Featured Programs
San Francisco Probation Rolls Out Van for Unhoused in ‘High Poverty,’ ‘High Crime’ Areas
From Mission Local
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, Calif. – February 28, 2026 – The San Francisco Adult Probation Department this week launched a mobile unit that will travel to “high-poverty and high-crime communities” across the city to reach people on probation in the streets.
Cristel Tullock, chief of the adult probation department, said the van will go to neighborhoods like the Mission, Tenderloin, and Bayview-Hunters Point, where probation staff will set up a table with chairs out front. Officers will circulate on bikes to tell those nearby that the van is in the area.
The unit aims to serve the roughly 15 percent of those on probation in the city who are experiencing housing instability, based on the most recent data shared by the probation department. The program will offer a variety of services, like connecting people to housing, job programs, therapy, education programs, and behavioral health services, among other resources.
…
The program was announced Thursday at noon. Richard Beal, director of recovery services at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, stood in front of a small crowd at the Adult Probation Department and described how, back in 1995, an outreach van run by the Mobile Assistance Patrol picked him up and took him to St. Anthony’s treatment program.
“The whole trajectory of my life changed because of that van ride,” he said. Beal had four felony warrants at the time, he said, but when he got into treatment and completed it, his charges were reduced to misdemeanors. They were eventually dismissed, and he only had to complete his probation.
…
The van is equipped with outlets to charge devices, including ankle monitors, which can create problems for people on probation when they run out of battery. There will also be a laptop available for use on-site and phones people can borrow. The initiative was funded through a $507,470 grant from California’s Board of State and Community Corrections, part of $20 million in disbursements to 25 county probation departments.
Although the van services are primarily aimed at people who have been impacted by the criminal justice system, Tullock said that if other individuals — like homeless people who are not on probation — come to the van, staff can provide hygiene kits and refer them to other partners, like the Human Services Agency and the Department of Public Health.
…
Mayor Daniel Lurie at the Thursday presser said that improving public safety, a major focus of his administration, means ensuring people released from jail and prison have the tools to succeed.
“When people on probation have that support, it limits the possibility of repeat offenses, which makes our city safer,” he said.
…
Read the full article here.
Kern County Probation Department Welcomes K-9 Enzo
From KGET, Kern County Probation Socials, and CPOC Staff.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Kern County Probation Department has welcomed its newest, and furriest, team member.
Fighting Back Santa Maria is Expanding Its Youth Outreach, Including Focusing on Life After Incarceration
From the Santa Maria Sun.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – February 5, 2026 – Looking at Santa Barbara County’s probation routine for formerly incarcerated youth with a fresh pair of eyes, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley is also providing those juvenile offenders with a new face.
Los Angeles County Probation Mobile Resource Center Brings Services Into the Community
From Los Angeles County Probation and CPOC Staff
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – February 2, 2026 – Los Angeles County Probation continues to expand access to services through its Mobile Resource Center (MRC), bringing supervision, support, and community-based resources directly into neighborhoods across the county.
The MRC aims to alleviate clients’ transportation needs and concerns. Clients are invited to meet with their Probation Officers, mental health partners, substance abuse counselors, and many more service providers via the MRC without having to leave their neighborhood.
On Jan. 23, the LACP Mobile Resource Center was deployed to 2100 S. Orange Dr. in Los Angeles, where probation deputies conducted community outreach and client check-ins alongside the Office of Diversion and Reentry. Together, teams connected probation clients and community residents to critical services and resources in a familiar, accessible setting. Community members are encouraged to follow LAC Probation on social media to find out where the MRC will be located throughout the month.
LACP Mobile Resource Units are dedicated to staying in the community and meeting clients where they are by providing an easily accessible meeting space. By reducing transportation and access barriers, the MRC helps improve engagement, strengthen accountability, and address challenges that contribute to recidivism.
The Mobile Resource Center reflects Los Angeles County Probation’s ongoing commitment to building trust, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing public safety.
San Diego County Probation Youth and Officers Complete MLK 5K
From The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. – January 28, 2026 – Two young men from the Probation Youth Transition Campus ran along the Embarcadero as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. 5K Fun Run, with nearly 700 runners and four Probation officers.
The young men, both 18, are part of the Probation Youth Transition Campus Run Club….
San Diego County Probation’s Ride & Reflect Program Builds Focus
From County News Center.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. – January 11, 2026 – Teens at the Youth Transition Campus are taking part in Ride & Reflect program by cycling on stationary bikes and reflecting on the experience for better physical and mental health.
San Diego County Probation Brings Critical Resources Directly to the Community
From County of San Diego Communications Office and CPOC Staff.
San Diego County Probation is reaching beyond office walls and into local neighborhoods, bringing essential services to the people who need them most.
On September 24, 2025, San Diego County Probation hosted its first-ever Community Resource Fair in the South Bay at the Chula Vista Public Library, connecting residents with programs and support right where they live.
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.
