Pine Grove youth join the army fighting California wildfires
Two hand crews from Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp were called up to fight the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, the state’s largest fire that has scorched more than 120 square miles of Sonoma County’s storied wine country, destroyed 140 homes and forced the evacuation of more than 180 thousand residents. The 29 youth and three staff joined more than five thousand firefighters who battled the fire amid hurricane force winds, eventually gaining an upper hand on the declared statewide disaster by midweek with 65 percent containment reported as of 10/31. One youth suffered a minor burn and had to return to camp after being treated. The blaze garnered national media attention and the youth were among those followed by reporters as they worked in 24 hour shifts. The San Francisco Chronicle published an amazing photo of the youth resting as flames roared below them in a canyon (the photo is 14/22 in a carousel).
Besides the Sonoma County event, Pine Grove youth have been deployed at several fires this season, including one near the entrance of Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, and to Morro Bay and Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo.
Due to fire deployment, a Family Bus Visitation event originally schedule for this weekend in Pine Grove has been postponed until December 14-15.
DJJ Transition web site and FAQS page launched
As you know, we’ve been logging your questions asked at a series of town hall meetings and via our dedicated transition email address, djjtransition@cdcr.ca.gov.
The most popular questions have been posted on a site available to DJJ employees who are logged on to the network. Bookmark https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/djj-realignment/. This site will be the official place for transition information impacting employees.
Here is your Question of the Week:
Will my uniform change? Will I be reimbursed via my uniform allowance?
Your uniforms, badges and patches will change to represent the new Department. Uniforms and allowances will be subject to negotiations. During the current contract term, you will receive a uniform allowance in accordance with Bargaining Unit 6 MOU Section 14.04.
Got a question? Email us at DJJTransition@cdcr.ca.gov
Spooky goings on
Halloween Festivities were held at DJJ Facilities on October 31, providing a light spirit and opportunity for team bonding. Here are a few choice images.
