Supporting Firefighting Efforts, and Other News from Sen. Blakespear

Greetings!

My heart is sick as I’ve watched the scale and scope of the devastating fires destroying homes and lives of our neighbors to the north in Los Angeles. Reading news of the immense damage done in Los Angeles County is both saddening and terrifying.

In state government‚ we’re doing all we can to respond to and prepare for similar threats in the future. We’re moving to provide $2.5 billion in immediate assistance‚ with $1 billion fast-tracked in state emergency aid. This money will be used to clean up the toxic‚ post-fire debris that remains on every burned property.

Investing in our firefighters and firefighting equipment has been a priority for many years in California. Last year‚ as a member of the budget committee‚ I supported the investment of nearly $900 million to advance a new CAL FIRE contract. Over the last decade‚ tens of billions of dollars have gone out to double our firefighter staffing‚ procure equipment and train the best firefighting fleet in the nation.

In San Diego and Orange counties‚ we worried all week about the development of high winds and even had some smaller fires‚ which luckily were put out relatively quickly. In this new world affected by climate change‚ fires can erupt almost at any time anywhere‚ fanned by high winds and dry conditions.

Without any rain to hydrate our desiccated landscape‚ we remain at risk. Forecasters are calling for more high winds beginning on Sunday. (See tips below for being prepared). The damage in L.A. County is staggering‚ with more than 12‚000 structures destroyed and 53‚000 wildfire victims filing for assistance from FEMA.

That’s just the start. I know much more will need to be done once the fires are fully extinguished‚ the damage assessed and rebuilding started. California’s history shows that we are strong and resilient and can overcome any challenge.

For latest information on fires‚ visit the Cal Fire website or go to the LA Times wildfires map.

Stay safe!

 

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Somehow‚ even though many of us have spent our lives in this disaster-prone state known for earthquakes‚ flooding and fires‚ we can get caught off guard when the weather abruptly changes and danger is imminent.

Here’s some good guidance on how to be ready to respond to increased fire conditions. Most importantly‚ you should be monitoring the latest emergency alerts‚ have a grab-and-go bag packed and have an evacuation plan.

 

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On Monday we celebrate the birthday of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.‚ whose dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to nonviolence and social justice inspired people across the country and around the world.

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. I hope you will join that effort and honor the legacy of Dr. King.

Southern Californians affected by the fires could use your help‚ as could others. Click on the links below for more information.

How to help fire relief efforts

Other local opportunities for service

 

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Every so often‚ there is great news to celebrate. And the announcement of a $27.1 million federal grant to restore rail service between San Diego and Los Angeles to pre-pandemic levels is certainly great news! Rep. Mike Levin has been a superb federal partner in elevating the coastal rail line and advocating for funding - we thank him for his advocacy in securing this money!

The grant‚ distributed by the Federal Rail Administration through its Restoration and Enhancement Grants Program‚ will pay for three additional roundtrips daily between San Diego‚ the nation’s 8th largest city‚ and Los Angeles‚ the nation’s 2nd largest city. This will reduce passenger overcrowding and improve the riding experience.

The LOSSAN corridor is one of six rail corridors nationally awarded funds through the program and the only one in California. The state is providing matching funds.

The federal grant will reduce demand on certain trains and make rail travel between San Diego and Los Angeles more frequent and reliable. By enhancing rail service, this funding will help reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions and the state meet its climate goals.

As Chair of the Senate Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency‚ I have worked to revitalize LOSSAN. The 351-mile line is the nation’s second-busiest passenger rail line and serves six counties with nearly 20 million residents.

MEDIA COVERAGE

SDUT: Federal Grant will boost San Diego to LA rail passenger service

 

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​I met with the staff of the Environmental Quality Committee shortly after being named Chair of the committee. Left to right in photo on right are: science fellow Taylor McKie‚ Principal Consultant Brynn Cook‚ myself and Chief Consultant Eric Walters.

After elections are held and new legislators are sworn into office‚ the work of starting a new legislative session begins.

The first task for leadership is to appoint legislators to all the policy committees that consider‚ and vote on‚ new bills.

I am happy to report I have been appointed to lead the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. I have also been selected to serve on the Senate Committees for Budget‚ Governmental Organization and Transportation‚ as well as Budget Subcommittee #2‚ which focuses on the state budget for resources‚ environmental protection and energy.

In addition‚ I will continue to be on the Joint Legislative Committee for Climate Change Policies.

California has a long‚ impressive history of leading the nation in environmental public policy and stewardship. I welcome carrying the torch on this foundationally important issue for California‚ as we strive to address climate change‚ move to a more sustainable way of living and protect our state’s immense beauty and natural resources.

Information about all Senate committees and the work they are doing can be found here.

I also plan to continue my work on the Senate Infrastructure Working Group‚ which is charged with considering changes to the state’s cap-and-trade program‚ and the Senate Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency.

 

The big news is the state budget has a modest surplus‚ after experiencing large deficits the last two years. But obviously the fires that have ravaged Southern California will impact that.

The Governor delivered his proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year‚ which begins on July 1‚ on Jan. 10.

It is now the Legislature’s responsibility to review this budget proposal closely‚ understand all of its implications and work over the coming months to improve upon it. I welcome my work ahead on the Senate budget committee and the budget subcommittee for resources‚ environmental protection and energy.

At first blush‚ the proposal appears to be a responsible approach that maintains important services Californians rely upon while investing wisely in our future. The tough budget decisions we made last year put us in this strong position.

Still‚ as always‚ California faces many challenges‚ and we must continue to budget prudently and intelligently.

In my role as Chair of the Environmental Quality Committee‚ I’m pleased to see $2.7 billion allocated this year from the climate bond to tackle environmental initiatives. We have much work to do to prepare for‚ and counter‚ the ongoing threat of climate change.

RESOURCES

LAO: Overview of the Governor’s Budget

California Budget & Policy Center: Understanding the Governor’s Budget

 

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Staff‚ volunteers and the board members of Brother Benno’s gathered to celebrate the 38th Senate District’s January Champion of the Month‚ Paul “Mac” McNamara.

Paul “Mac” McNamara’s contributions to our community and his dedication to service make him a true role model. I got to know Mac during his time as Mayor of Escondido‚ when we worked together on the SANDAG Board of Directors. I was impressed by his wealth of experience‚ from his military background to his corporate leadership‚ and his work ethic‚ kindness and commitment to service.

Since becoming executive director of Brother Benno’s in Oceanside in 2023‚ Mac has focused on helping community members struggling with food and housing insecurity‚ mental health challenges and addiction.

A retired Marine Colonel‚ he served with distinction during Operation Desert Storm‚ participated in humanitarian helicopter relief missions and worked as a defense attaché for the Department of Defense. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2003‚ Mac shifted his focus to community work‚ serving on the Palomar College Governing Board and later as the executive director and director of philanthropy for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum Foundation in San Diego.

Under Mac’s leadership‚ Brother Benno’s has also focused on sustainability - a cause near and dear to my heart. Through its food rescue program‚ Brother Benno’s prevents food from going to waste and instead redistributes it to those in need.

Recently‚ Mac spearheaded an initiative to install rooftop solar panels at Brother Benno’s Center‚ which will lower utility costs‚ reduce greenhouse gas emissions and allow more resources to be directed to the people they serve.

Congratulations to Mac for this deserved recognition for uplifting our community and embodying the spirit of service and compassion.

Thank you for your support. I am honored to serve you.

In partnership,

 

To learn more about what I am doing, follow me on social media.

Email me at Senator.Blakespear@Senate.ca.gov

Call my Encinitas district office at (760) 642-0809

Call my Laguna Hills district office at (949) 598-5850

Call my Capitol office in Sacramento at (916) 651-4038