California Conservation Corps

50 years of memories and motivation! In our alumni reflections, we love to read how our program impacted the lives of our fellow Californians, more than 40 years ago through today!

California hosts a mediterranean climate and like many places across the world we’re working to adapt to drought, wildfire, and heat. On Wednesday, and Corpsmembers had the honor to talk with representatives from 16 countries — who form the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership — about the fire resilience work they’re doing as part of community hardening in greater Los Angeles. At Pasadena’s Lower Arroyo Park, where Arroyo Seco flows through, the crews demonstrated the fuel reduction work they’re doing, the tools they use to get the work done, and even shared some of their personal stories about why they joined the and how they’re making a positive impact on their state and the environment. The visit to this CCC project site was coordinated by our partners and . Secretary Wade Crowfoot, CCC Senior Deputy Director Sloane Viola, and Chief Deputy Director A***e Burlew were among those who introduced the Corpsmembers and the CCC to the partnership members, who even tried out holding the power tools and swinging a Pulaski. You can learn more about MCAP at medclimate.org

Talk about getting the hands-on training to launch a career! Last week, 18 Corpsmembers from across the state completed an intensive 11-week fire academy at
the Ventura Training Center. CCC leadership joined our partners at CAL FIRE and CDCR to celebrate their accomplishment. In addition to our 18 Corpsmembers,
program participants at the Ventura Training Center also graduated the program. Equipped with this academy under their belts, they can now pursue structural firefighting opportunities!

The people, places, and purpose that make up the history and legacy of the California Conservation Corps! In 90 days, we’ll be celebrating our Golden Anniversary! And throughout the next year we’ll be highlighting the amazing history, and powerful impact the CCC has had on California these last 50 years. We cannot wait to share with our . More Forests. More Trails. More Lives Transformed. 🌲

🎉Learn more about our 50th Anniversary plans on our website at ccc.ca.gov/50 or visit the link in our bio!

“I found a career that I want to pursue thanks to the CCC,” said Mendocino alum Rolando Avila. In the kitchen, he sharpened his culinary skills by preparing recipes, sanitizing dishes, and serving fellow Corpsmembers. “I went from hating to cook, to loving it,” Rolando said. Now he's pursuing his newfound passion for cooking at Texas Roadhouse. For young adults wanting to follow his , Rolando advises them to “embrace change, endure the pressure, and be humble...even a dull blade can cut if it never stops swinging.”

Things are heating up at the Ventura Training Academy. For 11 weeks, select Corpsmembers are stepping off the hand line and into turnouts as they tackle a new challenge: structural firefighting. Through live fire
demonstrations and hands-on training in partnership with , they’re learning how to handle new high-pressure environments. This isn’t your typical training, this is a next-level opportunity for Corpsmembers ready to push further and expand what it means to serve their communities.

Although Nicholas Peters is on his own unique , he has never been truly alone during his journey at the Center. “I was supported and encouraged by many supervisors, staff, and Corpsmembers,” said Nicholas Peters. “These individuals pushed me to achieve many goals like obtaining my high school diploma and pursuing a career in the fire service.” Now, he is working with the Pechanga Indian Reservation where he’ll be managing fuels with their fire department! Congratulations, Nicholas!