Chicano Correctional Workers Association
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2019 ccwa journal
Executive Board of Directors
Association President Evelyn Garcia president@ccwa.net
Northern Region VP Falcon Renteria frenteria@ccwa.net
Association Secretary Natalie Mendez nmendez@ccwa.net
Administrative Assistant Florence McCarthy fmccarthy@ccwa.net
Immediate Past President/ Recruitment Coordinator Tony Martinez recruitment@ccwa.net
Central Region VP Armida Oros aoros@ccwa.net
Association Treasurer Florence Cote ccwatreasurer@ccwa.net
Membership Coordinator Aida Orozco membership@ccwa.net
Sergeant at Arms Henry Ornelas III hornelas@ccwa.net
CCWF Chairman Richard Linde foundation.coordinator@ccwa.net
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Southern Region VP Frank Velez fvelez@ccwa.net
Parliamentarian Mike Pina Parliamentarian@ccwa.net
Newsletter Editors Andy & Silvia Nunez newsletter.editor@ccwa.net
Chicano Correctional Workers Association
President’s Letter Evelyn Garcia
Hello and Welcome to 2019. As this New Year begins, I am honored to be representing the Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA) as the newly elected Association President. I look forward to my tenure for the next three years, working with members of our Executive Committee and Board of Directors. At this time, I would like to extend my gratitude to the previous Executive Board for their hard work and dedication in the challenges they faced during their tenure. Due to their efforts we can continue to exist as the professional organization that was founded 45 years ago. I began my career with the California Department of Corrections in 1998 at California Institution for Men (CIM) as a medical transcriber and then to records as an Office Technician. I promoted to Office Services Supervisor I and Correctional Case Records Analyst. While at CIM, I was introduced to CCWA by Mary Duran, a very active member. I became the Chino Chapter Secretary. In 2006, I promoted to Parole Service Associate and moved to Blythe, California. I began working at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison and have also worked at Ironwood State Prison, continuing my CCWA membership at CVSP Blythe I Chapter. I became the Chapter President and am currently the Vice-President of the chapter. Our chapter is very active at the institution and sponsorship within the community. As the department continues to evolve, we as an organization will need to follow suit. We will continue to assist, encourage, and equip our members with the ability to adapt to these changes. Our goal as an organization will be to focus on our membership and encourage growth with new members through recruitment. We will keep our current and potential members informed of all that our organization stands for regarding upward mobility and training and development for all, being the BEST people we can be for the betterment of our work environment and the world. One of our goals will also be to continue the mentorship program that our previous president Tony Martinez was so passionate about. This is a program that will help new members by pairing them with an experienced member, teaching them what our motto of “Somos Familia” “We are Family” means. This year the Central Valley will be hosting our Association Training Conference on November 15, 2019 at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California. We look forward to seeing all of you there for this event, as it promises to be a very informative and memorable conference. In closing I would like to thank all of our members for their continued support of our organization. Anyone interested in becoming a member, please see your local chapter representative at your institution. Thank you for your support and God bless you and your families, and may you have a safe and prosperous year. Sincerely, Evelyn Garcia Association President president@ccwa.net 3
2019 ccwa journal
Past President’s Letter As my term comes to an end, I want to reflect on the many accomplishments we have made during this time. I want to acknowledge the Board of Directors (BOD) for all of their hard work and dedication to the Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA). A special thank you to the Executive Board members who specifically gave so much of their own time and energy, providing guidance and advice to ensure that my term as your Association President was successful. Since 2016, CCWA was met with some very difficult situations that challenged the very existence of our association. Fortunately, the BOD entrusted the executive body with the task of taking on these challenges. For the next two years, they worked diligently and meticulously and finally in 2018, CCWA not only met those challenges, but defeated them. As the association moved forward, some of the goals I set for myself did not come to fruition. It was my desire to attend a vast amount of chapter meetings throughout the state. Another goal of mine was to hold a state-wide youth conference. Unfortunately, the challenges and obstacles our association was dealing with hindered my travel to the myriad of institutions. However, I was able to meet with CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan, Undersecretary Ralph M. Diaz and visit with wardens from seven institutions. All were positive meetings. The renewal and purpose of the Chicano Correctional Workers Foundation (CCWF) was to donate resources and provide awards and recognition to members for worthy causes. This year our awards will go to a supervisor and an employee who demonstrates CCWA values for outstanding service. I would like to mention the creation of the CCWF “Dream Makers Foundation“. The purpose of the “Dream Makers Foundation” is to make a wish come true for children battling life threatening diseases. Special thanks to Avenal Chapter for winning the contest by submitting the name “Dream Makers”. In addition, we celebrated the 45th anniversary of CCWA. It coincided with the bi-annual training conference held in Sacramento. My thanks to the training committee members for their diligence and hard work in hosting such a successful conference. It was an opportunity to invite founding members of CCWA to attend and relate their experiences. I look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary. In closing, I want to say thank you to the members for their support during my term, (I will retire November 2, 2018). Without you we could not have met our challenges and together, we have become a better and stronger CCWA, and most importantly, family. May God keep you safe as you continue to work one of the toughest jobs in the state. “We are Family” “Somos Familia”. Tony Martinez Association Past President recruitment@ccwa.net
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Chicano Correctional Workers Association Northern Region Vice-President Falcon Renteria frenteria@ccwa.net
I have been a CCWA member for nearly 25 years, the Ione Chapter President for 20 years and have served as the Northern Region Vice President (NRVP) for the last 6 years. As the NRVP I’ve lead two successful statewide conferences for the northern area and northern region training for our local chapters. We have three very active chapters: FOL/SAC, led by Chapter President Carlos Sanchez; COCF/HQ, led by Chapter President Darla Neel, and Ione Chapter, of which I am Chapter President. My goal is to support, motivate, and encourage the northern chapters to participate in association events and to activate new chapters in the northern area. As Chapter President, I have had the pleasure of participating with our chapter in fundraising events through raffles, such as BBQs, food sales, toy drives, and golf tournaments. We have been able to donate to Fallen Officers, and most recently to one of our fellow correctional officers who received $2700 toward medical expenses. The FOL/SAC chapter members participated in the annual 5K “A Walk to Remember” held in Elk Grove Park; operated a booth at the Mather Air Show. There was a recruitment booth at the FOL/SAC Annual Family Day event, where popcorn and cotton candy was given to visitors. COCF members and Girl Scout Troop 4152 personally handed out pastries donated by Raley’s and Bel Air Markets to needy persons, and clothing and blankets were donated by staff at CDCR Headquarters. Soap, shampoo, lotion and socks were donated by Girl Scout Troop 4152 of Elk Grove. COCF also donated 53 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to Army staff currently stationed in Anchorage, Alaska in an effort to show support for their service.
Central Region Vice-President Armida Oros aoros@ccwa.net
I have been a member of CCWA since 1994. During these years, I have been the Delano I Chapter President, Association Secretary, and presently the Central Region Vice President. I was first hired at North Kern State Prison and later employed as an Academic Teacher at Kern Valley State Prison. Prior to working in the Department of Corrections, I was employed in the public schools. I am actively involved in community organizations in Delano, which includes the Mexican American Pioneers and Harvest Holidays, INC. I enjoy volunteering, especially with the Chicano Correctional Workers Association, where I have learned to work as a team. I love the concept of unity, “Somos Familia”. Let’s always keep it that way. Central region chapters continue to be very active in their communities. Avenal Chapter donated funds from a burrito sale to Kid’s Day, with 140 kids attending. Corcoran I Chapter donated to a Cancer Awareness run and donated new shoes to local schools. Corcoran I Chapter members attended the Madera Chapter Crab Feed and everyone had a great time. Madera Chapter donated to CDCR for sponsorship at the Sierra Fire Fighters event. Donations were given for Little League Uniforms Sponsorship (Merced) with CCWA Logo; to Mid Valley Bass Club to assist in providing a hotdog lunch to all kids and volunteers participating in the Kid’s Fishing Day, and to the Thespian Drama Club Troop #8168 to assist with expenses for a Drama Event Festival in Upland, Ca. Madera Chapter had their 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Dragonfly Golf Club in Madera. 5
2019 ccwa journal Southern Region Vice President FrankVelez fvelez@ccwa.net
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as Southern Region Vice-President. I have been a member of CCWA for 30 years and have held all board positions at the chapter level and have served as the Association Sergeant at Arms. I am currently a member of the Blythe II Chapter. I look forward to a successful term by working with all of the southern chapters and assisting with their institutions and community involvement. Southern Region year end events include RJD hosting their annual Softball Tournament Event. Calipatria, Chuckawalla and Ironwood Chapters hosted membership appreciation and recruitment drives. Chino and Calipatria Chapters participated in health fairs that are important events in the institutions and communities. Calipatria, Chuckawalla, CRC and Chino have awarded several scholarships this year. The Southern Region chapters continue to support their members with training and information on upward mobility, striving to achieve advancement in their CDCR careers.
Southern Region Training Conference The Southern Region hosted a training conference on September 29, 2018 in Laughlin, Nevada. It was a small scale training which allowed everyone to remain in one large room where each class was held and a delicious luncheon was served. The classes consisted of current gang information by instructors Miguel Vega, Randy Romo, Jr. and Sheldon Watson from CRC; Stress Management by RJD Psychologist Dr. Jeff Ostyen, and Upward Mobility by our very own RJD President, Susan Garcia. The classes were enjoyed by all and everyone gave excellent feedback on the information received from the instructors. We also had one vendor, Marylou Martinez, retired CCWA member from Chino who provided us with beautiful items for purchase.
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Chicano Correctional Workers Association
The history of Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA) Written by Senon E. Palacioz, September 1/2002 and re-edited 11/2018 In the State of California there is a unique employee organization known as the Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA). The first of its kind, CCWA was organized by employees of the California Department of Corrections for the specific purpose of providing entitlement to a disenfranchised group. During the late 1960s, Mexican employees, concerned about their under-representation within the Department formed CCWA to advocate for equal representation, upward mobility, training and recognition. From its very inception to now, CCWA has worked to improve employee relations within the prison system, provided financial aid to individuals and community projects, and held training conferences for its members. Over the past forty-five years CCWA grew into an employee represented organization with more than thirty chapters to represent its membership at California Department of Corrections prisons and parole regions, (and any agency of the state that’s under the State Controller’s Office). In California CCWA is recognized as a bona fide employee organization by the Office of the Governor, Youth and Adult Corrections Agency, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, State Personnel Board and the California Youth Authority. The Office of the State Treasurer and the Federal Internal Revenue Service recognizes CCWA as a non-profit corporation. We received our corporate charter in 1972. Our motto is, “Somos Familia” “We Are Family’’. Our motto was coined by Senon E. Palacioz, Warden at Susanville Prison and a member of that chapter. Membership in CCWA is open to all persons regardless of ethnicity or sexual orientation. That means that everyone is welcome! There are two types of membership: Regular Membership for State employees, and Associate Membership for other persons interested in the goals and objectives of the Association. Palacioz also designed CCWA’s first publicity pamphlet. CCWA is a motivator. It offers scholarships for academic education and vocational training. It works within the education system to help provide needed equipment and materials. With the help of its members and business and professional individuals, CCWA provides workshops of practical information and experience to encourage high school students to stay in school and to seek higher education.
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2019 ccwa journal
Featured CCWA Emeritus Member CCWA History from one of our Founding Fathers By Senon Enriquez Palacioz Interviewed by Newsletter Editor Andy & Silvia Nunez in the summer of 2008 Senon was actively involved in the quest for social justice for the Mexican American community. His participation in the movement led by Cesar Chavez in favor of the Farm Workers Union was an important milestone in his life. After 33 years of service to the State of California in numerous agencies, he retired from the Department of Corrections as a Warden at Susanville. His education began in Florence, Kansas, as a non-English speaking first grader. He was able to learn sufficient English to continue with his education. He lettered in track, baseball, football, and graduated from high school. After high school, he worked for the railroad and then moved to California and worked for the Army Depot. He then worked at Tracy Prison as a Correctional Officer Typist for the Deputy Warden. He saw what went on in the prison, and said to himself, “That’s what I want to do one day, get into management.” He promoted to Sergeant, later to Lieutenant, helping to solve a murder. At that time staff carried only a whistle and big keys as safety devices. He promoted to Correctional Counselor, attended Delta College and enrolled in correctional and counseling classes and conversational Spanish. He then attended UCLA and Berkeley, promoting to Training Manager. He would recruit trainers, and let them present the material. He got involved with CCWA and was an Association President and newsletter editor. He coined the phrase “Somos Familia”. Senon Palacioz helped set the foreground for what CCWA is today. Words of Wisdom to CCWA Membership. I was fortunate enough to be one of the founding fathers of CCWA, beginning with about a dozen people and today it boasts over 1500 members. We are very proud of what we did and never realized that someday CCWA would be as strong and healthy as it is today. I salute all of you who have done the recruiting of new members and helped them to stay in the organization and learn the best way to represent themselves for the best opportunity for promotion, and those of you who have helped them by simply being there as friends and listeners. We came to the realization early on that CCWA was the only way that we as a group were going to benefit from this organization was through unity, calling ourselves such things as “Somos Familia.” We are family, we work together to solve existing problems, provide training and promotional opportunities. So be proud of CCWA and its accomplishments. Continue to bring in new membership and help them understand why the organization exists today. Once again, thank you for the opportunity to give you this message.
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Chicano Correctional Workers Association
Featured CCWA Emeritus Member
Guest speaker Robert (Smokey) Castro at the Sacramento Training Conference 45th anniversary dinner 2017. The best advice I received was when working at the Department of Corrections. I always tried to hire the best candidate that interviewed for the position. Let me tell you a short story of an officer who went for an interview and his friends made him look good and he got the job. He hired his friends, however his friends were not the best people to support his job position, and made him look bad. So always keep that in mind, and hire the best viable person. A few years later I had the opportunity to put that advice into practice when I was a sergeant. The lieutenant said we needed to hire an Acting Sergeant for nine months. I had a young man in mind, and mentioned him by name to the Lieutenant, and he said, “But he is on probation.” Yes, but we agreed we wanted the best man for the job, and we were right about this young man, Ron Candelaria, who later became the Warden at Wasco State Prison. I wanted to take the Sergeant’s exam and asked Al Silva, a CCWA founding father for his advice on how to pass the exam. He said to write ten questions that would make me a good Sergeant, and write down the reasons why and study them every day. When the day came to take the interview, I walked in and gave them five reasons out of ten why I wanted to be a Sergeant, and forgot about the other five. I scored a 96%. So, overall I want to tell you if you want to promote, sit down and work on your presentation for promoting to that new job. Sit in front of a mirror and ask yourself, why I want that position, the pros and cons. By going over that information, you might remember half of your ten reasons in your oral interview. In 1974 the prison system wanted to hire women to work in the male prisons. Naturally, there were a lot of male officers that thought it wasn’t a good idea and didn’t want women working in the prison. It was necessary to make the transition. One of the reasons we started CCWA is to help one another, “Somos Familia” “We are Family”, helping each other, helping them to promote upward in their career is one of the main purposes of this organization.
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2019 ccwa journal
In Memoriam We are deeply saddened by the loss of Robert “Smokey” Castro, one of our founding fathers. He was born on February 24, 1942 in Holtville, CA and passed away on February 18, 2019 in Bakersfield, CA after a brief illness. Robert is a graduate of East Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College and a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He served during the Vietnam War, where he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. During his 30 years of working with the Department of Corrections, Smokey worked at twelve state prisons and two conservation camps. He was a founding and active member of the Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA), and was involved in many areas of training and teaching of administrative staff. He retired as an Associate Warden in 1998. Smokey was always generous with his time and very supportive of anyone needing his assistance. He was dearly loved by his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace our dear friend.
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I’ve found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full I’ve savored much; good times, good friends, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now. He set me free.
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Chicano Correctional Workers Association Featured Chapter Member Jimmy Hayes Jimmy Hayes was born in Gary Indiana, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1966. After graduation Jimmy entered the United States Air Force (1967). His military service assignments took him to New Hampshire, North Dakota and finally to Castle Air Force Base (CAFB) in California. Jimmy also served overseas, stationed in Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Philippines and Taiwan. One of Jimmy’s military accomplishments was to organize the Black Awareness Association (BAA), a non-profit organization that managed fundraisers to provide funeral assistance to overseas orphanages, soldiers in financial need, musical concerts and activities to promote servicemen’s morale. In 1988 after 21 years of military service, Jimmy retired from the Air Force and for the next three years worked at La Sierra Hospital in Merced, CA. In 1990, Jimmy joined the California Department of Corrections as a Supervising Cook at Central California Women’s Facility (Chowchilla) and was promoted to Supervising Cook II. He transferred to Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW) where he continued to work until his retirement in 2012. Jimmy joined CCWA in 2005 at the request of Victor Aguirre who at that time was the Madera Chapter President. Due to his culinary experience Jimmy was asked to organize a Crab Feed to help generate needed revenue and this was to become the biggest fundraiser for the chapter, with as many as 500 guests attending on an annual basis. Jimmy has also been instrumental in the James Monroe Elementary School Holiday Dinner, an annual event sponsored by the Madera Chapter along with other local associations. At this event Jimmy and Madera Chapter members provided a free holiday dinner to the local community; attendance has ranged from 1,200 to 1,400 people per year. Jimmy and other chapter members such as Bibi Campos have been involved in the annual James Monroe Shoe Event. The chapter purchased and delivered 90-100 pairs of shoes and socks to students in need. Jimmy is there at this event from start to finish and on several occasions has made trips to Payless Shoe Store to exchange shoes to make sure the children have the right size shoes. He has organized several BBQ’s at the same school during the summer months to provide free meals to students. Jimmy is an active member of the Madera Elks Lodge and he jokingly says he joined the Elks Lodge to use their kitchen for CCWA events. In December Jimmy provides meals to Disabled Veterans at the V.A. Hospital in Fresno. With Jimmy’s energy and sense of humor the Madera Chapter continues to provide much needed assistance to the local community in the form of back pack drives, toy drives, book drives, financial sponsorships and scholarships. Jimmy says there is nothing like seeing the smile on a child’s face after receiving one of these gifts. Besides spending time doing charity work, Jimmy enjoys a good game of golf as well as getting out on a Friday or Saturday night for some dancing. THANK YOU JIMMY, for all of your hard work and dedication. You are a true asset to CCWA and to the local community. 11
2019 ccwa journal Featured Chapter Member Bill Smith Bill has been a CCWA member for 12 years and currently serves as the Ione Chapter President. Bill has represented the chapter at the Board of Directors meetings on many occasions. He has served as a member of the Disciplinary and Election Committees for the Association. Bill plays an important role in helping raise thousands of dollars with fundraisers, BBQs and raffles for causes such as helping cancer victims, Fallen Officers, officers with serious illnesses and families in need. Bill’s involvement with CCWA has made a difference by supporting our membership within the chapter and community, as well as the Association.
Featured Chapter Member Narciso Lopez Narciso Lopez graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1991 and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and a minor in Sociology at Fresno State University in 1996. He began his career with the Department of Corrections in 1998 at Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP). He was an Observation Booth Gunner and Facility Gym Rover and an Administrative Segregation Unit Officer. In 2000, Narciso promoted to Correctional Counselor I as the Board of Prison Terms Hearing Coordinator at Salinas Valley State Prison, and later reassigned to Facility C, Level IV 180 Housing Unit. Narciso completed a lateral transfer to Avenal State Prison (ASP), assigned to Facility 5. In 2005, Narciso was promoted to Correctional Counselor II Supervisor on Facility 2. In 2006, he became the Appeals Coordinator until he was re-assigned to the Administrative Segregation Unit, and later he was assigned as the Facility 4 Supervisor and was awarded Supervisor of the Quarter. Narciso promoted to Facility Captain in 2013 and has worked on Facilities 1 – 6 and is currently assigned as the Health Care Access Captain. Narciso has coached teenage kids for 15 years at Lemoore High School as well as Little League for 4 years. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and is an usher at St. Peters Catholic Church in Lemoore. Narciso spearheaded the Food Drive for the city of Avenal in 2017. He was the President of the Employee Action Committee at its inception in 2012, and part of the committee that assisted the Little Angel Program (Dog Training Program) at ASP. 12
Chicano Correctional Workers Association Featured Chapter Member Socorro Rios Socorro Rios has been a CCWA member for over 10 years. Officer Rios is currently assigned to CSP-Corcoran as a K9 Officer. Rios has worked at CSP-Corcoran for over 12 years. She attended the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Basic Correctional Officer Academy at the Richard E. McGee Correctional Training Center, located in Galt, California. Rios graduated from the academy in April of 2006 and reported to CSP-Corcoran, where she worked all areas of the prison. In November of 2010, she interviewed and was selected to become a member of the Investigative Services Unit (ISU) at CSP-COR, where she was the Court Liaison and Evidence Officer for over 7 years. While in ISU, she became interested in the K-9 position after seeing the K-9’s work during mass searches. She began asking the current K-9 handler’s questions about how they went about becoming a handler and how long they had been handlers. She also noticed there were no women K-9 handlers. She learned that the southern region prisons had female handlers; however, the central and northern region prisons had no female handlers. In January of 2018, Rios interviewed for a K-9 position for the central region K-9 team at CSP-COR and was selected. Rios attended the K-9 Academy on February 5, 2018 and was assigned as the K-9 handler to a 15- monthold blond female Labrador retriever named Mango. Mango and Rios completed the K-9 Academy at the end of March. Mango is a feisty, hardworking, smart and competitive K-9. Mango had her first find a week after arriving at CSP-Corcoran. She alerted to a package in the mail room which contained 14 grams of tobacco and a cellphone. The same day she also alerted to some contraband in the R&R property room. After a search a phone, charger and 3 electronic cigarettes were found. To date Mango has been instrumental in discovering 320.7 grams of marijuana, 10.6 grams of heroin, 859.9 grams of tobacco, 38 cell phones and 13 strips of suboxone in cells, common areas and packages. Prior to working for the department, Rios was an elementary school teacher for 9 ½ years. Rios attended UC Davis, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in June of 1996. She also attended Fresno Pacific University and received her Teaching Credential in 1997. Rios taught first grade at Corcoran Unified School District for 9 ½ years. While at UC Davis Rios became a founding sister of the Epsilon Chapter for Lambda Theta Nu, a sorority based on academic excellence and community service with a focus on the Latino community. 13
2019 ccwa journal Featured Chapter Member Mary Duran Mary Duran has been a CCWA member since 1988 after becoming a CDC employee. She became a member through her Uncle John Zarate giving her the history of the Association and how in the early 70’s he, along with other Hispanics voiced their concerns regarding promotions. Hispanics were not being promoted and they formed CCWA in order to provide training and provide upward mobility assistance to their members. She was very proud to become a member of a worthy association and also that her uncle was an OG of the group. When she initially joined she served on the chapter board as a Secretary. In 1993 she became part of the activation team at Centinela State Prison and was pleased that a CCWA chapter had been activated due to the support of Warden Rosie Garcia. She quickly continued to join in chapter activities and became the chapter secretary. After transferring to Region 3 Paroles she returned to California Institution for Men (CIM), once again joining CCWA Chino chapter activities and became the secretary, treasurer and then eventually the Chapter President. In 2000 she served as the Association Secretary, and later was elected as Southern Region Vice-President. She found this position to be her most gratifying and beneficial as she was able to motivate the chapter presidents to increase membership and provide training classes to their members, but most importantly to express the purpose of CCWA. In 2006 she became the Association Treasurer and she continued to serve the Chino Chapter as President until her retirement from CDCR in 2016. Mary currently serves as Chapter Vice-President and a member of the 2019 Bi-Annual Training and By-Law Committees. She remains a true asset to our organization as she truly loves CCWA.
Chapter Community Charitable Events
Madera Chapter Annual Charity Crab Feed 14
Chicano Correctional Workers Association
Supporting Our Communities Calipatria Chapter Sponsors Hidalgo Dance Group Calipatria Chapter Sponsors A Soccer Team FOL/SAC Chapter
FOL/SAC Chapter Participates in Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Calipatria Chapter Sponsors A Soccer Team
FOL/SAC Chapter Attending Blue Star Moms Gala
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2019 ccwa journal CCWA Fundraisers
IONE Chapter member C. Cantu, Currently Fighting Cancer
IONE Chapter “Cancer Sucks” Fundraiser
Avenal Warden Supporting Avenal Fundraiser
Avenal Bowling Team Tournament 16 wins
Madera Chapter Golf Tournament
IONE Christmas Toy Drive
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FOL/SAC Air Show Fundraiser
Chicano Correctional Workers Association
IONE Supporting Special Olympics
FOL/SAC Salvation Army at Christmas
Wasco Poker Night Fundraiser
FOL/SAC Walk to Remember Fallen Soldiers Fundraiser
FOL/SAC Fireworks Fundraiser 17
F u n d r a i s e r s
2019 ccwa journal
Chapter Scholarships
Blythe I Awards Scholarships
Calipatria Chapter presents scholarship awards to five recipients from Holtville High School Dear Chicano Correctional Workers Association, I am not only honored to be a recipient, but extremely grateful to receive your scholarship. Thank you for your generous support allowing me to become the first in my family to receive a bachelor’s degree. Growing up in a small community has taught me many life lessons. The most important lesson is obtaining a college education. This fall, I will begin my undergraduate schooling at Fresno State University. Your scholarship will give my college career a good start. My plans are to complete a major in electrical engineering at Fresno State, where all of my course requirements will be met to obtain this degree. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude for your generosity and support in helping me achieve my goal. I am committed to my education and the engineering field. Thanks to the Chicano Correctional Workers Association for helping me to become an electrical engineer. Sincerely, Oscar Hernandez, Jr. 18
Chicano Correctional Workers Association
Chapter Scholarships Madera Chapter President R. Perez and Secretary L. Alva present scholarships to students at Madera South High School.
Madera Chapter President R. Perez, Vice-President M. Martinez and Treasurer A. Martinez present scholarships to students at Madera High School.
Madera Chapter Associate member Jimmy Hayes presents scholarships to students at Chowchilla Union High School.
Madera Chapter Treasurer Delia Mojica presents scholarships to students at Le Grand High School. The Madera Chapter recently presented scholarships to local high school graduating students. Nine students from three high schools received scholarships in the amount of $450.00 each. Three students from Le Grand High School were awarded scholarships in the amount of $300.00 each. The twelve scholarships totaled $4,950.00. These scholarships were made possible through funds raised from the Annual CCWA Charity Crab Feed. Thanks to all of the staff at VSP and CCWF for their continuous support of CCWA. Approximately 140 applications were received, and all students were highly qualified. CCWA members spent numerous hours sorting through and making recommendations in choosing the scholarship winners. All candidates met the required qualifications; a minimum 3.0 G.P.A., community service and school activities. A Personal History Statement along with education, career plans, family income and number of siblings attending a college or university is required. Scholarship Winners: *MADERA SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL: Mario Antonio Ramirez, Maria Carmen Perez and Oswaldo Fernandez-Hernandez *MADERA HIGH SCHOOL: Alexis Romero, Gisselle Morado-Miramontes and Griselda Lopez-Chavez *CHOWCHILLA HIGH SCHOOL: Mariah A. Martinez, Zackery McGraw and Flor Quiroz *LE GRAND HIGH SCHOOL: Giselle Mendoza, Alysa Fuentes and Yasila Duran Gomez 19
2019 ccwa journal
Chapter Scholarships
Madera Chapter Scholarships
Certificates were presented to high school students at the 2017 State-wide Training Conference in Sacramento 20
Chicano Correctional Workers Association
Staff Appreciation Southern Region Chapter Presidents are presented plaques ‘‘In Appreciation of Your Time and Dedication to Your Chapter.”
Staff Appreciation Day at Ironwood
CCWA Executive Staff Board Meeting
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2019 ccwa journal
Recruitment We will provide assistance to chapters in preparing for the recruitment process. We can help you set up a recruitment stand or table with appropriate materials and invite new employees to join, and explain the benefits of being a member of CCWA. When we stand united our voices are heard; join us to make a difference at your job site and community. The Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA) was formed in 1972 by California Department of Corrections Hispanic employees concerned about under-representation of Latinos within the Department. CCWA continues to dedicate itself to be an advocate for equal representation of all ethnic groups as well as continuing the pursuit of upward mobility. We represent the motto of “Somos Familia” “We are Family”. CCWA has grown into an organization with a combined force of over 22 chapters and a total of more than 1,600 members and growing statewide. The monthly dues of $10 are deducted from your state payroll every month. CCWA believes in equality, justice and upward mobility for all qualified and well-prepared persons regardless of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, and disability. CCWA and its members continue to advocate for better training and more opportunities for employees. We are in the process of planning our 2019 Training Conference hosted by the Central Region. Our training is open to all interested persons, whether they are CCWA members or not. We have sponsored training conferences, workshops, and seminars to expand the knowledge, skills, and professionalism of our members and others. The local chapter in your area is always working within the community and with our youth. The recruitment team at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt is pictured from left to right: Patty Renteria, Sylvia Gonzalez, Florence Coté and Emmanuel Herrera. It is our pleasure to welcome these new members to our CCWA Family. These newly graduated Correctional Officers are assigned to the following institutions: Neil Jackson - Sierra Conservation Center (Jamestown); Matthew Millard - High Desert State Prison; Alexander Moreno - Kern Valley State Prison; Austin Patino - CSP-Corcoran; Emmanuel Huerta - CSP-Solano, and Don Smith - Kern Valley State Prison. Irais Jimenez - SAC; Stephanie Gimenez - SAC, and Fernando Galicia - High Desert. We wish them the very best as they begin their new journey with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Be safe and many blessings to you. Should you need further information, please contact Tony Martinez, Recruitment Coordinator, P. O. Box 3680, Visalia, Ca 93278 or any CCWA member.
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Chicano Correctional Workers Association
Chicano Correctional Workers Foundation (CCWF)“DREAM MAKERS” Co-Foundation Coordinator & Dream Makers Organizer Richard Linde foundation.coordinator@ccwa.net I began my career with California Department of Corrections in 1999. I am currently a Correctional Counselor II at Avenal State Prison. It is an honor to serve as co-foundation coordinator of such a worthy cause. The Chicano Correctional Workers Foundation (CCWF) is the entity for community outreach. The CCWF Dream Makers recently conducted a Disneyland Raffle in order to raise funds. Over $9000.00 was raised and Sam Navarro from Corcoran Chapter was the grand prize winner of 4 Disneyland Park Hopper tickets, a $500.00 Disney gift card and $100.00 gas card. All proceeds raised by this raffle will be used to grant terminally ill children their dream. The foundation’s future goals are to establish an Employee and Supervisor of the Year recognition program, initiate an annual youth conference and award scholarships to deserving students.
OATH OF OFFICE
Association President Evelyn Garcia presents a gift to Mary Botello
Swearing in the new Executive Board
A special thank you to Mary Botello for officiating the Oath of Office. Mary shared her experiences as a co-founder of the organization and of her tenure with the Department of Corrections. She continues to share her knowledge and history to help mentor today’s generation. 23
2019 ccwa journal CCWA NORTHERN REGION CHAPTERS Chapter: Sacramento Folsom (Sac/Fol) President: Carlos Sanchez sacfolpres@ccwa.net Vice President: Michael Pina Treasurer: Aida Orozco Secretary: Florence McCarthy Sgt. At Arms: Israel Montes, Jr. Parliamentarian: Edgardo Prado Chapter: Ione President: Bill Smith Vice President: Falcon Renteria Treasurer: Bert Bradley
ionepres@ccwa.net Secretary: Patty Renteria
Chapter: California Out of State Correctional Facilities – COCF President: Darla Neel cocfpres@ccwa.net Vice President: Raul Carrillo Treasurer: Estelina Lopez Secretary: Lorena Carrillo Sgt. At Arms: David V. Neel Parliamentarian: Kristin Drummond
CCWA CENTRAL REGION CHAPTERS
Chapter: Avenal State Prison President: Natalie Mendez nmendez@ccwa.net Vice President: Gus Aguirre Treasurer: Lori Urbano Secretary: Jone Anaya Sgt. At Arms: Hector Munoz Parliamentarian: Jason Ruiz Event Coordinator: Lori Urbano Chapter: Corcoran - I President: Samuel Navarro corcoran1pres@ccwa.net Vice President: Sulema Castillo Treasurer: Gloria Cortez Navrarro Secretary: Sylvia Gonzalez Sgt. At Arms: Veronica Molina Chapter: Corcoran - II President: Stefanie Kane Vice President: Raul Morales Treasurer: Stefanie Ordonez Secretary: Loraine Soleno Sgt. At Arms: Hortencia Ruiz
corcoran2pres@ccwanet
Parliamentarian: Pricilla Marin
Chapter: Delano I President: Monica Marroquin delano1pres@ccwa.net Vice President: Jose Guerra Treasurer: Adela Delahig Secretary: Armida Oros Sgt. At Arms: Richard Marroquin 24
Chicano Correctional Workers Association Chapter: Madera President: Moses Martinez Vice President: Tony Martinez Treasurer: Anel Martinez Secretary: Liz Alva Sgt. At Arms: Eddie Quezada Parliamentarian: Victor Aguirre
maderapres@ccwa.net
Chapter: San Luis Obispo - Vacant Chapter: Tehachapi - Vacant Chapter: Wasco President: Adolfo Leal Vice President: Terri Gonzalez Treasurer: Juan Carmona Secretary: Jerome Gonzalez Sgt At Arms: Paul Lopez
wascopres@ccwa.net
Chapter: California City - Vacant Chapter: Coalinga - Vacant
CCWA SOUTHERN REGION CHAPTERS Chapter: Blythe I President: Alfredo Figueroa Jr. blythe1pres@ccwa.net Vice President: Evelyn Garcia Treasurer: Erin Barnes Secretary: Ralph Garcia Chapter: Blythe I I President: Sonia Andrade blythe2pres@ccwa.net Vice President: Jacqueline Hernandez Treasurer: Francisco Aguilar Secretary: Jessica Cervantes Parliamentarian: Frank Velez Chapter: Calipatria State Prison President: Rick Sambrano calipatriapres@ccwa.net Vice President: David Anaya Treasurer: Fernando Rivas Secretary: Rachel Ayon Sgt. At Arms: Felix Ramirez Parliamentarian: Arturo Ayon Membership/Event: Sal Velasco Newsletter Editor: Joe Anaya
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2019 ccwa journal CCWA SOUTHERN REGION CHAPTERS Chapter: Chino President:Faye Posada Vice President: Mary Duran Treasurer: Sandy Kuzminski Secretary: Sonia Solis
Chapter: Imperial President: Helen Garcia Treasurer: German Jimenez Secretary: Laura Rock
chinopres@ccwa.net
hgarcia@ccwa.net
Chapter: Lancaster - Vacant Chapter: Los Angeles Paroles - Vacant Chapter: Norco President: Henry Ornelas III hornelas@ccwa.net Vice President: Fernando Rodriguez Treasurer: Sylina Whitcher Secretary: Martha Bartl Sgt At Arms: Michael Cervantes Recruiter: Israel Pineda Parliamentarian: Pearl Serna Events Coordinator: Veronica Perez Patton Recruiter: Rudy Chacon Non-Custody Recruiter- Stacy Negrete Chapter: Region IV Paroles - Vacant Chapter: San Diego President: Susan Garcia Vice President: Maria Cardenas Treasurer: Yordana Sanchez Secretary: Patty Cruz-White Sgt. At Arms: Victor Sosa Parliamentarian: Gerardo Arteaga
sandiegopres@ccwa.net
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Chicano Correctional Workers Association “We Are Family” “Somos Familia”
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2019 ccwa journal “We Are Family” “Somos Familia”
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Chicano Correctional Workers Association “We Are Family” “Somos Familia”
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2019 ccwa journal “We Are Family” “Somos Familia”
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Chicano Correctional Workers Association
UPCOMING TRAINING 2019 Keynote Speaker: Ralph M. Diaz, CDCR Secretary
Mistress of Ceremony: Theresa Cisneros, Chief Deputy Warden, SATF Room Reservations: (559) 924-7751 (CCWA TRAINING) REGISTRATION FEES: VETERAN $50.00 CCWA MEMBERS $50.00
CDCR CADETS NON-MEMBERS
$35.00 $60.00
VENDOR BOOTH/ CCWA MEMBERS $50.00 VENDOR BOOTH/ NON-MEMBERS $60.00
The Next CCWA Statewide Training Conference will be held at TACHI Palace Hotel & Casino on Nov. 14-15, 2019
TACHI PALACE HOTEL AND CASINO 17225 JERSEY AVENUE, LEMOORE, CA 93245
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2019 ccwa journal
CHICANO CORRECTIONAL WORKERS ASSOCIATION Membership Application Please Print Clearly – New Membership Only and For Updating Current info. Complete and return to your Chapter President or mail to the address below. Include payment if applying as an Associate Member: Type of Membership:(please check box) Regular Member: Associate Member:
(State employee only) Dues: $10.00 monthly, deducted from your pay voucher.
(Non-State employee/ Retired) Dues: $60.00 annually.) (Re-affiliation dues are due by Jan. 31st of each year.)
Address Update only: Chapter Name (leave blank if unknown) __________________________________________________________________________ Full Name _______________________________ Middle _____________________ Last ___________________________________ Address ____________________________________________City ______________________________ CA. Zip: _____________ Full Social Security #_______________ # ______________ # ________________ Email Address _____________________________________ Birth Month _____________________ Home Phone: ________________________________________Cell _________________________ Occupation: _________________________________________ Job Site ______________________
Title
Prison
Agency Number (if known) _________________________________________________________ On paycheck stub I authorize a monthly payroll deduction for the Chicano Correctional Workers Association.
Sign: _______________________________________Date: _________________________________
Recruiters: __________________________________Chapter: ______________________________
You must keep your address current. Mail to: CCWA Membership Coordinator, P.O. Box 3680, Visalia, CA 93278 Rev: 4/19/2019
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