SACRAMENTO
California sues Trump administration for dismantling AmeriCorps
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that California, along with other states, is suing the Trump administration over recent DOGE efforts to dismantle AmeriCorps – the federal agency vital to supporting volunteer and service efforts in California and across the country.
As the federal government cuts AmeriCorps programs, the state is recruiting for the California Service Corps program — already the largest service corps in the nation, surpassing the size of the Peace Corps.
In the complaint today, the Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition argue that by abruptly canceling critical grants and gutting AmeriCorps’ workforce, the Trump Administration is effectively shuttering the national volunteer agency and ending states’ abilities to support AmeriCorps programs within their borders.
“AmeriCorps volunteers bring out the best in America and in our communities. By abruptly canceling critical grants and gutting AmeriCorps’ workforce and volunteers, DOGE is dismantling AmeriCorps without any concern for the thousands of people who are ready and eager to serve their country — or for those whose communities are stronger because of this public service,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In California, AmeriCorps volunteers build affordable housing, clean up our environment, and address food insecurity in communities across our state. California has repeatedly taken action to hold the Trump Administration and DOGE accountable to the law — and we stand prepared to do it again to protect AmeriCorps and the vital services it provides.”
In 2024, at least 6,150 California members served at more than 1,200 locations, including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, youth centers, veterans’ facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations. When the devastating fires struck Los Angeles earlier this year, AmeriCorps members were on the ground, distributing supplies and supporting families. The agency’s shutdown ends these efforts.
“DOGE isn’t just cutting jobs — they’re attacking the very people who keep California strong,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “They’re coming after the service members who responded to the LA fires, the tutors helping our kids and the young leaders caring for our seniors. It’s outrageous, it’s illegal and we won’t back down. In California, we’re not just defending service — we’re strengthening it. California is doubling down, and we trust the courts will strike this down and uphold the values we fight for every day.”
Combined, it is a force larger than the Peace Corps and is mobilized at a time when California is addressing post-pandemic academic recovery, rebuilding from the LA fires and planning for the future of the state’s workforce.
In the 2023-24 service year, AmeriCorps members in California:
- Provided 4,397,674 hours of service
- Tutored/mentored 73,833 students
- Supported 17,000 foster youth with education and employment
- Planted 39,288 trees
- Members helped 26,000 households impacted by the LA fires and packed 21,000 food boxes.
—Submitted
LAKEPORT
What does Bingo have to do with literacy?
Last month the Lake County Literacy Board members brought together over 100 bingo players so that they were able participate in the second annual Bingo Fun for Literacy event, a Lake County Literacy Coalition fundraiser at the Lakeport Senior Center. The funds generated will benefit the Adult and Family Literacy Program serving all of Lake County.
Individuals and businesses provided generous financial donations and silent auction items and door prizes. An additional $225 was generated at the event when an amazing cake made up, apropos, of books, created and donated by Yuba College baking instructor, Anne-Marie Pleskaczewski, was auctioned in front of a cheering audience.
Debra Ehrhardt, Lake County Literacy Coalition Board President, thanked the Lake County community for its generosity and support. She also recognized two young women from Clear Lake High School’s Interact volunteers who provided additional support throughout the event. She then introduced Laura Mc Andrews-Sammel, who served as the host and bingo caller for the night.
The atmosphere was electric with tables topped with St. Patrick’s Day decor and flowers atop colorful rainbow and green tablecloths. Once the games began, so did the fun as Laura called out numbers until BINGO was called out by each excited cash-prize winner. Laura kept everyone laughing and cheering as some folks won gift cards and wrapped door prizes. Tasty food and drinks were enjoyed throughout the evening and especially at the break when the silent auction occurred.
To donate or join us next year for the 3rd annual Bingo Fun for Literacy to be scheduled in 2025
lclcoalition@wixsite.com/lclc. Facebook site: Lake County Literacy Coalition.
For information about this free literacy program or to be considered to be trained to serve as a tutor, 707-263-7633 or literacy@lakecountyca.gov.
—Submitted
