CalVet outlines veterans services, Yountville steam project and county outreach amid staffing concerns

John Spangler, deputy secretary for legislation at the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), told the Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 that CalVet’s mission is to connect veterans and their families to state and federal benefits and services.

At the hearing, Spangler summarized CalVet’s statewide programs and said, “At Cal Vet, we view transition from military to veteran as an ongoing process, not only 1 that happens when veterans, when service members leave the active duty and transition to veteran status.” He noted programs ranging from CalTAP (California Transition Assistance Program) to the CalVet home loan program and the department’s long‑term care facilities and state veteran cemeteries.

Why it matters: California has nearly 1.4 million veterans and CalVet’s programs affect benefits, housing, long‑term care and cemetery services statewide. Subcommittee members asked how the department is preparing its veterans homes for changing care needs and whether federal reimbursement is likely for capital projects.

Colby Peterson, deputy secretary for Veterans Homes, described demographic shifts in the resident population and a rising need for skilled nursing and assisted living: many incoming residents “come to us with more ailments, a lot more challenges, physical challenges, some mental health challenges, some behavioral health challenges.” Peterson said CalVet’s master planning (2020 and 2025) is driving adjustments to services and facilities to meet that demand.

Yountville steam project: Peterson and other CalVet staff said the department is requesting a re‑appropriation of $38,756,000 for construction of a steam distribution replacement at the Yountville Veterans Home. They said the existing steam distribution system dates to the 1950s and supplies domestic hot water and campus heating. Drawings were reported as 85% complete, with bidding anticipated in the fall and possible construction start as early as November. CalVet said the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has agreed in principle to reimburse about 65% of the project and that final…