FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 27, 2021
SAN PEDRO, Calif. – The Department of the Navy and Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán announced an interim agreement allowing community organizations continued access to Navy property at Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) San Pedro.
The agreement will allow for continued community use of all 11 ball fields for six months while the Navy and local governments negotiate a longer-term solution for community access to the property.
“We are grateful the community’s leaders made us aware of this issue and are pleased a solution is in hand,” said Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett, Commander, Navy Region Southwest. “We recognize how important these ballfields are to families and community, and the importance of organized athletics as a part of children’s lives. This Navy is committed to finding a long-term solution working together to reach agreement with local government leaders.”
In June 2020, changes were made to Department of Defense policy that require the payment of fair market value for use of government property by non-military and non-profit non-federal government entities. Previously, property at Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) San Pedro was made available for use by community sports groups for free, or for a small administrative fee.
“I appreciate the Navy taking this initial step so that our kids can get ready for the next season of baseball and softball without interruption,” Congresswoman Barragán said. “Kids in San Pedro and our surrounding communities have been using these ballfields for decades – the leagues and the ballfields are in integral part of our communities. I am happy that we were able to put a spotlight on the issue and bring the Navy and the City of Los Angeles to the table to discuss a long-term solution. This is about our kids. In a community where open public space is scarce, continued access to these fields is crucial to the health and well-being of our children. I look forward to the Navy and the City of Los Angeles reaching a solution that puts kids and our community first and will continue to advocate on behalf of my constituents to make sure that happens.”
Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, California, and its Detachments – located in Fallbrook and Norco, California – exist to provide weapons storage, loading, maintenance, and assessment support to ships of the United States Pacific Fleet. These facilities also support Coast Guard vessels and Marine Corps units stationed afloat and ashore.
###
Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security.