Rojas Public Affairs helps secure $8.1 million for seven California agencies

Seven California public agencies will share $8.085 million in state funding for fire response, emergency preparedness, training and storm recovery after advocacy backed by Rojas Public Affairs. The money was included in Assembly Bill 113 and signed into the 2026 state budget by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Why it matters: - The funding gives seven California public agencies money for equipment, training, emergency operations and storm repairs. - The awards support fire protection, park district infrastructure and community recovery projects tied to public safety. - The total allocation is $8.085 million.

What happened: - The state funding was included in Assembly Bill 113, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom as part of the 2026 state budget. - Rojas Public Affairs worked with local agencies, elected leaders and legislative offices to advance the funding requests. - The awards go to seven California public agencies for projects identified locally.

The details: - Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District received $1 million for a new fire engine to support emergency response and regional mutual aid. - Assemblymember David Alvarez championed the Bonita-Sunnyside funding. - Fire Chief Michael Smith said the investment will help close the district’s equipment funding gap and strengthen regional safety. - Pass Area Recreation and Park District received $2 million for emergency operations infrastructure upgrades at Noble Creek Regional Park. - General Manager Mickey Valdivia thanked Assemblymember Greg Wallis for securing the funding to strengthen the park’s regional emergency response role. - Chino Valley Independent Fire District received $500,000 to modernize its firefighter training center. - Senator Kelly Seyarto helped secure the Chino Valley funding. - Fire Chief Dave Williams said modern, reliable training facilities are essential to preparing firefighters for field challenges. - Williams Fire Protection Authority received $500,000 to complete a regional fire training facility serving Northern California. - Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry supported the Williams Fire Protection Authority funding. - Fire Chief Jeffrey Gilbert said the facility will benefit firefighters, law enforcement personnel and communities along the Interstate 5 corridor. - Hesperia Recreation and Park District received $885,000 for storm-damage repairs to community facilities. - Assemblymember Tom Lackey helped secure the Hesperia funding. - General Manager Robert Hernandez said the funds will help the district move forward with repairs and continue providing safe, reliable recreational spaces. - City of Bishop received $500,000 for public-safety electrical infrastructure, including emergency power and a secure server room. - Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District received $2.7 million for storm-damage repairs. - RPA said the requests reflected months of project development, legislative outreach and coordination.

Between the lines: - The funding shows how local agencies are using state budget negotiations to pay for infrastructure that is often difficult to cover through routine local budgets. - Fire training centers, emergency power systems and storm repairs are not headline-grabbing projects, but they directly affect response times and community resilience. - The mix of awards suggests California lawmakers are supporting both immediate recovery work and longer-term preparedness.

What's next: - The recipient agencies can now move forward with procurement, repairs, upgrades and facility planning tied to the state awards. - RPA said it will continue working on state and federal funding advocacy, legislative strategy and public policy priorities for public agencies and community organizations. - RPA also thanked elected officials, legislative staff and community partners who supported the projects.

The bottom line: - Seven California agencies won state money for projects that should improve emergency response, training capacity and storm recovery across multiple communities. - More information is available in the company's announcement.