Los Angeles gets $22 million in state funding for the Sepulveda Basin

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced on 25 October that state leaders have delivered $22 million in new funding for the Sepulveda Basin in the San Fernando Valley, for infrastructure and accessibility improvements, new shade structures, upgrades to sports fields, and Los Angeles Fire Department vegetation management and fire prevention. Bass was joined by Councilmember Imelda Padilla, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez, LAFD leadership and Valley community members on Saturday to highlight the progress.

Where the money goes

According to the Mayor's Office, $8 million will go to the Balboa Sports Center, including lighting for its two soccer fields and new shade structures; $4 million to improvements at the Hjelte Sports Fields; $6 million to transportation and mobility improvements from Lake Balboa across Victory Boulevard into the basin; $2 million to fire prevention projects through the LAFD; and $2 million to vegetation management through the Department of Public Works, including workforce development efforts through Chrysalis and Resilience Force.

Progress in the basin

The Mayor's Office said fires in the Sepulveda Basin have fallen 43% in the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, more than 120 encampments have been cleared in the area, and law enforcement has arrested a suspect accused of setting fires in the basin. Bass said the city has made real progress on long-standing public safety threats and is restoring the space for Valley families.

What officials said

Assembly Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel said the funding will make parks safer and more accessible, reduce wildfire risk, provide relief from extreme heat and give firefighters critical resources. Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez said access to nature should not be a luxury and the investment will create lasting benefits for the region. Councilmember Padilla noted that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming to the San Fernando Valley for the first time, and called the basin the green jewel of the Valley.