Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Lease 5417, Glenwood Fire Center, 400 Log Cabin Road La Honda
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The Board President to execute a Lease Agreement with the State of California; and
B) The County Executive, or designee, to accept or execute on behalf of the County, any notices, options, and documents associated with the Agreement including, extensions, amendments, or termination of the Agreement.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2015, Governor Brown proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California due to worsening forest conditions creating “extremely dangerous fire risk.”
In 2019, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California due to catastrophic wildfire risks created by forest conditions.
In 2025, Governor Newsom issued a subsequent proclamation due to the catastrophic wildfire risks that continue to exist due to the increasing whiplash between periods of extreme rain and drought that have caused accumulation of fuels in the landscapes.
On February 24, 2025, the State Fire Marshal issued revised Fire Hazard Severity Maps classifying areas in California based on their relative fire hazard safety. A substantial portion of San Mateo County is classified as a Very High, High, or Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
County is the Owner of a 25,922 square foot facility within a 60-acre parcel of land located at 400 Log Cabin Road, within the County’s unincorporated area of La Honda, Assessor’s Parcel Number 083-280-020, commonly referred to as Camp Glenwood (“Camp Glenwood” or “Premises”). Camp Glenwood, a former County Youth Detention Center, has been vacant since the County discontinued operations at the site in 2019.
To reduce fire risk, the 2022-2023 Governor’s Budget authorized the establishment of the Glenwood Fire Center, a new California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (“CAL FIRE”) facility. For nine months each year, the Center will house two State-funded Firefighter Hand Crews, each crew comprised of 16 Handcrew Firefighters, 1 Fire Captain, 1 Fire Apparatus Engineer, and support staff. In addition to wildfire response, the crews will focus on fuel reduction, prescribed burns, community projects, and other wildfire prevention efforts, improving fire resilience across the area.
DISCUSSION:
The Glenwood Fire Center’s strategic location will contribute to a reduction in Cal-Fire’s operational response times and will provide enhanced protection of communities and natural resources within San Mateo County through wildfire prevention efforts.
The County and the State have agreed upon terms for the lease of the premises consisting of an approximate two-year lease at a monthly base rent of $24,999. The Agreement, which will be executed by the Board President, will be materially in the form of the draft lease agreement accompanying this Resolution.
Approval of this request will allow for enhanced fire safety and resource protection within the County.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the Agreement and Resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The agreement supports wildfire prevention efforts improving long-term fire resilience for all County residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of the lease agreement will bring in approximately $300,000 in annual revenue to the County. This funding will be used to offset any costs the County may incur as the property owner with any remainder reserved for future use. There is no Net County Cost associated with this Board action.