Week in Review: January 16, 2026

January 16, 2026

In this January 16 Week in Review, we spotlight CSP Solano’s check presentation ceremony, PORU’s career fair success, and a Pine Grove officer leads bible study.

In Our Institutions

Solano hosts a day of giving

California State Prison, Solano, recently hosted a check presentation ceremony for multiple non-profit organizations around Solano County. Funds came from a November Community Resources Manager (CRM) B. Tabrizi organized a food sale in November, raising approximately $30,813.

The ceremony included a musical performance from an incarcerated band. In attendance were incarcerated members from the Offender Mentorship Certification Program (OMCP) and guests from the Governor’s Office, Assembly member Lori Wilson, and founders and directors from the non-profit group recipients.

Fairfield high school check presentation

Donation checks were presented to the following groups:

Solano Community Foundation
Team Vacaville
Vacaville Police Activities League
Fairfield High School
Meals on Wheels Solano County
Special Olympics Northern California
The Father’s House
Fresno Skateboard Salvage
A Hand Up
No More Tears

Avenal State Prison honors staff of 25 years

Avenal State Prison (ASP) group photo of staff with 25-plus years of service to the department.

Avenal State Prison (ASP) recently honored 18 dedicated staff who reached the extraordinary milestone of 25-plus years of CDCR service.

These honorees represent a wide range of classifications, including correctional officers, sergeants, lieutenants, correctional counselors, captains, Plant Operations staff, and correctional case records analysts. Together, they reflect the teamwork, professionalism, and dedication required to operate a complex institution like ASP.

For more than a quarter century, these employees have shown up with integrity, resilience, and pride in public service. Whether on the front lines, in leadership roles, or behind the scenes, their efforts have helped ensure the safety, security, and daily operations at ASP.

Officer Landreth at Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp leads a Bible study for the incarcerated population.

A Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp correctional officer has gone beyond his normal duties to establish a Bible study for camp participants.

Correctional Officer Rodney Landreth is making a lasting difference in the lives of the incarcerated men he supervises.

Last Spring, Officer Landreth took the initiative to create a weekly Bible study group for the camp. The group’s idea is rooted in hope, faith, and the belief that change begins from within.

What started as a simple proposal has since grown into a meaningful space for reflection, growth, and fellowship.

PORU celebrates virtual career fair success

Become a peace officer, virtual career fair

The Peace Officer Recruitment Unit (PORU) hosted a successful Virtual Career Fair, drawing significant interest from candidates looking to start the new year with a career in law enforcement.

Nearly 240 people registered, with 100 of them engaging directly with recruiters. The impact was immediate – 93% of attendees agreed to apply or have stated they already applied to CDCR.

“I have never seen a law enforcement agency so enthusiastic about helping the public apply,” said one participant.

The success of this fair sets a high bar for CDCR’s recruitment efforts in 2026, proving that digital outreach remains a powerful tool for finding the department’s future leaders.

PORU, DAPO recruit women’s basketball

CDCR’s Peace Officer Recruitment Unit (PORU), in partnership with the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), conducted focused recruitment outreach during the Sacramento State Women’s Basketball game on January 11, 2026. The event emphasized engaging women and promoting careers for women in law enforcement and public service. Recruiters provided information on custody and non-custody career opportunities, the CDCR hiring process, academy training, and career advancement, while highlighting CDCR’s commitment to the 30×30 Women’s Initiative. PORU and DAPO representatives shared firsthand experiences and responded to questions, offering attendees a clear understanding of career pathways within CDCR.

Recruiter Inderpal Dhaliwal emphasized the importance of creating intentional spaces to support and encourage women interested in law enforcement careers. “Women-focused events like this allow us to connect with and inspire women who may not have previously considered a career in law enforcement,” Dhaliwal said. Participation in the Sacramento State Women’s Basketball game reflects CDCR’s continued commitment to advancing gender equity, supporting women in law enforcement, and strengthening community engagement throughout Northern California.

Observance

January is National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month celebrates the power of strong support systems. For example, CDCR’s staff Peer Support Program (PSP) consists of volunteer custody and non-custody staff who have the desire and passion to help their fellow staff in a time of need. PSP members have received extensive training in empathy, psychological first aid, critical incident response, active listening, and best practices for peer-to-peer support programs.

In the Media

Incarcerated reveal CALPIA'S new name in stone, CALCTRA

CALPIA transitions to California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority

The California Prison Industry Authority officially became the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority earlier this year, marking a rebranding that state corrections leaders say more clearly reflects the agency’s long-standing focus on rehabilitation, workforce development and successful reentry.

A California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation incarcerated firefighter works as the Hughes Fire burns in Castaic Lake on Jan. 22, 2025. Photo by David Swanson, Reuters

Fighting LA wildfires broke my heart but prepared me for life outside prison

On a cold January day at our fire camp in Northern California, I learned my crew was being sent south. On the bus, I kept wondering why they would need our help with a fire in the winter.