Council names Ray Marquez to attend June 18 joint legislative audit committee hearing on state park fire risk

The City Council voted 5‑0 on June 10 to appoint Council Member Ray Marquez to represent Chino Hills at a joint legislative audit committee hearing in Sacramento on June 18 that will examine how California State Parks manages fire risk on property that borders multiple jurisdictions.

City staff and the council described a months‑long inquiry begun by the council's legislative committee after January wildfires near Los Angeles raised questions about responsibilities, oversight and resource allocation at a state park that abuts Chino Hills and neighboring cities. Staff said the audit request—sponsored by State Senator Kelly Seyarto—asks the state auditor to review whether State Parks and other agencies are performing required fire‑risk mitigation, who has oversight responsibility, and whether sufficient resources are in place.

City Manager Ben (surname not specified in transcript) told council staff had met with city, fire district and county representatives as well as State Parks Inland Empire District staff to frame the audit questions. "No one had a clear sense of what the state parks requirements were for whether it's weed abatement or just fire risk management," staff said, explaining why a legislative audit was requested.

Mayor Bennett moved to appoint Council Member Ray Marquez; Council Member Peter (last name not specified in the public transcript) seconded the motion. The council voted 5‑0 to approve the appointment. Council members said they prefer at least one elected official to attend the hearing in person, coordinating with the city's lobbyist and the Chino Valley Fire District to present a coordinated case to the audit committee.

Staff said the hearing will be structured like a council meeting with public comment opportunities and testimony from local officials and agency representatives; the fire district chief has indicated an intent to testify.