David first enrolled in the National Dislocated Workers Grant (NDWG) program in November 2021. As a local resident of Monrovia with personal experience enduring the Bobcat Fire, he was very motivated to assist with restoring Monrovia Canyon Park.

He wanted to help reopen it to the public as it is a place near and dear to his heart. After demonstrating a strong work ethic and his commitment to the program, David was promoted to the position of backup supervisor. In this role, he continues to provide leadership and mentorship to his fellow crew members.

The Bobcat Fire was one of the largest wildfires to date in Los Angeles County. It started in September 2020 and by the time it was contained in December 2020, the fire had scorched nearly 116,000 acres in the central San Gabriel Mountains and in-and-around the Angeles National Forest.

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) National Dislocated Workers Grant (NDWG) provided paid work experience for workers to assist with recovery efforts for residents and businesses that were severely impacted by the state’s megafires. The NDWG also funded temporary employment opportunities for individuals who lost their jobs during COVID-19.

The photos below illustrate how crews restored Monrovia Canyon Park and Hillside Canyon Park. Crew members worked on the edge of the fire road to clean up overgrown vegetation that grew post-fire and with recent rains. Removing the vegetation ensures the fire road is safe for emergency vehicles and returns the road to its pre-fire state.


EWDD’s WorkSource Centers and workforce partners helped administer the NDWG, which has provided temporary employment to hundreds of Angelenos. This project is 100% federally-funded in the amount of $1.8 million.