Beyond the Badge, Jobs, Training and Facilities

Kern Valley State Prison celebrates 20 years

Acting Warden Pat Horn acknowledges correctional officers who activated KVSP.
Acting Warden Pat Horn acknowledges correctional officers who activated Kern Valley State Prison in 2005.

This year, Kern Valley State Prison celebrated its 20-year anniversary.

Activated June 2005, Kern Valley State Prison in Delano is surrounded by farms and a small community rich in history.

In honor of the 20-year anniversary, the Kern Valley State Prison Employees’ Association, in coordination with California Correctional Peace Officer Association, organized a special event.

Serving breakfast during first watch at Kern Valley State Prison.
Serving breakfast to the first-watch staff arriving at Kern Valley State Prison.

The event included food for over 1,300 people. First watch staff received breakfast burritos, while second- and third-watch staff received burgers. The event included a car show, music DJ, golf simulator, beanbag toss, eloté, kettle corn, transportation hubs new bus on display, opportunity drawings for prizes, and food.

The event also included recognition for 85 staff who activated the prison and still currently work there. Each activation team staff member was given a shirt.

“The event was a huge success,” said organizers. “It was a great way to give back to staff while honoring the prison’s history.”

Submitted by Lt. J. Hernandez

Kern Valley State Prison 20-year anniversary in photos

See more stories highlighting CDCR/CCHCS staff.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

Big House Museum at Folsom State Prison reopened Saturday, July 25, 2026.

History on display: Folsom Prison Big House Museum re‑opens

The Big House Museum at Folsom State Prison re-opened its doors to the public Saturday, July 25. The museum will…

A team of correctional professionals from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) and California State Prison, Solano defended their title at the 2026 United States Police & Fire Championships, earning back-to-back gold medals in the 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

San Quentin Jailblazers capture back‑to‑back gold

A team of correctional professionals from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) and California State Prison, Solano, defended their title at the…

A parole staff member pitches the ball at the DAPO softball tournament benefiting Special Olympics of Northern California.

DAPO softball game pitches in for Special Olympics

CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) hosted its second softball fundraising event July 11 to support Special Olympics Northern…

Teams representing San Quentin Rehabilitation Center pay their respects during the opening ceremony honoring fallen correctional professionals.

Solano Fallen tourney raises over $12,500 for staff, families

Correctional professionals, law enforcement partners and community supporters came together to raise more than $12,500 during the recent Solano Fallen Resource…

Wasco State Prison-Reception Center welcomed staff who took the win at the first Fallen Fund Softball Tournament held in Vacaville.

Staff triumph at first Solano Fallen Resource Fund Tournament

CDCR correctional staff from various institutions claimed victory at the first Solano Fallen Resource Fund Softball Tournament held June 13-14.…

Correctional Officer Scott Lawson stands in front of Salinas Valley State Prison.

Officer Scott Lawson hangs up duty belt after 30 years

When Correctional Officer Scott Lawson began working at Salinas Valley State Prison in May 1996, the institution was still under…