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Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer at California State Prison-Sacramento Under Investigation

November 18, 2013, 11:52 am
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FOLSOM – California State Prison-Sacramento (CSP-SAC) officials are investigating the attempted murder of a correctional officer that occurred this morning in one of the maximum-security units.

On November 18, 2013, at approximately 8 a.m., inmate Alberto Cortez, 22, tried to murder a 40-year-old correctional officer by repeatedly slashing him with an inmate-made weapon.  A second inmate tried to attack officers who responded to the incident. Cortez who has been in prison since December 23, 2010, is serving a 15-years-to-life sentence from Los Angeles County for attempted first-degree murder and receiving stolen property.

The officer, a 15-year veteran of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, was slashed on his neck.  He was taken to an outside hospital by ambulance for treatment and is in fair condition at this time.

CSP-SAC’s Investigative Services Unit is investigating the incident as an attempted murder.  The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review was notified of the incident.

California State Prison-Sacramento is a multi-mission institution that houses more than 2,100 inmates and employs more than 1,700 people.  Opened in 1986, the institution houses maximum-security inmates serving long sentences or those who have proved to be management problems at other institutions.  CSP-SAC also houses inmates requiring specialized mental health programming and inmates with high-risk medical concerns. CSP-SAC promotes rehabilitative opportunities through work assignments, vocational training, self-help programs and educational opportunities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 18, 2013
CONTACT:  BRYAN DONAHOO
(916) 294-3012

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California State Prison-Sacramento Correctional Officer Recovering From Inmate Assault

November 25, 2013, 12:43 pm
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FOLSOM– A California State Prison-Sacramento (CSP-SAC) correctional officer is recovering from injuries suffered during an unprovoked attack by an inmate Saturday night.

The assault occurred on November 23 at approximately 5:30 p.m. while staff attempted to conduct a random search of inmate Delvin E. Cottingham’s assigned cell.  Inmate Cottingham exited his cell and unexpectedly walked toward the officer and punched the officer in his face, knocking him to the ground. 

Inmate Cottingham then straddled the officer’s chest and repeatedly struck the officer in his face with his fists.  A second officer came to the aid of the first officer and fended off the inmate’s attack.

The officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The officer, a nearly eight-year veteran of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), suffered a left orbital fracture, a bi-lateral fracture to both sides of his nasal cavity, and abrasions to his forehead, nose, cheeks and eyes. The abrasions to the officer’s face required nine sutures. He is currently at home recovering.

Inmate Cottingham, 39, was received from San Diego County on August 4, 1997, with a 42-years-to-life sentence for first-degree murder, battery with serious bodily injury, second-degree robbery, and an ex-felon in possession of a firearm.

Inmate Cottingham was transferred to the Administrative Segregation Unit at CSP-SAC pending investigation.

The incident is being investigated by the prison’s Investigative Services Unit and will be referred to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

California State Prison-Sacramento is a multi-mission institution that houses more than 2,100 inmates and employs more than 1,700 people.  Opened in 1986, the institution houses maximum security inmates serving long sentences or those who have proved to be management problems at other institutions.  CSP-SAC also houses inmates requiring specialized mental health programming and inmates with high-risk medical concerns. CSP-SAC promotes rehabilitative opportunities via work assignments, vocational training, self-help programming, and educational opportunities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 25, 2013
CONTACT:   BRYAN DONAHOO
(916) 294-3012

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CDCR to Hire Approximately 7,000 Correctional Officers

December 3, 2013, 9:57 am
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SACRAMENTO— The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) expects to hire approximately 7,000 correctional officers over the next three years due to the increase in retirements.

Currently more than 1,800 CDCR peace officers retire annually. This outflow has led to an increased-  and in some cases urgent- need to fill peace officer positions statewide.
New cadets are paid while attending the CDCR correctional officer academy as well as earn health, dental and vision benefits, and begin accumulating retirement credits.
Job requirements include:

•    High school diploma
•    Proof of U.S. citizenship
•    At least 20 years of age; must be 21 at time of appointment
•    Pass a drug test screening
•    Provide history of law-abiding behavior
•    Legally be able to own, posses and have custody or control of a firearm or other weapons     authorized by CDCR 

Potential candidates must also pass a written test, qualifications assessment, physical fitness test, vision screening, psychological evaluation, pre-employment medical examination and a background investigation.

The application and selection process can take between nine and 12 months. Once the selection process is completed, candidates are offered positions throughout the state and can select their location based on institutional need and availability.

Once the candidate accepts the job, they go to a 16-week academy training at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt.

During the academy, cadets can earn $3,050 a month as well as benefits. Following graduation, correctional officers can earn $3,774 a month to start, not including wages for overtime worked.

After a couple of years as a correctional officer, there are numerous opportunities for promotion and advancements to correctional sergeant, lieutenant, captain and higher.

There are many different types of positions for correctional officers while working at an institution including, transportation, tower watch, visiting, inmate programs and housing units.

For more information on how to become a correctional officer, visit CDCR’s Careers website here:http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Career_Opportunities/POR/Index.html. To access the online application visit: https://pass.cdcr.ca.gov/application.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2013
CONTACT:   DANA SIMAS
916) 445-4950


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Inmate Death Being Investigated as a Homicide

December 13, 2013, 4:57 pm
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JAMESTOWN – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the death of an inmate this evening.

Inmate Andrew Tisnado, 31, died this evening at a valley hospital.  Inmate Tisnado was found by staff in his assigned bed on December 11, 2013, with severe head injuries.  He was transported by air ambulance to a valley hospital, where he was placed on life support.  No other information is available at this time as CDCR is currently investigating Inmate Tisnado’s death as a homicide.   

Inmate Tisnado was a Hispanic male and was committed to CDCR on January 31, 2013 from Los Angeles County to serve a 4 year sentence for Possession of Ammunition by an Ex-Felon.  He was scheduled to parole in November 2015.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2013
Contact: Lt. von Savoye
(209) 984-5291 ext. 5499
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Psychologist at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran Recovering After Inmate Attack

December 18, 2013, 3:12 pm
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CORCORAN – A staff psychologist is recovering from injuries she suffered from an attack by a Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran (SATF) inmate yesterday.

At approximately 11:45 a.m., a staff psychologist was escorting inmate Ryan Sanchez, 30, out of her office when inmate Sanchez turned around and struck the psychologist in her face with his fist, causing her to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. 

Inmate Sanchez was subdued and subsequently transported to the Administrative Segregation Unit.

The psychologist was taken to an area hospital and treated for head trauma. She was released and is at home recovering.

Inmate Sanchez was committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on September 11, 2012 from Fresno County to serve a two-year, eight-month sentence for indecent exposure, his second strike.

The matter will be referred to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

SATF opened August 1997 on approximately 280 acres in Kings County. The institution provides long-term housing for 5,518 minimum- and maximum-custody male inmates and employs 1,828 people.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

December 18, 2013

Contact: Lt. Lupe Cartagena

(559) 992-7154
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New Study Shows Post-Prison Arrests are Down, Convictions Static under Realignment

December 23, 2013, 1:03 pm
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CDCR tracked inmates released from prison pre- and post-Realignment

SACRAMENTO, CA – One-year arrest rates are down and conviction rates are virtually static for offenders released after completing their state prison sentences post-Realignment, according to a report released today by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

“The results here are very encouraging, especially when you consider they reflect the very beginning of Realignment, when counties were in the early stages of implementing rehabilitative programs.” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Beard. “As we move forward and both CDCR and the counties utilize state funds to invest more in rehabilitation efforts, I’m confident we will see fewer former inmates re-offending.”

For this Realignment Report, CDCR indentified all offenders who had served their full sentence and were released from prison during the first year after the implementation of Realignment (October 2011 through September 2012). Researchers then tracked the offenders, which include those released to state parole supervision and those released to county probation supervision, for one year to see if they were re-arrested, convicted of a new crime, or returned to state prison. CDCR then compared those results with all offenders released during October 2010 to September 2011 (pre-Realignment) and tracked them for one year in the same manner.

Key findings include:

• Post-Realignment offenders were arrested at a lower rate than pre-Realignment offenders (58.9 percent pre-Realignment and 56.2 percent post-Realignment).

• The rate of post-Realignment offenders convicted of new crimes is nearly the same as the rate of pre-Realignment offenders convicted of new crimes (20.9 percent pre-realignment and 21.0 percent post realignment).

• Post-Realignment offenders returned to prison at a significantly lower rate than pre-Realignment offenders, an intended effect of Realignment as most offenders are ineligible to return to prison on a parole violation. (32.4 percent pre-Realignment and 7.4 percent post-Realignment)

Under California’s Public Safety Realignment Act of 2011 (AB 109), no offenders receive an early release from state prison. The law, which was passed by the Legislature in response to a federal court order to reduce California’s prison population, has achieved dramatic reductions by stemming the flow of low-level inmates and parole violators into prison. The intent of Realignment is to encourage counties to develop and implement evidenced-based practices and alternatives to incarceration to limit future crimes and reduce victimization.

Prior to Realignment, more than 60,000 felon parole violators returned to state prison annually, with an average length of stay of 90 days. Beginning on October 1, 2011, most parole violations are now served in county jails. Also, offenders newly convicted of certain low-level offenses serve their time in county jail. Under another component of Realignment, inmates who have served their full state prison sentence for a non-serious, non-violent or non-sexual offense are now supervised upon their release by county probation rather than state parole.

Realignment provides a dedicated, constitutionally protected, and permanent revenue stream to the counties. To view the full report, go to: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Adult_Research_Branch/index.html

To view a fact sheet on Realignment, go to: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/realignment/docs/Realignment-Fact-Sheet.pdf

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For Immediate Release

December 23, 2013

Contact: Jeffrey Callison

(916) 445-4950

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Condemned Inmate Albert Ruiz, 51, Dies of Natural Causes

December 30, 2013, 12:26 pm
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VACAVILLE -- Condemned inmate Albert Ruiz, 51, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, December 29, 2013. He died of natural causes in the On-Site Acute Hospital Unit at the California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, CA. 

Ruiz was sentenced to death on January 27, 2003, by a Merced County jury for the May 22, 1998, murder and robbery of a Merced liquor and grocery store owner, Abdo Muhammed, 42, and the murder of Antonio Cruz, a 74-year-old customer in the store.  Ruiz had been on death row since January 28, 2003.
Since 1978 when California reinstated capital punishment, 62 condemned inmates (including Ruiz) have died from natural causes, 22 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri, six have died from other causes, and for one of them, the cause of death is pending. There are 746 offenders on California’s death row.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 30, 2013
CONTACT: SAM ROBINSON
(415) 455-5008

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CDCR to Build New Housing Units at Two Existing Prisons

January 2, 2014, 2:24 pm
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Total of 2,376 beds will provide space for inmates with disabilities, mental health needs

SACRAMENTO —California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) today announced the locations of three new Level II housing unit facilities, a total of 2,376 beds, to be built at two existing prison sites.

One 792-bed facility will be built on state prison land adjacent to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) in San Diego and two 792-bed facilities, a total of 1,584 beds, will be built on state prison land adjacent to Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) in Ione.

“Construction of these facilities will provide CDCR with flexible housing for inmates with disabilities, as well as intermediate medical or mental health treatment needs,” CDCR Secretary Jeffrey Beard said. “These projects demonstrate the State’s commitment to comply with Federal court orders to provide adequate inmate health care and reduce overcrowding.”

In 2012, the state Legislature adopted Senate Bill 1022 which authorized CDCR to construct three new housing unit facilities at existing prison sites. In addition to providing CDCR more low-security housing, the new facilities will also provide space for educational and vocational programs.

The final decision on where the facilities will be built was made after completion of the environmental impact review (EIR) process. During the EIR process, CDCR held a series of community meetings at each potential location to solicit feedback from community leaders and its members.

The estimated construction cost for the RJD infill site is $168.7 million. This facility will employ approximately 180 staff and have an annual operational budget of $5.5 million.

The estimated construction cost for the MCSP infill site is $344.5 million. This facility will employ approximately 375 staff and have an annual operational budget of $11 million.

The construction of these two facilities is projected to begin in Spring 2014 and take approximately 24-26 months to complete.

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For Immediate Release
January 2, 2014
Contact: Dana Simas
(916) 445-4950
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CDCR's Unknown Victims Unit Distributes More Than $2.5 million to Victims in 2013

January 7, 2014, 11:55 am
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SACRAMENTO- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today announced that the department's Unknown Victims Unit successfully located 2,018 victims and dispersed more than $2.52 million in 2013. 

CDCR's Unknown Victims Unit was created in 2010 in response to the amount of money CDCR was collecting from inmates on behalf of victims but was unable to disburse due to incomplete or outdated victim contact information.

Victim restitution is ordered by a county Superior Court judge and is to be paid by offenders to compensate victims. If an inmate owes restitution to his/her victim(s), CDCR collects half of what the inmate earns in prison jobs and half of what family or friends contribute to the inmate's prison accounts.

Sometimes the information forwarded to CDCR by the counties lacks critical victim contact information; other times victims do not update the court or CDCR how they can be reached. The Unknown Victims Unit takes what information is available and attempts to locate the victim and notify him/her that money has been collected on their behalf.

If you are a victim of a crime, have been ordered restitution from a Superior Court judge, and have not been receiving the funds, please contact your local district attorney's office and make sure they have your updated contact information.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2013
For media inquiries, contact:
Dana Simas
(916) 445-4950
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New Report Shows California’s Recidivism Rate Declined Again This Year

January 15, 2014, 11:44 am
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California’s recidivism rate is now 61.0 percent

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today released its 2013 Outcome Evaluation Report, the fourth in a series of annual reports tracking and analyzing the recidivism – or reoffending – rates of adult felons released from state prison.  The report shows that the total three-year recidivism rate for all felons released during fiscal year 2008-2009 is 61.0 percent, down from 63.7 percent last year and down from 67.5 percent four years ago.

“The continuing improvement in the state’s recidivism rate is encouraging news for all Californians,” CDCR Secretary Jeff Beard said. “When former offenders are leading productive, law abiding lives, our communities are safer. As we move forward and both CDCR and counties utilize state funds to invest more in evidence-based rehabilitation efforts, I’m confident we will see recidivism rates continue to decline.”

CDCR measures recidivism by arrests, convictions and returns to prison and uses the latter measure – returns to prison – as its primary measure of recidivism. CDCR’s return-to-prison measure includes offenders released from prison after having served their sentence for a crime as well as offenders released from prison after having served their term for a parole violation. All felons are tracked for the full three-year follow-up period, regardless of their status on parole or if they have discharged.

In fiscal year 2008-2009, 112,877 people were released or re-released from state prison and recidivated at a rate of 61.0 percent within three years.

The 2013 report focuses on the 68,803 inmates who returned to custody within three years of release. It also looks at demographics, including gender, age, ethnicity, offense, mental health status, length of stay, risk category and other factors and offers data and insights to CDCR executives, policy makers and correctional stakeholders.

The report’s findings include:

•    Nearly 50 percent of inmates who recidivate within three years do so within the first six           months.
•    Women recidivate at a lower rate (48.9 percent) than men (62.4 percent).
•    Although few in number, inmates released after serving an indeterminate sentence recidivate at a much lower rate (11.5 percent) than those who served a determinate sentence (61.0 percent).
•    Despite the fact that Los Angeles County had the largest share of inmates released to parole (25.8 percent), its recidivism rate of 50.4 percent is the lowest of the 12 counties with the largest number of releases.
•    San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Fresno counties have the highest overall three-year recidivism rates at 75.8 percent, 72.2 percent and 71.3 percent respectively.
•    In general, recidivism rates decrease with age. Felons aged 18 to 19 years old have a 73.7 percent recidivism rate; those age 60 and older have a 45.2 recidivism rate.
•    The seriousness of an inmate’s commitment crime is often inversely related to his/her recidivism risk. For example, second-degree murderers have a recidivism rate of 10.3 percent while people convicted of vehicle theft have a 72.5 percent recidivism rate.
•    Overall, inmates with identified mental health issues recidivate at a higher rate than those without mental health issues.

Assembly Bill 109, the California Public Safety Realignment Act, became law on October 1, 2011. The law changed where people convicted of non-violent, non-serious and non-sex offenses serve their sentences. CDCR researchers expect that Realignment will have an impact on recidivism, but the impact is not significant in this report because it focuses on offenders released before Realignment’s implementation.

CDCR researchers did recently release a report that tracked inmates released from prison pre- and post-Realignment. It can be found here: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Adult_Research_Branch/Research_Documents/Realignment_1_Year_Report_12-23-13.pdf

The 2013 Outcome Evaluation Report is published by CDCR’s Office of Research, which provides research data analysis and evaluation to implement evidence-based programs and practices, strengthen policy, inform management decisions and ensure accountability.

To view the entire report, please visit http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Adult_Research_Branch/Research_Documents/Outcome_Evaluation_Report_2013.pdf
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 15, 2014
CONTACT: TERRY THORNTON
(916) 445-4950

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Inmate Walks Away From Miramonte Fire Camp

January 17, 2014, 4:17 pm
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 16, 2014 Contact:Lt. Randy Rowland (559) 336-2312 MIRAMONTE – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are looking for a minimum-security inmate who walked away from the Miramonte Conservation Camp in Fresno County last this afternoon. Inmate Eusebio Garcia, age 20, was last seen at his assigned work in the camp at approximately 3:20 p.m. during a security check. Staff searched the inmate dorm area, surrounding buildings and the camp perimeter after he was discovered missing. All local law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol have been notified and are assisting in the Search for Garcia. Inmate Eusebio Garcia is described as a Hispanic male, 5’ 8”, 175 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was committed to CDCR on July 16, 2013 from Fresno County to serve a two years eight month sentence for Resisting a Peace Officer. Inmate Garcia was scheduled to be release on parole in February 2015. Contact: Anyone having information or knowing the location of Inmate Eusebio Garcia is asked to contact the Miramonte Conservation Camp Commander at (559) 336-2312 or the Watch Commander at Sierra Conservation Center at (209) 984-5291, ####
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CALPIA Deputy Director Receives National Award

January 30, 2014, 11:19 am
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FOLSOM – With more than 27 years’ experience at the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA), Deputy Director Scott Walker has won the “Staff Award for 2014” from the National Correctional Industries Association (NCIA).

CALPIA’s General Manager, Charles L. Pattillo nominated Walker for the award along with 49 other states nominating correctional industry staff for this prestigious honor.  Walker was first selected as the regional winner and this week was announced by NCIA as the national winner.

“I am thrilled NCIA recognized Scott Walker for his leadership and innovations,” said Pattillo.   “It’s because of his commitment and dedication to CALPIA, that offenders acquire job skills which is vital when it comes to reducing recidivism, reducing state costs and more importantly increasing public safety.”

Walker has been instrumental for stewarding CALPIA’s 57 manufacturing, service and consumable enterprises through the implementation of California’s Public Safety Realignment Act of 2011.

Walker is currently directing the expansion of CALPIA enterprise by establishing a Health Facilities Maintenance program at all 34 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) locations with 900 new offender training positions.

The NCIA Staff Award was originally established in 1980 to recognize the quality of industry staff personnel and recognize superior performance. 

Walker will be recognized at the National NCIA Conference in April.

CALPIA is a self-financed and self-sufficient state entity that receives all of its revenue from the sale of products it manufactures. The recidivism rate among CALPIA inmates is over 25 percent lower than the general prison population, a success attributed to the job skills that they receive by working in CALPIA business enterprises.

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For Immediate Release
January 30, 2014
Contact:  Michele Kane
(916) 358-1802
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CDPH Approves $250,000 for Willits Water Supply; CDCR and CAL FIRE Provide Additional Resources

February 12, 2014, 12:42 pm
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SACRAMENTO - As several California communities face severe water shortages due to the drought, CAL FIRE, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are assisting the city of Willits, in Mendocino County, with the installation of an emergency water pipe.

The CDPH Drinking Water Program today approved emergency funding of $250,000 to the city of Willits. This water system has been identified as vulnerable to losing its capacity to deliver safe drinking water due to drought conditions in California.

The emergency funds will be specifically used to assist with the purchase and installation of pipe to transport well water to connect with the city’s existing distribution system, a new well pump, fencing, disinfection of the well and well replacement. This will provide the people of Willits with at least a minimal supply of clean water to maintain emergency water supplies.

“This drought has impacted all of California. This is one example of a coordinated effort bringing resolution to a severely impacted community. CDPH continues to survey water systems statewide for impact of the drought,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH director and state health officer. “Our Drinking Water Program is offering technical assistance to drinking water systems and is exploring possible solutions for those most vulnerable.”

Since January, CAL FIRE and CDCR have been assisting the city’s water department to install several miles of piping to tie two wells to a proposed emergency water treatment facility. CAL FIRE has supplied the city with several inmate hand crews, each comprised of a CAL FIRE captain and approximately 15 low-level inmates from CDCR to provide the city with a large emergency workforce.

“The drought has not only led to an increase in wildfires, but has left some communities with reduced drinking water supplies,” said Unit Chief Chris Rowney, CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit. “When our inmate firefighting hand crews are not assigned to wildfires, we have them working on brush clearance or other community service projects, so we are glad we can assist the city of Willits in its time of need.”

The hand crews assigned to the project are stationed at the Chamberlain Creek Conservation Camp in Fort Bragg. The camp is one of 39 statewide camps that are operated jointly by CAL FIRE and CDCR. The camp’s primary mission is to provide fire crews for fire suppression. Additionally, the inmates provide a workforce for conservation and community service projects in the local area.

With California facing its driest year on record, Governor Brown declared a drought State of Emergency last month and directed state officials to take all necessary actions to prepare for water shortages. Governor Brown spoke with President Obama last week about crucial federal support during the ongoing drought, and the state continues to work with federal partners to ensure a coordinated drought response.

The Department of General Services is leading water conservation efforts in state facilities, and the Department of Transportation is cutting water usage along California’s roadways by 50 percent. In January, the state took action to conserve water in numerous Northern California reservoirs to meet minimum needs for operations that impact the environment and the economy. Recently the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Fish and Game Commission restricted fishing on some waterways due to low water flows worsened by the drought. Last month, CAL FIRE hired 125 additional firefighters to help address the increased fire threat due to drought conditions, the California Department of Public Health identified and offered assistance to communities at risk of severe drinking water shortages and the California Department of Food and Agriculture launched a drought website to help farmers, ranchers and farm workers find resources and assistance programs that may be available to them during the drought. Also last month, the California Natural Resources Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency and CDFA released the California Water Action Plan, which will guide state efforts to enhance water supply reliability, restore damaged and destroyed ecosystems and improve the resilience of our infrastructure.

Governor Brown has called on all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 20 percent, and the Save Our Water campaign launched four public service announcements encouraging residents to conserve. Last December, the Governor formed a Drought Task Force to review expected water allocations and California’s preparedness for water scarcity. In May 2013, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order to direct state water officials to expedite the review and processing of voluntary transfers of water and water rights.

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Contact: Anita Gore, CDPH
(916) 440-7259
Bill Sessa, CDCR
(916) 445-4950
Daniel Berlant, CAL FIRE
(916) 651-FIRE (3473)
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Condemned Inmate Wilbur Jennings Dies of Natural Causes

February 12, 2014, 3:31 pm
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SACRAMENTO -- Condemned inmate Wilbur Lee Jennings, 73, was pronounced dead yesterday morning, February 11, 2014. He died of natural causes while being held at the Sacramento County Main Jail, where he was awaiting trial for the 1981 murder of 17-year-old Debra Chandler. Chandler’s beaten remains were spotted by a passer-by near a water-filled roadside ditch about 15 miles from her Sacramento home on July 15, 1981. Jenkins was transferred from San Quentin’s Death Row to stand trial in Sacramento County after a suspected DNA match.

Jennings was sentenced to death on November 20, 1986, by a Fresno County jury for the 1984 first-degree murders of Linda Johnson, Olga Cannon and Jacqueline Frazier, and the 1983 second-degree murder of Karen Robinson. He was also convicted of numerous other felonies against these and three other victims, including forcible sexual assaults, robberies, arsons, and kidnapping for robbery.  Jennings had been on Death Row since November 25, 1986. 

Fresno County deputies nicknamed Jennings the “ditch-bank killer” because his victims were often found in canals or stuffed in irrigation pipes.
Since 1978 when California reinstated capital punishment, 63 condemned inmates (including Jennings) have died from natural causes, 23 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri, six have died from other causes, and one the cause of death is pending. There are 746 offenders on California’s death row. Most of those offenders are housed at San Quentin. Of those 746, 20 are women, 21 condemned male inmates are either out to court, in medical facilities or in custody in other jurisdictions.     
                                                           


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2014
CONTACT: Lt. Sam Robinson 
(415) 455-5008

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CDCR Launches New Rehabilitative Services for Long-Term Offenders

February 20, 2014, 10:15 am
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SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is launching a pilot program offering targeted rehabilitative services to inmates serving long-term sentences.

The Long-Term Offender Pilot Program (LTOPP) provides evidence-based programming during incarceration and services upon release to allow inmates an easier transition back into society.

“Due to the length of incarceration, long-term offenders are often not prepared for the significant changes in technology and day-to-day living that have occurred since they were first incarcerated,” said Millicent Tidwell, CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs Director. “Giving these offenders the tools they need to be successful in their own rehabilitation both inside and outside prison is imperative.”

The program is intended to serve inmates who have been identified as having moderate to high risk of criminal behavior and are serving indeterminate sentences with the possibility of parole. 

The LTOPP is a voluntary program which will include evidence-based treatment for:
•    Substance abuse
•    Criminal thinking
•    Victim impact
•    Anger-management issues
•    Improvement of family relationships

The LTOPP will initially be implemented at the following institutions: California State Prison, Solano in Vacaville; Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla; and California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo.  Inmates who are serving indeterminate sentences at non-pilot institutions may be allowed to temporarily transfer to a pilot location in order to participate in the LTOPP.

Additionally, CDCR is creating Long-Term Offender Reentry Facilities that will help long-term offenders during their transition back into society, including housing, employment and community-based services. Locations for these reentry facilities are still being determined.

The pilot program will be in effect for 24 months, during which the CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs will monitor implementation and effectiveness of the program. If proven to be a successful rehabilitative tool, the program will then go through the Administrative Procedures Act process to become a formal policy.

The LTOPP is being implemented in accordance with the 2012 CDCR Blueprint in which the department was tasked with increasing the percentage of inmates served in rehabilitative programs prior to release to 70 percent of the target population.

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For Immediate Release
February 20, 2014
Contact: Dana Simas         
(916) 445-4950
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Condemned Inmate Ralph Yeoman Dies

March 4, 2014, 5:10 pm
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SACRAMENTO– Condemned inmate Ralph Michael Yeoman, 66, who was on California’s death row from Sacramento County, was found unresponsive in his cell this morning at San Quentin State Prison.  Subsequently, he was pronounced dead at the prison, at 5:24 a.m.  The cause of death is unknown pending the results of an autopsy.  Yeoman was single-celled.
 
Yeoman was sentenced to death on July 10, 1990, by a Sacramento County jury for the February 13, 1988 first-degree murder, kidnap and robbery of Doris Horrell, 73, a resident of Citrus Heights. Her body was found by Sheriff’s deputies later that evening in an open field west of Interstate 5, near the former Arco Arena.  Yeoman had been on death row since July 23, 1990. 

Since 1978 when California reinstated capital punishment, 63 condemned inmates have died from natural causes, 23 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri, six have died from other causes, and two the cause of death is pending. There are 725 male offenders on California’s death row. 706 of those offenders are housed at San Quentin. Nineteen condemned inmates are either out to court, in medical facilities or in custody in other jurisdictions.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 4, 2014 
CONTACT: Lt. Sam Robinson,
(415) 455-5008

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Serious Assault on Salinas Valley Prison Inmate under Investigation

March 7, 2014, 2:55 pm
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SOLEDAD – The Investigative Services Unit at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) is investigating a serious assault on an inmate that occurred just after 10:00 am today.

The incident started when two inmates battered a third inmate causing him to lose consciousness and so was not able to defend himself. Quick response enabled staff to limit the incident to the three inmates.  

The two attacking inmates were ordered to stop. When they failed to do so, a warning shot was fired but the attack continued. Another shot was fired and one of the suspects – Jose Espinoza – was shot in the hand. He was subsequently transported by helicopter to an area hospital. The suspect’s injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. The inmate who was attacked regained consciousness and does not appear to have suffered serious injury.

No employees were injured in this incident.

SVSP investigators identified Salvador Pineda, 28, of Riverside County and Jose Espinoza, 41, of Kern County as the suspects in the attack. Pineda is serving a 25-years-to-life sentence from Riverside County for second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. Espinoza is serving an 18-years-to-life sentence from Kern County for first-degree murder.

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 incident.

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.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 7, 2014
CONTACT: LT. DARREN CHAMBERLAIN 
(831) 678-5554
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California Prison Industry Authority Launches Technology Training Center for Female Offenders

March 11, 2014, 12:16 pm
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FOLSOM – The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) along with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announced today they are expanding education and job training programs for female offenders at the Green Valley Training Center, above Folsom State Prison and the Folsom Women’s Facility.

In response to correctional realignment and the opening of the Folsom Women’s Facility last year, CALPIA converted all programs at the Green Valley Training Center from male to female.

CALPIA is launching the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program, a certification within the Career Technical Education division that enables female offenders to learn CAD produced by software company, Autodesk, in order to design products in the manufacturing and engineering fields.

Graduates will work alongside CALPIA engineering staff to improve existing correctional industry product designs and to develop new products for CALPIA.

The new certification program will also assist offenders in obtaining jobs upon parole in Architectural, Mechanical or Engineering fields.

“This program ensures offenders have the job skills they need to stay on a positive path toward employment when they are released,” said CDCR Secretary and Prison Industry Board Chair, Jeff Beard. 

This program is the first-of-its kind in the nation since it will be the only authorized Autodesk Training Center (ATC) housed at a state prison.

“Providing this high-tech program to female offenders is a win-win for Californians, not only will these women benefit from the training when it comes to getting a job, it reduces the likelihood they will return to prison, ultimately saving taxpayers money in the end,” said Charles Pattillo, General Manager of CALPIA.

The average offender costs California taxpayers $60,000 a year in state prison.  With a recidivism rate of less than 15 percent, CALPIA’s CTE programs are some of CDCR’s most successful vocational training programs. 

Last year CALPIA’s pre-apprenticeship Carpentry and Laborers programs at the Green Valley Training Center were converted from male to female offenders and the CAD program is the 3rd of four CTE programs available for the soon-to-be paroled women.   The fourth program will be a Computer Coding course set to open this year.

Course participants are required to have some computer experience, math skills, and have a GED, at a minimum.

This course prepares the women to take an exam for certification through Autodesk in two different types of software: Autodesk Inventor (3D) and AutoCAD (2D).

There are 24 participants in the classroom and the certification program takes approximately 6 months to complete.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, there is a 10 percent increase in job growth for Mechanical Drafters with CAD certification in California and the annual average salary in this state for this occupation is $54,000.


For Immediate Release:     
March 11,2014 
                                                                                  
Contact: Michele Kane                                                                                                          (916) 358-1802
                                                                  

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Riot at Calipatria State Prison under investigation

March 11, 2014, 4:57 pm
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CALIPATRIA - Seven inmates were injured during a riot involving about 200 inmates at Calipatria State Prison today. The riot started at around 10:15 a.m. on Facility B’s general population Level IV yard, a maximum-security area.

Response teams from other areas of the prison converged on the scene quelling the violence after about eight minutes. Staff fired warning shots, and rounds of pepper spray and foam-tipped rubber bullets. Following the riot, officers recovered several inmate-manufactured stabbing weapons from the immediate area.

Seven inmates had injuries, none life threatening. Six of those inmates were taken to an area hospital for treatment. Most of their injuries were a result of fighting, but one inmate required stitches for an injury from a rubber round. All have been returned to the prison.

No employees were injured.

Inmate movement is limited as prison officials investigate the cause of the riot.

Calipatria State Prison opened in 1992 and houses approximately 3,800 inmates, 1,700 of whom are serving life and 594 are serving life without the possibility of parole. There are 1,280 employees at the prison.


For immediate release                                                                                    
March 11, 2014   

Contact: Lt. Everardo Silva 
(760) 348-6002
 
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Parole Granted for Former Manson Family Member Bruce Davis

March 12, 2014, 4:29 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, 71, during a parole consideration hearing at California Men’s Colony. Today’s decision was the result of Davis' 28th parole suitability hearing.

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 has 30 days to 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.

Background:
The BPH has issued grants of parole to Davis twice – in January 2010 and again in October 2012. Davis’ first parole grant was reversed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in June 2010. Davis challenged the reversal in court, but it was upheld in 2012. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. reversed Davis’ second parole grant on March 1, 2013.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 12, 2014    

CONTACT: LUIS PATINO 
(916) 445-4950                                             
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