Week in Review: December 5, 2025

December 5, 2025

In this December 5 Week in Review, we spotlight donating bikes for kids, a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser in Sonora, and CALPIA gets a new name.

In the Community

VSP donates bikes to four children

Associate Warden Brian Davi, Tina Jenkins, Correctional Business Manager Randy Lindsey, and Acting Classification and Parole Representative Alberto Magana with bikes. — From left, Associate Warden Brian Davi, Tina Jenkins, Correctional Business Manager Randy Lindsey, and Acting Classification and Parole Representative Alberto Magana

Valley State Prison (VSP) donated four bikes to the Central Valley Regional Center’s (CVRC) nonprofit community event. The event supported Robo Enrichment’s program, iRobotic Dog Social Interactive Engagement.

This program supports children with mild to moderate disabilities, providing a unique way to connect mind, bodies, and hearts through interactive experiences encompassing physical, recreational, and social activities.

At the community event, the bikes donated by VSP’s refurbished bike program were raffled off to four children, further supporting the local community and Robo Enrichment’s mission.

SCC joins Tip-A-Cop supporting Special Olympics

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) staff participated in Tip-A-Cop fundraiser at the Sonora Applebee’s. The funds raised at Tip-A-Cop will support the Tuolumne County Ravens Special Olympics.

SCC partnered with the California Highway Patrol, Sonora Police Department, and Sonora Fire Department to collect donations and assist Applebee’s staff with cleaning tables and serving food to diners.

Upward Mobility

Andre Green, acting Warden, Centinela State Prison

Antronne Scotland, acting Director, Corrections Services, CCHCS

Chase Jackson, Chief Deputy Warden, California State Prison, Sacramento

Cynthia Rojas, acting Warden, Correctional Training Facility

Michael Betzinger, acting Warden, Pelican Bay State Prison

*Names are listed in alphabetical order.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

DAPO resource fair empowers formerly incarcerated in San Fernando Valley

Formerly incarcerated individuals seeking a fresh start were connected with vital resources. This was the first “From Barriers to Breakthroughs” reentry, resource, and job fair.

The event was a collaborative effort involving the Community Reentry Unit (CRU), the San Fernando Valley Parole District, and the Sun Valley El Proyecto Del Barrio Worksource Center. The group effort provided a one-stop shop for crucial services aimed at successful community reintegration.

Numerous community-based partners joined the effort. They offered support in career services, addiction recovery, housing assistance, educational opportunities, legal aid, and family reunification resources. Supervised persons from area parole units and participants from the Los Angeles Male and Female Community Reentry Programs interacted with the organizations. The groups are dedicated to reducing recidivism and fostering stability.

Beyond the wealth of resources, the welcoming environment allowed attendees to enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch. Donated prizes given away every 30 minutes, adding an element of fun to the otherwise serious work of rebuilding lives.

The success of the event highlights the community’s commitment to providing a supportive pathway for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Attendees at DAPO career and resource fair

Foremerly incarcerated talking to DAPO staff at booth

DAPO collaborates with Orange County H.I.R.E.

The Community Reentry Unit (CRU) collaborated with the South Coast Parole District, participating in the Orange County H.I.R.E. Reentry Resource Fair. The event helped formerly incarcerated individuals find resources for successful community reintegration.

Over 150 individuals navigating life after incarceration received vital support held at the Honda Center. Hosted by Hub for Integration, Reentry & Employment (H.I.R.E.) Orange County, the event connected supervised persons with over 60 community-based providers ranging from employment services to addiction recovery support.

“Parole is just there to supervise. They’re not out there to get you, you get yourself,” said formerly justice-involved person, Albert Lamonte. “I honestly believe that parole will help you, but you must help yourself first.”

After serving his prison sentence, Lamonte was paroled and supervised on “high-control supervision,” but was discharged in one year by taking advantage of the rehabilitative programs offered to him. Through this, he built a positive relationship with his parole agent.

The resource fair offered attendees access to employment, education, legal assistance, health and wellness, and professional development opportunities. These including free haircuts, resume services, and interview clothing.

In addition to the practical resources, the event offered opportunity drawings for gift cards, school supplies, and professional supplies for those in attendance.

supervised person talking to DAPO staff at booth

DAPO staff engaging with supervised persons at booth

California Prison Industry Authority

CALPIA becomes CALCTRA

On Jan. 1, 2026, the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) will officially become the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) following the enactment of Senate Bills 157 and 857. The Prison Industry Board unanimously approved the name change and will now be known as the Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Board.

The name change underscores the organization’s commitment to providing job training, career preparation, and rehabilitative opportunities to incarcerated individuals across the state. The new name also helps strengthen CALCTRA’s partnerships with employers statewide, many of whom offer jobs to program participants before they even leave prison. By emphasizing “training” and “rehabilitation,” the agency hopes to attract additional partners who share its vision for second chances.

CALPIA holds ribbon cutting ceremony for Joint Venture Program

Incarcerated with CALPIA staff cutting a ribbon

CALPIA, in partnership with Surplus Service and CDCR, opened a new Joint Venture Program at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad. The new program provides valuable job training to incarcerated individuals for employment in the e-waste management industry.

CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson, CALPIA Assistant General Manager of Workforce Development Debi Kamakani, CTF Warden Edward Borla, and President of Surplus Service Lou Ramondetta spoke at the event.

CALPIA’s Joint Venture Program is a unique partnership between private industry and the state of California. The program is designed to support the successful reintegration of incarcerated individuals into society.

Participants earn industry-standard wages comparable to what they would receive for the same work outside prison. From these earnings, taxes are withheld and deductions are made for room and board, family support, trust/canteen accounts, mandatory savings, and victims’ restitution.

Based in Fremont, Surplus Service is an industry leader in secure asset management and e-waste solutions. Their operation focuses on electronic waste recycling and repurposing. Surplus Service’s goal is to provide robust reporting on zero-waste solutions that lead to the reuse of electronics rather than just recycling them.

Bill Davidson speaking at the podium — CALPIA GM Bill Davidson

Debi Kamakani speaking at a podium — CALPIA GM Bill Davidson

California Men’s Colony Graduation

Ninety incarcerated individuals received their job certifications and/or apprenticeships from CALPIA at California Men’s Colony (CMC) on Sept. 18. The graduation ceremony was held in front of family, friends, and staff. In partnership with CDCR, CCHCS, and the California Department of Industrial Relations, CALPIA recognized the graduates for their hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments.

former CALPIA graduate Justin Ennis — Former CALPIA graduate Justin Ennis

CMC Warden Danny Samuel attended to show his support and share words of encouragement along with CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson.

“Ultimately, this day is about each and every one of you gentlemen,” said Davidson. “As I stand here today and look out at every one of you, I am truly motivated and inspired. Thank you for what you have done and accomplished to be here today. You have demonstrated hard work, dedication, and commitment; I applaud you.”

Justin Ennis, a CALPIA graduate, returned to prison to share his story of perseverance, growth, and success after he returned home. He encouraged the graduates to believe that change is possible, and second chances can lead to lasting success.

CALPA works. It’s real, it lays the groundwork and the effort you put in will make a difference. I want you guys to get out there and write your happy ending.
Justin Ennis

Recruitment

PORU takes on San Jose State

CDCR’s Peace Officer Recruitment Unit (PORU) continued its Northern California outreach efforts at the San Jose State University (SJSU) football game. PORU staff connected with students, alumni, and community members interested in public safety careers.

The football game provided strong visibility for CDCR, proving effective in promoting correctional peace officer opportunities to a diverse audience. PORU recruiters hosted a booth along the stadium concourse, engaging with attendees steadily throughout the evening. Visitors were interested in the stability, purpose, and long-term growth associated with a CDCR career.

Recruiter ThaiHang Le represented PORU at the event and emphasized the value of connecting directly with the campus community.

“San Jose State has a motivated and diverse student population,” Le said. “Events like this allow us to introduce CDCR’s mission and highlight the meaningful career paths we offer. It’s important that potential candidates see how they can make a real impact in public safety.”

The team supported attendees with on-site sign-ups, application guidance, and informational materials tailored to prospective peace officers. This engagement effort aligns with PORU’s broader strategy to strengthen recruitment pipelines in Northern California through consistent presence at regional fairs, collegiate events, and community gatherings. PORU will continue building these partnerships and expanding outreach opportunities to attract qualified, service-minded individuals to join CDCR’s mission.

Recruitment events are happening near you!

Dec. 5 – San Jose State Basketball Game, 1257 S. 10th St., San Jose*
Dec. 8 – Work for California – Winter Career Fair, 110 W. Tasman Dr., San Jose*
Dec. 10 – Virtual Career Fair
Dec. 15 – Employment Development Department Mini Job Fair, 2901 S. 10th St., Sacramento*
Dec. 21 – San Jose Women’s Basketball Game, 1257 S. 10th St., San Jose*
Dec. 30 – San Jose Men’s Basketball Game, 1257 S. 10th St., San Jose*

*Registration for these events is not required.

In Our Institutions

Folsom State Prison recognizes veterans, donates to Mather Veterans Village

Folsom State Prison held a special event, recognizing veterans within prison walls, and the local community. Incarcerated veterans gathered donations for Mather Veterans Village, a community within the non-profit group, the Nation’s Finest Veteran Services.

For three weeks, monetary donations and personal creative donations such as crotchet items, paintings, and handwritten letters of encouragement were collected by the incarcerated population to donate to the non-profit.

In Greystone Chapel, veteran speakers from the population, staff, and guests at Mather Veterans Village spoke about their personal experiences serving in the military. Veterans shared stories of inspiration, heartbreak, and transformation. The event closed with a banquet in honor of a community with a unique bond.

Mather Veterans Village received a donation of $2,355 thanks to the incarcerated population’s efforts. The funds will support critically needed veteran housing located on the former Mather Air Force base in Rancho Cordova. Mather Veterans Village provides 50 permanent homes to veterans and partners with Veterans Resource Centers of America. The organization provides comprehensive onsite services to formerly homeless and disabled veterans.

Incarcerated presenting check donation to Mather Veterans Village

Incarcerated donating art to Mather Veterans Village

SATF launches first resident-led barbershop

The Touch of Class barber school at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF) at Corcoran recently received $6,000 worth of supplies donated by Paul Mitchell. The Facility F barbershop, opened in September 2024, is the first resident-led program at the institution.

Recently, barbers in the program finally got to meet and thank the person behind the donation.

Mike Jacobellis from Paul Mitchell visited the institution, heard stories from the incarcerated barbers and even watched a performance by African Drummers. At the end of his visit, Jacobellis took a seat and received a haircut by Touch of Class, adding his name to the growing logbook of satisfied customers.

The barbers at Touch of Class were grateful for the opportunity to show their appreciation to Jacobellis and Paul Mitchell, expressing the impact the support and donation have made.

In its infancy, the program received support, training, and donations from local barber Emmet Duran. More than a year later, the program has provided approximately 4,400 haircuts to over 250 SATF staff.

Mike Jacobellis speaking to incarcerated barbers

Mike Jacobellis receiving a haircut from an incarcerated barber

In the Media

Skateboard partnership inside Corcoran’s prison ‘gives me hope’

A unique partnership happening behind prison walls is helping incarcerated artists give back to kids across the Central Valley. A nonprofit called “Fresno Skateboard Salvage” collects used skateboards and has them transformed into art by men in California prisons, and then auctions them to buy brand-new boards for local youth.