Week in Review: October 24, 2025

October 24, 2025

In this October 24 Week in Review, we spotlight Chief Deputy Warden Elton Soriano, CIM’s 7th annual Trunk-or-Treat, and SATF celebrating Global Peer Support Day.

Staff Spotlight – 3 Questions

Chief Deputy Warden Elton Soriano reflects on 26 years of service

Before joining the department, Elton Soriano served in the United States Marine Corps as his company’s infantry squad leader. His time in the Marine Corps taught him discipline, accountability, and teamwork. Looking to build on those skills and continue serving others, Soriano applied to multiple police departments to pursue a career in law enforcement. A friend mentioned CDCR as an option and before he knew it, Soriano had received a letter – he was going to High Desert State Prison (HDSP).

A few years later, he transferred to Folsom State Prison (FSP) where he spent the remainder of his career. Now, Soriano is a Chief Deputy Warden face-to-face with retirement and excited to begin enjoying his youthful older years.

Before he leaves CDCR, we asked Soriano about his career and his future.

What stands out most to you from your time with the department?

I remember when I first joined. I had just started at High Desert when my wife and I had our first child. I had only been there for less than a month, but every single day for two weeks someone was at our door dropping off food. From then on, I knew the department would be good for me and my family.

The approach to rehabilitation stands out to me too. It was different when I first joined in 1999, and we have made a lot of improvements since then. The department has shifted focus and made huge efforts towards a rehabilitative approach for the incarcerated population, which has made a significant impact in outcomes. Overall, the goal has been to create a better atmosphere, promote safety for staff, and rehabilitation.

Chief Deputy Warden Elton Soriano and son, Officer Sergio Soriano — *Chief Deputy Warden Elton Soriano and his son, Correctional Officer Sergio Soriano at Sergio’s Academy Graduation in Galt.*

What advice do you have for others as you retire from CDCR?

There are so many opportunities within the department – take advantage of them. You can start as a correctional officer and work in parole or start as an office technician and become an associate warden. CDCR is best suited for young adults who are looking for a long-term career path with opportunities to grow. My son, Sergio Soriano, came to me and told me he wanted to work for the department. He became a correctional officer, and I can’t wait to see how he forges his own path.

What are your plans for your future?

The best part about retiring is that I don’t have to have plans! My wife still has a few years left before she is ready to retire from her career. We will take vacations when she is able. For me, I have always enjoyed video games and conventions like Comic Con. Video games have always allowed me to fully relax and forget about my stresses. I am a bit of a nerd and love superheroes too. My favorite superhero is Wolverine, but I also like the Christopher Reeve version of Superman from the 1980’s.

In closing, Soriano shared his final reflections.

What I am going to miss the most about this department is the people. The people here have become family and the hardest part for me now is not being able to see them daily. The environment we are in makes these types of bonds important. I am very lucky to have worked here and couldn’t be prouder of this institution and the staff here.

I also want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. I have had a lot of mentors, and they have all helped share my leadership, management, and approach.

Upward Mobility

Kathleen Ratliff, appointed Associate Director, Region II of Division of Adult Institutions

In Our Institutions

SATF celebrates Global Peer Support Day

The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) staff and incarcerated population celebrated Global Peer Support Day in F-yard.

Celebrated on the third Thursday of October, this day recognizes and honors the work of peer supporters who use their lived experiences to help others in their recovery journey. The annual event aims to raise awareness of peer support services and break down stigmas.

Incarcerated members of the Peer Support Specialist Program (PSSP) spent the day educating the F-yard population about PSSP and the services provided. The celebration included participant testimonials, a raffle, music by the F-yard band, certificates for PSSP members and apprentices, and words of appreciation from SATF staff.

Peer support specialists receiving certificates

Division of Adult Parole Operations

CRU, San Bernardino Parole host Harvest Resource and Job Fair

A collaborative effort led by the Community Reentry Unit (CRU), the San Bernardino and Riverside Parole Districts, San Bernardino Community College District, and GEO Reentry Services connected over 115 supervised individuals with employment, vocational, and educational opportunities. The event featured both indoor and outdoor booths and activities to maximize resources, accessibility, and engagement.

Attendees benefited from a variety of services designed to support career pathways. The fair provided on-site direct networking with over 55 vendors and opportunities for on-the-spot hiring.

The fair offered free haircuts for attendees, helping men and women prepare for interviews and providing a confidence boost. The lively and supportive atmosphere was further enhanced by raffles throughout the day. As a show of support for all attendees, a free lunch was provided to the community stakeholders, supervised persons, and guests.

Attendees at the Harvest Job and Resource Fair

In the Community

CRC donates to local non-profit supporting senior citizens

CRC presents check donation to local non-profit

Staff and the incarcerated population at the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) raised over $5,000 through charitable food sales fundraisers, benefiting a community non-profit organization.

The funds were distributed to a local organization, Norco Senior Citizens and Pet Relief Fund. CRC staff invited organization volunteers to lunch and surprised them with the monetary contribution.

Norco Senior Citizens and Pet Relief Fund assist economically disadvantaged senior citizens by providing assistance with rent, utility bills, property repairs, groceries, and services related to their pets at no cost.

CIM welcomes local families at 7th annual Trunk-or-Treat

The California Institution for Men (CIM) welcomed local families at its seventh annual Trunk-or-Treat event, creating smiles, laughter, and a festive spirit to the Chino community. The family-friendly celebration held on the institution’s grounds, has become a cherished tradition offering a safe environment for children to enjoy Halloween.

Staff and volunteers from across the institution transformed the front lawn into a colorful Halloween landscape. Car trunks were creatively decorated with themes ranging from spooky skeletons and classic monsters to popular movie themes.

Children made their way from trunk to trunk, filling their buckets with candy. Families in attendance enjoyed music, food, and photo opportunities throughout the evening.

“Our Trunk-or-Treat event is more than just a night of fun – it’s a way for us to give back to the community and create positive connections,” said Warden Eric Mejia.

CIM’s Trunk-or-Treat continues to grow each year, serving as a reminder the power of community partnerships and the joy that comes from bringing people together.

Recruitment

Recruitment events are happening near you!

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.

Case Records Services

CDCR Case Records engages Sonoma County public defenders

CDCR Case Records Services (CRS) Chief Jill Johnston and Correctional Case Records Administrator Royce Borunda met with the Sonoma County Public Defender’s Office to discuss sentencing laws, credits, and calculation processes.

Case Records Services speaking at Sonoma Public Defender's Office

The meeting strengthened collaboration and understanding between agencies, helping ensure consistent and accurate application of sentencing guidelines.

CRS staff play a vital role in maintaining accuracy and compliance within California’s complex correctional system. Their work demands precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of constantly evolving laws and regulations that directly affect sentencing and release decisions statewide.

In the Media

Joint Law Enforcement Operation Targets Parole and Probation Compliance in Hemet Area, Leading to Dozens of Arrests

On October 16, 2025, Operation “Valley Vigilance” a large-scale joint operation between the Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force (Region 3) and Central P.A.C.T. (Post-release Accountability & Compliance Team) conducted an operation that focused on compliance checks and warrant services on those individuals on Parole, Probation, Mandatory Supervision, and Post Release Community Supervision (P.R.C.S.). The locations were in the City of Hemet, City of San Jacinto and surrounding areas.

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.