Board of Supervisors to consider adopting resolution declaring Solano County in state of emergency

August 25, 2014

SOLANO COUNTY – In response to Sunday's 6.0 magnitude earthquake, the Solano County Board of Supervisors will consider adopting a resolution declaring Solano County in a state of emergency.

It is estimated at this time that the property damage at County facilities in Vallejo is approximately $750,000.  County officials have also been advised that there is substantial private property damage to more than 70 buildings within the City of Vallejo.

"Our tour of the County facilities in Vallejo showed they sustained minor damage and we’re working diligently to restore County services as quickly as possible," said Supervisor Linda Seifert, Chair of the Board of Supervisors.  “Our discussion at the Board meeting tomorrow will help bring state and federal resources to assist in this natural disaster.”

The Board will consider declaring Solano County in a state of emergency and the adoption of a resolution that ratifies the proclamation of the state of emergency that was declared by the County Administrator on August 24.  It also gives the County’s Auditor-Controller staff the ability to prepare and process all necessary paperwork in order to pursue reimbursement for County resources responding to this natural disaster.

According to Government Code section 8630, a local emergency may be proclaimed by the governing body, in this instance by the County Administrator, and shall not remain in effect for a period in excess of seven days unless ratified by the governing body.  As the governing body, if the Board approves the resolution on Tuesday, they must review it at least once every 30 days until the local emergency has been terminated.

The Solano County Office of Emergency Services (OES) activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 6 a.m. Sunday morning to mount a coordinated response to the natural disaster.  Staff worked with State OES and neighboring jurisdictions to provide County resources to the City of Vallejo, including building inspectors and public safety officers, all working to assess the damage and provide assistance to those in need.

At this time the EOC is operating at a Level 2 status, meaning a partial activation of the County’s emergency response team.  The County will continue to work with the state and local agencies to monitor the situation, coordinate resources and provide assistance upon request.

The Board will consider the adoption of the resolution declaring Solano County in a state of emergency at their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 26 at 9 a.m. in the Board Chambers, located at 675 Texas Street in Fairfield.