Newsom Unveils Disaster-Intelligence Satellites and Reopens Modernized State Operations Center Ahead of El Niño
MATHER, Sacramento County — Governor Gavin Newsom on October 6 announced at the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) that the state has adopted disaster-intelligence satellite capability through an agreement with satellite-imaging company ICEYE. The technology delivers near-real-time information on floods, wildfires and other disasters even through clouds, smoke or darkness, helping officials estimate water depths and assess damage to homes, roads and critical infrastructure. The data will feed into statewide emergency operations and be shared with state agencies and local emergency managers. The same day, the modernized State Operations Center reopened in Mather.
The State Operations Center is California's central coordinating hub for public safety, staffed by Cal OES and partners across state government to maintain statewide situational awareness, coordinate mutual aid and ensure continuity of government during emergencies. The renovation — the first major upgrade since the facility opened in 2000 — increased operational seating from 54 to 64 positions, expanded second-floor workspace, created an ADA-accessible flat-floor operations space, and upgraded the State Warning Center and technology wall. The Governor and Legislature also approved 73 permanent positions to establish a dedicated Incident Support Team and a deployable Incident Management Assistance Team.
During the unveiling, Newsom was briefed on preparations for the developing El Niño. Federal forecasters put the chance of a very strong event this fall and winter at greater than 90 percent, with a 75 percent chance it could reach historic strength, raising risks of repeated heavy rain, flooding, landslides, debris flows and coastal flooding in California. The Governor proclaimed a state of emergency in September directing Cal OES to coordinate preparations.
Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said the modernization gives response teams a space designed for emergency operations, strengthening coordination and helping California move resources to communities faster. Newsom said preparedness saves lives and that connecting satellite intelligence with a modern command center lets the state see danger sooner and protect more people.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：纽森在马瑟听取Cal OES关于厄尔尼诺备灾的简报（10月6日）。来源：加州州长办公室（gov.ca.gov），政府官方发布 / Governor Newsom receives an El Niño preparedness briefing at Cal OES in Mather. Office of the Governor of California (gov.ca.gov).
