For Immediate Release                                                                       Contact:  Doug Elmets

February 11, 2026                                                                                               (916) 329-9180

Sacramento, CA – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Department of California applauds the signing of SB 694 into law, which is landmark consumer protection legislation designed to directly benefit veterans and servicemembers. The new law was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom during an event held at the state capitol on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. VFW Department of California State Commander Dave Kuta attended the event and shared remarks in support of the new law.

"Since the Continental Army started in 1776, we have had people preying on veterans, but California sends an important message here, this represents a landmark decision, being able to afford protections to veterans, telling them that California will not stand by and let us be used,” said VFW Department of California State Commander, Dave Kuta during the press conference. "And as California goes, so does the rest of the country. The rest of the country will recognize this. Thank you, from all of the veterans that I represent, to the senators, assemblymembers and the governor himself. It means the world to us and our families.”

Key protections focus on ensuring untrained individuals cannot charge veterans for filing their VA claims, charges that can sometimes be in excess of five times the amount earned by filing the claims.

The VFW Department of California provides free, federally accredited assistance to veterans statewide to file claims and secure benefits for veterans and their dependents. With over 1.8 million veterans in California, these officers are trained and committed to securing the benefits owed to veterans and their dependents as a result of their service to our Nation.

SB 694 was authored by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), co-authored by Senator Sabrina Cervantes and Assemblymembers Pilar Schiavo and Jeff Gonzalez and co-sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Watch the full press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/live/pSDz4l1RWsQ

And read the statement from Governor Newsom’s office here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/10/governor-newsom-signs-consumer-protection-bill-cracking-down-on-veteran-fraud-and-abuse-launches-tax-cut-for-vets/

For more information about the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California, please visit vfwca.org.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization composed of combat war veterans. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation's largest organization of war veterans and is one of its oldest veterans' organizations. With 2.1 million members located in 7,700 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans service, legislative initiatives, youth scholarships, Buddy Poppy and national military service programs.  Annually, the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 11 million hours of community service to the nation.

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                                                  Serving as Commander of VFW Post 9657 is an honor rooted in my commitment to every veteran who calls this community home. My vision is simple and unwavering: to make VFW Post 9657 a strong, reliable community resource — a place where veterans find support, connection, and purpose.

This year, my goals focus on strengthening the foundation of our Post and expanding the ways we serve:

- Post readiness — reinforcing the essential operations of our facility and building a stable, engaged membership that keeps our Post strong and sustainable.

- Community‑facing engagement — increasing events, outreach, and partnerships that connect veterans with real resources. By working with local organizations and hosting meaningful activities, we create opportunities for veterans to engage, heal, and thrive.

- Mission‑driven membership — fostering a culture of service, partnership, and purpose that reflects the heart of the VFW mission. Membership is more than numbers; it is the strength behind every effort we undertake.

I say this often because it guides everything I do: "I will not sit by and let another veteran go without the support they need.” That promise is the foundation of my leadership and the direction of our Post.

Together, we will continue building a Post that stands ready, stands united, and stands for veterans — always.

- Post Commander Marci Juris

 A Strong Community Resource — Every Veteran. Every Time.