All Inside CDCR stories
A Day in the Life
Meet Officer Michael Webb, gate keeper
For over two decades, Correctional Officer Michael “Mike” Webb has helped CDCR fulfill its mission. As the General Population Entrance Gate Officer for Pelican Bay State Prison, he is the first line of defense.
Correctional Business Manager duties goes beyond numbers
Since 2006, Sarah Shepherd has charted a unique career path, now serving as Correctional Business Manager at California State Prison, Sacramento. Someone unfamiliar with the job classification may think it is solely about number crunching. To reach her current position, Shepherd has gained experience working in different areas of the department, ranging from parole to the Division of Adult Institutions.
CDCR plant operations keep institutions running
CDCR plant operations keep the institutions running. From lights to water, they provide infrastructure for staff and incarcerated residents.
Appointments & Promotions
Governor announces CDCR Secretary to retire
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced CDCR Secretary Kathleen Allison will retire by the end of 2022, following more than three decades of service to the people of California.
CDCR welcomes 218 new correctional officers
CDCR welcomed 218 new correctional officers after they successfully completed the Basic Correctional Officer Academy.
Three generations honor CDCR badge
When 218 cadets graduated from the Academy earlier this month, one family added to their generations of public service with CDCR.
Awards & Appreciation
2023 Medal of Valor nominations are open
Nominations for Medal of Valor will be accepted through January 31, 2023. The awards recognize employees who distinguished themselves the previous year. The awards recognize heroism, bravery, or service beyond the normal demands of correctional/community service.
DJJ holiday tradition returns for last time
How sweet it was as a long holiday tradition of managers serving staff a sumptuous holiday feast resumed at the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) this year, marking the last holiday gatherings before closure in June.
SCC shows appreciation for employees
Showing appreciation for employees, Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) hosted a special event Nov. 2 to thank staff for all their hard work.
Beyond the Badge
Recruiters join Martin Luther King event
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr, CDCR recruitment teams joined thousands of community members at the March for the Dream event on Monday, January 16. The annual event is one of three walking rallies in Sacramento to celebrate the civil rights leader.
CALPIA
Reentry hiring events prove successful at CCWF
A recent civil service exam and hiring event organized by multiple State agencies at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) proved successful as a reentry program.
CALPIA graduates recognized at RJD
Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits at a graduation ceremony hosted by the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) in early November.
CALPIA graduates receive job certifications, apprenticeships
The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA), in partnership with CDCR, recognized 56 incarcerated individuals with accredited job certifications and/or apprenticeships at the California Men’s Colony (CMC).
CDCR Time Capsule
1987: Department publication highlights need for females in corrections
Revisit this 1987 story originally published in Correction News. — When Daniel J. McCarthy first became a correctional officer in 1949, the California Department of Corrections prohibited women from working inside a prison. In fact, women weren’t even allowed to tour prisons.
By the numbers: History of the inmate numbering system
A mid-1990s report penned by San Quentin Associate Warden Dick Nelson looks closer at the inmate identification numbering system and how it got started in California. Some who have been assigned numbers include stagecoach bandits Black Bart, Rattlesnake Dick and Charley Dorsey. Inside CDCR revisits Nelson’s report to put the number system into context.
Photo Timeline: CSP‑Corcoran
During the 1980s and ’90s, California expanded the prison system. The original 12 prisons were supplemented with new facilities ranging from Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City to R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. Today, CDCR operates 35 adult institutions. One of those newer facilities is California State Prison, Corcoran. The men’s facility was activated in 1988 after two years of planning and another two years of construction.
Community Involvement
CMC food sales raise $26k for New Life K‑9s
Two recent food sales generated $146,558 for the Inmate Welfare Fund, local businesses and the New Life K-9s program.
SATF population donate $16k to community
Recent fundraising activities saw California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF) donate $16,600 to the community.
Recruiters join Martin Luther King event
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr, CDCR recruitment teams joined thousands of community members at the March for the Dream event on Monday, January 16. The annual event is one of three walking rallies in Sacramento to celebrate the civil rights leader.
DAPO
CDCR, partners providing critical reentry help
The new Reentry Resource Center at Mather now offers weekly face-to-face help for registered participants with 300 visiting a reentry fair.
Operation Boo: Parole agents keep families safe
On Halloween night, parole agents from CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) arrested 49 people across the state for violations related to failed compliance checks during Operation Boo.
Reed is first from DAPO to graduate Command College
Karen Reed, acting Parole Administrator, is the first from the Division of Adult Parole Operations to graduate Command College.
Division of Juvenile Justice
Pine Grove staff honored as DJJ transitions
After nearly 80 years, this month Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (PGYCC) transferred from the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions. The transfer is part of the realignment of juvenile justice treatment and rehabilitative services to counties.
DJJ holiday tradition returns for last time
How sweet it was as a long holiday tradition of managers serving staff a sumptuous holiday feast resumed at the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) this year, marking the last holiday gatherings before closure in June.
From Pine Grove, a holiday tradition continues
Every year, youth from the Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp deliver fresh cut holiday trees to DJJ facilities and CDCR headquarters in Sacramento.
Dog News
College students see rehabilitation in action
The California Medical Facility (CMF) Paws 4 Life rehabilitation program took aim at educating criminal justice students.
CDCR says farewell to K‑9 Tucker
Staff and friends said farewell to CDCR K-9 Tucker in a memorial service Dec. 14. Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) staff, along with Central Region K-9 Unit officers and the family of Tucker’s handler, gathered to honor the K-9s service to the department.
CMC New Life K‑9 Program goes on parade
The California Men’s Colony (CMC) New Life K-9 Program brought in the holiday season by participating in the 46th Annual Downtown Holiday Parade in San Luis Obispo.
Employee Wellness
Participate in International Yoga Day through CDCR Wellness App
June 21 marks the eighth International Day of Yoga. Originating in India, Yoga is an ancient practice. Its name is from a word meaning “to join or unite,” referring to an alliance of body and mind. This year’s theme is “Yoga for Humanity,” promoting a sustainable lifestyle in the world around us, including our families, friends, and co-workers.
CDCR recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month
Since 1949, the United States has observed May as Mental Health Awareness Month. First started by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization, Mental Health Awareness Month attempts to raise awareness and increase understanding about mental health.
CDCR looks for ways to support retirees
To expand wellness resources available for all employees, the Office of Employee Wellness (OEW) is working to create and enhance programs, resources, and methods of support for CDCR and CCHCS employees and their families. In addition to overseeing the statewide Peer Support Program (PSP), the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the CDCR Wellness App, and Law Enforcement Chaplains (LECS/CCC), OEW provides psychosocial education and a pathway to departmental and professional resources when needed.
Firefighters
Pine Grove staff honored as DJJ transitions
After nearly 80 years, this month Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (PGYCC) transferred from the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions. The transfer is part of the realignment of juvenile justice treatment and rehabilitative services to counties.
CDCR crews keep storm damage at bay
When the storm hits, CDCR and its partners step up. As part of storm response efforts statewide, staff and crews from Delta Conservation Camp were hard at work Friday filling and stacking hundreds of sandbags to protect the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area.
Residents thank fire crews for saving community
Hundreds of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles County conservation camp participants responded to the Fairview Fire near Hemet, which started on Sept. 5 in Bautista Canyon.
Inside CDCR Videos
Bike refurbishing program is year‑long effort
Throughout 2022, incarcerated person Frank Jachwak spent much of his time in the Folsom State Prison workshop in the bike refurbishing program.
Amber Whitford offers wit through comedy
Amber Whitford, a longtime CDCR employee, finds comedy in work, life and even unseen disabilities.
Wheelchair basketball rolls into CMF
The new wheelchair basketball program at California Medical Facility (CMF) is teaching sportsmanship, athletic skill, and acceptance.
Jobs & Training
DRP launches Staff Services Manager Academy
A new Staff Services Manager Training Academy is part of the effort to train high quality supervisors and leaders at the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP). The first session was held on Jan. 18. The academy consists of 12 in-person daylong sessions over the course of the year. Session topics include Crucial Conversations, Emotional Intelligence, Fostering a Team Environment, and Leadership.
Podcast focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion
The latest CDCR Unlocked podcast dives into diversity, equity and inclusion with Sarina Calderon, Associate Director of the Office of Civil Rights.
Academic Coach Sutherland to visit Rwanda
Deanna Sutherland, an academic coach with CDCR’s Office of Correctional Education (OCE), has been selected to visit Rwanda as part of her doctorate program.
Obituaries
Officer Eduardo Arreola passes away at 38
Correctional Officer Eduardo Arreola, 38, passed away Jan. 24, 2023. He began his CDCR career in October 2016 at the Basic Correctional Officer Academy. After graduating, he reported to Ironwood State Prison, where he remained until his passing.
Kenneth Ellison, retired mechanic, passes away
Retired Maintenance Mechanic Kenneth Ray Ellison passed away Jan. 23, 2023. Ellison began his CDCR career as a Painter II in June 1998 at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF). In November 2002, he became a Maintenance Mechanic at SATF, where he remained until retiring in December 2022.
18 years later, CIM honors Officer Gonzalez
In 2005, Correctional Officer Manuel Gonzalez was stabbed to death while on duty at California Institution for Men (CIM). To honor his memory, staff continue to gather on the anniversary of his death.
Prison Health Care
ISUDT achievements at Sierra Conservation Center
In October, Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) facilitated its first Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) graduation for 90 participants.
Menu changes emphasize healthy diet
CDCR and CCHCS’ dedication to healthy eating is reflected in recent menu changes that put healthy choices front and center on everybody’s plate.
46 graduate ISUDT at Correctional Training Facility
On June 14 and June 30, the Correctional Training Facility and the Division of Rehabilitative Programs hosted two Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) graduations on Facilities B and C.
Rehabilitation
Freedom Libraries empower prison residents
The national non-profit Freedom Reads has partnered with CDCR to open Freedom Libraries at Valley State Prison (VSP) and Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla.
Archbishop delivers SQ Christmas Eve Mass
The Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone returned to San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel to celebrate the traditional Christmas Eve Mass for the first time since 2019. COVID-19 restrictions prevented the Archbishop from visiting the prison in 2020 and 2021.
Academic Coach Sutherland to visit Rwanda
Deanna Sutherland, an academic coach with CDCR’s Office of Correctional Education (OCE), has been selected to visit Rwanda as part of her doctorate program.
Secretary's Corner
Secretary, Receiver thank staff for service
As we enter the month of May, and reflect on the year behind us and the one before us, we wanted to send a collective thank you to all of our incredible staff across the state. Whether you are in one of our 35 prisons, working in a parole office, in DJJ, in a field office, or in headquarters, thank you for your hard work. Thank you for your dedication and for serving the people of our great state, your communities, and your families with love and unwavering commitment, even as we faced the biggest health crisis our world has seen in a century.
Important COVID‑19 message from Secretary Allison
On Dec. 3, Governor Newsom announced a new regional stay at home order as COVID-19 numbers continue to climb statewide. The new order will be tied to intensive care unit (ICU) capacity in the state’s five regions if it falls below 15%. Too many families are being impacted, including many in CDCR. As Secretary, I am committed to ensuring our more than 60,000 employees do their part to avoid this scenario.
Thanksgiving message from Secretary Allison
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, albeit in a different way than in years past, and as the holiday season begins, I would like to express my gratitude for each and every one of you, our hardworking staff at CDCR and CCHCS, for your tireless work and commitment to our department and to the people we serve.
Sports
49ers visit San Quentin to Inspire Change
The 49ers recently brought joy to the children of incarcerated men at San Quentin State Prison as part of the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative.
Wheelchair basketball rolls into CMF
The new wheelchair basketball program at California Medical Facility (CMF) is teaching sportsmanship, athletic skill, and acceptance.
Golden State Warriors return to San Quentin
The Golden State Warriors faced off against the San Quentin Warriors for the first time since the pandemic. On Friday, Sept. 16, Golden State Warriors staff ranging from players and coaches to support, returned to San Quentin State Prison to continue their decade-long face off.
Other stories
Remember to set clocks back one hour Saturday night
Daylight Saving Time officially ends at 2 a.m., Sunday, November 7, 2021, when the clocks “fall back” one hour. To best follow the time change, it is recommended to set the clock back an hour when heading to bed Saturday night.
Avenal prison staff honor Veterans Day, Marine Corps birthday with cakes
Avenal State Prison Correctional Lt. and former Marine John Mendiboure continued an annual tradition of honoring the institutions’ veterans by holding a cake-cutting ceremony in the snack bar.
Pumpkin carving spurs staff competition at CIW
Staff from the California Institution for Women (CIW) put their creative skills to the test by carving pumpkins to display at the institution. The friendly contest was judged by their peers.
Unlocking History
Cemetery Tales: A ranch hand and a burglar
As part of the Cemetery Tales series, Inside CDCR takes a closer look at the stories behind two grave markers housed at the San Quentin Prison Museum.
Walking the Walls: A history of custody staff
In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Inside CDCR takes a closer look at the history of custody staff and how their roles have evolved.
Peculiar case of the Perfumed Burglar
Perfume, purloined jewelry and a millionaire’s son form the complex story of Herbert Repsold, also known as the Perfumed Burglar.
Victim & Survivor Rights
CTF events give victims a voice
Near the end of April, the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) held their 10th annual National Crime Victims Week events, hosted by the Amity Foundation.
Staff, incarcerated walk for Ukraine war victims
Ironwood State Prison’s incarcerated population, led by Warden Neil McDowell and Chief Deputy Warden John Merchant, walked to raise funds for victims of the war in Ukraine.
Ironwood Redemption and Forgiveness workshop seeks to heal
For National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Ironwood State Prison offered a Redemption and Forgiveness workshop, helping serve victims of crime.