California Consulting Community Newsletter

Edition 109 / February 2025

California Consulting Proudly Sponsors

California Consulting Secures Multiple CAL OES Cyber Security Grants for Clients Totaling Over $1.2 Million

California Consulting has successfully secured multiple grants from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for our clients, totaling more than $1.2 million in funding. The grants aim to enhance emergency preparedness and public safety efforts across several California municipalities and school districts.

The City of Pittsburg, Centinela Valley Union High School District, City of Glendale, and City of Davis each received $250,000, while the City of San Gabriel was awarded $219,470. The funding comes from the Cal OES State & Local Cybersecurity Grant – Local & Tribal (SL) program, which aims to strengthen the digital defenses of local jurisdictions against cyber threats.

"We are thrilled to see these cities and school districts receive critical funding to enhance their cybersecurity protections," said Shasta Bell, Director of Communications for California Consulting."These grants represent a significant investment in digital security, helping to safeguard sensitive information and ensure a safer online environment. This funding underscores our commitment to securing vital resources that protect our clients from evolving cyber threats."

The Cal OES cybersecurity grant initiative supports local agencies by providing financial assistance for cybersecurity improvements, including threat detection, response planning, and resilience-building efforts. The funding is part of a broader effort to safeguard public institutions from the growing risk of cyberattacks.

California Consulting continues to work with municipalities and school districts across the state to secure funding opportunities that support critical infrastructure and public safety.

Corning Elementary School District Receives $81,192 in CyberSecurity Funding

The Corning Union Elementary School District (CUESD) has been awarded an $81,192 grant from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Cybersecurity Pilot Program, aimed at strengthening digital security measures in schools. The funding will support the district’s efforts to enhance cybersecurity infrastructure, protecting student and faculty data from cyber threats. The winning grant application was a result of a collaborative effort between Statewide Senior Project Manager Danielle Sotelo and CUESD Administration, who worked together to align the district’s needs with the program’s objectives.

"It was truly a pleasure working with Corning Union Elementary School District on this important initiative. This funding is critical in ensuring that our schools have the necessary resources to safeguard sensitive information and maintain a secure learning environment. I’m grateful for the collaboration with CUESD Administration in securing this grant, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on students and staff." – Danielle Sotelo, Senior Project Manager

The grant is part of a broader FCC initiative to bolster cybersecurity in educational institutions nationwide. With digital threats on the rise, Corning Union Elementary’s success in securing this funding highlights the growing emphasis on cybersecurity in K-12 education.

"We are thrilled to receive over $81K in funding from the FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program. This grant will allow us to strengthen our cybersecurity infrastructure, ensuring that our students’ and staff’s sensitive information remains protected. We appreciate the collaboration with California Consulting and Danielle Sotelo in securing these crucial resources to create a safer digital learning environment for our schools." – Jennifer Devers, Technology Supervisor, CUESD

Upcoming Webinars and Workshops

California Consulting CEO Steve Samuelian will be speaking on the "New Economic Development is Green..and Comes With Money" panel at the upcoming Independent Cities Association (ICA) Winter Conference held in Santa Barbara CA. Kosmont Companies CEO Larry Kosmont will lead the panel on Saturday, February 22nd, 8:15am, at the Mar Monte Hotel and Resort.

California Consulting at the Cal Cities City Managers Conference

California Consulting recently attended the Cal Cities City Managers Conference In Rancho Mirage, CA on February 5th - 7th. Our team, CEO Steve Samuelian, Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Herrera, and Management Assistant Clay Owens, had a great time meeting with current and prospective clients, sharing insights, and strengthening partnerships. We are proud to support city managers in securing funding for vital community projects and look forward to continued collaborations!

On February 5th, California Consulting was proud to co-host an incredible jam-packed event with over 200 city managers and community leaders in attendance. This event was a huge success thanks to our amazing partners!

California Consulting Joins Orange County Public Affairs Association

California Consulting is honored to become a new member of the Orange County Public Affairs Association! This partnership strengthens our commitment to fostering impactful public affairs strategies and community engagement. We look forward to collaborating with industry leaders to drive meaningful change.

Granting Success with California Consulting Podcast is Now Available

Get ready for a monthly dose of expert insights, interviews, and practical tips on grants with our new podcast! Subscribe now for valuable knowledge and success stories in the world of funding.

Episode #4- Granting Success: Active Transportation Program (ATP)

Episode #3- Granting Success: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program

Episode- Granting Success with CC- CAL Volunteers Grant

Episode #2 - Granting Success with CC - Dr. Juile High

Episode #1- Granting Success with CC- Project Manager Karen Leventhal

Grant Corner

Coastal Waterways Grants ants

District Attorney Grants

Climate-Related Grants

USBR WaterSmart Grants

Library Museum Grants

Water Grants

Grants for Cities:

HCD: Homekey+ Program

Deadline: Applications accepted after January 30th, Gap Financing projects due March 14th, all other project application types due May 30th or until funds exhausted

Amount: Proposition 1 allocates approximately $2 billion, with $1 billion specifically designated for veterans.

Eligibility: Local public entities (cities, counties, and public housing authorities), Tribal entities, Housing developers

Match Requirements: No match required.

https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-and-funding/homekey-plus

Cal Parks: Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP)

Deadline: March 11, 2025

Amount: Maximum: $15 million per application, Minimum: $300,000 per application

Match: 50%

Eligibility: Cities, Counties, State agencies, Federally recognized Native American Tribes, Joint Powers Authorities where all members are otherwise eligible under LWCF. Park districts, and special districts with authority to acquire, operate and maintain public park and recreation areas

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30578

BJA: Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIG) Integration Initiative

Deadline: Grants.gov Deadline April 17, 2025, 11:59 pm Eastern

Application JustGrants Deadline April 24, 2025, 8:59 pm Eastern

Amount: $700,000 max

Match: No

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172358

Grants for Education:

CDE: School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Programs (SMP) Grants

Deadline: March 3, 2025

Amount: $15,000.00 per site

Eligibility: To qualify for SBP grants, at least 20 percent of enrolled students at the school site must be approved for free or reduced-price meals. To receive SMP grants, the site must meet program eligibility criteria. The Budget Act allows the California Department of Education (CDE) to award grants only to school districts, county offices of education, and direct-funded charter schools.

https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6118

CA Dept of Education Funding: Middle College and Early College Grant

Deadline: March 31, 2025

Amount: $250,000

Match: No

Eligibility: All LEAs interested in starting a new, autonomous middle college high school or new early college high school, in expanding an existing middle college high school or early college high school or in starting a new early college high school within an existing school are encouraged to apply. LEA must show evidence of an existing or planned partnership with an institution of higher education for the creation of a dual enrollment program.

https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6339

CA Dept of Education: Middle School Foundation Academies Planning and Implementation Grant

Deadline: March 31, 2025

Amount: $25,000 Planning Year, $50,000 Implementation Year

Match: Yes

Eligibility: 6,7,8th grade

https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6366

CDE: School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Programs (SMP) Grants

Deadline: March 3, 2025

Amount: $15,000.00 per site

https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6118

California Consulting Welcomes Dale Sumersille as Senior Associate

California Consulting is excited to welcome Dale Sumersille as our new Senior Associate! With over 50 years of experience in municipal recreation and non-profits, Dale brings a wealth of expertise. She previously served as Parks and Community Services Director for the City of Davis and has held leadership roles in Lodi, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Agoura Hills, and Ojai.

Dale holds a BA in Recreation Administration and an MBA in Marketing & Management, with a background in organizations like Junior Achievement, Girl Scouts, and the YMCA.

Beyond work, Dale is an avid outdoors enthusiast and a pilot, volunteering with Pilot n Paws to rescue animals.

Please join us in giving Dale a warm welcome!

Welcome Caitlin Williams to the California Consulting Team as Staff Assistant

California Consulting is excited to welcome Caitlin Williams as our new Staff Assistant! Based in Washington, D.C., Caitlin will support our grant writers with federal grants and meet with agencies to explore funding opportunities.

A graduate of The American University, Caitlin brings legal and administrative expertise from her work as a paralegal and her advocacy experience with Ben Crump PLLC. Her background in philosophy, literature, and law makes her a valuable addition to our team.

We’re thrilled to have her on board! Welcome, Caitlin!

Welcome Spring Interns!!

Cal Consulting is excited to welcome our Spring Interns from USC; Bin Ma, Abdul Rafay, Ryan Jalili, Ian Wang, and Ethan Eckhart. These talented individuals will gain hands-on experience in grant writing, marketing/ communications, and strategic consulting while contributing to impactful projects. We look forward to their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm!

Welcome New Clients

CC is excited to welcome Winters Joint Unified School District, the California Association of School Counselors, the City of El Centro, the City of Anaheim Public Works Department, the City of Corona, the California State University Dominquez Hills, the City of Beverly Hills, Bellflower Unified School District, Exeter Unified School District, Woodland Joint Unified School District, and the City of Livingston into the California Consulting Community for grant writing services. We are excited to secure funding for your projects.

Celebrating Our Renewal Clients

CC is thrilled that the City of Santa Cruz, Bi-Bett Corporation, and the City of San Gabriel have renewed their contracts. We look forward to our continued collaboration that strategically secures funding to enhance their communities.

California Consulting in the Community

2/7/25-Stockton CA CC Senior Associate Dwight Williams attended the El Consilio Reception for San Joaquin County. The reception was attended by local elected officials and community leaders from the region.

2/6/25- Modesto, CA CC Senior Associate Dwight Williams attended the El Concilio Reception for Stanislaus County. The reception was attended by local elected officials and community leaders from the region.

2/4/25- Ventura County CA- CC Associate Danielle Noble attended the Ventura County Special Districts Associaton Meeting.

2/1/25- Long Beach CA- CC Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Hererra and Management Assistant Clay Owens attended the American Public Works Association (APWA) Annual Gala Dinner and Officer Installation event held at the Queen Mary!

1/29/25- Orange County CA- CC Associate Janine Heft and Management Assistant Clay Owens attended the Indpendent Special Districts of Orange County event.

1/23/25- CC Senior Associate Dwight Williams attended the San Joaquin Council Of Governments meeting.

1/23/25- Irvine, CA-

CC Associate Janine Heft and Managerment Assistant Clay Owens attended the Orange County Council Of Governemnts Monthly Board Meeting.

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