Week in Review: August 28

August 28, 2026

In this August 28 Week in Review, we highlight CDCR K-9s, ASP’s Anti-Recidivism Coalition graduation and DAPO’s Women’s Empowerment Event.

In the Community

HDSP recognized for community support

HDSP presents check to Susanville Rotary

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) in Susanville was recently recognized for supporting senior citizens throughout Lassen County.

The Susanville Rotary Club hosted a senior luncheon following HDSP’s $2,000 community donation. The incarcerated population raised the funds through facility food sales.

The donation supports meaningful services and opportunities for local seniors.

Acting Warden Thornton received the Service Above Self Award during the event.

More than 100 senior citizens attended the luncheon for food, fellowship and conversation.

The gathering also gave HDSP staff an opportunity to connect with community members and see the donation’s impact firsthand.

“It warms my heart to attend these events,” said Thornton. “To see in person how the donation has truly helped so many people.”

The event highlighted the positive impact of community partnerships and HDSP’s commitment to supporting Lassen County.

DAPO hosts Women’s Empowerment Event

DAPO Women's Empowerment Event welcome area with participants

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) hosted a Women’s Empowerment Event focused on connection, healing and reentry resources.

The Community Reentry Unit partnered with the Capitol Parole District and Sacramento Community Based Coalition for the July 17 event.

About 30 justice-impacted women participated, including supervised people and Female Community Reentry Program participants.

Community partners provided resources, activities, prizes and inspiration. Participants rotated through yoga, planter painting, resource connections and professional portraits.

Small group participating in activity at Women's Empowerment Event

Speaker Charisse Blaylock at event, posing in front of her poster

Guest speaker Charisse Blaylock shared her reentry journey and encouraged resilience, determination and self-confidence.

Capitol District parole agents and District Administrator D. Hollar also attended to offer encouragement.

The event reflected DAPO’s commitment to empowering women and strengthening community support during reentry.

Upward Mobility

Bryttiney Lincoln, assigned acting Regional Health Care Executive, Region IV

Staff Spotlight

Meet the CDCR K-9s

Kilo, the CDCR K-9 assigned to Folsom State Prison.

Every day, CDCR K-9s work alongside their handlers to help keep the institutions, staff and the public safe.

Each canine team passes the department’s 280-hour training course.

These K-9s are specially trained to detect narcotics and other contraband such as cell phones and tobacco.

The mission of the K-9 unit is to combat the introduction of illegal drugs and contraband into facilities and enhance safety.

Inside CDCR is highlighting the dedication, loyalty and service of CDCR K-9s and their handlers in a special series.

In Our Institutions

Avenal State Prison celebrates ARC program graduates

Avenal State Prison recently celebrated incarcerated individuals who completed the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) program.

The program concluded with graduation recognizing participants for their dedication and progress.

ARC programming focuses on personal growth, accountability, mentorship and reentry preparation. Participants build skills and support systems to help them pursue positive change.

The event marked an important milestone and each graduate’s commitment to making positive changes in their lives.

ARC graduate with certificate and staff at ASP

Avenal State Prison continues supporting rehabilitative programs and community partnerships focused on education, personal development and successful reentry.

These opportunities help participants build skills for the future while supporting public safety and reducing recidivism.

ASP supports Links for Life

ASP presents donation to Kings County Links for Life

Avenal State Prison (ASP) presented a $986 donation to Kings County Links for Life Aug. 21.

Incarcerated individuals from Facility A raised the funds to support breast cancer patients and families. Their effort reflects a commitment to giving back and supporting the community.

Links for Life provides services, support and resources to people affected by breast cancer. The organization also promotes breast cancer awareness throughout the community.

The donation will help provide resources and support for those affected by breast cancer.

Facility A participants demonstrated how teamwork and generosity can create a meaningful community impact.

CCI food sales support local youth

The incarcerated population at California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi recently raised $9,685 for local youth programs through facility food sales.

Specialty food sales featured area vendors and gave incarcerated individuals the opportunity to support local businesses. Proceeds benefited youth hockey and the local high school football team.

“We’re proud to host events that benefit the city of Tehachapi,” said acting Warden Thomas Valdez. “These events also promote normalization within our incarcerated population.”

The sales provided unique dining options, strengthened CCI’s connection with the community and demonstrated how facility programs can create positive community impact.

In the Media

Dave Dahl with a loaf of the bread he helped create standing in front of Folsom State Prison.

The founder of Dave’s Killer Bread visits Folsom State Prison

Dave Dahl, the founder of Dave’s Killer Bread visits incarcerated individuals with the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA).

Life after Incarceration

Inside Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility for an exclusive look at a rehabilitation program helping incarcerated individuals prepare for a better life after serving their time. See how education, skills training and support through the CALCTRA program can make a difference.

WATCH THE VIDEO ON THEIR WEBSITE