Awards and Appreciation, Beyond the Badge, Sports in CDCR

Mule Creek hosts staff appreciation weekend

September 25, 2025

The Mule Creek State Prison Employees Association brought the community together in vibrant fashion with a staff appreciation weekend.

The festivities honored the hard work and dedication of the prison’s employees. Staff appreciation kicked off Friday, Sept. 19, on institutional grounds with a high-energy fiesta-themed event, drawing enthusiastic participation from staff across all areas.

Colorful decorations, upbeat music, cotton candy, popcorn, and the smell of sizzling carnitas filled the air as employees arrived. Everyone was treated to taco plates with a full spread of traditional sides.

A major highlight of the day was the Car, Bike, Truck, and 4×4 Show, featuring an impressive lineup of vehicles owned by staff and local enthusiasts. From classic lowriders to tricked-out off-roaders and chrome-detailed motorcycles, the event brought a crowd of admirers and sparked friendly rivalries over engine specs and paint jobs.

Prizes were awarded throughout the day, with giveaways, and contests keeping the energy high.

But the appreciation didn’t stop there.

The following day, the celebration shifted to Howard Park in Ione. Staff, their families, and friends gathered for a day of friendly competition during the Mule Creek State Prison Softball Tournament. The park buzzed with laughter, cheers, and the crack of bats as teams formed from different prison departments to battle it out on the diamond.

Some came to win, others just came to play, but all came to support one another. Families cheered from the sidelines, while kids enjoyed the bounce houses and picnic games. Food trucks also lined the outfield serving everything from burgers to churros.

Submitted by Lt. Jorge Vina