California Conservation Corps

360 miles. That’s roughly the driving distance from San Diego to Madera. 116 miles. That’s the drive from San Francisco to Cameron Park. They’re both also the length of fire hose CCC crews have recently rolled up at the North Complex and Creek fires, respectively. And it’s just a fraction of the number statewide for the year. At the recent Zogg Fire, Corpsmembers from #CCCTahoe and #CCCNorwalk centers awoke to 50,000 feetthat’s more than 9 milesof hose to untangle and wind up. It’s behind the scenes work that’s a vital part of the wildland firefighting process and recovery. And it’s #hardwork our Corpsmembers excel at, see for yourself.

When at the #CCCNorwalk Energy Center, Jaymee Meza climbed the ladders and changed out lighting systems. Now, he gets to help figure out which lighting system to install. Jaymee’s skills, experiences, and certifications in the Energy Corps led him to a job as project manager for Vector Energy Group in Encino. Like he did in the CCC, he’s doing energy audits, but managing the projects too. The CCC prepared me with all the training's I received and the knowledge that my supervisor shared with me for this new job. Take advantage of all the training's and scholarships the CCC has to offer. Congrats Jaymee!

Sixteen-hour days for 14 to 21 straight days. It’s the current life of a CCC Corpsmember and one they know serves a bigger purposethe communities we serve. With wildfires ravaging parts of the state these last few months, our Corpsmembers have been working far from the fire line, often out of sight of the public. But, the work they do to keep base camps running smoothlydistributing supplies, food, water, and keeping camps cleanis instrumental. Keep up the hard work Corpsmembers!

Vitaliy Kalinovskiy, aka Kali, admits he’s not much of a hiker. But on the #CCCPlacer fire crew, he learned to embrace the pain of 60-pound packs and all night on his feetdid we mention hiking for miles at a time? Kali took his experience on incidents like the Camp and Kinkade Fires, and his physical fitness regimen, to CAL FIRE where he’s now a firefighter in the Tehama-Glenn Unit. I was so grateful that everything was paid for in the CCC and all I had to do was succeed! Through all the difficult moments I kept my eye on the goal in front of meCAL FIRE! Now I’m finally there! Congrats Kali! Oh, and find him on Instagram (@kali_vitaliy) if you want to check out his workout routines (he specifically wanted us to share that).

If you're ready to transform your life and improve California's energy needs, the #CCCNorwalk Center has opportunities for you. Young adults, 18 to 25 and military vets up to 29, can enroll in the CCC, they can earn diplomas, scholarships, important job certifications, and more! Visit ccc.ca.gov today to apply online.

Flames burning on all sides. Three homes sitting in their path. Armed with hand toolsand assisted by enginesthe Corpsmembers of #CCCFortuna 1 stepped into the action last week on the #ZoggFire. Through intense heat, and in steep terrain, these Corpsmembers cut fire breaks and cleared debris, helped fight fire with fire and were rewarded with knowing they made a difference and helped a community.

When a critical part of the fire line needed protection, the #CCCUkiah 2 fire crew jumped into action on the #AugustComplexNorth Zone fire. As the only crew cutting fire line in the area, they battled heavy smoke, shifting winds, single tree torching, and challenging terrain, to wrap the over-3-acre slop, said crew supervisor Cedar Long. Without the crew's efforts, the line may have been lost, and the fire could have run aggressively for unknown distances. After securing the lines, the crew then helped secure the fire base camp along Highway 36 after the #ZoggFire ignited. The crew is now wrapping up its month-long mission on the fire. Corpsmembers have been patrolling the fire line for heat sources, mopping up hot spots, and hiking out miles upon miles of fire hose. It’s gritty, exhausting workwell done Corpsmembers.

Cutting fire breaks, improving scenic trails, planting new vegetation that will transform local ecology. You could be doing it all, right now, at the #CCCMontereyBay Center in Watsonville. Young adults 18 to 25, and military veterans up to 29, can transform their lives by earning diplomas, scholarships and certifications. Visit ccc.ca.gov right now to apply online.

Even after losing his house in the Camp Fire, George Mathews showed up every day at the #CCCChico Center to put in more #hardwork. He showed perseverance and commitment while earning his high school diploma and learning how to run a chain saw. It’s a skill he’s now putting to use daily as a chain puller with Sierra Pacific Industries. Never give up in the beginning because it will be hard, George says of the CCC. But if I can do this after losing everything I own, and learning how to rebuild my life from scratch, you can push yourself and do this. Congrats George!

Ever wanted to work in the Sierra Nevada? How about improving the banks of the San Joaquin River? The #CCCFresno Center is ready to change your life. If you're 18 to 25 it's time to get paid while you train, earn scholarships, gain job skills, make a difference. Visit ccc.ca.gov and apply now.

The new dormitory, kitchen and multi-purpose building at #CCCPlacer Center in Auburn are making progress. Six months after the first concrete was poured, the walls are all up, the roofs are almost complete, and the new look of the center is coming into focus. Check out our latest construction update.

Building trails, clearing fuel for wildfire, responding to emergencies near and far. The #CCCPomona Center has immediate openings for young adults 18 to 25, and military veterans up to age 29. Join the team making a difference your community, visit ccc.ca.gov and apply today.

Overcoming mistakes, growing as a person, developing the skills needed for a career in the outdoorsMatthew Velazquez experienced all of that in his time at the #CCCDelta Center. The CCC opened the eyes of this SoCal native to hard work, and even snow! Now, Matthew is living his dream as a forestry technician and firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. He transformed his life and believes you can too. If school is not for you right now, you don't enjoy your current job, or you feel like there's no opportunities in your town then do it, he says. Join a CCC residential center as far away from home as possible so you can grow in all the ways you need to. Way to go Matthew!