In this August 7 Week in Review, we highlight Skylynn and Daniel Murillo, CSP-Solano’s annual Family Night and CDCR’s latest fire response efforts.
Staff Spotlight
3 Questions with Parole Agents Skylynn and Daniel Murillo
By day, Skylynn and Daniel Murillo serve as California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation parole agents. Outside of work, the husband-and-wife team coaches youth softball in Stockton.
For more than five years, the Murillos have volunteered their time to teach teamwork, accountability, confidence and respect. Their coaching creates opportunities for young athletes to grow on and off the field.
The couple shared how they balance careers in public safety with family life and community service.
Q: How long have you worked for CDCR, and what brought you here?
A: We are high school sweethearts who studied criminal justice together. Daniel joined CDCR in 2014 as a correctional officer, and Skylynn began in 2019 as a youth correctional counselor.
Q: What is the best thing about working in the same field as your spouse?
A: Best thing about working together in the department is we understand each other. The stress the job brings, we can relate to each other and vent about our day.
Q: What practices do you use to support your own well-being?
A: We communicate with each other to ensure we are not putting too much on our plate. We have family time, dinners at home, relaxing when we can and making sure we are able to stay connected through our busy lifestyle.
Upward Mobility
Jolie Poper, appointed Chief Deputy General Counsel, Enterprise
Luis Garnica, appointed Warden, Mule Creek State Prison
*Listed in alphabetical order by first name
Backed by Data
CDCR report highlights rehabilitation success
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) published its latest recidivism report, finding that formerly incarcerated people are substantially less likely to return to prison if they’ve successfully completed rehabilitative programming. More than 66 percent of those released stayed conviction free – the second-lowest recidivism rate on record.
Fire Response
CDCR hand crews support CAL FIRE efforts across the state
Throughout July, hand crews from CDCR Conservation (Fire) Camps responded to approximately 85 wildfires in California communities.
CDCR, in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, jointly operate 30 conservation camps.
As of July 27, 40 hand crews are deployed to assist CAL FIRE on incidents such as the Chute fire, Rock fire, Summit fire and Dove fire.
In the Community
SATF art exhibit builds community through creativity
Artwork created by incarcerated artists at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF) was recently showcased at the Space Between Us Gallery.
The exhibit brought the community together July 11 at Coyote Studios in Los Angeles.
Over 200 paintings, poems and sculptures created by more than 80 incarcerated artists were featured. Community artists whose lives were impacted by incarceration also participated.
The event included a Native American blessing, spoken word performances and live music.
Visitors traveled from across California and Nevada to attend.
Artwork sales raised over $4,000 for charities selected by the artists, including Make-A-Wish, Headstones from the Heart and Fresno Skateboard Salvage.
Before the exhibit, SATF hosted on-site art shows, allowing families, friends and staff to view the artwork.
Founded by Executive Assistant Nicole Pendergrass and artist Rachelle “Rush” Arias, the Space Between Us Gallery highlights creativity while promoting rehabilitation and community connection.
Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services
OVSRS connects with community at State Fair
The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) recently participated in Military, Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Day at the California State Fair.
The event featured an opening ceremony, parade, live entertainment and informational exhibits from public safety organizations.
Staff connected with fairgoers and partner agencies throughout the event, answering questions about the office’s role within CDCR.
Despite high temperatures, 192 visitors stopped by the booth to learn about victim services and available resources. OVSRS’s participation increased awareness of its mission while strengthening relationships with community members and partner agencies.
In Our Institutions
CSP-Solano welcomes families for annual event
California State Prison (CSP), Solano, welcomed employees and their families July 23 during its annual Family Night.
More than 200 family members toured the Level II facility while learning about the institution’s mission and operations.
The event featured local vendors, community partners and employee organizations, including union representatives and City Councilmember Sarah Chapman.
Children enjoyed inflatable games, an obstacle course and interactive displays.
Each child received donated school supplies, including binders, pencils, markers and reusable bags, thanks to staff and the Employee Activity Committee.
Music, local food vendors and family activities created an event strengthening connections between employees, their families and the institution.
Rehabilitation
CIW graduates second peer support cohort
The California Institution for Women (CIW) celebrated the graduation of its second Peer Support Specialist Program cohort July 29.
The program empowers incarcerated individuals to use their lived experiences to encourage recovery and rehabilitation.
Peer Support Specialists offer guidance and practical support, helping peers navigate re-entry.
Nineteen participants completed the training, bringing the program total to 36 graduates. Fifteen participants have now earned certification by passing the California Mental Health Services Authority certification exam.
Graduates were recognized during a ceremony attended by staff, supporters and both program cohorts.
Speakers included acting Warden Sonia Padilla, Chief Support Executive Isaac Loera, Lt. Ana Avina and program leaders.
The CIW Quality Management Support Unit assisted with the event and recognized graduates with donated gifts. The ceremony celebrated participant achievements and reinforced the program’s commitment to peer mentorship and successful rehabilitation.
In the Media
Special animal service training program changing lives of dogs and humans
The nonprofit Paws for Life service dog training program partners rescued K9s with incarcerated trainers.
Hundreds of Folsom State incarcerated individuals graduate self-improvement program
Folsom State Prison saw 280 incarcerated individuals graduate from a program helping them prepare for life on the outside.
The ceremony wrapped up the thirteen-week program called Quest. It’s a program led by other incarcerated individuals and focuses on goals.
CDCR report finds Prop 57 rehab programs key to reducing repeat prison sentences
A new report from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) shows the state’s recidivism rate has fallen to its second-lowest level on record, with officials crediting rehabilitative programming under Proposition 57 as a major factor in helping formerly incarcerated people successfully transition back into their communities.
Top Inside CDCR Stories
Supervisor II Kimmie Opoku earns bodybuilding top honors
Wardens meet in Galt, bid farewell to AD Phillips
History on display: Folsom Prison Big House Museum re-opens
California Institution for Men marks 85 years of public safety
Watch: Parole Agent II Carla Fish shapes next generation
CDCR Latest News
Stay informed
For media inquiries, e-mail the Office of Public & Employee Communications.
Read more Week in Review stories on Inside CDCR.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Week in Review archive
In this August 7 Week in Review, we highlight Skylynn and Daniel Murillo, CSP-Solano’s annual Family Night and CDCR’s latest…
In this July 31 Week in Review, we highlight Office of Civil Rights Supervisor II Kimmie Opoku, CDCR hand crews…
In this July 24 Week in Review, we highlight Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week, Parole Agent Carlos Deleon and…
In this July 17 Week in Review, we highlight Parole Agent Christopher Bell, SAC welcomes Prison Dog Program and DAPO…
In this July 10 Week in Review, we highlight DRP staff and a CMF Correctional Counselor III, the latest CALCTRA…
In this July 3 Week in Review, we highlight California State Prison, Sacramento, raising $10,000 for local youth, a Butte…
