Week in Review: October 3, 2025

October 3, 2025

In this October 3 Week in Review, we spotlight Forestry Fire Training, SATF donating to a children’s hospital, and training for staff Peer Support program volunteers.

In Our Institutions

PLC Conservation Camp hosts FFT program graduation

Puerta La Cruz (PLC) Conservation Camp hosted a graduation ceremony for the Forestry Fire Training (FFT) program, recognizing 10 graduates. This event marked the third FFT graduation since PLC became a training center for CDCR. It was also the first to utilize the California State Fire Training Firefighter (FF1C) curriculum for wildland firefighting.

The adoption of the FF1C curriculum brings the program in line with industry standards used by CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), and the California Military Department National Guard.

The intense 56-hour curriculum equips entry-level firefighters with the skills and knowledge to identify hazards, properly use protective equipment deploy fire shelters, maintain tools and equipment, implement progressive hose lays, conduct mop-up operations, and more.

Graduates also completed a structured physical fitness program and courses in Basic Wildland Fire Behavior, Hands-Only CPR with AED, and Fireline First Aid.

The graduation represents a significant step forward in preparing participants to meet the professional standards required for service in wildland firefighting.

Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp forestry fire program graduates

In the Community

SATF donates to Valley Children’s Hospital

SATF presenting donation check to Valley Children's Hospital

The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison at Corcoran raised funds and donated $3,977 to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.

The incarcerated population at SATF participated in food sales to collect funds for the hospital. Warden Raul Morales, Chief Deputy Warden Matt Jones, and Community Resources Manager Jeanette Bragg met with hospital executive staff to present the donation check. Hospital staff were appreciative of the donation and impressed by the dedication of the incarcerated population to donate to their facility.

Hospital officials provided SATF staff a tour of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Valley Children’s primary campus in Madera provides level IV NICU support for children throughout Central California. The unit’s highest level of care consists of 88 NICU beds and treats critically ill infants born as early as 23 weeks’ gestation.

“We are deeply grateful for your heartfelt visit and the generous support you have shown,” said Belen Oseguera, Development Lead at the hospital.

Valley Children’s Healthcare was founded more than 70 years ago by five visionary mothers who dreamed of providing high-quality healthcare for the Central Valley’s children. Today, the hospital employs more than 670 physicians and 3,500 staff members, providing comprehensive care to more than 1.3 million children in Central California.

SATF staff receiving tour of Valley Children's Hospital

Office of Employee Wellness

PSP volunteers receive training, support

Director Gena Jones speaking at the OEW third annual Advanced Training for Peer Support Program volunteers

The Office of Employee Wellness (OEW) hosted its third annual Advanced Training for Peer Support Program (PSP) volunteers. Held at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt, over 100 PSP administrators and leaders received education, training, and support.

Guest speakers Secretary Jeff Macomber, Undersecretary Jason Johnson, and Director Gena Jones empowered volunteers and expressed both gratitude and support for the program. Attendees participated in valuable activities, received goody bags, and met with therapy dogs.

OEW thanks each one of the PSP administrators and leaders that attended the event and is grateful to all members for the work they do in supporting their peers.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

Parole Agent Kristen Blehm named Peace Officer of Year

Holding the 2024 Peace Officer of the Year award is Parole Agent Kristen Blehm.

The Exchange Club of Redding celebrated the dedication and bravery of Shasta County peace officers, naming Parole Agent Kristen Blehm the 2024 Peace Officer of the Year.

Blehm, who was born and raised in Redding, has always been committed to her community. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on investigations. Her education laid a strong foundation for her law enforcement career.

OVSRS attends National Day of Remembrance

OVSRS staff at Parents of Murdered Children event, Day of Remembrance

The Parents of Murdered Children Sacramento chapter recently held their annual National Day of Remembrance event at the state capitol. The non-profit organization helps provide support and assistance to all survivors of homicide victims.

The event provided an opportunity for OVSRS staff to connect with family members of murder victims. Staff spoke with attendees and listened to stories of how loved ones were honored after death. OVSRS provided information on victim restitution and notification services, including forms to register.

Attendees were grateful for the information and support provided by OVSRS staff.

Staff appreciated the opportunity to stand alongside survivors and honor their loved ones while spreading awareness of their services.

Recruitment

Recruitment events are happening near you!

Oct. 7 – Delta College Public Safety Career Fair, San Joaquin Delta College Quad*
Oct. 8 – Virtual Career Fair
Oct. 9 – National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2025, State Capitol – West Lawn*
Oct. 18 – Sac State Football Game, California State University, Sacramento*
Oct. 20 – Sac State Criminal Justice Dept. Tabling, California State University, Sacramento*
Oct. 22 – Virtual Career Fair
Oct. 23 – YoloWorks! Job Fair, 1110 W Capitol Ave, West Sacramento*
Oct. 24 – Sac State Football Game, California State University, Sacramento*
Oct. 31 – Delta College Public Safety Career Fair, San Joaquin Delta College Quad*

*Registration for these recruitment events is not required.

In the Media

From left: Pelican Bay State Prison and inmate Salvador Jacobo. Credit : Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times via Getty;Tiffany Conover/ Pelican Bay State Prison

America’s Most Dangerous Prisoners Are Being Rehabilitated by Novel College Program

Mark Taylor was eight years into his life sentence for a gang-related murder when, one afternoon in 2005, he says something like a miracle took place in his cell.

Producer Scott Budnick ("Just Mercy," "The Hangover I II and III) presents the Best Documentary Pitch Award to Kevin D. Sawyer, who is also the newly appointed Editor in Chief of the San Quentin News. Photo by Phil Bray.

San Quentin Film Festival announces 2025 official selections

The San Quentin Film Festival (SQFF25) today announced its Official Selections across the Feature, Documentary, and Narrative Shorts categories. This groundbreaking festival – the first ever held inside a U.S. prison – will take place Oct. 23-24 at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in Marin County, California.