Edition 119/ November 2025

California Consulting is proud to celebrate our successful collaboration with the City of Berkeley, which has resulted in an impressive $22,009,166 in total grant funding.

This outstanding achievement reflects the strength of our partnership and a shared commitment to advancing Berkeley’s vision for sustainability, innovation, and community well-being. Together, we’ve achieved a remarkable 46,121% return on investment, underscoring the value of strategic grant writing and proactive collaboration.

Grant Awards Secured Through the Partnership

California Consulting worked closely with the City of Berkeley to secure funding through several competitive state and federal grant programs, including:



• BSCC - Proposition 47, Cohort 5: $8,000,000
• Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC): $1,000,000
• FEMA - San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund: $1,500,000
• Prop 68 - Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program: $5,000,000
• California Transportation Commission - Local Transportation Climate Adaptation Program (LTCAP): $3,780,000
• FEMA/CalOES – Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): $1,237,500
• Clean California Local Grant Program (Caltrans): $591,666
• California Department of Parks and Recreation – Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): $900,000

 These grant awards are funding transformative projects that enhance public spaces, improve safety and resilience, and promote environmental sustainability throughout the Berkeley community.

Dan Rodriguez, Director of Operations, stated, “The partnership between California Consulting and the City of Berkeley is a powerful example of what’s possible when strategic vision meets teamwork. Securing over $22 million in funding demonstrates the City’s dedication to advancing innovative, community-centered projects — and we’re proud to have supported their mission every step of the way.”

The partnership between the City of Berkeley and California Consulting demonstrates the power of teamwork, strategic planning, and persistence in achieving community impact. Together, we’ve turned funding opportunities into real results that make a difference for residents across the city. We are honored to continue supporting Berkeley’s efforts to build a safer, greener, and more connected future for all.

California Consulting is proud to announce that our clients—including the City of Vallejo, City of El Cajon, City of Patterson, City of Baldwin Park, City of Newman, City of Monterey, and City of Livermore—have secured a combined $6,052,930 in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

These grants strengthen fire and emergency response services, bolster public safety, and enhance community resilience across California.

Award Highlights

• City of Vallejo — $2,911,896 (FEMA SAFER Program): This award will expand fire department staffing to support the city’s growing needs and ensure timely, well-equipped emergency response services.

• City of El Cajon — $1,844,631 (FEMA SAFER Program): Funding will support firefighter recruitment, retention, and training, strengthening local emergency readiness and operational capacity.

• City of Monterey — $399,106 (FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant): This grant will enhance fire service training and provide critical equipment upgrades to improve life-saving capabilities.

• City of Livermore — $467,285 (FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant): Funding will send three current EMTs to paramedic school, expanding advanced emergency medical response capacity for the Livermore community.

• City of Patterson — $208,974 (FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant): Project Manager Ilya Malinsky partnered with city leadership to secure funds that will support EMT training for firefighters in Summer 2025, improving frontline emergency medical readiness.

• City of Newman — $71,038 (FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant): This grant will provide essential firefighting equipment and safety resources, strengthening first-responder readiness and protection.

• City of Baldwin Park — $150,000 (FEMA Homeland Security SHSP Program): Funding will enhance emergency preparedness and security coordination across the city while supporting hazard mitigation initiatives to protect residents and local infrastructure.

Together, these FEMA-funded projects highlight California Consulting’s continued commitment to helping cities across California secure critical funding that protects residents, strengthens emergency response, and builds resilient communities.

“It’s gratifying to see these cities receive the resources they need to strengthen their emergency response teams and public safety programs,” said Sam D’Ambrosio, Grant Specialist at California Consulting. “Our team takes great pride in working closely with local leaders to turn critical community priorities into funded realities.”

Congratulations to our incredible clients and the California Consulting project managers whose hard work and dedication made these wins possible.

The San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program (ROP) has been awarded $2,000,000 through the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG) from the California Department of Education (CDE).

Project Manager Maria Sokol guided the process, working closely with ROP staff to achieve this milestone. The preliminary grant qualification results have been posted, and the State Board of Education (SBE) will soon review and approve the CTEIG grant qualifications.

These funds are dedicated to encouraging, maintaining, and strengthening the delivery of high-quality career technical education programs across the region. This investment will help students gain critical skills, prepare for future careers, and support local workforce development.

San Gabriel Valley ROP continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence in education, innovation, and student success.

The City of Vallejo has been awarded $765,319 through the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The funding will support the acquisition of affordable rental housing, provide homebuyer assistance, and cover operating and capital costs for local navigation centers.

Cal Consulting collaborated closely with the City to craft a successful application, ensuring that Vallejo could access these critical resources to benefit residents in need of safe, stable, and affordable housing. Management Assistant, Caitlin Williams, worked alongside City staff to maximize the impact of the funding and guide the project through every stage of the process.

This award highlights Vallejo’s ongoing commitment to addressing housing needs and demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in unlocking funding opportunities that create meaningful community impact.

California Consulting is proud to announce that our client, the City of Livermore, has been awarded $467,285 through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

This critical funding will allow three of Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department’s current EMTs to attend paramedic school, enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring the communities served continue to receive top-tier emergency medical services.

Project Manager Matthew Kamm worked closely with Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department’s administrative team to develop and submit the successful grant application. This collaboration highlights the City of Livermore’s commitment to professional development and the safety of its residents.

“This grant represents a major investment in our team and our community,” said Livermore City Manager Marianna Burch. “By helping our EMTs advance to paramedic certification, we’re strengthening our emergency response system and continuing to provide the highest level of care to our residents.”

California Consulting congratulates the City of Livermore and its Fire Department on this outstanding achievement. We are honored to have supported the City’s vision of growth, preparedness, and service excellence.

In October California Consulting celebrated a series of successful grant awards across multiple communities. Our clients secured critical funding to support public safety, community development, and infrastructure projects. These awards demonstrate the impact of strategic grant writing and our commitment to helping communities access resources that drive meaningful, lasting change.

We are truly honored to receive the Certificate of Recognition from the City of San Gabriel for sponsoring the 10th Annual Dumpling and Beer Fest. Your acknowledgment means a great deal to us, and we are proud to support such a wonderful community event that brings people together to celebrate local culture and camaraderie.

Thank you to the City of San Gabriel for your partnership and for making this festival a memorable experience for everyone!

At California Consulting, our team’s success is powered by exceptional professionals who turn vision into action.

Senior Project Manager Karen Simpson is a shining example, with a career marked by securing critical funding across transportation, housing, community development, and environmental projects. Her awarded grants speak volumes—totaling over $57 million and spanning multiple cities and counties throughout California.

Key Project Highlights:

• City of Vallejo: Last Mile Broadband Expansion ($3.86M), Urban and Community Forestry ($1.73M), Downtown Streetscape Improvements ($2.4M), JFK Library Renovation ($4.3M)
• City of Montebello: Highway Safety Improvement Program ($860K), Open Streets Cycle 2 ($149K)
• City of Wildomar: Multiple HSIP & infrastructure projects totaling over $2.2M
• City of Lynwood: Urban greening & bicycle trail projects over $4.5M
• County of Kern & Los Angeles: Clean California initiatives & case management programs totaling over $15M

“Karen’s dedication and expertise are unmatched. Her ability to navigate complex grant processes and secure transformative funding ensures that every community we serve can achieve meaningful outcomes. We are proud to have her leading these initiatives.”

— Dan Rodriguez, Director of Operations, California Consulting

Karen’s strategic approach, meticulous attention to detail, and deep understanding of municipal and state funding processes make her an indispensable asset to every project. From traffic safety to public housing, community green spaces to broadband access, Karen ensures cities can achieve meaningful progress through expert grant management.

Thank you, Karen, for helping communities thrive through your expertise and commitment.

California Consulting Management Assistant Caitlin Williams is our presence in the Nation's Capital and is meeting regularly with federal granting agencies in DC, discussing federal grant updates.

Caitlin gathered important insights on funding priorities and agency strategies. To view her findings and key takeaways, please click the following links:

Office of Congresswoman Nanette Barragán

Office of Representative Jimmy Gomez

Office of Congresswoman Young Kim

Office of Senator Adam Schiff

Office of Representative Jim Costa

Department of Transportation Budget Update

Bureau of Reclamation Update

Office of Representative Doris Matsui 

Office of Representative Vince Fong

Office of Representative Jimmy Panetta

Office of Representative Judy Chu

National Education Association

Office of Representative Kamlager-Dove

Office of Los Angeles County, DC Office

We’re honored to keep championing opportunities that build stronger, more resilient communities.

Coastal Waterways Grants

Housing Grants

Library Museum Grants

Water Grants

District Attorney Grants

Climate

Education Grants

Municipal Grants

Police Grants

Park Grants

Public Works Grants

Fire Grants

CC is excited to welcome the City of Santa Maria, Rosemead School District, Oak Park Fire Safe Council, Yolo County Office of Education, The City of Twentynine Palms, and A Better Life Through Sports Foundation into the California Consulting Community for grant writing services. We are excited to secure funding for your projects.  

California Consulting is proud that the City of Nevada City and the City of Long Beach has chosen to renew our contract. We greatly appreciate your continued trust in our services and look forward to building on the successes we’ve achieved together.

10/29- Project Manager Hector Velasquez attended the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) President's Reception in Riverside.

10/29- Senior Associates Janine Heft and Scott Carpenter attended the Orange County Taxpayers Association Roses and Radishes Gala 

10/23- Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Hererra attended the California Contract City Association City Manager's Summit held at the USC Hotel.

10/17- Senior Associate Dale Sumersille attended the California Association of School Business Officials Shasta Casade Fall Section Meeting.

10/15 Senior Client Relations Associate and Project Manager Hector Velasquez attended the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp 88 Cities Summit

10/10- Senior Associates Dale Sumersille and Dwight Williams attended the California Association of School Business Officials Sacramento Section Fall Conference.

10/9-10/10 - Senior Associates Sonia Hall and Dale Sumersille attended the California Parks and Recreation Society Director's Academy at Visalia Convention Center

10/8- CEO Steve Samuelian, Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Hererra, Senior Associate Helen Hua, and Project Managers Hector Velasquez and Shant Samuelian attended the CalCities Annual Conference held at the Long Beach Convention Center.

October 3rd- Senior Project Manager Sonia Hall presented at the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Central Valley Forum in Visalia, CA

October 2nd-Senior Associate Dale Sumersille attended the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Fall Section Meeting in San Ramon, CA

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

California Consulting Client Spotlight: City of Vallejo

California Consulting Releases Education Grants for September 2025

Cal Consulting Publishes Municipal Grants List for September 2025



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

The State's Premiere Grant Writing Company