CARPD is the proud sponsor of SB 499 (Stern)!

As California faces increasingly severe wildfires and other climate-driven disasters, it is vital that we empower communities with every available tool for mitigation and emergency response. Parks and recreational areas are more than community amenities—they are integral components of our public safety infrastructure. These spaces serve as fuel breaks, emergency gathering sites, evacuation staging areas, and heating or cooling centers during climate emergencies.

Recent events such as the Palisades and Eaton Fires have underscored the need for comprehensive, cross-sector planning. In 2018, for example, the Conejo Recreation and Park District’s North Ranch Neighborhood Park played a crucial role as a fuel buffer during the Woolsey Fire, helping to protect nearby homes from devastation. SB 499 acknowledges and codifies the essential role that parks and recreational facilities play in emergency preparedness and wildfire resiliency and mitigation. Similarly, Paradise Recreation and Park District played a large role in the response and ongoing recovery from the 2018 Camp Fire, particularly by focusing on fire mitigation and community resiliency.

By clarifying that these facilities are eligible for fee deferral exemptions under existing development statutes, SB 499 will remove ambiguity and support more effective local planning and resource allocation. It complements the intent of SB 937 (Wiener) [Chapter 290, Statutes of 2024] by ensuring that park infrastructure—when directly related to public safety—is not overlooked in development-related funding decisions. CARPD is committed to supporting practical, forward-thinking solutions and is proud to partner with Senator Henry Stern on this important bill.

CARPD, its members, and its legislative advocates have been leading the charge on the bill as it worked its way through the Assembly and Senate. In July, CARPD Board Secretary, Doug Nickles, and CARPD Executive Director, Matthew Duarte, testified before the Assembly Local Government Committee as the bill passed on a 7-0 vote. To watch the full hearing and view Matt and Doug’s primary witness testimony in support of the bill, go to the Committee’s website here (1:47:00 mark): https://www.assembly.ca.gov/media/assembly-local-government-committee-20250702?time[media-element-4167]=6419.222037

Earlier this month, SB 499 was passed both the Assembly and Senate and is currently on Governor Newsom's desk. CARPD Members who would like to express their support of the bill and request the Governor's signature can utilize the sample letter below. Thank you for your support!

For more on SB 499, check out ​our CARPD's letter, Sen. Stern’s Fact Sheet, and review the current draft language HERE. Thanks again to all the member districts for your support!​