Week in Review: February 20, 2026

February 20, 2026

In this February 20 Week in Review, we spotlight Assistant Principal Vera Valdivia-Abdallah, SCC firefighters, and RJD officers connecting with youth.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Vera Valdivia-Abdallah, Assistant Principal

Vera Valdivia-Abdallah explains how her role at California State Prison, Los Angeles, and her long-distance endurance riding both require focus, discipline, and resilience.

We caught up with Vera and asked her about her career and her horseback riding hobby.

Photo of CDCR educator Vera Valdivia-Abdallah Builds riding her horse in an endurance competition

What is your role at California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC)?
I am Supervisor of Academic Instruction (Assistant Principal), at LAC’s New Horizon Adult School. I oversee the ABE, GED and college programs and support teachers on two of the four yards.

Our focus is rehabilitation through education. When someone is released, the goal is that they are not just free, but employable and prepared for long-term success.

What do you enjoy outside of work?
I compete in endurance riding with my horse, Sharif. It is a long-distance sport where horse and rider complete 25 to 100 miles in a single day. This year, we placed second in the National Limited Distance Mileage Championship after completing 635 miles. Last year, my daughter Erna and I earned first place nationally as a parent-child endurance team, riding 1,615 miles together.

How does endurance riding influence your work in education?
Endurance riding teaches perseverance and consistency. In the sport, we say, “To finish is to win.” Education is similar. Progress can take time, but steady effort makes the difference.

Learn more about Valdivia-Abdallah in this expanded story

In the Community

SCC supports Blue Star Moms

SCC warden presenting check to nonprofit organization

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) Warden Joshua Prudhel and Employee Community Benefit Association member Emaline McDaniel presented a donation check to the Mid-Cal Blue Star Moms.

The Mid-Cal Blue Star Moms of Tuolumne County contribute to local families in need and have approximately 180 chapters throughout the nation. SCC’s donation of $5,000 will support the organization’s mission, known for providing flags depicting a star for each member of a family who is deployed.

In Our Institutions

SCC firefighters train, serve, achieve

Photo of Four SCC firefighter graduates standing in front of fire engine vehicle. — *Graduates Lance Lawrence and Brandon Stewart both plan to enter the UC Davis Fire Program upon parole, along with Traves Krause and Jacob Bookout*

Behind Sierra Conservation Center stands a modest beige building housing the Sierra Conservation Center Fire Department, an elite team led by Chief Gilmore and Captains Higginbotham, McDougle, LaSavio and Gould.

Since January 2024, the department has averaged more than two emergency calls per day, including more than 70 calls in January 2026 alone. Crews respond on institution grounds and through mutual aid in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties.

Institution firefighters earn certifications in State Fire Fighter I and II, CPR/AED, Public Safety First Aid and Emergency Medical Responder. Many parole-ready participants continue their medical training with plans to add Emergency Medical Technician credentials. When not responding to calls, they help coach Columbia College Fire Academy cadets and have completed Associate of Arts degrees through Lake Tahoe Community College.

CSP-LAC hosts Pathways to Progress Resource Fair

incarcerated individuals interacting with nonprofit organizations

California State Prison, Los Angeles County (CSP-LAC) hosted a Pathways to Progress Resource Fair at Facility C. Organized by Community Resources Manager Ericka Lake, the event brought community providers together in a collaborative space for the incarcerated population.

The event focused on reentry preparation and personal growth. Participants engaged with organizations offering employment support, education, housing resources, and rehabilitative programming. The fair fostered hope, motivation, and meaningful connections, giving participants the practical tools needed for successful reintegration.

Recruitment

RJD officers engage youth at STAR/PAL law enforcement panel

Officers from Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) participated in the STAR/PAL Law Enforcement Panel, joining other public safety professionals to speak with youth and community members about careers in corrections.

Photo of RJD Officers seated at tables, participating in the STAR/PAL Law Enforcement Panel

During the discussion, RJD officers shared insight into their daily responsibilities, academy training, and the importance of communication and de-escalation skills. They also addressed common misconceptions about working inside a correctional institution and highlighted the role officers play in maintaining safety while supporting rehabilitation.

The event created space for open dialogue, with attendees asking questions about career pathways, advancement opportunities, and preparation for the peace officer academy.

Through their participation, RJD staff demonstrated CDCR’s commitment to community engagement, mentorship, and positive youth development beyond institutional walls.

CDCR connects with job seekers at SacJobs Winter Career Fair

CDCR’s Recruitment Unit partnered with the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CA CTRA) at the SacJobs Winter Career Fair on Feb. 5, engaging directly with Northern California job seekers interested in public service.

Photo of 5 CDCR employees standing at Sac Jobs Winter Career Fair table

Recruiters discussed custody and non-custody careers, the hiring process, academy training, and long-term advancement opportunities. Attendees received firsthand insight into how their skills could translate into meaningful careers that support public safety and rehabilitation.

“Face-to-face engagement is where the recruitment process truly begins,” said Recruitment Manager Bodeen Ganhutagarngid. “These fairs allow us to move beyond a job posting and show motivated individuals how their skills can translate into a meaningful, lifelong career with CDCR.”

Participation in regional career fairs reflects CDCR’s continued commitment to proactive recruitment and strengthening community connections statewide.

CDCR builds campus partnerships at Sacramento State

CDCR’s Recruitment Team continued its monthly outreach at Sacramento State, hosting table and classroom presentations inside Alpine Hall within the Criminal Justice program.

CDCR employee standing at CSU SAC STATE Criminal Justice Alpine Hall Monthly Tabling/Class Presentations

Recruiters connected with students between classes, answering questions about the peace officer hiring process, academy preparation, and career opportunities across CDCR. The ongoing presence on campus reflects a strong partnership with Criminal Justice faculty and student organizations.

“Our partnership with Sac State’s Criminal Justice Program is invaluable,” said Recruiter Danny Royster. “Being present allows us to connect with motivated students preparing for careers in law enforcement and strengthen our recruitment pipeline.”

By maintaining a visible and supportive role on campus, CDCR continues building early connections with the next generation of public safety professionals.

Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.

In the Media

Folsom State Prison awards 126 graduates with workforce certifications

A full-circle moment unfolded Tuesday at Folsom State Prison during the Folsom State Prison Apprenticeship and Graduation Ceremony, which recognized 126 incarcerated individuals who completed workforce training, nationally accredited job certifications and apprenticeship programs designed to prepare them for employment following release.