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Corrections Officers are investigating a 60 inmate Riot at CSATF

August 20, 2012, 9:36 am
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Most injured inmates have returned to the prison from local hospitals

CORCORAN –Corrections Officers at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran (CSATF) are investigating two apparently related incidents that escalated into riot on August 17, 2012.

That Friday, at about 7pm, fighting broke out inside  the Facility-B dining room.    Inmates from rival prison gangs, assualted each other with makeshift weapons.  About 15 minutes later, more widescale fighting broke out inside one of the housing units.   In both cases corrections staff used tear gas grenades and 40mm rubber projectiles to stop the rioting. The uninjured inmates who were involved in the fighting were restrained and isolated.

In all, 63 inmates were involved in the fighting.  A total of 9 inmates were transported to local hospitals for a higher level of care as a result of their injuries which included puncture wounds, cuts, abrasions, and lacerations. One of the injured inmates had been thrown from the second story tier and suffered head injuries.  He was life-flighted , via helicopter to a local hospital.  Eight of the nine injured inmates have returned to the prison.  The inmate with head injuries remains in a local hospital.

There were no staff injuries during the incident.

CSATF houses minimum-, medium- and maximum-security male inmates.  The prison opened in Kings County in 1997, houses 5,491 inmates and employs approximately 1,900 people.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2012
Contact: Lupe Cartagena
(559) 992-7154 

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Battery on a Peace Officer at High Desert State Prison during an inmate riot

August 22, 2012, 9:32 am
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Susanville – On Monday, August 21, 2012, at approximately 1:45 p.m., High Desert State Prison (HDSP), Facility C Yard #1, had 2 African American inmates engage in a fist fight.  The yard was ordered down and all inmates complied, including the 2 African American inmates involved in the fight.  Due to the location of the fight the initial responders, approximately 12, ordered a number of inmates to move out of the response path.  Two of the inmates being moved were Southern Hispanic inmates.  They were slow to comply with staff’s orders and move out of the way so staff could safely advance to the incident.  The 2 African American inmates involved in the fight were removed from the yard without incident. 

Prior to the yard resuming, 2 Officers and a Sergeant went over to remove the Southern Hispanic inmates from the yard.  One inmate was ordered to stand up to be escorted off of the yard and he stood up and faced one of the Officers.  The Officer ordered the Southern Hispanic inmate to turn around and submit to a clothed body search; the inmate refused.  The inmate also refused orders to submit to handcuffs. The Officer then ordered the inmate to lie down on the ground and the inmate struck the Officer in the face, with his fist.  The other Officer utilized his physical strength to force the inmate to the ground and injured his shoulder taking the inmate down. 

At the same time, 7 other Southern Hispanic inmates to the left of the officers, jumped up and attacked staff.  Then, a group of Southern Hispanics on the right and a group of Southern Hispanics from behind jumped up and ran for the staff line that had 5 staff members left.  There were 42 Southern Hispanics on the yard and they all charged the skirmish line, from 3 directions. 

Due to the prior incident, secondary response was located just outside of the facility gate and they entered Facility C Yard #1.  The 8 staff members on the yard were assaulted and utilized O.C. pepper spray, batons, C.N. and physical force, as well as a 40MM loaded with XM-1006 Direct Impact Sponge rounds.  The Officer with the 40MM fired 16, XM-1006 rounds into the advancing Southern Hispanic inmates.  Responding staff forced the Southern Hispanics back an additional 2 times.  In all, the Southern Hispanics charged the staff line 3 times. 

Due to the magnitude of the incident and the reasonable belief that the incident would result in great bodily injury or death, the C-2 Control Booth Officer fired 2 warning shots from his state-issued Mini-14 rifle into the C Facility Gym wall.  In addition to the Mini-14, there were multiple less lethal force options used by multiple staff members. 

All injured staff and inmates were taken to the Correctional Treatment Center (CTC) and 7 staff members and 1 inmate were transported to Banner Lassen Medical Center where they were treated and released for minor injuries. 

The case is under investigation by the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office and the Investigative Services Unit at HDSP.  The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent review was notified.

High Desert State Prison, located in Lassen County, opened in 1995 and houses 3,696 minimum-, medium-, and maximum-custody inmates. The institution provides academic classes and vocational instruction and employs more than 1,275 people.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2012
Contact: Lt. Nick Albonico
(530) 251-5100 
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Condemned Inmate Kenneth Friedman's Death Investigated as a Suicide

August 27, 2012, 3:48 pm
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SAN QUENTIN – Condemned inmate Kenneth Friedman, 58, who was on California’s death row from Los Angeles County, was pronounced dead at San Quentin State Prison early Sunday morning, August 26, 2012 at 5:24 a.m.  The death is being investigated as a suicide.  Friedman was single-celled.

Friedman was sentenced to death on December 2, 2005, by a Los Angeles County jury for the Oct. 26, 1994, strangulation murder of one-time drug dealer Peter Kovach, 26, and innocent bystander Ted Gould, 29, after abducting them from a Torrance telecommunications store where they worked. Friedman had been on death row since December 14, 2005.

Since 1978 when California reinstated capital punishment, 57 condemned inmates have died from natural causes, 21 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri; and six died from other causes.  There are 728 offenders on California’s death row.



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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 27, 2012
PLEASE CONTACT:  LT.SAM ROBINSON
(415) 455-5008
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Inmate Attack of Two Correctional Officers at San Quentin Under Investigation

August 30, 2012, 5:06 pm
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SAN QUENTIN – Condemned inmate Timothy Joseph McGhee, 39, attacked two correctional officers at San Quentin State Prison with an inmate-made weapon early today as they attempted to return him from the shower to his cell.

The two officers suffered cuts and wounds to their heads, necks and arms. They were taken to an outside hospital for treatment. Their prognosis is good.

Investigators at the prison have launched a probe into the attack that occurred just before 7 a.m. when the officers opened the shower door in the prison’s Adjustment Center. The inmate slashed and stabbed them with the weapon.

The Adjustment Center is one of three units in the prison where male inmates on California’s death row are housed.

McGhee was sentenced to death in Los Angeles County on January 9, 2009. He was convicted of first-degree murder in the gang-related killing of Ronald Martin on October 14, 1997; the June 3, 2000, killing of 16-year-old Ryan Gonzalez; and the November 9, 2001, killing of 26-year-old Margie Mendoza.  Jurors also found McGhee guilty of the attempted murder of four other people, including two Los Angeles Police Department officers. He has been on California’s death row since January 21, 2009.

There are 728 people on death row in California.

San Quentin, opened in 1852, is California's oldest and best-known correctional institution.  The prison houses 3,690 inmates and employs 1,644 people.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2012      
Contact: Sam Robinson
(415) 455-5008 or
Terry Thornton
(916) 445-4950 

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Small Business Certification Workshop

September 6, 2012, 10:07 am
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SACRAMENTO -- The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the Department of General Services (DGS), State Senator Lois Wolk, Assemblymember Mariko Yamada and local agencies have partnered to develop a series of workshops throughout California to help Small Businesses (SB), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), and non-profit agencies learn about local government contracting opportunities. By attending this workshop, SB/DVBE businesses will receive resources for state licensing and certification, receive information about how to compete for state and other local county purchases or contracts, participate in a panel session to ask questions about economic development, learn how to compete for future business opportunities. The event will include networking opportunities with local government and public agencies.

Businesses in the northern California region are invited to attend the Small Business Certification Workshop in Sacramento on September 7. Details for the event are as follows:

Small Business Certification Workshop 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, September 7, 2012
Department of General Services Ziggurat Building 707 3rd Street West Sacramento, California

To learn more about this and future workshops, or to register for any of the events, please visit our website at http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/sbcw/index.html. ###
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CDCR Honors Employees at Annual Medal of Valor Ceremony

September 13, 2012, 10:00 am
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Seventy-three praised for courage and conduct above and beyond call of duty

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today honored dozens of employees during its 28th annual Medal of Valor Ceremony. Seventy-three staff members from institutions, parole and various divisions received awards recognizing high levels of bravery and conduct.

“Every day at CDCR, you find many examples of courage and commitment among our employees,” said CDCR Secretary Cate. “Today, we are honoring the bravery and performance that goes well above the call of duty. I am proud to lead an organization made up of people willing to risk their own personal safety to help someone else.”

Seventeen employees received the Medal of Valor this year. Fifty-six other staff members received the Gold Star, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and other awards.

One of the recipients of this year’s Medal of Valor, the department’s highest award, was Fire Captain Scott Long of San Quentin State Prison. He responded in the middle of the night to a call for help from two people in the water near the prison. He descended 75 feet down a steep seawall and found the two people in the water another 25 feet below, one of them at imminent risk of drowning. At great risk to himself, Capt. Long swam to the couple and rescued them.

Other Medal of Valor recipients include a parole apprehension team intervening to save the lives of their fellow agents, a High Desert State Prison officer who, despite being attacked himself, saved the life of another inmate, and a team of custody staff at Pelican Bay State Prison who bravely responded to a coordinated attack on officers by several inmates.

For the first time, CDCR added an Employee Recognition Program to the Medal of Valor presentations. Directors in each CDCR division recognized employees in their areas for outstanding work that contributed to the mission of CDCR and the State of California.

A complete list of 2012 award winners follows:

MEDAL OF VALOR

The Medal of Valor is CDCR’s highest award, earned by employees distinguishing themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of correctional service.  The employee shall display great courage in the face of immediate life-threatening peril and with full knowledge of the risk involved.  The act should show professional judgment and not jeopardize operations or the lives of others.

Parole Agent Bruce Baenziger, California Parole Apprehension Team, San Diego
Parole Agent Benjamin Somera, California Parole Apprehension Team, San Diego
Parole Agent Sean Torphy, California Parole Apprehension Team, San Diego
Correctional Officer Glenn McCoy, High Desert State Prison
Fire Captain (A) Scott Long, San Quentin State Prison
Correctional Sergeant Charles “Chuck” Essex, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Wesley Aanrud, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Cecil Arispe, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Nathan Bourdlaies, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Byron Gardner, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Paul Hicks Jr., Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Michael Johnson, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Michael Knight, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Clayton Maxwell, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Henry “Hank” Nichols, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Thomas Sheets, Pelican Bay State Prison
Correctional Officer Joshua Taylor, Pelican Bay State Prison


GOLD STAR MEDAL

The Corrections Star (Gold) medal is the department’s second-highest award for heroic deeds under extraordinary circumstances.  The employee shall display courage in the face of immediate peril in acting to save the life of another person.

Correctional Officer Armando Vera, Wasco State Prison
Correctional Officer Paul Davis, Deuel Vocational Institution


SILVER STAR MEDAL

The Corrections Star (Silver) medal is the department’s third-highest award for acts of bravery under extraordinary or unusual circumstances.  The employee shall display courage in the face of potential peril while saving or attempting to save the life of another person or distinguish himself/herself by performing in stressful situations with exceptional tactics or judgment.

Correctional Sergeant Ron Crother, Kern Valley State Prison
Correctional Officer Patrick Briggs, California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran
Correctional Sergeant Le’Vance “Tony” Quinn, California State Prison, Sacramento


BRONZE STAR MEDAL

The Corrections Star (Bronze) is the department’s award for saving a life without placing oneself in peril.  The employee shall have used proper training and tactics in a professional manner to save, or clearly contribute to saving, the life of another person.

Correctional Sergeant Brandon Green, California State Prison, Sacramento
Correctional Officer Jered Lawrence, Chamberlain Creek Conservation Camp
Correctional Sergeant Stephen Ledesma II, Correctional Training Facility
Office Technician Betsy Orosco, Inmate/Ward Labor Program, Region I
Parole Agent I Micheal Salvaggio, Division of Adult Parole Operations, Region IV
Chief Engineer Anthony Schumacher, California Correctional Center
Correctional Officer Moray Cross, Mule Creek State Prison
Correctional Officer Anthony Marquez, Mule Creek State Prison
Correctional Officer Jeffrey Gold, Mule Creek State Prison
Correctional Officer Armando Ayala, Mule Creek State Prison
Fire Captain James Cerini, San Quentin State Prison
Assistant Fire Chief Gerald Maresh, San Quentin State Prison
Correctional Officer Gary Legaspi, Kern Valley State Prison
Correctional Officer Tu Nguyen, Kern Valley State Prison


DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

The Distinguished Service Medal is for an employee’s exemplary work conduct with the department for a period of months or years, or involvement in a specific assignment of unusual benefit to the Department.

Office Technician Linda Tucker, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team


UNIT CITATION

The Unit Citation is for outstanding service to the Department.

Relief Sergeant Irma Hermosillo, California Rehabilitation Center
Correctional Officer Kennedy Holmes, California Rehabilitation Center
Registered Nurse Elizabeth Arciaga, California Rehabilitation Center
Registered Nurse Hortensia Pop, California Rehabilitation Center
Registered Nurse Karen Vuong, California Rehabilitation Center
Correctional Fire Captain Geoff Loveless, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Fire Captain Mathew Ludwig, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Sergeant Joseph Ranucci, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Sergeant Bradford Miller, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Sergeant Michael Mowery, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Officer Greg Bowlay-Williams, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Officer Gregory Fors, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Officer Karen Johnson, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Officer Vincente Morales, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Officer Pacifico Pailma, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Officer Marshall Ragan, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Officer Melissa Schwartz, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Officer Chris Whitman, Correctional Training Facility
Correctional Counselor III Stan Norman, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team
Correctional Counselor I Diana Viale, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team
Correctional Sergeant Carl Kropp, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team
Correctional Officer Chris Fallon, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team
Correctional Officer Michael Koeth, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team
Correctional Officer Kenneth Mack, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team
Correctional Officer Michael Peet, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team
Correctional Officer Hugh Reed Jr., (Posthumously) Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team
Associate Governmental Program Analyst Catalina Diaz, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team
Office Technician Linda Tucker, Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Team


EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR

Correctional Lieutenant Darren Chamberlain, Correctional Training Facility


CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Correctional Officer Donald Heuser, High Desert State Prison


EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Superintendent Erin Brock, Northern California Youth Correctional Center


MEDICAL/DENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Dr. Ananda R. Murthy, DDS, Region IV Headquarters


REHABILITATION PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Vocational Instructor (Welding) Clayton Dynes, Avenal State Prison


ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Chief Jay Atkinson, Offender Information Services Branch, Office of Research


DIVISION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Senior Youth Correctional Counselor Ray Knight, N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility


DIVISION OF ADULT PAROLE OPERATIONS STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Parole Administrator I Lori Macias-Price, Division of Adult Parole Operations, Headquarters


SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

Parole Agent III Keri Berkler, Board of Parole Hearings



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Terry Thornton: (916) 445-4950
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Vendor Fair Set for California Health Care Facility in Stockton

September 14, 2012, 3:19 pm
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STOCKTON – Businesses who wish to sell their products to the new California Health Care Facility (CHCF) now under construction in Stockton are invited to attend a vendor fair in that city to learn how to become certified to do business with the State of California.


The event will be held September 19 in the Bob Hope Theater, 242 East Main Street, in downtown Stockton, from 2-4 pm. The fair is co-sponsored by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California Correctional Health Care Services, Department of General Services (DGS), the Department of State Hospitals and the City of Stockton.

“With more than 2,000 staff on the site every day, the new health care facility will have many of the same needs as a small city,” CHCF Chief Operating Officer Nate Elam said. “In addition, because we are operating a health care facility, we will have specialized needs as well.”

“We expect to spend several millions of dollars a year to operate the California Health Care Facility and would like every vendor who wants to do business with us to be prepared by attending our workshop in Stockton,” Elam said.

Representatives from the sponsoring state agencies will be on hand to explain general contracting procedures and the process for being certified as a Small Business or Veteran-owned and to explain the types of products that the 1.2 million square foot medical facility will be purchasing during the late stages of construction and after it opens.

The CHCF is expected to receive the first of 1,722 inmate patients in July, 2013 and will employ approximately 2,400 people in up to 160 professional classifications, creating a $220 million payroll that will add an estimated $1 billion a year to the local economy.

Since January, 2011, more than half of the $1 billion in construction costs for the new facility has been awarded to businesses and contractors in Stockton and the surrounding area and more than half of the 5,500 construction jobs have been filled with craftsmen from within a 50-mile radius of Stockton.

More information about the California Health Care Facility is available at http://www.chcfstockton.com/ Information about CDCR is available at www.cdcr.ca.gov

Contact: Bill Sessa (916) 445-4950







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RJDCF Awards College Degrees and Vocational/GED Certificates at Inmate Graduation

September 17, 2012, 12:14 pm
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SAN DIEGO – On Wednesday, September 12, 2012, the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJDCF), along with representatives from Senator Juan Vargas’ Office and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, held graduations for 268 inmates and their families, who were invited to attend the ceremonies.

The graduates, who were awarded 10 Associate of Arts degrees, 103 GED certificates, and 155 vocational certificates, will be able to utilize their new skills while incarcerated and upon their release into the community.

After a welcoming address by Principal Kathy Balakian, Warden Daniel Paramo congratulated the Otay Mesa Adult School graduates on their success and challenged them to strive for even more personal growth and success.

“I personally know what it takes to achieve educational goals and don’t know how you overcame so many obstacles to achieve what you have within this environment; but you did,” Paramo said.  “What you’ve done is tremendous!  You proven to yourselves that you can accomplish anything you set your minds to; but don’t think this is the end.  I hope all of you will want to continue on, furthering your educational goals.”

Inmate Phillip Fry, who received a certificate for his participation in the Machine Shop, addressed the alumnae and attendees at one of the graduations with an emotional and heartfelt speech.

He expressed his gratitude to the Warden and Education Department for offering educational programs and the instructors for helping him achieve his goal.  Additionally, challenged his fellow graduates to continue their educational goals.

The mission of the Otay Mesa Adult School is to reduce recidivism by providing incarcerated students with the vocational, academic, and life skills needed to successfully re-enter society.



Lieutenant Patrick Logan September 17, 2012
CONTACT: Patrick.Logan@cdcr.ca.gov (619) 661-7802
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Salinas Valley State Prison Homicide Under Investigation

September 18, 2012, 9:42 am
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Soledad-- Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) investigators have launched a probe into the cause of a homicide incident. This morning just after 11 a.m., two inmates stabbed a third inmate several times. Other inmates on the yard began to attack each other and a riot ensued.

The inmate who was stabbed succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead by a prison doctor. His name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

Four inmates suffered injuries. Two were airlifted to a hospital; a third was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. The fourth was treated at the prison. Their conditions are not known at this time.

SVSP administrators have limited inmate movement on the facility where the incident occurred to facilitate the investigation.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September  15, 2012
Contact: (916) 207-8085
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Salinas Valley State Prison Homicide Investigation Continues

September 18, 2012, 9:47 am
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SOLEDAD – Salinas Valley State Prison’s (SVSP) Investigative Services Unit with the assistance of the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is continuing its investigation into the causes of a homicide and riot that occurred on Saturday, September 15 just after 11 a.m.

The incident started when two inmates stabbed a third inmate several times with inmate-made weapons. Thirty inmates on the maximum-security general population yard began to attack each other and a riot ensued.

The inmate who was stabbed succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead at 11:34 a.m. by a prison doctor. His name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. He was 42 years old and had been serving a life-without-parole sentence from San Bernardino County for first-degree murder, second-degree robbery, vehicle theft and grand theft since April 19, 1994.

Four inmates suffered slash injuries and puncture wounds from the riot. Two were airlifted and admitted to a hospital for treatment. A third was taken by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment and was returned to the institution the same day. The fourth was treated at the prison.  They are in good condition. A few other inmates who participated in the riot were treated at the prison for minor injuries. No employees were injured.

Correctional peace officers used pepper spray and less-than-lethal force options to quell the attacks. They recovered 13 inmate-made stabbing and slashing weapons.

SVSP investigators identified inmates Gregory Hoenshell, 32, and Barry Storey, 37, as the suspects in the homicide. Hoenshell is serving a life-without-parole sentence from the State of Oregon for first-degree murder.

Storey is serving a 44-years-to-life sentence from Sacramento County for attempted first-degree murder with the use of a firearm.
 
SVSP administrators have limited inmate movement on the facility where the incident occurred to facilitate the investigation. The Office of the Inspector General was notified about the incidents.

SVSP opened May 1996 on approximately 300 acres in Monterey County. The institution provides long-term housing for 3,530 minimum- and maximum-custody male inmates and employs 1,395 people.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2012
Contact: Lt. Michael Nilsson
(831) 678-5554
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Incident at California State Prison-Sacramento Under Control

September 19, 2012, 1:12 pm
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REPRESA – California State Prison-Sacramento (CSP-SAC) quelled a riot involving an unknown number of inmates that started at 11:17 a.m. on one of the prison’s maximum-security general population yards.

In addition to the use of less-than-lethal force options to stop the riot, officers discharged rounds from the Mini 14 rifle. One inmate suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

At least 10 other inmates were taken to area hospitals for treatment of stab and slash wounds.

There are no reports at this time of injuries to staff.

Updates will be provided later.

CSP-SAC is a multi-mission institution that houses 2,658 inmates.  Opened in 1986, the institution primarily houses maximum-security inmates serving long sentences and those who have proved to be management problems at other institutions.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: TERRY THORNTON, (916) 445-4950

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Incident at California State Prison-Sacramento Under Investigation

September 19, 2012, 6:03 pm
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REPRESA – California State Prison-Sacramento (CSP-SAC) administrators are investigating the causes of a riot that occurred today at 11:17 a.m. on one of the prison’s maximum-security general population yards.


Sixty inmates were involved in the incident. Correctional peace officers used less-than-lethal force options including blast dispersion rounds to stop the riot. Officers also discharged six rounds from the Mini 14 rifle. One inmate suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Another 12 inmates were taken to area hospitals for treatment of injuries including stab and slash wounds and head trauma. Four of the 12 were treated and returned to the prison.

Several other inmates suffered minor injuries and were treated at the prison.

There are no reports of injuries to staff. Officers recovered four inmate-made weapons.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) sent a Deadly Force Investigation Team to conduct a criminal and an administrative investigation into the use of deadly force. A deadly force review board will conduct a full and complete review of the incident as well.

The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review was also notified and will provide real-time oversight of CDCR’s investigation of its staff.

CSP-SAC is a multi-mission institution that houses 2,658 inmates. Opened in 1986, the institution primarily houses maximum-security inmates serving long sentences and those who have proved to be management problems at other institutions.



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Contact: Sgt. L. Quinn, (916) 294-3012 or Terry Thornton, (916) 445-4950

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Disturbances at California State Prison-Solano Under Investigation

September 20, 2012, 6:30 pm
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Three inmates sent to area hospitals.


VACAVILLE – California State Prison-Solano (CSP-SOL) administrators have begun an investigation into several disturbances that occurred simultaneously at the prison today.

Just after 1 p.m., a disturbance involving 60 to 80 inmates broke out on one of the medium-security yards. Correctional officers used pepper spray and discharged two warning shots from the Mini 14 rifle to stop the disturbance. Two inmates were injured from the fighting and were taken by ambulance to area hospitals.

At about 1:30 p.m., another fight broke out on another medium-custody yard. At the same time, three other disturbances occurred in other buildings. More than 60 inmates were involved in these fights. Four suffered injuries; three were treated at the prison and one was taken by ambulance to an area hospital.

The entire institution has restricted inmate movement to facilitate the investigation.

CSP-SOL is a medium-security institution that houses 4,228 male general population inmates.

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Contact: Lt. Elizabeth Eck, (707) 529-7302
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CDCR Launches Online Visiting Reservation System

October 1, 2012, 8:41 am
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Pilot of new system shows shorter wait times and overall better visiting experience
SACRAMENTO– The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today launched the Visitor Processing Appointment Scheduling System (VPASS) to help reduce lengthy wait times and electronically notify visitors of any schedule changes at the institution.

A pilot of the system at Folsom State Prison showed VPASS to be a more streamlined system than the current process. It decreased wait times and, in turn, increased the amount of time spent visiting.

“Relationships between inmates and their loved ones are key to successful rehabilitation,” CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate said. “This new system will help by improving visiting experiences.”

Currently, the system is only available to the general public at the following institutions as part of the pilot program:

·         California Institution for Men in Chino
·         California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo
·         California State Prison-Solano in Vacaville
·         California Training Facility in Soledad
·         Folsom State Prison in Folsom
·         Ironwood State Prison in Blythe
·         Kern Valley State Prison in Delano
·         Pleasant Valley State Prison in Delano, and
·         San Quentin State Prison

The appointments for the pilot opened today for the weekend of October 6.

Before implementing VPASS, CDCR institutions processed visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. This resulted in hundreds of visitors showing up early at institutions across California, sometimes as early as the night before their visit.

Now, visitors can make appointments throughout the week, which will ensure a more efficient use of time. Visitors can log into the system on CDCR’s website: http://visitorreservations.cdcr.ca.gov/Default.aspx and create an account.

From there visitors can proceed to schedule an appointment for their preferred weekend day and time. For now visitors can only schedule appointments one week before their visit. 

Before reserving a time online, visitors must be pre-approved to visit the institution and the inmate.

A Frequently Asked Questions document is also available here: http://visitorreservations.cdcr.ca.gov/faqs.aspx. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2012
Contact: Dana Simas
(916) 445-4950
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One Year In, Realignment Dramatically Cuts Size of California Prison Population

October 1, 2012, 9:06 am
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Smaller population helps satisfy court orders, control costs, prevent early release

SACRAMENTO – When the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the State of California to reduce prison overcrowding in 2011, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and the Legislature responded with Public Safety Realignment. The state’s main tool for reducing the prison population has already cut the number of inmates in the state’s 33 prisons by more than 24,000. This has been achieved without any early or unsupervised release of state prison inmates. All offenders are monitored after their court-ordered sentence is completed.

“Realignment is good policy and it’s working,” said California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Secretary Matthew Cate. “Realignment prevented early release, and is allowing us to meet the Supreme Court’s order while ensuring there is room in our prisons for serious offenders. We must also acknowledge the hard work and collaboration of State and local officials to ensure public safety during the implementation of Realignment.”

Realignment is also helping California achieve two other important goals: reducing the amount of money spent on the state prison system, and bolstering State and local rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism and improve overall public safety.

When Realignment is fully implemented in 2015, the annual prison budget will be reduced by $1.5 billion, representing an 18 percent drop in State corrections spending, and up to 70 percent of inmates will get the rehabilitation programs that they need.

Under Public Safety Realignment (also commonly known as AB 109), low-level offenders who formerly would have served a sentence in State prison now serve their time in county jail. Such offenders are also now supervised by county probation officers, instead of State parole after they have completed their sentences in prison.

Realignment has the support of many of State and local leaders. Success stories include the Alternative Custody Service program in Butte County, with an initial recidivism rate of around 19 percent, and the new Day Reporting Center in Sonoma County, which was funded by Realignment. Many of California’s local law-enforcement associations, including those representing sheriffs, police chiefs and probation officers, support the Governor’s efforts to secure permanent funding for Realignment

Realignment was the best and safest way forward when the State of California was ordered to reduce prison overcrowding. The other main options were building several new prisons in two years or releasing 33,000 inmates early from prison.

The Brown administration has made significant progress in changing prison conditions in order to get California out from under expensive federal oversight. Overall health-care scores in California’s 33 adult prisons are rising (as measured by the Office of the Inspector General). The judge in the health-care lawsuit (Plata) wrote this year that “the end of the Receivership is in sight” and the judge in the dental lawsuit (Perez) dismissed that case in August.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2012
Contact: Jeffrey Callison
(916) 445-4950
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Suspected Inmate Homicide at California State Prison- Los Angeles County

October 3, 2012, 9:50 am
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LANCASTER – Officials at California State Prison-Los Angeles County (LAC) are investigating the death of an inmate as a homicide after he was found unresponsive in his Administrative Segregation Unit cell on Tuesday, October 2, 2012.

The inmate, 63, whose name is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin, was pronounced dead at the institution at approximately 3:29 p.m.  The cause of death is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Prison officials have named his cellmate Damian Reguera, 40, as the suspect in the case.  Reguera, will remain in the Administrative Segregation Unit pending the investigation.

The victim was received by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) on July 3, 2003, from Siskiyou County.  His commitment offense was assault with a deadly weapon.

Inmate Reguera was received by CDCR on May 18, 2010 from Los Angeles County with a commitment offense of voluntary manslaughter.

LAC provides educational, vocational, re-entry and self-help programs that provide inmates life skills, and work skills that can be used in support of their efforts at reintegration into society. The facility has a unique Progressive Programming Facility (PPF) developed specifically to provide a program free from disruptive behavior in which personal and CDCR goals can be more readily achieved.

For more information about LAC, visit CDCR’s website at www.cdcr.ca.gov

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  
October 3, 2012
Contact: Lt. Jackie Galapon
(661) 729-6912
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Parole Granted for Former Manson Family Member Bruce Davis

October 4, 2012, 3:55 pm
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San Luis Obispo – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) issued a grant of parole today for convicted killer and former Charles Manson associate Bruce Davis, 69, during a parole consideration hearing at California Men’s Colony. Today’s decision was the result of Davis' 27th parole suitability hearing.

The BPH issued a grant of parole to Davis in January 2010 because of his positive adjustment, record of no recent disciplinary problems, and for successfully completing academic and vocational education and self-help programs. However, the parole grant was reversed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in June 2010, who concluded Davis was still dangerous because of an evaluator’s diagnosis of a personality disorder, Davis’ conformist tendencies, and his sporadic participation in substance-abuse programs over the years.

Davis challenged Governor Schwarzenegger’s reversal of his parole grant in Los Angeles County Superior Court, which ruled against Schwarzenegger and vacated his decision.  In 2012, California’s Second District Court of Appeal upheld the Governor’s reversal of the January 28, 2010, grant, ruling that the Governor’s concerns were justified and supporting his conclusion that Davis was still dangerous.

Davis appeared before the panel today. The suitability finding is subject to a 120-day decision review period.  If the grant is finalized at the conclusion of decision review, the Governor may conduct an independent review of the decision. Under California law, the Governor may reverse, modify, affirm or decline to review the Board’s decision.

Davis was sent to state prison on April 21, 1972, with a life sentence from Los Angeles County for two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and robbery.  He was convicted for the July 25, 1969, murder of Gary Hinman and the murder of Donald “Shorty” Shea sometime in August 1969.

The BPH hearing transcript will serve as the official record and is expected to be transcribed in approximately 30 days.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2012
Contact: Terry Thornton
(916) 445-4950
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Disturbance at Ironwood State Prison Under Investigation

October 9, 2012, 3:07 pm
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Riot involved 461 inmates; four inmates still hospitalized

BLYTHE – Ironwood State Prison (ISP) administrators are continuing their investigation into a riot that occurred on October 6 and involved 461 inmates.

On Saturday, October 6 at about 1:50 p.m., hundreds of inmates started fighting on a medium-security yard. The fighting spread into the dayrooms of two other housing units.

Correctional officers used pepper spray, batons, baton rounds, direct impact rounds and one warning shot from the Mini 14 rifle to stop the fights.  Staff from Chuckawalla Valley State Prison, located next to ISP, also responded.

Seven inmates were seriously injured and taken to area hospitals.  Three were treated and returned to the prison; four are still hospitalized. One of the four inmates suffered stab wounds. The other three are being treated for swelling to the head, fluid in the lungs, and damage to an ear requiring surgery.

Approximately 100 inmates were treated at the prison for minor bruises and scratches.

One officer was injured when an inmate threw a rock, hitting his leg. He was treated at a local hospital and released.

Staff recovered two inmate-made weapons.

The prison is on modified program, which means inmate movement and programming is limited to facilitate the investigation.

The entire institution has restricted inmate movement to facilitate the investigation.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2012
Contact: Lt. Willie Hawkins
(760) 921-4382
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Inmate Death at Correctional Training Facility Being Investigated as Homicide

October 11, 2012, 3:30 pm
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SOLEDAD– Investigators at Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the death of an inmate after a recent autopsy report concluded the death was a homicide.

Inmate Rick Stockton, 52, was pronounced dead on Sunday, October 7, at an outside hospital where he was transported after being found unresponsive in a restroom.

Inmate Stockton was received by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on August 4, 1999 from El Dorado County to serve a 25-year-to-life term for vehicle theft, possession of a deadly weapon, grand theft, robbery, and forgery.

The Office of the Inspector General has been notified.

The primary mission of CTF is to provide housing, programs and services for medium custody inmates. CTF opened in 1946; covers 680 acres, and is a three-facility complex, each function’s independently, however when required each facility supports each other.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2012
Contact: Jenee Deitcher
(831) 678-5952
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Homicide at California State Prison-Sacramento Under Investigation

October 18, 2012, 2:05 pm
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Inmate held in suspicion of murdering cellmate

REPRESA – California State Prison-Sacramento’s Investigative Services Unit is investigating the October 17 death of a 51-year-old inmate as a homicide.

Correctional officers found an inmate unresponsive in his cell just after 9 p.m. during count. The inmate, whose name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notifications, was pronounced dead at 9:23 p.m. He had been in prison since December 10, 2001 and was serving a 25-year-to-life sentence from Contra Costa County for assault with the intent to commit a specific sex act.

The deceased inmate’s cellmate has been identified as the suspect in this case and has been housed in the prison’s Administrative Segregation Unit pending the investigation.  The suspect, 46, has been in state prison since November 9, 1986, and is serving a 17-year-to-life sentence from Alameda County for second-degree murder.

California State Prison-Sacramento is a multi-mission institution that houses approximately 2,600 inmates and employs more than 1,700 staff.  Opened in 1986, the institution primarily houses maximum-security inmates serving long sentences and those who have proved to be management problems at other institutions.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2012
Contact: Levance Quinn
(916) 294-3012
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