Wendell Thompson

The board meeting agenda included reports from the Chairperson, Governing Board members, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Health and Safety division. Key presentations featured an update on the City of San Diego Lifeguard Services regarding storm activity and flood response, an overview of the new San Diego River Science Field Station by the Lakeside River Park Conservancy, and details regarding the upcoming 23rd Annual River Days. The Executive Officer provided an update on the Proposition 4 Nature-Based Solutions grant program, noting the upcoming application deadline and the alignment of proposals with disadvantaged community benefits.

The Governing Board meeting focused on various wildfire prevention and resilience initiatives funded by Proposition 4. Key agenda items included the approval of hazardous fuels reduction projects along Tavern Road in Alpine and along the San Diego River and its tributaries. The board also reviewed projects regarding renovations for the City of El Cajon's Fire Station No. 7, the purchase of a Type VI fire engine and infrastructure construction for the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and wildfire resilience efforts in the Descanso Ranger District and Shepherd and Rueda Canyons. Additionally, the board considered the adoption of guidelines for the Nature-Based Solutions grant program and received reports from the Executive Officer, the Chairperson, and other departments.

The San Diego River Conservancy's 2026 Work Plan outlines its mission to strengthen partnerships and implement projects aimed at conserving wildlife and native habitats, supporting state plans, and assisting historically underfunded communities. The plan focuses on key areas such as land acquisition, expanding recreational opportunities, preserving natural and cultural resources, and improving water quality. It details six main programs: conserving land within the San Diego River Watershed, supporting recreation and education, preserving and restoring natural resources (including wildfire and forest resilience), protecting cultural and historical resources, enhancing water quality and natural flood conveyance, and expanding organizational capacity and public outreach. The Conservancy aims to maximize public value and leverage additional funding through these multi-benefit projects.

The Governing Board meeting agenda included several action items focused on fire resilience and infrastructure improvements. Key discussions involved the proposed $5,500,000 renovation for the City of El Cajon's Fire Station No. 7, seeking $1,500,000 in funding from Proposition 4. Additionally, the Board considered funding for the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians' proposal to purchase a Type VI Fire Engine and construct a new apparatus bay and training room, requesting $650,000 from Proposition 4. Other action items included funding recommendations for the Descanso Ranger District Wildfire Resilience and Community Defense project ($538,496) and the San Diego River Watershed -- Canyon Wildfire Resilience Project ($649,875). The report from the Executive Officer provided updates on Proposition 4 and Nature Based Solutions, referencing various recent meetings and site visits.

The Governing Board meeting focused on several key actions, primarily related to wildfire resilience funding from Proposition 4. Discussions included a proposal for renovations to the City of El Cajon's Fire Station No. 7 to ensure code compliance and improve capacity, requiring $1,500,000 in funding. The Board also considered funding for the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians to purchase a Type VI Fire Engine and construct an apparatus bay with a training room, requesting $650,000. Further agenda items involved funding for wildfire resilience and community defense projects, such as hazardous fuel reduction in the Descanso Ranger District ($538,496) and a fuel treatment project in the San Diego River Watershed canyons ($649,875). Additionally, funding was sought for the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation project, focusing on fuel reduction, equipment acquisition, and supporting Fire Safe Councils ($2,000,000). The Board also addressed a land acquisition update for Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, seeking to update the parcels for a previously approved grant. The Executive Officer's Report covered updates on proposed 2026 meeting dates and the status of Proposition 4 allocations.