CCWF welcomes CA Legislative Women’s Caucus 

On June 26, 2026, Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) welcomed a visit from the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. This visit was attended by assembly members, advocates, supporters, and residents. 

CCWF Warden Anissa De La Cruz and Public Information Officer Lt. Adam Vogel, along with other staff, were present in support of the day. The event was organized by Smart Justice California and Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, two organizations that advocate for incarcerated people and for criminal justice reform. 

This space allowed residents an opportunity to come together and bring to the table things they believe that are hindering their community. 

Outside guests toured the grounds to give them a glimpse of the incarcerated living conditions. After the tour, incarcerated persons and those invited welcomed one another with lunch, sharing ideas, complaints, and simple hellos. 

A panel of residents that included Serena Mendoza, Asali Richardson, Diamond Vargas, Sally Whitham, and Christina Francis, represented the incarcerated community. They opened up about conditions in the prison, from concerns over summertime heat to alleged staff misconduct. 

Later, Diamond Vargas said, “I felt heard and moved by the support.” 

After the panel wrapped up, everyone broke up into five small groups to give participants an opportunity to further elaborate or discuss unanswered questions. 

At the end of the day, the visit ended with a close out circle with all attendees sharing their feelings about their experience. 

This was a day of opportunity, a day incarcerated women were able to use their voice and stand firm in their vulnerability.