Inside CDCR News Blog
FEATURED STORIES
Valley State Prison shows staff appreciation
Valley State Prison (VSP) was buzzing with excitement May 6 as it hosted its staff employee wellness and appreciation event.
VIDEOS
Palma graduation at Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Training Facility (CTF) incarcerated members of the Phoenix Alliance Group celebrated the graduation of two classes from the Palma High School Leadership Academy Program.
Mule Creek staff lace up shoes for Fun Run
Splash Dash 2024, the annual Mule Creek State Prison Fun Run, had its largest participation yet with 100 runners and walkers.
CDCR honors fallen at Peace Officers Memorial
Staff from three CDCR institutions took part in Solano County’s 35th annual Peace Officers Memorial Service on May 15.
BEYOND THE BADGE
Valley State Prison shows staff appreciation
Valley State Prison (VSP) was buzzing with excitement May 6 as it hosted its staff employee wellness and appreciation event.
Mule Creek staff lace up shoes for Fun Run
Splash Dash 2024, the annual Mule Creek State Prison Fun Run, had its largest participation yet with 100 runners and walkers.
Staff cultural diversity on display at RJD
Supporting Diversity Month in April, the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) held the institution’s first Diversity Day event.
INSIDE CDCR VIDEOS
Palma graduation at Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Training Facility (CTF) incarcerated members of the Phoenix Alliance Group celebrated the graduation of two classes from the Palma High School Leadership Academy Program.
CDCR marks Hummus Day, Vegetarian Week
CDCR is gearing up for flavor as we mark International Hummus Day on May 13 and National Vegetarian Week beginning May 15.
‘The 50’ film screened with CDCR
On April 17 and 18, The 50 was screened separately at the Crest Theater in Sacramento and then at California State Prison, Solano.
CALIFORNIA MODEL
Equine therapy benefits CCWF staff, residents
Rebel Farms recently provided equine therapy for Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) staff and the incarcerated population.
Super Bowl: San Quentin style
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center staff put together a Super Bowl watch party with acting Warden Chance Andes at the helm.
Chess tournament bridges gap at San Quentin
A San Quentin Rehabilitation Center chess tournament was put on for staff and residents thanks to the Mechanics’ Institute and SkunkWorks.
HISTORY
CDCR Teachers: Decades of changing lives
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Unlocking History takes a closer look at CDCR teachers and vocational instructors who made a difference in the department.
Jazz music blamed for 1925 murder
In the 1920s, a teenage girl, a mother’s murder, and jazz music made headlines when they converged in San Francisco. This is the story of how a misunderstood musical genre took center stage in a high-profile California murder trial.
DOGS IN CDCR
K‑9 Mango retires after six years of service
K-9 Mango, a 7-year-old Labrador retriever, is retiring after six years of service at California State Prison, Corcoran.
Meet Penny, Men’s Colony first peer support dog
The California Men’s Colony Peer Support Team is welcoming new member Penny, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever.
Retired CDCR K‑9 Villain passes away
For nearly four years, K-9 Villain helped CDCR fulfill its public safety mission at Sierra Conservation Center. Villain retired in December 2023 and passed away Feb. 15, 2024.
REHABILITATION
Parole attends college graduation for 2 reentry participants
Parole agents turned out to attend the San Diego Mesa College graduation for two female reentry program participants.
Male reentry hosts Father Daughter Dance
The Male Community Reentry Program in Long Beach, also known as MCRP LA3, hosted a Father Daughter Dance on April 26.
Palma graduation at Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Training Facility (CTF) incarcerated members of the Phoenix Alliance Group celebrated the graduation of two classes from the Palma High School Leadership Academy Program.
CALPIA
CTF sees 123 earn certifications, apprenticeships
In front of family and friends, 123 incarcerated individuals at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad received their apprenticeships and industry accredited job certifications at a CALPIA graduation.
San Quentin sees 52 earn job certifications
It was a day full of music and celebration as 52 incarcerated individuals received their industry accredited job certifications at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Mule Creek staff volunteer at Ione Homecoming
Mule Creek State Prison staff volunteered their time to take part in the 148th annual Ione Homecoming, a unique community celebration.
Elementary school thanks High Desert warden
During a school pride event, High Desert State Prison Warden St.Andre was thanked for the efforts of staff and the incarcerated population for helping Schaffer Elementary achieve their goals.
Academy students tour two CDCR institutions
To learn about law enforcement careers, Law and Protective Services (LAPS) Academy students were able to tour two CDCR institutions in Soledad: Correctional Training Facility and Salinas Valley State Prison.
SPORTS
Super Bowl: San Quentin style
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center staff put together a Super Bowl watch party with acting Warden Chance Andes at the helm.
Centinela prison, volunteers host Home Run Derby
On March 20, Centinela State Prison’s Physical Education Department and Mastery Prison Ministry offered a Home Run Derby on A, B, and D Facilities.
Folsom hosts friendly volleyball competition
A friendly volleyball competition, organized by Prison Sports Ministries, was held at Folsom State Prison. The April 6 event brought together 14 volunteers and a photographer who contributed to the success.
FIREFIGHTERS
Child thanks prison firefighters who saved his life
When a 10-year-old child asked to meet the firefighters who saved his life, he wasn’t expecting two of them to be incarcerated.
Butte MCRP celebrates first Future Fire Academy graduation
On Thursday, March 14, the Future Fire Academy held its graduation ceremony for the inaugural class of cadets from the Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) in Oroville.
Youthful camps program comes to Growlersburg
Growlersburg Conservation Camp in Georgetown has some new arrivals, as CDCR implements a new Youthful Offender Program (YOP) for camps.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Week in Review: May 17, 2024
In this issue of Week in Review for May 17, 2024: Three CDCR institutions attend the Peace Officers Memorial in Solano County, the Honor Guard from Central California Women’s Facility represent CDCR at the Peace Officers Memorial at the Capitol, Mule Creek hosts annual Fun Run, and CCHCS Celebrates National Nurses Week.
Week in Review: May 10, 2024
In this Week in Review for May 10, 2024, CDCR celebrates Correctional Officers, Public Service, Teachers, and Nurses appreciation weeks; DAPO attends Cinco de Mayo celebration; and Folsom hosts movie night.
ABOVE THE CALL
Officer saves crash victim, catches suspect
When a CSP-Corcoran correctional officer came upon the scene of a violent two car head-on crash, he saw the victim was a fellow officer.
Medal of Valor 2023: A closer look
Take a closer look at the 2023 Medal of Valor ceremony, celebrating the bravery of CDCR and CCHCS staff.
CDCR honors staff at 38th Medal of Valor
CDCR honored 27 employees today during its 38th annual Medal of Valor Ceremony, recognizing exceptional work and bravery.
OBITUARIES
Edwin Perez, retired officer, passes
Edwin Perez, a retired correctional officer, passed away May 18, 2024.
CDCR honors fallen at Peace Officers Memorial
Staff from three CDCR institutions took part in Solano County’s 35th annual Peace Officers Memorial Service on May 15.
Guillermo Giron, retired officer, passes away
Guillermo Giron, a retired correctional officer, passed away Sunday, May 5. He was 64 years old.