“The appointment of Heman G. Stark, Los Angeles, as member and director of the California Youth Authority was announced by Gov. Earl Warren yesterday. Stark, for nine years chief of the division of field services of … See more

In 1960, Stark traveled to New York City “to study the impact on young people of crime, violence and horror as depicted in the movies and television,” according to UPI, June 6, 1960. “The director will join a 15-member co… See more

Early statistics showed how many youth were referred to the state juvenile justice system. “Out of 2,351,000 youth between the ages of 10 and 17 in California, an estimated 3,781 will be referred by the juvenile co… See more

Rehabilitation of offenders, thus promoting long-term community safety, has been the goal of the state’s correctional system since it was created. Throughout the decades, correctional leaders have reminded staff and the pu… See more

The first female director, Pearl West, was appointed in 1976 to replace retiring Director Breed. She was no stranger to leading the way. “West may be best known as the first woman to be named Stocktonia… See more