By Stephen Witt
Three San Fernando Valley legislators presented a ceremonial check for $5 million to Discovery Cube Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, marking one of the earliest and largest appropriations from California’s landmark Proposition 4 climate bond.
Assemblymembers Nick Schultz (D-Burbank), Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), and Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando) gathered at the science center’s Sylmar location to announce funding for the Fire Prevention Training Grounds project. This interactive outdoor educational space will include youth fire academies and workforce development programs.
Discovery Cube Los Angeles is a nonprofit science center that provides hands-on STEM education to families and children throughout the region. The museum has served the northeast end of the Valley for over a decade.
“We’re standing right here in the heart of our district, right here at the Discovery Cube LA,” Schultz said. “What I’m pleased to say is that the $5 million that we’re bringing back today under Proposition 4 is one of the earliest and largest appropriations of Prop 4 funding to come anywhere in the state.”
The funding will support the construction of a four-story fire tower with lookout platforms, a fire truck, a helicopter, and exhibits throughout the area focused on fire protection and prevention. The project aims to inspire children to explore careers in firefighting and fire prevention while educating the community about wildfire preparedness.
Gabriel, who chairs the Assembly Budget Committee, emphasized the collective effort behind the allocation during a challenging budget year.
“We were able, in a very challenging budget year to coalesce around a number of priorities as assembly Democrats,” Gabriel said. “We’re also lucky because we have some additional funding from the climate bond that the voters passed from Proposition 4. Part of that is specifically directed to go to institutions like the Discovery Cube, which are doing amazing work.”
Gabriel praised his colleagues for ensuring the Valley received its fair share of state resources.
“I’m just really grateful to Assembly Member Schultz and Assembly Member Rodriguez, who fought so hard to make sure that some of that money comes home here to the San Fernando Valley,” he said. “Thanks to their work, thanks to their organizing, thanks for their efforts to get a bunch of members of the Democratic Caucus and the assembly to support and the Senate to support this effort, that’s why we’re here today.”
Rodriguez, who represents the northeast San Fernando Valley just across the street from Discovery Cube, spoke about the project’s significance for historically underserved communities.
“For too long, families in the San Fernando Valley had to travel to downtown Los Angeles to access museums and STEM learning opportunities,” said Rodriguez. “That meant that for many working families, those experiences were out of reach due to time, transportation or costs. The Discovery Cube changed that. It brought science, imagination and hands-on learning right into the heart of a historically disenfranchised community.”
