CDCR Weekender

Weekender Digest: Most viewed stories in May

CDCR Weekender Digest most viewed stories for May staff appreciation and graduation stories.

In this Weekender Digest, we look at the most viewed stories published in May, including staff appreciation and graduations.

Academy Graduations

Popular stories for Inside CDCR have always proven to be those related to academy graduations. This month was no exception.

CDCR welcomes 41 new agents, one continues family legacy

The latest Basic Parole Agent Academy graduation came in as our most-viewed story for the month. See how CDCR welcomed 41 new parole agents to the department. >> Read the graduation story.

Jonathan Wilson, at right in the first photo above, also graduated the Basic Parole Agent Academy. He’s continuing the family legacy established by his father Stan, a retired parole agent, and brother Jeremy, who is a parole agent III. >> Watch the video.

Staff Appreciation

Whether it was general staff, nurses, or skilled trades, CDCR and CCHCS staff appreciation stories have drawn views. May usually tops readership numbers, regardless of the year, mostly due to the various appreciation round-up stories.

Staff appreciation round-up

Clockwise, from top left, are the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran, CSP-Sacramento, California Institution for Women, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, and High Desert State Prison holding their first-ever promotion ceremony during their annual staff appreciation day. >> Read the full staff appreciation round-up.

Celebrating nurses across California

Nurses were celebrated across the state. Clockwise, from top left, are North Kern State Prison, Wasco State Prison-Reception Center, CCHCS headquarters in Elk Grove, California Rehabilitation Center at Norco, Mule Creek State Prison. >> Read the Nurses Week round-up.

Community Involvement

The department’s commitment to the communities we serve can be found in staff volunteerism, donations, and giving back.

Clothing donations benefit community

Staff gathered clothing to donate to the Female Community Reentry Program in Stockton, above left, while San Quentin Rehabilitation Center staff helped a local rescue mission.


See more stories from the CDCR Weekender.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Recent CDCR Weekender stories

SCC Chief Deputy Warden presents Officer of Year Award to Masterson for actions taken late last year to assist a car crash victim.

SCC Officer Masterson named Angels‑Murphys Officer of Year

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) Correctional Officer Masterson was named the Angels-Murphys Rotary Club of California Officer of the Year. The…

Heather Duarte, the Community Resources Manager (CRM) at Calipatria State Prison, earned a CIF award for coaching a local swimming team.

CRM Heather Duarte earns CIF coaching honor

Calipatria State Prison Community Resources Manager (CRM) Heather Duarte has devoted over three decades to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring student-athletes.…

A staff member enjoys a break with a horse during a CCWF mental health awareness event.

CCWF staff focus on mental health awareness

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla hosted a special May 12 mental health event for staff in partnership with…

Two maintenance mechanics enjoy the lunch during National Skilled Trades Day 2026.

Kern Valley State Prison celebrates Skilled Trades Day

Kern Valley State Prison staff celebrated National Skilled Trades Day, recognizing all staff who keep Plant Operations going. The correctional…

CDCR staff from LAC with another police officer to read to students during Read Across America Week, celebrating Dr. Seuss.

LAC staff interact with students during Read Across America

Staff from California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), visited young students during Read Across America Week. A local elementary…

CRC Last Rodeo for Nurses Week with four staff members posing for a photo against an Old West themed backdrop.

CRC‑Norco hosts Last Rodeo for Nurses Week celebration

The California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) at Norco recently hosted the Last Rodeo in honor of National Nurses Week. CRC showed…