State Support Is Available to Victims of Oakland and San Diego Mass Violence Events

HOME » News Releases » State Support Is Available to Victims of Oakland and San Diego Mass Violence Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 28, 2026

Contact: CalVCB Public Affairs
publicaffairs@victims.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO — Victims of the May 16 vehicular crime in Oakland and the May 18 shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego may be eligible for financial assistance through the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB).

Victims, their families, and witnesses are encouraged to apply for compensation. CalVCB can help cover expenses related to the crime, including funeral and burial costs, medical bills, mental health treatment, lost wages, and more. Victims may be eligible for up to $70,000 in lifetime benefits.

“No one should have to navigate the emotional and financial impacts of violence alone,” said CalVCB Executive Officer Lynda Gledhill. “CalVCB is here to support victims and their loved ones affected by these horrific acts as they begin the healing process. We encourage those impacted to apply.”

Victims can apply online and paper applications are available in 18 languages. Victims can receive assistance applying through the Alameda or San Diego Victim Witness Assistance Centers. Additional information about eligibility, covered expenses, and how to apply is available on CalVCB’s website.

Governor Newsom also announced new funding for nonprofits and faith-based groups following the San Diego mosque shooting.

Additionally, the California Civil Rights Department enforces the state’s robust civil rights laws, as well as civil protections against hate violence, and reduces discrimination through a range of proactive outreach efforts, including conducting trainings and presentations, publishing and disseminating guides and factsheets, and working directly with community partners to identify and respond to civil rights challenges faced by Californians across the state. The department also offers community-based mediation services through its Community Conflict Resolution Unit and supports the work of the Commission on the State of Hate, which tracks trends in hate activity and issues policy recommendations.

“Places of worship should always be places of peace,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “Muslims should not have to fear for their lives to practice their faith. Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the violent attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego and the families of those who lost their lives.”

###

The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) provides reimbursement for crime-related expenses to victims who suffer physical injury or the threat of physical injury as a result of violent crime. CalVCB helps crime victims and their families cover unforeseen expenses such as medical bills, mental health treatment, funeral and burial expenses, income loss and more. To learn more about CalVCB, visit victims.ca.gov.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. CRD’s mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.