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December 16, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Grant Acceptance and Appropriation: Accept Grant Funds from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for Wildfire Response and Preparedness and Appropriate Funds Report Number: 25-0284
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Animal Services
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution accepting grant funds in the amount of $14,473 from the ASPCA for wildfire response and disaster preparedness activities and appropriating the funds for that purpose. (4/5 Vote Required)
SUMMARY
City of Chula Vista Animal Services has received a grant award in the amount of $14,473 from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) California Wildfire and Disaster Preparedness Fund to support wildfire response and disaster preparedness activities. The funding will allow Animal Services to acquire protective equipment and other field response resources that enhance officer safety and operational capacity during wildfire and disaster incidents. The grant strengthens the department’s ability to assist residents and animals during evacuations, provide field support in hazardous conditions, and improve readiness for future emergency deployments. Acceptance of the funds and approval of the related appropriation will enable City Animal Services to better respond to a nd support wildfire and disaster incidents in accordance with the grant requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under P a g e | 2
Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable
DISCUSSION
Wildfire conditions in California have intensified in recent years a s recently seen by the in the increased designated fire hazard severity zones throughout Chula Vista. These conditions have expanded the likelihood that City personnel will be called upon to opera te in or near areas affected by wildfire or other disaster - related hazards. Animal Services plays a defined role within the City’s emergency response structure and may be deployed to support evacuations, retrieve animals from affected locations when condit ions permit, assist residents during displacement, and provide initial field care for animals impacted by an incident.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) California Wildfire and Disaster Preparedness Fund supports preparedness and capacity -building for animal welfare agencies, including acquisition of field rescue gear and supplies, temporary sheltering equipment, animal transport resources, and other materials necessary to conduct safe and effective disaster response. The funding will allow Animal Services to obtain protective equipment suited for wildfire environments and field operations, as well as supporting supplies needed during animal retrieval, sta bilization, and temporary housing. These improvements will increase officer safety, expand operational capability during disaster events, and strengthen readiness for mutual aid requests that involve movement of animals out of threatened areas.
The equipment and supplies acquired under the grant will enable Animal Services to provide more reliable field support during evacuations, assist in the movement and care of animals in coordination with fire and law enforcement personnel, and maintain the ability to operate in the immediate aftermath of an incident.
These enhancements will also improve the department’s capacity to establish temporary holding areas for animals when shelters are inaccessible or when rapid intake is required.
Approval of the resolution w ill authorize acceptance of $14,473 in grant funds , appropriate the awarded amount, and permit the City Manager to execute all documents and take actions necessary to ensure compliance with the ASPCA grant requirements.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff have reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and determined that it is not site -specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff are not independently aware and have not been informed by any City Council member of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
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CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will accept a grant award from the ASPCA in the amount of $14,473 and amend the fiscal year 2025-26 budget by increasing appropriations in the amount of $14,473 to the Other Expenses category of the Animal Services Section of the Other Grants Fund, resulting in no net fiscal impact.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There are minimal fiscal impacts anticipated from adopting this resolution. Any future replacement costs will be incorporated into the annual budget process or addressed through additional grant funding as available. The gear has an anticipated service life of approximately 10 years.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Grant Letter Agreement
2. ASPCA Wildfire Disaster Proposed Budget
Staff Contact: Ashley Milo, Director of Animal Services