Week in Review: August 21

August 21, 2026

In this August 21 Week in Review, we highlight CCWF’s Women in Law Enforcement Symposium, HDSP staff cramming the cruiser to support families in need and Supervising Registered Nurse II Adwoa Cooper’s prize-winning creations.

In the Community

CCWF leaders host Women in Law Enforcement Symposium

Women's Symposium with CCWF putting on the event. Image shows three CDCR Honor Guard members.

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla recently hosted its second Women in Law Enforcement Symposium at the Fresno Convention Center.

The July 31 event brought together over 500 law enforcement partners from across California. This year’s theme “Resilient by Nature, United by Service,” offered attendees the opportunity to connect over shared experiences, mentorship and networking.

Highlights included a distinguished speaker panel and an all-female honor guard presentation.

Group photo of Fresno Police cadets at the Women in Law Enforcement Symposium.

Wendy Enos, a chief deputy administrator with the CDCR Division of Adult Parole Operations, speaks during a panel of women working in law enforcement.

READ THE FULL STORY ON INSIDE CDCR

HDSP staff cram the cruiser to support families in need

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) staff recently joined Lassen Family Services and local agencies for the annual “Cram the Cruiser” event.

The team collected donations for families in need at a local grocery store. Community members donated canned goods, pantry staples, nonperishable foods and toiletries to fill the cruiser.

The Susanville event brought staff, partners and community members together to support local families. In 2025, Lassen Family Services provided 294 food boxes to families in need. HDSP staff said they were proud to support the organization’s continued efforts in the community.

Upward Mobility

Ismael Alomari, assigned acting Warden, Wasco State Prison
Krystal Acierto, appointed Deputy Director, Office of Fiscal Services

*Listed in alphabetical order by first name

Staff Spotlight

Adwoa Cooper stitches dreams into reality

Cooper with award and prize-winning artwork

Cooper's prize-winning artwork "Don't Poke the Bear"

Adwoa Cooper, a supervising registered nurse II at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, earned second place in the California State Fair Crafts Competition.

Her prize-winning creation, “Don’t Poke the Bear,” is a tribute to California featuring Governor Gavin Newsom.

Cooper has competed in the fair’s craft competition since 2015. She specializes in the Amigurumi style, a Japanese crochet technique.

She taught herself to crochet in 2009 after trying to make a Yoda doll for her son. Books, online tutorials and persistence helped transform her early attempts into award-winning creations.

Her work has earned multiple State Fair honors, including first-place finishes in 2019 for a tribute to “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and in 2023 for “Happy Birthday Hip Hop.” Cooper plans to continue competing while sharing her craft with others, especially youth. After retirement, she said she hopes to open a shop or nonprofit to teach doll-making and inspire future artists.

In Our Institutions

CCWA awards scholarships to ASP students

The Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA) at Avenal State Prison (ASP) awarded four scholarships to children of members pursuing higher education.

Applicants submitted essays describing their academic experiences, career goals and future aspirations. Recipients were selected for the $400 scholarships based on essays demonstrating dedication, perseverance and commitment to education.

Recipients include Xiomara Escobar, daughter of Juanita Cardenas, who will study psychology at Fresno State. Hannah Garcia, daughter of correctional officer Garcia, will pursue a Master of Public Health at Fresno State. Leeah Nieves, daughter of correctional officer Valerie Villanueva, is pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling. Not pictured, Allyson Leon, daughter of Frida Murillo, will attend cosmetology school.

CCWA members said they are proud to support these students as they pursue their educational and professional goals.

SCC food sale raises funds for Special Olympics

SCC staff with fundraising check for Special Olympics

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) in Jamestown raised $17,396 for the Tuolumne County Ravens (TC Ravens) Special Olympics Team.

Warden Joshua Prudhel and the Community Resources Management team presented the donation Aug. 13.

The funds came from a May food sale for the incarcerated population. The institution’s Community Resources Management office partnered with food vendors for the fundraiser.

SCC staff and the population have long supported TC Ravens and their athletes. Their support includes events such as Tip-A-Cop, the annual torch run and Polar Plunge.

Staff also attend the team’s basketball and golf events throughout the year.

SCC recognized Rafiq Akhtar, Dwayne Stearns, Reiko Craig and James Johnson for their work supporting the fundraiser.

CSP‑Sacramento opens renovated staff gym

California State Prison (CSP), Sacramento, recently celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated staff gymnasium.

The updated facility supports employee health and wellness by providing space for strength training, cardiovascular exercise and overall fitness.

The ceremony included a ribbon cutting led by Warden Jason Schultz. Chief Deputy Warden Chase Jackson, Lt. Brian Schroeder and Field Training Sgt. Kyle McKenna also assisted.

Also attending were Deputy Director Gina Savala, from Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development, Capt. TJ Klein and Lt. Yodany Sanchez from Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST).

“Thanks to the great efforts of our staff, the newly renovated gymnasium will have a positive impact on our institution for years to come,” said Schultz.

The renovated facility demonstrates the institution’s continued investment in employee wellness and creating a positive workplace.

This project was made possible through the Apprenticeship Innovation Funding, a grant through the Department of Industrial Relations.

Law Enforcement Operations

Parole agents lead Operation Early Wake‑Up Call

Parole agents led Operation Early Wake-Up Call in the San Diego area.

The San Diego District of the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) conducted Operation Early Wake-Up Call Aug. 14. This sweep was a multi-agency effort. The successful operation resulted in multiple arrests for various penal code violations as well as violating conditions of parole.

READ THE FULL STORY ON INSIDE CDCR

Rehabilitation

DAPO leads reentry seminar for youth offenders at CSP-Solano

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community Reentry Unit joined the Youth Offenders Program at California State Prison (CSP), Solano.

The June 30 “Get Ready to Go Home” seminar focused on preparing participants for successful reentry.

Parole Agent II Specialist Jonathan Richardson served as keynote speaker. He shared practical guidance about parole requirements, assessments, meetings and community resources.

DAPO seminar for large audience at CSP-Solano

Richardson encouraged participants to plan early, ask questions and communicate openly with their parole agents. He also highlighted the importance of attending Parole and Community Team meetings.

Event sponsor Chaplain Yisroel Zaetz said the seminar provided practical tools and realistic expectations.

The event reinforced the department’s commitment to driving rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

MCRP participant builds a new path forward

Steven Ward’s journey through the Division of Adult Parole Operations’ Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) began with accountability and a commitment to change.

While incarcerated, Ward confronted choices leading him to prison. He participated in self-help groups, attended religious services and mentored other incarcerated individuals.

Ward was selected August 2025 to join the first participant group at MCRP. He recognized the opportunity before him and quickly became a mentor and participant spokesperson.

The experience strengthened his commitment to support others and developed his communication skills. He gained confidence addressing CDCR’s management teams and community leaders.

Ward also secured full-time work at a Fresno bagel shop. His strong work ethic quickly led to promoting into a management position.

Today, Ward oversees five employees, monitors inventory and coordinates deliveries for five restaurants. He credits accountability, perseverance and opportunity for helping shape his new path.

In the Media

Close up of SCC check for Special Olympics

Sierra Conservation Center continues support of TC Ravens with nearly $17,400 donation

Sierra Conservation Center and Tuolumne County Ravens Special Olympics Team furthered their longstanding relationship, as the Ravens accepted a check for nearly $17,400 from Warden Joshua Prudhel and the prison’s Community Resources Management team.