Week in Review: October 17, 2025

October 17, 2025

In this October 17 Week in Review, we remember Correctional Officer Jonathan Townsend and highlight staff appreciation efforts at institutions across the state.

Remembering Officer Townsend

Friends, family, and coworkers gathered over the weekend to remember Correctional Officer Jonathan Townsend.

California State Prison-Corcoran Warden Edward Silva spoke about Townsend’s dedication to his career and coworkers.

“Jonathan was a valued and trusted correctional officer who dedicated 23 years of service to (CDCR). Behind the badge is his true human spirit (who) will be remembered by his partners,” he said. “As evident by all of you being here today, Jonathan was dedicated to his work right up until that moment we tragically lost him.”

ASP hosts staff health fair

Avenal State Prison (ASP) hosted a health fair to provide health and wellness resources to staff.

The event featured a variety of booths providing resources on savings, insurance, health services, and more. Staff in attendance also enjoyed music, food, prizes, and taking time to catch up with peers.

WSP staff enjoy combined events

Wasco State Prison’s (WSP) Reception Center held its first ever combined Employee Health Fair and Staff Appreciation Day. The combined event had over 300 employees in attendance and featured more than 40 vendors who offered health benefit information, uniforms and equipment, prize giveaways, and treats.

The celebration began with managers and staff preparing breakfast burritos for employees on first watch as they ended their shifts. The event continued with a DJ, games, treats, and prizes, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

Employees enjoyed the day, connecting with coworkers and sitting down for a lunch provided by the WSP Employee Liaison Committee. The combined event was the perfect opportunity to celebrate staff, promote wellness, and strengthen the sense of community amongst staff.

Rehabilitation

30 ISUDT participants graduate Cognitive Behavioral Interventions

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Division of Rehabilitative Programs in collaboration with the Amity Foundation hosted a graduation ceremony celebrating the completion of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) program of 30 Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program participants on Facility M Non-Designated Programming Facility at the Wasco State Prison (WSP) Reception Center (RC).

Several family members attended to celebrate the accomplishment of their loved one. Staff from various departments at WSP-RC also attended show their support. Acting Warden Amber Williams addressed the graduating class, along with the Division of Rehabilitative Programs Correctional Counselor III A. Garcia, and several members of the Amity Foundation team. Program Director Ivan Bernal led the ceremony and spoke to the graduates.

ISUDT currently has eight active CBI groups being held on Facility M for a total of 108 programming seats. The groups are held from 8:15 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Facility M provides CBI groups designed to help individuals develop skills that can prevent recidivism. There is a consistent demand from the incarcerated population for additional programming opportunities within this facility.

ISUDT graduate celebrating with hands in the air

In the Community

KVSP attends Officer of the Year ceremony

Multi-departmental honor guard team at the Kern County Officer of the Year Ceremony

The Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) Honor Guard attended the 37th annual Kern County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year ceremony. The KVSP Honor Guard attended the event as part of a multi-departmental team of Honor Guard members.

The annual event celebrates the heroic acts of Kern County law enforcement officers and citizens that have made a significant impact on the community.

Attending law enforcement agencies included the Kern County Sheriff’s Department, Bakersfield Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Shafter Police Department, McFarland Police Department, and more.

At the Capitol

Governor Newsom proclaims Indigenous People’s Day

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

SRU attends NDEAM, supports workers with disabilities

Specialized Recruitment Unit at the National Disability Employment Awareness Month event.

CDCR’s Specialized Recruitment Unit (SRU) participated in the annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) event held at the California State Capitol.

This year’s NDEAM event marked the 80th anniversary of recognizing the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. SRU staff offered job-seekers employment resources, interview tips, guidance on the state application process, and information on the Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP).

Recruitment events are happening near you!

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.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

Staff from the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) recently delivered a comprehensive presentation on Victim Services and Restitution Collection to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

The presentation included multiple sessions held at different locations to maximize engagement from Victim Advocates across Ventura County. This event provided a valuable opportunity to connect directly with local advocates, share updates, and highlight the latest services and resources offered by OVSRS.

Attendees received informative brochures and materials designed to support their work with victims and survivors. The presentation reinforced OVSRS’ commitment to collaboration and to ensure that county advocates are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to serve their communities effectively.

In the Media

Participants in the Youth Offender Program Camp Pilot Program line up before work at the Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp, July 14, 2025, in Red Corral, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Young California inmates learn skills to fight wildfires

Inmate firefighters in California will receive higher pay and the state will make permanent firefighting camps that train and educate young offenders under two laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The business case for rehabilitation: Lessons from San Quentin

At Virgin Unite, we believe in the power of business and community coming together to challenge unjust systems and reimagine what’s possible.

In keeping with this belief, we recently joined our partners at The Last Mile (TLM) and Business Leaders Against the Death Penalty for a powerful day of dialogue and learning about justice reform, second chances, and ending the death penalty.