Week in Review: July 3, 2025 - Inside CDCR

Published 10 hours ago• 6 minute read

In this July 3 Week in Review, we spotlight HDSP Fire Department rescuing a family pet, Mendel Murray visiting CSP-Solano, and Independence Day.

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request in the community.

High Desert State Prison fire crew with the rescued dog.

Fire Capt. M. Claiborne was the first to arrive on scene, assuming the position of incident commander. Incarcerated firefighters Delpaz, Fletcher, Holguin, Pye, and Messersmith began attacking the structural fire. The fire had spread from the initial property to the neighbor’s garage, engulfing several vehicles and an RV.

While battling the blaze, Capt. Claiborne was told there were pets trapped inside one of the residences. Gauge, an elderly labrador retriever, and Coco, a parrot.

Gauge was found by incarcerated firefighter Fletcher hiding in the corner of a closet and successfully rescued. Coco was unable to be rescued in time and succumbed to the fire.

High Desert’s all-hazards fire department is equipped and trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies. The primary mission of the department is to respond to emergencies within the prison while providing mutual aid to the surrounding community.

DAPO team at Firebreak Screening — *From left are DAPO acting Director Heather Bowlds, FFRP Chief Royal Ramey, DRP Chief Jessica Fernandez, Parole Administrator Gilbert Clements, and acting Parole Agent III Dan Silva.*

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) proudly participated in a special screening and community discussion of “Firebreak,” a documentary by Blue Chalk Media.

Held at the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Media Room in Sacramento, the event highlighted the experiences of those who served in California’s Conservation (Fire) Camps.

The screening was co-hosted with the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to creating pathways into the wildland and forestry sector for current and formerly incarcerated individuals with firefighting experience.

FFRP was founded in response to California’s urgent need for skilled wildfire personnel. The organization has successfully graduated over 300 individuals from its Career Training Program. With 58 of those graduates securing employment at CAL FIRE.

The event fostered meaningful dialogue around topics such as criminal justice reform, the use of incarcerated labor, equity in workforce access, and the importance of diversifying California’s fire service pipeline.

Have a happy and safe Independence Day.

Golden State Warriors Community Relations Manager Mendel Murray delivered a powerful seminar, “Understanding Your Why,” to the incarcerated population at California State Prison (CSP) Solano.

Murray began his seminar with a group activity, dividing 40 incarcerated individuals into groups of six to create a table with legs. Participants were given card stock, tape, and rubber bands to create the tables. Once the group project was completed, the seminar led to a discussion to recap their experiences. Participants were encouraged to discuss what communication and teamwork skills they used in order to succeed.

Mendel Murray speaking to incarcerated population

Murray continued with his seminar, sharing personal experiences about navigating through childhood fears, emotional stress, and the mask society tries to place on us. He encouraged participants to write down how they believed people perceived them to be versus how they perceive themselves.

Murray’s message was clear.

“Your past does not define you, it’s how you see yourself that determines your future,” he said.

“Understanding Your Why” inspired participants to find their “why” to use it to fuel their transformation. Murray’s words delivered hope and inspiration.

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) continued its tradition by hosting its fourth annual Pride Celebration.

The dynamic two-part celebration honored identity, inclusion, and connection. This year’s theme focused on building ally-ship. The celebration included guest speakers, music, dance performances, refreshments, animal therapy, and other wellness-focused activities.

The first part of the event featured inspirational speeches and performances by guest artists Trino and Adam, who brought energy, authenticity, and heart to the stage. Their music and personal stories resonated deeply with the audience, sparking inspiration and pride throughout the yard.

In a particularly moving moment, an original play inspired by Trino and Adam’s journey, written and performed by residents, was showcased. The performance served as a creative tribute to themes of resilience, identity, and self-acceptance.

The second part of the event included the main Pride celebration featuring a mini resource fair. Community partners offered support around LGBTQIA+ wellness, reentry planning, and health education. Attendees had the chance to explore resources, ask questions, and connect with services designed to empower and support their future.

A group of incarcerated individuals gathered on June 6 to mark the anniversary of a peer’s death by suicide. In a show of solidarity and hope inside prison walls, they hosted an event focused on suicide prevention, resilience, and recovery.

Organized by members of Peer Support and the yard’s Advisory Council, the gathering brought together more than 100 participants. The event transformed the yard into a safe space dedicated to healing and support.

SATF Peer Support and Advocacy for Suicide Prevention event

“This isn’t just about remembering someone we lost,” said one participant. “It’s about making sure none of us ever feels that alone again.”

The event featured a moment to honor the individual who died by suicide, followed by open mic sessions. Attendees spoke candidly about depression, trauma, and the challenges of incarceration. Staff also shared statistics, stories of recovery, and ways to respond to individuals in crisis.

“We’re often forgotten by the world outside,” another participant said. “But inside here, we have to look out for one another. If you see someone struggling, you reach out—even if it’s just to listen.”

According to organizers, the event was sparked by the memory of their incarcerated friend’s passing one year ago, which shook the institutional community. In response, several individuals began advocating for more mental health resources and peer support programs. Their efforts, supported by facility staff, have led to new initiatives including trauma and resilience circles as well as improved access to mental health resources.

Prison leaders say they’re encouraged by the initiative shown by the incarcerated population. “We mourn any loss of life,” said Dr. S. Hill, “but we’re proud to see these individuals channeling their grief into something positive, supporting each other and breaking the silence around mental health.”

appointed Director of the Division of Administrative Services

The first-ever father-daughter prom was held at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center on April 5th, 2025

For many of the incarcerated participants, it was the first time they’d ever donned a tux, the first time they spent one-on-one, face-to-face time with their daughter or daughters, and the first dance they’d ever had with their child.