In this October 2 Week in Review, we highlight CDCR staff at RISE Conference, CMF officers headed to the NorCal Battle of the Badges and HDSP’s educational milestones.
Observances
Latino Heritage Month
Governor Newsom proclaims Latino Heritage Month
Celebrating Our Heritage, Honoring Our Future
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the rich history, culture, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. From Sept. 15 through Oct.15, we celebrate generations who have shaped our communities, our state and our nation.
Within CDCR, Hispanic correctional employees have made a lasting impact through dedication, leadership and public service. For over 50 years, the Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA) has supported its members, promoted professional growth and given back to our communities.
CCWA President Nicholas A. Gonzales is proud to continue this legacy by supporting the organization’s mission and encouraging members to grow personally and professionally.
CCWA’s motto, “Somos Familia” — We Are Family, represents the importance of supporting one another, honoring those who came before us and creating opportunities for future generations.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate our heritage and continue building a stronger future together.
Submitted by GARE Ambassador Nicholas A. Gonzales, OSS II
Staff Spotlights
After 29 years, Undersecretary Barretto prepares for retirement
Jennifer Barretto has committed nearly 30 years to public service in California, contributing to the success of corrections and rehabilitation.
She began her career in 1996 as a student assistant with the Department of Health Services. In April 1997, she was appointed to her first civil service position as a word processing technician with CDCR while earning her associate’s degree from Sierra College and completing her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento, in 2001.
From 1998 to 2006, she advanced through a series of analytical and supervisory positions—including office technician, staff services analyst, associate governmental program analyst and staff services manager—supporting the Classification Services Unit, Statewide Transportation Unit and Program Support Unit. In 2006, she promoted to California State Prison, Sacramento, as a correctional business manager and associate warden soon after. From 2010 to 2012, she served as an associate warden in the High Security Mission.
3 Questions with CMF correctional officers ready for competition
California Medical Facility (CMF) Correctional Officers Tyler McCowan and Abdul Gorsi will compete Saturday, Oct. 24, at the NorCal Battle of the Badges.
McCowan looks forward to testing his skills under pressure. Gorsi welcomes the personal challenge and hopes to show his children the value of pushing beyond their comfort zones.
We caught up with them to discuss their careers and passion for boxing.
How long have you been boxing and competing in Battle of the Badges?
McCowan: I’ve boxed on and off for eight years. I began training more seriously before my first Battle of the Badges in 2024. This will be my third event.
Gorsi: I started boxing for my first Battle of the Badges in 2025. I’ve trained on and off since then, and this will be my fourth fight.
How long have you worked for the department?
McCowan: I’ve served three and a half years, all at CMF.
Gorsi: I’ve served 10 years, also exclusively at CMF.
How do you balance training and work?
McCowan: It’s difficult. Family and friends are a huge help, offering support and being my biggest fans. Sleep is the biggest challenge. There are never enough hours. Training before or after work works best for me. It’s hard to squeeze everything in, but I know my dedication will pay off.
Gorsi: I make time for training, even when I’m tired from work. My family and coworkers keep me going. My coach also devotes a lot of time to my preparation. Knowing they’re all behind me motivates me.
Upward Mobility
Clarence Cryer, appointed Chief Executive Officer, Pelican Bay State Prison
Kevin Hixon, appointed Deputy Director, Facility Support
Madelynn McClain, assigned acting Undersecretary of Administration
*Listed in alphabetical order by first name
Rehabilitation
HDSP celebrates educational milestones
High Desert State Prison (HDSP) in Susanville recently hosted four graduation ceremonies in one week, celebrating the educational achievements of incarcerated students.
The events recognized graduates who completed general education requirements, earned high school diplomas, received associate degrees or completed vocational certificates.
These accomplishments were possible through the collaboration of students, families and friends. Support also came from CDCR administration, HDSP education staff, Lake Tahoe Community College, Mountain View Adult School and Lassen Community College.
Students, families, friends and staff gathered to acknowledge their milestones. The ceremonies were streamed for those unable to attend.
Acting Warden K. Thornton welcomed graduates and highlighted their perseverance.
“Your accomplishments today demonstrate your willingness to better yourself,” Thornton said.
Student speakers thanked teachers, custodial staff, family and supporters.
The HDSP Choir opened each ceremony with a musical performance.
Receptions followed each event to celebrate and capture memories of the achievement.
CAL graduates pre-apprenticeship class
Calipatria State Prison (CAL) recently celebrated three incarcerated persons graduating from the Correctional Construction Mentorship pre-apprenticeship program.
The Sept. 24 graduation marked another step toward career development and personal growth.
Participants gained practical trade skills while strengthening discipline, responsibility and teamwork.
The program also emphasized resilience and preparation for future employment opportunities.
This graduation marks CAL’s fourth completed apprenticeship program.
The institution plans to welcome Apprenticeship Classes No. 5 and 6 in spring.
Through hands-on training and mentorship, participants can demonstrate their commitment to learning new skills and pursuing opportunities beyond incarceration.
CAL staff celebrated the graduates’ progress and the continued growth of its apprenticeship programs.
In the Community
CDCR staff connect at RISE conference
CDCR staff joined women leaders from across law enforcement at the RISE: Women in Policing Conference in San Diego.
Held Sept. 8-11, the conference focused on leadership, resilience, wellness and professional growth.
For CDCR attendees, RISE offered opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas and gain fresh perspective.
Key themes included the power of connection, mentorship, supporting future leaders and building stronger teams.
One message resonated throughout the conference: “Save a seat for a sister.”
Attendees were encouraged to support colleagues, open doors and help others find their voice.
Sessions explored wellness, resilience and leadership through everyday actions and relationships.
CDCR made a strong showing during its second year at RISE. Staff provided 11 donation baskets and represented the department with pride.
Attendees described the experience as renewing and inspiring. Many said it strengthened their sense of purpose and commitment to service.
The connections and lessons from RISE will continue strengthening teams and workplace culture across CDCR.
In Our Institutions
CCI hosts annual health fair
California Correctional Institution (CCI) at Tehachapi recently hosted its 2026 Annual Health Fair for employees.
The event offered resources focused on physical, mental and financial wellness.
Local medical groups and community organizations provided information and interactive experiences for staff.
Topics included nutrition, active living, counseling services, behavioral health and financial planning.
Financial professionals shared guidance on retirement planning, savings and financial security.
The event also featured booths from the Service Employees International Union, California Correctional Peace Officers Association and California Correctional Supervisors Organization.
The Personnel Office coordinated the event with support from participating vendors and healthcare providers.
CCI administration thanked the organizations and peer support teams who contributed to the event.
The fair provided employees with practical resources to support their well-being and demanding public safety roles.
ASP donation supports Fresno youth
Avenal State Prison (ASP) recently raised $2,544 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County.
Incarcerated persons on Facility D organized a food sale to raise funds for local youth programs.
ASP staff presented the donation to Kathryn Weakland, vice president of development for the organization.
The contribution will support health and wellness programs for young people throughout Fresno County.
Those programs provide safe spaces, mentorship and opportunities for youth to succeed.
The fundraiser reflects the impact of community service and involvement.
Through their efforts, participants helped support programs serving the next generation of Fresno County residents.
The donation also strengthened connections between ASP and the surrounding community.
In the Media
Former Salinas Valley State Prison officer pleads no contest to workers’ comp fraud
A former correctional officer at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad pleaded no contest to felony insurance fraud after prosecutors determined she fabricated workplace injuries and received more than $100,000 in workers’ compensation benefits.
From behind bars to behind the wheel: Sacramento partnership opens the door for workforce
re-entry
Emerge Career and the Sacramento Employment Training Agency teamed up to help connect an often misunderstood and overlooked population of workers to help fill highly skilled trade positions: the formerly incarcerated.
Inside the prison teaching men professional cosmetology
Inside a California prison, a classroom filled with beauty equipment offers an unexpected path toward education and professional skills.
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Week in Review archive
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