Week in Review: April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

In this April 24 Week in Review, we highlight CAL’s autism awareness walk, OVSRS victim advocacy efforts and FCRP’s Pretty on the Inside event supporting women in reentry.

Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services

OVSRS recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Woman presents at podium, large screen behind her with "serving communities through alternative paths to justice."

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) partnered with the California Resource Center to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW).

The event was held at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law and honored this year’s theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect Victims, Serve Communities.”

OVSRS staff also attended other external events and conferences focused on victims’ services and resources throughout the week including the Prosecutors Alliance Restorative Justice Conference at UC Berkeley and the San Joaquin County NCVRW Luncheon at UC Irvine.

CDCR institutions and facilities also hosted their own NCVRW events to honor and acknowledge victims and survivors who have been impacted by criminal activity.

read the full story on inside cdcr

Upward Mobility

Marie Daly was appointed Chief, Legislative Affairs, Operations, CDCR

Steve Jimenez, Chief Deputy Warden, Folsom State Prison

Eric Mejia was appointed Warden, California Institution for Men

*Listed in alphabetical order by last name

In Our Institutions

CAL hosts Autism Awareness Walk

Large group photo of autism walk participants holding colorful puzzle piece posters

staff and child pose behind large frame with "Autism Walk CAL 2026"

Calipatria State Prison (CAL) brought staff together for its Autism Awareness Walk, raising support for individuals and families affected by autism.

More than 180 participants, including staff, retirees and family members, joined the event in a strong show of community support and shared purpose.

Participants followed a designated walking route outside the institution, with four hydration stations offering music, snacks and encouragement along the way.

The event served as a reminder that no one faces autism alone and that every step helps build stronger communities, better resources and greater understanding.

Rabbi Lew Benzion said the day was about more than autism.

“It’s about individuals with unique perspectives, incredible strengths, and stories that often go unheard,” he said.

Support also came from California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California Correctional Supervisors Organization and Chicano Correctional Workers Association. All proceeds will benefit Autism Support of Imperial County.

SCC recognizes employee of the month

SCC employee of the month stands with plaque

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) recognized Carla Salyers as employee of the month for her dedication and long-standing service.

Salyers began her CDCR career in May 1997 at Deuel Vocational Institution before transferring to SCC the following year.

During her time at SCC, she has served in several key roles, including institutional personnel officer, Use of Force/DOM OP coordinator, budget analyst and other essential positions.

She recently transitioned into the role of information technology specialist and was recognized shortly after for her strong work ethic and organization.

Her knowledge of institution operations and ability to adapt across roles continue to support staff throughout SCC.

In the Community

SCC staff attend Sonora High career fair

SCC staff at career fair standing at booth with resource materials on table

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) staff participated in Sonora High School’s career fair to share career opportunities within CDCR.

Position Control Analyst Anna Pendergrass, PIO Lt. William Whitley and Correctional Counselor II Kelly Carter spoke with students about careers inside an institution.

They explained custodial functions and highlighted the many roles available beyond traditional correctional officer positions.

The event gave students a closer look at career paths in public service and institutional operations.

Staff Spotlight

Meet Tammie Howze, Sr. Laboratory Assistant, FSP

As part of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, we’re recognizing the professionals whose work behind the scenes plays a critical role in patient care.

At Folsom State Prison (FSP), Senior Laboratory Assistant Tammie Howze has built a career defined by consistency, pride and a strong commitment to service.

Tammie Howze stands near medical lab equipment

Howze began her journey at the institution in 2009 as a lab assistant, later advancing to senior laboratory assistant in 2015. While the retirement and health care benefits initially drew her to CCHCS/CDCR, it was the stability and sense of purpose that encouraged her to stay.

“The benefits matter, but it’s also about being part of something meaningful and consistent,” she said.

In her role at Central Health Services, Howze helps ensure lab work is completed accurately and efficiently while supporting overall workflow. She regularly coordinates with primary care providers and specialty departments regarding pathology and outside appointments and helps maintain preventive maintenance logs to keep operations running smoothly.

She takes particular pride in the performance and professionalism of her team.

“I’m proud that we keep our numbers in the green while maintaining a respectful, consistent work environment,” Howze shared.

Her focus on teamwork, reliability and courtesy helps create a positive environment for both colleagues and the patients they serve.

Outside of work, Howze dedicates her time to mentor youth in her community. She also enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her family.

Rehabilitation

First group baptism ceremony offered to Pine Grove

Baptism for an incarcerated man from Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp.

Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp marked a historic first as a group of incarcerated men participated in a baptism ceremony at a local church.

The event, held through collaboration between staff, leadership and community faith partners, gave participants an opportunity for reflection, renewal and personal growth.

For many, the ceremony symbolized a fresh start and a stronger commitment to positive change.

“It gave me a different perspective on life,” said Ceasar Garcia, camp participant. “I felt it cleansed me and gave me a sense of purpose.”

The event highlighted the role of community partnerships in rehabilitation and second chances.

READ THE FULL INSIDE CDCR STORY

CAL hosts Get on the Bus event

child with teddy bear and people with "get on the bus" t-shirts

Calipatria State Prison (CAL) hosted its annual Get on the Bus event, giving incarcerated parents a rare chance to reconnect with their children and families.

The program is organized by the Center for Restorative Justice Works in partnership with CDCR.
It helps strengthen family bonds through meaningful in-person visits during incarceration.
Families shared meals, played games and spent extended time together in a setting designed to create lasting memories.

At the end of the visit, each child received a teddy bear and a personal letter from their parent.
The keepsakes offered a lasting reminder of their time together.

The event highlights the role family connection can play in healing, hope and successful reentry after incarceration.

FCRP hosts Pretty on the Inside event

woman participating in Pretty on the Inside event, holding gift basket

Participants in the Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) enjoyed a day of encouragement and connection during the biannual Pretty on the Inside event.

The program gave 36 participants the opportunity to shop for professional attire and hear personal testimonies from women who shared stories of overcoming life’s obstacles.

Each participant received a new purse filled with hygiene essentials, while some also won gift baskets through door prizes during the event.

The day concluded with a tea party, giving participants time to relax, reflect and celebrate together.

Pretty on the Inside remains a meaningful event that participants look forward to and continues to support confidence, growth and reentry success.

Observances

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

Med lab staff from CHCF pose in matching t-shirts with two staff members in front in "toy story" Slinky dog costume and large "Lab Story" banner in background.

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week runs from April 19-25.

During this week we recognize the dedication and expertise of our CCHCS Lab Assistants and Clinical Laboratory Technologists across the state, whose important efforts help process more than 1.4 million lab tests each year.

Governor Newsom honors crime victims for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

National Crime Victims Rights Week banner

Read the governors proclamation

Visit the office of victim and survivor rights and services webpage to learn more

Health Information Professionals Week

Group of health information staff from MCSP pose in front of backdrop and use photo props

Health Information Professionals (HIM) Week is celebrated from April 20-26.

The observance serves as an opportunity to recognize the dedication, hard work, and expertise of our CCHCS HIM professionals in ensuring healthcare data is accurate, complete, and secure.

In the Media

News video screenshot of Jasmine Gin, CHCF Community Resources manager speaking, incarcerate person walking dog in background.

California state prison inmates raise service dogs as part of rehabilitation program

The California Health Care Facility (CHCF), a state prison in Stockton, is among the numerous California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) facilities that are leaning into the rehabilitative component of incarceration, so once people are out of prison, they stay out.