California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined CultivaLA in Los Angeles to highlight the contributions of AmeriCorps-supported programs, such as Climate Action Corps, in California communities. CultivaLA is a nonprofit organization that manages community gardens to improve access to healthy food and wellness across Los Angeles County.
AmeriCorps funds and places volunteers with organizations addressing key community needs. In 2024, over 6,000 AmeriCorps members served at more than 1,200 sites throughout California, including schools, food banks, health clinics, youth centers, and other nonprofits.
Earlier this year, the Trump Administration attempted to dismantle AmeriCorps and cut funding for its programs. Attorney General Bonta responded by filing a lawsuit that resulted in securing relief for AmeriCorps members in California. This ensured continued support from service members during the holiday season and beyond.
“The holidays are a time defined by generosity and hope. This holiday season, I am especially grateful for our AmeriCorps members who show up where they are needed most and give back in ways that strengthen and uplift Californian communities,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta “California thrives because AmeriCorps members, like the Climate Action Corp fellows, make the selfless choice to serve. Their work is indispensable. That’s why we went to court to defend AmeriCorps against the federal governments unlawful attempts to defund the program, and will continue to fight for this vital program and the dedicated service members who support it.”
California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday commented on the role of partners like CultivaLA: “In moments of uncertainty, Californians step up for communities where they’re needed most. Our host partners, like Cultiva LA, are doing incredible work in Los Angeles, feeding families and supporting neighborhoods hit hard by the federal administration’s recent reckless actions that have stripped our communities of much-needed food resources and targeted vulnerable residents. Our AmeriCorps and California Climate Action Corps members are proud to support efforts like these, showing the power of service to meet our state’s urgent needs and strengthen communities. I’m proud to stand with Attorney General Rob Bonta and all our partners as we protect these vital programs and the Californians who rely on them.”
Jose Miguel Ruiz, CEO of CultivaLA said: “CultivaLA is proud to serve as a host site to AmeriCorps-supported California Climate Action Corps fellows, to address climate challenges in Los Angeles County through community-centered solutions. CultivaLA not only leads impactful climate action but also nurtures the next generation of climate leaders — focus areas include 10+ acres of urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, wildfire resiliency, and climate volunteerism. CultivaLA is grateful for Attorney General Bonta’s fierce determination to defend AmeriCorps/SNAP and ensure that young leaders are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to continue driving environmental justice, food access and sustainability in Los Angeles County and the state of California.”
AmeriCorps operates as an independent federal agency designed to engage Americans in community-based service that addresses educational needs along with public safety and environmental concerns nationwide. In 2024 alone,AmeriCorps invested more than $133 million in federal funding into California initiatives supporting local partners like Climate Action Corps.
In April 2025,Attorney General Bonta co-led a coalition challenging efforts by the Trump Administration to cut funding for AmeriCorps programs. The litigation resulted in early court orders blocking those cuts; when additional funding was threatened—$184 million—the lawsuit was expanded until those funds were released.
Bonta has taken legal action against actions by the Trump Administration multiple times over less than a year,securing results for Californians through court orders providing both immediate relief or permanent resolutions benefitting state communities:
– He has defended constitutional rights related to birthright citizenship protections.
– He secured commitments from federal agencies regarding grant conditions affecting victims’ services.
– He won lawsuits protecting school funding totaling over $900 million plus an additional $200 million related specifically toward student academic recovery after COVID-19 disruptions.
– He blocked attempts requiring immigration enforcement conditions tied into transportation or homeland security grants essential for infrastructure upkeep.
– He prevented unauthorized access or misuse of private data belonging either Medicaid or SNAP recipients.
More details about these legal efforts can be found at the Department of Justice’s website.
