Unlocking History
Using extensive research culled from historical records, Inside CDCR explores the rich history of the people, places and programs that helped shape the modern state correctional system.
Crimes committed by youth ranged from murder to theft but without alternatives to state prison, most ended up in San...
Read More About California state prisons evolve to handle young offenders, part 1
Developing the methods to provide information, notification, restitution, outreach, training, referral and support services to crime victims and their next...
Read More About Giving voice to others: Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services
In 1961, California Medical Facility (CMF) launched an arts program almost by accident when the superintendent at the time wanted...
Read More About Artists made mark at California Medical Facility
Early in the state’s history, incarcerated females were handled by prison matrons but that wasn’t always the case. This is...
Read More About Women working in prisons started with 1885 matron position
In 1951, a young man named Alfredo Santos was busted for dealing heroin, earning him a stint at San Quentin...
Read More About San Quentin historic murals launched artist’s career
Superintendent Roland Wood forged a revolutionary program in 1962 at California Rehabilitation Center (CRC), treating drug addicts as patients rather...
Read More About First CRC Superintendent Roland Wood took non‑punitive approach
Archibald Yell, the new warden at Folsom State Prison, sought to stop contraband, improve job prospects for the incarcerated population,...
Read More About Folsom Warden Archibald Yell advocated for rehabilitation, job training
A yellowed, typed spreadsheet titled "Report of Inmates, Women's Ward, San Quentin Prison, May 1922" gives some insight into the...
Read More About San Quentin 1922 Women’s Ward report sheds light on prison
California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville has a history stretching back to southern California and a former federal prison that...
Read More About California Medical Facility was first prison hospital
Inmates currently training as firefighters at Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) can trace the program’s roots to 1915 and the state’s...
Read More About Highway camps paved way for Sierra Conservation Center