Week in Review: June 19

June 19, 2026

In this June 19 Week in Review, we highlight CDCR IT leaders, ISUDT graduates and KVSP community service.

Staff Spotlight

CIO Academy honors CDCR IT leaders

Regan Johnson receives California IT Leadership Award

CDCR SAP S/4 HANA Migration Team receives • California Team Leadership Award

CDCR employees earned statewide recognition at the California Public Sector Chief Information Officer (CIO) Academy 2026 IT Leadership Awards.

Information Technology Supervisor II Regan Johnson received the California IT Leadership Award for advancing technology solutions supporting the Division of Adult Parole Operations. Her contributions include new IT application features and integrations, streamlining automation and strengthening statewide reporting. Johnson coordinated with stakeholders and development teams to deliver critical application improvements.

The CDCR SAP S/4HANA Migration Team received the California Team Leadership Award. The cross-functional team led a major modernization of CDCR’s Enterprise Resource Planning System platform, transitioning to a cloud-based environment.

The project transformed business processes across finance, procurement and warehouse management while maintaining a focus on end users. Team members introduced new tools, improved governance practices and strengthened stakeholder engagement throughout implementation.

Their collaborative approach delivered a successful transition and established a more efficient, sustainable foundation for future operations.

Observances

Juneteenth Day of Observance

Today, June 19, California recognizes Juneteenth, commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, marking a significant moment in our nation’s history.

Juneteenth serves as an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values of freedom, equality, and opportunity while honoring the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history.

Read Governor Newsom’s Juneteenth proclamation here: Governor Newsom proclaims Juneteenth Day of Observance | Governor of California.

Upward Mobility

Ed Silva appointed Warden, California State Prison-Corcoran

In the Community

KVSP supports local veterans

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) staff and Bakersfield community volunteers recently served breakfast to local veterans in Kern County.

The event was organized to honor local heroes and provide community service.

In addition, the incarcerated population donated $6,500 from a food sale to support veterans participating in an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C.

Honor Flight provides World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans an opportunity to visit memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

The breakfast and donation reflect a shared commitment to recognizing veterans and giving back to the community.

In Our Institutions

VSP conducts emergency preparedness ICP drill

Valley State Prison (VSP) staff tested emergency response capabilities during a recent Incident Command Post (ICP) drill.

The exercise evaluated the prison’s ability to activate and operate an Incident Command Post during a critical incident. Staff responded to realistic scenarios designed to mirror high-pressure conditions.

VSP Incident Command Post drill in action from above

The drill included activation of the Escape Pursuit Plan, which guides responses to escape incidents. Participants demonstrated their knowledge of assigned roles, communication procedures and emergency protocols.

The exercise highlighted operational strengths and identified opportunities for improvement.

Regular drills help staff maintain readiness and strengthen coordinated emergency response efforts. The institution continues to prioritize preparedness through ongoing training that supports institutional safety and security.

VSP hosts inaugural Clover Awards ceremony

Valley State Prison (VSP) recently hosted its inaugural Clover Awards ceremony, recognizing staff who display professionalism, compassion and service.

Award recipients were nominated by the incarcerated population for going above and beyond in their daily duties.

The ceremony was organized by retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson-Davis in partnership with the Community Resources Manager’s Office and the Incarcerated Person Advisory Council.

The event highlighted staff whose dedication often occurs behind the scenes but leaves a lasting impact on those they serve.

Special guests included Division of Adult Institutions Director Gena Jones, Associate Director Kathleen Ratliff and Central California Women’s Facility Warden Anissa De La Cruz.

The ceremony celebrated employees who embody the values, mission and highest standards of service.

Division of Adult Institutions Director Gena Jones speaking at Clover Awards ceremony

From farm to tray: CDCR’s Farm to Corrections impact

Incarcerated people explain the impact of the Farm to Corrections and Harvest of the Month programs at California State Prison-Solano. They are sitting in a dining hall at the prison with visitors from partner organizations.

A recent stakeholder tour showcased the impact of CDCR’s Farm to Corrections and Harvest of the Month programs at California State Prison, Solano.

The initiative, a partnership among CDCR, Impact Justice and the Nutrition Policy Institute, connects California farmers with correctional institutions statewide. Through Harvest of the Month, incarcerated individuals receive a featured California-grown fruit or vegetable as part of the statewide menu.

Stakeholders from corrections, agriculture, public health and community organizations toured the facility to see how produce moves from local farms to meal trays.

Group meets at Spork Food Hub to discuss how farms are helping feed incarcerated people in prisons across California.

CSP-Solano staff explain how the Harvest of the Month and Farm to Corrections program works.

Guests also heard firsthand from incarcerated individuals about the program’s benefits and its role in promoting healthier food choices.

The tour highlighted nearly six years of collaboration among CDCR, community partners and local growers. It also demonstrated how partnerships can expand access to fresh produce while supporting rehabilitation efforts and California agriculture.

Rehabilitation

HDSP hosts CBI graduation

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) Facility B recognized more than 80 graduates during an Amity Foundation Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) ceremony for people who completed Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI).

The event celebrated participants who completed CBI programming. Participants identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and develop positive coping and life skills.

Speakers included acting Warden K. Thornton, Correctional Counselor III J. Gifford, Amity Foundation Program Director Brandt and several graduates. Thornton praised participants for their commitment and encouraged them to serve as positive role models. Graduates were recognized for their hard work and dedication throughout the program. The ceremony concluded with refreshments donated by Starbucks

FCRP participants complete Wolf Connection program

Women in the Female Community Reentry Program Los Angeles interact with wolf at the Wolf Connection Sanctuary

Women in the Female Community Reentry Program Los Angeles in circle at the Wolf Connection Sanctuary

Twenty-four women in the Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) in Los Angeles recently completed the 12-week “Wolf Lessons for Human Lives” program.

The program concluded May 27 with a visit to the Wolf Connection Sanctuary in Taft, where participants reflected on healing, growth and personal transformation.

The women took part in guided activities focused on self-reflection and resilience. Staff introduced wolves and shared survival stories, which form the backbone of the FCRP Los Angeles curriculum. A symbolic exercise invited participants to release burdens and past trauma by casting stones at a sanctuary landmark.

Participants also interacted with rescued wolves and learned how the animals’ recovery journeys mirror their own paths toward change.

“I learned to love myself more for who I am and know that my past doesn’t define me. I am still a warrior,” participant N. West said. The program concluded with a group reflection on personal growth and renewed purpose.

Learn more about the program in this 2024 story and video.

Theater program highlights growth at Avenal

ASP Red Ladder Theatre Company performance

Incarcerated participants at Avenal State Prison (ASP) Facility C showcased their talents June 11 during the final performance of a 12-week theater program.

The Red Ladder Theatre Company program uses creative expression to build confidence, communication skills and teamwork. Participants presented original performances before staff and guests.

Participants developed life skills while strengthening their ability to communicate and express themselves constructively.

One performer said the program helped him find his voice and build confidence. Acting Community Resources Manager Darrien Sanders helped coordinate the event, highlighting how arts programming supports rehabilitation and personal growth.

CALCTRA

CALCTRA program awards certifications at CSP-Solano

Former CALCTRA graduate Tommy DeLuna returned to offer inspiring words to the graduates.

More than 100 incarcerated individuals at California State Prison (CSP) Solano earned industry-recognized certifications and apprenticeships through California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) programs.

Graduates completed training in fields including optical services, health care facilities maintenance and metal fabrication. Former graduate Tommy DeLuna returned to encourage participants, sharing how the program supported his successful reentry and career path.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

CRU hosts Reentry Resource Fair in Visalia

CRU hosted reentry fair prize package and recipient

CRU hosted reentry fair view of vendors and attendees

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community Reentry Unit (CRU) recently hosted a Reentry Resource Fair at The Employment Connection in Visalia.

The event connected approximately 70 parole-supervised individuals with services to support successful community reintegration. Community members and probationers also attended.

Service providers from Kings and Tulare counties offered information on housing, substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health care, education, job training and employment opportunities.

Agents from the Community Compliance Unit and Central Parole District attended for support.

Several organizations donated gift cards, hygiene baskets and work-related equipment for participant prizes. BMO Bank’s mobile unit helped attendees open bank accounts, while Cut by Faith Hair Studio provided free haircuts.

The fair strengthened partnerships and helped remove barriers to successful reentry.

DAPO Los Angeles parole operation leads to six arrests

Cash, weapons and drugs were seized during the DAPO Los Angeles operation.

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) recently led a compliance and enforcement operation of supervised persons in Los Angeles County.

DAPO’s Community Compliance Unit and the Division of Training Unit were joined by the Los Angeles Police Department and Sheriff’s Department.

During the operation, DAPO agents made six arrests for various parole and law violations.

In the Media

Arial view of incarcerated crew fighting fire

Incarcerated females battle wildfires on path to redemption: ‘I’m here paying a price for that’

Thirty-three incarcerated women at Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp are volunteering to be on the front lines this wildfire season in California as part of an effort to turn their lives around.

Folsom State Prison officer among state Medal of Valor honorees

A correctional officer from Folsom State Prison has been recognized among California’s most courageous public servants after receiving the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor for helping rescue a family from a serious crash along Highway 101.