CDCR Weekender

Weekender Digest looks back at September

Weekender Digest goes behind the scenes of Medal of Valor, Sept. 26, 2025.

Inside CDCR published nearly 60 stories in September 2025 and this Weekender Digest looks back at the month.

Looking back at September, this Weekender Digest highlights some of the more popular stories you might have missed.


Medal of Valor celebrates heroism, bravery

Stories and videos related to the annual Medal of Valor awards ceremony at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center racked up thousands of views.

Check out award recipients in this photo gallery: In photos: CDCR, CCHCS salute Medal of Valor honorees

And read the story: 2025 Medal of Valor ceremony honors 20 staff

Go behind the scenes of this year’s Medal of Valor

After months of planning, the Medal of Valor ceremony recognized employees for their dedication, service and acts of bravery. Check out some of the photos from behind the scenes.


Rehabilitation highlights success stories

Cutting ribbon at the Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) in Fresno.

The most popular rehabilitation stories ranged from a camp participant becoming a CALFIRE employee, a new reentry program facility opening its doors in Fresno (shown above), and how incarcerated students overcome challenges in a Level IV institution.

By the numbers: September’s top 10 stories

The following stories are ranked by total views for the month:

  1. The post with the most views: Week in Review: September 5, 2025
  2. Governor appoints CDCR leadership positions
  3. Week in Review: September 19, 2025
  4. In photos: CDCR, CCHCS salute Medal of Valor honorees
  5. Meet the Division of Adult Parole Operations Honor Guard
  6. Week in Review: 2025 Medal of Valor Ceremony
  7. Lowriders pull into RJ Donovan Correctional Facility
  8. California Correctional Institution investigating riot
  9. CSP-Corcoran hosts first interfacility volleyball game
  10. Mule Creek hosts staff appreciation weekend

Compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor


See more stories from the CDCR Weekender.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Recent CDCR Weekender stories

SCC Chief Deputy Warden presents Officer of Year Award to Masterson for actions taken late last year to assist a car crash victim.

SCC Officer Masterson named Angels‑Murphys Officer of Year

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) Correctional Officer Masterson was named the Angels-Murphys Rotary Club of California Officer of the Year. The…

Heather Duarte, the Community Resources Manager (CRM) at Calipatria State Prison, earned a CIF award for coaching a local swimming team.

CRM Heather Duarte earns CIF coaching honor

Calipatria State Prison Community Resources Manager (CRM) Heather Duarte has devoted over three decades to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring student-athletes.…

A staff member enjoys a break with a horse during a CCWF mental health awareness event.

CCWF staff focus on mental health awareness

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla hosted a special May 12 mental health event for staff in partnership with…

Two maintenance mechanics enjoy the lunch during National Skilled Trades Day 2026.

Kern Valley State Prison celebrates Skilled Trades Day

Kern Valley State Prison staff celebrated National Skilled Trades Day, recognizing all staff who keep Plant Operations going. The correctional…

CDCR staff from LAC with another police officer to read to students during Read Across America Week, celebrating Dr. Seuss.

LAC staff interact with students during Read Across America

Staff from California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), visited young students during Read Across America Week. A local elementary…

CRC Last Rodeo for Nurses Week with four staff members posing for a photo against an Old West themed backdrop.

CRC‑Norco hosts Last Rodeo for Nurses Week celebration

The California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) at Norco recently hosted the Last Rodeo in honor of National Nurses Week. CRC showed…