Ever since April, veterans' homes in Fresno and Redding have had lights, air conditioning and water - but no veterans ... or staff.  This year's state budget set aside money to start hiring, and now the California Department of Veterans Affairs says it's ready to begin the recruitment process.

Tremblay: "We're going forward with these homes and getting the staff in place so that we can start hiring and bringing in the residents."

CalVet's J.P. Tremblay says the plan is to staff up starting early next year and open the doors for residents next fall.  Republican Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, who represents Redding, says it's been a long time coming:

Nielsen: "Sometimes you get a little bit aggravated and frustrated.  I know a lot of the veterans have been."

The homes still need additional funding to be approved in next year's budget.