Week in Review: November 14, 2025

November 14, 2025

In this November 14 Week in Review, we spotlight Wasco State Prison’s Honor Guard, transportation officers helping crash victims, and the Prison Prevention Project.

Observances

Veterans Day – A message from Secretary Macomber

A thank you message from secretary Macomber on Veterans Day

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation Nov. 11 for Veterans Day, thanking all those who served in the U.S. military.

Read the proclamation

In the Community

WSP Honor Guard presents colors at local elementary school

The Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) Honor Guard visited a local elementary school for their annual Veterans Day event. The Honor Guard presented the colors as the children looked on and stood at attention during their Nov. 7 event.

The patriotism could be seen and heard as the students belted out the song “God Bless the USA.” At the end of the ceremony, local veterans were treated to snacks as students presented them with letters of thanks.

student shaking honor guard member's hand

CMC transportation officers assist collision victims

Two transportation officers from the California Men’s Colony (CMC) were returning from a transport on Highway 101 when they witnessed a multiple vehicle crash.

CMC transportation officers Naranjo and Contreras.

Officers A. Naranjo and R. Contreras were passing through the city of Oxnard when they observed the accident on the southbound lanes of the highway.

With emergency medical personnel still enroute, both officers immediately stopped and crossed over the highway to assist the victims. Using their departmental first aid kit, the officers provided basic medical care to the injured motorists and stayed with the victims until emergency responders arrived.

Offering comfort and reassurance, their calm and selfless actions made a difference to the victims and are a credit to both CMC and the department.

Upward Mobility

Michael Brown, appointed Chief Deputy Warden, California Health Care Facility

Christopher Pierce, appointed Warden, Ironwood State Prison

Three sergeants graduate POST leadership institute

One of the CDCR sergeants graduating from the supervisory leadership institute offered by POST. — From left are POSED Deputy Director Gina Savala, Division of Adult Institutions Director Gena Jones, Sgt. Gocheva, Mule Creek State Prison Warden Luis Garnica, Lt. Rene Vasquez, and Sgt. Stanton with San Quentin State Prison.

CDCR was given the opportunity to enroll correctional sergeants in the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

The following CDCR correctional sergeants graduated SLI:

John Harris, Substance Abuse Training Facility, graduated cohort 551 on Sept. 26.
Magdalena Gocheva, Field Training Sergeant at Mule Creek State Prison, graduated cohort 552 on Oct. 15.
Philip Arias, Field Training Sergeant at Wasco State Prison, graduated cohort 553 on Oct. 31.

PVSP Prison Prevention Project

At-risk youth are getting some guidance from a program at Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) with the Prison Prevention Project (P3).

The self-help group consists of the incarcerated population and instructors from Coalinga college, using art and writing to take responsibility for their crimes. This internal writing process helps participants to see the effects of their decisions through the eyes of their victims and attempts to pay their respects to those who were affected by their choices.

The project is aimed toward helping at-risk youth, as most participants committed their crimes as youth themselves. P3 held a presentation where participants shared their stories, art, and songs directed at saving at-risk youth.

Mike Werth and Tony Christian created “The Game Plan: A Guide to Success for At-Risk Youth” for former gang members now serving life sentences who wish to share their warnings to the youth of today.

Art by an incarcerated artist titled Coming out of Darkness

art by an incarcerated artist, depicting drunk driving

ASP supports youth football

ASP staff presenting donation check to Avenal Youth Football organization

The incarcerated population from facilities A and B at Avenal State Prison (ASP) organized a food sale fundraiser for the Avenal Youth Football (AYF) program. The population raised $3,643 and presented the check to the program.

The contribution will help AYF purchase new equipment, uniforms, and other essential resources that directly benefit local youth athletes. The donation reflects the ongoing commitment and efforts of ASP staff and the incarcerated population to give back to the community, support constructive youth development, and encourage positive opportunities for young people throughout the region.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

OVSRS attends Day of Healing

A group of participants from the Day of Healing event at CTF

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) attended the Day of Healing event, hosted by Mend Collaborate. The event took place at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad where attendees had the opportunity to hear from a range of powerful speakers who shared their personal journeys of healing, forgiveness, and transformation.

The Day of Healing ranged from discussions in small groups to painting and dancing. The activities encouraged vulnerability, connection, and healing. One of the most powerful moments of the day was the “Dance from the Heart,” where participants expressed emotion and unity through movement. The powerful dance exercise created a sense of collective release and empathy, leaving a lasting impression to all who participated.

Recruitment

Recruitment events are happening near you!

Nov. 17 – Criminal Justice Tabling, CSU-Sacramento*
Nov. 17 – EDD Mini Job Fair, 2901 50th St., Sacramento*
Nov. 19 – Virtual Career Fair

*Registration for these recruitment events is not required.

In the Media

Corrections staff dismantle the death row lethal injection facility at San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, Calif., in 2019 after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a moratorium on the state’s death penalty. California is one of four states with moratoriums in place.

States’ death penalty policies are heading in sharply different directions

States are moving in sharply different directions on the death penalty, with some looking to broaden when and how executions occur while others try to scale them back or end them entirely.

Cal State LA degree expands at California prisons

The Prison Graduation Initiative (PGI) is expanding its bachelor’s degree program in prisons, with reform in mind. For the first time, PGI marked a graduation in a women’s prison.