Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: David J. Canepa, Supervisor
Subject: Senate Bill 160
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution urging the State Legislature to take action to promote recognition of language diversity in emergency planning, and to adopt Senate Bill 160 which will require the integration of cultural competence into local entities' emergency plans.
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BACKGROUND:
SB 160 was introduced in January 2019 as a result of discussions during hearings of the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management which were convened in November 2018 by Senator Hannah Beth Jackson in which Jeff Norris, an emergency services coordinator for the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services participated as a panelist. During these hearings, panelists called for improvements to emergency alert translations as well as specified plans to reach diverse populations who may be missed by traditional communication strategies.
DISCUSSION:
It is critical that all our communities receive the life-saving information they need during an emergency or natural disaster. More than 200 languages are spoken in California and 44% of those residents speak a language other than English at home. In San Mateo County, more than 100 languages are spoken and 46% of County residents speak a language other than English at home. San Mateo County must do everything possible to ensure that its emergency plans incorporate the diverse needs of its residents. Addressing the need for cultural competency in emergency planning is a crucial step in safeguarding all Californians from the increasing threat of disasters and emergencies. The need for improved translation and interpretation services within the emergency alert network and evacuation procedures is essential.
Looking forward, San Mateo County will need to update its emergency plan to integrate access and functional needs in order to address commu...
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