The exceptional leaders of San Quentin’s California Model were recognized in the first Shining Star Staff Recognition ceremony in which residents voted for the staff person they felt had best exhibited California Model characteristics.
Acting Warden Chance Andes and San Quentin’s Chief Executive Officer Rhonda Litt said they created the new monthly award in partnership with residents and the Inmate Advisory Council. The creators hoped the award would acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the recipients and help foster positive interactions while building a sense of community.
“In my 22 years, I have learned things take a few months to get started, but I was amazed by the fact there were a ton of nominations for our staff, which allows us to see the changes are working,” said Andes.
The recognition ceremony “is the only platform of its kind that gives the incarcerated people an opportunity to publicly recognize staff for going ‘above and beyond,’” Litt said.
Five categories of recognition were established in alignment with the four pillars of the California Model. The qualification categories are the deciding factors for residents or staff to nominate staffers for the awards. They included “Mentorship and Support,” “Positive Role Model,” “Outstanding Communication,” “Compassionate Care,” and “Exceptional Problem-Solving.”
There were short speeches by the administration prior to the distribution of the awards.
“Headquarters is replicating this program throughout CDCR,” said Litt, who presented the awards to seven winners in front of 50 attendees.
Andes added, “This was our idea and there may be some changes from headquarters as they implement this program statewide.”
Andes asked all stakeholders to take ownership of the change as he acknowledged that all classifications of staff were recognized in the awards ceremony.
The awards went to correctional officers S. Stribling, Tyler Wallace, and Jose Fernandez, Lt. B. Haub, of the California Resource Team, and Robert E. Burton Adult School teacher E. Stanciu, Senior Librarian Gabriel Loiderman, Supervising Painter Simmons.
“This is a great way the residents can thank the staff who are trying to implement the California Model,” said fifth-year incarcerated resident Michael Keeyes.
Lt. Haub said, “It means everything that what I am doing is being seen. I try to make a difference here, and it’s nice to be acknowledged and appreciated.
“The resource team wants to work with all populations that are not on board with the program as it is my goal to have the entire community programming so as to increase public safety,” he added.
Senior Librarian Gabriel Loiederman spoke about the awards ceremony. “I am humbled by being recognized for things I naturally do. I have never thought of treating the incarcerated as less than human, and I see SQRC residents working harder than citizens on the outside to become fully rehabilitated,” he said.
Every month, the awards will go to winners who would receive certificates of appreciation, recognition through CDCR and institutional media, and mention in the Shining Star Recognition Board located in the east gate count area for staff to view.
Litt mentioned the possibility of financial incentives once the state weathers its current financial budget deficit.
The administration asked the staff and residents to “Embrace this initiative as we strive to create a more positive and collaborative atmosphere within our facility.”
Resident Kenny Rogers concluded, “The winners are renegades who are trying to change the narrative. The great fact is that there will be a lot of winners in the coming months as Warden Andes has developed a culture of change that is working.”
