Week in Review: February 6, 2026

February 6, 2026

In this February 6 Week in Review, we spotlight Brian Barrett, a teacher from Calipatria, female officers inspiring the next generation of law enforcement, and the first LWOP graduation at RJD.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Brian Barrett, CAL teacher

Teacher Brian Barrett, pointing to a screen with a lesson depicted

Meet Brian Barrett, a teacher at Calipatria State Prison (CAL). Previously a teacher in the public school system teaching grades kindergarten through middle school, he joined CDCR with the same goals – hoping to help those who want to better themselves.

We caught up with Barrett to talk about a typical day on the job, work-life balance, and advice he has for others thinking of joining CDCR.

What is a typical day like in your job?

My classroom is a welcoming and educationally stimulating environment. We start each class with bell work and words of the day before starting the latest math lesson. Then I juggle a mix of guided group work, independent work, and peer tutoring.

Brian Barrett holding a microphone at an atheltic event

How do you balance work and home life?

Although my career has taken me to adult school, I continue to volunteer with youth.

After work I can be found in the athletic department at our local high school, working the microphone for various games and events.

I have been on the sidelines or up in the press box for seven or eight different sports. If I can highlight an athlete’s efforts in a game or put a smile on a fan’s face, I can go home satisfied for creating a memorable evening.

What advice do you have for others thinking about joining CDCR?

I frequently say to myself that if I have the ability to do something positive with my life’s work – I must do it. By working in CDCR, we have the potential to protect society from some dangerous individuals in the present.

We also have the potential to rehabilitate and correct the behavior of some of these same individuals who will be back in our communities in the future. If you have that ability, take a leap of faith and come work for the department.

Observances

Black History Month – February 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month.

This year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month we pay homage to the rich history and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our state and nation in countless ways through centuries of struggle and triumph.

>>Read the full proclamation.

In the Community

Centinela inspires young women to join the ranks

Staff in an outdoor booth, greeting students

Staff from Centinela State Prison (CEN) participated in the Imperial Valley Women’s Law Enforcement Seminar. The seminar was aimed at female high school students who aspire to pursue careers in law enforcement. The event created a unique opportunity to explore interests and passions in the industry, welcoming over 150 students.

Representing CDCR was Correctional Counselor III and Parole Representative J. Burgos. Joining her effort was Lt. L. Lindon, Lt. K. Santana, Sgt. N. Alvarez, Officer S. Arias, acting Chief Deputy Warden L. Black, and Community Resource Manager H. Duarte.

Burgos, always displaying a strong passion for her career and motivating her partners in upward mobility, shared her experiences with students. The combined experiences, careers, and generational differences provided varied perspectives for the young women in attendance. Many students connected with staff, eager to pursue a career in CDCR.

Centinela staff talking in a forum to students

Staff from Centinela posed for a photo behind a CDCR booth

In Our Institutions

FSP donates thousands to families affected by violence

FSP incarcerated with staff, holding donation check

The incarcerated population at Folsom State Prison (FSP) collectively raised $7,332 for Headstones from the Heart. Organized by the Community Resources Office and the Incarcerated Advisory Council, the donation event featured an inspirational speech by the organization’s founder, Jessica Corde. She discussed fostering understanding and empathy for families of victims who have suffered loss.

Headstones from the Heart is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by acts of violence, resulting in the loss of loved ones. The funds donated to the organization will be used to purchase headstones for the gravesites of victims.

PVSP gets crafty, donates to low-income children

FSP staff and incarcerated, holding homemade stuffed animals

The incarcerated population in Facility C at Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) took advantage of their hobby craft privileges to give back to the local community.

The population created a program, making stuffed characters for low-income children.

With the help of the Community Resources Office, the program teamed up with the Huron Boys and Girls Club to directly donate to the children in need.

CMC celebrates PSSP graduates

The California Men’s Colony (CMC) held a graduation ceremony in the Protestant Chapel, recognizing the latest group of graduates from the Palliative Care Peer Support Specialist training. The cohort included 20 participants who completed 15 modules in over 12 weeks. The training helped participants build practical skills to provide steady, respectful support inside the institution.

The training supports the Humane Prison Hospice Project, preparing incarcerated participants to support peers who are dealing with serious illness or end-of-life care. The curriculum was developed in partnership with the Humane Prison Hospice Project, California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, and the University of California, San Francisco.

RJD hosts LWOP graduation

GRADUATES AND ATTENDEES SEATED, LISTENING TO EVENT SPEAKER

The Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) hosted the institution’s first Life Without Parole (LWOP) graduation.

The graduation celebrated incarcerated men who completed a curriculum and made a positive impact upon their peers. In attendance were family visitors, attorneys, staff, and previously incarcerated LWOP graduates. The formerly incarcerated graduates gave guidance and hope to the new graduating class.

In the Media

The family of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole Agent Joshua Byrd are joined by former teammates during the Guns and Hoses pregame ceremony.

Memory of CDCR parole agent Joshua Byrd honored at Guns and Hoses football game

CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, tragically killed in the line of duty in 2025, was honored Saturday at the 52nd annual Guns and Hoses charity football game.

Young Men With Choices: How one inmate is changing lives behind bars

Earl Harris, an inmate at California State Prison, Solano, was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in 2006 for a gang-related shooting and selling drugs.