In this Weekender Digest, we look back at the top seven recent stories, condensing them into this easy-to-read format.
The following stories have garnered the most views since our last Weekender Digest was published April 5.
April 11 was already a day of immense pride for CDCR cadet Tory Brandsen, but it became even more special when his Marine daughter surprised him at his graduation. After weeks of intense training, dedication, and sacrifice, Brandsen stood tall in uniform among the newest graduates of CDCR’s training academy. Brandsen is a third-generation correctional officer. Published April 26, this was top story published over the last 30 days. Read the full story.
CDCR welcomed 41 new parole agents as they graduated the Basic Parole Agent Academy on Friday, May 2. The ceremony was held at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt. “The badge we wear is not only a symbol of authority, but of hope, building partnerships and second chances,” said Jason Johnson, CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Read the full story.
The Week in Review’s story on a daughter following in her father’s CDCR career footsteps drew plenty of readers. This ranked as one of the most-viewed posts for the month on Inside CDCR.
Officer Joseph Celis joined CDCR in 2007, spending his career at the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco. Seeing her father’s passion for his career, Vanessa Celis also joined CDCR, recently graduating the Basic Correctional Officer Academy.
“My dad has been encouraging me for years, but I always thought there was no way I could do this job,” she said. “I was finally convinced. It’s been hard but I am excited for my future in CDCR.” Read the Week in Review.
Community events have proven to be great places for Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) recruiters to share CDCR employment opportunities. See more photos and learn about the events they attended.
Fostering a sense of community through music was the goal at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison at Corcoran. The SATF Music Festival brought bands together to the California Model yard at the institutions. “What I bring is a part of the culture of the Mexican regional music,” said singer songwriter Alejandra Rojas. “It’s a very big part, very important to the Mexican culture.” Read the full story and see more photos.
This round-up proved very popular, coming in the top 10 stories published over the last 30 days. Multiple institutions submitted photos and a write up. Read the full round-up.
Our annual Easter visiting stories rounded out the top seven. See how these institutions made Easter something special for visiting families. Read the round-up.
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