Week in Review: August 15, 2025

August 15, 2025

In this August 15 Week in Review, we ask Nicole Pendergrass three questions and spotlight back-to-school drives all over the state.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Executive Assistant Nicole Pendergrass

Nicole Pendergrass, executive assistant at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison at Corcoran, has a strong work ethic and enjoys staying busy.

She began her career with CDCR as a Triage and Treatment Area Office Technician (TTA OT) in 2017. By early 2024, her hard work and determination paid off and she promoted to executive assistant in the Warden’s Office.

We caught up with Pendergrass to talk about why she chose to work for CDCR, work-life balance, and the mentors she’s had along the way.

Q&A with Nicole

Why did you choose to work for the department?

I have always held multiple jobs to stay busy. I worked in a few medical offices doing patient care and clerical duties, a mechanic shop changing tires and oil, an aggregate company mixing concrete, and a few bartending gigs. I loved the growth opportunities available within the department and with more than five institutions in my area, there are always opportunities to promote and grow.

How do you balance work and home life?

I go kayaking and hiking with my senior dog in my spare time. I also enjoy reading, Pilates, and a good concert.

Activities like reading, Pilates, and kayaking force me to get out of my own head. It takes me away from the problems I may be dwelling on both in and out of the office.

I also find bartending to be relaxing and work at a local bar, and run a mobile bartending start up. We go to local venues and serve at weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. Making drinks is just repetition, and the stories from patrons are always interesting. Being in the Central Valley, I meet a lot of tourists. It’s fun being able to interact with a variety of people from different walks of life.

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

My parents’ work ethic has always been inspirational. My mom and dad are in their 60s and my father is still growing his business with no intentions of slowing down. They motivate me to keep multiple jobs and building, promoting, and expanding my education.

Warden Morales, who I started working with when he was the associate warden for SATF’s Health Care Access Department, has been another mentor. He taught me that no matter your position, you can and should roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches with your colleagues. We’re on a team who relies on each other to complete our jobs and go home safely.

Associate Director Phillips and Capt. Stohl taught me the value of staying positive, even when things feel overwhelming.

Registered Nurses Ward, Quattrone, and Giwa, have taught me resilience. Three years as a TTA OT at the biggest institution in California during the COVID-19 pandemic was tough, but together we thrived.

Nicole and her dog overlooking a cliffside

Upward Mobility

Dr. Brittany Brizendine, appointed Director of Health Care Services for CCHCS

In the Community

WSP supports local kids going back to school

WSP donating school supplies to Wasco Elementary School District

Wasco State Prison (WSP) delivered 75 backpacks and school supplies to the Migrant HeadStart program at the Wasco Union Elementary School District.

Joined by acting Warden Amber Williams was Public Information Officer Lt. Sal Sanchez, Community Resources Manager Claudia Saldana, and Employee Liaison Committee President Janet Munoz. They donated the supplies to underprivileged transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students, eagerly awaiting the new school year.

Each student picked out which backpack they wanted to represent them as they began their educational journey.

VSP partners with community for Back-to-School Drive

Valley State Prison (VSP) joined forces with Cornerstone Community Church in Chowchilla, for a Back-to-School Drive event held at a local park. For the second year, the event welcomed families with free shaved ice and school supplies for students preparing to head back to the classroom.

Thanks to the Community Resources Department, over 300 backpacks were handed out, each filled with supplies such as notepads, pencils, and pens. Additionally, barbers from Legends Fade Shop in Fresno generously volunteered their time to provide over 50 free haircuts to boys and girls.

A highlight of the event was VSP’s bicycle refurbishing program, which donated 65 bicycles of various sizes to children of all ages. VSP Correctional Business Manager Randy Lindsay, who helped distribute the bikes and school supply-filled backpacks, was visibly moved by the impact of the event.

“We exist to serve, and today we get to live that out,” says VSP Protestant Chaplain Carlos Corra when expressing his gratitude for the partnership.

Acting Warden O’Brian Bailey was also in attendance, personally handing out bikes to children. He shared his appreciation for the community collaboration and said he was inspired by the joy and smiles the event brought to families.

Legends Fade Barbershop providing free haircuts for back to school

Fire Response

Incarcerated fire crews battle the Gifford Fire

California’s Gifford Fire is the largest wildfire of 2025. It has burned more than 122,000 acres and brought thousands of firefighters to the front lines. Among them are 20 conservation fire camp crews.

These 288 incarcerated fire crews work side by side with CAL FIRE to hold containment lines. “These crews work incredibly hard under some of the toughest conditions imaginable,” said Lt. Ruben Jauregui, Public Information Officer (PIO) at Sierra Conservation Center (SCC). “Their dedication on the fire line is a testament to the strong partnership between CAL FIRE and CDCR. Together, we are protecting communities.”

Folsom State Prison hosts Wendy’s food sale

Folsom State Prison (FSP) and the incarcerated population in Dining Hall 2 collaborated on a food sale, working closely together to foster a positive relationship between staff and incarcerated individuals.

The purpose of this event was for the incarcerated population to raise money for a charity of their choosing and a charity chosen by the Warden. The Warden’s charity of choice was the Sacramento Sheriff’s Activity League (SAL) and the incarcerated population chose My Sister’s House. FSP successfully raised a total of $13,627 for the chosen charities, creating a positive impact in the region’s local communities.

The SAL is a juvenile gang and crime prevention program, bridging the gap between law enforcement, youth, and the community through sports and instructive activities. SAL’s mission is to develop productive citizens, build character, and prevent crime by establishing mentor relationships with participants. Studies have shown that children who interact with law enforcement officers in a positive way on the ball field or in the classroom will likely grow to respect the laws of the community that law enforcement officers enforce. SAL promotes these values through the leadership of officers who work hands-on with the youth in these programs, emphasizing the importance of life skills which provide positive enrichment. FSP presented SAL with a donation check for $6,813.58.

My Sister’s House is a non-profit organization serving the Asian, Pacific Islander and other community’s underserved women and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. My Sister’s House provides a culturally appropriate and responsive safe haven, job training, and community services. FSP presented My Sister’s House with a donation check for $6,813.58.

FSP staff and incarcerated population presenting donation check to My Sister's House — FSP staff and incarcerated population presenting the donation check to My Sister’s House

FSP staff presenting donation check to Sacramento Sheriff's Activity League (SAL) — FSP staff and incarcerated population presenting the donation check to My Sister’s House

SATF hosts first MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship graduation

The Correctional Construction Mentorship (CCM) program at the Substance Abuse Training Facility (SATF) proudly announced the successful graduation of its first Multi-Craft Core (MC3) Pre-Apprenticeship class.

Since its inception in 2002, CCM has awarded over 1,000 certificates to incarcerated participants, recognizing the valuable construction skills they have developed while working in the program. This milestone marks a significant expansion of rehabilitation opportunities within California’s correctional system.

Fourteen students enrolled in the inaugural MC3 class, with 11 successfully completing the rigorous program. To earn certification, participants dedicated eight hours of classroom instruction and 32 hours of field training each week, completing a total of 120 classroom hours to achieve both milestone credits and a certificate of completion.

The graduates have been integral to CCM’s workforce since the start of the re-roofing project on F and G Yards in 2023. Through the project, they are gaining hands-on experience and industry knowledge to prepare them for future employment opportunities in the building trades upon parole. Completion of this class is registered with the National Building Trades database and is the first step in starting an apprenticeship with a workers union upon reentry.

Under the instruction of Jesse Rios, president of Local 3 Painters and Drywall Finishers, students completed the following curriculum:

Apprenticeship Orientation
Health and Safety
CPR and First Aid
Blueprints
Industry Awareness and Opportunities in the Crafts
Construction Management
Heritage of the American Worker

The Pre-Apprenticeship program is the result of a collaborative effort between CDCR, CCM, the California State Building and Construction Trades Council, local trade unions, and the institution’s executive and education staff. Together, they are helping participants build skills, confidence and pathways to meaningful employment as they reenter society.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

OVSRS attends First Responders Day at State Fair

OVSRS staff at the California State Fair

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services staff attended the First Responders Day event held at the California State Fair.

Attendees stopped by to visit OVSRS, including veterans, state fair workers, and retired Correctional Officers. They learned more about the services OVSRS provides to victims and their next of kin.

Some visitors had never heard of OVSRS and greatly appreciated the newfound knowledge of the support this department provides to victims and survivors. The impact made was meaningful for the unit to continue engaging with the public.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

DAPO donates to Special Olympics

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Headquarters hosted a ceremony to celebrate its partnership with the Special Olympics of Northern California (SONC). The event followed DAPO’s first charity softball game, Home Run Heroes for the Special Olympics, held June 14, which had raised $6,586 to support SONC’s year-round programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

During the celebratory event, DAPO staff and SONC representatives exchanged funds and participated in the symbolic passing of the Special Olympics Torch.

“My passion for the Special Olympics started after hearing athlete Sara, her mother Jill, and SONC staff speak about the organization’s mission and the joy it brings to athletes,” said Parole Agent III and event organizer Ken Madan. “Her story inspired me to lead this fundraiser, and seeing our team’s support has been incredible.”

DAPO hopes to make the charity softball game an annual event and continue to support SONC’s mission.

DAPO presents check donation to SONC. — Presenting the $6,586 check to SONC, from left, are Parole Agent (PA) III Louis Kissane, PA II Specialist Maria Mendoza, Parole Administrator Keely Dodd, acting Director Heather Bowlds, PA III Ken Madan, Special Olympics Athlete Leader Bradley Margetts, PA Ignacio Cervantes, PA III Jon Garcia, SONC Development Manager Kayla Irlbeck, and Parole Administrator Antonio DeJesus.

In the Media

Humans of San Quentin staff, interns and others outside of San Quentin’s gates on Tuesday, August 5

Humans of San Quentin Graduation Brings Together Incarcerated Voices and Youth Interns

Last week, Humans of San Quentin hosted its first-ever “Graduation and Celebration,” an event that honored the voices of incarcerated people who have shared their stories with the organization over the past year and introduced new participants to its mission.

Social Media Influencer VicBlends Launches First-Ever Barber School Within a California Prison

Viral content creator, motivational speaker, and barber-entrepreneur Victor Fontanez aka on social media as VicBlends, is opening the first-ever barber school within a California state or federal prison, which will be called VicBlends Academy.