Week in Review: April 25, 2025 - Inside CDCR

Published 3 weeks ago• 7 minute read

In this April 25 Week in Review, we spotlight Staff Services Manager Nancy Clark, Administrative Professionals Day, and Earth Day.

Nancy Clark, institutional personnel officer at Valley State Prison (VSP), has dedicated over 34 years of service to CDCR. Being dubbed the “Chaos Coordinator” of her team, Nancy’s typical day is non-stop.

Staff services manager by day – adventurer by weekend, Nancy and her husband of 26 years, Bryan, compete in archery. The duo practice weekly and travel to tournaments to compete.

We caught up with Nancy to discuss life, her career, and advice she has for others.

“Early in my career, I worked overtime, came in early, and stayed late,” Nancy continues. “I don’t do that anymore which has made a big difference in my health.” Nancy and Bryan also go on rides in the Sierra, taking in mountain views only seen off the beaten path. She said they enjoy having fun together.

“When you are shooting or driving, you’re focused,” she said. “It’s hard to think of work when you’re aiming at a target 50 yards away with an arrow next to your face or driving cliffside with a large drop-off. I cannot focus on work while laughing hysterically at missing a target or feeling breathless driving up a mountain with Yosemite in the background.”

Nancy believes CDCR is an amazing career filled with opportunities, having convinced four of her own family members. “CDCR gives people an opportunity to find something you are passionate about.” She believes a career in CDCR is what you make of it.

“Bloom where you are planted. No matter where you are in life – thrive at it.”

Nancy has worked at Avenal State Prison, California Medical Facility, CDCR Headquarters, Pleasant Valley State Prison, and Central California Women’s Facility. She plans to retire from Valley State Prison in February 2026.

, assigned acting Associate Director, Region II

, assigned acting Warden, California Health Care Facility

CDCR honors Earth Day with major sustainability milestones such as solar and wind power, zero-emission vehicles, water conservation, and green building practices. The photo shows a sunset with solar panels and palm trees in the background at a prison.

This Earth Day, CDCR highlights its statewide efforts to build a cleaner, more sustainable future. From expanding renewable energy to reducing water usage, CDCR continues to support California’s climate goals. Read the full story.

Join us in celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 20-26. This is a time to honor the dedication and expertise of CCHCS lab assistants and clinical laboratory technologists across the state. These skilled professionals help process more than 1.4 million lab tests each year, playing a vital role in supporting patient care and community health.

This week we recognize and appreciate the essential work they do to keep our labs running and our communities healthier

CDCR visiting staff pose for a group photo with the Easter bunny at Folsom State Prison.

Across California, CDCR staff made Easter special for families visiting their incarcerated loved ones. Games, treats, refreshments and photo opportunities gave families a chance to make positive memories. Read the Easter visiting round-up.

Folsom State Prison (FSP) celebrates Administrative Professionals Day with a breakfast cooked by the FSP Management Team. Administrative professionals ensure smooth operations of the institution on a daily basis, deserving recognition and support for their important work.

Palo Verde Community College (PVCC) visited Ironwood State Prison (ISP) on April 18, to strengthen its Face 2 Face College program.

Though PVCC has offered in-person courses at ISP for years, the number has remained limited. Now, through renewed collaboration, both institutions aim to expand educational opportunities significantly.

“This visit reinforces our shared commitment to providing meaningful education to those preparing for a successful reentry,” said an ISP representative.

With increased coordination and support, the college hopes to offer more course options, equipping incarcerated students with the tools needed for brighter futures.

PVCC staff toured the facility, met with ISP education coordinators, and discussed strategies to scale up the program.

“We’re building on a strong foundation,” said one PVCC official. “This is about breaking cycles and creating opportunity.”

These efforts reflect California’s broader push to use education as a key tool for rehabilitation and successful reintegration.

Rodney Rodriguez Founder of Fresno Skateboard Salvage and Incarcerated Individual

On March 19, Rodney Rodriguez, founder of Fresno Skateboard Salvage, visited California State Prison Corcoran (COR) to collect skateboards painted by incarcerated artists.

The boards will be auctioned to fund skate gear for underprivileged children in Fresno, continuing a mission that’s already reached over 3,900 youths. While at COR, Rodriguez reunited with Robert Arias, an incarcerated man who remembered their first meeting in 2020 during a skate event at Lions Park.

“That day changed my life,” Arias said. “Rodney taught my son to skate, gave him a board, and stayed even after being injured.”

“It’s amazing what happens when you give away the thing that helped you. You can change someone else’s life.”
Rodney Rodriguez

The visit offered a rare chance for incarcerated individuals to see the real-world impact of their art. Arias describes it as “a ripple effect of hope and kindness.”

Throughout California, CDCR and CCHCS staff, with the help of the incarcerated population, celebrated Easter with donations to benefit the community.

The spirit of giving shone brightly as North Kern State Prison, collaborating with the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran (SATF), orchestrated a remarkable gift basket drive for Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.

Ironwood State Prison delivered 102 Easter baskets April 14 to the youth of the Blythe community. Recipients included Riverside County Departments of Public Social Services, Felix J. Appleby Elementary School, Margaret White Elementary School, and Ruth Brown Elementary School.

Catch the full community Easter round-up here.

Student at Sunrise High wearing equipment

Avenal State Prison staff joined Sunrise High School’s Career Day to share insights into careers in corrections, plant operations, and more. Students learned about the education, skills, and experiences needed for each role. They also engaged with hands-on equipment like helmets, crisis response team vests, and shields.

“The insights you shared were not only valuable but also encouraging,” wrote Mr. Sanchez, a school representative. “Your session was a big hit, and we’ve heard nothing but great feedback.”

Students expressed excitement about potential careers within the prison system and were grateful for the visit. The event highlighted the value of real-world connections and inspired students to consider new paths.

Ventura Training Center (VTC) staff participated in a two-day recruitment event March 17-18, at California Correctional Institution, Wasco State Prison, and North Kern Reentry Fair.

Representatives from VTC, CAL FIRE, the Division of Adult Parole Operations, and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition shared details about the 18-month, voluntary firefighter training and reentry program. The program offers advanced fire service certifications, life skills, and a pathway to careers with state, federal, or private agencies for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Staff spoke with attendees about the application process, training components, and expectations. Promotional videos offered a visual look at the program’s transformative impact.

CAL FIRE officials answered questions about certifications and job prospects, encouraging attendees to pursue fire service careers. The event emphasized rehabilitation, community service, and second chances, while connecting individuals with resources for successful reintegration.

Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) Los Angeles 1 honored National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 7-11 with powerful, reflective programming.

Parole Agent II Specialist Erika Mutchler and HealthRight 360 Supervisor Chanell Nealon led the week, featuring guest speakers, art therapy, and creative expression workshops.

Speakers included Rosalinda Vint, bereaved parents Arcelia and Henry Davis, and Julia Campos of Parents of Murdered Children.

Over 100 supervised individuals wore purple ribbons while participating in daily groups centered on restorative justice, victim impact, and positive change.

HealthRight 360 also hosted a 5K for victims, candlelight vigil, and therapeutic circles. “I’m happy to see the ‘R’ in CDCR,” said participant Robert Hurlburt.

The week closed with a healing circle and balloon release, symbolizing growth, accountability, and the journey toward redemption.