Staff get into Halloween, harvest festivals

Whether they are trunk-or-treat events, harvest festivals, or fall carnivals, CDCR and CCHCS staff are known to get into the season.

This round up of staff and community events will be updated as more submissions are received.

SATF hosts Halloween, fall harvest bash for staff

The California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF) hosted its second Harvest Festival and Family Night. Volunteers transformed the administration parking lot into a spooktacular time for SATF’s staff and their families. SATF’s Management team went all out on this year’s trunk or treat and made sure the entire event and food was free for all staff and their families.

Some of the crowd favorites included the Mental Health Department’s Monsters Inc. complete with their very own Celia, AW’s Critchlow and Frazier’s Haunted Campsite with spooky movies and a smores station, and the show-stopping Haunted House put together by the SRN II team and members of CCSO.

The event also featured a cake walk with homemade bundt cakes, pumpkin painting, a Tower of Terror Tour, photo booths, an obstacle course, fire truck, adoptable dogs from SATF’s very own dog program, Crisis Response Team demonstration, music, and food. CCPOA handed out over 450 hotdogs, EAC gave out candy, popcorn, and hot chocolate, CCWA kept everyone hydrated with aqua fresca, and Chuey’s BBQ sampled some tasty smoked treats.

Submitted by Lt. Kyle Cade

CMF, CSP-Solano host trunk-or-treat celebration for staff

California State Prison, Solano (CSP-Solano) partnered with the California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville to host their annual Trunk-or-Treat event on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The family-friendly event brought together staff, family, and friends from both institutions for an evening filled with festive fun, community spirit, and Halloween excitement.

Staff showcased their creativity by decorating vehicle trunks with spooky and imaginative themes, handing out candy, stickers, and treats to children and attendees. The event, which has become a highly anticipated tradition for employees and their families, aims to strengthen community bonds and provide a safe and enjoyable environment for Halloween celebrations.

A new highlight this year was the “Haunted Carnival Hallway” located in the Administrative Building. The hallway was transformed into a chilling carnival scene, complete with animatronics, eerie decorations, and interactive displays that delighted and startled guests in equal measure. After exiting the Hallway guests were able to participate in Carnival games like bean bag throws and ring toss.

Attendees also enjoyed music selections played by CSP-Solano’s DJ John King and DJ Rozelle Joyner.

There was a variety of attractions and amenities throughout the evening, including the CMF Fire hose target practice, bounce houses, free face painting, and several vendor booths. Local favorites such as Bubble Cone and El Xicano provided food options, while vendors like Yard Down, author Johnny Rey, and Pika Dulce offered unique goods, books, and merchandise for sale.

“This event is a wonderful example of teamwork and community between our two institutions,” said Health Program Specialist G. Jazuk. “It’s great to see staff come together outside of work to celebrate, have fun, and create memories with their families.”

Submitted by Lt. J. Guerrero, CSP-Solano

CCI hosts spooky family night

The California Correctional Institution (CCI) hosted a spooky family night for staff and their families. The event featured a variety of activities designed to get kids into the Halloween spirit.

Children enjoyed face painting, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, and experienced a haunted house. Representatives from the California Correctional Supervisors Organization (CCSO) and the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) were also in attendance.

CCI’s family night is one example of the institution’s efforts to promote a positive and supportive work environment while demonstrating its appreciation for staff’s hard work and dedication to the institution’s mission.

Submitted by Lt. T. Harrison

RJD shares tricks and treats with staff

The Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) hosted a Trunk-or-Treat event for staff and their families. Staff and their families celebrated with a best decorated vehicle contest, a costume contest, free food, and a haunted corridor full of scares.

The event provided an opportunity for staff to interact with their partners while offering their families a safe environment for Halloween festivities.

Submitted by Lt. A. Garvey

Avenal State Prison hosts Halloween Family Night festival

Avenal State Prison opened its gates Wednesday, Oct. 22, for an evening of laughter, community, and Halloween fun. The institution was transformed into a festive fall celebration for staff and their families.

Children excitedly painted pumpkins played carnival-style games and lined up for raffle prizes that kept everyone smiling. The air was filled with the sweet scent of s’mores, buttery popcorn, cotton candy and grilled polish dogs, while music and laughter echoed through the grounds.

A special alarm-response demonstration offered a peek into teamwork and safety in action, explained in simple, family-friendly terms. An outside CDCR bus gave guests a glimpse beyond the walls.

The night wrapped up with full hearts, sticky fingers, and memories families will cherish long after the Halloween lights fade.

Submitted by Lt. Pablo Chavez

Centinela State Prison holds first Trunk-or-Treat for staff, families

Centinela State Prison hosted its first Trunk-or-Treat festival for staff and their families.

All areas, departments and associations participated in the event. Activities included a live DJ, photographer, local vendors, and the Humane Society.

Staff booths included face painting, games, cake walk competition, and a fortune teller. The event also featured a Halloween costume competition for all staff and families. Staff brought and showcased several cars and handed out candy and prizes to all the children.

Volunteers cooked food for on-duty staff and our guest visitors.

“The event was a great success and is a testament of hard work, dedication, and support from everyone here at Centinela,” said organizers.

Submitted by Lt. D. Loop

CCWF hosts annual Family Night

For 35 years, Central California Women’s Facility has hosted its annual Family Night fall festival. The event was open to staff and their families. Even some retired staff stopped by to mingle. The event also doubled as a staff wellness fair.

Video and photos by Chris Medina, Director (specialist), TV Communications Center
Office of Public and Employee Communications

CIM hosts seventh annual community Trunk-or-Treat

California Institution for Men (CIM) at Chino welcomed the community to its seventh annual Trunk-or-Treat Halloween festival. The family-friendly celebration, held on prison grounds, has become a community tradition. Staff and volunteers from across the institution decorated the front lawn area for Halloween while car trunks were creatively decorated. Costumed kids collected candy, while families enjoyed music, food, and photo opportunities throughout the evening. The event highlighted CIM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships with the surrounding community.

Even the Chino mayor stopped by to check out the activities.

Warden Eric Mejia thanked staff, local law enforcement partners, and community organizations who helped make the event possible.

“Our Trunk-or-Treat 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 Mejia.

Story and some photos by Lt. Ignacio Vera
Additional photos by Ryan Herrera, TV Specialist

CSP-Los Angeles County hosts second trunk-or-treat event

The California Correctional Peace Officer Association hosted a Car Show and Trunk-or-Treat festival for staff and their families at California State Prison (CSP)-Los Angeles County. The event transformed the staff parking lot into a lively Halloween celebration filled with music, laughter, and community spirit.

Staff members were encouraged to bring their children and loved ones to enjoy an evening of fun and creativity. Families arrived in colorful costumes, from superheroes to classic monsters, eager to take part in the Halloween costume contest. Judges awarded prizes for the most creative, funniest, and scariest costumes.

Many staff joined in the fun by decorating their personal vehicles for the Trunk-or-Treat competition. Each car showcased a unique theme — from an old-time Wild West saloon complete with hay bales and wanted posters, to a magical “Harry Potter” display featuring floating candles and spell books.

Children made their way from trunk to trunk collecting candy, their bags filling quickly as they admired each display. In addition to trick-or-treating, families enjoyed a variety of attractions, including a petting zoo, a bounce house, a live DJ spinning Halloween hits, and a photo booth where groups could capture the night’s memories.

The event was a huge success, offering staff and their families a chance to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories outside of the workplace.

Submitted by Lt. Christopher Coupland

Mule Creek State Prison holds community trunk-or-treat

Mule Creek State Prison brought Halloween fun to Castle Oaks Golf Course in Ione on Oct. 24 with a trunk-or-treat event.

Families, employees, and the Ione-area community surrounding turned out for an evening of candy, costumes, and creative trunk displays.

The golf course parking lot transformed into a lineup of spooky, clever, and impressively decorated vehicles. Guests made their way from trunk to trunk, meeting friendly animals along the way and filling their treat bags in a safe, family-friendly setting.

Winners earned bragging rights for Best Costume and Best Decorated Vehicle, showing off the talent and imagination behind the night’s standout displays.

“Mule Creek State Prison extends its appreciation to everyone who attended, volunteered, and contributed to making the event a standout success. Community events like this help strengthen the relationship between Mule Creek and the City of Ione, bringing people together for a bit of fun along the way,” said organizers. “We’re already looking forward to next year.”

A barnyard scene took first place for best trunk while the Minions and Gru took first place for best costumes.

Submitted by Lt. Jorge Vina

Wasco State Prison-Reception Center holds first trunk-or-treat

The first-ever trunk-or-treat staff event was held at Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) on Oct. 21. Staff decorated their trunks, offering games for kids as they wandered to all the various trunks and displays.

The prison’s Investigative Services Unit provided some frights and thrills for those who dared to enter their haunted circus.

The event was filled with excitement as families and trick-or-treaters roamed around in their colorful costumes looking for their next sugar rush. Meanwhile, Central Transportation Hub and Plant Operations staff offered rides around the institution.

Children scrambled to sit in the WSP-RC fire engine, posing proudly for photos as if they were real firefighters on a mission.

All staff involved created a vibrant, safe, and fun atmosphere for attendees. The In-Service Training department had several family-friendly activities all of which were a hit. Food and drinks were made available thanks to the California Chicano Workers Association and the WSP Employee Liaison Committee.

“We look forward to making this an annual event and look forward to next year’s,” said organizers.

Submitted by Lt. Salvador Sanchez

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