California Consulting Community Newsletter

Edition 127/ July & August 2026

California Consulting Proudly Sponsors

California Consulting Clients Secure Nearly $6.5 Million in Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Awards

California Consulting is proud to congratulate three of our clients for receiving funding through the highly competitive Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program.

On June 25, the BSCC awarded $227 million in Proposition 64 funding to support local efforts that strengthen public safety, address the impacts of cannabis legalization, and improve community health throughout California.

We are honored to recognize the following clients and the California Consulting team members who helped make these awards possible:

City of Cathedral City – $4,500,000

Project Manager: Ashley Ramsey

City of Nevada City – $1,000,000

Project Manager: Karen Leventhal

City of Firebaugh – $996,587

Project Manager: Danielle Sotelo

Together, these awards represent an impressive $6,496,587 in grant funding that will help these communities strengthen public safety, enhance local enforcement efforts, and improve the well-being of their residents.

The Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program is one of California's most competitive funding opportunities for local governments. These awards reflect each client's commitment to developing impactful projects, as well as the expertise and collaboration of California Consulting's project management and grant writing teams.

We congratulate the Cities of Cathedral City, Nevada City, and Firebaugh, along with Ashley Ramsey, Karen Leventhal, and Danielle Sotelo on this outstanding achievement. California Consulting is honored to partner with these communities in securing critical grant funding that will have a lasting impact throughout California.

City of Fort Bragg Received $119,2213 from the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Awarded

California Consulting is proud to congratulate the City of Fort Bragg on receiving $119,213 through the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.

This funding will support the Fort Bragg Police Department's efforts to enhance impaired driving enforcement, provide specialized officer training, and expand public education and awareness initiatives aimed at preventing driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI/DUID). These efforts will help improve roadway safety while educating the community about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.

Congratulations to the City of Fort Bragg on this important investment in public safety, and to Project Manager Karen Leventhal for her dedication in helping secure this funding. California Consulting is honored to partner with communities in obtaining grant resources that create safer, stronger, and more resilient neighborhoods.

City of Waterford Awarded $398,385 for Active Transportation Planning

California Consulting is pleased to congratulate the City of Waterford on receiving a $398,385 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant from Caltrans.

The funding will support the development of the City's Active Transportation Plan, a comprehensive roadmap designed to improve walking, bicycling, and other active transportation options throughout the community. The plan will identify infrastructure improvements, enhance connectivity, increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and promote healthier, more sustainable transportation choices for residents of all ages.

Congratulations to the City of Waterford and California Consulting Project Manager Shari Edghill on this outstanding accomplishment. Securing this competitive grant provides a meaningful investment in the City's transportation network and reflects the collaborative efforts that made this project possible. California Consulting is proud to help communities obtain funding for projects that improve infrastructure, enhance public safety, and enrich the quality of life for their residents.

Grants Awarded June and July

June and July brought another strong season of grant funding success for California Consulting and our clients. Through strategic partnerships and competitive grant applications, communities across California secured funding for projects that will improve services, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for residents. The following is a summary of the grants awarded during the month.

David C. Roberts Jr. Named City Manager of the Year

California Consulting congratulates David C. Roberts, Jr., City Manager of the City of Carson, on being named City Manager of the Year by Government Business Review.

This prestigious recognition honors Roberts' exceptional leadership, steadfast commitment to public service, and dedication to advancing the City of Carson. Throughout his tenure, he has championed collaboration, innovation, and responsible governance while fostering meaningful progress for the community and enhancing the quality of life for Carson residents.

Roberts' leadership philosophy—centered on integrity, partnership, and service—has earned the respect of colleagues, elected officials, and the community alike. His vision continues to shape Carson's future while demonstrating the positive impact that strong local government leadership can have on residents and businesses.

California Consulting is proud to recognize David C. Roberts, Jr. for this outstanding achievement and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor.

Read the full feature: https://lnkd.in/gu_4VCAR

Washington, D.C. Update: Meetings with Senator Adam Schiff, Representative Kevin Kiley & ICMA

California Consulting remains committed to staying informed about federal funding opportunities and maintaining strong relationships with congressional offices and national organizations. Recently, Management Assistant Caitlin Williams met with key federal partners to discuss grant programs, funding priorities, and resources available to California communities.

Washington, D.C. Highlights

Representative Kevin Kiley's Office: Discussed federal grant programs that are most relevant to California communities.
Learned that the office continues to provide letters of support for competitive grant applications.
Gained insight into the types of projects the Congressman is most interested in supporting.

International City/County Management Association (ICMA): Discussed recent developments related to Uniform Guidance.
Explored challenges local governments face when administering federal grants.
Shared perspectives on improving grant accessibility and reducing administrative burdens.

U.S. Senator Adam Schiff's Office: Discussed funding priorities and the needs of California communities.
Reviewed competitive federal funding opportunities for infrastructure, public safety, housing, and community development projects.
Exchanged ideas on ways congressional offices can help connect local agencies with federal grant resources.

Federal Funding Highlights

U.S. Department of Justice – Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA)

Deadline: July 30, 2026 (Grants.gov); August 5, 2026 (JustGrants)
Funding: Up to $250,000
Match: None
Supports mental health and wellness programs for law enforcement officers and their families.

U.S. Department of Justice – COPS Hiring Program

Deadline: July 23, 2026 (Grants.gov); July 29, 2026 (JustGrants)
Funding: Up to $125,000 over three years
Match: 25% local cash match
Helps law enforcement agencies hire or rehire career officers to strengthen community policing efforts.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation – Drought Resiliency Projects

Deadline: July 28, 2026
Funding: Up to $5 million
Match: 50% non-federal cost share
Supports long-term infrastructure projects that improve drought preparedness and water supply reliability.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation – Desalination Construction Projects

Deadline: August 26, 2026
Funding: Varies by project
Match: Generally 75% non-federal cost share
Supports the construction of desalination facilities to increase sustainable water supplies.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation – Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects

Deadline: August 26, 2026 and August 26, 2027
Funding: Varies by project
Match: Generally 75% non-federal cost share
Supports planning, design, and construction of water recycling and reuse projects to improve long-term water sustainability.

California Consulting continues to monitor federal funding developments and maintain relationships with federal agencies, congressional offices, and national organizations to help our clients identify competitive grant opportunities and remain informed about available funding resources.

Assembly Majority Leader Cecelia Aguiar-Curry Hosts Highly Successful Grant Writing Webinar

Featuring a DC Update from ACTUM LLC and an Economic Update from Kosmont Companies

California Consulting was pleased to partner with Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry to host a successful Grant Writing Workshop that brought together more than 150 attendees from local governments, school districts, special districts, and nonprofit organizations across California.

The workshop featured Grant Writing 101: Best Practices, presented by California Consulting Grant Specialist Sam D'Ambrosio, who shared practical strategies for developing competitive grant applications, identifying funding opportunities, and positioning organizations for long-term grant success.

Attendees also received valuable updates from guest speakers Robert Valenti, Senior Vice President at Kosmont Companies, who provided an overview of current economic development trends and opportunities, and Kevin Kelly, Partner at ACTUM LLC, who delivered a federal funding update highlighting the latest developments from Washington, D.C. and their potential impact on California communities.

The program concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, where participants asked thoughtful questions and received expert guidance on grant writing, economic development, and federal funding opportunities.

We extend our sincere thanks to Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and her staff for partnering with California Consulting to make this workshop possible. We also thank our guest presenters and everyone who attended and contributed to the lively discussion. We look forward to continuing to provide educational opportunities that help communities strengthen their capacity to secure grant funding and deliver impactful projects throughout California.

Senior Project Manager David Marquez Attends the Grand Reopening of Barnes Park

California Consulting Senior Project Manager David Marquez joined City officials, community members, and project partners at the Grand Reopening of Barnes Park in the City of Baldwin Park on July 18, celebrating the completion of the Barnes Park Expansion and Multi-Benefit Stormwater Capture Project.

The revitalized park represents a significant investment in both recreation and environmental sustainability. The comprehensive renovation introduced a wide range of new amenities, including two basketball courts, a dog park, walking trails, an inclusive ADA-accessible playground, outdoor fitness equipment, expanded picnic and shade areas, upgraded lighting, additional parking, and drought-tolerant landscaping designed to serve residents for years to come.

In addition to expanding recreational opportunities, the project incorporates an innovative stormwater capture system capable of collecting more than five million gallons of rainwater during major storm events. This important infrastructure improvement will help reduce localized flooding, improve water quality, and replenish local groundwater supplies, creating lasting environmental benefits for the Baldwin Park community.

The grand reopening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the unveiling of a commemorative rock, community activities, and a resource fair, bringing together residents and local organizations to celebrate this important milestone.

California Consulting is proud to support communities that invest in projects enhancing quality of life, environmental resilience, and public spaces. We congratulate the City of Baldwin Park on the successful completion of this transformative project.

Team Member Spotlight:

Senior Associate Janine Heft

This month, we're proud to spotlight Janine Heft, Senior Associate at California Consulting, whose distinguished career in public service, government affairs, and business leadership has made a lasting impact across Orange County.

Janine brings decades of experience working alongside local governments, public agencies, and private industry. She was elected to the Laguna Hills City Council in 2016 as the city's top vote-getter and went on to serve two terms as Mayor. Throughout her public service, she has championed fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment, and community engagement.

Her leadership has extended throughout the region. Janine served on the Association of California Cities - as President of the Association of California Cities – Orange County, advocating for Orange County interests in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. She also served as Chair of the Transportation Corridor Agencies, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar annual budget, major capital improvement projects, and a recruitment committee for the agency's Chief Executive Officer.

Before joining California Consulting, Janine built a successful career in the real estate and financial services industries. She also co-founded Personalized Mortgage Express, where she served as Chief Executive Officer and Broker of Record.

Committed to giving back, Janine has devoted countless hours to civic and charitable organizations throughout her career and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the nationally acclaimed Pacific Symphony.

At California Consulting, Janine leverages her extensive experience in local government, public policy, infrastructure, and economic development to help clients secure funding and advance projects that strengthen their communities. We are grateful to have her expertise, leadership, and dedication as part of our team.

Grant Corner

Coastal Waterways Grants

Housing Grants

Fire Grants

USBR Water Smart Grants

MUNICIPAL GRANTS:

USBR: Title XVI Reclamation and Reuse Projects

Deadline: August 26th, 2026 and 2027

Amount: Varies based on project scope

Match: Typically requires a 75% non-federal cost share

Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority

Link: USBR Title XVI WIIN Act Projects

Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation: Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program (EHCRP)

Deadline:

Step 1: Submit a Pre-Application Interest Form via Submittable. Window 2 opens on July 1, 2026, and closes on August 11 at 2:00 PM PST.
Step 2: Submit the Full Application Form via Submittable. The Full Application Form is only available to applicants who have completed a Pre-Application Interest Form. The Full Application Form must be submitted by October 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST.

Amount: $27.5M available through Prop 4.

Early Transformative Infrastructure: $750,000 - $1.2M

Advanced Transformative Infrastructure: $3M - $4.5M

Eligibility: Local and Regional Public Entities; California Native American tribes, community-based organizations; and coalitions, collaboratives, or associations of nonprofit organizations that a 501(c)(3) non-profit or academic institution sponsors.

**Cities must partner with a CBO or a Public Academic Institution on this

Match: None

LINK: https://opr.ca.gov/climate/icarp/grants/extreme-heat-community-resilience.html

California Strategic Growth Council: Community Resilience Centers Program

Deadline: Planning Grants: Final applications are due Sept. 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. o Implementation Grants: Final applications due Sept. 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Finalist interviews will take place early 2027.

Amount: Planning grants: $100,000 to $500,000; Implementation grants: $1M - $10M

Match: No

Eligibility: Cities, counties, special districts, JPAs, COGs, nonprofits, tribes, CBOs, community development finance institutions or community development corporations, emergency management, response, preparedness and recovery service providers and organizations. All communities are eligible to apply. SGC Staff will prioritize projects located in under-resourced communities.

***One partner required for planning, two partners required for implementation

LINK: https://sgc.ca.gov/grant-programs/crc/

CalTrans: Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)

Due: Monday, November 2, 2026

Amount: min $100k - max $10 m

Match: No

Eligibility: Must be a city, a county, or a tribal government federally recognized within the State of California.

LINK: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/local-assistance/fed-and-state-programs/highway-safety-improvement-program

EDUCATION GRANTS:

COPS: School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)

Deadline: STEP 1: Submit an SF-424 in Grants.gov.

GRANTS.GOV APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2026 (4:59 PM ET).

STEP 2: Submit the full application including attachments in JustGrants.

JUSTGRANTS APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026 (4:59 PM ET)

Amount: up to $500,000

Match: Yes, 25%

LINK: https://cops.usdoj.gov/svpp

JJ Watt Foundation

Deadline: Rolling, apply based on sport start season

Sports Starting in: Apply during:

Fall (Aug, Sep, Oct) Jan 16 – Apr 15, 5pm CST

Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb)* Apr 16 – Sep 15, 5pm CST

Spring (Mar, Apr, May) Sep 16 – Jan 15, 5pm CST

Amount: Varies depending on ask (reimbursement for equipment)

Match: No

Eligibility: 6-8 grade

Link: https://jjwfoundation.org/request-funds/

Toshiba America Foundation

Deadline: Grades K-5 due October 1^stannually; Grades 6-12 for up to $5,000 due March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1 annually. Applications for grants more than $5,000 are due May 1 and November 1, annually.

Amount: Up to $5,000 (see website for details on grants over $5,000)

Eligibility: 6-12 grade Teachers in public or private schools

Link: http://www.toshiba.com/taf/about.jsp

California Consulting Welcomes

Project Manager Kevin Packer

Kevin brings more than four years of experience supporting startups, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies through a wide range of federal, state, and international funding programs. His expertise includes developing competitive grant proposals for highly competitive federal programs, including opportunities through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as state and foundation funding programs.

Kevin holds a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Buenos Aires and brings a strong research and analytical background to complex, compliance-driven grant applications. His ability to navigate technical requirements, conduct thorough research, and develop strategic proposals provides valuable support to California Consulting clients.

At California Consulting, Kevin works with K-12 education and municipal clients to identify and pursue state and federal grant opportunities that advance important community projects.

We are excited to have Kevin as part of the California Consulting team and look forward to the expertise and insight he will bring to our clients throughout California.

Welcome New Project Manager Sarah Elghalban to the Cal Consulting Team

California Consulting is pleased to welcome Sarah Elghalban to our team as a Project Manager.

Sarah brings more than a decade of experience in grants management and nonprofit consulting, with expertise spanning grant writing, post-award administration, federal and state grant compliance, strategic planning, program development, budgeting, procurement, monitoring and evaluation, organizational development, and capacity building.

Throughout her career, Sarah has supported organizations across the full grant lifecycle—from developing competitive funding strategies and preparing grant applications to strengthening internal systems and maximizing the impact of grant-funded programs. Her experience helping organizations successfully navigate complex funding requirements will provide valuable support to California Consulting clients.

Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to helping organizations achieve their goals through effective grant management and resource development.

We are excited to have Sarah join the California Consulting team and look forward to the expertise and experience she will bring to our clients and communities throughout California.

Welcome New Clients

Cal Consulting is excited to welcome the City of Fontana, the Town of Tiburon, the City of Laguna Woods, the City of Glendora, the City of Tracy, Temple City Unified School District, City of Carlsbad, Valley Wide Parks and Recreation District, and Mission Community Hospital for grant-writing services. We are excited to secure funding for your projects.

Celebrating Our Renewal Clients

California Consulting is proud that the Burbank Fire Department, Mendota Unified School District, City of Livermore, City of Norwalk, City of Salinas, City of West Hollywood, Bibett Foundation, City of Dana Point, Centinela Valley Union School District, the City of Pittsburg, the City of Carpinteria, City of Buellton, and Lemon Grove School District 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.