Week in Review: August 8, 2025

August 8, 2025

In this August 8 Week in Review, we highlight three questions with Michael Betzinger, DAPO’s annual food drive, and 169 children receiving new shoes from Centinela State Prison.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Chief Deputy Warden Michael Betzinger

Chief Deputy Warden Michael Betzinger at PBSP

For more than two decades, Michael Betzinger has helped CDCR fulfill its public safety mission while promoting through the ranks. He began as an officer in 2005 at the academy in Galt. His career has taken him from Corcoran and Delano to Crescent City, where he serves as chief deputy warden (CDW) at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP).

We caught up with Betzinger to talk about his career, why he chose to join CDCR, and the mentors who helped him along the way.

Q & A with CDW Betzinger

Why did you choose to work for the department?

I had previously spent five years working for Dairyman’s Creamery on the night shift. The job was very physically demanding but there wasn’t a lot of mental stimulation or upward growth. I was looking for an opportunity to provide a better life for my family.

After considering other law enforcement agencies, including CHP, a family friend shared their experience working for CDCR. The department offered excellent pay, benefits, retirement packages, and plenty of opportunities for upward mobility. As a married man with two children, I was encouraged to apply.

What’s a typical day like in your job?

My role in the institution is to oversee operations. One of my primary duties is to lead the collaboration and work produced by each division in the institution, ensuring we are operating optimally consistent with policy and law. My role can be very focused on administration.

I believe it is important to push myself away from the keyboard and get out into the institution as often as I can. I use this opportunity to mentor staff, encourage others, and solve problems. The most rewarding work I do comes from conversations I have with staff and the incarcerated population.

I have heard people may not always remember what you say, but they will remember the way you made them feel. I don’t think we can ever put too much effort into the people-side of our business.

If you had any mentors, how did they help your career or personal life?

I have had numerous mentors which helped shape my career. A few notable mentors are retired Captain Wesley Hammer, Warden Christian Pfeiffer, and currently Warden Stephen Smith.

Cpt. Hammer helped sharpen my skills as a correctional supervisor by building my confidence and desire to succeed professionally. Warden Pfeiffer was essential in teaching me how to operate behind the scenes on a management team. I consider my time with him as my “finishing school.” Warden Smith has been crucial in my development in my current role, directly mentoring me for the last 19 months. He takes his time to ensure I understand that the path which leads to the right answer is just as important as arriving there.

My wife has been incredibly important for my career and personal life. When we embarked on this journey in CDCR, she took the approach that my career was our success. She has supported me through challenges, long hours, stress, and a big move to Crescent City. We’re celebrating 25 years of marriage this year and after all this time, we still make a great team.

Upward Mobility

Sean Connelly, appointed Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Employee Communications

Andre Gonzales, appointed acting Warden, California State Prison, Solano

In the Community

PBSP firefighters respond to Pykes Field

Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) Fire Department recently assisted Del Norte Little League at Pyke Field in Crescent City.

PBSP incarcerated firefighters cleaning up Del Norte Little League baseball fields

Incarcerated firefighters helped the Little League with field maintenance and facility cleanup efforts for the 30^th anniversary celebration. The league is also hosting the Oregon District 8 Allstar Tournament.

The initiative was brought forward by incarcerated firefighter Anthony Gonzalez, who has a long-standing desire to engage in community service projects. Recognizing one of his fire captains is involved with the league, Gonzalez proposed the field maintenance project as a meaningful community contribution.

The firefighters’ efforts at Pyke Field demonstrated commitment to their local community, highlighting connections between the prison and Del Norte Little League.

It is worth noting the league competes in an Oregon District, a reflection of Crescent City’s proximity to the Oregon border, located 15 miles away. This initiative marks a positive shift for the incarcerated firefighters, moving beyond their traditional roles of responding to fire calls to actively engaging in broader community service projects. This expansion of their duties allows them to contribute to local communities in a more diverse and impactful way.

Centinela State Prison provides 169 children with new shoes for school

Centinela State Prison (CEN) recently partnered with local schools, child services agencies, churches, and the El Centro Sketchers shoe store to host a shoe giveaway for children in Imperial County.

Benefitting 169 disadvantaged children across the county, these youth will return to school with confidence and comfort. Funds for the event were raised in partnership with the CEN incarcerated population.

“Partnerships like this show how rehabilitation and giving back go hand-in-hand,” said Community Resources Manager Ken Phillips. “We’re proud to help fund programs to make a real difference in the lives of local children.”

Volunteers from CEN, local churches, organizations, and community members helped guide each child through the store to pick out a pair of shoes. Families enjoyed a festive atmosphere complete with shaved ice, popcorn, and cupcakes – making the day feel like a true celebration.

“This was about more than footwear. It was about dignity, self-worth, and letting these children know that their community sees and values them,” said Alex Cardenas, Executive Director of Imperial County Court Appointed Special Advocates. “For many it was the first time they were able to choose something new that truly felt like theirs.”

JLH Foundation celebrates success at 3v3 Basketball Classic.

JLH Foundation at second 3v3 basketball classic

The 3v3 Basketball Classic stands as a tribute to Joshua Holmes, a young man whose legacy of leadership and kindness continues to inspire.

Organized by the Joshua Lavell Holmes (JLH) Foundation, this event raises funds for families facing cancer, local cancer centers, and students striving to make a difference in their communities.

Now in its second year, the tournament has quickly become a must-attend event in Imperial Valley. The basketball classic brings together athletes, families, and supporters to honor Holmes—a dedicated athlete, friend, and role model who lost his battle with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors, a rare cancer.

At the heart of the foundation is Taylor Holmes, Joshua’s father, a retired CDCR sergeant. The foundation celebrates the success of this year’s 3v3 Basketball Classic as it raised $10,000.

Various CDCR staff across the Imperial Valley participated in this event, helping to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families as they battle cancer.

The funds raised are donated to approximately four families in need of financial support with children battling cancer.

WSP responds to structure fire

Wasco State Prison (WSP) Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request for a structure fire on Wildwood Road and Highway 46.

The fire impacted a mobile home with multiple additions, livestock animals, and vehicles. Due to the remote location of the fire, water source was limited. Despite this challenge, WSP Fire Department worked seamlessly with the Kern County Fire Department and were able to refill at WSP.

Engine 391 was tasked with supporting alpha division and supplying Engine 31 with water. Engine 391 personnel were then reassigned to delta division for overhaul of the structure.

Through dedication to teamwork and cooperation, the firefighters were able to stop forward progression of the fire.

In Our Institutions

ASP hosts graduation for Intellimen

Avenal State Prison (ASP), Facility E, proudly held a graduation ceremony for Intellimen.

The Intellimen program has been a beacon of hope within the walls of ASP, thanks to the Universal Beyond Bars group (UBB). Since 2019, UBB has helped foster genuine change through two powerful programs: Intellimen and Overcoming Anger.

Intellimen helps incarcerated individuals develop emotional regulation, character, and spiritual growth. A course on overcoming anger equips participants with practical techniques to manage emotions. It promotes patience and understanding where chaos once reigned.

Family members, staff, and fellow incarcerated persons gathered to witness the milestones these graduates have made throughout the program. These ceremonies remind those who live and work inside prisons that even behind bars, redemption is always within reach.

SATF breaks barriers through basketball

SATF wheelchair bound basketball participants in a recent basketball game.

In a display of resilience, unity, and sportsmanship, Facility E at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) was transformed into a court of inspiration during a wheelchair basketball game.

Coordinated and facilitated by Sgt. L. Brewer, the game showcased the remarkable strength of human spirit and the impact of community engagement.

The game brought together a diverse group of wheelchair users as well as a spirited employee from the Wheelchair Repair Shop. Every shot taken and point scored proved mobility challenges do not limit determination or joy.

Even in places often defined by restriction, hope and connection can roll forward.

CTF launches ‘We Care’ program for at-risk youth

CTF We Care program incarcerated participants

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) recently relaunched its “We Care” program for at-risk youth. The juvenile deterrent initiative connects at-risk youth with incarcerated men who share firsthand experiences about the consequences of choices.

Through honest dialogue, the men offer insight and mentorship to guide youth toward a better path. The exchange allows participants to give back to the community while empowering young people with tools for positive decision-making.

CTF Incarcerated speaking with youth at We Care program

Five youth, six sponsors, and eighteen incarcerated participants attended the first session, with plans for ongoing engagement. The program will operate monthly virtual meetings and in-person gatherings every two months.

“Programs like We Care provide hope and direction for youth while allowing our population to make a positive impact,” said Warden Edward Borla. “We are committed to breaking the cycle and helping the next generation succeed. The CTF We Care program aims to inspire others to get involved and help redirect the next generation.”

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

OVSRS helps FCRP – Bakersfield

OVSRS speaking to FCRP participants in Bakersfield

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) staff recently visited the Female Community Reentry Program in Bakersfield.

Approximately 50 incarcerated individuals attended the informal OVSRS presentation, creating a robust environment for dialogue around victim and restitution services. With restitution being the focus of the presentation, there high interest and questions from attendees.

OVSRS staff responded to inquiries and helped participants understand the importance of victim restitution.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

DAPO hosts 3rd annual summer food drive

Staff of the South Coast District’s Anaheim Parole Complex collected food for the Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Orange County.

DAPO third annual food drive supplies ready for donation.

This year Anaheim Parole Complex staff filled a pallet with over 120 pounds of food for local school-aged children and their families. Items included non-perishable food, gluten-free items, juice, and baby food.

For over 60 years, CAP has provided resources to working individuals and families to help make ends meet.

Services include emergency support, food and provisions, utility assistance, job training, and educational services. CAP’s mission is to provide a path out of poverty to those they serve.

In the Media

California prison to hold Mass for Feast of Divine Savior of the World

The San Quentin Rehabilitation Center will host a Feast of Divine Savior of the World celebration. It will include a Mass and other festivities.

While the Aug. 6 feast day is not widely celebrated in the US, it is “the most important religious celebration in El Salvador,” according to the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s event announcement.

Faith XLVII’s mural, ‘The Heart of the World,’ reflects the afternoon light at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center on July 11, 2025. Photo by Jungho Kim for CalMatters

See the world-class murals changing San Quentin: ‘A piece of freedom’

About a month after I earned my parole and was released from High Desert State Prison in 2024, my buddy Kai Bannon called me from San Quentin through the institutional phone portal. My eyes welled with emotion at being on the other side of these monitored calls for the first time as a free person.