Edition 124/ April 2026

California Consulting proudly congratulates the City of Berkeley on securing $6,947,050 in funding through the California Department of Health Care Services’ Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP). This significant award will support the new construction of an Adult Outpatient Mental Health Clinic at 2636 Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

The new facility will substantially expand access to critical mental health services, enabling Berkeley Adult Mental Health to serve an additional 14,872 clients annually. This investment represents a meaningful step forward in addressing the growing demand for accessible, community-based behavioral health care.

The BHCIP, authorized by California legislation in 2021, was established to strengthen the state’s behavioral health infrastructure. With a total allocation of $2.2 billion, the program funds projects focused on the construction, acquisition, and expansion of facilities, as well as mobile crisis response infrastructure. Funding is distributed through multiple competitive grant rounds designed to address key gaps across the continuum of care.

This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between California Consulting’s Grant Specialist Sam D’Ambrosio and the City of Berkeley’s administrative team. Through strategic planning, detailed grant development, and a shared commitment to community impact, the partnership resulted in a successful and highly competitive proposal.

California Consulting is honored to support the City of Berkeley in securing this transformative investment. The new clinic will play a vital role in improving access to mental health services and enhancing the overall well-being of the community.



Congratulations, again, to the City of Berkeley on this important milestone!

California Consulting is proud to announce the successful award of $7,314,000 in grant funding for our clients through the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Competitive Grant Programs.

These awards will support critical park, recreation, and open space improvements across multiple communities, enhancing access to green space and quality of life for residents.

Funded projects include:

• City of Norwalk – $4,000,000
• City of Artesia – $2,000,000
• City of Baldwin Park – $814,000 (combined awards)
• City of San Gabriel – $500,000

“These awards reflect the strength and expertise of our grant writing team,” said California Consulting Director of Operations, Dan Rodriguez. “Their ability to navigate highly competitive funding programs and deliver results for our clients continues to make a meaningful impact in communities across California.”

California Consulting is honored to partner with our clients in securing these important resources and advancing local priorities.

The Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) has been awarded $509,418 through the California Department of Education’s TUPE (Tobacco-Use Prevention Education) Youth Engagement program, marking a significant investment in student health and well-being across the district.

This funding will support comprehensive tobacco use prevention education at all CNUSD school sites, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make informed, healthy choices. The program focuses on youth engagement, empowering students to take an active role in promoting tobacco-free lifestyles within their schools and communities.

The successful application was the result of a strong collaboration between CNUSD administration and California Consulting. Senior Project Manager Julie High worked closely with district leadership to develop a compelling and strategic proposal that aligned with program priorities and demonstrated a clear vision for impact.

Through this partnership, CNUSD is well-positioned to expand its prevention efforts, foster student leadership, and create healthier school environments districtwide.

Congratulations to the Corona-Norco Unified School District for their commitment to student wellness and proactive approach to prevention education.

California Consulting is proud to support impactful initiatives like this, helping communities across the state secure critical funding and drive meaningful change.

FEMA: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)



Deadline: June 5th, 2026

Amount: TBD

Match: Yes – 25%

Eligibility: ***Sub application required through State (e.g., Cal OES in California); projects must align with FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plans

Program URL: https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/building-resilient-infrastructure-communities

Summary:

The FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program supports pre- disaster mitigation efforts to reduce risk to natural hazards and climate change impacts. The program aims to shift federal funding toward proactive, cost-effective investments that enhance community resilience and reduce disaster-related losses.

Key objectives include:

• Support large-scale, transformative infrastructure projects that reduce risk to multiple hazards.

• Promote climate adaptation and long-term resilience through nature-based solutions and innovative design.

• Encourage adoption and enforcement of modern building codes and standards.

• Build local capacity and capability for hazard mitigation project implementation.

• 30% design = low score
• 30–90% design = moderate score
• 90%+ (ready to bid) = highest score

March marked another strong month for California Consulting, with several impactful grant awards secured on behalf of our clients. We remain dedicated to identifying and winning competitive funding that supports community growth, public safety, infrastructure, education, and local priorities across California.

Below is a summary of the grants awarded this month:

California Consulting is proud to highlight the work of Caitlin Williams, Management Assistant, whose presence in Washington, D.C. strengthens our firm’s ability to stay ahead of federal funding opportunities. Through ongoing engagement with federal agencies, national associations, and congressional offices, Caitlin ensures our team remains well-positioned to support clients in accessing critical funding across sectors such as mental health, education, infrastructure, and public safety.



Below are various meetings Caitlin has recently participated in: 

Federal Agency Engagement

• Met with representatives from the Federal Highway Administration to discuss upcoming transportation and roadway safety grant opportunities.
• Engaged with the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding wildfire resilience, rural infrastructure, and community-based mitigation funding.
• Connected with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to monitor funding opportunities related to water infrastructure, drought resilience, and sustainability projects.

National Associations & Organizations

• Met with the American Public Works Association to discuss federal infrastructure funding priorities and public works needs across local agencies.
• Engaged with the National Education Association to better understand education priorities, including student support services and workforce development initiatives.
• Connected with the National Recreation and Park Association to explore federal parks, recreation, and community wellness funding opportunities.
• Met with the United States Conference of Mayors to discuss federal funding priorities impacting cities nationwide.

Congressional Office Engagement

• Met with the office of Representative Gil Cisneros to discuss federal grant opportunities related to infrastructure, transportation, and public safety.
• Engaged with the office of Representative Lou Correa regarding federal grant opportunities supporting roadway safety, fire services, and community resilience.
• Connected with the office of Representative Nanette Barragán to discuss federal grant opportunities for community development, public safety, and infrastructure funding priorities.
• Met with the office of Representative Jimmy Panetta regarding federal grant opportunities supporting agriculture, water, and rural communities.

Through these strategic engagements, California Consulting continues to strengthen its federal relationships and enhance our ability to deliver timely, competitive grant opportunities for our clients. With the focus of meetings with Congressional Offices centered on federal grant funding and federal grant opportunities, these efforts underscore our proactive approach in navigating the federal landscape and ensuring we remain a trusted partner in securing critical resources.

California Consulting was proud to serve as a sponsor of the CPRS Connections Conference & Expo, held March 11–12 at the Long Beach Convention Center. This annual event brings together parks and recreation professionals from across California to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative solutions that enhance communities statewide.

As part of our continued commitment to supporting public agencies, California Consulting hosted three informative training sessions designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully pursue competitive funding opportunities. These sessions included Grant Writing 101: Funding and Best Practices, Unlocking State and Federal Funding: What Directors Need to Know, and Proposition 4 Deep Dive: Tools and Strategies for a Strong Application. Each session provided actionable insights and practical strategies to help agencies maximize their grant success.

The sessions were led by Senior Associate Dale Sumersille and Senior Project Manager David Marquez, whose expertise and collaborative approach resonated strongly with attendees. Their sessions sparked engaging discussions and offered valuable guidance to agencies navigating today’s competitive funding landscape.

In addition to leading training sessions, California Consulting maintained an active presence on the conference floor at Booth #928, where attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with our team, ask questions, and learn more about our services. Representing California Consulting at the booth was Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Herrera, Senior Associate Janine Heft, and Senior Associate Dale Sumersille, who played a key role in engaging with conference participants and fostering new relationships.

California Consulting is honored to contribute to events like the CPRS Connections Conference & Expo—not only as a sponsor, but as a trusted partner in helping agencies secure funding and bring impactful projects to life. We remain committed to supporting communities across California through strategic guidance, collaboration, and results-driven solutions.



New federal funding opportunities are now available to support law enforcement agencies in enhancing public safety, strengthening community policing, and expanding key programs. Current grants include funding for technology, training, mental health response, and crime prevention initiatives, with deadlines approaching soon.

Don’t miss the opportunity to secure funding for your agency—explore available grants and apply here: https://conta.cc/4m3TvLm

In a field where precision, persistence, and partnership define success, Project Manager Wil Flores is delivering measurable impact across California communities—securing more than $11 million in competitive grant funding that is already reshaping access to essential services.

Flores’ recent portfolio reflects both breadth and depth, spanning broadband expansion, public health equity, and K–12 infrastructure. His work underscores a core strength: aligning complex funding opportunities with the specific, on-the-ground needs of local agencies and school districts.

Among the highlights is a $102,600 award to the Town of Yountville through the California Public Utilities Commission’s Local Agency Technical Assistance program. The funding will support a feasibility study to expand broadband access to more than 940 residents—an important step in addressing connectivity gaps that continue to affect smaller communities.

Flores also played a key role in securing $1.2 million for the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation through Riverside County’s Initiative to Address COVID-19 Disparities. The funding is designed to support community-based and faith-based organizations working to reduce health inequities, with programs focused on populations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. An additional $341,648 award through the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative further strengthens healthcare outreach to vulnerable populations.

In the education sector, Flores’ impact is particularly pronounced. Mendota Unified School District alone benefited from multiple successful applications, including a $3.4 million Inclusive Expansion Early Education Grant from the California Department of Education to expand preschool access for students with disabilities. A separate $725,400 award through the CalSHAPE Ventilation Program will enable the district to assess and modernize HVAC systems—an increasingly critical priority for maintaining healthy learning environments.

Beyond large-scale infrastructure, Flores secured targeted funding to improve day-to-day student experiences. Grants supporting updated kitchen equipment, expanded meal programs, water bottle filling stations, and new drinking fountains collectively address student health, safety, and access to basic resources—areas often overlooked but essential to educational equity.

At Gilroy Unified School District, Flores helped secure $4.5 million for career technical education facilities, including a new culinary arts building and the modernization of HVAC and welding training spaces at Gilroy High School. These investments are expected to strengthen workforce development pathways and better align educational programs with regional industry needs.

While each award stands on its own merit, the broader impact lies in Flores’ ability to navigate highly competitive funding landscapes while collaborating closely with city and district leadership. His work reflects a strategic approach—one that not only secures funding, but ensures it is aligned with long-term community priorities.

Colleagues note that Flores’ success is rooted in both technical expertise and relationship-building. Through strategic collaboration with administrative teams, he helps translate local challenges into compelling, fundable proposals.

As these projects move from award to implementation, the results will be felt across classrooms, communities, and critical infrastructure systems statewide. For

California Consulting, Flores’ work exemplifies the firm’s commitment to delivering high-impact funding solutions—and highlights the role of dedicated project managers in turning opportunity into tangible outcomes.

Congratulations to Wil Flores for his outstanding leadership and continued commitment to strengthening communities across California.

California Consulting is pleased to welcome Roland Serna as our San Diego Associate. Roland brings a strong academic foundation and a passion for public service that aligns closely with our mission to support communities across California.

A graduate of San Diego State University, Roland earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Sustainability. During his time at SDSU, he developed a deep interest in public policy, government operations, and the political economy—areas that continue to shape his professional aspirations.

Roland has gained valuable hands-on experience working with elected officials, including San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson and California State Senator Scott Peters. In these roles, he represented their offices at community and government events, engaging directly with constituents, public officials, and community leaders. These experiences strengthened his understanding of how government functions at multiple levels and the importance of responsive, community-focused leadership.

He is especially passionate about fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to create stronger, more vibrant communities. Roland believes that when businesses, government agencies, and community organizations work together, they can drive meaningful progress in infrastructure, public services, and economic development throughout California.

Outside of his professional work, Roland enjoys spending time with friends and family, writing and producing music, playing tennis, and exploring his interest in cooking.

We are excited to have Roland join the California Consulting team and look forward to the contributions he will make.

California Consulting is pleased to welcome Sarah Gorman to our team as an Associate, where she will lead client relations and business development efforts across Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, and Yuba Counties. Sarah brings a strong commitment to service, shaped in part by her experience as a U.S. Navy spouse, where adaptability, organization, and resilience were essential.

Sarah serves as a Paralegal and Legal Specialist for a local law firm in the Reding area. In this capacity, she has developed a strong foundation in client advocacy, case management, and navigating complex regulatory processes. Her professional experience has equipped her with the skills to build meaningful relationships and provide thoughtful, effective support to clients.

Born and raised in Redding, Sarah offers deep local insight and a genuine connection to the communities she serves. Her understanding of regional needs, combined with her professional expertise, positions her as a valuable resource to clients throughout Northern California.

We are excited to have Sarah on board and look forward to the impact she will make in supporting our clients and expanding our presence across the region.

Coastal Waterways Grants

Housing Grants

Planning Grants

Fire Grants

USBR Water Smart Grants

DA Grants

Education Grants

Municipal Grants

Police Grants

Park Grants

Public Works Grants

CC is excited to welcome the City of Cathedral City, Franklin-McKinley School District, City of Azusa, Central Unified School District, the City of LaVerne, So Cal Girls Fastpitch, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, the City of Encinitas, the Orange County Public School Foundation, and the Orange County Water District for grant-writing services. We are excited to secure funding for your projects.  

California Consulting is proud that the Housing Authority County of Merced, the City of Santa Cruz, and the City of Hercules have renewed their contract. We greatly appreciate your continued trust in our services and look forward to building on the successes we’ve achieved together.

3/27- Strategic Partnership Consultant Griselda Ramirez and Associate Roland Serna attending San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Reception in San Diego

3/27- Senior Associate Scott Carpenter attended the CalCities Partner Networking Event in Orange County.

3/26- Associate Roland Serna attended the CalCities San Diego Division Meeting

 3/26- Senior Associate Scott Carpenter attended the CalCities Partner Networking Breakfast in Orange County, CA 

3/20- Senior Associate Scott Carpenter attended the City of Orange State of the City Event.

3/19- Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Herrera attended the City of Carson State of the City Address.

3/12- Senior Associate Janine Heft attended the Cal Cities OC Division Meeting.

3/16- Senior Associate Dale Sumersille attended the 2026 Yolo County Elected Leaders & Officials Forum, an event graciously sponsored by the Yolo County Office of Education

3/13- Senior Project Manager Sonia Hall represented California Consulting at the League of California Cities San Joaquin Valley Division Meeting held in Lemoore, CA.

3/12- Senior Associate Dwight Williams and Senior Project Manager- Sonia Hall attended the Central Valley Division Membership Meeting, in Tracy, CA.

3/10- Senior Associate Dale Sumersille, Senior Project Manager David Marquez, and Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Hererra attended the CPRS Conference

3/9- Strategic Partnership Consultant Griselda Ramirez, attended the Cal Cities San Diego County Division Membership Meeting.

3/5- Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Herrera and Senior Associate Helen Hua, attended the Cal Cities Dinner at SoCalEdison in Rosemead, CA.

 3/4- Senior Associates Scott Carpenter and Janine Heft represented California Consulting at the Orange County Public Affairs Association (OCPAA) State of the County event. 

3/4- Senior Associate Dale Sumersille attended the City of Davis State of the City Address held in Davis Veterans Memorial Center. Pictured with Mayor Donna Neville.

Thank you to all of the media outlets that feature California Consulting in their publications.

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California Consulting is proud of our Business Development Associates across the state.

The State's Premiere Grant Writing Company