Week in Review: September 4, 2026

September 4, 2026

In this September 4 Week in Review, we highlight the observance of International Overdose Awareness Day, CMF’s inaugural Clover Awards and CSP-Solano’s support for local youth programs.

Observances

International Overdose Awareness Day

CDCR institutions observed International Overdose Awareness Day across the state this week. In-prison events addressed the tragedy of drug overdose death and the importance of overdose prevention.

California State Prison, Sacramento, Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment staff set up booths on a recreational yard, hosting games and prize drawings. They also demonstrated how to use Narcan to reverse an overdose.

Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown hosted Narcan training inside the facility and shared information about Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment. An International Overdose Awareness Day booth in the administration building provided snow cones to attendees.

Wasco State Prison-Reception Center organized a display at the entrance of the admin building and engaged staff with resources and refreshments.

North Kern State Prison in Delano hosted an educational event to reduce stigma associated with SUD and provided information on treatment and recovery. The event included partnership with Nursing, Dental, Peer Support and Mental Health.

Staff at Sierra Conservation Center at International Overdose Awareness Day event

Staff at Wasco State Prison at International Overdose Awareness Day event

Folsom State Prison staff hosted events on two days on separate facilities, with live music and information booths. The events included staff from the Peer Support Specialist Program and the Division of Rehabilitative Programs and Mental Health.

Kern Valley State Prison in Delano held an event with stations for CPR, Narcan demonstrations, peer support, engagement activities and educational resources.

Folsom State Prison International Overdose Awareness Day event

Kern Valley State Prison staff at International Overdose Awareness Day event

Other institutions participated as well. More information will be shared via Inside CDCR.

Upward Mobility

Hector Lopez, assigned acting Warden, Centinela State Prison

In Our Institutions

CSP-Solano supports local youth programs

CSP-Solano delivers check to Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento group picture

California State Prison, Solano (CSP-Solano), in Vacaville recently donated more than $3,000 each to two organizations supporting local youth.

Funds were raised through a food sale for the incarcerated population with the goal of making a difference in the community.

Checks were presented by staff to the Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento to support programs and resources.

Staff also attended the Vacaville Boys & Girls Club’s annual Wake Up Your Heart Breakfast Aug. 26. The event recognized community leaders and highlighted the organization’s impact on local youth.

CMF honors staff with inaugural Clover Awards

California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville celebrated staff who demonstrate integrity, courage and humanity during its inaugural Clover Awards Ceremony Aug. 26.

The incarcerated population anonymously nominated staff who serve as positive role models, mentors and compassionate caregivers. All nominees were recognized and received certificates.

Five staff members received Clover Awards:

Correctional Supervising Cook U. De La Campa
Registered Nurse S. Dacula-Barker
Correctional Officer M. Da Silva-Abeyta
Correctional Officer L. McKeown
Correctional Officer V. Vironchi

Fallen staff were recognized during the ceremony with the Fallen Clovers tribute.

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

Acting Warden Byan Donahoo delivers opening remarks

CMF Clover Award ceremony speaker and participants

Acting Warden Byan Donahoo delivered opening remarks, while Dobson-Davis served as emcee.

Division of Adult Institutions Director Gena Jones attended and recognized Dobson-Davis for her leadership and inspiration.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

OVSRS makes connections at Career Fair

OVSRS and CDCR staff at the San Joaquin Delta College Public Safety Career Fair.

OVSRS at the San Joaquin Delta College Public Safety Career Fair.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) staff recently participated in the San Joaquin Delta College Public Safety Career Fair.

Staff shared information about victim services and restitution processes offered by the department.

Outreach engaged with attendees interested in public safety careers and shared how restitution is managed during and after incarceration. Staff distributed brochures and resources for future reference.

OVSRS highlights victims’ rights at parole academy

OVSRS delivering presentation at Basic Parole Agent Academy

OVSRS staff also recently provided future parole agents with insight into victims’ rights.

Their presentation to the Basic Parole Agent Academy covered victim services and restitution responsibilities.

Information was shared about restitution collection during and after incarceration, supporting agents’ understanding of post-release obligations and the Franchise Tax Board’s role.

This presentation helped educate future parole agents on compliance, accountability and the importance of connecting victims and supervised persons with resources.

The parole agents will graduate Sept. 4.

Rehabilitation

Transforming lives: How CDCR is redefining prison education

CDCR's back to school campaign featured education and transforming lives with teachers in prison classrooms against a chalkboard background.

A sprawling education system, complete with accredited adult schools, college classes and career training designed to transform lives, exists within the walls of CDCR’s institutions.

It’s Back to School 2026 and this year it means a new name and new emphasis. The Office of Correctional Education will change to the Office of Academic and Career Development, according to Superintendent Genevie Candelaria.

“We’re very proud of it. The new name reflects the progress and professionalism of education work inside our schools. It is the hard work. It is the big lift. We are transforming lives,” Candelaria said.

READ THE FULL STORY ON INSIDE CDCR

Division of Adult Parole Operations

DAPO builds reentry connections at San Francisco resource fair

DAPO and partners at reentry resource fair

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community Reentry Unit brought service providers and job seekers together at a San Francisco resource fair.

Held Aug. 6 at the San Francisco Main Library, “The Bridge” event connected supervised and justice-involved individuals with community resources.

Providers offered assistance with housing, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, education, employment and transitional living.

California Department of Human Resources staff also presented a seminar on securing state employment.

The event drew hundreds of job seekers and featured state, city and local organizations.

SF mayor and DAPO staff at reentry event

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie toured the fair and thanked participating providers. He also recognized Parole Agent II Tobias Tenorio for strengthening partnerships between DAPO and the city.