8870. The Legislature finds and declares as follows:
First, many different agencies at various levels of government
have substantial responsibilities in the fields of earthquake
preparedness and seismic safety.
Second, there is a pressing need to provide a consistent policy
framework and a means for coordinating on a continuing basis the
earthquake-related programs of agencies at all governmental levels
and their relationships with elements of the private sector involved
in practices important to seismic safety. This need is not being
addressed by any continuing state government organization.
Third, through concerted efforts of broad scope, coordinated by a
seismic safety commission, long-term progress should be made toward
higher levels of seismic safety.
Fourth, to provide and maintain effective policy guidance and
leadership on seismic safety issues, and to fulfill its duties under
this chapter, it is imperative that the State Seismic Safety
Commission carry out its mission as an independent state agency, with
direct access and accountability to the Governor and the
Legislature.
Fifth, it is not the purpose of this chapter to transfer to the
commission the authorities and responsibilities now vested by law in
state and local agencies.
8870.1. (a) (1) There is created in the state government the Alfred
E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission as an independent unit within
the State and Consumer Services Agency.
(2) Any reference in statute or regulation to the Seismic Safety
Commission shall be deemed to refer to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic
Safety Commission.
(b) The commission shall report annually to the Governor and to
the Legislature on its findings, progress, and recommendations
relating to earthquake hazard reduction, and any other seismic safety
issues, as requested by the Governor or the Legislature.
8870.2. (a) The Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission shall
consist of 15 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the
Senate, one member representing the California Emergency Management
Agency, one member representing the Division of the State Architect
in the Department of General Services, one member representing the
California State Building Standards Commission, one member appointed
by the Senate Rules Committee, and one member appointed by the
Speaker of the Assembly. The commission shall elect annually from its
membership its own chairperson and vice chairperson and may replace
them with other commissioners by majority vote. Commission members
shall be residents of California.
(b) A quorum shall consist of 11 members if there are no
vacancies, or else a majority of the members of the commission at the
time.
(c) The Legislature declares that the individuals appointed to the
commission are intended to represent the professions of
architecture, planning, fire protection, public utilities, structural
engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, seismology, local
government, insurance, social services, emergency services, and the
Legislature and that such representation serves the public interest.
Accordingly, the Legislature finds that for purposes of persons who
hold this office the specified professions are tantamount to and
constitute the public generally within the meaning of Section 87103.
(d) The commission exists as a separate unit within the State and
Consumer Services Agency, and has the functions of prescribing
policy, holding meetings and setting dates of the meetings,
conducting investigations, and holding hearings insofar as those
powers are given by statute to the commission.
(e) The decisions and actions of the commission, with respect to
exercising its authority and carrying out its duties under this
chapter, or any other applicable law, are not subject to review by
the Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency, but are
final within the limits provided by this chapter.
(f) The Legislature further declares that the highest level of
service that the individuals appointed to the commission can provide
to the residents of California is to offer professional, unbiased,
scientifically based advice to the Governor and the Legislature. To
maintain this quality of service, it is imperative that the
commission retain its functional autonomy and access to the Governor
and the Legislature. As such, the commission shall retain its
existing authority to issue reports, publications, and literature, as
well as to sponsor legislation, and to take official positions on
proposed state and federal legislation.
8870.3. (a) The membership of the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety
Commission shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the
Senate from lists of nominees submitted by organizations as listed
below:
(1) Four members appointed from established organizations in the
fields of architecture and planning, fire protection, public
utilities, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
(2) Four members appointed from established organizations in the
fields of structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology,
and seismology.
(3) Four members submitted by the League of California Cities and
the California State Association of Counties.
(4) Three members appointed from established organizations in the
fields of insurance, social services, and emergency services. One of
these members shall be a building official.
(b) One member shall be appointed from the Senate by the Senate
Rules Committee, and one member shall be appointed from the Assembly
by the Speaker of the Assembly. Each of the members appointed
pursuant to this subdivision may designate an alternate who shall be
counted toward a quorum, who may vote, and who may receive the
expenses specified in Section 8870.4.
8870.35. The term of office for each member of the Seismic Safety
Commission shall be four years and each shall hold office until the
appointment and qualification of his or her successor. However, of
the initial commissioners, the Governor shall appoint seven members
whose terms will expire two years after appointment and seven members
plus the chairperson whose terms shall expire four years after
appointment. All initial appointments shall be made by July 1, 1975.
Any vacancies shall be immediately filled by the appointing power for
the unexpired portion of the term in which they occur.
8870.4. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (d), the members of
the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission shall serve without
compensation but shall be paid per diem expenses of one hundred
dollars ($100) for each day's attendance at a meeting of the
commission, plus actual necessary travel expenses as determined by
Department of Personnel Administration rules.
(b) The members of the commission who represent the California
Emergency Management Agency, the California Building Standards
Commission, and the Division of the State Architect shall be
employees in good standing of those respective entities. Any per diem
and travel expenses of those members of the commission shall be paid
by the agencies that they represent on the commission, in compliance
with applicable conditions or regulations set by the Department of
Personnel Administration.
8870.5. The commission, in the discharge of its responsibilities,
may do any of the following:
(a) Accept grants, contributions, and appropriations from public
agencies, private foundations, or individuals.
(b) Appoint committees from its membership, appoint advisory
committees from interested public and private groups, and appoint ex
officio members who shall not be entitled to vote, to advise the
commission.
(c) Contract for or employ, with the approval of the Director of
Finance, any professional services and research required by the
commission or required for the performance of necessary work and
services which, in the commission's opinion, cannot satisfactorily be
performed by its officers and employees or by other federal, state,
or local governmental agencies.
(d) Enter into agreements to act cooperatively with private
nonprofit scientific, educational, or professional associations or
foundations engaged in promoting seismic safety in California. These
associations or foundations may furnish materials for sale, and the
commission may provide personnel services and office space therefor.
Subject to rules and regulations adopted by the commission, all
moneys received from the sale of publications or other materials
provided by an association or foundation shall be returned to the
association or foundation for use in furthering seismic safety
programs.
(e) Do any and all other things necessary to carry out the
purposes of this chapter.
8870.55. The commission shall initiate, with the assistance and
participation of other state, federal, and local government agencies,
a comprehensive program to prepare the state for responding to a
major earthquake prediction. The program should be implemented in
order to result in specific tools or products to be used by
governments in responding to an earthquake prediction, such as
educational materials for citizens. This program may be implemented
on a prototypical basis in one area of the state affected by
earthquake predictions, provided that it is useful for application in
other areas of the state upon its completion.
8870.6. The commission shall appoint an executive director who
shall be responsible for managing the affairs of the commission,
subject to the direction and policies of the commission.
The executive director shall appoint such employees as may be
necessary to carry out the functions of the commission.
8870.7. The commission is responsible for all of the following in
connection with earthquake hazard mitigation:
(a) Setting goals and priorities in the public and private
sectors.
(b) Requesting appropriate state agencies to devise criteria to
promote earthquake and disaster safety.
(c) Scheduling a report on disaster mitigation issues from the
California Emergency Management Agency, on the commission agenda as
required. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term disaster
refers to all natural hazards which could have an impact on public
safety.
(d) Recommending program changes to state agencies, local
agencies, and the private sector where such changes would improve
earthquake hazards and reduction.
(e) Reviewing the recovery and reconstruction efforts after
damaging earthquakes.
(f) Gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information.
(g) Encouraging research.
(h) Sponsoring training to help improve the competence of
specialized enforcement and other technical personnel.
(i) Helping to coordinate the earthquake safety activities of
government at all levels.
(j) Establishing and maintaining necessary working relationships
with any boards, commissions, departments, and agencies, or other
public or private organizations.
8870.71. To implement the foregoing responsibilities, the
commission may do any of the following:
(a) Review state budgets and review grant proposals, other than
those grant proposals submitted by institutions of postsecondary
education to the federal government, for earthquake-related
activities and to advise the Governor and Legislature thereon.
(b) Review legislative proposals related to earthquake safety to
advise the Governor and the Legislature concerning the proposals and
to propose needed legislation.
(c) Recommend the addition, deletion, or changing of state agency
standards when, in the commission's view, the existing situation
creates undue hazards or when new developments would promote
earthquake hazard mitigation, and conduct public hearings as deemed
necessary on the subjects.
(d) In the conduct of any hearing, investigation, inquiry, or
study that is ordered or undertaken in any part of the state,
administer oaths and issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses
and the production of papers, records, reports, books, maps,
accounts, documents, and testimony.
(e) In addition, the commission may perform any of the functions
contained in subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, in relation to
disasters, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 8870.7, in
connection with issues or items reported or discussed with the
California Emergency Management Agency at any commission meeting.
8870.9. Prior to July 1, 2010, the Legislature shall hold public
hearings to receive testimony from the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic
Safety Commission, any interested organizations, and members of the
public or private sector. At the hearing, the Legislature shall
receive testimony and other information concerning the mission,
membership, duties, and operations of the commission.
8870.95. The Hospital Building Safety Board established in Section
129925 of the Health and Safety Code shall report annually to the
Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission.
8870. The Legislature finds and declares as follows:
First, many different agencies at various levels of government
have substantial responsibilities in the fields of earthquake
preparedness and seismic safety.
Second, there is a pressing need to provide a consistent policy
framework and a means for coordinating on a continuing basis the
earthquake-related programs of agencies at all governmental levels
and their relationships with elements of the private sector involved
in practices important to seismic safety. This need is not being
addressed by any continuing state government organization.
Third, through concerted efforts of broad scope, coordinated by a
seismic safety commission, long-term progress should be made toward
higher levels of seismic safety.
Fourth, to provide and maintain effective policy guidance and
leadership on seismic safety issues, and to fulfill its duties under
this chapter, it is imperative that the State Seismic Safety
Commission carry out its mission as an independent state agency, with
direct access and accountability to the Governor and the
Legislature.
Fifth, it is not the purpose of this chapter to transfer to the
commission the authorities and responsibilities now vested by law in
state and local agencies.
8870.1. (a) (1) There is created in the state government the Alfred
E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission as an independent unit within
the State and Consumer Services Agency.
(2) Any reference in statute or regulation to the Seismic Safety
Commission shall be deemed to refer to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic
Safety Commission.
(b) The commission shall report annually to the Governor and to
the Legislature on its findings, progress, and recommendations
relating to earthquake hazard reduction, and any other seismic safety
issues, as requested by the Governor or the Legislature.
8870.2. (a) The Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission shall
consist of 15 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the
Senate, one member representing the California Emergency Management
Agency, one member representing the Division of the State Architect
in the Department of General Services, one member representing the
California State Building Standards Commission, one member appointed
by the Senate Rules Committee, and one member appointed by the
Speaker of the Assembly. The commission shall elect annually from its
membership its own chairperson and vice chairperson and may replace
them with other commissioners by majority vote. Commission members
shall be residents of California.
(b) A quorum shall consist of 11 members if there are no
vacancies, or else a majority of the members of the commission at the
time.
(c) The Legislature declares that the individuals appointed to the
commission are intended to represent the professions of
architecture, planning, fire protection, public utilities, structural
engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, seismology, local
government, insurance, social services, emergency services, and the
Legislature and that such representation serves the public interest.
Accordingly, the Legislature finds that for purposes of persons who
hold this office the specified professions are tantamount to and
constitute the public generally within the meaning of Section 87103.
(d) The commission exists as a separate unit within the State and
Consumer Services Agency, and has the functions of prescribing
policy, holding meetings and setting dates of the meetings,
conducting investigations, and holding hearings insofar as those
powers are given by statute to the commission.
(e) The decisions and actions of the commission, with respect to
exercising its authority and carrying out its duties under this
chapter, or any other applicable law, are not subject to review by
the Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency, but are
final within the limits provided by this chapter.
(f) The Legislature further declares that the highest level of
service that the individuals appointed to the commission can provide
to the residents of California is to offer professional, unbiased,
scientifically based advice to the Governor and the Legislature. To
maintain this quality of service, it is imperative that the
commission retain its functional autonomy and access to the Governor
and the Legislature. As such, the commission shall retain its
existing authority to issue reports, publications, and literature, as
well as to sponsor legislation, and to take official positions on
proposed state and federal legislation.
8870.3. (a) The membership of the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety
Commission shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the
Senate from lists of nominees submitted by organizations as listed
below:
(1) Four members appointed from established organizations in the
fields of architecture and planning, fire protection, public
utilities, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
(2) Four members appointed from established organizations in the
fields of structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology,
and seismology.
(3) Four members submitted by the League of California Cities and
the California State Association of Counties.
(4) Three members appointed from established organizations in the
fields of insurance, social services, and emergency services. One of
these members shall be a building official.
(b) One member shall be appointed from the Senate by the Senate
Rules Committee, and one member shall be appointed from the Assembly
by the Speaker of the Assembly. Each of the members appointed
pursuant to this subdivision may designate an alternate who shall be
counted toward a quorum, who may vote, and who may receive the
expenses specified in Section 8870.4.
8870.35. The term of office for each member of the Seismic Safety
Commission shall be four years and each shall hold office until the
appointment and qualification of his or her successor. However, of
the initial commissioners, the Governor shall appoint seven members
whose terms will expire two years after appointment and seven members
plus the chairperson whose terms shall expire four years after
appointment. All initial appointments shall be made by July 1, 1975.
Any vacancies shall be immediately filled by the appointing power for
the unexpired portion of the term in which they occur.
8870.4. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (d), the members of
the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission shall serve without
compensation but shall be paid per diem expenses of one hundred
dollars ($100) for each day's attendance at a meeting of the
commission, plus actual necessary travel expenses as determined by
Department of Personnel Administration rules.
(b) The members of the commission who represent the California
Emergency Management Agency, the California Building Standards
Commission, and the Division of the State Architect shall be
employees in good standing of those respective entities. Any per diem
and travel expenses of those members of the commission shall be paid
by the agencies that they represent on the commission, in compliance
with applicable conditions or regulations set by the Department of
Personnel Administration.
8870.5. The commission, in the discharge of its responsibilities,
may do any of the following:
(a) Accept grants, contributions, and appropriations from public
agencies, private foundations, or individuals.
(b) Appoint committees from its membership, appoint advisory
committees from interested public and private groups, and appoint ex
officio members who shall not be entitled to vote, to advise the
commission.
(c) Contract for or employ, with the approval of the Director of
Finance, any professional services and research required by the
commission or required for the performance of necessary work and
services which, in the commission's opinion, cannot satisfactorily be
performed by its officers and employees or by other federal, state,
or local governmental agencies.
(d) Enter into agreements to act cooperatively with private
nonprofit scientific, educational, or professional associations or
foundations engaged in promoting seismic safety in California. These
associations or foundations may furnish materials for sale, and the
commission may provide personnel services and office space therefor.
Subject to rules and regulations adopted by the commission, all
moneys received from the sale of publications or other materials
provided by an association or foundation shall be returned to the
association or foundation for use in furthering seismic safety
programs.
(e) Do any and all other things necessary to carry out the
purposes of this chapter.
8870.55. The commission shall initiate, with the assistance and
participation of other state, federal, and local government agencies,
a comprehensive program to prepare the state for responding to a
major earthquake prediction. The program should be implemented in
order to result in specific tools or products to be used by
governments in responding to an earthquake prediction, such as
educational materials for citizens. This program may be implemented
on a prototypical basis in one area of the state affected by
earthquake predictions, provided that it is useful for application in
other areas of the state upon its completion.
8870.6. The commission shall appoint an executive director who
shall be responsible for managing the affairs of the commission,
subject to the direction and policies of the commission.
The executive director shall appoint such employees as may be
necessary to carry out the functions of the commission.
8870.7. The commission is responsible for all of the following in
connection with earthquake hazard mitigation:
(a) Setting goals and priorities in the public and private
sectors.
(b) Requesting appropriate state agencies to devise criteria to
promote earthquake and disaster safety.
(c) Scheduling a report on disaster mitigation issues from the
California Emergency Management Agency, on the commission agenda as
required. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term disaster
refers to all natural hazards which could have an impact on public
safety.
(d) Recommending program changes to state agencies, local
agencies, and the private sector where such changes would improve
earthquake hazards and reduction.
(e) Reviewing the recovery and reconstruction efforts after
damaging earthquakes.
(f) Gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information.
(g) Encouraging research.
(h) Sponsoring training to help improve the competence of
specialized enforcement and other technical personnel.
(i) Helping to coordinate the earthquake safety activities of
government at all levels.
(j) Establishing and maintaining necessary working relationships
with any boards, commissions, departments, and agencies, or other
public or private organizations.
8870.71. To implement the foregoing responsibilities, the
commission may do any of the following:
(a) Review state budgets and review grant proposals, other than
those grant proposals submitted by institutions of postsecondary
education to the federal government, for earthquake-related
activities and to advise the Governor and Legislature thereon.
(b) Review legislative proposals related to earthquake safety to
advise the Governor and the Legislature concerning the proposals and
to propose needed legislation.
(c) Recommend the addition, deletion, or changing of state agency
standards when, in the commission's view, the existing situation
creates undue hazards or when new developments would promote
earthquake hazard mitigation, and conduct public hearings as deemed
necessary on the subjects.
(d) In the conduct of any hearing, investigation, inquiry, or
study that is ordered or undertaken in any part of the state,
administer oaths and issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses
and the production of papers, records, reports, books, maps,
accounts, documents, and testimony.
(e) In addition, the commission may perform any of the functions
contained in subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, in relation to
disasters, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 8870.7, in
connection with issues or items reported or discussed with the
California Emergency Management Agency at any commission meeting.
8870.9. Prior to July 1, 2010, the Legislature shall hold public
hearings to receive testimony from the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic
Safety Commission, any interested organizations, and members of the
public or private sector. At the hearing, the Legislature shall
receive testimony and other information concerning the mission,
membership, duties, and operations of the commission.
8870.95. The Hospital Building Safety Board established in Section
129925 of the Health and Safety Code shall report annually to the
Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission.
8870. The Legislature finds and declares as follows:
First, many different agencies at various levels of government
have substantial responsibilities in the fields of earthquake
preparedness and seismic safety.
Second, there is a pressing need to provide a consistent policy
framework and a means for coordinating on a continuing basis the
earthquake-related programs of agencies at all governmental levels
and their relationships with elements of the private sector involved
in practices important to seismic safety. This need is not being
addressed by any continuing state government organization.
Third, through concerted efforts of broad scope, coordinated by a
seismic safety commission, long-term progress should be made toward
higher levels of seismic safety.
Fourth, to provide and maintain effective policy guidance and
leadership on seismic safety issues, and to fulfill its duties under
this chapter, it is imperative that the State Seismic Safety
Commission carry out its mission as an independent state agency, with
direct access and accountability to the Governor and the
Legislature.
Fifth, it is not the purpose of this chapter to transfer to the
commission the authorities and responsibilities now vested by law in
state and local agencies.
8870.1. (a) (1) There is created in the state government the Alfred
E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission as an independent unit within
the State and Consumer Services Agency.
(2) Any reference in statute or regulation to the Seismic Safety
Commission shall be deemed to refer to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic
Safety Commission.
(b) The commission shall report annually to the Governor and to
the Legislature on its findings, progress, and recommendations
relating to earthquake hazard reduction, and any other seismic safety
issues, as requested by the Governor or the Legislature.
8870.2. (a) The Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission shall
consist of 15 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the
Senate, one member representing the California Emergency Management
Agency, one member representing the Division of the State Architect
in the Department of General Services, one member representing the
California State Building Standards Commission, one member appointed
by the Senate Rules Committee, and one member appointed by the
Speaker of the Assembly. The commission shall elect annually from its
membership its own chairperson and vice chairperson and may replace
them with other commissioners by majority vote. Commission members
shall be residents of California.
(b) A quorum shall consist of 11 members if there are no
vacancies, or else a majority of the members of the commission at the
time.
(c) The Legislature declares that the individuals appointed to the
commission are intended to represent the professions of
architecture, planning, fire protection, public utilities, structural
engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, seismology, local
government, insurance, social services, emergency services, and the
Legislature and that such representation serves the public interest.
Accordingly, the Legislature finds that for purposes of persons who
hold this office the specified professions are tantamount to and
constitute the public generally within the meaning of Section 87103.
(d) The commission exists as a separate unit within the State and
Consumer Services Agency, and has the functions of prescribing
policy, holding meetings and setting dates of the meetings,
conducting investigations, and holding hearings insofar as those
powers are given by statute to the commission.
(e) The decisions and actions of the commission, with respect to
exercising its authority and carrying out its duties under this
chapter, or any other applicable law, are not subject to review by
the Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency, but are
final within the limits provided by this chapter.
(f) The Legislature further declares that the highest level of
service that the individuals appointed to the commission can provide
to the residents of California is to offer professional, unbiased,
scientifically based advice to the Governor and the Legislature. To
maintain this quality of service, it is imperative that the
commission retain its functional autonomy and access to the Governor
and the Legislature. As such, the commission shall retain its
existing authority to issue reports, publications, and literature, as
well as to sponsor legislation, and to take official positions on
proposed state and federal legislation.
8870.3. (a) The membership of the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety
Commission shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the
Senate from lists of nominees submitted by organizations as listed
below:
(1) Four members appointed from established organizations in the
fields of architecture and planning, fire protection, public
utilities, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
(2) Four members appointed from established organizations in the
fields of structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology,
and seismology.
(3) Four members submitted by the League of California Cities and
the California State Association of Counties.
(4) Three members appointed from established organizations in the
fields of insurance, social services, and emergency services. One of
these members shall be a building official.
(b) One member shall be appointed from the Senate by the Senate
Rules Committee, and one member shall be appointed from the Assembly
by the Speaker of the Assembly. Each of the members appointed
pursuant to this subdivision may designate an alternate who shall be
counted toward a quorum, who may vote, and who may receive the
expenses specified in Section 8870.4.
8870.35. The term of office for each member of the Seismic Safety
Commission shall be four years and each shall hold office until the
appointment and qualification of his or her successor. However, of
the initial commissioners, the Governor shall appoint seven members
whose terms will expire two years after appointment and seven members
plus the chairperson whose terms shall expire four years after
appointment. All initial appointments shall be made by July 1, 1975.
Any vacancies shall be immediately filled by the appointing power for
the unexpired portion of the term in which they occur.
8870.4. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (d), the members of
the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission shall serve without
compensation but shall be paid per diem expenses of one hundred
dollars ($100) for each day's attendance at a meeting of the
commission, plus actual necessary travel expenses as determined by
Department of Personnel Administration rules.
(b) The members of the commission who represent the California
Emergency Management Agency, the California Building Standards
Commission, and the Division of the State Architect shall be
employees in good standing of those respective entities. Any per diem
and travel expenses of those members of the commission shall be paid
by the agencies that they represent on the commission, in compliance
with applicable conditions or regulations set by the Department of
Personnel Administration.
8870.5. The commission, in the discharge of its responsibilities,
may do any of the following:
(a) Accept grants, contributions, and appropriations from public
agencies, private foundations, or individuals.
(b) Appoint committees from its membership, appoint advisory
committees from interested public and private groups, and appoint ex
officio members who shall not be entitled to vote, to advise the
commission.
(c) Contract for or employ, with the approval of the Director of
Finance, any professional services and research required by the
commission or required for the performance of necessary work and
services which, in the commission's opinion, cannot satisfactorily be
performed by its officers and employees or by other federal, state,
or local governmental agencies.
(d) Enter into agreements to act cooperatively with private
nonprofit scientific, educational, or professional associations or
foundations engaged in promoting seismic safety in California. These
associations or foundations may furnish materials for sale, and the
commission may provide personnel services and office space therefor.
Subject to rules and regulations adopted by the commission, all
moneys received from the sale of publications or other materials
provided by an association or foundation shall be returned to the
association or foundation for use in furthering seismic safety
programs.
(e) Do any and all other things necessary to carry out the
purposes of this chapter.
8870.55. The commission shall initiate, with the assistance and
participation of other state, federal, and local government agencies,
a comprehensive program to prepare the state for responding to a
major earthquake prediction. The program should be implemented in
order to result in specific tools or products to be used by
governments in responding to an earthquake prediction, such as
educational materials for citizens. This program may be implemented
on a prototypical basis in one area of the state affected by
earthquake predictions, provided that it is useful for application in
other areas of the state upon its completion.
8870.6. The commission shall appoint an executive director who
shall be responsible for managing the affairs of the commission,
subject to the direction and policies of the commission.
The executive director shall appoint such employees as may be
necessary to carry out the functions of the commission.
8870.7. The commission is responsible for all of the following in
connection with earthquake hazard mitigation:
(a) Setting goals and priorities in the public and private
sectors.
(b) Requesting appropriate state agencies to devise criteria to
promote earthquake and disaster safety.
(c) Scheduling a report on disaster mitigation issues from the
California Emergency Management Agency, on the commission agenda as
required. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term disaster
refers to all natural hazards which could have an impact on public
safety.
(d) Recommending program changes to state agencies, local
agencies, and the private sector where such changes would improve
earthquake hazards and reduction.
(e) Reviewing the recovery and reconstruction efforts after
damaging earthquakes.
(f) Gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information.
(g) Encouraging research.
(h) Sponsoring training to help improve the competence of
specialized enforcement and other technical personnel.
(i) Helping to coordinate the earthquake safety activities of
government at all levels.
(j) Establishing and maintaining necessary working relationships
with any boards, commissions, departments, and agencies, or other
public or private organizations.
8870.71. To implement the foregoing responsibilities, the
commission may do any of the following:
(a) Review state budgets and review grant proposals, other than
those grant proposals submitted by institutions of postsecondary
education to the federal government, for earthquake-related
activities and to advise the Governor and Legislature thereon.
(b) Review legislative proposals related to earthquake safety to
advise the Governor and the Legislature concerning the proposals and
to propose needed legislation.
(c) Recommend the addition, deletion, or changing of state agency
standards when, in the commission's view, the existing situation
creates undue hazards or when new developments would promote
earthquake hazard mitigation, and conduct public hearings as deemed
necessary on the subjects.
(d) In the conduct of any hearing, investigation, inquiry, or
study that is ordered or undertaken in any part of the state,
administer oaths and issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses
and the production of papers, records, reports, books, maps,
accounts, documents, and testimony.
(e) In addition, the commission may perform any of the functions
contained in subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, in relation to
disasters, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 8870.7, in
connection with issues or items reported or discussed with the
California Emergency Management Agency at any commission meeting.
8870.9. Prior to July 1, 2010, the Legislature shall hold public
hearings to receive testimony from the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic
Safety Commission, any interested organizations, and members of the
public or private sector. At the hearing, the Legislature shall
receive testimony and other information concerning the mission,
membership, duties, and operations of the commission.
8870.95. The Hospital Building Safety Board established in Section
129925 of the Health and Safety Code shall report annually to the
Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission.
