Week in Review: May 16, 2025 - Inside CDCR

Published 8 hours ago• 9 minute read

In this May 16 Week in Review, we spotlight Peace Officer Memorial Day, Mother’s Day visiting, ask Missy Ingram three questions, and celebrate staff across California.

CIW Honor Guard standing at parade rest at the California capitol — *California Institution for Women (CIW) Honor Guard at the 47th annual California Peace Officers Memorial*

The California Institution for Women (CIW) activated the institutional Honor Guard to represent CDCR in the 47th annual California Peace Officers Memorial held at the state’s capitol.

The memorial ceremony included a “Walk of Honor” for surviving family members from the west steps of the capitol to the Memorial Monument. There, the enrollment ceremony was conducted to add names of newly enrolled officers to the Memorial Monument.

Many law enforcement traditions were incorporated into the ceremony including a riderless horse presentation, releasing doves, and the folding of the American flag. The event concluded with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

The annual memorial is more than a tribute to service and sacrifice; it is a powerful reminder to show survivors of an officer their fallen loved ones are gone but not forgotten.

Across California, CDCR visiting staff made Mother’s Day special with activities, photo opportunities, and treats. Read the full round-up.

Mother's Day visiting at Centinela State Prison, Sunday, May 11, 2025, with an incarcerated person holding a child while a woman holds a card.

Women visiting their incarcerated loved ones on Mother's Day at CCI hold roses.

With many employee-focused observances landing in early May, several CDCR institutions held staff appreciation events. Read the full round-up.

Leadership at the staff wellness fair at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California.

C and D building staff group photo at California Health Care Facility in Stockton for a staff appreciation event.

During National Nurses Week, CDCR, CCHCS, institutions and divisions across California celebrated their contributions. Read the full round-up.

"Thank you, nurse" table display at headquarters in Elk Grove.

Enjoying a National Nurses Week lunch at CCHCS headquarters in Elk Grove, California, May 8, 2025.

The California Institution for Women (CIW) partnered with the south coast Division of Parole Operations to host a Mother’s Day worship event.

Over 500 incarcerated people and their families were in attendance, enjoying elote en vaso, music, and worship. Carnations were delivered to approximately 100 visiting mothers.

Richard Andrew Ministries, New Wine Church of Fullerton, Street Light Church of Westminster, Yellow Stone Recovery, GEO-Day Reporting Center of Santa Ana, Brackens Kitchen, Project Kinship, DJX316, singer Phillip “Chill” Aguilar, rapper Rezerekt and his wife Seei-Mijares, along with Faces of Mass Incarceration helped make the event possible.

Choir members with incarcerated showing off the backs of their shirts

Audience members standing in praise, dancing

Supervisors of Calipatria State Prison’s (CAL) adult school honor the institutions teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Rooms were filled with balloons and decorations while tables were adorned with donuts and coffee. Teachers continued to celebrate with a barbecue lunch.

The California Education Department highlighted teachers for their contributions to the department and received certificates of appreciation. Warden Arias and Chief Deputy Warden Bustamante showed their appreciation for staff at the event. Principal Macias was grateful for their support, “this was very meaningful to us.”

Teachers are at the core of the rehabilitative process for CDCR students. Giving 100% of themselves to the profession, they are changing the lives of the incarcerated population through education.

Teacher appreciation table decorated, with coffee and donuts

Four incarcerated workers in the California Medical Facility hospice unit were honored for their participation in an award-winning episode of the Ear Hustle Podcast.

Allan Krenitzky, Gerrard Hite, Jerry Judson and Earl Miller were interviewed for an episode of the podcast called “What’s Up, Michael Freeman?” The episode shared the compassionate work done in the facility and patients coming to terms with the remaining days they have left in their lives.

The episode won the Best Audio Documentary Award from the International Documentary Association. Staff at CMF gathered in the hospice garden on May 8 to recognize the pastoral care service workers who participated in the episode.

The hospice at CMF was the first of its kind when it opened in 1993 after years of efforts to provide end of life care for patients with HIV and AIDS. The unit houses up to 17 patients who have a terminal diagnosis and require additional care and supervision. The hospice features an outdoor garden space providing patients a chance to connect with nature.

Ear Hustle launched in 2017 inside San Quentin Rehabilitation Center to share unique stories from life inside. The podcast now goes well beyond San Quentin’s walls to share impactful stories about incarceration across the state.

Correctional Case Records Analyst Missy Ingram has dedicated her career to CDCR. Joining the department at 19, she began her career activating the new Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla in 1990. Now, she looks toward the future with excitement – retirement.

I started at CCWF on Oct. 1, 1990. For nearly 28 years, I worked on the mainline and Reception Center Records. Then I went to VSP where I helped activate the Reception Center Records.

I really enjoyed working in Reception Center Records at both CCWF and VSP. Being able to activate VSP was challenging, yet fun.

Missy and her husband Kevin at the golf course

I have quite a few mentors, but the person who stands out most is Debbe Bonnar. She was a great leader and someone I’ve always looked up to. She has been my best friend since day one.

I am retiring this December after 35 years of service. My husband, Kevin, will be retiring within the next few years too. During our free time, we enjoy spending time together golfing. He’s the golfer, I’m more of a spectator. I enjoy meeting new people, and the golf courses are beautiful. Our plans are to retire in Mesquite, Nev., and have a house built on Hole 18 at the Conestoga Golf Club.

, appointed Warden, Sierra Conservation Center

Avenal State Prison (ASP) participated in career day at Avenal High School, educating students on a variety of career paths within CDCR.

Students geared up, trying on helmets, shields, and crisis response team vests to get a feel for the uniform. Excitement flowing, students initiated a push-up competition. A crowd formed, challenging and motivating one another.

ASP successfully completed career day, challenging and encouraging the next generation.

Students gathered around CDCR booth at career day

OVSRS staff talking to FCRP participants

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) staff visited the Female Community Reentry Programs in Sacramento and Stockton. Both visits included presentations for victim and restitution services. Participants were eager to learn about OVSRS and how to pay restitution. A cumulative total of 70 participants attended the informational event and received brochures.

Participants in the Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) Los Angeles visited the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino.

The May 1 visit followed a week of intensive counseling sessions led by Amity Foundation staff, focusing on emotional healing, connection and the theme “Rising Above Trauma.”

The trip offered a peaceful setting to reflect on personal growth.

At the library, participants explored art and rare manuscripts, deepening their appreciation for culture and history. In the gardens, they connected the beauty and resilience of nature with their own journeys. “It was my first time at a botanical garden,” said participant Angel Moore.

Staff from Amity Foundation and the Division of Adult Parole Operations supported the event. The day reinforced key counseling themes in a calming and inspiring environment.

The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) celebrated the graduation of 50 students at the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino.

Graduates completed programs such as Criminal Gangs Anonymous, Board of Parole Hearings Preparation, and Emotional Intelligence. “Today I can say that I’m a caring, loving individual,” graduate Eric Melara said. “I chose to change to show myself and my family I love them.”

CIM graduates proudly holding certificates

Leaders of ARC, Joseph Hererra and David Amaya, work to end mass incarceration in California by empowering current and formerly incarcerated people through comprehensive reentry services, advocation, and support.

Thanks to the continued efforts of the coalition, recidivism has dropped significantly in California.

In 2008, 64 percent of people exiting prison in California were reincarcerated within three years. In 2019, 20 percent of people exiting prison were reincarcerated within three years.

The Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) volunteered at the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center.

Participants helped staff with much-needed assistance, cleaning stalls, feeding animals, and washing bowls. Eager to help, participants were grateful for the opportunity to care for animals in need and expressed their love for them.

“This is a great opportunity for willing participants to give back to the community,” Parole Agent Logan said. “I am grateful for the FCRP contract staff for coordinating this event, which as it turns out, is planning to make this a monthly occurrence due to its popularity within the FCRP community.”

Incarcerated individuals in CDCR conservation (fire) camps, the California Conservation Corps, Cal Fire, the California Military Division, and other agencies attended fire readiness training.

Crews performed key fire line operations including a four-mile hike through rugged terrain, tool proficiency, fire shelter deployment, and vegetation clearance.

Many of these drills are timed events, in full gear, to ensure each crew is ready for the upcoming season.

The three-day exercise began at Pardee Lake in Amador County. Fire crews from Growlersburg Conservation Camp, Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp, Ponderosa Fire, and CCC’s Tahoe/Meyers participated alongside one another; making this the first full-capacity multi-camp collaboration in several years.

Camp participants and attendees gained insight into the physical demands, discipline, and teamwork that define fire crew operations.

CDCR’s recent recruitment efforts included a college tour of the training center, a virtual career fair, and outreach at seven major events.

San Joaquin Delta College students toured the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center, gaining insight on the 13-week academy training. Students were excited to learn about the academy process and have questions answered. Some of the students even applied.

The virtual career fair was well attended, with over 276 participants. “These are fun, informative, and in a relaxing atmosphere,” one attendee said. “Questions are answered with detail and it all made sense.”

Through collaboration and commitment, the Specialized Recruitment Unit was able to maintain a strong presence to promote career opportunities at seven major events.

If you’re interested in a career at CDCR, visit this page for more information.

Learn how to become a correctional officer.

Originating at San Francisco State University in 1967, Project Rebound sought to create a tangible impact on incarcerated people through the lens of higher education. The program focuses on providing social and academic support to formerly incarcerated students as they reintegrate into the world beyond the walls. Read the full story.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a motion establishing intern positions and other entry level roles within the department, alongside a broader training program. Formerly incarcerated people with wildland firefighting experience would be able to apply. Read the full story.