CDCR staff, incarcerated make Easter special

April 17, 2026

Centinela State Prison incarcerated persons hide eggs for their children during Easter visiting. This was one of many institutions hosting special events over the holiday week.

Across California, CDCR and CCHCS staff helped make Easter special for children in the community as well as families visiting their incarcerated loved ones. A few institutions even held staff events. This round-up will be updated as more submissions are received.

CHCF hosts Easter bunny, egg hunt

Children decorate eggs at CHCF in Stockton.

The Easter bunny was on hand to greet children and take photos with families at California Health Care Facility in Stockton.

Easter celebrations inside correctional facilities offer a chance for families to connect, ultimately fostering a safer environment for those who live and work in the institution.

Through the dedicated efforts of the incarcerated persons’ family council and California Health Care Facility’s (CHCF) visiting staff, incarcerated individuals were given the opportunity to share in joyful traditions with their loved ones.

The visits were filled with activities mirroring those outside the institution, helping create a sense of normalcy through thoughtful programming. Families were able to participate in Easter egg and cookie decorating, basket making and even an Easter egg hunt.

The Easter bunny hopped by to join in the fun and have some photos taken as well. For incarcerated persons, the ability to engage and participate in these meaningful memory-making experiences reinforces motivation for personal growth and positive behavior.

Submitted by M. Olvera, office technician
Story, photos by visiting Lt. Valencia and Sgt. Lenh

CIW, local church host Easter visiting event

The California Institution for Women (CIW), in collaboration with Sack Lunch Saturdays and Patria Church, hosted a special Easter event. The celebration commenced as the families entered the visiting area with children greeted by the Incarcerated Persons’ Advisory Council members wearing playful bunny ear headpieces. Even the Easter bunny made a special appearance. Several highlights of the event were egg hunt and distributing Easter baskets to all children present.

Each basket was filled with treats, toys, and goodies. The smiles on their faces were proof of the joy such a simple gesture can bring. A special drawing added an element of excitement to the festivities, with prizes ranging from a giant Easter basket and toys from the toy chest. The Easter event at CIW was more than a celebration, exemplifying the ongoing efforts of staff, and recognizing the support and contributions from the community and family council.

“Outstanding work by Associate Warden Lewis, Capt. Fortson, Capt. Paredes, Lt. Blair, Sgt. Otto and all the visiting officers for all their efforts in delivering a truly outstanding Easter event,” said organizers.

Submitted by Lt. A. Avina

CMF hosts Easter visiting

Children and families at CMF in Vacaville for Easter visiting.

A family Easter photo at CMF in Vacaville.

Incarcerated persons, their loved ones and California Medical Facility (CMF) staff celebrated the Easter holiday April 4. Visiting families participated in a Golden egg hunt complete with prizes donated from the CMF incarcerated persons’ family council (IFC).

This is CMF’s fourth and possibly biggest annual Easter event with staff and families expressing their appreciation to be able to spend the day bonding in a positive and cheerful setting.

CMF’s local Easter bunny and a parade of Easter characters regaled families, stopping to frolic and pose for photos.

CMF Visiting Sgt. S. Vazquez said it was a great experience.

“Just seeing the excitement and joy in the kids’ faces makes this worth all the hard work that goes into making these events happen,” Vazquez said.

After the event, the children were given Easter baskets filled with candy and goodies donated by the CMF family council.

Vazquez, the CMF visiting team, and volunteers from visiting families planned the day’s events, making it a resounding success. Once again, they agreed the bar has been set a little bit higher for next year.

Story by Lt. C. Bennamon
Photos by incarcerated person C. Mann
Submitted by Lt. A. Brown

Centinela visiting staff hosts Easter egg hunt

Easter visiting crafts area at Centinela State Prison.

Easter photos with families at Centinela State Prison.

Centinela State Prison’s visiting staff, along with the incarcerated persons’ family council (IFC), hosted a special egg hunt and crafts for Easter. The egg hunt brought children and their incarcerated parent together, fostering family connections.

What made this event unique was the involvement of the incarcerated persons. They took part by hiding the colorful eggs throughout the visiting play area, making a memorable experience for their children. The kids eagerly searched with excitement growing with each egg they found.

“It is really moving and motivational to do activities with our kids, to be involved and participate,” said an incarcerated person from Facility B.

Many incarcerated people expressed how much the event meant to them. A goody bag was given to the children while exiting the visiting processing area.

Story, photographs by Lt. L. Verdugo
Submitted by Lt. M. Ramos

DAPO takes part in Easter event to fight childhood cancer

A parole agent interacts with a child during the Easter Extravaganza event.

A parole agent interacts with a child at an Easter event.

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) participated in the Childhood Cancer Foundation Easter Extravaganza held March 21. This meaningful community event is dedicated to bringing joy while supporting children diagnosed with cancer and their families. The event offered a variety of games, prizes and festive activities. The Easter Extravaganza was designed to create a fun, uplifting, and memorable experience for attendees.

This effort was proudly supported by agents from the Tri-City Parole District, whose participation exemplified DAPO’s commitment to community engagement. Those attending included Parole Administrator Robert Wagner, acting Parole Agent III Martin Hardy, acting Parole Agent III Xavio Tong, along with parole agents Rocio Cobian, Lilia Sanchez and Rosalina Santillan.

The agents engaged with families throughout the day, assisting with activities, leading games, and helping create a welcoming and positive environment. Their involvement reflected a genuine commitment to service, compassion, and community connection, extending beyond their primary public safety responsibilities.

“DAPO takes great pride in opportunities that strengthen relationships with the communities we serve. Participation in events such as the Easter Extravaganza highlights the department’s ongoing dedication to community engagement, outreach, and support for vulnerable populations,” said parole organizers. “DAPO remains committed to fostering trust, building partnerships, and contributing to initiatives that promote hope, resilience, and well-being within the community.”

FCRP-Sacramento hosts Easter visiting event

Photos with the Easter bunny at FCRP-Sacramento.

The Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) Sacramento hosted a special Easter visiting event complete with an egg hunt and visit by the Easter bunny.

Photos supplied by Nicole Brock, FCRP-Sacramento director
Submitted by Mary Xjimenez, information officer II
Office of Public and Employee Communications

Ironwood donates Easter baskets to community

Ironwood State Prison staff delivering Easter baskets to elementary schools.

ISP staff deliver baskets to Ruth Brown Elementary School in the Blythe, California, area.

Ironwood State Prison staff helped bring Easter smiles to children in the Blythe community by assembling and delivering holiday baskets to local elementary schools.

Prison staff purchased the materials which were then thoughtfully assembled by the incarcerated population. Staff later filled the baskets with Easter goodies and prepared them for distribution.

The completed baskets were delivered to Ruth Brown Elementary School, Margaret White Elementary School, Felix J Appleby Elementary School, and the Riverside County Department of Child Services. This collaborative effort reflects Ironwood’s ongoing commitment to supporting local families and strengthening community partnerships.

Submitted by Lt. Chelsi Whalen

CSP-Los Angeles County hosts staff Easter event

An ISU staff member with a golden egg at LAC.

Staff member at LAC with a prize after finding a golden egg.

California State Prison (CSP) Los Angeles County hosted a special multi-day Easter event for staff. Between March 30 and April 3, the Employee Association organized a fun-filled Easter egg hunt, hiding 16 golden eggs throughout the facility. Lucky finders were treated to a special prize from the Warden’s office, a festive candy-filled bunny and a gift card. The event was a huge success, offering staff a fun, morale-boosting break from their daily duties.

“I found a golden egg today. Thank you so much. It was so fun seeing everyone on the hunt,” said one staff member. “We haven’t had that much fun here in a long time.”

Submitted by Lt. C. Coupland

North Kern donates Easter baskets to children’s hospital

North Kern State Prison staff deliver Easter baskets to Valley Children's hospital.

Baskets were transports on a CDCR bus from North Kern State Prison to Valley Children's Hospital.

North Kern State Prison created over 200 Easter baskets from items donated by staff. The baskets were transported to the children at Valley Children’s hospital on March 27. This has been an annual event for the prison, helping the children undergoing treatment in the hospital. “We look forward to many more years partnering with Valley Children’s and providing for the children in need,” said organizers.

Submitted by Lt. C. Huckleberry

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