family & Children's Services in Fairfield

“This program made a meaningful impact on my life in my time of need,” she wrote. “Your commitment to creating connections for families and childcare providers to support the healthy development of children has inspired me deeply, and I want to acknowledge the positive influence it has had on my growth and success.”

As Williams shared her story, the staff’s expressions reflected their joy at hearing another success story tied to their work.

The experience further solidified CMF’s commitment to supporting the community.

ASP Partners with Growing Health Leaders

Avenal State Prison hosted Growing Health Leaders career exploration event for early high school students in Tulare and Kings County.

Growing Health Leaders is an annual, industry-driven career exploration event for early high school students in Tulare and Kings County school districts.

Growing Healthcare leaders group of staff and high school students

Avenal State Prison participated in the 13th annual event, held at the Tulare County Office of Education. Staff shared insights into health care careers within correctional institutions, highlighting how custody and health care teams work together to support incarcerated individuals. Avenal’s K-9 unit and handlers also gave a demonstration on how they assist in detecting narcotics.

Many students were unfamiliar with the medical side of working in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). After learning about the different roles and how they connect, students were full of excitement, curiosity and questions.

In Our Institutions

HDSP Holds First Enhanced Out-Patient Graduation Ceremony

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) presented 11 ISUDT Graduates

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) recently celebrated a milestone, holding its first graduation for the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program.

Over the past year, 11 participants successfully completed the program’s intensive curriculum, which focuses on cognitive behavioral interventions, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills. The ISUDT program, a statewide initiative, requires support and collaboration from custody, health care, education and treatment staff.

Graduates shared personal stories during the ceremony, often reflecting on moments when they felt like giving up—and the staff who kept them going.

“I didn’t think I could do it,” one graduate said. “But the staff believed in me before I believed in myself.”

“You showed up every day, even when it wasn’t easy. You should be proud of your commitment and progress.”
Warden R. St. Andrew, speaking to graduates

The event marked more than a ceremony—it was a powerful step toward healing, change, and renewed hope.

In the Media

Uncuffed My Mixtape image of hand holding a cassette tape

Uncuffed My Mixtape: ‘Spring’

A special piece from Uncuffed, the program where people in prison get to tell their own stories. André Davis interviewed Lee Jaspar about a song he wrote that later became even more special, once he met the love of his life. Listen here: Uncuffed My Mixtape: ‘Spring’ | KALW

From prison cells to bylines

The Ben Free Project creates opportunities for incarcerated journalists, writers and creative artists. Read store here: From prison cells to bylines | Editor and Publisher