Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Brian Rice

75. Brian Rice

Brian Rice leads the California Professional Firefighters, representing 35,000 local firefighters across the state who are far more politically active than many appreciate. Last year, for example, they helped Gov. Newsom pass his Prop. 1 ballot measure addressing homelessness and mental health. Rice is a political veteran who for 12 years headed the Sacramento local 522. He took over the CPF in 2018, and has since proven to be a devastatingly effective advocate for his members, be it about hours, wages or anything else that impacts firefighters. Rice was particularly vocal earlier this year in the wake of the L.A. fires when we learned that some wealthier Angelinos used private firefighting companies to save their palatial estates. That led to legislation this year to block such companies from using public fire hydrants. At this writing the bill is still in the Legislature, but the point is this: when Brian Rice speaks, people listen.

Updated Aug. 26, 2025