Members of the California State Senate on the floor recognized the Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp for its wildfire response and community service during a privileges-of-the-floor presentation.

Majority Leader Senator Aisha Wahab introduced the group and described the program as a “unique transformative program” that trains young men alongside CAL FIRE, provides trauma-informed treatment and educational programming, and certifies participants to fight wildland fires. “Since September 2024, these young firefighters have deployed to over 20 fires throughout the state of California, fighting alongside Cal Fire scribe teams, risking their own lives to help preserve life and property,” Wahab said.

Why it matters: Senators from across the aisle praised the camp’s dual emphasis on public safety and rehabilitation and urged state policymakers to support pathways that help participants transition into firefighting careers. Several senators noted the volunteers’ work on containment lines and other high-risk tasks that directly protect homes and communities.

Senator Sayardo recalled seeing the crews in the field and described the crews’ work building containment lines on steep slopes under hazardous conditions. “When you talk about containment of a fire, that’s what they’re doing,” Sayardo said. Senator Smallwood Cuevas, Senator Perez and others added that the program’s training, educational opportunities and community service — including work in state and county parks and local volunteer efforts — create tangible opportunities for participants to move into paid fire service roles.

Wahab identified firefighters in the chamber and gallery by name — Gonzalo Murillo, Edgar de la Rosa, Elijah Martinez, Isaias Barajas, Guillermo Dominguez, Najee Franklin and Long Luong — and recognized Pine Grove camp commanders Lieutenant Vanessa Melendez and Lieutenant Edward Malenberg. Senators also noted the program’s community volunteer work, including park flood and fire-abatement tasks and assistance at county fairs and libraries.

The presentation did not record a formal roll-call vote; senators gave the group a round of applause and invited photo-taking on the floor. Multiple senators urged follow-up action to expand training-to-career opportunities and to ensure that participants can access education and hiring pipelines, but no formal referral or direction to staff was recorded on the floor during the presentation.

The chamber later moved from privileges of the floor into the legislative calendar and took up unrelated items.