Week in Review: September 19, 2025

September 19, 2025

In this September 19 Week in Review, we spotlight recruitment efforts at college campuses, the KVSP Honor Guard, and SATF’s efforts battling mental health stigmas.

In the Community

KVSP Honor Guard helps Walmart retire US flag

The Walmart in Delano recently reached out to the Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) for assistance retiring a U.S. flag once proudly displayed outside the store.

The store had recently undergone a new remodel, and at the store’s grand re-opening, they decided to show their respects by properly retiring the flag. The KVSP Honor Guard stepped in to honor the flag and replaced it to start a new chapter in the community.

Community leaders, local businesses, and patrons were in attendance to watch the ceremony.

KVSP Honor Guard represented CDCR with precision and grace at the event.

CCHCS, CDCR staff attend technology fair

CCHCS and CDCR staff got a hands-on tour of the future during a technology fair at Elk Grove headquarters on Wednesday.

The conference rooms were packed with curiosity as CCHCS Information Technology Services Division and CDCR Enterprise Information Services showed off new technologies in various stages of implementation across the state.

Several innovations were on display, including:

Heat sensor technology that is being rolled out in a pilot program at institutions automated forms for patients and staff
Virtual reality experiences for clinicians
A Generative AI Agent
Improved connectivity for staff in office and in the field, as well as correctional officer tablets
Biometric wearables

Vendor partners at the event included Oracle Health, Microsoft, HP, Intel and others.

Staff trying out virtual reality gear — Robert O’Brien, Director, CCHCS Information Technology Services Division and Edmond Blagdon, Director, CDCR Enterprise Information Services.

Staff attending tech fair — Robert O’Brien, Director, CCHCS Information Technology Services Division and Edmond Blagdon, Director, CDCR Enterprise Information Services.

In Our Institutions

SATF fights stigma, raises funds for F.I.R.S.T. HELP

Inside the California Substance Abuse and Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison in Corcoran, hope often feels distant. With the guidance of mental health staff, a group of incarcerated individuals proved that when people come together, even behind bars, they can move mountains.

The advisory councils at SATF planned and held a fundraiser, generating $1,700 for F.I.R.S.T. HELP. This national nonprofit organization provides support to first responders and their families during times of mental health crisis.

Mental health can be a difficult conversation in any setting, but it can be even more difficult in institutions. The individuals made it clear the goal of fundraising was about breaking the silence. Incarcerated individuals created signs and wore ribbons championing messages like “It’s OK to Ask for Help” and “Strength is Reaching Out.” They shared stories with each other about their own struggles, and how support—whether from a peer, a counselor, or a first responder—can make all the difference.

Many participants donated from their own commissary funds while others asked loved ones on the outside to contribute. With over $1,700 raised, it shows what can happen when people come together for a cause bigger than themselves.

For the individuals at Corcoran, fundraising in September for suicide prevention signals a change. It is a chance to be seen, heard, and to prove that change is possible. For staff, it was a reminder that hope can thrive in the most unexpected places.

This fundraiser is just the beginning. Inspired by their success, the individuals, alongside the mental health department, are already planning more ways to give back and keep the conversation about mental health going.

To support F.I.R.S.T. HELP or learn more about their mission.

CTF-Soledad cultural fair highlights diversity

A snake at the CTF cultural fair with the words "culture and critters" across the image.

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad hosted a cultural fair featuring educational exhibits, live performances, and displays of creative work from the population.

The Sept. 5 event included an interactive reptile exhibit, allowing attendees the opportunity to handle and learn about snakes.

Governor Newsom honors fallen State Correctional Officer Townsend

Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of California State Prison – Corcoran Correctional Officer Jonathan Townsend:

“May Correctional Officer Jonathan Townsend be remembered for his professionalism and selflessness to carry out his duties to protect the people of California. Jennifer and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues as they mourn his loss. We are eternally grateful for his years of service to the people of California.”

Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15 – Oct. 15

Chicano correctional workers association bi-annual training conference Nov. 7, 2025

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated to showcase the rich tapestry of culture, achievements, and contributions that Hispanic Americans have brought to this country. On Sept. 14, 1989, President George H.W. Bush became the first president to declare Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The term Hispanic refers to a person’s culture or origin, regardless of race. On the 2020 Census form, people were counted as Hispanic, Latin or Spanish if they could identify as having Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican or Cuban origin. There are approximately 68 million Hispanics in America, making it the nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority and 20 percent of the total population.

The month encourages appreciation for Hispanic Americans by reading books by authors of Hispanic origin, watching movies about Hispanic culture, going to local events such as festivals, parades, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more that celebrate the contributions of Hispanic people.

Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA) Association President Nicholas A. Gonzales is passionate about the mission and work of CCWA.

“CCWA has been established for over 50 years. CCWA enjoys a diverse membership. We continue to encourage and support our members by providing training conferences in the areas of upward mobility, financial planning, marriage/family and Mental Health, and other subject matters to enhance our CDCR careers. “Our motto, ‘Somos Familia’ (We are Family) is evident in our participation with social and community events. These include institutional functions, scholarships, and support of our military and veterans.”

CCWA invites all interested in attending to check out CCWA.net for more information on the 2025 Training Conference being held Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Tachi Palace in Lemoore.

>>Governor Gavin Newsom proclaims Latino Heritage Month – read the proclamation.

Recruitment

RCS kicks off back to school with recruiting blitz

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Recruitment and Career Services (RCS) team hit the ground running the week of Aug. 25-29, trading their desks for college campuses in a major recruiting blitz. From the halls of criminal justice departments to the bustling atmosphere of a college football game, the RCS team made their presence known, showing a new generation of students that a career with CDCR is an exciting and rewarding choice.

A week of campus visits: Sacramento

The week kicked off Monday at California State University, Sacramento, where RCS recruiters teamed up with Northern Background Investigation Unit (NBIU) sergeants Albrecht and Whitford to host a tabling event in the Criminal Justice Department building. The team provided students with information on custody and non-custody positions. The event, a monthly fixture, was a resounding success, leading to over 20 sign-ups and fostering great conversations with potential candidates and faculty members.

San Joaquin Delta College

The momentum continued Tuesday, with CDCR at the San Joaquin Delta College Public Safety Career Fair. RCS, in partnership with Professor David Terry and the college’s Administration of Justice Department, hosted an event with over 1,000 attendees. This large-scale fair also featured collaborative efforts from the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center (CTC), California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS), the Department of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), and the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS). The department also hosted over 20 other public safety agencies, creating a hub of opportunity for future public safety professionals.

Fresno

On Wednesday the team set up shop at California State University, Fresno, (aka Fresno State). Surrounded by several CDCR institutions, Fresno State is a prime location for recruitment. RCS recruiters were joined by Central Background Investigation Unit’s sergeants Astorga and Chavez. The teams engaged with students outside the Criminology Department. The booth captured numerous leads and allowed for valuable one-on-one conversations with potential candidates.

San Jose State University

The week culminated with a creative and high-profile event on Friday at San Jose State University (SJSU). RCS collaborated with San Jose DAPO’s Administrator Phillip Rodriguez and Agent Freddie Brown to host a recruitment booth at the pre-game block party for the SJSU football game. The event drew 1,000 attendees to the block party, with many stopping by the CDCR booth. The department’s message reached an even larger audience inside the stadium, where a 30-second Leadership Invitation advertisement was played to over 10,000 attendees. Additionally, radio ads and a live in-game read further amplified the recruitment message.

Reflecting on the week’s impressive results, RCS Analyst and former CDCR Correctional Officer ThaiHang Le, provided a unifying perspective. “Our college visits this week show we can connect with the next generation of professionals. By meeting students where they are, we’re not just offering jobs; we’re inviting them to join a team committed to public service,” Le said. “This is key to building the skilled workforce CDCR needs.”

Division of Adult Parole Operations

PACT meeting strengthens community partnerships

The Harbor Parole District hosted a Parole and Community Team (PACT) meeting that successfully brought together parole staff, community resource providers, and supervised persons. The event highlighted the district’s commitment to collaborative reentry efforts and effective parole supervision.

The meeting held at Compton Community College provided resources for 94 supervised persons. It provided a forum for parole agents and supervised persons to connect with service providers in a structured, supportive environment. The large turnout demonstrates the ongoing value supervised persons and community partners place on the PACT program as a pathway to rehabilitation and reintegration.

Success was possible through the close collaboration between the Community Reentry Unit (CRU) and the Harbor District. CRU worked directly with district staff to coordinate outreach, connect with service providers, and ensure supervised persons were fully informed and encouraged to attend. Their joint effort was instrumental in achieving strong engagement and ensuring resources were readily accessible.

A total of 37 community resource providers participated, offering services in housing, employment, education, healthcare, mental health services and more. Their active engagement ensured supervised persons had direct access to support systems critical to long-term success.

In the Media

California Men’s Colony lieutenant honored for saving driver’s life

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) recently held its annual Medal of Valor Ceremony and a local correctional officer was among those who received honors.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is deploying 641 incarcerated firefighters to aid Cal Fire in battling wildfires in California.

As wildfires continue to burn across the state, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has deployed 46 fire crews made up of 641 incarcerated firefighters to assist CAL FIRE in battling the fires.