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 YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).

Recent CDCR Weekender stories

A female staff member at the suicide awareness run/walk at Pleasant Valley State Prison, or PVSP, in Coalinga.

PVSP hosts first suicide awareness run

Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) in Coalinga participated in the first Suicide Awareness 2K/5K walk run to cap a month…

CCI hosted a staff health fair in late September 2026.

CCI hosts 2026 staff health fair

The California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi recently hosted its 2026 annual Health Fair, an event fostering staff wellness and…

CDCR staff gather across California to honor the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks after 25 years.

CDCR remembers lives lost 25 years after 9/11 attacks

Across California, CDCR paid tribute to the lives lost during the 9/11 terror attacks. Staff and communities united to remember…

Two people walk along the automotive show at CHCF in Stockton.

CHCF thanks staff through third annual automotive show

The California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton recently hosted its third annual automotive show. This event provides staff with…

A correctional officer and sergeant at the CTF-Soledad Coffee and Food Truck Pop-Up Day, 2026.

CTF staff enjoy Coffee, Food Truck Pop‑Up Day

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) recently hosted its monthly Coffee and Food Truck Pop-Up Day. Dubbed What’s for Lunch Wednesday,…

Managers working the grill at the Ironwood State Prison event.

Ironwood State Prison leaders show staff appreciation

Leaders at Ironwood State Prison recently hosted a staff appreciation event to honor employees for their exceptional dedication, hard work…