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8B <br /> � Page 17 <br /> Back�round Informatian ai Resolution#4 <br /> Source: Public Safery Policy Committee <br /> T'rtle: Resolution Relating to the linplementation of A.B.38;Estabtishing a New"Department of <br /> Emergency 5ervices and Hoineiand Security" <br /> , �� /� ��� 1400 K Street, Suite 40a•Sacramento, California 95514 <br /> � �. 1"'1 Phone: 916.658.8200 Fax: 918.658.8240 <br /> "�% �° �"w— C?E CtkLIFC��,�`*J[� www,cacities,or <br /> �� �'� � � I. � � � 9 <br /> ���� <br /> �.'�.�°"��.,w <br /> June 7,2006 <br /> Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger <br /> State Capitol <br /> Sacramento,CA 45814 <br /> Re: Office of Emergency Services and Office of Home3and Security <br /> Dear Govemor Schwarzenegger: <br /> I am writing to inform you of a recent action by the League of California Cities Soard of Directors to support the Legislative <br /> Analyst Office's recommendatian detailed in The Analvsis of the 2006-07 State Budget Bill,to estahlisZx tbe Office of Homeland <br /> Security(OHS)as a division within the Oftice of Emergency Services(OES}. <br /> The League is aware that meetings have been hel.d regarding this issue that may be part of a long-term discussion. Though we <br /> support the LAO recommendatian,we realize that the cllailenge is to stri.ke a balance between services offered by both OHS and <br /> OES to best serve the public. We aiso realize that there may be other ideas for moving forward on this in additao��to what was <br /> recommended by the LA.O. <br /> The League's Board of Directors based their decision on the recotnmendation of the League's PuUlic Safety Policy Committee,as <br /> well as discossions during the May 19,2006 board meeting. Board members cited several reasons for cheir action,including: <br /> • It is critical that cities have one point of contact to rely on in a disaster situation. Cities have experienc�d several <br /> incidences in which disaster response coordinated through OES has worked well,including flooding and fires. <br /> • OES is better suited to subsume the preparedness and response activities associated witi�homeland security incidents or <br /> events,such as is cucrently doi�e with other dzsaster response,becau,se a proven system is already in place that local <br /> governments are fami3iar with and rely on. <br /> • OHS and OE.S h3ye overlapp;_n_g a�r_r_v;ti?.c an�l there;s a ne�l to work closely tn�ethAr. <br /> League meml�ers support the LAO's observations that descrlUe the redundant and overlapping activities of both(OHS <br /> and OE5)agencies, <br /> Lastly,the League is aware that]aw enforcement organizatioils are engaged in discussions with the Governor's staff focusing on <br /> ��ays to better coordinate the dissemination and analysis of homeland security advfsories statewide. The League recognizes that <br /> this is an important issue and supports continued discussions to address these concerns. <br /> The League wishes to remain involved in mai#ers pertaining to homeland security through its PuUlic Safety Policy Committee,and <br /> would welcome the opportunity to participate and provide the"local government perspective"on this important endeavor. <br /> If you have any questions,please do not hesitate to contact me(916-658-8275}or Liisa Lawson Stark(916-658-8249). <br /> Si��cerely, <br /> Chris McKenzie <br /> Executive Director <br /> CC: Chairs and Members,Budget ConFerence Committee <br /> Office of Emergency Services <br /> Office of Homeland Security <br /> California Polzce Chiefs Association <br /> Senator Flores,Chair,Senate Governmental Organization Committee <br /> AssenzUly Member Terome Horton,Chair,Assembly Governmental Organization Committee <br /> ### <br /> l0 <br />