Staff enjoy Halloween, harvest events

Across the state every October, CDCR and CCHCS host Halloween and harvest events for staff and their families.

This round-up will be updated as submissions are received. To submit your institution, program or division’s Halloween event, submit photos and a brief write-up to OPEC.Submissions@cdcr.ca.gov. Please ensure any submissions are approved through your chain of command.

The following submissions are listed in the order in which they were received.

Centinela hosts second staff trunk-or-treat

Centinela State Prison recently held a Halloween and harvest event for staff and their families. Costumed kiddos enjoyed trunk-or-treating and a haunted maze. Centinela’s Employee Activities Committee (CEAC) coordinated the event, inviting all areas, departments and associations to participate.

Several cars were showcased, trunk-or-treating style, distributing candy and prizes to children walking through the venue. Meanwhile, CEAC volunteers grilled free hot dogs and provided donated drinks for on-duty staff and guest visitors. Ultimately, the event’s great success served as a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative support of everyone at Centinela.

Story and photos by Lt. M. Ramos
Additional photos by Officer R. Leyvas
Video by Officer T. Polangco

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CMF hosts trunk-or-treat for staff, families

California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville hosted an Oct. 22 trunk-or-treat for institution staff and their families. Children attended in costumes, collecting candy and prizes from staff-decorated trunks and booths.

Families alsoenjoyed music, pizza, hot dogs, free pumpkins and an interactive experience with the CMF Fire truck.

Thanks to the CMF Employee Activity Council, prizes were offered for the best and most creative decorated trunks.

“These events promote morale, teamwork and a strong sense of our community. It’s great to be able to relax, enjoy time with loved ones and build positive connections with coworkers and their families,” said acting Warden B. Donahoo. “CMF and its staff appreciate everyone who contributed to making this year’s event a success.”

Submitted by Lt. C. Bennamon

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Ironwood hosts staff trunk-or-treat

Ironwood State Prison in Blythe hosted trunk-or-treat for institution staff and their families. Children attended in costumes, collecting candy and prizes from staff-decorated trunks and booths. The families enjoyed treats including cotton candy, soft-serve ice cream, slushies and popcorn. The California Correctional Peace Officers Association also sponsored prizes for a spin-the-wheel activity.

Submitted by Lt. C. Whalen

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CTF-Soledad hosts early Halloween staff event

The first institution to hold a Halloween event was the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad. The Oct. 9 event was co-hosted by the Employee Action Committee. Held at the deactivated Facility D, the annual Trunk-4-Treats and Haunted House gathering brought together staff, friends and their families. They enjoyed Halloween festivities and entertainment while fostering community spirit.

The event featured a variety of family-friendly activities, including pumpkin painting, bounce house, face painting, costume contest, cake walk, games and coloring activities for children. Staff decorated their vehicles in festive Halloween themes and passed out candy during the Trunk-4-Treats portion of the event. Local vendors were also on hand offering a variety of merchandise, while Corrections Federal Credit Union provided cotton candy for attendees to enjoy.

Local high school students also volunteered at the event to fulfil community-service requirements. Their assistance helped support the evening’s activities and contributed to its overall success.

The highlight of the evening was CTF’s annual Haunted House, which was brought to life through the creativity, dedication and hard work of staff volunteers. Their efforts transformed the space into a thrilling Halloween attraction, providing excitement and scares for staff, friends and family.

“Events such as this support staff wellness by providing an opportunity to relax, enjoy time with loved ones and build positive connections with coworkers. These gatherings promote morale, teamwork, and a strong sense of community,” said acting Warden C. Rojas. “CTF appreciates everyone who contributed to making this year’s event a success.”

Submitted by Lt. W. Landrum

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ASP staff share treats at community Halloween event

Avenal State Prison (ASP) staff joined the City of Avenal’s Trunk or Treat event Oct. 23, handing out candy and Polish hot dogs to local children and families.

The celebration featured spooky decorations, Halloween surprises and opportunities for families to enjoy the festivities. ASP staff welcomed visitors and joined community members in celebrating the season.

The event gave staff an opportunity to connect with residents and support a family-focused community celebration. Their participation reflected ASP’s commitment to building positive relationships with the surrounding community.

Submitted by Lt. P. Chavez

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COR hosts Halloween Family Night

California State Prison, Corcoran (COR), hosted staff Family Night, offering families a closer look at the institution.

The event offered families an afternoon of food, activities and tours to designated areas.

Departments throughout COR came together to host booths, demonstrations and activities for guests of all ages. Music played throughout the event as families enjoyed a barbecue lunch, games, and trick or treating. COR Administration staff provided guided tours for all attendees to experience and observe the institution from designated areas. For an outside look of the institution, staff provided tours, via Transportation Bus, around the perimeter of the institution.

The COR Fire Department provided a hands-on hose demonstration, while the Investigative Services Unit shared displays highlighting their specialized assignments, including K-9 units. The Crisis Response Team demonstrated an operational mission that involved flash bang grenades and simulation rounds.

Local businesses and community organizations also participated, adding resources and experiences for staff and their families.

For many guests, it was their first opportunity to see the workplace they had heard so much about from their loved ones.

Beyond the activities, Family Night gave coworkers an opportunity to meet one another’s families and spend time together outside their usual assignments. The event recognized COR employees for their hard work and thanked the family members whose support makes that service possible.

Submitted by Lt. E. Garcia.

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CCI hosts festive fun for staff, families

The California Correctional Institution (CCI) transformed into a haven of festive fun and spooky thrills for its annual Halloween Family Night. Organized by the institution’s Employee’s Association and staff volunteers, the event drew an impressive crowd of over 600 staff members and their families, making it one of the facility’s most successful community-building events of the year.

Beyond the candy and costumes, the event highlighted the institution’s ongoing commitment to staff wellness. CCI’s Employee’s Association emphasizes that events like these are vital for building strong peer support networks and giving staff a well-deserved opportunity to unwind with their loved ones.

“Our staff faces unique challenges every day, and their families serve as their ultimate support system,” said Acting Warden Thomas Valdez “Bringing everyone together for a night of pure fun and connection strengthens our prison community and allows us to say a sincere ‘thank you’ for their dedication.”

As the night wrapped up, the overwhelming turnout left no doubt that the CCI Halloween Family Night has cemented itself as a cherished annual tradition, reinforcing camaraderie and morale across the institution.

Submitted by Lt. T Harrison.

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Calipatria delights staff families with trunk-or-treat event

Calipatria State Prison (CAL) welcomed staff, their families, and community members to its annual Trunk-or-Treat event, bringing people together for an evening of Halloween fun, creativity, and community connection.

The event provided a festive atmosphere where children and families could enjoy Halloween-themed decorations, costumes, and trick-or-treating in a safe and welcoming environment. Staff members created a memorable experience for attendees, demonstrating the importance of building positive relationships beyond the workplace.

Events like Trunk-or-Treat reflect CAL’s commitment to fostering camaraderie among staff, supporting families, and strengthening connections with the surrounding community.

Submitted by Lt A Amat.

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MCRP-LA 1 showcases Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda

Día de los Muertos, observed on Nov. 2, is a cherished Mexican tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away. It is believed that on this day, the spirits of departed family members return to visit, allowing people to celebrate their lives and maintain connection with them through remembrance, love, and tradition.

The MCRP-LA-1 ofrenda (altar) is a symbolic space created to welcome and honor those who are no longer with us. It includes photographs of departed loved ones, water to quench their thirst after their journey, fruit as offerings of nourishment, and the vibrant cempasúchil (Mexican marigold), whose color and fragrance are believed to guide spirits back to their families.

Through these meaningful elements, the ofrenda reflects the values of love, memory, and respect that are central to Día de los Muertos. Staff and participants have come together to participate in this tradition, honoring their family members while also recognizing and celebrating the lives of departed members of the HealthRIGHT 360 family, creating a shared space of remembrance, community, and cultural appreciation.

Submitted by Veronica Rangel
Resource Center Manager, HealthRIGHT 360

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FSP/SAC hosts festive Family Day

Folsom State Prison and California State Prison Sacramento hosted a Family Day event on October 24, 2026, for staff members and their families. The event featured live musical entertainment, local vendors, and a classic car show. Children in costume participated in trunk-or-treat activities, a haunted house, bounce houses, face painting, a costume parade, and various games offering candy and snacks.

Submitted by Lt. J. Pagan.

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A Spooktacular Night at SOL

The California State Prison, Solano (SOL) Employee Appreciation Committee (EAC) brought together staff, families, and community partners for a memorable evening of Halloween festivities, delicious food, and community fun!

Families enjoyed a variety of activities, including a haunted house, inflatable attractions, birdhouse painting, creatively decorated trunks, and a fire hose demonstration. Furry friends from the SPCA also delighted attendees, while local food vendors Hot Diggity Dog, Taco Jalisco, and Pika Dolce 707, known for its specialty chamoy candies, served delicious treats. Local businesses and community supporters contributed displays, merchandise, and generous donations.

The event also featured participation from CSP-Solano’s Crisis Response Team and Investigative Services Unit, alongside local law enforcement agencies, and community organizations such as Brazelton Farms and the SPCA of Solano County, which brough kittens and puppies that are available for adoption. Attendees explored patrol vehicles, a fire truck, a historic World War II military vehicle, and the Solano County Sheriff’s Office’s Ballistic Engineered Armored Response vehicle. Interactive exhibits and informational booths provided opportunities for families to engage with participating organizations.

Beyond the Halloween excitement, the celebration highlighted the teamwork, community partnerships, and spirit of appreciation that bring CSP-Solano together. There was a Costume Contest and the participants were awarded skateboards and Helmets in Collaboration with Fresno Skateboard Salvage. CSP- Solanos “haunted hallway” made its return in the Admin building with a “Witches and frights” Theme.

Submitted by Lt. J. Guerrera.
Photos courtesy of Jason LOR Photography.

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HDSP staff celebrate Halloween

Halloween offers a rare chance for employees to break from routine, showcase creativity and bond with colleagues in a fun setting. HDSP personnel staff did just that and enjoyed the day making memories with a 101-dalmatian theme.

HDSP Visiting and Inmate Family Council was also in the spirit hosting a family-friendly Halloween event that was spooky fun for all.

Families and children were greeted by visiting staff and received a Halloween pumpkin from the HDSP pumpkin patch.  Families played games, face painted, colored, and decorated their pumpkin all while sharing everlasting memories with each other.

Each visitor received a trick or treat bag full of fun surprises and candy making it a boo success.

The event allowed visitors to engage with their loved ones and experience the thrill of Halloween and unforgettable imagination.

Submitted by Lt. J. Micone.

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Parole staff use Halloween trunk-or-treat to build community trust

Children dressed as Pikachus, air benders, “jujutsu sorcerers” and more filled parking lots in Elk Grove and Galt in the days leading up to Halloween this year. 

But beyond the candy, costumes and holiday photos, the events served a deeper purpose for the Division of Adult Parole Operations.

“We get to show them the other side of us,” said Parole Agent III Catalina Martinez. “It’s not just about law enforcement, but it’s about being out with the community, bringing people together and building relationships within our community.” 

And there was no shortage of people to meet. In Galt, Trunk or Treat was held for the first time at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center with hundreds of children and families coming out in droves to join the fun. 

Families saw creepy skeletons, haunted mazes, dinosaurs and everything creepy, crawly and scary. The visuals were enough to give anyone a festive fright, but team members like Martinez and Parole Service Associate Bianka Solano wanted to make sure agents left a different impression. 

“Get a child to see an officer as a person with a smile,” Solano said at the Elk Grove event. 

For Martinez, that’s one of the reasons she’s come out to Trunk or Treat for the past three years. 

“We can show the children that there is another side, that there is a human side to our badge,” she said. 

Whether it was in Elk Grove or Galt, DAPO agents all shared the same mission: help children see the people behind the badge. 

“We are your neighbors. We are parents as well. We are brothers and sisters,” Solano said. “When we participate in an event like this and you see each other face to face, it really just brings it full circle.”

Story and video by Eric Escalante
Public Information Officer, CDCR Office of Public and Employee Communications

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