Week in Review: June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

In this June 20 Week in Review, we spotlight the Law Enforcement Torch Run, CCWF’s annual health and wellness fair, and RJD graduates.

In Our Institutions

PBSP supports local charities

The incarcerated population at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) raised money for local charities through a food sale fundraiser.

PBSP staff presenting check from food sale

The fundraiser proceeds were donated to the Del Norte Senior Center and the Del Norte Child Abuse Prevention Council. The population’s decision to support these charities highlights a desire to assist vulnerable populations within their own community.

The incarcerated population raised a staggering $17,298, splitting the proceeds between two organizations.

This act of generosity comes at a crucial time for the Del Norte Senior Center, which is facing budget cuts. Meanwhile, donations to the Del Norte Child Abuse Prevention Council allows them to continue providing vital resources to the community’s youth.

RJD sees 15 earn Bachelor of Arts from UCI

RJD students wear caps and gowns at their University of California, Irvine, graduation wear they earned bachelor's degrees.

At RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD), 15 incarcerated students graduated June 18 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology through the University of California, Irvine (UCI). This bachelor’s program is the second round of graduates to earn a degree through the historic collaboration between CDCR and the University of California.

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CCWF hosts second Staff Health and Wellness Fair

PIO Monique Williams and staff at health and wellness fair for Week in Review, June 20.

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla hosted its second Staff Health and Wellness Fair.

More than 50 vendors staffed booths offering services such as financial, retirement, real estate, travel, health, and fitness. There was also an animal rescue information booth and much more.

This year’s event encouraged CCWF staff to practice wellness in every aspect of their lives – mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.

Staff lunch was provided by the Employee Association Committee and several local food trucks. They enjoyed lunch while exploring the different vendors, playing rounds of mini golf, and receiving chair massages.

“We really appreciate the services provided today, and look forward to next year,” said a correctional officer.

This successful event featured services staff may not have known they needed. CCWF plans to continue this event next year, making it a staple for staff health and wellness.

Staff facilitate special Father’s Day visiting

Across California, institutions and camps offered special Father’s Day visiting for families to enjoy spending time with their incarcerated loved one.

A King Dad banner at CCI-Tehachapi for Week in Review June 20 edition and Inside CDCR visiting round-up.

Editor’s note: This round-up of visiting events will be updated as more submissions are received. If your institution, program, division, or reentry facility participated in Father’s Day activities, send photos as separate attachments to Don Chaddock and Emily Idleman.

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In the Community

SCC raises funds for LA fire victims

During the recent Los Angeles fires, Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) was deeply impacted as the institution was tasked with managing the Conservation (Fire) Camps Program in cooperation with CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The Los Angeles fires connected our staff, incarcerated population, and residents of Los Angeles as well as the country. Over 1,000 incarcerated firefighters responded to the Los Angeles fires.

Save the Children and SCC fundraiser featured in Week in Review June 20 edition.

Acting Chief Deputy Warden Robert Kelsey and SCC staff decided to organize a food sale fundraiser. The Inmate Advisory Council (IAC) unanimously chose Save the Children as the beneficiary.

The food sale was facilitated and distributed by the community resource department, with the help of incarcerated individuals and custody staff. Upon completion of the fundraiser at SCC, the funds in the amount of $14,465 were presented to Save the Children, a non-profit organization.

Food sale events provide the incarcerated population an opportunity to participate in community service as they unload the trucks, collect and sort food sale order forms, organize the crowds, and clean up.

With the guidance and invaluable support of acting Warden Joshua Prudhel, SCC continues to focus on rehabilitation via community service and the opportunity for leadership.

CRC staff, incarcerated raise $5,600 for Torch Run

California Rehabilitation Center staff carry the flag and Flame of Hope during the Law Enforcement Torch Run, for Inside CDCR and Week in Review June 20 edition

California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) at Norco continually raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) by participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Led by Warden Leo Quiroz, a small group of CRC staff ran 8.6 miles partnering with Riverside Sheriff’s Office carrying the Flame of Hope. Together they carried the flame through Ontario, Eastvale, and Norco to support athletes participating in this year’s Special Olympics games.

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PBSP collaborates at SeaQuake Brewing

PBSP staff and special olympic staff at seaquake brewing for Week in Review publication, June 20.

Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) were joined by local law enforcement agencies for Tip-a-Cop, benefiting Special Olympics.

Officers worked alongside Special Olympic athletes as servers for the evening, waiting tables and engaging with customers at SeaQuake Brewing. The event provided an opportunity for community members to connect with law enforcement personnel in a relaxed setting while supporting a worthy cause.

This event also fosters a collaborative spirit among law enforcement agencies. All tips collected throughout the night were donated directly to the Del Norte County Special Olympics. The funds will support the Special Olympics’ mission in providing year-round athletic training and competition for children and adults with disabilities.

Observances

Juneteenth – June 19th

Honoring Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection and Freedom

On June 19, we recognize Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. CDCR and CCHCS encourages all staff to take a moment to learn, reflect, and recognize the significance of this historic day.

At the Capitol

Governor Newsom proclaims LGBTQ Pride Month, Juneteenth observance

Governor Gavin Newsome declared this month – and every month – California supports and celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community as they take pride in who they are and whom they love.

The Governor then issued a proclamation June 19 declaring “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State of California.

Recruitment

Lemoore College First Responders Expo

The 2025 First Responders Expo was held May 1 at Lemoore College. The event brought together law enforcement agencies from all over California to showcase skills, vehicles, and equipment.

Overall, the event drew more than 500 attendees, a combination of first responders and students.

“This event was a great opportunity for community members, particularly students interested in first-responder careers, to learn more about these professions and see the tools and equipment firsthand,” said Kris Costa, Dean of Career Technical Education at West Hills College Lemoore.

Upcoming Events

6/20 – Basic Parole Agent Academy graduation in Galt
6/24 – *Yolo County Job Fair 2025 – Woodland
6/25 – *Monterey County Works Salinas Career Center Job Fair – Salinas

*Non-Custody Recruitment Event

In the Media

confiscated materials from public safety sweep

CDCR Proactive Public Safety Sweep Leads to Discovery of 53 Improvised Weapons, 66 Cellular Phones, and Other Contraband

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: In response to recent high levels of violence and a need to improve public safety inside institutions, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has proactively conducted enforcement sweeps for contraband through modified programing.

California Bill Aims to Reduce Recidivism and Improve Officer Health

A California bill aimed at improving the health of correctional officers and reducing recidivism passed a key legislative hurdle Tuesday, according to a news release.

Backed by state Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), the legislation seeks to make prisons less stressful for staff while focusing more on helping incarcerated individuals successfully reenter their communities.