Recognizing the importance of maintaining family connections, CDCR visiting staff and family councils made July Fourth visiting special. Some institutions, such as Valley State Prison, held a barbecue for the entire institution.

Valley State Prison celebrated Independence Day with a barbecue for the entire incarcerated population. Incarcerated cooks and staff grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, providing a barbecue food plate. According to organizers, the barbecue plates were well received by the incarcerated population.

— Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum

Editor’s note: As more institutions submit their information, this story will be updated. Staff and residents worked together for the barbecue at Valley State Prison.