San Diego, California – Veterans United held a community forum at Calvary Baptist Church in San Diego on Thursday, December 4 that brought together veterans, local leaders, and community members for a focused discussion on California Senate Bill 694 and its potential impact on veterans’ access to benefits assistance.

The event featured remarks from Assemblywoman Lashae Sharp-Collins, Chairman of The San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce Bruce Mayberry, community advocate Kathleen Harmon, Founder of the National Women’s Veterans Association of America and Executive Director of the San Diego Black Veterans Alliance Tara Jones, Air Force veteran and community leader the Honorable Donyale Hall, and several California veterans who shared firsthand experiences navigating the VA disability claims process.
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“This forum made clear that many veterans are deeply concerned about how SB 694 could affect their ability to get timely, effective help with their disability claims,” said Kathleen Harmon. “The personal stories we heard underscore why veterans must retain the ability to choose the support that best fits their needs. Good public policy is built around people and their needs, not political agendas.”
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Assemblywoman Lashae Sharp-Collins emphasized the importance of expanding, not limiting, access for those who served. Sharp-Collins has historically been a strong advocate for veterans, and her willingness to show up and listen to the stories of veterans in her community who have struggled at the hands of a broken VA system highlights her continued support for veterans across California.
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The hour-long program centered on how SB 694 will restrict veterans’ access to experienced professionals who assist with filing disability claims through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The event featured testimonials from veterans who had in the past dealt with delays, lost paperwork, inconsistent guidance, and the challenges of relying solely on overburdened volunteer resources.