Week in Review: March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

In this March 13 Week in Review, we spotlight RDN Tessa Gaynor, two staff graduating the Innovation Fellows program, and staff diving into the Polar Plunge.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Tessa Gaynor, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

At Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP), Registered Dietitian Tessa Gaynor balances clinics, education and collaboration with staff to help patients manage chronic health conditions through nutrition.

What does a typical day in your role as a registered dietitian look like? As a correctional facility dietitian, my typical day is a blend of many roles including medical nutrition therapy, facilitating nutrition-focused classes, precepting dietetic interns and collaborating with the Mental Health Crisis Bed Unit kitchen staff while navigating the unique environment of a correctional facility. My day starts with consulting for six clinics, visiting two clinics in the morning and one to two in the afternoon, seeing five to seven patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, renal disease, liver cirrhosis, malnutrition, weight management needs, gastrointestinal disorders and infectious disease.

What inspired you to pursue this career?
Growing up, I witnessed multiple family members struggle with their weight management and health, inspiring me to learn how to better understand, manage, and educate on health.

What do you find most rewarding about working in the correctional setting?
The correctional setting can offer the ability to provide knowledge to a population who desires to learn and be able to foster long-term patient rapport enhancing the depth of nutrition counseling and improving clinical outcomes for chronic disease management.

At the Capitol

Two graduate first cohort for Governor’s Innovation Fellows

Two CDCR employees have graduated the first cohort of the Governor’s Innovation Fellows program. Samantha Kissane and Chris Siino, both associate wardens, have worked for the department for 18 years. Kissane leads the Centralized Screening Team for the Office of Internal Affairs. Meanwhile, Siino is an associate warden at California State Prison-Solano.

Read the full story.

Upward Mobility

Steven Cranmer was appointed Chief Deputy Warden at Kern Valley State Prison
Steven Marsh was appointed Chief Deputy Warden at Pleasant Valley State Prison

*listed in alphabetical order

In the Community

CEN, CAL K-9 officers visit high school law academy

Three Centinela investigative services unit officers and a K9 speak to high school law academy students.

Students at a local high school law academy recently met correctional K-9 teams from Centinela (CEN) and Calipatria (CAL) state prisons.

CEN Investigative Services Unit Lt. J. Rodriguez joined Officer J. Banuelos and K-9 Thor.

CAL Officer R. Steele attended with K-9 Izzy. Students interested in law enforcement careers asked about daily work with a K-9 partner and the bond handlers share with their dogs.

Officers also discussed contraband and narcotics detection in correctional settings. The teams demonstrated the dogs’ ability to locate hidden contraband in a classroom. Students and staff thanked the teams and learned more about careers with CDCR.

WSP-RC proudly participates in Read Across America Week

CDCR staff member reading book to group of children

Classrooms across the community welcomed special visitors during Read Across America Week. Staff from Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) volunteered their time to read with local students.

Volunteers from several departments visited nearby schools and daycares. They shared stories with children of different ages and encouraged a lifelong love of reading. The visits helped spark imagination and showed students that reading can be fun and engaging.

Staff also talked with students about the value of daily reading. Books help build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension and encourage critical thinking skills.

By participating in Read Across America Week, WSP-RC continues supporting literacy and strengthening connections with local schools. The annual event reflects the institution’s commitment to community engagement and educational opportunities for young learners.

In Our Institutions

PVSP donates bikes and artwork to Coalinga Chamber

Four PVSP staff stand with artwork and bikes

Teamwork at Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) helped support a long-standing community celebration in Coalinga. Incarcerated participants refurbished bicycles and created artwork for the Coalinga Chamber of Commerce annual dinner.

The items were auctioned to help raise funds for local festivals and community events. The annual celebration honors people who serve and strengthen the Coalinga community.

Artwork created by participants recognized local first responders, volunteers and community members. The donation helped highlight the spirit of service celebrated during the event.

“We pay honor to those who serve and leave a lasting legacy in our community,” said Scott Netherton, executive director of the Coalinga Chamber of Commerce.

The effort reflects PVSP’s continued commitment to supporting surrounding communities through partnership and service.

VSP tours highlight rehabilitation and vocational programs

Los Angeles County Probation and Santa Monica College staff at the barbershop program at VSP.

Valley State Prison (VSP) in Chowchilla welcomed visitors from probation departments and education partners interested in learning about rehabilitative programs.

The tours highlighted how correctional education can support successful reentry.

READ THE FULL STORY

FSP Men of Character support local Girl Scouts cookie sale

FSP Incarcerated and staff pose with large check for Girl Scouts Heart of Central CA

Hundreds of participants at Folsom State Prison (FSP) showed their support for local Girl Scouts through a community cookie sale. The effort was organized by the Community Resources Office and the incarcerated activity group Men of Character.

Incarcerated participants purchased 2,605 boxes of cookies, totaling $18,235 in sales for Girl Scouts Heart of Central California. Local troop leaders delivered the cookies to the institution, creating excitement across the yard.

The annual sale has become a meaningful partnership between the prison and the surrounding community. Over the last four years, the Folsom prison community has purchased more than $78,000 in cookies.

The effort helps support hundreds of local Girl Scouts while promoting positive community connections. Organizers say the partnership shows how small acts of support can create lasting impact beyond a box of cookies.

Saints Prison Ministry brings softball games to CEN

Centinela State Prison hosted the Saints Prison Ministry to bring softball games to the incarcerated population.

Friendly competition took the field when Saints Prison Ministry visited Centinela State Prison (CEN) for a day of softball.

The games brought together volunteers and incarcerated players across three facilities. Under the guidance of Physical Education Coach Manuel Altamirano, incarcerated participants practiced for weeks.

Read the full story

Special Olympics

DAPO dives into Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics

DAPO staff and family pose with polar plunge mascot, a polar bear

Eleven staff members from CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), along with two family members, participated in the Greater Sacramento Polar Plunge, 5K Trail Run and 1-Mile Run/Walk at Granite Bay Main Beach in support of Special Olympics Northern California.

Competing as team “Operation Parole Plunge,” DAPO ranked 10th out of 31 teams and exceeded its fundraising goal by 22 percent, raising $2,431. The event raised $74,221 overall, helping support year-round athletic training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics provides sports training, competition, health programs, and leadership opportunities at no cost to athletes or their families. Law enforcement agencies, including CDCR, support the organization through fundraising events and the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Funds raised help ensure athletes have access to training, competition, and inclusive opportunities through Special Olympics programs.

CDCR recruitment team participates in Special Olympics Polar Plunge

5 CDCR Recruitment staff stand in costume with polar bear mascot at Granite Bay Main Beach for Special Olympics Polar Plunge

Community members gathered at Granite Bay Main Beach for the Greater Sacramento Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Northern California.

The event brought together athletes, supporters and public safety partners.

The CDCR Recruitment Unit joined the event to show support and connect with the community. Recruiters spoke with attendees about career opportunities while cheering on participating athletes.

Events like the Polar Plunge allow CDCR and CCHCS to support meaningful causes while building relationships with the communities it serves.

SCC staff take plunge for Special Olympics

SCC staff take part in the Polar Plunge at Lake Don Pedro in February 2026.

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) staff jumped in Lake Don Pedro for the 2026 Polar Plunge held Feb. 21.

SCC took fourth place overall for fundraising, adding $4,155. All 18 teams participating in the plunge raised nearly $50,000.

Read the full story

CCHCS

Staff gather at Elk Grove headquarters for Patient Safety Fair

multiple staff at patient safety fair, woman holding educational materials interacts with another woman at the capital therapy dogs booth

Two staff members interacting at the patient safety fair

The Quality Management Statewide Patient Safety Program hosted its second Patient Safety Fair at CDCR and CCHCS headquarters in Elk Grove.

Staff from across programs stopped by interactive booths and hands-on demonstrations to learn new safety practices. The fair offered a chance to reflect on how every team member helps prevent system breakdowns and strengthen safe, high-quality care.

The event brought a fun atmosphere, with games and prizes drawing crowds between educational activities. Staff connected with colleagues, shared ideas and left with practical tools to support patient safety.

Participating programs included the Accreditation and Licensing Compliance Unit, Allegations and Staff Misconduct Unit, Capital Therapy Dogs, Dental, Health Equity and the Integrated Gender Affirming Healthcare Program, Kaiser, Nursing Professional Practice, Patient Safety Program, Peer Support Program, Peer Support Specialist Program, Public Health Infection Prevention, QM Lean Office and the Transitional Case Management Program.

Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services

OVSRS chief presents at statewide victim advocate training

Woman speaks in front of group of seated people for California Crime Victims Assistance Association Riverside DA Office Presentation

More than 50 victim advocates gathered at the Riverside District Attorney’s Office for a statewide training event.

During the session, Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) Chief Mariam El-Menshawi addressed advocates from district attorneys’ offices across California.

El-Menshawi shared information and guidance related to victim services and advocacy work.

The training, hosted by the California Crime Victims Assistance Association, brought together professionals who support crime victims throughout the state.

Recruitment

CDCR recruitment team participates in Hornets in Action mock interview event

Two CDCR staff stand in front of large projector screen with title of 2nd Annual Hornets in Action Mock Interview Event.

CDCR recruiters met students at the Hornets in Action mock interview event at California State University, Sacramento.

Recruitment staff conducted mock interviews and offered feedback on interview techniques, professionalism and preparation.

Students gained practical experience while learning about expectations in the CDCR hiring process.

Participation in the event supports CDCR’s commitment to preparing future applicants and strengthening relationships with the local academic community.

Students explore CDCR careers at El Dorado Union School District Expo

CDCR staff member stands behind table with recruitment materials and speaks to small group of high school students.

Students and families explored career options during the El Dorado Union High School District Career Expo and Job Fair at Union Mine High School. CDCR recruiters were there to share information about careers in public service.

At the recruitment booth, staff spoke with students and parents about custody and non-custody careers. Recruiters explained the hiring process, academy training and long-term career paths.

A parent attending the event shared positive feedback regarding CDCR’s presence, stating:

“It was great to see CDCR here engaging with students and families. Learning about the opportunities available and the pathways into public service was very informative for our community.”

In the Media

Incarcerated individual typing at a computer

The Most Unlikely College Campus in America

Cal State LA’s Prison Graduation Initiative (PGI) will begin offering courses toward a bachelor’s degree at the newly rebranded San Quentin Rehabilitation Center starting in fall 2026.