California Legislature Unites in Bipartisan Support of Tustin Hangar Fire Recovery Resolution
Tustin, Calif. – Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), joined by Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard and Tustin Mayor Pro Tem Ryan Gallagher, celebrated the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 13 (SJR 13) and highlighted the strong bipartisan support for the resolution.
SJR 13, authored by Senator Newman, places the California Legislature firmly on record in urging federal assistance for the disaster cleanup made necessary by last year’s catastrophic fire at the historic Navy North Fire Hangar in Tustin. The resolution successfully passed through the Legislature in July with unanimous consent.
The gathering outside the cleanup site also underscored the need for continuing federal support to address the lingering impacts of the fire. SJR 13 calls on President Biden, the U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Navy to allocate $100 million in supplemental funding for ongoing cleanup and mitigation efforts. The resolution also urges the President to declare a national emergency, recognizing the severity of the situation.
“The passage of SJR 13, which enjoyed overwhelming and bipartisan support in both the Senate and the Assembly, is a testament to the state’s commitment to the residents of Tustin and surrounding areas,” Senator Newman said. “This resolution sends a strong and clear message to our federal partners that continued action is necessary to support the ongoing recovery efforts. I’m encouraged by and grateful for the Navy’s active engagement with and for the efforts of local officials and Tustin city staff. As the cleanup work continues, it’s critical that our federal counterparts match this urgency.”
“The City of Tustin strongly supports SJR 13, which will help assure funds are available to make our community and its finances whole in the wake of the Navy North Hangar Fire,” said Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard. “We are encouraged by the bipartisan support this crucial resolution received in both the Senate and Assembly. Our city is grateful for the hard work by Senator Newman in advancing this effort to address the impacts of the Navy North Hangar Fire and to protect public health, the environment, and our local economy.”
The fire, which broke out on November 7, 2023, destroyed one of the two historic World War II-era hangars at the former Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin. The massive wooden structure burned for nearly a month, affecting more than 1,500 homes, 29 local schools, and 14,000 residents. The City of Tustin has been left with unprecedented financial burdens, as emergency expenses rapidly surpassed 100% of the city’s budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.