Week in Review: September 25, 2026

September 25, 2026

In this September 25 Week in Review, we highlight PVSP celebrating California with new sculpture, VSP’s health and wellness fair and DAPO connecting community with reentry resources.

Observances

Governor Newsom proclaims Native American Day

READ THE Native American Day PROCLAMATION

In Our Institutions

CCI celebrates renovated employee cafeteria

Ribbon cutting with staff at newly renovated CCI cafeteria

California Correctional Institution (CCI) at Tehachapi recently opened its newly renovated employee cafeteria. The updated Sunflower Cafe offers staff a modern space to recharge.

The grand opening event brought together CDCR leadership, executive staff and employees from custody, health care and support services.

Features include expanded seating, upgraded kitchen equipment, hot and cold meal options, and coffee and beverage stations. Extended hours are now offered to accommodate staff working first, second and third watch.

Opening ceremony handshake at newly renovated CCI cafeteria

Staff checking out at newly renovated CCI cafeteria

“This is about respecting our employees,” said acting Chief Deputy Warden Nathan Welch. “Our staff works around the clock in a demanding environment.”

Project funding was provided through a state contract. CCI Employee Association celebrated the opening by offering staff $5 off their meals.

The new cafeteria provides employees with a comfortable place to enjoy a meal and rejuvenate before returning to work.

PVSP celebrates California with new sculpture

Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) in Coalinga celebrated California’s 176th anniversary of statehood Sept. 9 with the dedication of a new grizzly bear sculpture.

Incarcerated student welders created the 9-foot metal sculpture through the institution’s vocational welding program, under Instructor Jose Hernandez.

Hundreds of hours of planning, design, fabrication and welding were spent on the project.

The artwork was erected on the grounds with the assistance of Plant Operations.

Staff also participated in a “Name the Grizzly” competition for the state’s official animal.

Correctional Officer Abel Negrete submitted the winning name, “Big Pleasant,” selected through a staff vote.

Acting Associate Director Green and Warden Ourique joined staff for the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The sculpture beautifies institution grounds and highlights valuable skills developed through vocational training.

VSP hosts health and wellness fair

Health station at VSP health and wellness fair

Canine program station at VSP health and wellness fair

Valley State Prison (VSP) in Chowchilla hosted a health and wellness fair featuring 13 booths focused on education, prevention and healthy practices.

Organized by Shared Governance, the event brought together programs including mental health, dental health, public health and nutrition among others.

Participants received practical guidance on completing health care forms, reading nutrition labels and practicing proper oral hygiene.

Substance use disorder treatment station at VSP health and wellness fair

CPR station at VSP health and wellness fair

Hands-on demonstrations covered Narcan administration and effective chest compressions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Other stations addressed communicable infections, medication management, health care grievances and substance use disorder treatment.

The event combined interactive learning with videos, visuals and demonstrations to make information accessible and engaging. Staff and incarcerated persons noted the fair effectively delivered valuable community health education with practical tools supporting health and wellness.

Upward Mobility

Dr. Melinda Chau, assigned acting Chief Executive Officer, Kern Valley State Prison
Pedro Chanelo, assigned acting Warden, Central California Women’s Facility

*Listed in alphabetical order by first name

Law Enforcement Operations

OCS joins effort targeting nationwide human trafficking operation

OCS Operation Coast to Coast by the numbers graphic.

The Office of Correctional Safety (OCS) assisted the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (SRHTTF) in Coast to Coast, a nationwide human trafficking operation.

The Sept. 10 operation targeted a known prostitution corridor in Sacramento.

The Sacramento-area portion of the operation resulted in multiple cite-and-release arrests on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute and engaging in prostitution, as well as several traffic-related violations leading to multiple vehicle tows. During the operation, several victims were contacted and offered resources.

OCS Investigative Training Unit and Specialized Technology and Investigations Unit (STIU) participated in the operation.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

DAPO connects community with reentry resources

Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community Reentry Unit (CRU) staff connected attendees with reentry resources at a higher education resource fair earlier this month.

The “Building Belonging, Opportunity and Second Chances” event was hosted by the Pitzer College, a member of The Claremont Colleges.

The Claremont Colleges Justice Education Center delivers academic pipelines, policy reform initiatives and structural reintegration resources for traditional students and those who are system impacted.

DAPO staff with attendees at resource fair

At the resource fair, CRU staff answered questions about parole services and explained the transition from incarceration to the community. Organizations offering education, employment, vocational training, housing, health care and legal services were in attendance.

The event created opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and community members to connect with support organizations.

CRU’s participation strengthened connections between parole services and community partners supporting successful reentry.

In the Media

Medal of Valor honoree screenshot of video interview

Retired officer honored with medal for rescue efforts in deadly crash

A retired correctional officer is being honored for his efforts to save a man involved in a deadly crash along Highway 99.

Jeffrey Bargstadt received a Gold Star Medal of Honor during the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s 40th Medal of Valor Ceremony in Galt.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW ON THEIR WEBSITE

Parole agent honored for heroism during Oakland shooting

This year’s highest award will be presented to Parole Agent Marcello Yciano, whose rapid response in the midst of a shooting at the CDCR’s Oakland field office helped protect colleagues and ensure the capture of the shooter, officials said.

California leads the way in bringing menopause care to prisons

Last year, Impact Justice started the first-ever national initiative to improve the quality of menopause healthcare in prisons — with support from the California Legislature and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, as well as oversight from an advisory board comprising medical professionals and women who have experienced menopause in prison themselves.