From the Los Angeles fires to honoring the department’s heroes at the Medal of Valor Ceremony, the department faced a year of challenges, losses, and celebrated accomplishments. Through videos, photos, and stories, we revisit 2025.
Staff Spotlight
Cadet follows late husband’s CDCR career path
After Nancy Castro’s correctional lieutenant husband passed away, she decided to follow his CDCR career path.
She left a 20-year career in banking to become a correctional officer, graduating in early January. Castro said she needed to do something to provide for her family and corrections seemed to be the answer.
Aside from her husband, other family members have also worked for the department.
“My uncle, he retired after 30 years (with CDCR), and he pushed me,” she said. “When I was doubting myself and worried I wouldn’t (make it at the academy), he told me, ‘You can do it. You can do this. Nancy, you can do it.’ He encouraged me to stay. He did it and now he’s enjoying his retirement.”
Henry Mendoza named Ideal Parole Agent
Henry Mendoza, recipient of the Ideal Parole Agent award, was one of 44 agents graduating the Basic Parole Agent Academy. The ceremony was held Friday at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt with family and close friends also attending.
Mendoza said he was inspired by his father-in-law’s CDCR career. After watching his father-in-law graduate in 2010 as a CDCR correctional officer, he decided to follow in his career footsteps. Three years later, he earned his own correctional officer’s badge. Mendoza then reported to Valley State Prison in Chowchilla where he’s worked for 12 years.
Doubletake: Meet the twin Jauregui brothers
The twin Jauregui brothers wear nearly identical uniforms, which leads to a fair bit of confusion.
“We confuse staff and the incarcerated population,” noted Capt. Ricardo Jauregui. “At California Health Care Facility in Stockton, we were both sergeants together. At Sierra Conservation Center, we were both lieutenants until I promoted to captain.”
Currently, Lt. Ruben Jauregui serves as the administrative assistant/public information officer at Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown. Meanwhile, Ricardo holds the position of captain/academy commander at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt.
Families carry on legacy at CDCR Academy
At the CDCR Basic Correctional Officer Academy, some graduates earn more than a badge — they carry on a legacy.
Each story is rooted deep in family service.
“Watching generations of one family commit to this work is incredibly powerful. It speaks to the pride people have in CDCR and the bonds that form here,” said Breann Cantu, Academy Administrator. “We don’t just welcome new officers — we welcome whole families into a tradition of service.”
Fire Response
CDCR strike team fights Los Angeles wildfires
More than 7,500 firefighters, including a CDCR staff strike team, are battling relentless Southern California wildfires. They are working around the clock to protect lives and communities. The specialized 21-person CDCR staff strike team was deployed to the Palisades fire Jan. 8.
The strike team deploys under the direction of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Servies (CalOES), Fire & Rescue Division, which coordinates emergency management efforts statewide.
The team is led by Fire Chief Jesse Corrales, with the CDCR Office of Correctional Safey, and is assigned to the Palisades. They made an immediate impact, playing a critical role in supporting suppression and recovery efforts.
“When we first arrived at scene it was dark, power was out, the roads were filled with downed power poles, burning vehicles, rubble and debris,” Corrales said. “The fire was burning and spreading at a rapid rate.”
To combat the Palisades fire, Corrales joined the efforts of approximately 5,200 firefighters assigned to this massive operation.
He assembled a team of 20 highly trained staff fire personnel from CDCR firehouses across the state, utilizing fire engines from:
- Folsom State Prison
- California Institution for Men at Chino
- Chuckawalla Valley State Prison
- Mule Creek State Prison in Ione
- High Desert State Prison at Susanville
At the Fires: CDCR Medical Emergency Response
While incarcerated crews battle the Los Angeles fires, CDCR Medical Emergency Response Teams (MERT) are there to support them.
CDCR incarcerated fire crews are braving dangerous conditions to protect lives and communities. Facing extreme heat, smoke and hazardous terrain, ensuring we have medical staff onsite to provide care is an essential part of this mission.
Currently, CDCR has deployed two MERT units stationed at the Rose Bowl stadium and Holton Camp. Hailing from the Sierra Conservation Center (SCC), they ensure immediate care for minor injuries, while coordinating transport in case of more serious conditions.
Each MERT consists of a registered nurse team lead, a nurse or licensed vocational nurse, and a physician or mid-level provider. Operating on seven-day rotations, these teams are equipped with advanced medical supplies, utilizing CDCR’s emergency medical response protocols and triage system to deliver high-quality care.
As fires approach, CDCR staff save resident
A resident credits the CDCR staff strike team firefighters with saving him and his home during the Los Angeles fires.
“The whole hillside went up in flames like nothing I’ve ever seen in my life,” said resident Harry Leonhardt, describing the wildfires. “I didn’t want to leave here until I could figure out what was going on.”
“I was in deep trouble in there and they ended up finding me. It was like the cavalry showing up.”
Harry Leonhardt, resident
While outside, the force of the wind blew his door closed, locking him out.
“I couldn’t get back into my house,” he explained. “I’m sitting up there thinking I’m not going to make it through this.”
Then he spotted a fire truck going by.
“I screamed and they saw me, thank God,” he said.
Meet a CCWF incarcerated firefighter
During Fire Service Week in April, we spotlighted an incarcerated firefighter turning her life around while making a difference at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF).
Priscilla Charris said the work is fulfilling because she knows she’s helping others.
“I am an incarcerated firefighter at CCWF (in Chowchilla) and I’ve been a firefighter for a year. What I love about this job, is everything,” she said. “I love the sisterhood (and) the guidance. (Also,) I love the thrill of going out and fighting fire.”
While her poor choices landed her in a state prison, she said she’s proud of the progress she’s made.
“I have so many reasons why (I love this job), but the most important reason is giving back to the community that I took from,” she explained. “I did my crime and I’m here paying a price for that.”
Observances
SATF staff honor fallen first responders for Sept. 11
Staff at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison at Corcoran honored first responders lost during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
SATF’s first Honor Walk honored and paid respects for the lives lost during the tragic events on Sept. 11, 2001.
Staff from all departments gathered in the Administration parking lot for the Honor Walk.
The event was opened with a prayer by acting Associate Warden Eric Smith followed by remarks from Warden Morales.
CDCR, CCHCS mark Nurses Week across the state
During National Nurses Week, CDCR, CCHCS, institutions and divisions across California celebrated their contributions.
California State Prison (CSP) Corcoran celebrated National Nurses Week through appreciation events and giveaways.
CDCR, CCHCS staff honor military veterans
Through runs, community events, solemn ceremonies and parades, CDCR and CCHCS staff honored military veterans across California. Veterans Day, observed Nov. 11 each year, celebrates and honors the service of all military veterans. In this round-up of activities, see how our staff were involved.
Staff at Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City gathered Nov. 10 to honor veteran employees and commemorate their service. The gathering, held at the flagpole, featured flags representing each branch of the military, symbolizing our deep respect for their dedication.
Warden Stephen Smith addressed the assembly, sharing the significance of this day. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all staff for their service and invited anyone who wished to share their thoughts. Following remarks, staff came together to enjoy cake and camaraderie, celebrating the occasion with joy and laughter.
In Our Institutions
CIM honors contraband detecting k9s
California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino recently held its first ceremony to honor the K-9s who work tirelessly to detect drugs, phones, and other contraband inside prison walls.
The event brought together correctional staff, K-9 handlers, and administrators to celebrate the vital role these dogs and handlers play in ensuring institutional safety.
Specially trained in the detection of narcotics, Suboxone, methamphetamines, and unauthorized electronics, the K-9 units are responsible for uncovering illicit items that pose serious threats to security. Their ability to detect materials hidden in the most unlikely places is often the difference between a quiet day and a dangerous incident.
SATF music festival fosters community
Fostering a sense of community through music was the goal at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison at Corcoran.
The SATF Music Festival brought bands together to the California Model yard at the institutions.
“What I bring is a part of the culture of the Mexican regional music,” said singer songwriter Alejandra Rojas. “It’s a very big part, very important to the Mexican culture.”
One of the organizers behind the festival, an incarcerated person at the facility, said he’s long wanted to bring music to the institution.
“This all comes from a dream I had to bring in a concert,” Jose explained.
SATF acting Warden Raul Morales said these events foster normality and community inside the institution. Overall, the events benefit staff as well as the population.
“The staff and incarcerated people coming together and having this event here is leaps and bounds (beyond what I) thought SATF could put together,” he said.
Public safety sweeps net weapons, contraband at 11 prisons
Through proactive enforcement sweeps at CDCR, staff have discovered multiple weapons, cellular devices, controlled substances, and various prohibited items in the past week and a half.
These additional searches began after CDCR initiated modified programming March 8, 2025, at 11 high-security locations.
“I am impressed with the commitment and ongoing dedication of CDCR employees to root out contraband, deescalate tensions, and improve the environment for staff, incarcerated individuals and visitors”
Secretary Jeff Macomber
Division of Adult Parole Operations
Parole agents lead Oakland compliance sweep
CDCR Community Compliance Unit (CCU) parole agents led a multi-agency Oakland compliance sweep, resulting in nine arrests. In addition to the arrests, the verification operation included checks of sex offenders, gang-affiliated people and others under parole supervision.
“Our division strives to promote public safety by building partnerships that promote successful reintegration,” said Bryan Bishop, director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO). “These compliance checks are about accountability, bringing supervised persons back into compliance to achieve successful reintegration, and protecting our communities. Our parole agents work every day to help those released to parole supervision avoid reoffending and thrive in their communities.”
Meet the Division of Adult Parole Operations Honor Guard
It all began at conference in 2023, where the newly appointed Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Jason Johnson stood in a crowd of law enforcement leaders, watching a ceremony performed by an honor guard team that left a lasting impression.
A few months later, he witnessed the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and California State Prison-Solano honor guard teams pay their respect to a colleague at a funeral service.
As the DAPO Director then, Undersecretary of Operations Johnson was struck by their sharp uniforms, unwavering discipline and the quiet strength they projected.
He leaned over to someone next to him and said, “I need to establish an honor guard team for DAPO.”
In that moment, a vision began to form.
Parole division supports supervised individuals
A collaborative effort between state parole and county probation resulted in a resource fair for supervised individuals.
The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) is dedicated to aiding supervised individuals in their successful reintegration into society. To support this mission, they collaborated with the San Diego County Probation Department to organize a Feb. 20 community resource fair in Vista.
Cory Alvarez, the Chief Deputy Administrator of the Community Reentry Unit at DAPO, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in enhancing their programs.
Parole, sheriff run sex-offender compliance sweep
Parole agents from the Riverside and Tri-City districts partnered with other law enforcement officers for a sex-offender compliance sweep. In all, there were 115 contacts at 61 locations resulting in 16 arrests.
The Oct. 8 joint operation was led by Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Moreno Valley Station Investigation Bureau.
These consisted of persons under community supervision, such as probation or parole, and non-supervised Penal Code (PC) 290 registrants.
Conducted in the city of Moreno Valley, the operation ensured all registrants were following their sex offender registration requirements. In addition to confirming residency, offenders who were on probation or parole were also checked to verify they were complying with their court-ordered terms. During the enforcement, 16 subjects were arrested for charges related to parole or probation violations, drug-related offenses, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
In the Community
K‑9 officer saves two teens from burning car
When off-duty Salinas Valley State Prison Correctional Officer Grady was driving with K-9 Anna earlier this year, he saw a car lose control and crash off the highway.
A Honda CRV was northbound on Highway 25 when it suddenly lost control, ran into a ditch, and rolled multiple times before colliding with a power pole. Severely damaged, the vehicle landed on its side, finally coming to a stop.
The vehicle then began to smoke with flames visible from the car’s underside.
Special Olympics Northern California takes Plunge
Special Olympics Northern California made an unforgettable splash this year, hosting multiple exhilarating Polar Plunges across the region.
From the Sacramento Region to the Bay Area, Tuolumne County, and Santa Cruz, hundreds of participants braved the icy waters in a show of unity, generosity, and courage all to support Special Olympics athletes.
Staff donate clothing to FCRP in Stockton
After receiving staff-donated clothing, Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) participants in Stockton are better equipped for job interviews.
The professional and business casual clothing was donated by CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services staff.
The staff donation to the FCRP included both brand-new items with tags still on and gently used clothing such as pantsuits, slacks, dress blouses, shoes, and handbags.
Rehabilitation
CDCR celebrates new MCRP in Fresno
CDCR and city officials attended the grand opening of the Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) facility in Fresno.
The new facility was activated Aug. 4.
Jorge Moreno, with Community Reentry Programs for the CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP), said these facilities are vital for helping people reenter society.
“(It’s) like a phase down from the institutions,” Moreno said. “(They) can decompress from the pressures and politics of prison and start acclimating back into the community.”
Meet Brittney Tamayo: From incarceration to counselor
In helping others, Brittney Tamayo found her voice.
For years during her incarceration, Tamayo was quiet and insecure. “I was just kind of flying under the radar,” she said.
When she had an opportunity to apply for the Occupational Mentor Certification Program (OMCP) at the Central California Women’s Facility in 2019, Tamayo was doubtful about being accepted.
OMCP is a rigorous program that trains eligible long-term incarcerated individuals to become certified Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselors. Participants are carefully selected based on their disciplinary record, programming history, and commitment to personal growth.
“When I got accepted, was I ready? Not at all,” Tamayo said. “But little by little, I started to open up, just speaking from the heart.”
Now Tamayo is in the community working as a certified AOD counselor while serving the remainder of her sentence at the Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) in Los Angeles.
Get on the Bus fosters family ties at CDCR prisons
Thanks to volunteers and sponsors, the Get on the Bus program is strengthening family ties at CDCR prisons.
SATF hosts Get on the Bus
The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran hosted a Get on the Bus family visiting event July 24.
Get on the Bus, part of the Center for Restorative Justice Works, partnered with the prison to host the event. The organization transported families from the Los Angeles area who otherwise have difficulties making the trip to the institution.
Children of all ages take part in program each year ranging in ages from newborns to young adults. This year 35 incarcerated persons welcomed 81 family visitors. They enjoyed games, breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day, offered by the organization.
Recruitment
CDCR recruiters work military air show
CDCR staff from the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) and the Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development (POSED) units assisted the Peace Officer Recruitment Unit at a large-scale military airshow event.
Lt. Rene Vasquez, Sgt. Ana Luna, and Sgt. Arthi Vasquez attended the 44th Annual California International Airshow in Salinas. The event was held Oct. 4-5.
The air show was a great success and generated strong interest in CDCR. Crowds were drawn to see the first-time performances of Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, which showcased the future of air travel with vertical takeoff and landing demonstrations of their all-electric aircraft.
Recruiters ramp up College Outreach Program
CDCR recruiters from the Peace Officer Recruitment Unit are ramping up the College Outreach Program.
The program demonstrates a commitment to fostering connections with the next generation of professionals by working with colleges throughout California.
Since the start of the spring semester, CDCR peace officer recruiters from various institutions engaged with over 400 college students. This marks a substantial increase in outreach efforts.
The program has successfully partnered with 40 colleges statewide, broadening its network and providing access to a diverse student population. This expansive reach signifies a strong interest from educational departments to collaborate with CDCR.
PVSP recruiters visit community events
Community events have proven to be great places for Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) recruiters to share CDCR employment opportunities.
The Clovis Chamber of Commerce kicks of rodeo month the first weekend of April with their annual Big Hat Days event in Clovis. This is the largest two-day festival in Central California with thousands of visitors filling the streets of Old Town to enjoy hundreds of craft and food booths.
Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services
Headquarters honors crime victims and survivors
CDCR and CCHCS headquarters staff recently gathered to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed April 6-12.
“It’s a time where communities come together to honor and recognize crime victims and celebrate the advancements in the victims’ rights movement over the past few decades,” said Mariam El-Menshawi, chief of the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services.
California Correctional Health Care Services
California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM)
CDCR/CCHCS began implementing the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative in phases in all California prisons beginning February 3, 2025. CalAIM has allowed CDCR/CCHCS to enhance services to the incarcerated population to ensure their continuity of care, and community supports are known and in place prior to and at the time of release.
Reduction in Primary Care and Specialty Backlogs
California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) reduced overdue specialty referrals by improving scheduling practices and launching a paper-notification system that will soon transition to tablet-based alerts. Telemedicine expansion lowered refusals and unnecessary transports, while primary care, laboratory, and optometry backlogs decreased statewide and were eliminated at several institutions.
Oversight Achievements
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) and High Desert State Prison (HDSP) completed required delegation processes. Six institutions earned Adequate/Adequate ratings from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
Read more accomplishments in CCHCS
Strategic Alignment (Healthcare Ops)
Statewide realignment of Division of Adult Institutions (DAI) Associate Directors, CCHCS Regional Health Care Executives (RCEs), and Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) Chiefs of Education improved collaboration and operational efficiencies. This alignment strengthened regional coordination, efficiencies, and partnership.
Statewide Data System Overhaul (Mental Health)
The Statewide Mental Health Program completed a major redesign of its monitoring systems by developing and validating nearly 400 data metrics and reports. In partnership with CCHCS Quality Management, this created one of the most comprehensive behavioral health reporting platforms in the nation.
RN Standardized Procedures and EHRS Decision Support (Nursing)
Twenty-four Registered Nurse (RN) Standardized Procedures and new Electronic Health Record System (EHRS) tools, including clinical decision support, were implemented statewide. These replaced outdated RN Protocols to ensure consistent, evidence-based nursing practice that improves patient outcomes and reduces risk.
COVID-19 Self-Testing Initiative (Nursing)
On March 31, 2025, the Employee Health Program implemented COVID-19 self-testing at institutions using BinaxNOW. This change produced an estimated annual savings of approximately $2.5 million.
ASQ Patient Safety Tool Integration (Nursing)
The validated Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool was integrated into Electronic Health Record (EHR) PowerForms to support National Patient Safety Goal 15.01.01. This enhancement was completed in October 2025, pending final EHR build approval.
Alarm Response Instructor Training Partnership (Nursing)
A formal partnership with the Emergency Medical Response Program and CDCR Office of Correctional Safety was established to jointly deliver Alarm Response Instructor Training. This collaboration improved coordination between medical and operational response teams.
Nursing Professional Practice Council Process Improvements (Nursing)
The Nursing Professional Practice Council redesigned its workflows to increase automation, transparency, and reduce administrative burden. The Council also began integrating Just Culture principles to inform Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) responses to deviations in nursing practice.
Comprehensive Dental Examination (Dental)
In October 2025, Dental Services completed the roll-out of the Comprehensive Dental Examination initiative at all 31 institutions, focusing on staff wellness, patient engagement, trauma-informed care, and improved patient communication through interactive staff training. As part of this initiative, the Dental teams partnered with the Peer Support Specialist Program to educate and encourage the population to request a comprehensive dental exam and achieve an acceptance rate of 80%.
Compliance and Reporting Unit (Corrections Services)
Improved reporting from the Health Care Access (HCA) Appointment Detail Report reduced unapproved ducats from 1.98% in June 2024 to 0.04% in October, significantly improving accuracy and operational oversight. CRU also deployed the Mental Health HCPOP Rescind Order notification from EHRS to the HEART application to streamline order processes, reduce email delays, and increase bed availability.
Video Equipment Scheduling Tool (Corrections Services)
The Video Equipment Scheduling Tool (VEST) enables incarcerated individuals to participate in court hearings and assessments virtually, eliminating costly and high-risk transports and enhancing safety for the population, staff, and the community. Following its proof of concept, VEST deployed to six institutions with 591 successful appointments recorded in October 2025.
Health Care Facility Support – PIP Cleaning Transition
The successful transition of CMF’s PIP cleaning services from a prior vendor to HFM on July 1, 2025, resulted in an approximately 50% cost reduction from approximately $12M to $6M. This shift added 93,945 square feet—including 312 patient rooms and 369 associated rooms and corridors—into the HFM inventory without service disruption while strengthening operational efficiency and cleanliness standards.
Hepatitis C Program
Because of the HCV and ISUDT Programs, treatment of HCV infection and MAT for Opioid Use Disorder reduced the prevalence of active HCV infection from 14% to 2.5% between 2018 and 2025, which is a 95% reduction. This represents one of CCHCS’s largest population-level disease reductions in system history.
Pharmacy Services
CalAIM Medi-Cal Rx implementation generated $5.2 million YTD in reimbursement while improving continuity of care upon release from 45% to 72% through pharmacist interventions. Additional savings were achieved through the 340B Program ($9.6 million, which is reinvested back into our programs), pharmaceutical rebate savings averaging ~$800k per month, and a Prior Authorization process that reduced not-clinically indicated medication use by 37% between June and November 2025.
Medical Imaging
Total offsite imaging spending decreased from $43.2 million in 2024 to $34.3 million in 2025, a 20.5% reduction. Savings were achieved through reduced volumes, increased onsite contractors for X-rays and Fibroscans, and expanded onsite CT, MRI, and Ultrasound clinics.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine added 27 Specialty providers and three contracted hubs, delivering nearly 29,000 Tele-specialty appointments (22% of all specialty visits) and maintaining over 80% compliance. Night Shift coverage expanded to 15 institutions with over 10,000 calls handled between January and October 2025, reducing fatigue and burnout for primary care providers.
Utilization Management
Long-Distance Transports were reduced from 6,189 to 4,474 between 2024 and 2025, a 29% reduction. The transition to a new e-Consult Platform and the updated 1845/7410 process in EHRS improved usability, enhanced provider experience, and supported compliance with Armstrong requirements.
Palliative Care
Palliative Care telehealth services launched on October 10, 2025, enabling statewide HQ support for compassionate release, advance care planning, cognitive assessments, and care planning. Compassionate release grant rates continue to rise from 39% in 2023 to 59% in 2025 to date, Elderly parole grant decisions supported by more than 247 Medical Summary letters and specialized training for BPH Commissioners and Forensic Psychologists.
Quality Management (QM)
Quality Management governance expanded significantly with custody/CDP/DAPO leaders now co-chairing QMCs and partnering in analytics, Just Culture, Lean Six Sigma, and RCA training to strengthen a unified, data-driven approach to system improvement. Staff accessed QM tools over 7.5 million times in 2025, with the Healthcare Services Dashboard exceeding 860,000 uses and the ISUDT Dashboard over 175,000 uses, demonstrating unprecedented engagement.
Lean Six Sigma Program
CDCR’s Lean Six Sigma program—one of the largest government-based programs in the nation—trained nearly 700 staff in 2025 and exceeded 3,000 Yellow Belt–level certifications systemwide. More than 200 staff also completed in-depth Root Cause Analysis training to strengthen process-improvement facilitation across the system.
EHRS Specialty Services Patient Letters (IT)
Lack of proper notification for upcoming specialty appointments has led to frequent patient refusals, putting patient health at risk and straining scheduling resources. CCHCS Information Technology Services developed an automated process for generating a notification letter at various stages of the approval and scheduling process. The staff time saved by this solution is estimated to equate to seven full-time personnel years annually.
California Prison Industry Authority
CALPIA Optical Program teaches job skills
CALPIA’s Optical Program at Central California Women’s Facility helps participants envision a brighter future through job training and learning employable skills.
At the women’s facility in Chowchilla, they manufacture lenses through Medi-Cal, according to CALPIA program manager J. Verburg.
“They learn everything from prescription to actual manufacturing. The skills they’re learning will help them get a job (after incarceration), making good wages at any of the major players in the optical world,” Verburg said.
Watch: CIM Marine Tech Center graduation
The California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino recently held a graduation at the institution’s Marine Technology Training Center.
Dozens of incarcerated people earned degrees and certificates through CIM’s many rehabilitative programs.
Some of these programs included dive school, maintenance, and computer-related systems. Diving, underwater welding, and torch cutting are only some of the skills the incarcerated population can learn.
At the Capitol
Governor awards highest honor to CDCR staff
Governor Gavin Newsom Friday honored three CDCR staff with the state’s highest award presented to a public safety officer.
Recipients were:
- Thomas Coyle, senior laboratory assistant at Mule Creek State Prison
- Correctional Sgt. Charles Davis from Pelican Bay State Prison
- and Correctional Officer Rogelio Tienda from California State Prison, Corcoran.
They were each awarded the Gold Star at the State Employee Medal of Valor ceremony.
Gov. Newsom praised their efforts displaying great courage in the face of immediate life-threatening peril with full knowledge of the risk involved.
“We celebrate the brave and selfless actions of our employees who have courageously risked their own safety to help others. It is both remarkable and inspiring to recognize that CDCR employees are ready to step forward when our communities call upon us,” said Jeff Macomber, CDCR Secretary. “Today’s awards reflect the unwavering dedication to community that our coworkers embody, transcending their roles and uniforms.”
Pine Grove youth honored by state legislature
Incarcerated men from Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp were recently honored by the California legislature for their firefighting efforts.
Camp staff accompanied the Pine Grove hand crews for a tour of the capitol where they met legislators and other officials.
The California State Senate put together a day in the Senate for the incarcerated fire crews at Pine Grove.
In the Media
New correctional officers graduate from basic academy
In 2025, 672 cadets graduated from the Basic Correctional Officer Academy, with another 97 cadets expected to graduate on December 19, bringing the year-end total to 769. This year’s graduations highlighted dedication, teamwork, and family support.. One memorable moment included a graduate being surprised by his Marine daughter, who returned home from military service to celebrate his achievement. The Academy continues to prepare correctional peace officers committed to safety, rehabilitation, and service to California communities.
Parole Agents keep families safe during annual Operation Boo
In October, CDCR and DAPO launched its communications campaign highlighting Operation Boo on Halloween night.
CDCR’s press office conducted a proactive media coverage campaign during Operation Boo, securing interviews and coverage with local parole agents representing Fresno Parole, Bakersfield Parole, Redding Parole and Sacramento Parole. Outlets who covered the operation include: ABC 30 Fresno, KBAK (Bakersfield), KRCR ABC 7 (Shasta County), KCRA 3 (Sacramento), Fox 40 (Sacramento), KGET (Bakersfield), CBS 47/KSEE 24 (Fresno), Univision 21 (Fresno), and Telemundo 33 (Sacramento).
More than 250 parole agents participated in Operation Boo, ensuring 94 percent of sex offender supervised persons were found successfully in compliance. A total of 35 supervised persons were arrested for not adhering to their special conditions of parole.
Partnerships, in-prison training programs make strides in rehabilitation
CDCR’s mission is to enhance public safety and promote the successful reintegration of the people in our care back to their communities. These efforts have been highlighted in 2025 by news outlets who have done stories on programs with CALPIA, CDCR’s dog programs, as well as the Occupational Mentor Certification Program.
This year, hundreds of incarcerated individuals were awarded nationally-accredited job certifications and apprenticeships through CALPIA– a program aimed at preparing prisoners for successful re-entry into society. Another program, covered by KSBY at the California Men’s Colony is the The Occupational Mentor Certification Program where incarcerated individuals work toward becoming drug and alcohol counselors earning certificates which allow them to work at other adult institutions upon their release. Associated Press took an in-depth look at another notable rehabilitation program at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. The service dog training program Canine Companions brings out humanity, love and caring in the incarcerated community.
2025 saw an influx of volunteers teaching physical fitness
From CrossFit, to pickleball, even soccer and basketball, CDCR welcomed dozens of volunteers from groups traveling the nation to spread the meaning of rehabilitation through fitness. Volunteers like Roger Belair who have been to several institutions teaching Pickleball helps CDCR with the goal of empowering incarcerated individuals to sustain regular, lifelong physical activity to live a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life. A noteworthy first in physical fitness within CDCR was covered by KSEE as Avenal State Prison became an official and the only CrossFit affiliate within a California Prison. The program had certified coaches come into the institution, provide seminar training and coaching certificates, with the goal of pushing incarcerated individuals towards employment once released. This initiative was recognized by the national CrossFit community on Morning Chalk Up.
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