In this August 14 Week in Review, we highlight Training Analyst II Renee Alexander, California State Legislature and Board of Parole Hearings members touring California Medical Facility, and CMC honoring Kid C.A.T. graduates.
Staff Spotlight
3 Questions with Renee Alexander
Meet Renee Alexander, analyst II with the Staff Development Unit’s Training Team. She has been with California Correctional Health Care Services for over five years.
Training organizers say her sessions address challenging topics with genuine compassion and practical tools. She helps employees build resilience by emphasizing connection, support and the strength found in vulnerability.
Q: What is your role, and what does a typical day look like?
A: I officially serve as a training analyst II, but I also see myself as an empowerment coach. Our team is amazing and is continuously working together to improve training and create meaningful impact where it matters most.
Q: How do you measure success?
A: I love to inspire curiosity and help employees grow personally and professionally. Success comes from deep and meaningful engagement. I focus on ensuring participants have access to all available support. I know if I can reach people emotionally, it will help them lean in.
Q: What resource would you recommend to someone who is struggling?
A: No one is meant to struggle alone. Asking for help is brave. Peer Support is an incredible tool to help employees move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling connected and supported.
Upward Mobility
David Maldonado, assigned acting Chief, Strategic Communications and External Affairs, OPEC
Rafael Acevedo, appointed Associate Director, Region IV
*Listed in alphabetical order by first name
In Our Institutions
Legislators and BPH tour CMF
Members of the California State Legislature and the Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) recently toured California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville.
Organized by Smart Justice California, the visit highlighted CMF’s hospice program and rehabilitation opportunities through Pastoral Care Services. Guests also learned about compassionate release for people facing terminal illnesses.
“The tour is important,” said Smart Justice California Program Manager Phil Melendez. “We want decision-makers to see what rehabilitation in action looks like,”.
The group toured the Memory Care Unit, licensed medical Correctional Treatment Center, Paws for Life program and hospice program.
Established in 1996, CMF’s hospice program was the nation’s first licensed prison hospice. Incarcerated pastoral care workers and hospice volunteers provide emotional support and assistance to aging and terminally ill peers.
Following the tour, there was a discussion in the CMF Hospice Garden. Legislators, Board of Parole Hearings members and incarcerated participants shared conversations about accountability, redemption and hope.
Assemblymember Tom Lackey encouraged more legislators to experience the tour firsthand.
CIW hosts back-to-school family event
California Institution for Women (CIW) welcomed incarcerated individuals and their families for a back-to-school event focused on strengthening family connections.
Families enjoyed games, flavored snow cones and time together. Children received backpacks filled with school supplies for the new school year.
The event encouraged meaningful interaction and celebrated the importance of family support during rehabilitation. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to reconnect in a positive setting.
Events like these help children prepare for school while promoting healthy relationships, reflecting the department’s commitment to supporting successful rehabilitation.
Law Enforcement Operations
DAPO’s Operation Desert Guardian results in 9 arrests
The Riverside District of the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) conducted Operation Desert Guardian, a compliance sweep resulting in nine arrests.
The July 23 compliance operation was held with the assistance of other state, city and county law enforcement agencies.
Those involved included DAPO’s Community Compliance Unit, Office of Correctional Safety’s Felony Apprehension Team, Ironwood State Prison’s Investigation Services Unit, Riverside County Sheriff’s Gang Task Force Unit and the Cathedral City Police Department. CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions’ Transportation Team also assisted in the operation.
Parole agents assigned to the Palm Springs Unit and Palm Springs GPS Unit were key members of the team.
Rehabilitation
CMC honors Kid C.A.T. graduates
California Men’s Colony (CMC), San Luis Obispo recently celebrated participants who completed Kid C.A.T.’s The First Step curriculum.
The graduation recognized participants’ commitment to accountability, self-reflection and personal growth.
Kid C.A.T. (Creating Awareness Together) represents the members’ growth from childhood to adulthood. The program was founded at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) in 2010 by incarcerated individuals who committed crimes as youth. Kid C.A.T. emphasizes responsibility, restorative practices, community service and making amends.
The First Step curriculum was developed by Kid C.A.T. to center personal development, help participants identify pain and foster healing. The curriculum expanded beyond SQRC to additional institutions and is now offered outside correctional facilities.
Graduates reflected on their progress while reaffirming their commitment to rehabilitation.
The event recognized an important milestone for participants, emphasizing rehabilitation as an ongoing process.
Division of Adult Parole Operations
DAPO expands reentry resources through partnerships
The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community Reentry Unit (CRU) partnered with Harbor District to connect supervised individuals with reentry services during a July Parole and Community Team (PACT) meeting.
Held at Compton College, the event introduced newly released individuals to supervision expectations and community resources supporting successful reentry.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provided free California REAL ID services to participants, students and community members. DMV staff helped over 50 people obtain identification.
Access to valid identification helps remove barriers to employment, housing, health care and education. The event showcased community partnerships improving resource access, helping individuals build stability and strengthening communities.
In the Media
Ironwood State Prison leaders show staff appreciation
Leaders at Ironwood State Prison recently hosted a staff appreciation event to honor employees for their exceptional dedication, hard work and commitment to the institution’s needs.
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CDCR Latest News
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