Honor Flight Kern County’s next flight is scheduled for April 18. (Photo: Jonn Lilyea)
This week’s roundup features two separate California sheriff’s departments searching for information on crimes committed against veterans, new VA home loan information for Native American veterans, and a new affordable housing option opening up in Costa Mesa later this year.
Readers can send veterans-related stories to news@calegion.org.
Statewide: California Veterans News
- As of March 22, the VA has lowered the interest rate for its Native American Direct Loans from 6 percent to 2.5 percent.
- Two bills introduced in the California Senate last year proposing expanded property tax exemptions for disabled veterans appear to have died in committee late last November. The California Legionnaire has reached out to respective legislatures for comment.
Alameda County Veterans News
- The Alameda County Sheriff’s Department is seeking information on two suspects — one male, one female, and both potentially armed — who stole the catalytic converter from disabled Marine veteran Bruce Calderon’s vehicle while he and his family were vacationing abroad. Calderon expects a replacement to cost at least $10,000 and to take upwards of four months due to the truck’s modifications for his disabilities. The Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 510-272-6878.
Kern County Veterans News
- Honor Flight Kern County is holding a fundraiser to send the next group of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to the memorials in Washington D.C. Drive-through donations will be collected at Chuy’s Restaurant on Rosedale Highway beginning at 4 p.m. The next flight is scheduled for April 18.
Los Angeles County Veterans News
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau is investigating the murder of Marine veteran Aaron Orozco, who leaves behind a wife and two young children. Orozco, an Uber driver, was gunned down in Lynwood by his two passengers before they fled in his car, which was later found abandoned nearby. The Homicide Bureau can be reached at (323) 890-5500.
Orange County Veterans News
- As part of California’s Project Homekey, a former Motel 6 in Costa Mesa is being renovated to serve as affordable housing for those at risk for homelessness. Of the 87 planned units, 30 will be reserved for veterans. The first 40 units will be ready sometime this fall while the remaining 37 are expected to open next year.
Recent Veterans Posts & Videos From California American Legion
- Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation
- Samsung American Legion Scholarship Recipients Visit Washington
- West Los Angeles VA opens new permanent housing units with supportive services for at-risk veterans, more complexes planned
- Congressman Ruiz Presented with Distinguished Public Service Award
- The American Legion Uniform
Important Veterans & Military Holidays in March
- March 3 — Navy Reserve Birthday
- March 13 — K-9 Veterans Day
- March 15 — Anniversary of the first caucus of The American Legion
- March 25 — National Medal of Honor Day
- March 26 — Anniversary of the U.S. victory at the Battle of Iwo Jima
- March 29 — Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.