Mike Esparza is a retired fire chief, public servant, and valued member of the Pauma Valley community. He began his firefighting career at 20 as a volunteer in the La Habra Heights Volunteer Fire Department, later serving with Los Angeles County before joining the City of Riverside Fire Department, where he rose to Interim Fire Chief. He responded to major emergencies, including the World Trade Center collapse and Hurricane Katrina. Mike and his wife, Tammy, moved from Riverside to their retirement home in Pauma Valley, and they have two sons and four grandchildren.

During his career, Mike held influential leadership roles, including Vice-Chair of the California State Board of Fire Services and Director on the State’s Office of Emergency Services FIRESCOPE Board. He also served on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission Taskforce on wildfire protection, mentored youth in multiple programs, and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Fire Administration and Fire Prevention Technology. After retiring, he served part-time as an Assistant Chief with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, coordinating large-scale fire responses.

As Secretary of the Board, Mike draws on his extensive emergency management expertise and steadfast commitment to public safety, helping guide the District toward continued success.