Veterans Resource Guide The State of California is home to more than two million veterans, the largest state veteran population in America. These courageous men and women have fulfilled the highest duty to our nation by serving in the Armed Forces. We owe them a great deal. California is committed to ensuring that all veterans, of all wars, receive the services and programs to which they are entitled. Every year, the California State Senate pursues legislation affecting veterans. This brochure lists a variety of services available to veterans and their families, including employment, rehabilitation, housing and training. Additional information on memorial sites and veterans homes is also included. I hope this brochure will serve as a guide to the opportunities available to the men and women who have served our country so bravely. SENATOR TOM HARMAN 35TH Senate District A History of Veterans Day "...remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain..." - President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954 In 1921, an unknown American World War I soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Similar ceremonies were carried out in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation's highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey, and in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the end of World War I hostilities. The day became known as "Armistice day", dedicated to the cause of world peace. A 1926 Congressional resolution proclaimed the holiday official; shortly thereafter, World War II broke out. Millions of Americans took part; hundreds of thousands died. A proposal was made in Washington to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, making it an occasion to honor those who served America in wartime. President Eisenhower signed it into law in 1954, and November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Since then, three more unidentified American war dead have been interred in Arlington Cemetery: one each from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Veterans Day continues to recognize the important contributions of those citizens whose military service had a profound effect on our history. It is a celebration that honors veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The celebration also provides millions with a greater appreciation of this significant part of our national heritage. Currently, there are over 25 million veterans in the United States and over 45 million survivors and dependents of veterans. They represent nearly 1/3 of the United States population. California Veterans Memorial Registry California maintains more than 500 veterans memorials throughout the state, ranging in size and description from small roadside plaques to large structures, including buildings and bridges. In 2000, Senate Bill 1635 created a registry that would catalogue these memorials. That law provided for the establishment of a Veterans Memorial Registry, to be made publicly accessible on the web site of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA). The registry provides the location and condition of all known veterans memorials in California. The CDVA is currently collecting information for inclusion in this registry. A survey form is available on the web site to assist in identifying these commemorative structures: www.cdva.ca.gov/registry Veterans Memorial Registry California Department of Veterans Affairs 1227 O Street, Room 100 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 653-2192 Veterans Memorials in Capitol Park Designed in the 19th century as a Victorian garden, Capitol Park surrounds the State Capitol building with 40 acres of trees and plants from around the world. Today, the park includes many historical monuments, including those erected in honor of our country's veterans. Civil War Memorial Situated in the center of the park, behind the trout pond, this grove of trees was the first war memorial in Capitol Park. Dedicated in 1897 by the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, the grove was designed with more that 40 saplings transplanted from various Civil War battlefields. Mexican-American Veterans Memorial Located across from the State Capitol, this memorial was dedicated in 1951 by the Society of Mexican Mothers to soldiers of Hispanic descent who served during the second World War. Bell of the USS California The USS California was launched from Mare Island in 1919 and saw service in Pearl Harbor. The bell was dedicated in 1949. Spanish-American War Memorial Located near the trout pond, the memorial of "The Hiker" honors those veterans of the 1898 Spanish-American War. California Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Situated in the northeast corner of the park, this memorial was built entirely with donated funds. The names of 5,822 Californians who gave their lives or are listed as MIA (Missing in Action) are included on 22 black granite panels. California Veterans Memorial Dedicated in 1998, this unique memorial honors all Californians who served in all U.S. wars, regardless of branch, rank or duty. A registry of veterans is accessible through a computer kiosk. Veterans Homes of California One of the missions of the CDVA is to provide veterans, and sometimes their dependents, with rehabilitative, residential and medical care and services in a home-like setting. These facilities offer veterans a therapeutic environment that provides support and encouragement to live quality lives. CDVA operates three veterans home facilities: Veterans Home of California, Yountville (founded 1884) Attn: Admissions and Information P.O. Box 1200 Yountville, CA 94599-1297 (800) 404-8387 Veterans Home of California, Barstow (founded 1996) Attn: Admissions Office 100 East Veterans Parkway Barstow, CA 92311-7003 (760) 252-6281 (800) 746-0606 Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista (founded 2000) Attn: Admissions Office 700 East Naples Court Chula Vista, CA 91911 (619) 482-6010 (888) 857-2146 (Toll Free) In 1999, Assembly Bill 193 established the Governor's Commission on California Veterans Homes. Its purpose was to advise the Governor and Legislature on the establishment of sites for future veterans homes in areas currently underserved, specifically the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin. The Commission was also to consider sites for a specialized facility dealing with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. In August 2002, legislation was signed authorizing five new veterans homes in: Lancaster and Ventura, 2009; Los Angeles, 2010; Shasta County and Fresno County, 2012. The new Alzheimer's/Dementia Unit is now open in the Yountville Veterans Home with three more in the planning stages for the Los Angeles, Fresno and Shasta County facilities. Veterans Cemeteries in California National Veterans Cemeteries www.cem.va.gov One of the missions of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) is to maintain national veterans cemeteries; the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) currently oversees 120 cemeteries throughout the country. It provides burial space for veterans and their eligible family members, maintains each site, and administers grants for establishing or expanding existing state veterans cemeteries. For more information on eligibility requirements, call (800) 827-1000. There are seven national veterans cemeteries in California. At this time, only the San Joaquin and Riverside cemeteries are open for new burial; the remaining are closed to all but dependents of veterans already buried there. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery Point Loma P.O. Box 6237 San Diego, CA 92166 (619) 553-2084 Golden Gate National Cemetery 1300 Sneath Lane San Bruno, CA 94066 (650) 589-7737 Los Angeles National Cemetery 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 268-4675 Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518 (951) 653-8417 Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery 5810 Midway Road Dixon, CA 95620 (707) 693-2460 San Francisco National Cemetery Presidio of San Francisco P.O. Box 29012 San Francisco, CA 94129 (650) 589-7737 San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery 32053 West McCabe Road Santa Nella, CA 95322 (209) 854-1040 State Veterans Cemeteries California is one of many states that has established state veterans cemeteries through the VA's State Cemetery Grants Program. Eligibility is similar to that of national cemeteries, but may include residency requirements. Although funding is provided through the grants program, state veterans cemeteries are run solely by each state. Veterans Memorial Grove Cemetery The state veterans cemetery located at the State Veterans Home in Yountville is for residents of the home, with very few exceptions. Veterans Home of California Yountville, CA 94599 (800) 404-8387 (707) 944-4600 Northern California Veterans Cemetery P.O. Box 76 11800 Gas Point Road Igo, CA 96047 (866) 777-4533 Resource/Directory Guide The following list of resources and web sites is designed to assist veterans in researching services, special entitlements, benefits, etc. Before applying for any entitlement claims, however, please be sure you are aware of the following: Whenever you apply for any veteran's entitlement, you will be asked to provide a copy of your military discharge document, commonly known as a "DD-214". You may want to have your DD-214 recorded at your county recorder's office, at no charge. By doing so, you will be able to obtain a free official copy should the need arise. Be sure to look into the security measures at your county recorder's office. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can keep your DD-214 in a safe place, such as a strong box, or bank safety deposit box. Make copies only as needed. If you have lost or misplaced your DD-214, obtaining an official replacement from the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri, may take up to three months or more, thus delaying your ability to obtain medical care and other entitlements. You can also contact your local County Veterans Service Officer for assistance. See pages 11-13 for a county-by-county listing. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) www.va.gov The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for providing federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. It provides significant education and vocational rehabilitation benefits, home loans, service-connected disability compensation, medical and dental care, burial benefits, readjustment counseling and life insurance. There are three regional offices in California: Oakland 1301 Clay Street, Room 1130 North Oakland, CA 94612 (800) 827-1000 email: Oakland.query@VBA.VA.gov San Diego 8810 Rio San Diego Drive, Room 1122 San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 827-1000 email: SanDiego.query@VBA.VA.gov Los Angeles Federal Building 11000 Wilshire Blvd., Room 5203 Los Angeles, CA 90024 (800) 827-1000 email: LosAngeles.query@VBA.VA.gov Each of the two branches of Congress has a committee dedicated to veterans issues. Their web sites include news, legislation and contact information. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs www.veterans.house.gov 335 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-3527 Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs www.veterans.senate.gov Majority Staff 412 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-9126 Minority Staff 202 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2074 Both houses of the California Legislature have committees on veterans affairs. These committees meet on a regular basis during the legislative session, and are staffed full time. They review bills relating to veterans, military affairs and armories, as well as bills amending the Military and Veterans Code. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 651-1503 Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 319-3550 California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) www.cdva.ca.gov The mission of the CDVA is to confer and administer the benefits provided by California to its veterans and their dependents. CDVA provides them with aid and assistance in a variety of ways, including claims for benefits, low-cost loans, rehabilitative care, medical services and the college tuition fee waiver program. For information on CAL-VET loans, which include loans to first-time home buyers, construction loans and home improvement loans, go to the CDVA web site, CAL-VET Home Loans page, or contact: CDVA 1227 O Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 942895 Sacramento, CA 94295-0001 (800) 952-LOAN (5626) California Association of County Veterans Service Offices (CVSO) www.cacvso.org 54 of California's 58 counties have services available to assist veterans and dependents at the county level, to provide information on federal and state veterans benefits and to help veterans or their dependents complete application forms. CVSO is authorized to administer the College Fee Waiver Program for veterans' dependents. The program is applicable at California State Universities, University of California campuses and California Community Colleges. To obtain eligibility requirements and application assistance, contact your local CVSO office. Business License, Tax and Fee Waiver Municipal, county and state business license fees, taxes and fees for veterans who hawk, peddle, or vend any goods, wares, or merchandise owned by the veteran, except spirituous, malt, vinous, or other intoxicating liquor, including sales from a fixed location may be eligible for the waiver. Honorably discharged veterans and veterans who engage in sales (not services) activities may be eligible for the waiver. Contact your local appropriate county/city licensing authority for more information. County Number Alameda Oakland (510) 577-3547 Hayward (510) 265-8271 Alpine contact CDVA (510) 286-0627 Amador (209) 267-5764 Butte (530) 891-2759 Calaveras (209) 754-6452 Colusa (530) 458-0494 Contra Costa Martinez (925) 313-1481 Richmond (510) 374-3241 Del Norte (707) 464-2154 El Dorado Placerville (530) 621-5892 So. Lake Tahoe (530) 573-3134 Fresno (559) 454-5436 Glenn (530) 934-6524 Humboldt (707) 445-7431 Imperial (760) 355-8620 Inyo-Mono (760) 873-7850 Kern Bakersfield (661) 868-7300 Delano (661) 725-3101 Ridgecrest (760) 375-1564 ext. 226 Mojave (661) 824-7121 Taft (661) 763-2490 Kings Hanford (559) 582-3211 ext. 2664 Lake Lakeport (707) 263-2384 Clearlake (707) 994-0646 Lassen Susanville (530) 251-8192 Los Angeles Los Angeles (213) 744-4825 Lancaster (661) 723-4495 Rancho Dominquez (310) 761-2221 West Covina (626) 813-3402 Whittier (562) 695-9040 County Number Los Angeles City of Industry (626) 854-4844 W. Los Angeles (310) 268-4690 ext. 48425 Los Angeles (213) 253-2677 ext. 4605 Sepulveda (818) 891-7711 ext. 9146 Madera (559) 675-7766 Marin (415) 499-6193 Mariposa (209) 966-3696 Mendocino Ukiah (707) 463-4226 Fort Bragg (707) 964-5823 Merced Atwater (209) 385-7588 Modoc Alturas (530) 233-6209 Mono Contact Inyo Co (760) 873-7850 Monterey Monterey (831) 647-7610 Salinas (831) 796-3585 Seaside (831) 883-3811 Napa (707) 253-6072 Nevada (530) 273-3396 Orange (714) 567-7450 Placer Auburn (530) 889-7968 Roseville (916) 784-6127 Plumas (530) 283-6275 Riverside Riverside (909) 955-3010 Indio (760) 863-8266 Hemet (951) 766-2566 Sacramento (916) 874-6811 San Benito (831) 637-4846 San Bernardino San Bernardino (909) 387-5516 Chino (909) 465-5241 Victorville (760) 843-4300 Barstow (760) 252-6257 Yucca Valley (760) 228-5234 Loma Linda (909) 583-6018 San Diego San Diego (619) 531-4545 Vista (760) 643-2049 San Francisco Stevenson St. (415) 554-7100 Clements St. (415) 379-5613 San Joaquin (209) 468-2916 San Luis Obispo (805) 781-5766 Paso Robles (805) 237-3881 San Mateo (650) 802-6598 Santa Barbara Santa Barbara (805) 681-4500 Santa Maria (805) 346-7160 Lompoc (805) 737-7900 Santa Clara San Jose (408) 363-3000 ext. 7-5544 Santa Clara (408) 553-6000 Santa Cruz Santa Cruz (831) 458-7110 Watsonville (831) 763-4419 Shasta (530) 225-5616 Sierra contact CDVA (510) 286-0627 Siskiyou Yreka (530) 842-8010 Mt. Shasta (530) 842-8010 Solano Fairfield (707) 784-6590 Vallejo (707) 553-5261 Sonoma (707) 565-5960 Stanislaus (209) 558-7380 Sutter Contact Yuba County (530) 749-4967 Tehama Red Bluff (530) 524-3664 Trinity Weaverville (530) 623-3975 Tulare Tulare (559) 685-3300 Porterville (559) 781-7963 Tuolumne Sonora (209) 533-6880 Ventura Oxnard (805) 385-6366 Thousand Oaks (805) 373-2564 Simi Valley (805) 955-2286 Yolo Woodland (530) 406-4850 Yuba-Sutter (530) 749-4967 Job Services www.edd.ca.gov www.edd.ca.gov Eligible veterans receive the highest priority for employment opportunities from the California Employment Development Department (EDD). EDD's objective is to develop and support programs that increase employment and job training opportunities for veterans. EDD works in partnership with a multitude of local employment and training agencies. There are many services available to veterans seeking jobs and for employers who hire veterans, including: _ CalJOBS California Job Order Browse System An internet-based labor exchange system that increases public access to employment services ¥ DVOP Disabled Veteran Outreach Program _ LVER Local Veterans Employment Representative Specialists on veteran's employment issues that can provide assistance with applications, interviews and vocational guidance. _ JTPA Job Training Partnership Act Provides funds for programs to train veterans on the job. The program is administered state-wide through the Private Industry Council. To locate the one nearest you, check the white pages of your phone book. _ TAP Transition Assistance Program Intensive preparation program to assist those leaving the military in making a smooth transition to the private sector. To locate your nearest EDD Field Office, consult your phone directory, "State of California, Employment Development Department". Employment with the State Most jobs with the State of California can be obtained only as a result of successfully competing in a civil service exam. Special consideration is granted to veterans. Check the State Personnel Board's internet website at www.spb.ca.gov for listings, exam information and helpful publications. State Personnel Board 801 Capitol Mall Sacramento, CA 95814 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 944201 Sacramento, CA 94244-2010 (916) 653-1705 Veterans Preference Desk: (916) 653-1502 Department of Personnel Administration (DPA) www.dpa.ca.gov DPA administers military leave provisions for State Employees. For more information, contact your employer's personnel officer. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise www.dgs.ca.gov/osbcr Certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) are eligible for participation in California's Participation Program in state contracting. To become a certified DVBE, contact: Department of General Services Office of Small Business Certification and Resources 707 Third Street, 1st Floor West Sacramento, CA 95605 Mailing address: P.O. Box 989052 West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052 (916) 375-4940 or (800)-559-5529 Housing Disabled veterans are entitled to special property tax exemptions if they own and occupy a mobile home. For information on license fee exemptions, contact: Department of Housing and Community Development Registration and Titling Program P.O. Box 2111 Sacramento, CA 95812-2111 (916) 323-9224 or (800) 952-8356 Rehabilitation Services www.rehab.cahwnet.gov The State Department of Rehabilitation provides vocational rehabilitation and career preparation services for disabled veterans. Priority is given to those individuals with the most severe disabilities. Field offices are located statewide. To locate your nearest office, check the white pages of the phone book under "State of California," or contact: State Department of Rehabilitation 2000 Evergreen Street Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 263-8981 Motor Vehicles www.dmv.ca.gov The Department of Motor Vehicles issues registration cards and license plates for all vehicles in California. Service-connected disabled veterans may be eligible to receive special license plates. Veterans license plates can be obtained with various armed forces or veteran service organization logo/emblems. Contact your local County Veterans Service Officer or DMV office. State Taxes and Tax Deductions www.ftb.ca.gov There are ways to compute tax on income received while out of the state or out of the country. Contact the Franchise Tax Board for the publication "Tax Information for Military Personnel" (FTB Pub. 1032). There are field offices statewide. To locate your nearest office, contact the Franchise Tax Board at (800) 852-5711. California State Parks Lifetime passes at reduced prices are available to parks, camping, and boat launching for qualified veterans. For more information, contact: California State Parks Disabled Veterans Discount Pass Program P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 (800) 777-0369 Department of Fish and Game Reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses are available to qualified veterans. For more information, contact: Department of Fish and Game License and Revenue Branch 3211 S Street Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 227-2245 Veterans Organizations The American Legion www.legion.org Chartered in 1919 by Congress, the American Legion is a patriotic, community service veterans organization with 3 million members in nearly 16,000 posts worldwide. National Headquarters 1608 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 861-2700 Department of California Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) www.vfwca.org Founded in 1899, the VFW is the oldest major veterans group in the United States. Part of its mission is to assist veterans and their families in enhancing their quality of life. One such endeavor is the VFW State Service Program, in which Department Staff Officers (DSOs) represent veterans and their dependents with benefit claims. Veterans do not need to be members to apply for these services. California Headquarters 1510 J Street, Suite 110 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 449-8850 National Vet Service 24-hour hotline: (800) VFW-1899 There are three regional offices state-wide: Oakland Oakland Federal Building 1301 Clay Street, Room 1140N Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 835-1246 Los Angeles Federal Building, Room 5202 11000 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 477-1791 San Diego VA Regional Office 8810 Rio San Diego Drive, #1161 San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 400-5322 VFW California Ladies Auxiliary Headquarters 1510 J Street, Suite 120 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 449-8857 Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) www.purpleheart.org Formed in 1932 for the protection of all veterans who have received the decoration, the Military Order of the Purple Heart is composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients. MOPH represents all veterans and their dependents. Military Order of the Purple Heart 5413-B Backlick Road Springfield, VA 22151-3960 (703) 642-5360 (888) 668-1656 (Toll-free) Disabled American Vets (DAV) www.dav.org The Disabled American Vets organization was chartered by Congress in 1932 for all service-connected disabled veterans. The network of services offered is free to all veterans and their dependents. One such endeavor is the National Service Program, in which National Service Officers (NSOs) represent veterans and their dependents with claims for benefits. Veterans do not need to be members to apply for these services. National Headquarters 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41076 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 (859) 441-7300 National Service and Legislative Headquarters 807 Maine Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20024 (202) 554-3501 American GI Forum of California www.agif.org Founded in 1948, the American GI Forum was the nation's first Hispanic veterans organization. It is an advocate for the rights of Hispanic war veterans, and provides assistance with veterans affairs, education, civil rights, employment and economic development. Two of its largest programs are the Veterans Outreach Program (VOP) and Ser-Jobs for Progress, Inc. (SER). There are various chapters located throughout California. California Chapters Willie Galvan, Commander P.O. Box 1681 Santa Maria, CA 93456 (805) 714-6015 National Headquarters 2870 North Speer Blvd., Suite 220 Denver, CO 80211 (866) AGI-FNAT (Toll-free) AGIF Com Center 765 Story Road, Suite 150 San Jose, CA 95122 (408) 288-9470 For more information on chapters: www.agif.org/chapters California Women Veterans Roster Unfortunately, women veterans have not applied for or utilized their veterans benefits as have their male counterparts, which ultimately dilutes the voice of veterans overall. The California Women Veterans Roster is an information bridge that connects California's women veterans to the various resources and benefits available to them. The roster is strictly confidential and used solely as a link among California's women veterans. Please call (800) 852-5626, the women veterans line at (916) 653-2551, or register on-line by going to the women veterans icon at: www.cdva.ca.gov Senator Tom Harman Capitol Office State Capitol, Room 3070 Sacramento CA 95814 tel 916.651.4035 fax 916.445.9263 District Office 950 South Coast Dr., Suite 240 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 tel 714.957.4555 fax 714.957.4560 senator.harman@sen.ca.gov www.sen.ca.gov/harman