News Summary
Costa Mesa officially commenced construction on the Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center, a vital project aimed at enhancing public safety. Spanning 15 acres at the Fairview Developmental Center, the center is designed to serve over 23 million people in Southern California. With a completion target of mid-2027, the facility will include extensive office and warehouse space to support 24/7 emergency operations. As California faces increasing disaster threats, this center will fortify the region’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
Costa Mesa has taken a significant step towards enhancing public safety as officials broke ground on the construction of the Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center at the Fairview Developmental Center. This project, which covers 15 acres, marks a new chapter for the historic state-owned site and reflects California’s commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
The development is expected to take two years, with completion slated for mid-2027. Once finished, the center will feature a 39,000-square-foot office and a 21,000-square-foot warehouse. These facilities will accommodate 24/7 personnel, public safety communications operations, a radio maintenance shop, and emergency vehicle storage for a coordinated response during disasters.
Designed to support approximately 23 million people across 11 counties and 226 cities in Southern California, the Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center will serve as an essential backup to the primary emergency operations center located in Sacramento County. This facility aims to provide a collaboration and meeting space for first responders, elected officials, and staff during times of crisis and disaster.
Significance of the Center
The California Office of Emergency Services has highlighted the significance of this center in a state known for its vulnerability to disasters. The center will enhance capabilities to respond effectively to wildfires, coastal incidents, and other unexpected disasters that are increasingly prevalent in the region.
History and Future Plans for the Fairview Site
The Fairview Development Center, which opened in 1959, was formerly a residential hospital for individuals with disabilities and ceased operations in 2022. As part of the redevelopment, plans for the site include retaining some land for individuals with complex needs and developing multifamily housing in conjunction with an agreement with the city of Costa Mesa. This shift aims to modernize the land’s use and close California’s chapter on institutionalized care.
Infrastructure and Sustainability Features
The infrastructure of the Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center is designed to ensure uninterrupted operations during extended outages or severe disasters. The facility will meet Zero Net Energy standards and aims for LEED Gold certification. Key features will include solar panels, battery energy storage systems, and emergency generators, all contributing to a more sustainable and resilient emergency response capability.
Local Support and Initiatives
The groundbreaking ceremony was facilitated by local officials, including Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, who emphasized the need for a permanent emergency operations facility in the area. This initiative, alongside other ongoing developments at the former Fairview site, signifies a collaborative effort to enhance public safety and community support.
Looking Ahead
As construction begins, the Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center represents a proactive measure in preparing for emergencies in Southern California. Through modern facilities and strategic planning, it aims to strengthen the region’s emergency preparedness and response efforts, ensuring that local communities are better equipped to handle the challenges posed by natural disasters and other emergencies.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Groundbreaking at Fairview Developmental Center
- Wikipedia: Emergency Operations Center
- Hoodline: California Launches Construction of Emergency Operations Center
- Google Search: Emergency Operations Center Costa Mesa
- Orange County Register: State Awards Contract for Emergency Operations Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Management
- Turner Construction: Selected for Emergency Operations Center Project
- Google News: Emergency Operations Center Costa Mesa
- Construction Dive: Turner California Emergency Operations Project
- ENR: Turner/DGA Team Wins $158M Contract
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
