Nancy Wieben Stock Presiding Judge of Supel-ior Court 700 Civic Center Drive West*

The Sheriff Department's existing tsunami inundation maps are inconsistent with those used by the two largest coastal cities, appear to minimize the threat and could contribute to misinformed decision-making during a crisis. Response: 1. We agree with the Grand Jury's Finding 2. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in Spring of 2009. California State Office of Emergency Services, Earthquake and Tsunami Division and University of Southern California have partnered to re- analyze and create new tsunami inundation maps along the entire California Coast. The Orange County Portion is due to be completed in Spring of 2009.

Existing tsunami sign along roadways are small, difficult to read and, in at least one city, not visible to visitors driving into the tsunami hazard zone. Response. 5 6 6 5 20 SERVICE PROFESSIONALISM SAFETY 1. We partially disagree with the Grand Jury's Finding 2. The recommendation has been partially implemented and we will continue to replace the signs as needed. Initially, the City of Newport Beach placed the 12-inch small signs on all evacuation routes. After further review, we realize that the 12-inch signs may be difficult for motorists to read. To reduce the costs of sign purchase and replacement, as the small 12-inch signs are damaged or stolen...and as:∟current-sign stocks -are-depleted, these-signs will be replaced with 18-inch medium signage.

Sirens at the beach without public address capability are ineffective unless beachgoers know what the sirens mean and how to respond to the warning. Response: We agree with the Grand Jury's Finding 2. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in Fall of 2009. Currently, the City of Newport Beach does not have emergency warning sirens on the beach. The City is researching possibly purchasing warning sirens for the tsunami inundation area. While the City agrees that warning sirens are a valuable resource to warn the public of emergencies, they can be very expensive. The City has allocated limited funds to purchase a warning siren system, but may not be able to purchase the upgraded system with voice capabilities, due to the expense. Additionally, there are public address systems with voice capabilities that are located on all the City's fire, police, and lifeguard vehicles. These public address systems provide an effective means of notifying the public during an emergency.

Public education directed at beach visitors is inadequate, making them the least prepared and highest at-risk population in the event of a tsunami. Response: 1. We partially disagree with the Grand Jury's Finding 2. The recommendation has already been implemented. 1000 The City of Newport Beach has numerous tsunami hazard zone signs at various beach locations to notify visitors that they are in a tsunami hazard zone, and that during a tsunami they should seek higher ground. Tsunami emergency information is also available at our Lifeguard Headquarters located at the Newport Pier and all City facilities. Additionally, the City plans to work with the Sheriff Department's Emergency Management Bureau and all coastal cities in Orange County to develop standardized tsunami public education materials that can be used county-wide. These materials will be distributed to various City locations that reach beach visitors, including: beach kiosks, lifeguard towers, hotel lobbies, rental property agencies, the Chamber of Commerce, and other locations as necessary. Again, we thank the Grand Jury for their hard work and dedication, and appreciate their well-researched and helpful recommendations for improving disaster planning in Orange County. If you need additional information or would to discuss this further, please contact me at 949-644-3115. Sincerely, Steve Lewis Fire Chief