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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Authorization for the City to Apply for a Grant Opportunity through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for Up to $950,000 for Wildfire Prevention Efforts at Culver City Park.
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Meeting Date: July 13, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Ferguson/ Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (07/08/2026)
Department Approval: Tomas Herrera-Mishler, PRCS Director (06/22/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City to apply for a grant opportunity through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for up to $950,000 for wildfire prevention efforts at Culver City Park.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In November 2024, California voters approved California Proposition 4, a statewide general obligation bond measure authorizing $10 billion in funding for projects intended to improve climate resilience, protect natural resources, and reduce risks associated with climate change. The measure was placed on the ballot by the California Legislature and passed with approximately 60 percent voter approval.
The bond provides funding for a broad range of environmental and climate-related investments, including:
• Safe drinking water and water system reliability;
• Drought preparedness, flood protection, and water resilience projects;
• Wildfire prevention and forest health initiatives;
• Extreme heat mitigation and community resilience efforts;
• Coastal and ocean protection;
• Habitat conservation, biodiversity, and natural lands preservation;
• Clean energy and emissions-reduction projects; and
• Climate-smart agriculture programs.
Funding authorized under Proposition 4 is being distributed through state agencies and grant programs, creating opportunities for local governments, special districts, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities to seek funding for qualifying climate resilience, infrastructure, environmental restoration, and community protection projects.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is advancing the State's Wildfire and Forest Resilience efforts through a grant program that provides up to $70 million for community-focused wildfire prevention and resilience projects. The program supports locally led efforts to reduce wildfire risk, improve preparedness, and protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. Eligible activities include hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education. Projects that also provide carbon-reduction benefits receive additional consideration during the evaluation process.
The proposed grant application would support wildfire prevention efforts at Culver City Park. The broader project envisions improvements to the park's western and southern slopes, including invasive plant removal, hazardous fuel reduction, habitat restoration, trail improvements, and educational and wayfinding signage. A preliminary feasibility study is currently being conducted by a PRCS consulting civil engineer to evaluate existing slope and drainage conditions and is anticipated to be completed in Summer 2026. Based on current program guidelines, invasive plant removal and hazardous fuel reduction activities are eligible for CAL FIRE grant funding. Staff is seeking authorization to apply for up to $950,000 in grant funding for these wildfire prevention efforts.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The CAL FIRE grant is a reimbursement-based funding program and does not require a local funding match. If the grant is awarded, staff will return to City Council with a proposed budget amendment to implement the project and receive reimbursement through the grant program.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
Recommended Action
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the City to apply for a grant opportunity through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for up to $950,000 for wildfire prevention efforts at Culver City Park;
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.