Week in Review: May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

In this May 9 Week in Review, we spotlight Correctional Counselor Flavilla Singleton, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and other observances celebrating staff.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Correctional Counselor III Flavilla Singleton

With a dream of a career in law enforcement, Flavilla Singleton applied for CDCR at 20 years old. By age 21, she graduated from the Basic Correctional Officer Academy and landed at what was then the Valley State Prison for Women. With over 17 years of service to CDCR, she has seen and been a part of many changes.

She’s worked at Valley State Prison for Women, CSP-Corcoran, and Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla.

We caught up with Singleton to discuss her career, hobbies, and advice she has for those looking to join CDCR.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen since joining department?

I was there for the transition of Valley State Prison for Women to (becoming) Valley State Prison, (a men’s facility). The biggest changes I’ve seen started at Corcoran (transitioning the secure housing units). Since then, the number of programs has increased tremendously. Incarcerated persons are paroling at a higher rate based on their involvement in the rehabilitative programs being provided and a change in their behaviors.

How do you balance work and home life?

Flavilla Singleton coaching cheerleaders in a huddle

Between her kids and husband, life outside of work is extremely busy so when I’m off work, I’m off. With children in baseball and competitive cheer, I am often traveling up and down the California coast.

I also coach a competitive cheer team for young girls. I’ve been coaching cheer for six years. When I’m not traveling, I try and spend as much time as possible with my husband. We are sure to make time for each other, regardless of our busy schedules. My family will always be my priority.

The overall goal as a cheer coach is to instill confidence, teamwork, communication, and drive to continue to do better and uplift others. Those skills transfer into adulthood. We need our young females to have that. Working with the female population at CCWF, facilitating the Youth Diversion Program and coaching helps me build more resilient, confident and strong women.

What advice do you have for others thinking about joining CDCR?

If you have the desire to lead, impact lives and support the people standing next you every day, this is the job for you. CDCR has so many opportunities for you to grow in your career and as an individual. I learned from the very beginning, be fair, firm and consistent. That holds true here at work and in home life. If you can do that, join CDCR.

Learn how to become a correctional officer.

Upward Mobility

Juan Bugarin, appointed Chief Deputy Warden, North Kern State Prison

In Our Institutions

High Desert State Prison Hosts Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

In partnership with Lassen Family Services, High Desert State Prison (HDSP) hosted Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, an event raising nearly $2,400.

HDSP staff and incarcerated walking while holding banner

The goal of the walk is to raise awareness and support victims of domestic and sexual violence.

HDSP and Lassen Family Services staff, along with the incarcerated population, walked over four miles.

This event was the first of its kind at HDSP, creating a positive movement involving prison staff, incarcerated individuals, and local businesses.

RJD Correctional Facility Hosts Second Diversity Fair

Richard J. Donovan (RJD) Correctional Facility’s second Diversity Fair brought staff together during a day of connection, cultural appreciation, and celebration.

Cultural snack tables featured treats from around the world – Asia, India, Mexico, the Middle East, and more. A variety of food trucks provided meals, including Mediterranean and soul food cuisine.

Union and LGBTQ tables provided resources and encouraged awareness, solidarity, and open dialogue amongst staff.

The fair welcomed a multi-faith presence, with spiritual leaders providing representation, guidance, and support for a multitude of religious faiths.

A day full of connections, culture, and community – highlighting the strength of RJD’s workforce and its commitment to inclusivity.

KVSP Holds Staff Promotional Ceremony

Kern Valley State Prison staff posing for the camera with the Warden, holding their promotional certificates

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) held a ceremony celebrating multiple staff promotions. Their families were also invited to attend.

Promotions included:

Captain
Four correctional counselors
Labor relations analyst
Staff services analyst
Supervising case records technician
Correctional case records analyst

KVSP’s Honor Guard performed the presentation of colors while a staff member sang the National Anthem.

Staff were congratulated and received certificates from the warden and representatives from CCSO, CCPOA, and the Classification and Parole.

Once the ceremony concluded, staff and families were able to take photographs and enjoy desserts.

CDCR, CCHCS Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

San Quentin Warden Chance Andes with community members and staff.

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). Read the full round-up.

In The Community

California Rehabilitation Center Partners with Local School

The California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) partnered with Victress Bower School for Exceptional Students and hosted a Summer Carnival for scholars with disabilities.

Warden presenting $11,000 check to Victress Bower School

Acting Warden Leo Quiroz and his team provided students with a bubble exhibit, petting zoo, a dunk tank, and more. Students also enjoyed a variety of foods and sweet treats. Warden Quiroz and CRC staff fundraised over $11,000 to donate to Victress Bower students for future events and student needs, presenting the donations at the event.

“CRC’s volunteer spirit was truly inspiring to witness; the way each of you stepped up with such enthusiasm and servant hearts created an atmosphere of pure joy and generosity,” Principal Russell Marsh said. “Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”

student petting a bird from the petting zoo

San Diego FCRP Participates in Beach Clean-up

FCRP volunteers smiling on the beach while cleaning up

Six members of the San Diego Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) participated in the ninth annual Surfrider Beach Clean-up at Ocean Beach.

The participants worked to accomplish the rehabilitative mission of CDCR’s community reentry programs by giving back to the community.

Connecting with nature and positively contributing within the community taught the participants about team building and skill development strategies.

OVSRS Participates in Volunteers of America Healthcare Resource Fair

OVSRS booth at Volunteers of America Healthcare Resource fair

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) participated in Sacramento’s Volunteers of America Healthcare Resource Fair.

OVSRS staff educated attendees on the services they provide to victims, including registering for notifications and restitution. OVSRS staff nearly emptied their booth of supplies due to significant participation from attendees interested in services.

Observances

National Correctional Officers Week

“Your dedication to your law enforcement careers and the sacrifices you and your families make daily to uphold our mission of public safety are truly inspiring.

Serving in our correctional facilities requires extraordinary skill, resilience, and a profound commitment to public service. Your work reflects a heartfelt aspiration to positively impact the lives of those in our care and the communities we serve. Your courage and professionalism are a source of pride for us all.”

–Gena Jones, Director of Division of Adult Institutions

National Nurses Week

“As we celebrate National Nurses Week 2025 with the theme ‘The Power of Nurses.’ I take this moment to acknowledge and deeply appreciate the incredible strength, compassion, and resilience each of you brings to our correctional healthcare environment. Your unwavering dedication and advocacy profoundly impact the lives of those entrusted to our care, reminding us daily of the extraordinary influence nurses hold in healthcare.”

-Debra Amos-Terrell, Deputy Director(A), Nursing Services

Public Service Recognition Week

decorative image: Public Service week May 4-10

During Public Service Recognition Week, we proudly honor the dedication and resilience of the incredible staff at CDCR and CCHCS. Your unwavering commitment to people, driven by a shared purpose, and strengthened through your daily presence, makes a profound difference in the lives of those you serve in the safety and well-being of our communities.

Thank you for all you do. Your service matters.

National Teacher Appreciation Week

At Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, teacher Genevieve Valenzuela connects with students through shared life experiences. Read the full article.

Division of Parole Operations

CDCR welcomes 41 new parole agents

Basic Parole Agent Academy graduation with 41 new agents being sworn in.

Last week, 41 new parole agents graduated the Basic Parole Agent Academy at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt. They will now embark on their new careers as Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) parole agents.

This latest class represents a significant step forward in CDCR’s ongoing efforts and focus on recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention and culture through collaboration of diverse and qualified candidates. Read the full story.

Rehabilitation

CTF Hosts Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Graduations

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad recently hosted two Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment graduation ceremonies for individuals completing Cognitive Behavioral Interventions. The Amity Foundation also attended and recognized 200 participants for their dedication to recovery. Graduates received their certificates of completion and enjoyed provided food and drinks to celebrate their achievements.

From Inmate Firefighter to Civil Service

Nolan Zacher was an institutional firefighter for the Avenal State Prison Fire Department.

For nearly two years, Zacher’s responsibilities included responding to fire and rescue emergencies within the institution and local mutual aid requests in Kings, Fresno, and Kern counties.

According to those who witnessed his rehabilitation, Zacher was a strong example of taking advantage of opportunities. He performed all emergency tasks, daily responsibilities, physical training, while helping partners and supervisors whenever needed. As an active incarcerated firefighter, he was promoted to lead/fire apparatus engineer.

Before paroling from Avenal State Prison, Zacher was accepted into the Ventura Training Center (VTC) Firefighter Training Program. There, he gained life skills, job-readiness, professional experience, and firefighter training.

Nolan Zacher smiling with graduation certificate from VTC

Nolan Zacher smiling in his Cal Fire uniform

In March, Nolan Zacher graduated from VTC and accepted a job offer from Cal Fire San Diego as a Firefighter I. His hard work and determination to rehabilitate, gain new skills, and succeed in life after the institution led to his success in civil service.

In the Media

incarcerated firefighters lined up next to cal fire truck

Incarcerated fire crews battled LA’s wildfire. Now a lawmaker wants to help launch their careers

As the Los Angeles fires raged, approximately 1,000 incarcerated fire crew members labored alongside professional firefighters battling the blazes.

But the incarcerated fire crew members say it’s hard to advance from a prison crew to a civil service job because their criminal records make it tough to obtain the necessary certifications. State Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes wants to make it easier. Read the full story.

Degrees of Change Incarcerated individuals receive bachelor’s degree

graduates in cap and gown, smiling for the camera

The Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) sits 45 minutes north of the Fresno State campus, surrounded by country roads and miles of farmland. The facility is the largest women’s prison in California, home to approximately 2,000 incarcerated individuals and is one of two maximum security prisons in California.

Throughout the last four years, 18 women took classes from Fresno State professors while performing their full-time prison jobs. On the morning of March 11, the CCWF graduates walked across the prison recreation center in their caps and gowns to “Pomp and Circumstance.” Read the full story.