Week in Review: March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

In this March 6 Week in Review, we spotlight Procurement Analyst Sommony Pech, PVSP staff speaking with students about careers, and gang intelligence staff supporting public safety.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Sommony Pech, procurement analyst

At California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) headquarters, Procurement Analyst Sommony Pech helps ensure programs and institutions receive the medical, mental health, dental goods, equipment, and services they rely on every day.

What is your role, and what does a typical day look like?
I am a procurement analyst responsible for sourcing and purchasing essential goods and services for CCHCS. Most days start quickly as I work on requests that support programs and institutions.

What part of your work are you most proud of?
I take pride in navigating high-pressure situations and projects where I build client relationships, adapt to fast-paced projects under tight deadlines, and develop efficient workflow processes to complete tasks.

How does your work support the mission, and what motivates you?
AMS Procurement Services supports the CCHCS mission by managing the acquisition of program and institution medical, mental health, and dental goods, equipment, and services. I was proud to be part of the Mental Health Improvement Expenditures project, purchasing mental health items to improve working conditions for staff. My team members and management motivate me because they create a positive work environment.

Observances

Daylight saving time begins this weekend. Remember to set clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night. The change takes effect at 2 a.m. Sunday.

Women’s History Month

Women unlock CDCR leadership roles

Photo of female staff member at San Quentin from 1983

After proving themselves in the rank-and-file as Correctional Officers, women set their sights on more ambitious goals in the traditionally male-dominated department – leadership. These are just some of their stories.

California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC) recognized National Dentist Day on March 6, 2026. The Dentists at LAC are deeply committed to maintaining the overall oral care of patients. They are dedicated professionals who are meticulous in the care they provide and have a positive impact on the population they serve.

Dental Assistants Recognition Week, March 1-7

LAC dental assistants stand in front of table of food and flowers for dental assistant week celebration

California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC) also recognized and celebrated Dental Assistants Recognition Week, observed March 1-7.

The Dental Assistant Team at LAC plays a crucial role in the success of the dental program as they strive to ensure exceptional patient care and enhance the overall dental experience.

They are also recognized for their skills in patient communication, efficiency, attention to detail and providing support to dentists during patient visits.

According to event organizers, they are the true superheroes behind the smiles.

Upward Mobility

Theresa Biby, Deputy Director of Program Support

Jeff Funk, acting Director, Enterprise Information Services

Howard Moseley, acting Deputy Director, Office of Audits and Court Compliance

*Listed in alphabetical order by last name

Division of Adult Parole Operations

DAPO CRU promotes successful reentry at Stockton conference

Two Community Reentry Unit (CRU) - Central District staff members at the San Joaquin Reentry Conference

photo of participants at the San Joaquin Reentry Conference

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community Reentry Unit (CRU) Central District participated in a San Joaquin reentry conference in Stockton. The conference focused on supporting individuals on parole or probation as they reintegrate into the community.

The event brought together supervised individuals, community organizations, advocates and service providers to share resources and strengthen support networks. Topics included housing, employment, legal assistance, education, family reunification, wellness and community engagement.

CRU Parole Agent II Specialist Melissa Cutshall engaged with participants and community partners, answering questions and helping connect individuals to services. She also participated in discussions about improving parole practices and strengthening daily interactions with those under supervision.
The conference provided an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences and challenges while returning to the community.

CRU staff emphasized collaboration, accountability and structured support to help individuals build stability and long-term success after incarceration.

In the Community

PVSP staff visit local middle school career program

PVSP staff speak with middle school students about careers

Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) staff visited Coalinga Middle School’s Advanced Learning Program after being invited to speak with students about career opportunities with CDCR.

Acting Warden Jerry Ourique, acting Chief Deputy Warden Steven Marsh and Capt. Carlton Dukes shared information about a variety of career paths within the department. They also discussed the responsibilities of their roles.

PVSP staff encouraged students to think about their future and the importance of making positive choices while they’re young. They shared advice about building strong work habits and setting goals to support long term success.

The visit allowed students to hear directly from local professionals while learning about public service careers.

In Our Institutions

ASP raises funds for Boys & Girls Club of Fresno

Five ASP staff stand holding an oversized check for $1076.87 for Boys and Girls Club Fresno.

Incarcerated persons at Avenal State Prison (ASP), Facility D raised $1,077 for the Boys & Girls Club of Fresno. The donation supports youth health and wellbeing programs.

ASP staff presented the donation to Vice President of Development Kathryn Weakland on behalf of the participants. The funds will support programs providing Fresno youth with safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.

The effort reflects a commitment to service and accountability. These positive contributions extend beyond the institution and into the community.

LAC IGI staff strengthen gang intelligence efforts

LAC Institutional Gang Investigations unit staff walking together

LAC Institutional Gang Investigations unit staff stand together listening to speaker

Staff assigned to the Institutional Gang Investigations (IGI) unit at California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC) play a critical role in identifying and monitoring Security Threat Group (STG) activity to support institutional safety.

Their work focuses on gathering and analyzing intelligence on gang affiliations, tracking STG members and associates, and monitoring new arrivals, visitors, and potential civilian facilitators. The unit collaborates with outside law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and support gang suppression efforts.

As LAC transitioned two facilities to Non-Designated Programming Facilities, IGI partnered with the Investigative Services Unit to identify and document suspected gang affiliates. Staff reviewed electronic records, conducted interviews, photographed tattoos, and documented evidence of gang affiliation.

In 2025, 1,041 STG validations were submitted statewide to the Office of Correctional Safety, the highest number in 11 years. LAC’s IGI unit accounted for 226 of those validations, representing 22 percent of the total.

ARC founder Scott Budnick visits CEN

Incarcerated individuals on a facility tour with Scott Budnick

Centinela State Prison (CEN) recently welcomed film producer and Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) founder Scott Budnick for a tour and discussions with incarcerated participants about rehabilitative programming.

During the visit, Budnick met with incarcerated persons to talk about their experiences in programs focused on rehabilitation and personal growth.

Joining the tour were ARC representatives David Amaya, Steven Batres, and J’Mel Carter, who shared information about ARC programming. They also discussed opportunities to expand existing programs at CEN.

WSP-RC recognizes ISUDT program graduates

WSP ISUDT graduate shakes hands with WSP staff

Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) recently recognized participants who graduated from the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Cognitive Behavioral Interventions program.

The milestone reflects participants’ commitment to personal growth and rehabilitation while highlighting the program’s focus on building skills to support positive change.

Following the ceremony, participants and staff gathered for light refreshments to celebrate the accomplishment. The event also highlighted the role education and treatment programs play in supporting successful reintegration and reducing recidivism.

The ISUDT program continues to help prepare incarcerated individuals for a productive future by providing tools to support long term recovery and personal development, reinforcing CDCR’s mission to promote rehabilitation and public safety.

Headquarters

CDCR/CCHCS staff connect with executives over coffee and snacks

CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber and staff talk during Coffee and Connect event

Participants sign in at headquarters coffee and connect event

Caffeine and sugar ruled the day March 3 as CDCR and CCHCS staff at Elk Grove headquarters enjoyed a unique opportunity to mingle with department executives at the first “Coffee & Connect with an Exec.”

The staff appreciation event, held in the Building C conference room, included complementary coffee and snacks as staff from all programs met and chatted with executives in a relaxed, informal setting. Participants entered into a drawing for available prizes and shared ideas and engaged in discussions with leaders from both CDCR and CCHCS. The event was well attended and well stocked, thanks to donations from both leadership teams.

“I think coffee and snacks is a good way to start most days, but beyond that, it was just great to share a special moment with so many of our amazing staff,” CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber said. “I truly believe we have the most skilled and dedicated employees of any state department, and any time we have an opportunity to connect with them, it is a really good thing.”

In the Media

Calaveras County Sheriff vehicles parked with seized drugs

Multi-Agency Operation Dismantles Major Drug Trafficking Organization

CALAVARAS COUNTY – On February 27, 2026, a coordinated multi-agency enforcement operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,500 pounds of finished methamphetamine.