Week in Review: October 23, 2026

October 23, 2026

In this October 23 Week in Review, we highlight Avenal’s Innovation Award, PBSP Occupational Mentors and CTF raising $44,000 for cancer support.

What’s New

Governor Newsom welcomes first Cal State LA bachelor’s cohort
at San Quentin as California crime rates reach historic lows

As the state continues to strengthen public safety through targeted law enforcement, accountability and violence prevention, a new Cal State LA program at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center is expanding access to higher education and supporting successful reentry.

Crowd celebrating the inaugural cohort of students pursuing bachelor’s degrees through California State University, Los Angeles at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center

Speaker at the celebration of the inaugural cohort of students pursuing bachelor’s degrees through California State University, Los Angeles at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center

By expanding access to college inside our correctional facilities, we’re strengthening rehabilitation, supporting successful reentry and helping make our communities safer. The majority of people who enter prison eventually go back once they’ve served their time, so it is deeply important that those individuals leave being better prepared to positively contribute to their community.

Governor Gavin Newsom

READ THE GOVERNOR’S PRESS RELEASE

Governor Newsom announces new staff-led initiative at Corcoran to support rehabilitation and reentry

Governor Newsom is bolstering the California Model at California State Prison Corcoran where staff helped transform a previously deactivated facility into a housing community focused on rehabilitation, personal responsibility and preparation for release.

California State Prison Corcoran audience at ceremony

Public safety doesn’t end at the prison gate – it means holding people accountable while giving them the tools to change, prepare for a job and return to their communities ready to contribute. At Corcoran, staff are helping lead that work, building an environment where responsibility, rehabilitation and meaningful participation go hand in hand.

Governor Gavin Newsom

READ THE GOVERNOR’S PRESS RELEASE

Staff Spotlight

Avenal Health Care earns Innovation Award

Avenal State Prison Health Care accepting the Innovators by Design Award from the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County

The Avenal State Prison (ASP) Health Care team earned its first award Oct. 7, receiving the Innovators by Design Award from the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County.

The award honors “exceptional perseverance, innovation and accomplishments” and recognized ASP Health Care in the Business Services category.

Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer Jasmine Baker and Chief Executive Officer Jaron Nash with the Innovators by Design Award

Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer Jasmine Baker represents ASP at regional health care partnership meetings. She and Chief Executive Officer Jaron Nash collaborate with hospitals, clinics, schools and workforce agencies to address shared challenges and expand career opportunities.

“Jasmine is the reason ASP has a voice in this community,” Nash said. “She has elevated the relationships, putting us in new rooms and engagements, and this award is the result of her passion for the work.”

The partnerships are already creating career pathways. ASP now hires licensed vocational nurses directly from Tulare Adult School’s program.

Baker and Nash also meet with local high school students to introduce them to careers in correctional health care.

“I believe it is my responsibility to inspire future leaders, advance public service and help create opportunities for the next generation of correctional health care professionals,” Baker said.

watch their business success story video

Rehabilitation

PBSP recognizes Occupational Mentors

Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) collaborated with Amity Foundation to host an appreciation event Oct. 8.

PBSP Occupational Mentor Certification Program participants

Occupational Mentor Certification Program (OMCP) participants were honored for their dedication and contributions to the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program.

Mentors support the program by co-facilitating treatment groups, providing peer guidance and encouraging individuals to actively engage in their recovery.

Through training and lived experiences mentors serve as role models who promote personal growth and accountability.

“Peer mentorship bridges the gap between rehabilitation programs and real personal transformation,” said acting Warden Betzinger. “We greatly appreciate these mentors for their hard work, leadership and unwavering commitment to helping their peers succeed on the path to recovery.”

The event recognized the mentors’ contributions and their continued commitment to supporting others in recovery.

California Men’s Colony hosts songwriting workshop

Singer Poo Bear, staff and CMC songwriting program participants

Songwriter and music producer Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd visited California Men’s Colony (CMC) at San Luis Obispo Oct. 14-15 to lead a songwriting workshop for incarcerated participants.

Offered through CMC’s mental health program, the two-day workshop encouraged creative expression, collaboration and personal growth. Boyd shared his passion for songwriting while creating a supportive environment for participants to connect through music.

Incarcerated musician Daystar “Tory Lanez” Peterson also assisted, contributing his musical experience to the collaborative project.

Songwriting offered participants a constructive way to reflect on personal experiences, express emotions and build confidence. The workshop connected creative expression with rehabilitation, giving participants an opportunity to develop skills and create something meaningful together.

Video still of Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd performing during songwriting workshop for incarcerated participants at California Men’s Colony.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

FCRP Luau 2026

FCRP Sacramento participants with informational poster at annual luau

Participants at the Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) in Sacramento brought island traditions to life during the program’s annual luau held Oct. 9.

In the weeks leading up to the event, participants researched their chosen islands, created costumes and practiced traditional dances.

FCRP Sacramento participants at Samoa art station

FCRP Sacramento participants with watermelon wedges at annual luau

The celebration featured lei and headdress-making stations, games, information booths, dance performances and watermelon-eating contests.

Participants also worked alongside chefs to prepare a meal for the gathering.

Families, participants and staff came together to enjoy the festivities, celebrate cultural traditions and strengthen community connections.

DAPO pop-up connects supervised persons with reentry resources

DAPO pop-up connects individuals with resources at information tables

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) brought reentry services directly to participants during a South Coast Parole District Peer Reentry Navigation Network (PRNN) meeting.

Organized by the Community Reentry Unit (CRU), the Aug. 20 pop-up focused on those serving long or life sentences.

Community partners offered behavioral health services, crisis counseling, workforce development, educational pathways and substance use recovery support.

Participants also received mobile phones and connectivity services to help with job searches and parole check-ins.

Student volunteers from the CRU Institute of Cosmetology and Barbering provided haircuts to help participants prepare for job interviews.

GEO Santa Ana Day Reporting Center providing dinner plates at DAPO reentry pop-up

The GEO Santa Ana Day Reporting Center provided dinner, making it easier for attendees to participate around work and supervision schedules.

Henry, who recently transferred to the South Coast District, welcomed the support. “I deeply appreciate the resources and a support group like the PRNN,” Henry said. “It gives me exactly what I need to stay focused and remain successful in this transition.”

Upward Mobility

Anna Reyes, assigned acting Chief, Office of Labor Relations

In Our Institutions

CTF raises $44,000 for cancer support

Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad raised $44,000 for the American Cancer Society through two Relay For Life events.

Staff, volunteers and incarcerated participants joined together to support the cause.

Facility C hosted its event Sept. 26, followed by Facilities A and B on Oct. 10. Activities included a ceremonial survivor walk, car show, live music, cultural performances, games and survivor testimonials.

Incarcerated participants at CTF Relay for Life event donating their hair

CTF art installation at Relay for Life event

Five incarcerated participants also donated their hair through the Wigs for Kids initiative, assisting children experiencing medical-related hair loss.

Food sales across all three facilities helped fund the effort to support cancer research and patient services.

“Raising $44,000 for the American Cancer Society is an incredible accomplishment,” said acting Warden Rojas. “I am extremely proud of our incarcerated population for their generosity, participation and willingness to contribute to such an important cause.”

Rojas recognized staff and volunteers whose teamwork made the fundraisers possible.

CTF welcomes college students for corrections tour

Monterey Peninsula College Administration of Justice students at CTF

Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad welcomed Monterey Peninsula College Administration of Justice students Oct. 15 for a firsthand look at correctional operations and career opportunities.

Students learned about institutional security, housing units, rehabilitative programming and the responsibilities of correctional professionals. They also explored how communication, teamwork and sound decision-making contribute to a safe environment and successful rehabilitation.

The tour gave students opportunities to ask staff questions and connect classroom learning with real-world correctional operations.

“By opening our doors to future criminal justice professionals, we can help bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world experience,” said acting Warden C. Rojas.

Rojas highlighted CDCR’s broader mission, including rehabilitation, education and successful reintegration. He also emphasized the value of partnerships with local colleges in preparing the next generation of public service professionals.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

OVSRS supports survivors at annual run

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) staff joined Run for a Safe Haven Oct. 10.

Hosted by My Sister’s House, the run took place at William Land Park in Sacramento.

Organizations and advocates gathered to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the 23^rd annual event emphasized raising awareness, promoting safety and connecting survivors with resources.

OVSRS staff joined community partners in supporting survivors and building safer, more informed communities.

OVSRS attends domestic violence prevention conference

Attendees seated at Sacramento Domestic Violence Prevention Collaboration Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony

Staff from the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) attended the Sacramento Domestic Violence Prevention Collaboration Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony.

The event brought regional professionals together at the Folsom Community Center for training focused on strengthening community responses to domestic violence.

OVSRS staff attended to support partner agencies, exchange knowledge and learn more about issues affecting victims and survivors.

The conference provided an opportunity to reinforce professional connections and deepen understanding of community efforts to address domestic violence.

In the Media

Pineda graduates Merced College at CCWF.

Merced College among four colleges celebrating 59 graduates at Chowchilla Prison

Merced College students were among 59 incarcerated women who earned college degrees at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

Corcoran prison’s new ‘honor dorm’ gives inmates ‘the tools to change’

Incarcerated persons at one of California’s largest prisons now have access to a resource advocates have worked toward for years: a housing community focused on rehabilitation, personal responsibility, and developing skills for life after release.