Week in Review: October 31, 2025

October 30, 2025

In this October 31 Week in Review, we highlight staff Halloween and harvest festivals, DAPO’s Operation Boo, and CIM’s Health and Benefits Fair.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

Operation Boo keeping communities safe on Halloween

As children and families across California enjoy trick-or-treating on Halloween, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) is working to keep neighborhoods safe through Operation Boo.

Launched in 1994, Operation Boo is an annual, statewide public safety initiative that brings together DAPO parole agents and local law enforcement to conduct compliance checks on sex offenders under parole supervision who are prohibited from having contact with minors.

While families focus on costumes and candy, hundreds of parole agents will be out in communities across the state, verifying compliance, enforcing conditions of parole, and ensuring that those who violate restrictions are held accountable.

Through these efforts, DAPO continues its commitment to protecting families and helping Californians enjoy a safe and fun Halloween night.

Learn more

DAPO Riverside joins Operation Summer Smash Saturation

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Riverside Parole District was part of a multi-agency law enforcement operation in the Hemet and San Jacinto Valley. The operation focused on providing multiple proactive policing strategies in the community throughout the day.

The coordinated effort consisted of 17 agencies, resulting in 60 arrests for a variety of charges and warrants. 23 suspects were arrested for felonies, and 37 suspects were arrested for misdemeanors. There were four suspects arrested for violations of their parole conditions.

The operation also resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl from multiple suspects. Agencies located several felons in possession of ammunition, firearms, weapons magazines, and AR-15 parts.

The success of this operation is due to the tireless efforts of law enforcement officers and support personnel involved.

CRU hosts Reentry Resource Fair in Kern County

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community Reentry Unit (CRU) collaborated with the Southern Parole District to host a Reentry Resource Fair at the CityServe Network in Bakersfield.

Attendees at booths at the resource fair

The event connected supervised persons with essential resources and information to support their successful reintegration into the community. Present was a broad network of service providers and community partners committed to reducing recidivism and promoting stability for those reentering society. Providers addressed various criminogenic needs including housing assistance, substance use treatment, behavioral health services, education, job training, and employment resources.

52 local service providers participated in the fair and approximately 75 supervised persons were in attendance. Organizations generously contributed raffle prizes such as gift cards, hygiene baskets, t-shirts, and water bottles. The Clinica Sierra Vista mobile unit provided free flu shots and Lyles College of Beauty provided free haircuts. Dress for Success Bakersfield offered free business attire to newly employed and work-seeking individuals.

The fair provided critical support to the supervised population and reinforced the message that the community is invested in their success. Events like these create opportunities for connection and play a key role in helping individuals build productive, independent lives post-incarceration.

Upward Mobility

Gena Foston, Associate Director, Office of Civil Rights

Christopher Pierce, Warden, California State Prison, Ironwood

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

*Names are listed in alphabetical order.

In Our Institutions

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.

Family Halloween and harvest festival photos at Avenal State Prison for staff.

Mule Creek State Prison winning costumes at community trunk or treat event in Ione with minions and Gru.

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.

Wild west saloon trunk-or-treat Halloween festival for staff at CSP-Los Angeles County.

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.

CCWF Family Night Halloween festival for staff and their families with trunk-or-treat events.

Staff passing out candy at CCWF's Family Night Halloween festival.

read the Halloween round-up

Meet Rashad Frett, SQFF filmmaker

Meet Rashad Frett, a filmmaker featured at the 2025 San Quentin Film Festival (SQFF). Frett began pursuing filmmaking after experiencing 9/11 as a U.S. Army Combat Medic.

Frett’s film, Ricky, is based on a collection of experiences from his father, a former correctional officer, and friends who were in the criminal justice system.

PVSP paints to support Down Syndrome Awareness

PVSP incarcerated artists with their artwork to be auctioned off

Incarcerated artists at Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) donated their paintings for the annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk in Coalinga. Hosted by the Coalinga-Huron Recreation and Parks District, the walk was held in Keck Park and featured a variety of vendors and participants to raise awareness for Down syndrome.

Artists from Facilities A and B donated their works of art to be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of California. The auctioned artwork raised $650 to support the organizations work. The organization’s research focuses on understanding biological mechanisms, improving developmental outcomes, and enhancing support for individuals and their families affected by the syndrome.

CIM hosts Health and Benefits Fair, promoting employee wellness

The California Institution for Men (CIM) proudly hosted its 2025 Health and Benefits Fair, dedicated to promoting staff wellness and engagement.

This year’s fair brought together a wide range of vendors and service providers offering information on healthcare, financial planning, insurance, and overall well-being. Employees directly connected with representatives from organizations such as Savings Plus, Aflac, Smile Finders, LA Fitness, Uniform Compass, Delta Defense, Tesla Ontario, the Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA), and more.

Warden Eric Mejia commended the fair’s success, emphasizing its value in fostering an informed and healthy workforce. “Events like this reinforce CIM’s dedication to our team’s well-being by ensuring staff have access to the resources and information they need,” Mejia said.

The 2025 Health and Benefits Fair once again highlights CIM’s proactive approach to supporting staff, creating an environment where employees can connect, learn, and thrive together.

Hand drawn CIM Health and Benefits Fair sign

CTF celebrates vocational and educational grads

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) recently held a combined graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of vocational and educational students. The combined ceremonies honored the accomplishments of 210 graduates, 85 from Facility C and 125 from Facilities A and B.

The combined ceremonies recognized achievements across multiple disciplines including:

53 GED certificates
14 high school diplomas
30 college degrees
101 Career Technical Education (CTE) Certifications in:
- Auto Body
- Auto Mechanics
- Carpentry
- Computer Technologies
- Electrical
- Masonry
- Plumbing
- Welding

Education staff contributed to the celebration by providing refreshments for graduates and their guests, helping create a supportive and encouraging environment. During the ceremonies, Principal Blanca Buller commended graduates for their determination and willingness to face challenges directly. “True change begins when you have the courage to face your circumstances honestly and take action. Every one of you chose to do that,” Buller said. “You decided to build something new for yourselves, and this achievement is the reward for that decision.”

Graduates at combined graduation ceremony

“The education and vocational graduation events highlight CTF’s ongoing commitment to rehabilitation through education,” said Warden Edward J. Borla. “By providing opportunities for academic achievement and career training, the institution continues to prepare participants for future success and positive reintegration into their communities.”

In the Community

ASP joins community trunk-or-treat

Three staff members from Avenal State Prison at a community Halloween festival. — *From left are Lt. Pablo Chavez, acting Capt. Julian Morales, and IST Manager Alfredo Lara.*

Avenal State Prison staff joined the Avenal community for a spooktacular trunk-or-treat event on Oct. 24. Staff transformed their trunks into creative masterpieces—complete with spooky decorations, bright lights, and sweet surprises for every child who stopped by. Families wandered from trunk to trunk collecting treats, snapping photos, and enjoying the festive atmosphere that brought smiles to faces young and old. The night was all about community connection, teamwork, and spreading joy beyond the institution’s walls.

“Avenal State Prison once again showed its heart beats strong in the community, proving when families come together, the spirit of Halloween shines brightest,” said staff organizers.

Recruitment

Recruitment events are happening near you!

Oct. 31 – Delta College Public Safety Career Fair, San Joaquin Delta College Quad*

*Registration for these recruitment events is not required.

Observances

Daylight Saving Time ends – Nov. 2

Daylight saving time graphic shows clock and fall leaves.

Remember to adjust your clocks one hour backward on Sunday, Nov. 2 as Daylight Saving Time ends.

In the Media

A guard closes the gate at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in San Quentin, California, home to some of the US’ most violent convicts

From death row to red carpet: How a US prison found hope through film

Held inside a notorious prison among some of California’s most dangerous felons, the San Quentin Film Festival is not your typical Hollywood affair.

VicBlends, a social media influencer and barber, cuts hair at the new barbering school at Valley State Prison (VSP) in Chowchilla.

How Vic Blends Is Transforming Prisons Into Pathways Of Purpose—One Haircut At A Time

In 2021, at the height of the pandemic, a young barber from Fayetteville, North Carolina was giving out free haircuts on the street and posting motivational videos online. His name was Victor Fontanez, better known as Vic Blends, and his mission was simple yet profound: to show young people that any passion—no matter how humble—can become a platform for purpose.