Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez brings $3.75 Million Dollars to Sylmar

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D–San Fernando Valley) has successfully advocated for $3.75 million in new Proposition 4 funding for the Sylmar community to strengthen wildfire prevention and emergency response.

The first of its kind investment includes $2.5 million for wildfire mitigation, building new fire roads and access, and $1.25 million toward a new Sylmar fire station. The resources for the fire station build on funding commitments already made by the City of Los Angeles and local partners after decades of advocacy by the community. Together, these investments will establish new fire roads and access points, reduce hazardous fuels, improve emergency access, and expand the community’s emergency response capacity.

Sylmar sits along a high-risk wildland-urban interface and has repeatedly faced major wildfires, including the Sayre Fire in 2008, the Saddleridge Fire in 2019, and, most recently, the Hurst Fire during the January 2025 Los Angeles fires. Limited access routes and Sylmar’s longstanding equestrian community also present unique challenges during wildfire evacuations.

“Our families in Sylmar and along the foothills know what it means to live with the threat of wildfire. They have experienced the fires, the evacuations, the smoke, and the uncertainty that comes with wondering whether their loved ones, homes, and neighborhoods will be safe,” said Assistant Speaker Pro Tem Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez.“This funding is about making sure our community is better prepared — strengthening new fire roads and emergency access, while investing in the emergency response capacity we need when every minute matters. For too long, communities like Sylmar have had to do more with less when it comes to preparing for wildfire and the State has a responsibility to invest in this community. I am grateful to Senator Menjivar for her strong advocacy for the Sylmar fire station investment in the Senate. I am proud to bring these resources home and will keep fighting to make sure the Northeast San Fernando Valley receives its fair share of state investment,” Rodriguez continued.

The $2.5 million investment in wildfire mitigation and new fire roads and access improvements will help strengthen Sylmar’s defenses against future wildfires by improving fire roads and emergency access, reducing hazardous fuels, and creating stronger buffers between surrounding wildlands and neighborhoods. These investments are particularly important in a community where limited access routes can complicate both emergency response and evacuations during a wildfire.

This additional $1.25 million will help advance a new fire station serving Sylmar, building on local funding toward the station’s design and the continued support of Councilmember Monica Rodriguez. During peak fire season and major emergencies, existing resources can become strained as firefighters respond to multiple incidents across the region. A new station would strengthen local emergency response capacity, improve response times, and provide firefighters with a greater ability to attack a fire quickly before it threatens surrounding neighborhoods.

“The California State Horsemen's Association Region 7 is proud of our Assemblymember Rodriguez’s leadership in securing state funds supporting a new fire station for the high-risk Sylmar equestrian community,” said Lisa Baca, President, CSHA Region 7.

“Horsemen in Action survived the January 2025 fire in Sylmar, evacuating 70 horses at night. We are very grateful to have new planning funds and look forward to working with Assemblywoman Rodriguez’s team to prepare for a safer future and fire evacuations,” said Geronimo Bugarin, President, Horsemen in Action, Coalition of Sylmar.

“Sylmar is deeply grateful for the $2.5 million allocated for wildfire mitigation and the additional $1.25 million toward the construction of the Sylmar Fire Station.

These critical investments represent a meaningful commitment to the safety, security, and well-being of our community. Funding for wildfire mitigation will help Sylmar better prepare for, respond to, and protect against the growing threat of wildfires. At the same time, the investment in our new fire station will strengthen emergency response capabilities and provide our firefighters with the modern facilities and resources they need to serve our community effectively. We are grateful for this important support and remain committed to working together to build a safer, stronger, and more resilient Sylmar.

The Sylmar Neighborhood Council extends our sincere appreciation to Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez for her dedication, leadership, and continued advocacy on behalf of Sylmar and our community. Her commitment to securing resources that directly benefit our residents is deeply valued.

Sylmar’s safety and future depend on continued partnership, investment, and action—and we are grateful to everyone working to make our community stronger,” said Kurt Cabrera-Miller President, Sylmar Neighborhood Council.

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Assemblywoman Rodriguez represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of San Fernando and communities across the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including Arleta, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, and North Hills.

For more information, visit a43.asmdc.org or follow @asmcelesterodriguez on Instagram.