Securing critical fire funds and strengthening our region's safety

I wanted to share some fantastic news that will significantly enhance fire protection and safety for our region. At our recent Board of Supervisors meeting, we secured permanent tax allocations and yearly funding for the Deer Springs and Valley Center Fire Protection Districts.

Here's what that means:

• The county will allocate an additional $1.5 million annually to the Valley Center Fire Protection District.

• Deer Springs will receive an additional $1.2 million to further bolster fire protection.

• The San Diego County Fire Protection District is set to receive $3.5 million annually to strengthen its capabilities along the southern border.

This Board action also provides critical funding for a Paramedic and Paramedic Squad in Pauma Valley and Otay Mesa, further safeguarding communities with enhanced emergency response services.

Our commitment to improving fire safety is clear. By closing the gaps identified by County Fire experts, we are making Valley Center, Deer Springs, and the Highway 94 corridor safer for everyone. Our goal is to reduce emergency response times to 10 minutes, ensuring faster and more efficient care during emergencies.

Key Highlights:

• Public safety is our top priority, especially as we enter fire season.

• We've seen firsthand how devastating wildfires can be, and fires don't care about district lines – they threaten us all.

• Many constituents have reached out about rising fire insurance rates, with some unable to secure insurance at all. These investments will help mitigate those concerns.

• Valley Center urgently needs a third fire station. While they have the funding to build it, they need resources to staff it. This station will improve response times and help reduce fire insurance costs.

We've taken a regional approach to fire safety because fire prevention efforts anywhere in the county benefit everyone. By investing in fire safety, we are protecting lives and property across San Diego County. The cost of these initiatives is minimal compared to the devastation a wildfire can cause.

We simply cannot afford another catastrophic fire. When we invest in fire safety, we are saving lives.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in protecting our community.