SUBJECT
Title
RATIFY ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION FROM THE VIEJAS BAND OF KUMEYAAY INDIANS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
County of San Diego (County) Administrative Code Article III, Section 66, Acceptance of Gifts, and Board of Supervisors (Board) Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, permits the acceptance of gifts by the administrative head of each department in the County, subject to approval by the County Board. This is a request to ratify the acceptance of a 2017 Ford Leader E-350 Ambulance donation to County Fire from the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians with a retail value of approximately $18,000-$25,000. The donated ambulance will support emergency medical services in the San Diego County Fire Protection District Ground Ambulance Service Area.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. In accordance with County of San Diego Administrative Code Article III, Section 66, Acceptance of Gifts, and Board of Supervisors Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, ratify the acceptance of a 2017 Ford Leader E-350 Ambulance donation from the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians with a retail value of approximately $18,000-$25,000.
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign a letter of appreciation on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the County of San Diego to the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Advanced (Paramedic) and Basic (Emergency Medical Technician) Life Support ambulances are critical components to an emergency medical services (EMS) system that seeks to reduce health
disparities in our region. The San Diego County Fire Protection District Ground Ambulance Service Area (ASA) ensures residents in rural and other unincorporated areas have equitable access to emergency medical services.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed action of accepting an ambulance donation further supports the mission of the San Diego County Fire Protection District’s Ground Ambulance Service Area to provide just and equitable access to emergency medical services and County resources. The proposed donation supports fiscal stability by reducing the department’s need for General Purpose Revenue to support the cost of a new ambulance.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current year fiscal impact associated with today’s request to ratify the acceptance of an ambulance donation with a retail value between $18,000-$25,000 from the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. Ongoing costs beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 associated with maintenance and outfitting of the ambulance have been included in the FY 2026-27 CAO Recommended Operational Plan for County Fire. The funding source is existing General Purpose Revenue. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
On May 11, 2026, with five of eight advisory board members present, the San Diego County Fire Protection District Fire Advisory Board voted unanimously to support acceptance of the ambulance donation from the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians.
BACKGROUND
County Fire accepts tangible and monetary donations to help support fire protection and emergency medical services in the San Diego County Fire Protection District (SDCFPD). Through the cooperative agreement with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), County Fire provides around-the-clock advanced life support services at 21 County Fire stations throughout the SDCFPD. In 2023, County Fire began ambulance transportation services in the SDCFPD Ground Ambulance Service Area (ASA) with the management of 30 ambulances (21 front-line and nine reserve) throughout SDCFPD, along with the communities of Alpine, Valley Center, Deer Springs, and Crest. The ASA ensures residents in rural and unincorporated communities have equitable access to critical life-saving services.
The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians (Viejas), through the Viejas Fire Department (VFD), provides fire protection, rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), and other important health and safety services to the residents and visitors of the Viejas Reservation and non-tribal communities near and/or surrounding the Viejas Reservation. As of January 21, 2026, County Fire provides ambulance services to the Viejas Reservation. This partnership between Viejas and County Fire has enhanced both the ambulance coverage for the ASA and the EMS services to the Viejas Reservation. Viejas has a long tradition of giving back to the community through service to others and philanthropic work. Today’s request is to ratify the acceptance of a 2017 Ford Leader E-350 ambulance donation from Viejas to County Fire. The vehicle is being donated by Viejas and accepted by the County on an “as is”, “where is”, and “with all faults” basis without representations, warranties, and covenants, express or implied, of any kind or nature. This donated ambulance will undergo outfitting for standardization across County Fire ambulances. Once updates are complete, the ambulance will be utilized in the ASA to support our rural communities.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed actions support the Community Strategic Initiative of the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan by accepting and utilizing donations to support the availability of emergency medical services and fire protection.
Respectfully submitted,
ebony n. shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - Letter of Appreciation to the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians