California Consulting Community Newsletter

Edition 125/ May 2026

California Consulting Proudly Sponsors

First Quarter Success:

California Consulting Secures More than $29.2 Million

California Consulting's first quarter success secured more than $29.2 million in grant funding during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, delivering a powerful start to the year and reinforcing its position as a leader in competitive grant procurement.

The funding supports a wide range of critical initiatives—including public safety, housing, parks, infrastructure, education, and workforce development—bringing meaningful investment to communities throughout California.

In an increasingly competitive funding environment, this milestone reflects the firm’s disciplined approach, deep technical expertise, and consistent ability to deliver results for clients across sectors.

“Securing over $29 million in a single quarter is a significant achievement and a testament to the strength of our team and our clients,” said Dan Rodriguez, Director of Operations for California Consulting. “Our grant professionals work tirelessly, collaborating closely with our partners to develop strategic, high-quality applications that compete successfully at every level. We are proud to help bring transformative projects to life and deliver real impact for communities across the state.”

California Consulting’s success is driven by strong partnerships with cities, school districts, nonprofits, and public agencies, combined with a proven process that aligns funding opportunities with client priorities.

With strong momentum underway, California Consulting anticipates continued success throughout FY2026 as it advances projects that improve the quality of life and strengthen communities statewide.

California Consulting Celebrates Major Success in Highly Competitive Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Awards

California Consulting is proud to announce a major achievement in the latest round of Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) awards, with five of our clients successfully securing funding in an extremely competitive statewide process. Out of 128 applications reviewed, only 18 projects were selected for funding—highlighting the significance of this accomplishment.

In total, California Consulting clients secured $8.524 million in LWCF funding, supporting transformative park acquisition and development projects across the state.

The LWCF program is a federally funded initiative dedicated to expanding outdoor recreation, preserving natural resources, and increasing equitable access to parks and open space. These investments play a critical role in enhancing community health, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life.

California Consulting Client Awards:

City of West Sacramento – $4 million for a 22.21-acre park expansion acquisition (Arlington New Park Acquisition)

City of Nevada City – $124,575 for a new 0.11-acre park (North Pine Pocket Park)

City of Hawthorne – $1 million for a new 2.1-acre park (Water Tower Park Development)

City of Livingston – $1.9 million for a new 1-acre park (Rec Plex Park)

Jurupa Area Recreation & Park District – $1 million for a new 0.63-acre park (37th Street Park Project – Mariposa Park)

These projects reflect meaningful investments in community infrastructure, creating vibrant public spaces and expanding recreational opportunities for residents across California.

Sam D'Ambrosio, Grant Specialist, at California Consulting, shared:

“We are so proud of the role we played in securing this highly competitive grant funding from the California Parks Land and Water Conservation Fund. Only 18 projects were funded out of the 128 applications submitted. That's 14%!! California Consulting supported 5/18 of those awarded, ~30%, more than double the program's overall funding rate. This achievement speaks volumes about the strength of these proposals and the vision behind each project. I also want to recognize our grant writing team, whose dedication, expertise, and deep collaboration made this success possible. They worked tirelessly to ensure each application was not only competitive, but truly reflective of the communities these projects will serve. This is what impactful partnership looks like, and we are honored to be part of it!”

California Consulting remains committed to helping communities identify, pursue, and secure funding that drives long-term impact. Congratulations again to our clients and team on this outstanding accomplishment.

City of Bell Receives $1.1 Million

HUD Grant: Building Safer Communities

California Consulting is proud to announce that the City of Bell has been awarded $1,100,000 through the Lead Reduction Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This important funding will help the city address and reduce lead-based hazards in residential environments, creating safer and healthier homes for local families.

California Consulting Senior Project Manager David Marquez worked closely with City leadership throughout the application process to successfully secure the award. The funding will support lead hazard identification, remediation efforts, and public health initiatives designed to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, from the long-term health impacts associated with lead exposure.

Lead reduction programs play a critical role in improving housing quality and environmental health in communities across the country. By investing in safer living conditions, the City of Bell is taking proactive steps to protect residents while strengthening the overall well-being of the community.

California Consulting is honored to support initiatives that advance public health, housing safety, and stronger communities throughout California.

Gilroy USD Secures $374,819 Investment to Strengthen Kitchen Infrastructure and Workforce Training

Gilroy Unified School District has secured a combined $374,819.35 in funding to enhance kitchen infrastructure and strengthen workforce recruitment, retention, and training programs that directly support student success, healthy meal services, and career readiness opportunities.

The funding includes two separate awards that will support important improvements across the district:

• $345,210.63 was awarded to upgrade and modernize district kitchen infrastructure, helping improve food service operations and equipment across the district.

• $29,608.72 was awarded to support workforce recruitment and retention efforts, helping strengthen staffing capacity and long-term sustainability within district nutrition services.

Together, these investments will help improve operational efficiency, strengthen district services, and better support students and staff across the district.

California Consulting Project Manager Wil Flores collaborated closely with Gilroy Unified School District administration to secure the highly competitive funding awards.

This investment reflects the district’s continued commitment to connecting education with practical, career-focused experiences that prepare students for long-term success.

🍽️ Improved kitchen infrastructure

🎓 Expanded workforce training opportunities

💼 Stronger recruitment and retention efforts

💡 Enhanced pathways to student success

Congratulations to Gilroy Unified School District, Wil Flores, and the entire project team on this impactful achievement benefiting students and the broader school community.

Grants Awarded April

April was another successful month for California Consulting, with multiple significant grant awards secured on behalf of our clients. Our team remains focused on helping communities obtain competitive funding that strengthens public safety, improves infrastructure, supports education, and advances key local priorities across California.

Below is a summary of the grants awarded this month

On the Ground in Washington DC: Staying Ahead of Federal Funding Opportunties

California Consulting, Inc. continues to maintain an active presence in Washington, D.C., ensuring our clients remain aligned with federal priorities and positioned to compete for emerging federal grants, federal grant funding, and federal grant opportunities.

In April, Management Assistant Caitlin Williams engaged directly with federal stakeholders and national organizations to track key developments and identify competitive federal grant opportunities for our clients.

Key Federal Engagements

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

Met with the National Recreation and Park Association to discuss current and upcoming federal grants impacting parks and recreation systems

Key federal grant funding priorities include:

Expanding equitable access to green space
Modernizing aging infrastructure through federal grants
Strengthening community resilience through targeted federal grant opportunities

Insights gained will help position clients with upcoming federal grant funding in parks and recreation

National League of Cities (NLC)

Met with the National League of Cities to discuss federal grant funding priorities and communicate the needs of California Consulting’s city clients

Key discussion themes included:

Growing demand for flexible federal grant funding for infrastructure and public works
Continued need for public safety, housing, and community resilience funding
Importance of ensuring federal grant opportunities remain accessible and competitive for local governments

Insights gained will help ensure client needs are aligned with evolving federal grant funding priorities

Safe Streets and Roads for All program (SS4A) Briefing

Participated in federal briefing on federal grant opportunities for roadway safety

Key takeaways for competitive federal grant applications:

Strong emphasis on data-driven planning
Priority for implementation-ready projects seeking federal grant funding
Early positioning is critical for securing SS4A federal grants

COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) Briefing

Reviewed federal grant funding focused on school safety improvements

Key priorities for federal grant opportunities include:

Infrastructure enhancements supported by federal grants
Coordination with local law enforcement
Identified strategies to strengthen applications for competitive federal grant funding

What This Means for Clients

Federal grants continue to prioritize infrastructure, safety, and resilience
Federal grant funding is increasingly competitive and requires early preparation
Strong applications for federal grants must be data-driven and implementation-ready
Strategic positioning is essential to secure top-tier federal grant opportunities

Closing Insight

Through direct, on-the-ground engagement in Washington, D.C., California Consulting ensures clients remain ahead of evolving federal grants, maximizing access to federal grant funding and securing the most competitive federal grant opportunities nationwide.

California Consulting Senior Associate Dale Sumersille Moderates Funding Panel at Cal Cities Leaders Summit

California Consulting was proud to participate in the Cal Cities City Leaders Summit, joining respected public and private sector leaders for an engaging panel discussion focused on innovative funding strategies and economic development opportunities for California communities.

The session, titled “The New Grants and Economic Playbook,” brought together experts to discuss how cities can navigate today’s evolving funding landscape, leverage grant opportunities, and implement forward-thinking strategies to support local priorities.

Featured panelists included Larry Kosmont, Chairman and CEO of Kosmont Companies; Michael Antwine, City Manager for the City of Bell; and Patrick Martinez, City Manager for the City of Needles. The discussion was moderated by Dale Sumersille, Senior Associate at California Consulting.

The panel provided valuable insight into how municipalities can combine grants, strategic partnerships, and economic development tools to address infrastructure needs, public services, housing, and long-term community growth.

California Consulting was honored to help lead this important conversation and share practical solutions with city leaders from across the state. As communities continue to seek innovative ways to fund projects and maximize resources, collaboration between experienced consultants, municipal leadership, and private sector experts remains more important than ever.

Participation in events like the Cal Cities City Leaders Summit reflects California Consulting’s continued commitment to supporting local governments with expert guidance, grant funding strategies, and results-driven solutions.

We thank Cal Cities for hosting another outstanding summit and look forward to continuing to serve communities throughout California.

Successful Grant Workshop Hosted by Supervisor Doug Chaffee

California Consulting, in partnership with Chair Doug Chaffee, successfully hosted another highly informative Grant Writing 101 Webinar, bringing together a strong group of participants committed to strengthening their understanding of grant funding opportunities and application strategies.

The session provided a comprehensive overview of the grant writing process, key best practices, and insights into what makes applications more competitive in today’s funding landscape. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly through a robust Q&A segment, where timely and practical questions helped deepen the discussion and provide real-world context for local agencies and organizations.

California Consulting was proud to present at this year’s webinar, with our Grant Specialist Sam D’Ambrosio leading the presentation and guiding the discussion. Her expertise and clear instruction were instrumental in delivering a dynamic and engaging learning experience for all attendees.

This marks the seventh year of collaboration with Supervisor Chaffee’s office for this educational series, reflecting a continued commitment to empowering local agencies with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully pursue grant funding. Each year, participation and engagement continue to grow, reinforcing the importance of these types of capacity-building opportunities.

California Consulting extends its sincere appreciation to Supervisor Chaffee and his team, as well as to all participants who contributed to making this year’s webinar a success.

Upcoming Grant Webinars

Team Member Spotlight:

Senior Associate Scott Carpenter

Strategic Leadership with a Commitment to Community

California Consulting is proud to feature Scott Carpenter, a respected public affairs professional whose decades of experience in government relations, public policy, and stakeholder engagement continue to bring tremendous value to communities across California.

As a Senior Associate, Scott offers clients a rare combination of strategic insight, political expertise, and hands-on public sector experience. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for helping organizations navigate government processes, strengthen relationships with decision-makers, and advance meaningful priorities.

Scott previously served nearly six years as District Director for John Moorlach, where he oversaw district operations, led staff development, and cultivated partnerships with business leaders, nonprofits, and local officials. He also played a key role in community outreach, communications, and supporting legislative initiatives.

Before that, Scott spent five years as Senior Policy Advisor to Shawn Nelson, contributing to policy development in areas such as healthcare, senior services, and legislative affairs. His ability to translate policy into practical results has made him a trusted advisor throughout his career.

Scott began his public service career in the California State Assembly, serving as a Field Representative and Legislative Aide to Chuck DeVore, where he supported legislative research and guided bills through the state process.

A graduate of Concordia University Irvine with a degree in Political Science and History and a minor in Business, Scott has long demonstrated leadership both professionally and civically. He currently serves on the board of Our Nation’s Heroes Foundation and has supported youth leadership and humanitarian initiatives throughout his career.

Scott Carpenter exemplifies the values of California Consulting: professionalism, service, and results. His extensive network, policy expertise, and dedication to helping communities thrive make him an outstanding asset to our clients and team.

Grant Corner

Coastal Waterways Grants

Housing Grants

Fire Grants

USBR Water Smart Grants

Planning Planning Grants

Education Grants:

CEC: Reliable Electric Charging for Eligible School-bus Sites (RECESS)

Deadline: June 5th, 2026

Amount: $2,250,000 for an Applicant that serves one local educational agency

$4,500,000 for an Applicant that serves more than one local educational agency

Match: Not required

Eligibility: Local educational agencies that received Clean Truck and Bus Incentive Project (HVIP) Public School Bus Set Aside (PSBSA) Year 1 or Year 2 funded electric school buses, but did not receive the CEC’s Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles Project (EnergIIZE) PSBSA Year 1 or Year 2 infrastructure funding

Link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6535

The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program announces the availability of up to $22,000,000 in grant funds for projects that will install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for electric school buses. This is a multi-funding lane grant solicitation (first come, first served and competitive) with minimum requirements and certain conditions as further described in the manual.

Funding Lane 1 (First come, first serve)

$4 million in funding available for electric school bus charging infrastructure projects at local educational agencies that received Clean Truck and Bus Incentive Project (HVIP) Public School Bus Set Aside Year 1 and Year 2 funded electric school buses, but who did not receive the CEC’s Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles Project (EnergIIZE) Public School Bus Set Aside Year 1 or Year 2 infrastructure funding. This funding lane is awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Table 4 in Section II.A.1 of the solicitation manual shows eligible Funding Lane 1 Applicants and the maximum number of charging ports that can be requested.

Funding Lane 2 (Competitive)

$9 million in funding available for electric school bus charging infrastructure projects that will support existing and future electric school bus deployments by local educational agencies, as defined in Section II.A.1 of the solicitation manual. This funding lane is competitive.

Funding Lane 3 (Competitive)

$9 million in funding available for electric school bus charging infrastructure projects that will support existing and future electric school bus deployments by third-party transportation providers who serve local educational agencies, as defined in Section II.A.1 of the solicitation manual. This funding lane is competitive.

Grants for Art Projects Program

Deadline: July 9th 2026

Amount: $10,000-$100,000

Match: 1:1

Eligibility: Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; Units of state or local government; or Federally recognized tribal communities or tribes.

URL: https://www.arts.gov/grants/grants-for-arts-projects

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/

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

Deadline: TBD Summer 2026

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.

If your LEA received funding in a previous round of the MCEC or CCAP grant, the LEA is not eligible for round three funding unless it is for a high school that has not previously received funding.

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

CA Dept of Education: Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) Grant 2024-25

Deadline: TBD

Amount: Up to $100,000

Match: No

Eligibility: The proposed SSP must be new to the identified school site(s) and will provide students with advanced instruction and training in high technology fields and in the performing arts in grades nine through twelve. All California public high schools, county offices of education, consortium of local educational agencies (LEAs), and direct-funded charter schools are eligible to apply.

Link: http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6195

CDE: Education for Homeless Children and Youth

Deadline: Estimated Release: Summer 2026

Amount: The maximum amount of funding will be based on the number of enrolled homeless children and youth as reported on the 2022-23 Cumulative DataQuest reports. Max funding amounts: 50-99 / $15,000; 100-249 / $25,000; 250-499 / $50,000; 500-1,499 / $75,000; 1,500-2,499 / $100,000; 2,500-3,999 / $125,000; 4,000-4,999 / $175,000; Over 5,000 / $250,000

Match: No

Link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6098

Municipal Grants:

CalOES: Next Generation Early Warning System

Deadline: May 22nd, 2026

Amount: up to $238,490

Match: No

Eligibility: Applicants must be a California-incorporated city, county, special district, or a California federally recognized tribe and must be registered as an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Alerting Authority.

Link: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/grant-announcement/fy25-next-generation-warning-system-grant-program-cfo/

USDOT: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)

Deadline: May 26th, 2026 @ 5pm ET

Amount: $100,000 to $25 million

Match: Yes 20%

LINK: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A

USBR: WaterSmart Small-Scale WEE Grant:

Deadline: June 2, 2026

Amount: up to $100,000

Match: Yes 50%

Link: https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep/index.html

California Parks & Recreation/California Natural Resources Agency: Urban Greening Grant

Deadline: June 4th, 2026

Amount: There are no maximum or minimum grant amounts (Up to $6 million)

Eligibility: Grant Funds will be awarded to a city, county, special district, nonprofit organization, or an agency or entity formed pursuant to the Joint Exercise of Powers Act if at least one of the parties to the joint powers agreement qualifies as an eligible applicant.

Match: No

LINK: https://resources.ca.gov/grants/urban-greening/

CTC: Active Transportation Program

Deadline: June 22, 2026

Amount: Unspecified

Match: No, but might be a match if applying to funds from MPO

Eligibility: Local, Regional or State Agencies - Caltrans - Transit Agencies - Natural Resources or Public Land Agencies - State or local park or forest agencies - State or local fish and game or wildlife agencies - Department of the Interior Land Management Agencies - U.S. Forest Service - Public Schools or School Districts - Tribal Governments - Private Nonprofit Organizations (Recreational Trails Program only) - Any other entity with responsibility for oversight of transportation or recreational trails

Link: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/local-assistance/fed-and-state-programs/active-transportation-program/cycle8

BCSH: Encampment Resolution Fund

Deadline: June 30th, 2026

Amount: Average grant size per jurisdiction is $2.5 million

Match: Yes

Link: https://bcsh.ca.gov/calich/erf_program.html

FEMA Released

$648 Million in Funding Opportunities

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced $648 million in funding opportunities to support firefighters and first responders nationwide through three major grant programs:

📅 Application Period: May 19 – June 22, 2026

🚒 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) – $291.6 million

🚑 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) – $324 million

🔥 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants – $32.4 million

Funding can support staffing, recruitment, protective equipment, emergency response vehicles, firefighter wellness initiatives, fire prevention programs, and safety research.

California Consulting is committed to helping fire departments and emergency response agencies identify and pursue critical funding opportunities that strengthen public safety and emergency preparedness.

Kosmont Financial Services: TIF TALK

This resource provides an overview of a digital platform designed to help small businesses, freelancers, and organizations streamline their invoicing and billing processes. It highlights key features such as creating and sending professional invoices, tracking payments, and improving cash flow through faster digital transactions. The platform is positioned as a user-friendly, accessible tool that simplifies financial management and reduces administrative workload.

To learn more, view the full resource here:👉 https://conta.cc/4uj1nvi

Welcome New Clients

CC is excited to welcome the City of Encinitas, City of Glendora, Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, Orange County Water District, Los Angeles County Recreational Park and Open Space District, El Camino College, City of Huntington Beach, City of Lathrop (Parks and Rec Dept.), Standing With Our Families Foundation, Opterra Energy Services, and Orange County Public Schools Foundation for grant-writing services. We are excited to secure funding for your projects.

Celebrating Our Renewal Clients

California Consulting is proud that the Mendota Unified School District, the Burbank Fire Department, and the Gliroy Unified 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.

California Consulting in the Community

Our team continues to stay actively engaged across California, connecting with leaders and tracking the policies shaping our communities.

Yolo County SELPA Annual Awards Ceremony

California Consulting was honored to have Senior Associate Dale Sumersille represent our team at the Yolo County Office of Education for the Yolo County SELPA Annual Awards Ceremony. The event celebrated the outstanding efforts of educators, families, and community leaders supporting students with disabilities through advocacy, leadership, and collaboration. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients for the meaningful impact they continue to make throughout the region.

Trust for Public Land's

Funding Strategies for Parks across the Central Valley

California Consulting, Inc. was proud to have Senior Associate Dale Sumersille represent our team at the Trust for Public Land’s “Funding Strategies for Parks across the Central Valley” event in Stockton, where regional leaders discussed current and upcoming green space funding opportunities and Proposition 4 updates. We are honored to support conversations and collaborations that help communities secure critical funding for parks, open spaces, and improved quality of life throughout California.

APWA Sacramento Chapter Luncheon

At the APWA Sacramento Chapter meeting in Citrus Heights, Senior Associate Dale Sumersille joined public works leaders for a presentation on the American River Debris Removal Project, gaining insight into the challenges of environmental permitting, multi-agency coordination, and executing infrastructure projects in sensitive and historically impacted areas.

City of San Clemente State of the City Address

California Consulting was proud to attend the San Clemente State of the City event and celebrate the City’s strong leadership, community spirit, and continued partnership with our team. From the creative “sunglasses surprise” for Mayor Rick Loeffler to the thoughtful recognition of local first responders, the event perfectly balanced fun, professionalism, and community pride. Congratulations to the City of San Clemente on a successful and memorable evening!

Cal Cities East Bay Division Meeting

California Consulting was proud to participate in the League of California Cities East Bay Division meeting in Fremont, where we were represented by our Senior Associate Dale Sumersille. Important conversations centered around the evolving challenges and policies surrounding e-bikes in California communities. The presentation, “E-Bikes, The Race for Safety and Policy,” by Sonoma State University Associate Professor Kevin Fong provided valuable insight into the legal, safety, and municipal considerations shaping this rapidly growing issue. The second photo highlights the different classifications of e-bikes currently seen on California streets, identifying which are legal, questionable, and prohibited under state regulations.

Association of California School Administrators

"Honoring Our Own" Gala

The Association of California School Administrators’ “Honoring Our Own” Gala in San Diego, supporting statewide recognition of educational leadership and collaboration among school superintendents, board members, and administrators. Cal Consulting’s Associate Roland Serna attended the event alongside Griselda Ramirez. We were honored to be Emerald Sponsors for the event.

Independent Special Districts Association of Orange County

Senior Associate Scott Carpenter attended the Independent Special Districts of Orange County meeting, where district leaders came together to share updates on operational priorities, policy developments, and regional collaboration efforts. The discussion provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing special districts, while strengthening connections among local agencies.

ACSA Region XIX Chapter Meeting

Senior Associate Scott Carpenter participated in the ACSA Region XIX meeting, where education administrators gathered to discuss regional challenges, evolving policy priorities, and shared strategies for supporting schools and students. The meeting also offered a strong opportunity to connect with leaders across the region and exchange ideas on strengthening educational outcomes. California Consulting is a proud sponsor of ACSA Region XIX.

San Gabriel Valley City Managers Association and Municipal Management of Southern California (MMASC) Regional Meeting

Recently, California Consulting was a proud co-sponsor of the San Gabriel Valley City Managers Association and MMASC Regional Meeting. Our Senior Associate Karen Herrera attended the event. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity to connect with emerging and experienced city managers, while highlighting strong regional collaboration—special thanks to the City of Arcadia for hosting the event.

City of Dana Point: State of the City Address

Janine Heft attended Dana Point’s State of the City, where City leaders including Mayor John Gabbard, Michael Frost, Jamey Federico, and newly appointed City Manager Kelly Reenders shared updates on the City’s continued growth and priorities, highlighting strong community engagement and regional momentum. The event also featured keynote speaker Lynn “Nay” Valbuena, Chairwoman of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, whose powerful remarks on her life journey and philanthropy left a lasting impression and underscored the impact of long-term community giving.

City of Carson State of the City Address

Senior Associate Karen Herrera represented California Consulting, Inc. at the City of Carson’s “State of the City” event, where Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes highlighted strong economic development growth, expanded parks and youth and senior programming, and the City’s role as a host for five 2028 Olympic events. The well-attended presentation showcased Carson’s continued momentum, and California Consulting is proud to serve as the City’s grant-writing partner in supporting these initiatives.

OC Women in Leadership Summit

At the OC Women in Leadership Summit, Janine Heft connected with regional leaders and joined conversations centered on advancing leadership development and expanding opportunities for women in the public sector. The event fostered meaningful dialogue and strong professional networking across agencies.

Cal Cities North Bay Division Meeting

California Consulting was represented by Senior Associate Stephen Sanger at the recent Cal Cities North Bay Division meeting, where discussions focused on governance priorities and key issues impacting Northern California agencies. The gathering encouraged collaboration and shared problem-solving among local governments.

Cal Cities Riverside County Dinner

Associate Roland Serna attended the Riverside County League of Cities Dinner on behalf of Cal Consulting. He engaged with local officials in conversations on regional policy priorities and strengthening municipal collaboration across the county. The evening emphasized partnership and coordination among cities.

American Public Works Association (APWA) Sacramento Chapter Luncheon

The APWA Sacramento Chapter Luncheon brought together public works professionals, including Cal Consulting Senior Associate Dale Sumersille, for discussions on statewide infrastructure challenges and ongoing project updates. The event offered valuable insight into current initiatives and peer exchange across the field.

South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC) Meet the Mayors Breakfast

At the SOCEC Meet the Mayors Breakfast, Senior Associate Janine Heft attended the SOCEC Meet the Mayors Breakfast on behalf of California Consulting, where South Orange County leaders gathered in Laguna Niguel for updates from all twelve mayors and discussions on regional priorities. The well-attended event showcased the evolution of the program into a full-format regional convening, highlighting strong collaboration and continued engagement among city officials and community partners.