Week in Review: February 27, 2026

February 27, 2026

In this February 27 Week in Review, we spotlight the completion of the San Quentin Learning Center, Recreation Therapist Megan Waters, and Peer Support Specialist graduates at CEN.

What’s New

CDCR announces the completion of San Quentin Learning Center

Governor Newsom walking with a group of people at the San Quentin Learning Center ribbon cutting event

CDCR and Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday the completion of the innovative educational complex – the San Quentin Learning Center. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to showcase the 80,000-square-foot project nestled above the lower yard at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC).

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Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Megan Waters, Recreation Therapist, SAC

At California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC), Recreation Therapist Megan Waters is making a difference for the Enhanced Outpatient population.

Recreation therapist Megan Waters stands in front of SAC mural

What do you do as a recreation therapist at SAC?

As a recreation therapist at SAC, my role is to use structured recreational interventions to support rehabilitation, mental health and overall wellness for the incarcerated population. I work with the Level IV Enhanced Outpatient population, designing goal-driven groups ranging from art and fitness to Positive Psychology and advanced guitar.

What might surprise people about your job?

It’s not simply ‘games’ or ‘sports.’ Every activity has a therapeutic objective tied to rehabilitation outcomes. Even a game of dominoes can build focus, problem-solving and pro-social skills.

Why does recreation therapy matter?

I would like staff and the public to understand that recreation therapy is not about entertainment or just ‘keeping them busy,’ it’s about rehabilitation. It supports institutional safety, reduces stress, improves mental and physical health and teaches transferable life skills.

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Upward Mobility

Patrick Eaton, Director of Corrections Services, CCHCS

Division of Adult Parole Operations

DAPO reentry unit collaborates with Archdiocese

The DAPO Community Reentry Unit at an event with the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community Reentry Unit recently collaborated with the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Restorative Justice Ministry.

For the first time, they teamed up for the 2026 Excell Network Breakfast at Mission Dolores Basilica in San Francisco.

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In Our Institutions

WSP hosts ISUDT bake sale for staff appreciation, overdose awareness

WSP staff stand behind table of baked treats for their ISUDT bake sale

heart shaped baked treats in container on table

The Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) Ambassador Team at Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) hosted a bake sale to honor staff and raise awareness about overdose prevention programs.

Held ahead of Valentine’s Day, the event brought together custody, health care and administrative staff. Team members prepared and sold cookies, cupcakes, brownies and other treats. Proceeds will support upcoming staff appreciation and overdose awareness activities at the institution.

The ISUDT program provides evidence-based treatment and recovery support for incarcerated individuals. Through ambassador initiatives, participants promote accountability, education and positive change. Organizers reported strong participation and thanked staff for their support.

CEN certifies new Peer Support Specialists

A group of Peer Support Specialists dressed in graduation attire sit and listen to Acting Warden Andre Green speak.

At California State Prison, Centinela (CEN), leadership and health care staff gathered to recognize newly certified Peer Support Specialists and the continued growth of the Peer Support Specialist Program (PSSP).

PSSP is a collaboration between CDCR and CCHCS, trains incarcerated individuals to use their lived experience to provide recovery and rehabilitative support to others. After completing classroom instruction, internship hours and a required examination, participants earn official certification and begin offering daily peer support services within the institution.

Acting Warden Andre Green and acting Chief Executive Officer John Munger congratulated graduates, recognizing their volunteer commitment and the value the program brings to the institution.

SCC Hooks and Needles program supports Cold Case Task Force

SCC incarcerated persons and staff stand around crocheted and other handmade donation items

Handcrafted donations from incarcerated participants at Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) supported the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Cold Case Task Force during its annual fundraiser.

The handmade pieces created through the program raised about $1,800. At the charity event, donated items included crocheted animals, handmade beaded jewelry and authenticated, handcrafted Native American necklaces.

Participants in SCC’s Hooks and Needles program chose to give back to Calaveras County. The task force funds DNA testing of unidentified remains, searches for missing persons and investigates unsolved homicides.

Facilitator Stephanie Pike and volunteer Joanna Tedder attended the event and met with Calaveras County Sheriff Rachelle Whiting. The sheriff later thanked Warden Joshua Prudhel, program participants and staff for their contribution.

ARC graduates celebrate milestone at CEN

Incarcerated ARC graduate from Centinela State Prison (CEN) shakes hands with acting associate warden Andre Green during the graduation ceremony

The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) recently honored graduates of its program at Centinela State Prison (CEN).

Incarcerated participants completed three months of weekly classes focused on accountability and personal growth. The curriculum includes Criminals and Gangs Anonymous concepts, support for youthful offenders and preparation for the Board of Parole Hearings. To graduate, participants must attend regularly and complete classroom assignments.

Acting Warden Andre Green served as the keynote speaker. He congratulated graduates for their commitment, participation and application of program principles.

Family members attended the ceremony and shared how the program positively influenced their loved ones’ behavior and outlook.

Founded in 2016, ARC aims to reduce recidivism by helping participants build insight, responsibility and a path forward. The ceremony marked both a milestone and a renewed commitment to change.

CIW hosts Valentine’s Day family event

Incarcerated woman and female child work on a Valentine's Day painting craft together

Two people doing crafts during CIW Valentine's Day family event

California Institution for Women (CIW) hosted a Valentine’s Day event designed to strengthen family connections and provide a positive, supportive environment for children and their loved ones.

During the event, children received Valentine’s cards and treats while spending dedicated time with family members. The gathering focused on encouraging meaningful interaction and reinforcing the importance of maintaining positive family ties.

The event reflects CIW’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthy relationships as part of the rehabilitative process and promoting emotional well-being through structured family-centered programming.

In the Community

OCS special agent rides to honor Agent Byrd

Police Unity Tour in Washington, D.C., with cyclists filling a street.

For CDCR Special Agent Albert Franco, an upcoming cycling ride holds special meaning: honoring the memory of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd.

As a show of unity, law enforcement officers from across the country will converge on Washington, D.C., during National Police Week, May 11-16.

There are multiple events scheduled at the nation’s capital, including a 300-mile cycling event called the Police Unity Tour. Learn more about the various events on the organization’s website.

Read THE FULL INSIDE CDCR STORY

California Correctional Health Care Services

Suicide Prevention Summit inspires purpose, hope

Visual graphic of suicide prevention month ribbon with text "2026 Virtual Suicide Prevention Summit" and "Finding Purpose and Inspiring Hope"

Staff across the state participated in the two-day 2026 Virtual Suicide Prevention Summit, streamed live on Webex.

The event was hosted by CDCR’s Statewide Mental Health Program (SMHP) Suicide Prevention and Response Unit. It included 15 different presenters, with a special message from Mental Health Receiver Colette S. Peters.

The summit offered staff an earnest opportunity to expand their professional knowledge of current suicide prevention practices and learn how these are applied in correctional health care settings.

Speakers captured the 2026 Summit theme Finding Purpose and Inspiring Hope by sharing insights on new statewide data, substance use and suicide prevention, as well as updates on the SMHP. They also discussed the impact of suicides by incarcerated people on correctional staff and how the healing power of purpose restores hope and connection inside CDCR.

“Hope is one of the strongest protective factors against suicide, and purpose is what fuels hope,” CDCR’s SMHP shared. “When someone feels they have nothing to live for, our role is to help them reconnect with meaning, even if it’s just one reason to stay alive today.”

Support is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

OVSRS speaks at San Bernardino all-staff training

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights (OVSRS) and Services Chief Mariam El-Menshawi speaking at their San Bernadino District Attorney all staff training

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services Chief Mariam El-Menshawi and Victim Services Manager Robert Love spoke in Highland.

The presentation took place during an all-staff training for the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office Victim Witness team.

They outlined the office’s services and victims’ rights in post-conviction processes.

For more information on Victim Services, visit the Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services.

In the Media

Aerial view of the San Quentin Learning Center opening with various unidentified people standing throughout the new facility.

New learning center unveiled at San Quentin

A new learning center was unveiled Friday at San Quentin.

Three new buildings will make up the learning center, which is central to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to transform the famed prison into a rehabilitation center.

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