July 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

A Look At Santa Monica’s Upgraded Emergency Operation Center:

Santa Monica city officials showed off their newly renovated Emergency Operation Center (EOC) on Thursday, which now features technological enhancements including a multi-screen video wall, an interactive Smart Board, video conferencing capabilities, and 34 independent work stations equipped with the latest computer technology.

Newly upgraded over six months at the cost of $400,000, the facility is ready in time for the annual September event of Emergency Preparedness Month.

The new equipment includes the capability of tapping into any one of 300 cameras placed around the city and viewing it on the multi-screen video wall, as well as being able to look at pending police calls around the city and searching for available police units.

In addition, a new center will bolster the city’s communication abilities in time of emergency.

“Communication is paramount in any emergency or any large-scale event that’s going on. The information that’s going to go out to the community is going to be created in the new IPO center,” Emergency Manager Lt. Kenneth Semko said during the presentation.

“They have all the software that they need to accurately write their press releases and very importantly, to put out social media information. We’ve learned, in the last couple years, that social media is a way that people communicate.”

New Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will enable staff to create detailed maps with symbols, indicating what events are going on around the city. Those maps can then be projected to the screens lining the wall.

The facility is also equipped with a video conference room.

“The video conference room gives us the capability with a large screen TV and wide angle lens to sit down at a conference table and speak live via video chat to virtually anyone in the world that has an Internet connection and a camera,” Semko said.

All of the technology is backed up by three generators that are capable of operating everything independently in the case of a power failure. The room is also equipped with 24 feet of whiteboards to rely on if the technology fails.

City manager Rod Gould, who likened the newly renovated EOC to being on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise, said the new technology is only the beginning.

“In the past 12 months we’ve made real strides…we’re learning, but we’re not there yet. We must get very comfortable using its technology, its capabilities…and when those capabilities are not available, knowing what next to step in to. And it has to become second nature to us,” Gould said.

“We have to practice, we have to train, and we have to get very, very good at it. And that’s our commitment.”

The Emergency Operation Center is located inside the Public Safety Facility at 333 Olympic Drive in Santa Monica.

in News
<>Related Posts

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...