Larry Klein
Mayor
Richard Mehlinger
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Linda Sell
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
March 2, 2026
T
he Honorable Patrick Ahrens
California State Assembly
1020 O Street, Suite 6110
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE
: State Funding Request for the City of Sunnyvale – Fire Apparatus D
ear Assemblymember Ahrens:
O
n behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your past and ongoing support of our city and region.
I
recognize that the current State budget and fiscal landscape are uncertain and in flux. I am writing to respectfully inquire whether there may be an opportunity to direct state funding toward a critical public safety need for Sunnyvale.
T
he City of Sunnyvale seeks $1,000,000 in Proposition 4, Chapter 3 (Wildfire and Forest Resilience) funding to enable the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to purchase a much- needed ladder fire apparatus to replace a unit that has reached the end of its reliable service life. This investment is essential to maintaining effective emergency response capabilities, ensuring firefighter safety, and preserving operational readiness for complex incidents such as multi -story structure fires, technical rescues, and providing coverage during increasingly frequent wildland-urban interface fire events. Sunnyvale has enabled the development of multiple high- rise residential projects, and this apparatus is critical to help make sure that our high-rise residents are safe.
T
his apparatus would also support regional mutual aid responses, allowing Sunnyvale to continue meeting its obligations and assisting neighboring jurisdictions during large - scale emergencies. DPS has an active apparatus build team in place, including subject matter experts, Fleet staff, and a manufacturer aligned on core specifications to ensure the vehicle is durable, maintainable, and cost -effective over its lifecycle. State funding would directly support the timely replacement of critical fire infrastruc ture and strengthen both local and regional emergency response capacity.
Attachment 1
The Honorable Patrick Ahrens, State Assembly
March 2, 2026
I understand the magnitude of a $1 million request. However, as climate change accelerates and wildfire risks grow more frequent and severe, Sunnyvale must be equipped to meet increasing demands by deploying its wildland rigs. Therefore, this ladder fire apparatus will be operationally ready to provide coverage during those events.
Without this funding, the City will be forced to rely on aging and unreliable apparatus that could fail during an emergency, potentially putting lives at risk.
I am confident this request aligns with the goals of Proposition 4 and represents a prudent and impactful investment of state resources. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued commitment to protecting our environment, our community, and our residents. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Michelle Zahraie, Sr. Management Analyst at [email protected], if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: City Council
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Attachment 1
March 2, 2026
The Honorable Patrick Ahrens
California State Assembly
1020 O Street, Suite 6110
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: State Funding Consideration for the City of Sunnyvale – Fire Apparatus
Dear Assemblymember Ahrens,
I recognize that the current State budget environment remains uncertain and subject to change. With that understanding, I write to underscore the importance of direct state support for a critical public safety priority in our shared community.
The City of Sunnyvale would appreciate your consideration of $1,000,000 through Proposition 4, Chapter 3 (Wildfire and Forest Resilience) to procure a vital ladder fire apparatus, replacing a unit that has reached the end of its dependable service life. This investment is essential to sustaining effective emergency response capabilities, safeguarding firefighter safety, and preserving operational readiness for complex incidents, including multi -story structure fires, technical rescues, and coverage during increasingly frequent wildland-urban interface fire events.
Beyond its local impact, this apparatus will strengthen regional mutual aid capacity, ensuring Sunnyvale can continue to meet its obligations and support neighboring jurisdictions during large -scale emergencies. The Department has convened an experienced apparatus build team composed of subject matter experts, Fleet personnel, and a manufacturer aligned on core specifications to deliver a vehicle that is durable, maintainable, and cost-effective across its lifecycle. State funding would directly enable the timely replacement of critical fire infrastructure and bolster both local and regional emergency preparedness.
I recognize the magnitude of a $1,000,000 investment. Yet as climate-related risks intensify and wildfire events grow more frequent and severe, Sunnyvale must remain equipped to deploy its wildland resources without compromising structural response coverage. This ladder apparatus will ensure operational continuity during such events. Absent this investment, the City will be compelled to rely on aging equipment whose reliability cannot be assured in moments when failure is not an option.
Attachment 1
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and for your continued leadership in protecting our environment, our communities, and the residents we collectively serve.
Sincerely,
Ro Khanna
Member of Congress
District 17
Attachment 1