From staff luncheons to festivals on the yard, employees and the incarcerated population celebrated Cinco de Mayo. If your institution, program, division, or office celebrated Cinco de Mayo, submit your information to Don Chaddock and Emily Idleman (emails found in Global).
CCI Tehachapi hosts Cinco de Mayo festivities
California Correctional Institution (CCI) at Tehachapi celebrated Cinco De Mayo by hosting a taco competition with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kern County Family Justice Center.
Five staff members from different departments within the institution went head-to-head in a grill-off for the chance to win the very first “CCi-nco de Mayo Taco Champion” belt.
The winner of the competition will be invited to next year’s taco competition to defend their title or relinquish the belt to the new winner.
Competition judges included CCI Warden Brian Cates, Kern Valley State Prison Warden Pat Horn, former CCI Warden Joe Sullivan (retired 2020), Correctional Training Facility (CTF) Chief Deputy Warden Rashandra Hernandez, and California State Prison-Los Angeles County Warden Leanna Lundy.
To add to the celebration, five employees also faced off in a salsa competition. Their salsa was a great way to garnish the tacos. Staff voted for their favorite salsa with winner receiving a $75 Amazon gift card.
Taco and salsa champs
Correctional Officer Jamie Barboza claimed the taco champion title. Barboza will be invited to defend the title at next year’s competition.
Meanwhile, Senior Laboratory Assistant Adriana Ramos took home the win in the salsa competition.
“CCI understands the importance of bringing our employees together and giving back to victims of sensitive crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse,” organizers said. “Organizations such as the Family Justice Center provide (valuable benefits) for (these survivors). We are not only committed to public safety, but also to supporting and ensuring the well-being of those affected by crime.”
Organizers also thanked the CCI Employees’ Association for creating these memorable moments in CCI’s history.
“Special thank you to CCI Food Services, Warehouse, Plant Ops, Administration, and everyone who made this day special,” organizers said.
Submitted by Lt. T. Harrison
San Quentin hosts Cinco de Mayo festivities for staff, population, community
In a vibrant celebration of Hispanic heritage, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center hosted a memorable Cinco de Mayo. Bringing together the population, staff, and community, the event was filled with culture, music, and unity. This event aimed to provide a meaningful Hispanic cultural experience while fostering community engagement and positive connections in the prison.
The festivities kicked off with live musical performances by San Quentin Latin bands, whose energetic rhythms of salsa and mariachi set the tone.
Adding to the cultural richness, Aztec dancers performed traditional dances. Their traditional garments and feathers honored their culture. Meanwhile, their intricate movements captivated the audience.
One of the event’s highlights was a showcase of classic lowriders. These beautifully restored vehicles are iconic symbols of Hispanic pride and artistry. Visitors admired the craftsmanship and style of these lowriders, celebrating their significance throughout California.
A truly unique and exciting feature was the performance by dancing horses. The horses, trained to perform synchronized dance routines, brought smiles to everyone present.
Throughout the day, the lower yard served as a stage for spoken word and poetry. Here, the incarcerated performers shared heartfelt stories, reflections, and messages of hope and resilience.
Submitted by Lt. G. Berry
See more awards and appreciation stories.
Learn more about the California Model on the CDCR website.
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