CDCR Weekender

Weekender Digest looks back at June 2025

Weekender Digest for June 28, 2025 with a parole agent and two correctional officers pictured in the featured image.

Inside CDCR published more than 60 stories in June 2025 and this Weekender Digest looks back at the month. We also published updates for the round-up stories such as the statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run and Father’s Day visiting.

Looking back at June, this Weekender Digest highlights four popular stories you might have missed.

Top four stories published in June

Basketball players with Team San Quentin took gold at the Police and Fire Championships in San Diego, California, a top story highlighted in Weekender Digest for June 2025.

CDCR wins gold at Police, Fire Championships

CDCR correctional staff earned gold medals at the 2025 US Police and Fire Championships 3×3 basketball tournament. The event was held June 7 at Balboa Park Municipal Gymnasium in San Diego. >> Read the June 12 story.

Officer Joseph Celis with daughter Officer Vanessa Celis at graduation

Officer reflects on 18 years

Officer Joseph Celis was a fifth-grade teacher when he decided a career change was in order in 2007. He often jokes about going from “supervising kids to supervising adults.” Over the years, he witnessed significant changes in the state prison system. >> Read his story.

Families carry on CDCR legacy at academy

At the CDCR Basic Correctional Officer Academy, some graduates earn more than a badge — they carry on a legacy. >> Read the June 9 story.

CDCR Basic Correctional Officer Academy graduation family legacy video titled Family Connections, May 30, 2025.
Mendoza holds up his parole agent badge.

Henry Mendoza named Ideal Parole Agent

“Changing lives is what I want to do,” said new Parole Agent Henry Mendoza. “If I can give the right help and guidance, then I can keep the community safe. Every time I put on my badge, it reminds me I have the opportunity to help people and keep our streets safe.” >> Read the June 20 story.

The Weekender Digest is compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor.


See more stories from the CDCR Weekender.

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

Recent CDCR Weekender stories

Teams representing San Quentin Rehabilitation Center pay their respects during the opening ceremony honoring fallen correctional professionals.

Solano Fallen tourney raises over $12,500 for staff, families

Correctional professionals, law enforcement partners and community supporters came together to raise more than $12,500 during the recent Solano Fallen Resource…

Two CDCR correctional officers won medals at the US National Police and Fire Championship in San Diego, California, June 2026.

CDCR, CCHCS show up at US Police and Fire Championship

Staff from CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) showed up at the recent US Police and Fire National…

Off duty and off site, staff from Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, California, gathered for the first cornhole tournament held by the Employee Action Committee in May 2026.

Pleasant Valley holds first staff cornhole tournament

Off-duty staff from Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga gathered off-site for the first cornhole tournament. Organized by the Employee…

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…