The Southern campus, commissioned by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and delivered by the Department of General Services (DGS), will serve as a strategic hub supporting coordinated response to earthquakes, wildfires, floods, drought, public health crises, and other threats.

“This facility is a tangible example of Governor Newsom’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient California,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “This facility gives us the tools, technology, and space to make coordinated, decisive actions with our local partners—actions that will protect lives and property when disaster strikes.”

This groundbreaking demonstrates the Newsom Administration’s continued investment in public resilience by expanding critical infrastructure to serve nearly 23 million residents across Southern California. California has made historic investments in modernizing its emergency management infrastructure, improving coordination with local partners, and ensuring rapid deployment of resources during crises. 

The new Southern California campus strengthens disaster response capacity for some of the state’s most heavily populated and hazard-prone areas, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and the Inland Empire—all part of a broader vision to safeguard Californians in the face of wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, and other threats.

Built to protect, prepared to lead

With California’s largest population center and corresponding disaster risks, this facility will enhance the state’s response capabilities. Strategically located in Orange County, the new emergency operations center will house a 39,000 sq. ft. office building, a 21,000 sq. ft. warehouse, and essential infrastructure enhancements including utilities, stormwater systems, parking, roadways, landscaping, and security fencing.

The site will also serve as a failsafe to the current state emergency operations center located outside Sacramento in Mather, California.

Sustainability meets resilience

Aligned with California’s climate leadership and sustainability goals, the campus will meet Zero Net Energy standards, LEED Gold, featuring onsite solar photovoltaic panels, battery energy storage systems, and emergency generators designed to ensure uninterrupted operations during extended outages or disasters.

“DGS welcomes the opportunity to partner with Cal OES as we join forces to bring vital state resources closer to the millions of residents who will be served by this innovative new Southern California campus,” said DGS Director Ana M. Lasso.

A strategic response asset

Located on a 15-acre property within the former Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa, this facility will accommodate surge capacity during an emergency and complement the existing State Operations Center in Mather. 

“For decades, thousands of Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities called Fairview home,” said Department of Developmental Services Director Pete Cervinka. We are proud that Fairview will continue to meet the critical needs of Californians by enhancing the State’s ability to provide timely and direct assistance before, during, and after emergency events.”