CDCR Week in Review: December 15, 2023

What’s New?

California Medical Facility received Distinguished School award

Mountain Oaks Adult Education Center (MOAEC) Principal, Jessica Bowan, talks about what it means for her program to receive CDCR’s Distinguished School Award during a celebration at California Medical Facility on Dec. 5.

MOAEC, which operates within California Medical Facility, is being recognized for meeting the unique needs of students, immersing them in relevant, rigorous, and valuable education programs, improving lives and increase engagement. Their success is thanks to the dedicated efforts to MOAEC educators, CDCR staff and constructive collaboration with every student.

The celebration included speeches from educators, staff and students as well as exhibits showcasing achievements. The Re-Creation Band, with incarcerated and staff musicians performing side-by-side, provided uplifting tunes throughout the ceremony.

San Francisco 49ers inspire children, incarcerated

The San Francisco 49ers, champions on and off the field, sought to inspire the incarcerated as well as their children during their annual holiday visit to San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC). This is part of their ongoing commitment to community engagement.

The 49ers have a variety of NFL initiatives focusing on community outreach. The organization has been entering SQRC for nearly two decades. This year’s visit centered on a round table discussion with the incarcerated residents, tour of the facility, and distributing Christmas gifts with residents’ children in the visiting room.

Kicking off the Dec. 5 visit, players and residents gathered in the chapel to have a candid conversation about resilience, redemption, and the power of second chances.

“The harder the challenge is, the better the reward,” says Ilm Manning, 49ers offensive lineman. “Sometimes when you take the easy way out, the reward is little. Choose the hard way, and just keep going. Don’t give up.”

Observances

International Human Rights Day

December 10^th marks International Human Rights Day, a global observance promoting the rights and freedoms of all human beings. The declaration is a charter that seeks to ensure fairness and respect for all humans despite social, religious, cultural, and economic diversity.

As we celebrate this day, let’s reflect on the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. It is crucial to stand united against discrimination and injustice, advocating for a world where human rights are respected and protected.

Together, let’s strive for a world where the principles of equality, justice, and dignity are upheld, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Submission by GARE Ambassador Kim Lewis

To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing observances throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE website.

HDSP gets into the Christmas spirit

Employees received the opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit at High Desert State Prison this year. Staff decorated offices for Christmas as a fun way to bring holiday cheer. Some staff members said decorating makes the work place a happier environment that we get to see every day.

California Model

CCWF Visiting hosts Thanksgiving

Central California Women’s Facility’s (CCWF) Warden Anissa De La Cruz held a Thanksgiving visitation event. There were some coloring items for the families and kids, cornhole games, and other activities.

In the Community

ASP donates to Veterans

Avenal State Prison (ASP) proudly donated over $3,100 to honor Veterans. Veterans expressed profound gratitude for the generous donation. ASP salutes the unwavering sacrifices of our brave men and women.

CCWF raises donations for Madera County Food Bank

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) incarcerated individuals selected Madera County Food Bank as a recipient of a $5,000 donation. The incarcerated raised funds as part of a recent Costco Food sale.

The Madera County Food Bank serves the city of Madera, Chowchilla, Fairmead, and all the mountain areas since 1999. The Madera County Food Bank relies heavily on our dedicated volunteers to help prepare boxes and bags for the families and senior citizens of our county.

“The wonderful donations from our incarcerated population is a testament to drive and tenacity of the heart of our population for giving to the surrounding Communities,” said Warden Anissa De La Cruz.

SDSU visits CEN

San Diego State University President Adela de la Torre visited the SDSU Vista campus, which resides within Centinela State Prison (CEN). She met the first cohort of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications and design at CEN.

Accompanying President De la Torre included:

OCE Superintendent Shannon Swain
CEN Warden Fidencio Guzman
Regional Superintendent Nina Thomas
and other distinguished guests.

She spoke of the pride she felt in welcoming them to the network of nearly 500,000 alumni and students as part of SDSU. These students demonstrate why SDSU was recognized as #16 in the nation and highlighted for its contribution to the social mobility of its students.

Upward Mobility

Amy Casias has been appointed Director of the Division of Rehabilitative Programs.

Sydney Tanimoto has been appointed Deputy Director of Program Operations in the Division of Rehabilitative Programs.

James Hill has been appointed Warden of Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

Kevin Hixon has been appointed Warden of North Kern State Prison.

Ryan Youtsey has been appointed Chief Deputy of Offender Investigations and Screening Division, Board of Parole Hearings.

Rehabilitation

UCR Bachelor of Arts Degree Program Information Session at CRC

California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) college students attended the first University of California, Riverside (UCR) Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree Program Information Session. Approximately 100 students from various AA programs attended.

UCR representatives Amos Lee, Farah Godrej and Tanya Nieri led the session. Dr. Lisa Nelson from Norco College was also in attendance. Fifty-five of those present submitted attestation forms to move forward with the application process. The first BA cohort classes with UCR are scheduled to begin at CRC in September 2024.

CHCF Fun Fair

California Health Care Facility (CHCF) held a Fun Fair event within its Memory Care Unit. The Fun Fair is one of CHCF’s major events within the Memory Care Unit. The event consisted of:

corn hole
ring toss
live music
car racing
bowling
bag toss
water pong
pet therapy
and prizes.

The Fun Fair Event is geared towards encouraging exercise, promoting cognitive, and physical functions within the incarcerated population.

The Memory Care Unit opened at CHCF in February 2019. The unit is a 30 thirty bed single-occupancy cell living unit. The unit’s specialty is focused on providing care to incarcerated persons who present a cognitive impairment including dementia.

The goal is to provide a safe and consistent therapeutic environment. Incarcerated persons can have interactions with staff and each other that meet their specialized cognitive, physical, and spiritual needs.

Chuckawalla Valley State Prison Celebrates Educational Achievements

Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP) held a graduation and recognized 174 students. The graduation celebrated associates degree or certificates, CTE certifications, high school diplomas, GEDs, and PLMP Mentor certifications.

In attendance included:

Warden David Holbrook and various CVSP staff
Office of Correctional Education (OCE) Superintendent Shannon Swain with several OCE administrators
Office of Civil Rights Associate Director Sarina J. Calderon
and Palo Verde College administrators, professors, and support staff.

All shared words of encouragement and congratulations for the graduates’ accomplishments.

ISP Desert Oasis Adult School hold graduation ceremonies

Desert Oasis Adult School within Ironwood State Prison recognized 113 students in two graduation ceremonies. Student’s completions being celebrated included high school diplomas and program certifications.

The ceremonies opened with the presentation of colors by the ISP Veteran’s Group Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem. Transitions Teacher S. Onwuchekwa provided the keynote address and Principal Joseph Williams gave the opening remarks. Principal Williams also conferred the certificates and diplomas. Graduates were able to enjoy cake with their visitors after each ceremony.

CPMP visits Pumpkin Patch

Community Participant Mother Program (CPMP) participants and children enjoyed a staff escorted event to the Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm Patch. Everyone enjoyed and experienced the wonder of the multi-acre pumpkin patch.

The pumpkin patch included:

rides
slides
ponies
train ride
petting zoo
and carnival-like foods.

The pumpkin patch featured 50+ family-oriented fall and Halloween themed attractions.

CTF collaborates with Hustle 2.0

Correctional Training Facility (CTF) partnered with Hustle 2.0 to launch the Hustle 2.0 program for the incarcerated population housed on all three facilities. The Hustle 2.0 program is a 10 week, 60-hour curriculum-based program.

Hustle 2.0’s mission resonates throughout the CTF, aiming to drastically reduce crime, violence, and recidivism. They empower individuals with the necessary skills to alter their thought patterns and behaviors. This evidence-based, trauma-informed program stands as a beacon of hope, offering a pathway to transformation through intensive business coaching and employment training.

The kickoff event drew in over 50 national and international business leaders. These volunteers, representing a broad spectrum of industries, offered their expertise and perspectives, aiding participants in fostering a new mindset geared towards success and positive contribution.

The program’s forward-thinking approach, which includes both business and employment training, is geared to equip participants with the tools for a successful re-entry into society.

In the Media

LA Times Today: Earning a master’s degree in prison now possible in ‘groundbreaking’ California program

A groundbreaking master’s degree program in humanities and graduate writing, the study of modern Nobel laureates, and the history of American punishment and incarceration are now being offered to California inmates.

incarcerated receiving masters degrees in prison

L.A. Times political reporter Hannah Wiley joined Lisa McRee with the stories of prisoners serving life sentences in California, who were determined to get their master’s degrees.

Visit LA Times website to watch the video.

California will pay some newly-released inmates $2,400 under new state re-entry program

Hundreds of Californians released from prisons could receive direct cash payments of $2,400 — along with counseling, job search assistance and other support — under a first-in-the-nation program aimed at easing the transition out of incarceration and reducing recidivism.

Recipients will get the money over a series of payments after meeting certain milestones such as showing progress in finding places to live and work, according to the Center for Employment Opportunities, which runs the program announced this week.

The goal is to give people a chance “to cover their most essential needs” like bus fare and food during the crucial early days after exiting incarceration, said Samuel Schaeffer, CEO of the national nonprofit that helps those leaving lockups find jobs and achieve financial security.

Visit KTXL-TV Sacramento to read the full story.