CDCR hosts fall, Halloween visiting events

October 27, 2025

Across California, CDCR visiting staff and volunteers held special fall and Halloween events for families and incarcerated individuals.

As more submissions are received, this round-up will be updated. Send submissions to Don Chaddock and Emily Idleman (emails found in Global). Include who, what, where, when, why and how along with photos as separate email attachments (not embedded in a Word document, body text of an email, or as a PDF).

CMF gets spooky

an incarcerated person high-fiving a trick-or-treater

The California Medical Facility (CMF) hosted a Halloween visiting event for the incarcerated population and their loved ones. Visting families celebrated with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and other assorted Halloween themed activities.

More treats than tricks and more laughter than frights were had as children went from table to table, receiving candy donated by the Inmate Family Council (IFC). Many thrills were had by visiting families as they connected with their incarcerated loved one during the holiday.

Written by Lt. C. Bennamon
Submitted by Lt. A. Toomer

Halloween thrills at High Desert

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) visiting staff hosted a family-friendly Halloween event that was spooky fun for all.

Families and children were greeted by visiting staff and received pumpkins from the HDSP pumpkin patch. The spook-tacular event consisted of games, face painting, a pumpkin decorating station, and a goody bag full of fun surprises.

Visitors created lasting memories while engaging with their loved ones and experienced the thrill of Halloween.

Submitted by Lt. J. Micone

Folsom State Prison celebrates Halloween

Acting Warden Hill with trick-or-treaters

correctional officer and Warden Hill giving candy to trick or treaters

Folsom State Prison (FSP) visiting staff celebrated Halloween by hosting spooky activities for the incarcerated population and their families. Families enjoyed music, raffle prizes, games, treats, and fun photo backdrops. A total of 52 children participated in the visiting event.

Submitted by Lt. J. Pagan

Centinela State Prison gets into Halloween spirit

Halloween crafts at Centinela State Prison.

Costume-wearing kids at Centinela State Prison during a special visiting event.

Centinela State Prison visiting staff recently hosted a Halloween event for the incarcerated population and their loved ones. Family members were offered the opportunity to engage in arts and crafts activities by painting pumpkins and Halloween decor.

Children were also able to dress up like their favorite superheroes. Each facility had a judging panel consisting of the visiting supervisors, an incarcerated individual and a family member. There were plenty of laughs, smiles, and a sense of community. At the end of the event, staff provided treat bags to the children.

By Visiting Sgt. M. Molina
Submitted by Lt. D. Loop

Mule Creek visiting hosts Monster Mash

Family takes photo with Halloween background at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione.

Gomez family paints a pumpkin during Halloween visiting at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione.

Mule Creek State Prison’s (MCSP) Visiting Department hosted their Monster Mash event on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Children participated in a Halloween contest for the best costume, with a prize for the winner. Each child also received a goodie bag containing treats and stickers, generously donated by the MCSP Family Council. Families enjoyed painting a pumpkin with their incarcerated loved ones.

“We would like to acknowledge Naomi Petersen for coordinating with the Amador Flower Farm. We extend our thanks to the farm for their generous donation of pumpkins, which were distributed to the kids,” said organizers.

Submitted by Lt. Jorge Vina

San Quentin visiting staff makes Halloween special

Two people sit on a hay bale at San Quentin.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) hosted its annual Halloween event. Incarcerated Family Council (IFC), Statewide Rep. Abby of the Empowering Women Impacted by Incarceration Group, Acting Chief Deputy Warden N. Avila, and visiting Sgt. A. Borer played key roles in organizing the event in the main visiting area.

“Participation from the staff help foster positive interactions within the population, this was such a well-organized event. Great job, visiting staff,” said Chief Deputy Warden Avila.

Groups donated items to create a fun-filled environment for the children and visitors, helping to celebrate Halloween and bring everyone together.

The IFC organized the activities, which included a costume contest, and pumpkin painting contest. Staff noted strong participation from visiting families.

Jaime Tafoya, president of the SQRC IFC, said the event exceeded expectations.

“This by far was the best year and it all came together so great,” Tafoya said.

Incarcerated person Avila, who is married to IFC representative Madie, offered thanks to the staff for their support and coordination. Many visitors expressed their appreciation.

The top two pumpkin winners were an ice-cream-themed pumpkin and a creepy pumpkin. The best costume went to “Pretty in Pink.”

SQRC Administration emphasized the importance of family engagement in rehabilitation efforts and thanked all groups and volunteers who contributed to the event.

Submitted by Lt. G. Berry