Week in Review: November 13, 2026

November 13, 2026

In this November 13 Week in Review, we highlight Dr. Sam T. Tan, Avenal’s Family Night and OEW’s advanced training sessions.

Observances

Veterans Day proclamation

Governor Newsom proclaims Nov. 11 Veterans Day.

READ THE VETERANS DAY PROCLAMATION

Veterans Day – A message from Secretary Macomber

Letter of observance and appreciation for veteran staff on Veterans Day

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Sam T. Tan, DMD

LTC John Lin (MCSP), LTC Blong Ly (MCSP) and MAJ Sam Tan (SAC) — Lt. Col. John Lin (MCSP), Lt. Col. Blong Ly (MCSP) and Maj. Sam Tan (SAC)

In honor of Veterans Day, meet Sam T. Tan, Supervising Dentist at California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC). Dr. Tan reflects on how his service in the U.S. Army Reserve helped build a career centered on leadership, teamwork and supporting others.

Dr. Tan participating in Army physical fitness test

How did your military service shape your approach to leadership and your work at SAC?

I commissioned as a dental officer in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2018. I also served as an Equal Opportunity Leader, platoon leader and member of the Army Sponsorship Team. My military experience included two mobilizations and dental outreach missions serving veterans and underserved communities. These experiences taught me to lead with fairness, compassion and an open mind. They also strengthened my ability to adapt, solve problems and support others in challenging situations.

How have those experiences prepared you to serve inside CDCR institutions and lead your team?

Military training prepared me physically and mentally for unpredictable situations. It also taught me the importance of teamwork, resourcefulness and finding solutions with the tools available. As Supervising Dentist at SAC, I lead a team of 20 dental and administrative professionals across four clinics. My goal is to educate, support and equip staff to provide quality care. I believe we must remain fair, nonjudgmental and compassionate because people’s lives and well-being depend on the services we provide.

Dr. Tan awaiting patient in treatment facility at Ft. Hood

What has military service meant to you, and what would you tell employees considering serving?

Serving in the Army Reserve has been an exceptional and rewarding experience. My initial plan was to serve three years but I stayed until 2023. I transitioned to the Inactive Ready Reserve to spend more time with family while keeping the opportunity to return. I continue to value the camaraderie and sense of purpose military service provides. I’d encourage anyone interested in serving to explore the opportunity. I’d be happy to share my experience and connect them with the right people for more information.

Rehabilitation

SQRC dog program offers connection

SQRC dog program participants, dogs and staff

A canine program at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) is creating opportunities for connection and positive interaction among incarcerated persons.

The program serves SQRC’s H-Unit, a dormitory-style facility also housing the Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP).

The EOP provides high-level mental health treatment for incarcerated persons.

Participants earn opportunities to interact with trained dogs by demonstrating positive behavior.

The dogs provide a calming, nonjudgmental presence encouraging connection and emotional well-being.

SQRC dog program participant playing with dogs

At the end of the latest program cycle, participants celebrated their progress with photos alongside canine companions Fiske and Granger.

In Our Institutions

ASP hosts Family Night

Avenal State Prison (ASP) welcomed staff and their families Oct. 21 for a Family Night focused on connection and appreciation.

The evening featured music, food, games and gifts. Families toured the institution aboard the CDCR tour bus and visited areas where employees work.

Staff and family at game booth at ASP Family night

In-Service Training instructors demonstrated emergency response scenarios, offering families a closer look at how staff prepare for challenging situations.

The event highlighted the important role families play in supporting ASP employees. It also gave loved ones a better understanding of their daily responsibilities.

Family Night celebrated the dedication of ASP staff, recognized the families who support them and strengthened connections between home and work.

Wellness

OEW hosts advanced training

More than 100 employees gathered in October for the Office of Employee Wellness’ (OEW) fourth annual Advanced Training for Peer Support Program administrators and leaders.

The two-day training at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center focused on strengthening resources for staff wellness. Participants explored program expansion, developed critical incident protocols and reviewed new wellness resources.

OEW advanced training participants at event

The event also featured therapy dogs from Capital Therapy Dogs, coffee and opportunities for staff to connect.

Established in 1985, the Peer Support Program is one of the department’s key staff wellness resources. Volunteer employees provide confidential, empathetic support and help facilitate pathways to professional help following a critical incident, personal or professional stress.

The OEW thanks the many dedicated contributors to the success of the event and program.

Employees can learn more about the Peer Support Program on the OEW web page.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

FCRP Sacramento celebrates participants’ progress

FCRP Sacramento participants at program graduation celebration in caps and gowns

Three participants at the Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) Sacramento celebrated a major milestone Sept. 18, completing Phase 4 of the program.

L. Quintero, V. McKay and L. DeMello were recognized for their commitment to personal growth, education and career development.

FCRP uses a four-phase structure to help participants build accountability, employment skills and independence. Each phase encourages continued progress through classes, personal responsibility and preparation for community reintegration.

Advancing to Phase 4 requires consistent participation, compliance with program expectations and serving as a positive example to others.

All three graduates balanced full-time employment with college attendance while progressing through the program.

Their achievement reflects the value of education, perseverance and opportunities that support successful transitions into the community.

Partners promote parole readiness and reentry success

Incarcerated persons at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center gained insight into parole readiness and community supervision during an Oct. 26 educational session.

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) and Project LA partnered to explain the parole process and prepare participants for release.

DAPO Chief Deputy Regional Administrator Karen Reed and BPH Chief Counsel Jessica Blonien shared their expertise. They discussed parole suitability, factors considered during hearings and expectations following release.

Project LA, a nine-month reentry program for incarcerated persons of SQRC, provided the space.

The session helped participants better understand their responsibilities and available community resources. It also highlighted the distinct roles of parole and community supervision agencies.

Through continued collaboration, DAPO, BPH, and Project LA reinforce the connection between informed parole preparation, effective community supervision and successful reintegration.

These efforts strengthen public trust and advance the shared goal of safer communities and sustainable positive outcomes.

In the Media

Degrees of Change graduates and faculty photo

Degrees of Change commencement honors new graduates

The Fresno State Degrees of Change program celebrated its most recent group of graduates with families, friends, faculty and supporters on Oct. 15 at Valley State Prison near Chowchilla.