Firefighters, family members and dignitaries from throughout California came together Saturday, October 18, 2008 in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price to protect the lives and property of Californians.
We are proud to announce that Governor Schwarzenegger has signed ALL of the CPF-sponsored bills that were approved by the Legislature in August with overwhelming bi-partisan support. Indeed, this truly is a banner legislative year for our organization.
In the last week before the election, an advertisement has surfaced in support of Prop. 11 with a firefighter implying that all CA firefighters support the measure. In fact, the individual is not a member of California Professional Firefighters, and does not speak on behalf of any statewide firefighting organization, including those representing management. CPF has taken no position on Prop. 11 -- either for or against.
Fire officials reported more good news from the front lines. Firefighters achieved 95% containment of the 1,940-acre Tea fire, which started in Montecito on Thursday evening and damaged or destroyed 219 residences. The Sayre fire was 64% contained, and the Freeway Complex fire was 40% contained.
California Professional Firefighters and its affiliates proved once again that the issues that matter to first responders are issues that resonate with the state's voters. In a year with a record election turnout, CPF-endorsed candidates have won or are leading in all but three of the 91 Assembly and Senate contests in which we made a recommendation -- a whopping 97% success rate! Firefighters also helped lead the defeat of a ballot measure that could have diverted millions away from state fire protection programs.