Weekender Digest: Look back at top 7 stories

May 9, 2025

In this Weekender Digest, we look back at the top seven recent stories, condensing them into this easy-to-read format.

Inside CDCR’s top stories

The following stories have garnered the most views since our last Weekender Digest was published April 5.

Graduating cadet is surprised by his Marine daughter

April 11 was already a day of immense pride for CDCR cadet Tory Brandsen, but it became even more special when his Marine daughter surprised him at his graduation. After weeks of intense training, dedication, and sacrifice, Brandsen stood tall in uniform among the newest graduates of CDCR’s training academy. Brandsen is a third-generation correctional officer. Published April 26, this was top story published over the last 30 days. Read the full story.

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

Hugs and smiles at the parole agent academy graduation held Friday, May 2.

CDCR welcomes 41 new parole agents

CDCR welcomed 41 new parole agents as they graduated the Basic Parole Agent Academy on Friday, May 2. The ceremony was held at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt. “The badge we wear is not only a symbol of authority, but of hope, building partnerships and second chances,” said Jason Johnson, CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Read the full story.

CDCR Week in Review for April 18 with Officer Celis hugging his daughter as she graduated the Basic Correctional Officer Academy in Galt.

CDCR Week in Review: April 18, 2025

The Week in Review’s story on a daughter following in her father’s CDCR career footsteps drew plenty of readers. This ranked as one of the most-viewed posts for the month on Inside CDCR.

Officer Joseph Celis joined CDCR in 2007, spending his career at the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco. Seeing her father’s passion for his career, Vanessa Celis also joined CDCR, recently graduating the Basic Correctional Officer Academy.

“My dad has been encouraging me for years, but I always thought there was no way I could do this job,” she said. “I was finally convinced. It’s been hard but I am excited for my future in CDCR.” Read the Week in Review.

Three PVSP recruiters at a career expo in Kern County. — From left are Officers G. Ferrer and G. Pineda with Sgt. G Salcedo at the Kern career expo.

Recruiters from PVSP at a community event expo. — From left are Officers G. Ferrer and G. Pineda with Sgt. G Salcedo at the Kern career expo.

PVSP recruiters visit community events

Community events have proven to be great places for Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) recruiters to share CDCR employment opportunities. See more photos and learn about the events they attended.

SATF Music Festival fosters community

Fostering a sense of community through music was the goal at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison at Corcoran. The SATF Music Festival brought bands together to the California Model yard at the institutions. “What I bring is a part of the culture of the Mexican regional music,” said singer songwriter Alejandra Rojas. “It’s a very big part, very important to the Mexican culture.” Read the full story and see more photos.

An officer discusses areas of the prison, including this deactivated housing unit, during Take Your Kids to Work Day at California Medical Facility, Vacaville, Calif.

Avenal State Prison Kids Day 2025 in chalk

CDCR, CCHCS get into Take Your Kids to Work Day

This round-up proved very popular, coming in the top 10 stories published over the last 30 days. Multiple institutions submitted photos and a write up. Read the full round-up.

Children hunt eggs during visiting at CDCR, California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton, Calif.

Easter bunny waves to visiting children at CCWF.

CDCR staff make Easter visiting special

Our annual Easter visiting stories rounded out the top seven. See how these institutions made Easter something special for visiting families. Read the round-up.

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