Week in Review: September 26, 2025

September 26, 2025

In this September 26 Week in Review, we spotlight Hot August Nights at Solano, the first PSSP graduation at CHCF, and SQRC’s Day of Peace celebration.

In Our Institutions

CHCF hosts first PSSP graduation

The California Health Care Facility (CHCF) proudly hosted its first Peer Support Specialist Program (PSSP) graduation ceremony, recognizing 54 incarcerated students for their achievement.

CHCF was included in Phase IV of the statewide PSSP implementation, beginning its planning process in December 2024. Because the facility was simultaneously working on a special reimagining project, CHCF was permitted to recruit a larger training cohort. As a result, CHCF launched the largest PSSP training class in the state, starting with 58 incarcerated participants. Of these, 55 successfully completed the training requirements, with one participant paroling before graduation.

Despite the unique challenges of operating within CHCF’s specialized environment, the program was a resounding success. Just days before the graduation, CHCF proctored the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) Certificate Exam for incarcerated individuals who had completed the training. Of the 45 scheduled to test, 40 were able to attend and complete the exam. CHCF later received notice that 36 of those 40 participants passed—an impressive 90 percent pass rate.

This milestone is being celebrated by CHCF staff as well as the incarcerated population. The successful implementation of the Peer Support Specialist Program has not only demonstrated the resilience and dedication of its participants but has also underscored the program’s meaningful impact on the CHCF community.

Grads celebrating and throwing caps in the air

FSP donates to Texas flood victims

FSP presents donation check for Kerr County, Texas, flood victims.

The Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) Occupational Mentor Certification Program (OMCP) at Folsom State Prison contributed $4,281 to the families affected by the recent flooding in Kerr County, Texas.

The devastating floods resulted in the loss of loved ones at the Camp Mystic Christian Camp. The OMCP collected donations from the incarcerated population at Folsom State Prison.

The OMCP project is committed to making a positive impact both within the community and among the incarcerated individuals, according to organizers.

CSP Solano celebrates Hot August Nights

The California State Prison, Solano, incarcerated population in the Delancey Street Honors Program celebrated Hot August Nights with a unique twist.

Hot August Nights is a social gathering that celebrates the love and appreciation for classic vehicles. The Delancey Street Program residents from diverse backgrounds and interests came together to build, display, and appreciate model cars, reflecting the spirit of the event in their own way.

Eight groups of incarcerated individuals each worked on a different classic car model.

Group 1 dedicated three weeks to crafting a 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo light blue low-rider with a white and blue interior, strengthening their teamwork and personal bonds.
Group 2 created a 1970 Pontiac Firebird, symbolizing new life, excitement, and ambition.
Group 3 featured a powerful 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle with a 454 cubic-inch displacement (CID) engine, candy paint, and racing wheels.
Group 4 built a high-performance 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda with a 426 CID V-8 engine, shaker hood, and rally wheels. Their efforts showcased its raw power.
Group 5 spent over 40 hours bringing a 1936 Ford Rat Rod Racer to life, demonstrating that even in incarceration creativity thrives.
Group 6 dedicated over 60 hours crafting a classic 1968 Ford Mustang, blending nostalgia and modern touches.
Group 7 restored a 1970 Chevrolet Camaro. The vehicle featured a candy red paint job, gold accents, and a powerful 350-hp engine, highlighting their attention to detail.
Group 8 crafted a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback. The vehicle sported a metallic silver exterior with racing stripes, buttercream interior, and a powerful Cobra Jet engine paired with functional speakers.

The program also presented an appreciation award to Tobias Gomez, who runs the Delancey Program at CSP-Solano, recognizing his leadership with a special 1980s Buick Grand National model.

The event successfully fostered unity, teamwork, and creativity among the participants, as they collaboratively worked to bring these impressive model cars to life.

Model Monte Carlo low-rider — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Model green machine pontiac — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

SQRC celebrates a Day of Peace

SQRC's a Day of Peace celebration, community garden

At San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC), Sept. 6 marked the 18th annual Day of Peace on the institution’s lower yard.

The day was filled with performances by local musicians, dancers, and incarcerated artists, creating a vibrant celebration of peace and unity. Among the entertainers were Taiko dancers, School of Rock, Soul Unique dancers, Sour Billie, and Lucy and the Longhauls.

Support came from Rafaele Casale, a longtime volunteer who co-facilitated the event with Jun Hamamoto. A range of self-help groups and community organizations participated, including SQUIRES, Kid Cat, San Quentin News, Enneagram, 1000 Mile Running Club, San Quentin Youth Offender Program, TRUST, San Quentin American Sign Language, Peer Literacy Mentor Program, ISUDT, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

The People in Blue (TPIB) joined the celebration, participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Blue So(u)l Healing Garden. The garden honors victims of violence while providing a space for the population and staff to reflect, heal, and make amends. A blue-ribbon wall was erected for messages of hope and accountability.

“I want to thank everyone for being the space where we can come to heal a freedom space. A way to heal and make amends,” said a previously incarcerated guest from the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF). “Even though it’s a small space, it’s a place to heal. A lot of folks didn’t know what healing meant, and this has been a sacred space. Thanks for allowing yourselves to be vulnerable.”

Brian King from the Adult Basic Education program led a showcase of three classic cars from the 1920s and 1930s onto the lower yard, adding a nostalgic touch to the festivities.

Capping the day, the 94-Feet organization sponsored a spirited basketball game featuring the San Quentin Warriors and the San Quentin Kings, drawing cheering crowds.

SQRC Day of Peace, Peer Literacy Support Program table

SQRC Day of Peace celebration, ISUDT table

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights Services

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services Chief Mariam El-menshawi presented on the topic of victims’ rights at the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) criminal justice seminar in San Rafael. The seminar offered a full 360 view of the criminal justice system with speakers from the Attorney General’s office, the state public defender, Board of Parole Hearings, and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. El-menshawi spoke on victims’ rights to an audience of roughly 50 people.

Recruitment

Yolo County Works and SacJobs Fairs

Among the multiple career fairs throughout Northern and Central California, recruitment attended the SacJobs Summer Career Fair and the Yolo County Works Career Fair.

SacJobs attracted over 200 attendees and recorded 62 sign-ins from potential candidates while Yolo County Works recorded 64 sign-ins from potential candidates eager to learn more about the various career opportunities available with CDCR.

The team is proud to engage with the community by attending these events and continues to provide personalized support to those in need through virtual meetings.

In the Media

New Research on People Released from Prison Under California’s Second Look Resentencing Policies

A comprehensive series of reports released today by the nonpartisan California Policy Lab (CPL) and Committee on Revision of the Penal Code focuses on “second look” criminal justice reforms aimed at reducing prison sentences, limiting the use of sentencing enhancements, and shrinking California’s prison population.

More than 50 arrests made during multi-agency saturation patrol in Hemet Valley

More than 50 arrests were made during the Hemet Sheriff’s Station multi-agency saturation patrol on September 19 in the Hemet Valley.

Members from the Hemet Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Banning Police Department, Menifee Police Department, Riverside County Probation Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation…