This week’s update features a number of Memorial Day events. (Photo: Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker, U.S. Navy)
This week’s California Veterans news roundup features an encouraging update for supporters of a bill that would exempt military pensions on California income taxes, a variety of Memorial Day events, and more.
Readers are encouraged to send Veterans-related stories to news@calegion.org.
Statewide: California Veterans news
- A bill that would exempt military pensions from state taxation passed in the California Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support yesterday. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino), will now go to the California Senate where it is expected to receive similar support.
- As of May 23, Congress has not reached a deal on the debt ceiling crisis. While there are concerns that Veterans benefits may be directly impacted by a debt default, the exact consequences are currently unclear. The California Legionnaire will continue to monitor this story.
- Veterans and active service members can visit many California State Parks for free on Memorial Day. The full list of participating parks can be found here.
- On May 22, 300,000 Veterans and service members were added to the VA’s Veterans Legacy Memorial website.
Bakersfield Veterans news
- The Kern County World War II Veterans Memorial Board unveiled a new section of the Memorial at Jastro Park, which honors additional Kern County Veterans. Our full article: Kern County WWII Veterans Memorial Unveils 174 New Names in Ceremony
Los Angeles Veterans news
- Shoreline Aquatic Park in Los Angeles is hosting a free Memorial Day celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 28. Guests can enjoy historic aircraft flyovers, drills, and more.
- Los Angeles has entered a formal partnership with the federal government to reduce homelessness in the city by 25 percent before 2025. The partnership aims to ease the bureaucratic load on county clerks, increase interagency cooperation, and expedite federal assistance.
Sacramento Veterans news
- The Veterans’ Memorial Day Car Show will be held on 2300 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95818 on Memorial Day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
San Diego Veterans news
- The San Diego Automotive Museum has opened a new exhibit on military vehicles in honor of Military Appreciation Month. Our full article: San Diego Automotive Museum: Honoring San Diego’s Military Legacy
- On Friday, a wing at the Jennifer Moreno Veterans Affairs Medical Center was named after Navy Capt. Kathy Bruyere, who was instrumental in ending the ban on women serving on warships in the latter half of the 20th century.
San Francisco Veterans news
- City planners and partners unveiled plans for a new housing development for Veterans in San Francisco’s Treasure Island area. The development, which will include over 100 units, is expected to be completed sometime over the next few years and will offer a variety of mental and physical health services.
Recent Veterans articles & videos from California American Legion
- Enjoy Free Admission and Discounted Tickets to California Theme Parks this Memorial Day weekend
- Mandatory Forms are Due Soon – Submit Today!
- VA Health Information Card
- Enter for the Chance to Win $1000 for your Post
- News: Hope Village: A Groundbreaking Solution to Homelessness in Santa Maria
- Join the Red Cross Blood Drive at American Legion Post 295 on June 4
- The Littlest “Soldier”
- Memorial Day & Military Appreciation Month 2023: discounts & deals for California Veterans
Important Veterans & Military Holidays in May
- May 1 — Silver Star Service Banner Day
- The Friday before Mother’s Day — Military Spouse Appreciation Day
- May 8 — Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (World War II)
- The last Monday in Day — Memorial 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.