Week in Review: December 12, 2025

December 12, 2025

In this December 12 Week in Review, we spotlight the Boots on the Ground Golf Tournament, ASP’s multi-institutional alarm response training, and the latest recruitment efforts.

In Our Institutions

ASP builds bridges through giving

ASP providing donation check to Coalinga High School

The incarcerated population at Avenal State Prison’s (ASP) Facility D raised funds for Coalinga High School. A check for $1,076 was presented to the school’s class of 2028, providing meaningful support to local students as they prepare for important milestones.

The incarcerated population raised funds through a food sale, wanting to give back to their community. The contribution will help cover essential expenses for the Class of 2028 including graduation caps and gowns, school trips, and yearbooks, ensuring every student has the opportunity to fully participate in their high school experience.

The donation highlights the ongoing commitment of ASP’s population and staff to uplift the youth of Fresno County. Through acts of generosity and partnership, ASP continues to encourage positive opportunities, growth, and unity within the community it serves.

VSP debates Fresno State

Valley State Adult School students from Valley State Prison (VSP) hosted a debate against Fresno State University’s (FSU) debate team. The teams debated on topics such as the legality of the death penalty in the United States, the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 classrooms, and whether or not the National Guard should be deployed to states unless requested by the state’s governor.

The adult school and FSU debate students held practice sessions every other week during the fall semester, preparing for the big debate. The topics for the debate were chosen in November, allowing students to prepare and develop their arguments on each subject.

FSU students attended two practice sessions at the adult school to work directly with their incarcerated student teammates. The adult school and university students submitted the topics to ensure a collaborative development process between the two groups was successful.

This semester marks the third year for the debate program. The highlight each semester is the final debate, which pits the adult school debaters against their university counterparts. In addition to internal debates, the adult school program has hosted video debates with the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad and Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) in Crescent City.

debate moderator and debaters in the background

HDSP celebrates ARC graduates

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) celebrated Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), recognizing incarcerated persons nearing parole release. HDSP’s Minimum Support Facility supported eight graduates as they held their heads high while receiving their certificates, nearing the end of their incarceration sentences.

Graduates received certificates from their ARC mentor, in front of other students and staff. Acting Warden Kimberly Thornton supported the graduation with a speech to graduates, guests, and staff.

“With all the challenges you are faced with every day, I am proud that you want to better yourself and you pushed through. Your act of determination shows you can overcome adversity,” Thornton said.

“Although sometimes the subjects are harsh, they are real life situations that we have to face now so we can succeed in the real world,” one student speaker shared. Following the ceremony, graduates, guests, and staff participated in a reception.

The mission of ARC is transforming individuals inside the walls in hopes of making an impact on their life as they reintegrate into society.

ASP hosts Alarm Response Mass Casualty training

Avenal State Prison’s (ASP) In-Service Training Department conducted a reality-based Alarm Response Mass Casualty training for staff. Joining the training was Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP), Wasco State Prison (WSP), Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP), and Valley State Prison (VSP). More than 130 staff and over 20 instructors participated in the training event.

The training featured dynamic scenarios such as a simulated attempted murder and an attempted escape, during which staff deployed inert Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray on violent role players. The controlled scenarios allowed responders to make instinctive decisions under pressure while practicing safe-distance tactics and effective intervention techniques.

During the training, responders and role players conducted a lethal electrified fence drill with an extraction of a downed role player. The scenarios provided instructors with valuable opportunities to identify areas for improvement and recognize the exceptional performance of their peers and subordinates.

The medical and mental health departments collaborated closely in planning and supporting the event, ensuring safe, realistic, and comprehensive training conditions. Their involvement contributed significantly to the overall success of the exercise.

In the Community

Institutions compete in Boots on the Ground Golf Tournament

North Kern State Prison (NKSP), Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP), the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF), and California State Prison, Corcoran (COR) competed in the first Boots on the Ground Golf Tournament. The money raised during the tournament was donated to support the local Valley Children’s Hospital.

Each of the four institutions sent a team of 36 staff members, teamed up in pairs, to represent their respective institution. The teams played well, and the competition was stiff – team SATF won by 10 strokes. Each team played hard to win the trophy and bragging rights. The competing institutions hope to make this an annual event and continue to support local causes.

Winning SATF team in golf tournament holding a trophy

Man playing golf, flashing the camera with a smile and peace sign

Ironwood State Prison staff joins others to help Santa

Santa arrives on a Blythe Fire Department engine for Ironwood State Prison's Civil Servants for Santa shopping event for underprivileged youth.

Ironwood State Prison once again hosted the annual Civil Servants for Santa in Blythe. The popular event is 14 years strong. Local law enforcement and fire departments from the surrounding area joined forces to ensure 100 under-privileged children had a fun-filled and memorable holiday shopping experience.

read the holiday round-up

Recruitment

PORU, SRU visits East Bay criminal justice students

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Peace Officer Recruitment Unit (PORU) and Specialized Recruitment Unit (SRU) attended California State University, East Bay’s Criminal Justice Meet & Greet.

The event brought together law enforcement agencies and public safety departments to connect with college students exploring careers in those fields.

read the round-up

Recruitment events are happening near you!

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 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.