Chair - Chef Basil Kimbrew

As a formerly homeless Veteran who suffers from PTSD and ADHD, I’ve turned my trials into a daily testimony dedicated to saving fellow Veterans and homeless folks. Life experience has taught me that all change is possible through resources and support. Oftentimes, support comes by way of trust-building through conversations, providing food, donating clothing, and offering employment. No one’s journey is alike and as they say, “most people are one paycheck away from being homeless” – especially now during a worldwide pandemic.

My appointment as Veteran State Delegate by Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis has enabled me to feed homeless communities. Yes, despite my challenges, I have made several accomplishments, including becoming an American Culinary Federation Political Chef, 2018 American Culinary Federation Presidential Gold Medal Winner, and Molina Healthcare Community Champion Award Veteran of the Year 2019 & 2020.

In my role as Interim Chair of the Veterans Caucus, I’m looking to create generational change by means of a 2-Year Work Plan:

• Establish a Veterans Homelessness Task Force
• Provide resources to Female Veterans who’ve experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
• Interact with Veteran Clubs throughout California in an effort to increase our Veterans Caucus membership to 350 (our current membership is nearly 200)
• Advocate for the end of deporting Veterans – return these service-members home.

Current CDP Veterans Caucus Roles:
Committees: Acting Chair, Programs Committee
Ex Officio: Communications Committee