In this October 30 Week in Review, we highlight DAPO compliance operation, Avenal’s 230 college graduates and cancer awareness events.
Staff Spotlight
CMC celebrates medical assistants
California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo recognized its medical assistants for the compassion and professionalism they bring to patient care every day.
Medical assistants play an important role in supporting patients and health care teams. Along with clinical knowledge, they help create a welcoming environment through kindness, reassurance and attentive care.
The recognition celebrated the meaningful contributions medical assistants make throughout the year. Their dedication strengthens teamwork and helps patients feel more comfortable during care.
CMC thanked its medical assistants for their continued commitment to serving patients and supporting colleagues across the institution.
Observances
Daylight Saving Time ends – Sunday, Nov. 1
Remember to set your clocks back one hour. Daylight Saving Time will officially end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov.1, 2026.
FCRP-Sacramento honors cancer survivor
Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) Sacramento marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting an event Oct. 23 and honoring participant Lynette DeMello, a Stage 4 breast cancer survivor.
DeMello shared her journey after receiving her diagnosis while incarcerated. She encouraged others to prioritize regular mammograms and early detection.
The event included a celebration in her honor, a breast cancer awareness walk around the facility grounds and a documentary screening. Staff and participants came together to recognize her resilience while reinforcing the importance of education and prevention.
The event highlighted hope, support and the impact of sharing personal experiences to inspire others.
In the Community
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.
Rehabilitation
HDSP celebrates 57 ISUDT graduates
High Desert State Prison (HDSP) in Susanville celebrated a milestone Sept. 29 with its first Amity Foundation Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) graduation on Facility D.
The ceremony recognized 57 Cognitive Behavioral Intervention graduates from the Level IV Enhanced Outpatient Program. The achievement followed programming challenges during the facility’s transition period.
Several graduates shared how they overcame personal barriers while completing the program. They spoke about positive changes in their lives and renewed commitment to rehabilitation.
Warden Thornton thanked custody staff, program partners and others who helped make the event possible. Starbucks donated coffee, while graduates also enjoyed pizza and cupcakes during the celebration.
San Quentin Film Festival Celebrates Third Year of Storytelling, Creativity and Second Chances
The nation’s first in-prison film festival concluded its third annual event at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC), showcasing films created by currently and formerly incarcerated people. Nearly 400 people attended the event on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, including entertainment industry professionals, educators and community advocates such as Darrell Britt-Gibson and Jonathan Penner (also from TV’s “Survivor”). Awards were presented throughout the event, including “Prolung Khmer” for American documentary award for short film.
In Our Institutions
SVSP unites for Cancer Awareness Walk
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) brought staff and incarcerated individuals together Oct. 22 and 23 for its second Cancer Awareness Walk.
Participants united to honor those affected by cancer while promoting awareness, compassion and hope. The strong turnout reflected a shared commitment to supporting families, friends and communities impacted by the disease.
The event also supported the institution’s rehabilitative mission by encouraging positive participation and meaningful engagement. Organizers hope to make the walk an annual tradition to strengthen connections within the institution while supporting a cause beyond the reach of its walls.
ISP staff make a difference through blood drive
Ironwood State Prison (ISP) staff stepped up to help meet a critical community need during a recent blood drive with LifeStream Blood Bank.
Employees donated blood knowing each donation can help save up to three lives. The contributions support trauma patients, surgeries and cancer treatments at regional medical centers.
The event reflected staff’s commitment to serving others inside and outside the institution. Through their generosity, participants made a meaningful difference for patients and families throughout the community.
Avenal celebrates 230 college graduates
Avenal State Prison celebrated more than 230 incarcerated students during college graduation ceremonies held Oct. 8, 15 and 22.
The ceremonies recognized students earning educational achievements through partnerships with Coastline Community College and Palo Verde Community College.
Family members attended the celebrations, making the milestone even more meaningful for graduates. Their support highlighted the dedication and perseverance students demonstrated while pursuing their education.
The institution thanked both colleges for expanding educational opportunities and supporting student success.
Division of Adult Parole Operations
DAPO, Riverside County complete compliance operation
Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) parole agents from Riverside and Tri-City districts partnered with Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for a compliance operation in Moreno Valley.
The large-scale Oct. 7 effort focused on California’s sex offender registration requirements under Penal Code Section 290.
Teams conducted 105 compliance checks across 68 locations and made contact with 66 individuals.
The operation resulted in 24 arrests, including 23 people under parole supervision and one person on probation.
About 24 DAPO personnel worked alongside sheriff’s deputies throughout the operation.
The coordinated effort highlighted the value of strong partnerships in promoting accountability, supporting compliance and enhancing public safety.
PACT returns to Alameda County
The Parole and Community Team (PACT) meeting returned to Alameda County after over a year, reconnecting newly released individuals with local resources.
The Division of Adult Parole Operations Delta Parole District and Community Reentry Unit relaunched PACT Sept. 16 with community partners at Market Street Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oakland.
About 65 supervised persons attended and connected with county-specific service providers. The event helped participants address immediate needs and strengthen their path toward successful reintegration.
Several attendees thanked the Community Reentry Unit team before leaving, describing the resources as meaningful and practical. The relaunch demonstrated the power of collaboration in supporting successful reentry.
Salinas parole agents connect with students
Parole agents from the Salinas Parole Complex joined Greenfield High School’s ninth annual College and Career Fair Oct. 23.
Students explored career opportunities, asked questions and learned how classroom lessons connect to real-world professions. The event gave students an up-close look at public service careers while encouraging conversations about future career paths.
Community connections were strengthened at the event while helping students learn more about careers in corrections and public safety.
In the Media
Officials conduct Halloween checks on registered sex offenders on parole in Operation Boo
As children dress in their best to trick-or-treat and families gear up for Halloween on Saturday, parole agents are preparing for a different kind of tradition.
Conducted by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)’s Division of Adult Parole Operations, Operation Boo is an annual and statewide public-safety effort to keep communities safe on the spookiest day of the year.
In prison, wheelchair basketball offers a chance at reinvention
Before basketball practice begins, Larry Roach calls the men into a circle.
It’s a Wednesday afternoon, and they are gathering inside the gym at the California Medical Facility, a prison about 55 miles from San Francisco for men, including those with physical disabilities and other serious health needs.
Cal State LA comes to San Quentin as California launches more bachelor’s degree programs in prisons
California State University, Los Angeles, launched a new bachelor’s degree program earlier this year at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, where 34 incarcerated students are taking courses.
Research has shown that people who pursue post-secondary education or career and technical education in prison have lower rates of recidivism.
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CDCR Latest News
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