Elvin Valenzuela

Elvin Valenzuela recently retired from his position as warden of the medium-security California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Valenzuela was named the post in December 2012. He began his career in 1987 as a correctional officer at Avenal State Prison, later transferring to the California State Prison in Corcoran. In 1998, he was named the facility’s correctional lieutenant and, in 2006, became a correctional captain. He also served for three years as administrator of operations for North Kern State Prison, returning to the Corcoran facility accept a position as chief deputy administrator. He was appointed acting warden of the prison in 2011 and was also a member of the San Luis Obispo County Anti-Gang Commission.