Despite many people supportive of repealing the controversial fire prevention fee, including fire chiefs from throughout California, the California Senate Natural Resource Committee opposed legislation to repeal the controversial fee.
The committee’s vote was 4-3 against Sen. Ted Gaines’ Senate Bill 17. The California Fire Chiefs Association announced its support for S.B. 17. One reason is the fear of citizen confusion between the state fee and future local districts’ efforts to increase their fees.
Idyllwild’s Assemblyman Brian Jones has scheduled a Town Hall meeting April 25 in El Cajon on this subject. Representatives from CAL FIRE will attend and answer questions about the State Responsibility Area Fire Fee. To attend the 5:30 to 7 p.m. meeting, call (619) 441-2322.
It is unlikely that Jones will hold a similar meeting on the Hill, according to his staff.
