Legislature Approves Sen. Dodd’s Camp Coombs Park Bill

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced today the California Legislature has approved his measure to allow the state of California to sell land at Napa State Hospital known as Camp Coombs to Napa County for inclusion in Skyline Wilderness Park.

“This new parcel, when combined with the adjacent and much larger Skyline Wilderness Park, will be a tremendous addition to the park system in Napa County,” Sen. Dodd said. “It will expand outdoor opportunities for residents and ensure it remains preserved for future generations. It’s the best possible use of this incredible property, and I appreciate my legislative colleagues for their support.”

Under Sen. Dodd’s Senate Bill 958, the 80-acre Camp Coombs property would be authorized for sale to the county for public parkland and open space. The 850-acre Skyline Wilderness Park is owned by the state, but is leased and managed by the county. In order to ensure Skyline is forever used as a park, Sen. Dodd previously passed a bill in 2019 to allow it to be sold to the county. The adjacent Camp Coombs property has not been open to the public and is unused by Napa State Hospital. The sale of Camp Coombs would come in addition to the pending transfer of Skyline Wilderness Park and both could happen before the end of the year.

“We appreciate Sen. Dodd’s dedication to advancing legislation that facilitates negotiations for the acquisition of Camp Coombs within Skyline Park. This complements his 2019 legislation, which allowed us to progress in acquiring Skyline Park,” said Joelle Gallagher, chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors. “Our commitment lies in safeguarding this crucial community asset for both current and future generations, ensuring local control remains intact. This 850-acre property holds significant recreational and environmental value, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to its protection and preservation.”

Senate Bill 958 is also coauthored by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters. It cleared the Assembly and Senate with overwhelming support and heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.