SAN DIEGO — As California's fire season lengthens and intensifies, Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel has delivered $1.5 million in state funding to proactively protect homes, schools, and critical infrastructure in the northern parts of the City of San Diego from wildfires.
The investment will clear 40 acres of strategic high-risk brush near Lake Hodges Dam and San Pasqual Valley, and expand the use of EPA-approved, non-toxic fire retardant in strategic areas near infrastructure, homes, and emergency routes.
The funding addresses urgent wildfire risks in northern San Diego communities that have been categorized by CalFire as Very High or High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Extended fire seasons and persistent drought have amplified these dangers, turning what were once seasonal threats into year-round risks.
“With fire seasons growing longer and more dangerous, we can't afford to wait," said Assemblymember Patel. "This investment protects lives by mitigating fuel loads and strengthening defenses before the next fire threatens our community. I’m proud to return taxpayer dollars to San Diego to proactively safeguard schools, homes, and high-risk areas.”
“Regular brush management including invasive species removal is one of the most effective ways of protecting our communities from wildfires,” said Councilmember Marni von Wilpert. “I thank Assemblymember Patel for securing this funding for our communities. This provides a great opportunity to expand on the City’s efforts performed every year.”
“Vegetation management is one of the most effective tools we have to help reduce wildfire risk,” said San Diego Fire-Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy. “We are grateful to Assemblymember Patel for this $1.5 million investment, which will allow us to proactively reduce hazardous brush near Lake Hodges and strengthen our ability to slow the spread of wildfire, protect nearby communities and improve firefighter and public safety.”
“Wildfire risk is a year-round reality for San Diego, and protecting our communities from that threat is one of our most important responsibilities,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “This $1.5 million investment will reduce dangerous fuel loads, protect critical infrastructure, and help prevent fires before they start. I’m grateful to Assemblymember Darshana Patel and our state partners for working with the City to bring resources back home and put them to work keeping San Diegans safe.”
The wildfire funding is part of $10 million in state investments Patel secured for District 76 this year, focused on wildfire safety and strengthening community spaces. Her focus on community safety also includes AB 841, which modernizes firefighter equipment and protections, and supports efforts to expand statewide wildfire preparedness.
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Dr. Darshana Patel represents Assembly District 76, which includes the cities of Escondido, San Marcos, and northern parts of the City of San Diego, as well as the unincorporated areas of Del Dios, Elfin Forest, Fairbanks Ranch, Harmony Grove, Lake San Marcos, and Rancho Santa Fe. Assemblymember Patel serves on the following committees: EDGHI (Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact), Health, Education, Higher Education, Budget, and the Budget Subcommittee #3 on Education Finance.
