PÁJARO, CA — Community Bridges and La Manzana Community Resources are proud to announce new partnerships to provide free immigration consultations and educational sessions to Pajaro residents.
Thanks to California Assembly Bill 102 (AB102), which allocated $20 million to the County of Monterey to help with short-term and long-term recovery efforts following the 2023 Pajaro flood, roughly $2 million in grant funding was available to local nonprofits to funds diverse community projects that enhance residents’ ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and natural disasters.
The Community Foundation for Monterey County was selected by the County to administer the grants and in December 2024 announced it had selected 23 organizations for funding. Community Bridges was selected, and we were provided with a grant that would fund various projects to uplift Pajaro.
These efforts build on our ongoing commitment to serving the community by ensuring families have access to the legal resources and support they need to navigate an increasingly complex immigration system—especially as policy changes continue to unfold at the national level.
Says Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino: “Right now, families are living with immense fear and confusion due to ongoing changes at the federal level. Every new policy shift brings fresh concerns about their ability to stay together, work, and plan for the future. The best thing we can do as a community is ensure that families receive sound, legal advice from trusted professionals so they can make informed and difficult decisions about how to best chart their path forward.”
Free Immigration Consultations
In collaboration with local immigration attorney Lizett Rodríguez, Community Bridges is offering free immigration consultations to Pajaro residents, providing them with trusted, professional legal guidance during a time of uncertainty. Navigating the immigration system can be overwhelming, especially with evolving policies at the federal level that may impact individuals and families in our community. Many residents face critical decisions about their legal status, family unity, and long-term stability—but without access to reliable legal counsel, they are often left uncertain about their options and rights.
Through this initiative, Pajaro residents will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an experienced immigration attorney who can provide personalized advice tailored to their unique circumstances. Whether individuals are exploring pathways to legal residency, seeking protection through asylum or victim-based visas, or defending against deportation, these consultations will help them take the first steps toward securing their future with clarity and confidence.
To schedule a free consultation, residents can call (831) 724-2997 ext. 213. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage community members to reach out as soon as possible.
Free Immigration Information Sessions
Community Bridges is also hosting “Pathways to Immigration,” a free series of informative and empowering sessions led by immigration attorney Matthew Weisner at Pajaro Middle School. These sessions, presented in Spanish, are designed to help Pajaro residents understand their legal rights and explore available pathways to lawful immigration.
The first session, held on March 20, provided critical information to attendees, equipping them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their immigration status. The second session is on April 24. Attendees are welcome to attend the second session, even if they did not attend the first.
Upcoming Workshop Details:
Pajaro Middle School – Media Room
Thursday, April 24 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
These sessions cover a range of essential topics, including:
- Family-Based Petitions – How family members can sponsor loved ones for legal residency.
- Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing – The steps required to apply for permanent residency while in the U.S. or from abroad.
- Removal Defense in Immigration Court – Legal options for individuals facing deportation.
- Victim-Based Visas – Protections available for survivors of crimes, including U visas and VAWA petitions.
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status – Immigration relief for vulnerable youth who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected.
- Asylum, DACA, and TPS – Understanding protections for individuals fleeing persecution or seeking temporary legal status.
- Naturalization – The process of becoming a U.S. citizen and the benefits of naturalization.
Pajaro Unmet Needs Assistance
These new services add to Community Bridges’ and La Manzana’s decades-long commitment of supporting Pajaro residents. This includes our work with the County of Monterey to distribute direct financial assistance to those impacted by the 2023 floods through the county’s Unmet Needs Disaster Program, which was also funded through AB102.
To date, we have distributed roughly $1.2 million in economic assistance through the unmet needs program—overall, Community Bridges has distributed more than $2 million in assistance thanks to hundreds of individual donations and foundation gifts that poured in following the flood.
The Unmet Needs Program is divided into two phases. Phase 1 provided qualifying Pajaro residents with up to $600 in economic assistance for food spoilage caused by the evacuation order during the March 2023 flood. The first round concluded in April 2024, and a second round opened on December 18, 2024, reopening the application process for those who missed out on the first round and increasing the possible amount distributed to a family to $1,000, based on household size.
Across both rounds, we have distributed a total of $926,988.85 through March 24, 2025.
Phase 2, which is currently ongoing, offers financial support for a range of expenses, including home repairs, vehicle replacement, housing assistance, and personal property losses. As of March 24, 2025, we have helped 111 families rebuild, distributing a total of $317,634.44. Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey has also helped families access Phase 2 assistance.
Much of this work has taken place at our Family Resource Collective site in Pajaro, the Pajaro Long-Term Recovery Center on Porter Drive. We established this center months after the 2023 floods to improve accessibility for Pajaro residents seeking recovery assistance and resources. It also strengthens our ability to serve North Monterey County, ensuring long-term access to essential services, resources, and advocacy in the face of escalating challenges.
Added CEO Cancino: “Many families in Pajaro are already facing significant hardships—from recovering from 2023’s devastating floods to navigating an unpredictable economy. With these news investments thanks to AB102, we want to ensure that uncertainty about immigration status doesn’t add to their burden.”
About Community Bridges
Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.communitybridges.org.
