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Supervisor Carlson announces $1 million in District IV Community Impact Fund grants

December 2, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

25 organizations benefit on Giving Tuesday

By Victor Benedict Tiglao, Communications Associate, Office of Supervisor Ken Carlson

PLEASANT HILL, CA (December 2, 2025) – Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson announced 25 local organizations selected to receive the District IV Community Impact Fund, following a review of more than 100 applications totaling $6.5 million in requests. Carlson noted his office spent over 160 hours evaluating proposals to ensure funds reached organizations making the greatest impact.

“I am proud to announce the 25 organizations selected to receive the District IV Community Impact Fund grants,” said Carlson. “These grants reflect the strength and resilience of our community. By investing in local nonprofits, we are ensuring that families, students, and residents across District IV have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The Mt. Diablo Education Foundation highlighted how the grant will benefit students:

“This program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me find my voice. Having access to this program has opened doors I never knew existed and brought me places I never thought I’d go.” – Gabrielle, 12th Grade student at Ygnacio Valley High School

The Cancer Support Community (CSC) also shared how funding will expand services:

“I never thought I’d be diagnosed with cancer, but after treatments and surgeries my life was turned upside down. Finding the Cancer Support Community gave me strength, and for seven years I’ve relied on their programs. This grant will make in‑person support even more accessible for people like me.”– Daryl, CSC participant and Pleasant Hill resident

Other awardees include: 18 Reasons, Assistance League of Diablo Valley, Care Parent Network, Child Advocates of Contra Costa County, Choice in Aging, Clayton Pride, CoCo Kids, Community Violence Solutions, Contra Costa County Historical Society, Contra Costa Humane Society, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, Empowered Aging, First Tee – Contra Costa, GANAS Community Organization, Hope Solutions, Joybound and Trinity Center, Meals on Wheels Contra Costa, Mental Health Connections, Monument First 5, The Network of Care, St. Vincent de Paul – St. Agnes, United Latino Voices of Contra Costa County, and Winter Nights Family Shelter.

“This Giving Tuesday, I encourage our residents to stand with these 25 organizations. Each one is doing extraordinary work. Your support amplifies the Community Impact Fund and helps these programs grow stronger, reaching more neighbors across Contra Costa County.”

First elected in 2022, Supervisor Carlson represents District IV on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, which includes the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, and parts of Walnut Creek.

Filed Under: Central County, Finances, Government, News, Non-Profits

Rep. DeSaulnier to host Town Hall on improving transportation, education in San Ramon Dec. 6

November 25, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he will host a town hall in San Ramon to discuss improving transportation and education in the East Bay on Saturday, December 6th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT.

As a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Education and Workforce, Congressman DeSaulnier will provide updates on his work to improve quality of life in the East Bay by reducing commute times and supporting families, students, and public education. He will also take questions from constituents.

“Two of the issues that impact people’s lives most are transportation and education,” DeSaulnier said. “I’ll highlight my work as a senior member of @EdWorkforceDems and @TransportDems and how I’m working to reduce commutes, make transportation safer, and invest in quality public education to make life better for our whole community.”

Town Hall on Improving Transportation and Education in the East Bay

Saturday, December 6th

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT

Live Oak Elementary School

5151 Sherwood Way, San Ramon

The event is open to the public and press. To RSVP or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. Please note that space is limited.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 253rd town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Community, Government, San Ramon Valley, Transportation

DeSaulnier votes against bill that ends longest government shutdown

November 12, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Issues statement calling it “reckless Republican funding bill” which passed 222-209

Reps. Garamendi, Harder, Senators Padilla & Schiff also vote “no”

Republicans called it a “damaging and unnecessary shutdown” and claim they “acted responsibly and stood with the nation from the start”

By Allen D. Payton

Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) released the following statement upon voting “no” on final passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) in the United States House of Representatives, which ended the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history.

“This Republican spending bill is an assault on the health care, wallets, and wellbeing of the constituents I represent and the American people. Since the start of the year, I have promised to stand up against Republican attacks and protect Americans’ health care. Rather than work with Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan spending bill that keeps care affordable, Republicans shut down the government. After playing politics with Americans’ lives and livelihoods for over a month, nothing in today’s so-called “deal” will make life better for working people than it was before the shutdown started. I continue to hear every day from people who are worried about how to get by and whether they will be able to afford quality health care for themselves and their families. My vote today was in support of and solidarity with these members of our community and millions more across the country whose livelihoods and health will suffer as a direct result of this cruel and reckless bill. Despite this outcome, I will continue to fight on to lower costs, protect health care, and preserve the rule of law.”

The bill, known as a Continuing Resolution, passed the Senate Monday on a 60-40 vote following 13 previous votes, with eight Democrats joining 52 of the 53 Republicans. Both California’s U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D) and Adam Schiff (D) voted “no”. The original bill which passed the House in September was amended and had to return to the House for final votes.

It passed the House on Wednesday on a vote of 222-209 with six Democrats crossing the aisle to back the bill.  Contra Costa County’s other Members of the House of Representatives, John Garamendi (D, CA-8) and Josh Harder (D, CA-9) also voted against the bill.

The House Appropriations Committee issued the following press release about the vote:

House Republicans Restore Order: Congress Passes Clean Funding Extension and Full-Year Appropriations Bills to Reopen Government

“The House of Representatives passed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, with a vote of 222 to 209.

After a damaging and unnecessary shutdown that lasted 43 days, a funding extension that House Republicans called for and passed in September is finally headed to President Trump’s desk. Senate Democrats voted against this clean, nonpartisan measure 15 times over the course of the six weeks they held the government hostage.

In addition to the continuing resolution, Congress approved three full-year appropriations bills covering the Legislative Branch, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Passage of this first tranche of bills is strong Article I progress for Appropriators, who have already advanced all twelve bills through the full committee. With the rest of the federal government now funded through January 30, 2026, the Appropriations Committee will continue working to move our remaining nine full-year bills across both chambers. This regular order momentum ends the era of backroom omnibus deals and puts taxpayers first.

While Democrat leadership and their progressive caucus determined that inflicting pain on the American people was their pathway forward, reason overturned their obstruction in the end. Republicans acted responsibly and stood with the nation from the start. Now, the Democrat shutdown is behind us, and Congress can refocus on the work the American people expect and deserve.”

Next, the bill will go to President Donald Trump, who plans to sign it tonight.

Filed Under: Finances, Government, News

Tune in, give input on planning future of Bay Area – Public Hearings begin Nov. 14

November 12, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Source: Plan Bay Area

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ Is Here
《灣區規劃2050+(草案)》現已發布
El borrador de Plan Bay Area 2050+ ya está disponible

“To help the region build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy.”

By MTC & ABAG

After more than two years of public discussion, technical analysis and refinement, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) have released the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for review and comment. The plan contains 35 strategies representing public policies and investments that can be implemented in the Bay Area by 2050 to help the region build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy. The plan’s strategies also aim to keep people safe from natural hazards, support a strong economy and provide stable housing for those who need it most.

Unique to this plan cycle is the parallel Transit 2050+ planning effort, which culminated in the first-of-its-kind plan to re-envision the future of Bay Area public transit, in partnership with transit operators across the region.

The first in a series of public hearings for Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ will take place this Friday as part of the MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee.

The draft plan, along with the Draft EIR, the Draft Implementation Plan and accompanying supplemental reports, are all available for review and comment.

The schedule for public hearings on the draft plan and the Draft EIR is as follows:

Public Hearing #1 — MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee
Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. or upon the conclusion of the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority Network and Operations Committee, whichever is later.

Bay Area Metro Center
Board Room, 1st Floor
375 Beale Street, San Francisco
Instructions to join by Zoom

Public Hearing #2 — Fremont (hybrid)
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing2
Webinar ID: 875 7625 3306
Passcode: 178983
888 788 0099 US Toll Free

In-person location:
Olive Hyde Art Center and Gallery
123 Washington Boulevard, Fremont

Public Hearing #3 — Novato (hybrid)
Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing3
Webinar ID: 898 0347 9624
Passcode: 129009
888 788 0099 US Toll Free

In-person location:
Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn
215 Alameda del Prado, Novato

Each public hearing will begin with the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ hearing followed by the Draft EIR hearing. Oral and written comments will be received at the hearings.

See below for additional public participation opportunities.

Read Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and its supplemental reports at planbayarea.org/draftplan, review the Draft EIR at https://planbayarea.org/2050/environmental-impact-report-eir, and submit your comments by December 18, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Tell Us What You Think

Submit Written Comments

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+

  • Use the online comment form at planbayarea.org/draftplan
  • Email info@planbayarea.org (subject line: “Draft Plan”)
  • Mail comments to:
    MTC Public Information Office
    Attn: Plan Bay Area

    375 Beale Street, Suite 800
    San Francisco, CA 94105

Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft EIR

  • Use the online comment form at planbayarea.org/2050/environmental-impact-report-eir
  • Email eircomments@bayareametro.gov (subject line: “Draft EIR”)
  • Mail comments to:
    MTC Public Information Office
    Attn: Draft EIR Comments
    375 Beale Street, Suite 800
    San Francisco, CA 94105

Leave a Voicemail

Call the Plan Bay Area public information line at (415) 778-2292 and record your comment.

All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Request assistance! | ¡Solicita ayuda! | 請求幫助!

For translation, interpretation and any other assistance, call (415) 778.6757. Three working days’ notice is required.

Para traducción, interpretación u otra asistencia, llame al (415) 778.6757. Se requiere aviso con tres días hábiles de anticipación.

如需翻譯,口譯或其他協助,請提前三個工作日致電(415) 778.6757。

Filed Under: Bay Area, Government, News

Contra Costa County halts plan for emergency debit card distribution as state releases November CalFresh benefits

November 10, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

La liberación de los beneficios de CalFresh en California para noviembre

All County offices will be closed for Veterans Day holiday, Tuesday, Nov. 11

By Tish Gallegos, PIO, Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department

(Martinez, Calif.) – California residents are seeing the restoration of their CalFresh benefits to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards as the federal government issues 100% of the funding following a court order. CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program (SNAP), provides critical food assistance to households and County residents.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has confirmed the loading of CalFresh benefits to EBT cards for November-eligible recipients who should have received them from Nov. 1-6. CDSS expects the loading to continue for those who were regularly scheduled to receive them Nov. 7-10.

CalFresh recipients can check on their CalFresh benefits by visiting BenefitsCal.com, calling 1(866) 663-3225, or visiting an EHSD office (find office locations at ehsd.org). Note that all County offices will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday on Tuesday, November 11.

With the release of funding to load EBT cards, Contra Costa County is pausing its recently announced plan to distribute debit cards to CalFresh participants eligible for the benefit in November. The distribution was expected to fill the gap from the lapse of federal funding that threatened the food security of 107,020 individuals in Contra Costa County, more than half children and older adults.  Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors’ unanimously approved up to $21 million from the County’s General Fund authorizing the Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) to implement the debit card distribution plan.

“We are committed to supporting our community members and remain prepared to possibly distribute the debit cards at a later time if CalFresh (SNAP) funding is further disrupted,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “It is uncertain what will happen with CalFresh benefits for December, and we will hold the County funds in reserve as we watch for the federal government to reach a funding solution.”

The Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency this week due to the federal government shutdown disrupting CalFresh funding. The declaration stands for 60 days, and EHSD expects to report back to the Board about the need to continue the local emergency.

For residents who need food resources, the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano’s Find Food in My City page is available to search by city or zip code for food distribution sites. Community members can also call (855) 309-FOOD (3663).

Additional Resources

  • Contra Costa Crisis Center- crisis-center.org; call 988 or (800) 273-8255; or text “HOPE” to 20121
  • 211 Contra Costa Database – Contra Costa Crisis Center – comprehensive database of local health and social services for Contra Costa residents
  • CAfoodbanks.org – California Food Banks’ website
  • ehsd.org – CalFresh updates related to the federal government shutdown

En Español

(Martínez, California) – Los residentes de California están viendo la restauración de sus beneficios de CalFresh a las tarjetas de Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios (EBT) ya que el gobierno federal emite el 100% de los fondos luego de una orden judicial. CalFresh, conocido federalmente como el Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria de Nutrición Suplementaria (SNAP por sus siglas en Inglés), brinda asistencia alimentaria crítica a los hogares y residentes del condado.

El Departamento de Servicios Sociales de California (CDSS por sus siglas en Inglés) ha confirmado la carga de los beneficios de CalFresh a las tarjetas EBT para los beneficiarios elegibles para noviembre que deberían haberlos recibido del 1 al 6 de noviembre. CDSS espera que la carga continúe para aquellos que están programados regularmente para recibirlos del 7 al 10 de noviembre.

Los beneficiarios de CalFresh pueden verificar sus beneficios de CalFresh visitando BenefitsCal.com, llamando al 1(866) 663-3225 o visitando una oficina de EHSD (encuentre las ubicaciones de las oficinas en ehsd.org). Tenga en cuenta que todas las oficinas del condado estarán cerradas por el feriado del Día de los Veteranos el martes 11 de noviembre.

La Junta de Supervisores sigue comprometida a apoyar a los hogares que no reciben beneficios de CalFresh debido al cierre del gobierno. Cualquier hogar que no haya recibido sus beneficios antes del lunes, puede llamar o venir a una ubicación de EHSD para obtener ayuda. Consulte ehsd.org para conocer las ubicaciones.

A principios de esta semana, la Junta de Supervisores aprobó por unanimidad hasta $21 millones del Fondo General del Condado que autoriza al Departamento de Empleo y Servicios Humanos (EHSD) a implementar el plan de distribución de tarjetas de débito.

“Estamos comprometidos a apoyar a los miembros de nuestra comunidad y seguimos preparados para posiblemente distribuir las tarjetas de débito si los fondos de CalFresh (SNAP) se interrumpen aún más”, dijo la presidenta de la junta, Candace Andersen, supervisora del Distrito 2. “No está claro qué sucederá con los beneficios de CalFresh para diciembre, y mantendremos los fondos del condado en reserva mientras esperamos que el gobierno federal llegue a una solución de financiamiento”.

La Junta de Supervisores declaró una emergencia local esta semana debido al gobierno federal interrupción de la financiación de CalFresh. La declaración tiene una duración de 60 días, y EHSD espera informar a la Junta sobre la necesidad de continuar con la emergencia local.

Para los residentes que necesitan recursos alimentarios, la página Find Food in My City del Banco de Alimentos de Contra Costa y Solano está disponible para buscar por ciudad o código postal los sitios de distribución de alimentos. Los miembros de la comunidad también pueden llamar al (855) 309-FOOD (3663).

Recursos adicionales

  • Centro de Crisis de Contra Costa: crisis-center.org; llame al 988 o al (800) 273-8255; o envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra “HOPE” al 20121
  • Base de datos 211 de Contra Costa – Centro de crisis de Contra Costa – base de datos completa de servicios sociales y de salud locales para residentes de Contra Costa
  • CAfoodbanks.org – Sitio web de los Bancos de Alimentos de California
  • ehsd.org – Actualizaciones de CalFresh relacionadas con el cierre del gobierno federal

 

Filed Under: Children & Families, Food, Government, News

Apply to serve on the Contra Costa County Public Law Library Board of Trustees

October 31, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Photo: CCC Public Law Library

Deadline: Nov 7; Virtual interview Nov. 24

By Julie DiMaggio Enea, Senior Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants for the Public Law Library Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees was established pursuant to State law and County Ordinance to maintain a law library in Martinez.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for the Law Library with the authority to determine personnel, fiscal, and administrative policies to fulfill the legal information needs of the community. County residents who are members of the State Bar and have an interest in public policy and library administration are encouraged to apply for this non-paid volunteer opportunity. The County Board of Supervisors will appoint to fill one vacancy for a one-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and ending on Dec. 31, 2026.   The Board of Trustees normally meets monthly in Martinez.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or the application can be completed online by visiting the County website at  https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418.

Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA  94553 no later than by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.

Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be conducted virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 24, 2025.

More information about the Contra Costa Public Law Library can be obtained by calling Amreet Sandhu at (925) 655-4600 or director@ll.cccounty.us, or visiting the Law Library website at http://www.cccpllib.org.

Filed Under: Government, Legal, Library, News

Oakland Assistant City Administrator selected as next Brentwood City Manager

October 15, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Photo: LinkedIn

Council to vote on appointment of G. Harold Duffey on Oct. 28

By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant, Brentwood City Manager’s Office / City Council Office

BRENTWOOD, CA — Mayor Susannah Meyer today announced the selection of G. Harold Duffey for consideration as the next City Manager for the City of Brentwood. In this role, Mr. Duffey would lead Brentwood’s executive team and staff in advancing the City Council’s vision to honor Brentwood’s heritage while maintaining and enhancing the community’s exceptional quality of life. The proposed employment agreement for Mr. Duffey is scheduled for City Council consideration on October 28, 2025.

“We are very pleased to announce the anticipated appointment of Harold to lead our executive team,” said Meyer. “After a national search conducted by Peckham & McKenney, and a comprehensive background review, the Council selected Mr. Duffey to move forward in the process. His deep experience in budgeting, economic development, capital improvements, solid waste and emergency operations will support strong collaboration and trust. His commitment to mentoring staff aligns with Brentwood’s goal of fostering meaningful public service careers.”

With more than 30 years in California local government, Mr. Duffey has served in leadership roles in cities and counties—most recently as Assistant City Administrator in Oakland—and previously as City Manager in Grand Terrace, Compton and Oroville.

“I’m honored and excited to join the City of Brentwood,” said Duffey. “As a professional city manager, my role is to provide policy makers with the leadership and expertise necessary to advance, maintain, and expand the quality of life for our residents, local businesses, and stakeholders. I take seriously the responsibility of serving both the community and its employees—the City’s most valuable asset.”

Mr. Duffey holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Redlands and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UC San Bernardino.

According to Duffey’s LinkedIn profile, he previously worked as the City of Oakland’s Director of Public Works and in the Yolo County Planning and Public Works Department. He has experience, “Leading organizations with over 300 employees and $170,000,000.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Filed Under: East County, Government, News, People

Grayson Creek Cleanup in Pleasant Hill Oct. 18

October 14, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Help protect Grayson Creek and improve habitat for birds, turtles, otters, and other riparian species!

Please join The Watershed Project, the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and volunteers from Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks for a creek cleanup and wildlife observation event.

Grayson Creek is home to more than 100 bird species and also provides habitat for river otters, western pond turtles, and even beavers! Help protect this important community resource by removing trash from the creek banks.

Date: Saturday, October 18 · 9am – 12pm PDT

Event location: Driveway north of 250 Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill.

Age Restriction: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. All volunteers under 18 years old must have parental permission to participate or be accompanied by an adult.

-See sign-up link for details and safety information

Details, Instructions & Directions

Dress appropriately for outdoor work. Wear long sleeves and long pants, sturdy shoes, and wear sun protection (hat and/or sunscreen). All cleanup supplies, water, and light refreshments will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle and your own gloves if you have them.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. All volunteers under 18 years old must have parental permission to participate or be accompanied by an adult.

Directions to site: Use Google maps to navigate to 250 Cleaveland Road in Pleasant Hill. There is a driveway just north of there. Drive west down the driveway through the opened Flood Control District gate. Park alongside the road.

Contact Paula White paula@thewatershedproject.org for more information.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grayson-creek-cleanup-tickets-1716934951659?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Filed Under: Central County, Community, Environment, Government, Non-Profits

Contra Costa Elections to test public ballot tabulation equipment to ensure accuracy Oct. 10

October 9, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

 

Herald file photo

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

Ballots have been mailed for the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election and the Elections Office is ready to receive voted ballots sent by mail or dropped in drop boxes. The Contra Costa County Elections Division will perform the County’s official logic and accuracy testing on central ballot tabulation and processing equipment at 10:00 am Friday, October 10, 2025, a at the Elections Office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez and the public is invited to observe.

Logic and accuracy testing is a standard pre-election procedure. The test will confirm that all central count equipment is in working order and functioning properly. A set of test ballots will be run through each scanner to ensure they are properly programmed and operating as expected.

If you would like to observe this process, we encourage you to let us know in advance by contacting the Elections office at 925-335-7800. On the day of testing, visitors will be asked to check-in at the Elections lobby on the first floor.

Filed Under: Government, News, Politics & Elections

CA credit unions mobilize relief for federal employees during government shutdown

October 9, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Karla Davis, Vice President of Communications and Marketing, California’s Credit Unions

Ontario, CA (Oct. 9, 2025): California’s Credit Unions today announced a broad package of financial relief options for employees of the federal government impacted by the government shutdown.

Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperative financial institutions that offer services like checking and savings accounts, auto loans, debit and credit cards, low-cost or free financial counseling, and much more.

How Federal Employees Can Get Help Today

According to Congressional Research Services, over 155,000 federal employees work in California. This does not include the thousands of employees who work for federal contractors and may also be impacted.

During the shutdown, credit unions throughout California are offering various support services, which may include:

  • Loan Relief: Loan payment deferrals and temporary hardship modifications.
  • Emergency Assistance: Short-term, low- or no-interest loans to cover essential expenses.
  • Fee Waivers: Waiving late fees, overdraft fees, and penalties.
  • Financial Counseling: Access to financial wellness counselors to provide budgeting and debt management guidance.
  • Online Resources: Tools and information on our website to help with everyday expenses such as food, utilities, housing and healthcare.

“Credit unions are financial institutions focused on their mission of ‘people helping people.’ This includes times of need and emergencies, such as the government shutdown,” said Stephanie Cuevas, Senior Vice President of Federal Advocacy for California’s Credit Unions. “Credit unions are moving quickly to offer support to federal workers — from TSA agents to air traffic controllers, service members, and more. The goal is to support families during these times of uncertainty while the shutdown is resolved in Washington, D.C.”

Contact, Ask, and Explore

Federal employees can get help today by:

  • Contacting a credit union. Those reaching out should mention shutdown-related assistance. You can find a local credit union here.
  • Asking about eligibility. Every credit union has its own unique method to serving the community. Be sure to ask about how you can receive support.
  • Exploring options. The credit union will want to tailor financial solutions to your needs and circumstances.

California’s Credit Unions

Headquartered in Ontario, CA, California’s Credit Unions exists to help credit unions change people’s lives by supporting their operations, guidance, strategy, and philosophy. Our trade association helps local credit unions in California serve more than 14.4 million members. Credit unions are for people, not profit.

Filed Under: Business, Finances, Government, Jobs & Economic Development, News

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