CDCR visiting celebrates Fourth of July

July 7, 2025

Families visiting their incarcerated loved ones over the Fourth of July holiday weekend were treated to some special events at CDCR institutions. As more institutions submit their events for the incarcerated population and their visitors, this story will be updated. California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi was the first to submit followed closely by California Institution for Women at Corona and then Folsom State Prison.

Submit photos and a brief write-up to Don Chaddock and Emily Idleman (emails found in Global) no later than July 16.

CCI hosts festive Fourth of July

Incarcerated person helps a child with Fourth of July coloring during a visiting event at California Correctional Institution.

Activity table with crayons and coloring sheets as well as a goody bag.

California Correctional Institution (CCI) at Tehachapi and members of the incarcerated persons’ family council hosted a Fourth of July visiting celebration. Families were able to enjoy goodie bags and coloring pages/activity sheets. Custom-made photo backdrops were also created by the incarcerated persons at Facility C.

Written by Visiting Sgt. S. Zazueta
Submitted by Lt. T. Harrison

California Institution for Women hosts Fourth of July visiting

A family enjoys the patriotic themed Fourth of July visiting at CIW in Cororna.

Watermelon eating contest at CIW in Corona.

Staff and the incarcerated persons’ family council coordinated a special Fourth of July visiting event July 6 at California Institution for Women at Corona.

There was picture frame decorating, patriotic photo backdrops, hotdogs, snow cones and a watermelon-eating contest.

Submitted by Lt. W. Newborg

Folsom staff, incarcerated volunteer for family Fourth of July visiting

Children received prizes at Folsom State Prison. — Game station volunteers.

A family sits at a table at Folsom State Prison for a Fourth of July event. — Game station volunteers.

Visiting staff volunteers in the game station area.

The Folsom State Prison Visiting Department celebrated the Fourth of July, providing fun activities for the incarcerated persons and families to enjoy.

There was music, fun photo backdrops, carnival games, prizes, and an art station full of festive coloring pages. Every child left with a prize which was 33 who participated.

During the event, there were many laughs and smiles as families took this time to enjoy their day together.

Both visiting staff and the incarcerated persons’ family council (IFC) received positive feedback from visiting families.

“Folsom State Prison would like to thank all the staff and IFC who helped make this event an overall success,” according to prison officials. “We were able to provide a gift to each minor who visited. We had a total of 33 for Facility A and the Minimum Support Facility.”

Submitted by Lt. J. Pagan