Mike Ames

This Climate Initiative outlines a comprehensive strategy for the State of California to address the climate crisis. Its primary goal is to accelerate the transition to a zero-emission economy, notably by mandating the elimination of new internal combustion engine vehicle sales by 2035. The plan emphasizes promoting green technology and job creation, reducing fossil fuel extraction, and improving public health and air quality. California aims to achieve these objectives to establish itself as a global leader in sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The meeting addressed the 50-year milestone of seismic safety policy in California. Discussions centered on the history and ongoing mission of the commission, which was established in 1975 following the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. The commission's role involves investigating earthquake-related issues and providing data-driven policy recommendations to the governor and legislature, covering areas from building codes and urban search and rescue to public education. A key recommendation for public preparedness was the promotion of the MyShake app for providing early warning before shaking occurs.

This document summarizes the FIRESCOPE leadership kick-off event for 2026 at Cal OES, which brought together California fire service leaders to discuss ongoing improvements in emergency response. The strategic focus is on enhancing the statewide master mutual aid system by standardizing resources and improving deployment efficiency. The overarching objective is to continually improve California's fire service to protect lives and property, building upon FIRESCOPE's foundation established in 1986.

The document captures presentations from a meeting titled 'Statewide MARAC February 2nd, 2026'. The first presenter, Chris White from Cal OES, discussed earthquake preparedness, focusing on a new resource tool called the Guide and Checklist for Nonstructural Hazards in Schools, emphasizing the risks associated with unsecured furniture and equipment. The second presenter, Denitia Singh, provided an update on the Listos California program, which focuses on ensuring culturally competent emergency preparedness education for all Californians, particularly socially vulnerable populations, through trusted messengers and community-based organizations. Updates included the opening of Fiscal Year 25 Listos California competitive funding opportunities. Finally, Chris Demell and Ingred Silva provided an overview of the Priority Population Task Force (PPTF), co-chaired by Callowas and Cal HHS, which aims to coordinate state agencies to plan, respond, and support communities based on demographic snapshots to address unmet needs.

The State Emergency Plan (SEP) provides a consistent, statewide framework for emergency management across California. Updated for 2024, it addresses the state's comprehensive response and recovery to natural and human-caused disasters. The plan integrates all phases of emergency management—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—with a focus on whole community inclusion, particularly for equity priority communities and individuals with access and functional needs, to enhance statewide resilience and adapt to evolving threats.