CACorrections

The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran hosted its first weeklong art show for incarcerated artists and their families.

The event included paintings, sculptures, spoken-word performances and original music across multiple facilities. More than 60 artists participated, and 40 family members attended.

“In the almost 20 years I have been in the department, there has never been a show like this,” said Associate Warden Christopher Livingston. “It’s really cool to see how the staff mindset has changed and the positive programming these kinds of events bring.”

The artwork will be featured at Coyote Studios gallery in Los Angeles on July 11 as part of the public exhibit, “The Space Between Us.”

Eleven CDCR employees were honored with the Gold Star and two with the Silver Star at the State Employee Medal of Valor ceremony, the highest state award presented to a public safety officer. Recipients performed extraordinary acts of heroism, including rescuing a 94-year-old woman from her burning home and shielding youth baseball players from nearby gunfire.

“We celebrate the brave and selfless acts of our employees. When they were needed most, they courageously risked their own safety to help others,” said Secretary Jeff Macomber. “Today’s awards are a celebration of their bravery, selflessness and unwavering dedication to community.”

Did you know? CDCR Fire Department (CDCR FIRE) operates 23 firehouses at institutions across California.

Each firehouse consists of a Fire Chief who oversees Fire Captains and Incarcerated Firefighters.

While their primary mission is to protect and safeguard institutions, staff, and the incarcerated population, they also respond to emergencies in local communities.

In 2025, CDCR firehouses collectively responded to approximately 10,000 emergency calls – 75% of which were mutual aid requests. CDCR FIRE responds to structural fires, medical aids, car accidents, wildland and vegetation fires, and hazardous materials.

Kern Valley State Prison has implemented a new Canine Companion program on their Level III Non-Designated Program Facility.

The Canine Companion organization arrived May 6 with three-month-old puppies named Owen, Sweetpea, Flicker and Vivid.

Nationwide, the Canine Companion organization is used to enhance the lives of physically and mentally disabled people in need. After their time with an incarcerated handler, the dogs receive additional training outside the facility, and graduate from the program. The canine companions will then be placed with someone to enhance their quality of life.

In 2025, incarcerated hand crews at Conservation (Fire) Camps across the state contributed 3,511,568 emergency hours battling wildfires. 🔥 Over 45% of total emergency response hours were contributed to fighting California wildfires.

Fire Camps support local, state, and federal government agencies responding to emergencies such as fires, floods, and other natural disasters in communities near you.