By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
SOLEDAD, Calif. — In a unique event at the Correctional Training Facility, inmates and prison staff worked together to organize a car show. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation stated.
The first car show, held on May 19, was a joint effort by staff and inmates from Facilities A and B. CDCR said the event was not only a celebration, but also aligned with the department’s goals for the Californian model to build “safer communities through rehabilitation, education, reparation and reintegration”.
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The event featured 19 vehicles and two motorcycles from New Arrivals and Aztec Legacy, as well as additional vehicles displayed by CTF staff.
The winning vehicles were:
- First: Newcomers Car Club 1965 Buick Wildcat
- Second: Aztec Legacy Car Club 1937 Pontiac Silver Streak
- Third: Aztec Legacy Car Club 1964 Ford
“This event is crucial for us to express our appreciation for the constant efforts of the staff in our rehabilitation. It is about respect and community, and that is what motivates us to continue to improve,” said one of the incarcerated participants.
Guest speakers at the event included a retired correctional officer and members of various automobile clubs, all of whom highlighted the innovative concept of hosting a car show in a prison.
The event also included a fundraising food sale, with all proceeds going to Soledad Swim, a nonprofit organization. The food sale successfully raised $2,908 for the group, CDCR said.
“The barbed wire and towers were all gone and it felt like a car show in a park. It was these feelings that are the essence of the California model. The conversations between community members, staff and the public about the beautiful cars on display will not end just because the car show is over. They will continue for days, weeks and months to come,” said Deputy Director Edward J. Borla.
