California Prison Industry Authority, Rehabilitation

CALPIA graduates recognized at RJ Donovan

May 19, 2025

From left are CALPIA Chief Asstistant General Manager Suzie Changus, Business Owner and pastor Tony Curtis, CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson, a graduate displaying his certification, acting Warden Rafael Acevedo, Prison Industry Board Member Katherine Minnich, and CALPIA Assistant General Manager of Workforce Development Rusty Bechtold.

Sixty-four incarcerated individuals received their job certifications and/or apprenticeships from the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) May 6.

In partnership with CDCR, California Correctional Health Care Services, and the California Department of Industrial Relations, CALPIA recognized the graduates for their hard work and accomplishments.

“Today we are here to celebrate, recognize, and honor your accomplishments and what you were able to achieve,” said CALPIA’s General Manager Bill Davidson. “The skills, abilities, and talents you’ve gained from our programs will benefit you now, and even more so when you return home. Regardless of your past, you have opportunities to gain redemption and move forward.”

CALPIA graduates at RJD received industry accredited certifications and/or apprenticeships in Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, Bakery, Shoe Manufacturing, and Data Entry.

RJD acting Warden Rafael Acevedo emphasized a job well-done to the CALPIA graduates.

“I truly believe the best part of rehabilitation is giving an incarcerated person the opportunity to have a purpose, a marketable skill,” said Acevedo. “I commend you all for your hard work and success. We want you to have a smooth transition as you leave prison and become a positive member of society.”

Family, friends, and staff attended the afternoon ceremony. Also attending were Prison Industry Board Member Katherine Minnich and representatives from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

From CALPIA graduate to business owner

“CALPIA is the door to success. Strive for it.”
Tony Curtis, former CALPIA graduate

A former CALPIA graduate speaks at the RJ Donovan graduation ceremony May 6 in San Diego.

Former CALPIA graduate Tony Curtis delivered the keynote address. Curtis was formerly incarcerated and shared how he obtained three certifications while in prison. One of those is Optician certification through the American Board of Opticianry, while the other two are certifications in construction and Healthcare Facilities Maintenance (HFM).

“You are in this room today because you decided to take advantage of an opportunity. That is the first step towards success,” said Curtis. “It starts right now. We are here to celebrate you because you took that first step through CALPIA to change your life. Change starts right now.”

Curtis is now the co-owner of Cyberdyne Solar, which was the first company to partner with two major retail chains in the Southern California area. He is also the senior pastor of a Southern California Christian church.

“I learned a lot in the CALPIA job training programs,” added Curtis. “I became an Optician, gained construction skills on how to build a home, then I learned in HFM how to do terminal cleaning inside hospitals. All those skills and certifications led me to where I am today. CALPIA is the door to success. Strive for it.”

Story by Stephanie Eres, CALPIA public information officer
and Kendal Twilling, associate governmental program analyst
Photos by Scott Monaco