Week in Review: July 3

July 3, 2026

In this July 3 Week in Review, we highlight California State Prison, Sacramento, raising $10,000 for local youth, a Butte County compliance operation and California’s latest recidivism report.

In the Community

South Bay District supports Special Olympics Summer Games

South Bay District staff and participants at Special Olympics Summer Games

The Division of Adult Parole Operations’ South Bay District joined the 2026 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Santa Clara University.

Staff participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s final leg, helping carry the torch into Stevens Stadium before the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron.

South Bay District staff and participants with torch at Special Olympics Summer Games Opening Ceremony

South Bay District employees also attended the Honored Guest Kickoff Party and the Law Enforcement Torch Run Wall of Heroes.

More than 1,000 athletes representing dozens of counties participated in the games to celebrate inclusion, achievement and athletic excellence.

Since 1981, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised funds to support athlete training, family travel and participation costs for Special Olympics programs.

Staff described the event as a meaningful and memorable experience.

Observances

PRIDE MONTH

Celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ month graphic with solidarity stripes

Pride Month was observed in June, recognizing the history, contributions and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. The observance celebrates diverse identities and the importance of creating environments where everyone feels valued. CDCR and CCHCS remain committed to fostering inclusive workplaces, supporting allyship and promoting respect for employees and the communities we serve.

To learn more, visit the CDCR/CCHCS Government Alliance on Race and Equity LGBTQIA+ Resources page.

Governor Newsom declares June 2026 LGBTQ Pride Month

Governor Gavin Newsom declared California supports and celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community as they take pride in who they are and whom they love.

READ PRIDE MONTH PROCLAMATION

RJD marks fifth annual Pride celebration

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) in San Diego celebrated its fifth annual Pride event, continuing a tradition centered on inclusion, education and personal growth.

The event joined incarcerated residents, staff, volunteers and community partners for a day of guest speakers, performances and community engagement.

Speakers shared stories of resilience, authenticity and service. A correctional officer from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and a U.S. Navy service member detailed their experiences as transgender professionals, offering insights on self-acceptance and overcoming barriers.

Music and drag performances added to the celebration, creating an atmosphere of respect, acceptance and hope.

RJD’s annual celebration promotes dignity and supports rehabilitation efforts. Organizers credit staff, volunteers, community partners and participants for the event’s continued success.

FCRP celebrates Juneteenth

The Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) marked Juneteenth in Sacramento and Los Angeles with events focused on history, culture and community.

In Sacramento, participants explored the holiday’s significance through discussions on emancipation, resilience and hope. Readings from Maya Angelou and other historical figures inspired conversations about overcoming adversity and building community during reentry.

Mayaika Ellis posed in front of Juneteenth display

Praise Dance performers Shagirah Joyce and Raynise Bass in colorful dresses at Juneteenth event

In Los Angeles, participants celebrated with an event highlighting unity, faith and self-expression including faith-based Praise Dances rooted in West African traditions. The movement combines prayer and music to highlight personal expression and cultural appreciation. Participants described the performances as deeply moving and inspirational.

Both events encouraged learning, reflection and connection among participants and staff while reinforcing the department’s commitment to cultural awareness and successful reintegration.

Backed by Data

New report highlights record-low recidivism

Incarcerated person participating in rehabilitation programming

California’s latest recidivism report shows participants in education and rehabilitation programs are significantly more likely to remain conviction-free after release.

The findings highlight the continued success of evidence-based programs designed to reduce crime, improve public safety and support successful reentry.

The report also reflects the impact of Proposition 57, approved by voters in 2016. The measure encourages rehabilitation by allowing eligible incarcerated individuals to earn credit through positive behavior and participation in rehabilitative programs.

According to the report, California continues to achieve record-low recidivism rates, reinforcing the state’s investment in rehabilitation-focused strategies.

READ THE FULL REPORT

Law Enforcement Operations

Butte County compliance operation results in four arrests

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) conducted a compliance operation May 13 in Butte County, resulting in four arrests for supervision violations.

Parole agents from the Chico Parole Unit with Butte County Probation Department and Butte County Sheriff’s Office partners preparing to conduct searches

Parole agents from the Chico Parole Unit partnered with the Butte County Probation Department and Butte County Sheriff’s Office to conduct searches focused on accountability, rehabilitation and public safety.

The operation found six individuals in compliance with supervision requirements. An additional four people were found out of compliance and arrested.

DAPO credited the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and Butte County Probation Department for their continued partnership and commitment to community safety.

The collaborative effort strengthened interagency relationships while supporting successful reintegration and accountability.

In Our Institutions

CSP-Sacramento raises $10,000 for local youth

Drewski’s food truck lineup with staff and participants at CSP-Sacramento fundraiser

California State Prison, Sacramento raised more than $10,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento during a June 25 food truck event. Drewski’s brought four food trucks to Facility C’s general population yard, offering a variety of meal options for participants.

Staff and volunteers served pre-purchased meals throughout the event.

The fundraiser generated strong participation and introduced some incarcerated individuals to their first food truck experience. Associate Warden Ralph Jackson praised Drewski’s support and expressed interest in partnering on future events.

Proceeds will support youth programs throughout the Greater Sacramento area.

Calipatria promotes healing through teamwork

Impossible Puzzle Competition groups working on puzzles at multiple tables

Calipatria State Prison’s Mental Health Department and Peer Support Specialist Program (PSSP) hosted an Impossible Puzzle Competition to promote mental health awareness and community connection.

Centered on the theme, “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” the event encouraged participants to work together through the activity.

The event opened with a discussion on the value of community, resilience and personal growth.

“When I sought forgiveness and confronted my trauma, my pain turned into purpose,” PSSP Diaz shared. “Today, I live with peace because I focus on what I can control – my responses, my choices and how I care for myself.”

Impossible Puzzle Competition group at work on puzzle

Participants then collaborated to solve the puzzle, building teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

The activity reinforced a simple message: healing often begins with support from others.

Mental health staff, custody employees, Community Resources Manager Heather Duarte and PSSP members partnered to produce the event and encouraged participants to seek help when needed.

Upward Mobility*

Arthur Guillen appointed acting Warden, California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran
Beatriz Berumen appointed Chief Deputy General Counsel, Operations, Office of Legal Affairs
Clifford Kusaj appointed to Board of Parole Hearings
Dao Vang appointed Warden, California Health Care Facility, Stockton
Rachel Stern appointed to Board of Parole Hearings
*Listed in alphabetical order by first name

Rehabilitation

Eight incarcerated students make history with forestry degrees

Custody staff and incarcerated graduates.

For the first time in the state, eight incarcerated students have earned associate of science degrees in forestry, marking the historic milestone at the June 26 graduation at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Rising Scholars Program (RSP).

The achievement was part of a graduating class of 23 where all students obtained a Foundational Skills Certificate or Certificate of Achievement in Forestry.

READ THE FULL STORY ON INSIDE CDCR

Immanuel House honors graduates during ceremony

Graduate and partners celebrate achievements

Immanuel House celebrated program graduates during a recent ceremony in Riverside, recognizing supervised individuals who completed rehabilitative and educational programs.

The community-based organization provides evidence-based programming and support to individuals on active parole supervision.

Partners and staff celebrate graduate milestones

Family members, community partners and staff gathered to honor participants’ perseverance, personal growth and commitment to successful reentry.

Speakers included Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elizabeth Reid, Assistant Program Director Maria Mendoza-Duarte and Parole Agent II Donald Lopez.

Lopez highlighted the importance of accountability, rehabilitation and community collaboration. Mendoza-Duarte emphasized the value of mentorship, reentry services and community partnerships. Reid congratulated graduates and recognized the staff and organizations supporting their success.

The event showcased the impact of rehabilitation programs and community partnerships in strengthening reentry outcomes.

DRP clothing drive supports reentry participants

Staff from the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) headquarters recently collected and donated clothing to participants in the Male and Female Community Reentry Programs.

Employees contributed bags of clothing, including many new items, to support individuals as they transition back into their communities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the donations and the support from headquarters staff.

The effort reflected the department’s commitment to service, teamwork and successful reentry. It also demonstrated how employee contributions can help participants feel supported as they work toward rebuilding their lives.

DRP thanks all employees who donated and helped make the clothing drive a success.

In the Media

Honor Dorms in East Block at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center

Marin County — San Quentin’s newly opened honor dorm turns death row cells into single rooms

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center has opened its new honor dorm program, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this week. The dorm, located in the prison’s East Block, will house individuals who have demonstrated “exemplary behavior, accountability, and commitment to rehabilitation.”

Forty new parole agents ready to serve California communities

Forty new parole agents are stepping into the field after graduating from the Basic Parole Agent Academy in Galt.

The ceremony was held today at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center, marking the end of 13 weeks of intensive training. Now, these graduates are heading out to communities across California to begin their careers with the Division of Adult Parole Operations.

Bagpiper saluting at Basic Parole Agent Academy graduation

‘Farm to Corrections’ program benefits California growers, incarcerated people

Emotion showed on the face of the farmer as she walked across the rec yard of California State Prison, Solano.

As Sarah Weil talked with incarcerated residents of the facility in Vacaville, many of them shook her hand and thanked her for the mandarins she supplied to CDCR.