|
Advising the Governor on Emergency Preparedness Issues
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Supervisor Knabe to the California Emergency Council on May 5, 2006. This Council is the official advisory group to the Governor during an emergency and on emergency preparedness issues. Additionally, the Council may advise the Governor on the State Emergency Plan and on the approval of orders and regulations.
Joint Regional Intelligence Center Opens
The Joint Regional Intelligence Center (JRIC) opened on July 27, 2006 in the City of Norwalk. It is the first of its kind in the nation, but will soon be joined by three additional regional centers in Louisiana, Maryland and New York. JRIC is designed to provide a common information and intelligence sharing network for local police and federal agents working in the seven-county region to assist in the investigation of terrorist activities and other potential threats.
Assisting the President on Homeland Security Issues
Supervisor Knabe serves as a member of the State and Local Elected Officials Senior Advisory Committee to President Bush’s Homeland Security Council. The purpose of this Committee is to provide the President's Homeland Security Advisory Council with advice on increasing America's security from experts representing state and local government.
Providing 24-Hour Lifeguard Coverage
Supervisor Don Knabe has secured $428,250 in the County's Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget to fund 24-hour staffing for Los Angeles County Lifeguards at Baywatch Cabrillo in San Pedro. The LA Harbor will now have 24 hour lifeguard coverage; this is important in case of an emergency (i.e. terrorist problem, air crash, problem on a cruise ship, etc.) Specifically, Baywatch Cabrillo will assume more search and rescue responsibilities from the United States Coast Guard, allowing the Coast Guard to commit more time and resources to ensuring the security of the nation's and world's fifth largest port complex.
Preparing for a Tsunami Disaster
Supervisor Knabe hosted a Tsunami Preparedness Panel to highlight the efforts that are currently underway in Los Angeles County in the event of a tsunami. The Panel consisted of experts who focused on not only on how tsunamis occur, but also what the potential risk is and how the County is working with local cities to prepare for the threat of disaster. |