Featured Programs
Probation department arrests felon on suspicion of having firearm, ammunition
From The Bakersfield Californian
KERN COUNTY, Calif. – January 23, 2026 – A man was arrested Wednesday in south Bakersfield on suspicion of being a felon with a firearm and possessing ammunition as a prohibited person.
The Kern County Probation Department reported officers conducted a home call at the home of Chaz Estephan Calvillo in the 3500 block of Truman Avenue. It said Calvillo is on probation.
During a search of the property, it said, officers found five semi-automatic handguns, four rifles, a shotgun and ammunition of various calibers.
Read article here.
Fewer Homicides, Harder Math for Mendocino County Public Safety
From Mendo Local
MENDOCINO, Calif. – January 13, 2026 – Addressing the board of supervisors on Tuesday, a panel of county public safety leaders said the challenges they face are increasingly driven by state policy decisions that shift responsibility to counties without adequate funding. From Proposition 36 to juvenile justice reforms and pretrial requirements, officials said Mendocino County is absorbing new duties and liabilities while operating with flat staffing levels and uncertain revenue, complicating efforts to reduce crime and recidivism.
….
Chief Probation Officer Izen Locatelli described mounting impacts from state reforms affecting juvenile justice, probation supervision, and pretrial services. Locatelli said probation has conducted more than 100 assessments under Proposition 36 but emphasized the lack of funding and accountability mechanisms.
The purpose of the assessments is to determine whether a person convicted of drug possession is eligible for mandatory drug or mental health treatment instead of incarceration, with successful completion of treatment leading to a dismissal of the case.
“This was an unfunded mandate with no implementation plan,” Locatelli said. He also warned that recent state laws limiting probation terms and closing state youth facilities have shifted costs and responsibility to counties without adequate reimbursement.
“Essentially no youth can be on probation for longer than 12 months,” Locatelli explained. “Doesn’t matter what the crime is. The only way to do that is to have a judge make a finding that it’s in the best interest of the public and the youth to continue after a year.”
Locatelli reported that the county’s pretrial monitoring program continues to show positive outcomes, with about 80% of monitored individuals appearing for court and 70% avoiding new criminal charges while awaiting trial.
Sandra Mendez Named New Santa Cruz County Probation Chief
From Santa Cruz Sentinel.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — December 31, 2025 — …Santa Cruz County has found the next leader of its Probation Department.
The county announced Monday that Sandra Mendez, a law enforcement professional with more than two decades of experience, had been selected as the new chief of probation. Her first day on the job will be Feb. 2.
“Sandra brings the right combination of experience, integrity, and vision,” said county Executive Officer Nicole Coburn in the release. “Her background positions her well to lead the department into its next chapter while maintaining a strong focus on public safety, rehabilitation, and staff support.”
Kern County Probation Office is Rebuilding Families One Participant at a Time
From 23 ABC Bakersfield.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Here in Kern County, redemption is taking center stage. Participants in an intensive rehab program are marking the holidays surrounded by loved ones and allies who refuse to give up on them. This annual celebration is a powerful statement: no matter your past, its never to late to rewrite your future.
Probation in Action: San Bernardino County Officers Strengthen Community Well-Being Through Operation Holiday Cheer
The San Bernardino County Probation Department’s Homeless Outreach Unit embodied the true spirit of community service this season through Operation Holiday Cheer, an initiative focused on extending compassion, resources, and human connection to people experiencing homelessness.
The Connector Newsletter – December 2025
California Probation Creating Safer Communities Through Accountability & Opportunity
In this issue of The Connector, read stories of hope and inspiration of how California Probation is helping create safer communities by focusing on holding justice-involved individuals accountable while helping them transition out of the system permanently through transformative and evidence-based rehabilitation. Probation Departments are a connector in the justice system, interlacing and maximizing the resources available within our systems and communities to reduce recidivism by carefully balancing direct human services and research-based interventions.
Shasta County Probation Officers Commended for Life-Saving Action in the Field
From Shasta County.
The department is proud to recognize two outstanding team members, DPOs Gabrielle Redelsperger and Kurtis Hult, for their quick thinking and heroic response during an unexpected emergency in the field.
County Spotlight: From Addiction to Business Owner – How Nevada County Probation Changed One Man’s Life
From Nevada County News Flash, by Laura Petersen, Nevada County public information contractor
NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. – July 24, 2025 – Keether Merry’s relationship with drugs started early in life. So did his experience with incarceration. Then he turned his life around thanks to help from Nevada County Probation.
…Merry shared how his personal experience with Nevada County Probation helped him break a downward cycle and change his life in a positive way.
“What I can say about Nevada County Probation Department is they help facilitate a safe environment for people like me to better their lives. They facilitated an environment that motivated me to become willing to change and open minded enough to take in new ideas,” he said.
Sacramento County Probation Department Conducts Family Violence Sweep
Sacramento County, CA, October 31, 2025 – On October 22, 2025, in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Sacramento County Probation Department’s Family Violence Unit conducted a county-wide probation compliance sweep with the assistance of the Sacramento Police Department (Family Abuse Unit), Sacramento Sheriff’s Office (North POP Unit), Galt Police Department, Rancho Cordova Police Department, Folsom Police Department, Elk Grove Police Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation K-9 Unit.
Riverside County Probation: ‘Raising the Future’ To Brings Youth Empowerment, Workshops and Giveaways To Palm Desert
From Patch
PALM DESERT, Calif. – October 17, 2025 – A day of empowerment, education, and community connection for children and young adults is coming to the desert as the Riverside County Probation Department and local partners host “Raising the Future” on Saturday.
The free, family friendly event will go from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of California, Riverside – Palm Desert Campus, located at 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive.
Attendees can look forward to a full schedule of skill-building workshops, live entertainment and keynote speakers focused on inspiring youth and adults alike.
Designed to foster leadership, growth, and opportunity, Raising the Future aims to strengthen ties between county agencies and community-based organizations working to uplift local families.
Napa County Debuts Probation Department Mobile Services
From Napa Valley Register
Napa, Calif. – October 15, 2025 – Napa County Probation Department services are going mobile.
The county bought and outfitted a 32-foot-long van using a $483,000 state grant. The Probation Community Outreach Mobile vehicle has the technology to act as a mobile courtroom and provides meeting space for probation clients.
“Bringing the office to clients who struggle with transportation will improve the likelihood they report to probation, which is the underlying reason for the majority of warrants,” a county report said.
Lake County Resilient Re-entry Event Aimed at Overcoming Odds
CLEARLAKE, Calif., – October 14, 2025 – Despite all the curve balls life can hurl, there are people who manage to overcome substantial odds and still manage to prevail and on occasion achieve the success that only their wildest dreams could have conjured.
Yet there’s the Resilient Re-entry program started by the Lake County Probation Department which enjoyed an enthusiastic fourth year; drew a modest crowd to engage with civil and social service experts waiting at booths ready to guide them to a career path some may have deemed impossible until Friday October 10.
Lake County Probation’s 4th Annual Resilient Re-Entry Event Aimed at Overcoming Odds
From Lake County Record Bee and CPOC Communications team.
At Lake County Probation, they believe in second chances and the power of resilience while providing both supervision and services to those in their custody. This commitment was on full display at the 4th Annual Resilient Re-Entry Event, hosted in partnership with the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College.
The event served as a reminder that re-entry is more than just a process—it’s a journey of resilience, perseverance, and longterm community support and safety. Attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand success stories from those who have overcome challenges and worked toward a better future.
Lake County Probation Chief Probation Officer Wendy Mondfrans said,
“This year’s Resilient Reentry was a fantastic event! Throughout the day individuals inspired those in attendance with their incredible stories of resilience, transformation, and impact. The message was clear that with a desire to change, this community is ready to help people make a difference in their lives. We are thankful for the team that helped put the event together and look forward to more successful events in the future.”
Kern County Probation Checks Lead to Arrests for Weapons, Drugs, and Illegal Chop Shops
From Sierra Sun Times
KERN COUNTY, Calif. – September 19, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on August 27, 2025, at approximately 3:34 p.m., deputies from the Ridgecrest Substation conducted a probation search at a residence located at the 1400 block off Hwy. 14 in Inyokern, CA. The search was part of an ongoing investigation involving stolen property.
Deputies arrested Roy Stevens, 74, on a felony warrant, and Jason Hopkins on two misdemeanor warrants. A stolen vehicle and active chop shop were also found. Albert Thompson, 71, along with Stevens and Hopkins, were booked into Lerdo Jail. Thompson and Stevens face additional felony charges, including conspiracy, vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, and operating a chop shop.
County Spotlight: Yuba County Probation’s F.O.R. Families Graduation
YUBA COUNTY, Calif., — On March 14, 2025, Yuba County Probation celebrated the achievements of participants in the F.O.R. Families program at a graduation ceremony held at the TEAM Center in Marysville. Eleven individuals completed the outpatient substance-abuse treatment program, and six people also earned their high school diplomas in partnership with the Yuba County Office of Education.
Orange County Probation Arrested Three High-Risk Offenders During Operation Second Chance
From New Santa Ana
WESTMINSTER, Calif. – September 19, 2025 – The Orange County Probation Department (OC Probation) carried out a targeted enforcement operation this week, focusing on high-risk offenders released from prison under Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS).
Probation officers conducted unannounced compliance checks in neighborhoods across the county. During the searches, officers confiscated narcotics, weapons, and paraphernalia, resulting in three arrests. Several probationers were also referred to drug treatment programs, reflecting the department’s dual focus on accountability and rehabilitation.
Division Director Shawn Barry underscored the importance of this work: “These compliance operations are about more than removing dangerous contraband from our neighborhoods. They send a clear message that probationers will be held accountable while also connecting them with the resources needed to change their path. Our goal is to protect the community while giving individuals on supervision the opportunity to succeed.”
Probationer Arrested During Compliance Sweep of Sex Offenders in Placer County
From Sierra Sun Times
PLACER, Calif. – September 19, 2025 – Placer County Sheriff’s Office officials report that last week, the Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Placer County Probation Department, conducted a countywide probation compliance sweep focused on registered sex offenders.
Detectives and probation officers carried out compliance checks to ensure offenders are following all court-ordered conditions and state registration requirements. One person was found to be out of compliance. These operations are a key part of our ongoing commitment to public safety and holding offenders accountable.
The Connector Newsletter – October 20, 2025
California Probation Creating Safer Communities Through Accountability & Opportunity
In this issue of The Connector, read stories of hope and inspiration of how California Probation is helping create safer communities by focusing on holding justice-involved individuals accountable while helping them transition out of the system permanently through transformative and evidence-based rehabilitation. Probation Departments are a connector in the justice system, interlacing and maximizing the resources available within our systems and communities to reduce recidivism by carefully balancing direct human services and research-based interventions.
Hispanic Heritage Month honors Deputy Chief Probation Officer Rosalinda Acosta
From FOX 26
FRESNO, Calif. – September 15, 2025 – FOX26 and the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of community leaders, leaders like Rosalinda Acosta, Fresno County Deputy Chief Probation Officer.
“I have been with the department over 35 years,” said Acosta. “We are a critical component of the justice system.”
Hispanic Heritage Month honors Deputy Chief Probation Officer Rosalinda Acosta
“We are the court’s right hand, and at the same time, we’re the assistants to law enforcement on the streets, and we’re helping people integrate back into society,” she said. “We can have an average of 200 youth in probation.”
I am where I am because of my parents. I come from a family of ten, two brothers, and there’s eight sisters.
“My parents wanted to make sure whatever we did, as long as we were happy and that we were doing the right thing and contributing to society in the right way,” said Acosta.
“I am a huge dog person. I walk my two dogs every morning,” she said. “They’re my little four-legged children. I would do whatever I can to help dogs.”
I have been very fortunate throughout the years I’ve had really good mentors.
“For me to see the young women that come through here and the young men, I’m like, ok, I can help them too’” said Acosta. “I can leave that imprint on them that hey, do a good job. be a good officer. you can succeed too.”
Read the full article here.
