January 17 marks the 17^th anniversary of the magnitude-6.7 Northridge earthquake.  The earthquake caused 57 deaths, more than 11,800 injuries and more than $40 billion in property and economic losses.

In conjunction with the anniversary of the earthquake, Mike Dayton, Acting Secretary for the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), issued the following statement:

“Even though nearly two decades have elapsed since the Northridge earthquake struck the greater Los Angeles area, January 17, 1994, will remain etched in the memories of many Californians for many more years, particularly the memories of those who lost friends or loved ones that day.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them today.

“Within hours after the earthquake, the first responders and emergency managers who constitute California’s emergency response system demonstrated why many believe we have the best emergency management and response system in the world by successfully rescuing 29 people from collapsed buildings and vehicles and completing essential fire suppression operations.

“Since 1994, California has continued to enhance its emergency response capabilities through implementation of the state’s Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS), as well as expansion of the California Integrated Seismic Network and participation in the state’s Golden Guardian exercises.

“The Northridge earthquake damaged more than 114,000 residential and commercial structures in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties.  Scientists tell us it’s not a matter of “if,” but “when” an earthquake in the magnitude 7.8 range strikes in California.  Such an earthquake will cause considerably more damage than did the Northridge earthquake and overwhelm first responders.

“We can’t prevent the “Big One” or even the “moderate” earthquakes from occurring, but we can reduce their impacts.  I encourage Californians to learn about the risk they face by visiting Cal EMA’s “My Hazards” website at www.myhazards.calema.ca.gov.  I also urge those who haven’t already done so to develop a family emergency plan that includes an out-of-town contact and place to re-unite if you are separated; assemble an emergency supply kit that includes at least a three-day supply of food and water for each person, a first aid kit, battery-operated radios and flashlights.

“I also encourage Californians to practice the “drop, cover and hold on” procedure, bolt their homes to their foundations and secure water heaters, book cases, entertainment systems and other objects that could fall and cause injury.  Taking these and other preparedness actions will help all of us get through the next earthquake.”

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January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  According to the U.S. State Department, nearly 12.3 million adults and children are victims to the trafficking industry around the world.

In an effort to raise awareness and further the fight against human trafficking in California, Cal EMA Acting Secretary said in a statement today:

“Human trafficking is an unimaginable tragedy.  Unfortunately, it is a tragedy that not only exists, but is taking place in our own backyard. As Californians it is critical that we all do our part to recognize the signs that human trafficking is taking place, take appropriate action to rid our communities of this crime, and see that those responsible are held accountable.

I am proud to say that the California Emergency Management Agency continues to be instrumental in the fight against human trafficking. Cal EMA’s Public Safety and Victim Services Branch has provided several million dollars in grant funding to communities to establish human trafficking task forces, as well as provide support services to victims of these illegal activities.

Currently, California has nine state-federal human trafficking task forces made up of government and Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) – including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Westminster, Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno and Riverside – established to investigate and prosecute perpetrators.

But this fight cannot be won without the help of all Californians.  It is imperative that we get educated and understand the issue of human trafficking so that we may recognize the warning signs.  We must take action and report suspicious activity.  We must offer our support to victims and help raise awareness.

It is my sincere hope that together we can rid our beautiful state of this ugly crime, and I am confident we can make it happen.  Awareness is the first step.”

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Gov. Brown’s inaugural speech Monday was far off the mark, asking the poorest in state to shoulder more austerity even while the wealthiest in the state get wealthier, charged 2010 Green Party of California gubernatorial candidate Laura Wells.

In a YouTube video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGK-dt2h2Cs), Wells said “Here’s what a Green Governor in California would and would not be
talking about today.

“Governor Brown is talking about austerity for the majority of Californians. A Green Governor would be talking about fairness and balance, and continuing to have great schools, environment, healthcare and jobs. We would be talking about the kind of California we want.”

Referencing a new report showing that California’s income gap is continuing to widen, Wells said:

“Imagine a ballot proposition that would guarantee that the richest one percent of Californians would become even richer. (It) would give the richest one percent an INCREASE in income of three times the TOTAL income of average Californians. Would that pass? No! ”

“This disparity of wealth didn’t happen because only that one percent are good and smart or because they’re better or smarter than the rest of
us nor because they were creating jobs or helping California.

“The problem is that the government of California is set up to encourage the concentration of wealth rather than sharing it fairly.

“There are solutions to this problem, but austerity for those who have already been experiencing austerity, is not the solution. We do not need the richest one percent… running the show. They have not been helping with our jobs, with our environment, with our kids,” Wells said.

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will hold welcome parties and press conferences to greet Meg Whitman in the Central Valley, who will be there to sequester herself with former Governor Pete Wilson, GOP political insiders, and hand-picked audiences at events Sunday. View full post on NewsBlaze.com Current News – California

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