If Not Now, “When” is it Time for Unified Disaster Preparedness in California?

Passage of AB 38 Critical to Protect Our State

By Pedro Nava
Member, California State Assembly

George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” When examining the success and failures of our government, we must learn from our past triumphs and mistakes.

Assembly Bill 38, reforms the way California provides disaster preparedness, response and recovery. It avoids the mistakes of the past. Now is the time to create an all-hazards state entity that will oversee the state response to both natural disasters and acts of terrorism.

I was in office one week when disastrous slides struck La Conchita in my district. Ten people died, numerous homes were buried under mud and many tears were shed. I was thrust into the world of emergency preparedness and disaster response. For the past three years I have been learning from experts how to improve California’s emergency preparedness and response.

I learned disaster preparedness in California is not as it should be. As Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Services and Homeland Security, and after three years of work, I introduced AB 38. It creates a stand alone Department of Emergency Services and Homeland Security. Because it includes a cabinet-level position, it would have a direct line to the Governor. It would endow our state with an all-hazards one-stop-shop for the men and women on our front lines of emergency preparedness and response.

California’s first responders have asked me “Who is in charge?” California cannot repeat Hurricane Katrina. Fires have already ravaged our state and more are predicted. We need one department that can provide efficient, effective guidance and support.

I am not alone in my views. The non partisan Little Hoover Commission, the State Auditor, and the non partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office agree reform is needed. Emergency managers, fire and law enforcement officials, local government, and utilities and transportation groups support this change.

AB 38 has bi-partisan support from Governor Schwarzenegger, the Office of Emergency Services, the Office of Homeland Security and the Legislature. Disasters don’t care about political parties. Victims aren’t Democrats or Republicans. Until recently, everyone agreed.

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