Monday, October 19, 2026

LA County to Consider Earthquake Drill, Possible Caltech Partnership

Revised proposal calls for expanded emergency-response training, annual disaster exercises and a review of potential cooperation with Pasadena researchers

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County supervisors are scheduled to consider a proposal to expand earthquake-response training, establish an annual emergency operations exercise and explore a possible partnership with disaster resilience researchers at Caltech in Pasadena.

The proposal, listed as Item 9 on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda, was introduced Sept. 29 by Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. A supplemental agenda issued Oct. 16 identifies Barger and Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell as sponsors of a revised motion that places additional emphasis on accessibility and underserved communities.

The proposal calls for the Sheriff’s Department, working with the county Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management, to examine resources needed to expand and modernize Community Emergency Response Team training.

The original motion calls for a written report within 90 days identifying potential local, state, federal and grant funding, staffing requirements and other resources needed to expand the program.

The revised proposal also calls for an assessment of existing capabilities and recommendations to improve training, equipment, technology and accessibility.

It specifically identifies geographically isolated communities, densely populated areas with limited emergency-preparedness resources, older adults, people with disabilities and residents facing language, economic or transportation barriers.

Community Emergency Response Team programs train residents in basic disaster-response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and emergency medical operations.

Annual earthquake exercise proposed

A second provision would direct the Office of Emergency Management to develop and implement an annual full-scale or functional earthquake exercise separate from the Great ShakeOut.

The county exercise would test departmental response capabilities, emergency operations center functions, communications systems, resource management, logistics and recovery operations.

It would involve multiple agencies and incorporate realistic scenarios informed by current seismic research.

Pasadena encouraged residents, schools and businesses to participate in the Great ShakeOut on Oct. 15, when participants were asked to practice dropping to the ground, taking cover and holding on.

Unlike that public preparedness exercise, the proposed county drill would focus on the operational capabilities of government agencies during a major earthquake.

Caltech named as potential partner

Another provision calls for the Office of Emergency Management to report within 90 days on opportunities to work with academic institutions and state and federal agencies on earthquake risk reduction.

The county’s original agenda specifically identifies the Alliance for Disaster Resilience at Caltech as a potential partner.

The proposed collaboration would connect the county’s emergency preparedness planning with research resources in Pasadena. The motion does not itself establish a partnership agreement with Caltech.

Barger introduced the proposal following a Sept. 29 county earthquake-readiness presentation involving seismologist Lucy Jones, Sheriff Robert G. Luna and representatives of emergency management, fire and public works agencies.

In a statement released by her office that day, Barger emphasized community preparedness.

“We need to educate and empower people so they know what to do,” Barger said.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Board Hearing Room 381B at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles.

The proposal remains subject to board consideration.