Imperial Valley ‘seismic swarm’ rattles San Diego County 22
Total Views: 197 Map courtesy United States Geological Survey East County News Service May 10, 2026 (Brawley) — A prolific seismic swarm in Imperial Valley reached a peak in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 10, sending some light shaking into San Diego County and triggering mobile alerts for some residents. The largest event of the sequence so far — a magnitude 4.7 earthquake — struck at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday. This followed a significant magnitude 4.5 quake on Saturday evening. Printer-friendly version
22 viewsCounty launches new Alert San Diego app, replacing SD Emergency 1.4K
Total Views: 182 East County News Service Oct. 24, 2025 (San Diego County) — The name and look of the emergency information app for the County of San Diego has changed, and now has new features to help keep residents safe. Known previously as SD Emergency, it is now called Alert San Diego. The updated app is part of the County Office of Emergency Services’ (OES) modernized emergency communication system. The app provides a one-stop place for quick access to official alerts, interactive maps, preparedness tips and recovery resources. Residents who already have the SD Emergency app downloaded should update it now to continue receiving push notifications and official information from county emergency managers. The county reports that the SD Emergency app will be retired in 90 days, in mid-January 2026. The Alert San Diego app works in concert with AlertSanDiego.org, where residents can register to receive phone, text or email alerts for their neighborhood — just as they did with the previous system. New features in Alert San Diego include a clean, simplified design with a modern, easy-to-use interface with intuitive navigation for quick access to vital emergency information. Alert San Diego also has expanded emergency updates, including push notifications for official alerts, live interactive emergency maps, helicopter announcements from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) radio streams and San Diego Police Department/Sheriff’s Department service call information. The new system will provide early earthquake alerts as well. Built into most smartphones, the app can guide residents to enable Android Earthquake Alerts and iPhone Emergency Alerts. Alert San Diego also has preparedness and recovery resources, offering guidance on creating a personal disaster plan, building an emergency kit, and accessing recovery information after an event; and it has accessibility features that are compatible with screen readers, designed to meet or exceed WCAG standards, and built for clarity, readability and ease of use for all residents. OES coordinates emergency preparedness, response and recovery across the region. It works with local, state, federal, nonprofit and private sector partners to protect public health and safety during natural disasters and other emergencies. Alert San Diego can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Printer-friendly version
1.4K viewsPALA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS ENTERS FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT WITH STATE OF CALIFORNIA 3.3K
Total Views: 51 The historic partnership will amplify the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System Souce: Pala Band of Mission Indians July 23, 2023 (Pala) — On July 20, the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) entered into a historic agreement for the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Pala is the first Tribal government to contract with CalOES and to be formally recognized as a partner in the State’s overall emergency response infrastructure. As part of this new mutual aid agreement, Cal OES assigned a Type III fire engine to the Pala Fire Department, increasing capabilities to respond to local and statewide incidents, like wildfires. The department’s current fleet includes two Type I Structure Engines, and two additional Type III Brush Engines, among other vehicles. “By being the very first Tribe to enter into a mutual aid agreement with the state, we are setting a new standard for the vital government-to-government partnerships that ensure the safety of our communities,” said Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. “This is a monumental achievement for our Fire Department, our Tribe and the entire community and we hope it leads the way for Tribes across the state to gain recognition for the safety and response services they provide.” The agreement stems from the enactment of SB 816, which culminated from decades of work by Tribal Fire Agencies to become officially recognized as true partners in providing vital emergency response services to the citizens of California. “Wildfires in California have unfortunately grown more frequent and destructive, requiring the assistance of every available resource,” said Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, the author of Senate Bill 816. “That’s why I wrote SB 816, which ensures tribal fire agencies can continue to play a key role in fighting wildfires throughout the state. This agreement with the Pala Band of Mission Indians marks an important milestone in bolstering California’s emergency response infrastructure.” The Pala Fire Department has been providing the highest level of service and industry-standard in San Diego to the community of Pala and surrounding areas since 1978. The department has grown and expanded over the years to meet the needs of the community. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community and the mutual aid agreement with the state will allow us to expand our mission even further,” said Fire Chief Ravago, Vice Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. “As wildfire risks increase, we remain vigilant and ready to serve our community and beyond.” “I congratulate the Pala Band of Mission Indians in becoming the first tribe to sign on as a partner in the state’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Pala has led the way, and now all Californians will be safer as CalOES increases its capabilities and resources through partnerships with California tribal governments.” – Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino). “Today is an historic step forward in our state’s efforts to provide emergency response services and to protect Californians. This collaboration between the Pala Band of Mission Indian Leaders, CalOES and state and local agencies will go a long way to improve and strengthen the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. I commend the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services on this landmark partnership.” – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) “Congratulations to the Pala Band of Mission Indians! Today is a celebration that recognizes a two-decade long effort that the Pala Tribe and other Tribal Fire agencies have pursued to provide much needed emergency response services to Californians. In high fire hazard risk areas such as our back country here in San Diego County, mutual aid agreements like those being celebrated today will save lives.” – Assemblywoman Marie Waldron (R-Valley Center) For more information about the Pala Tribe, visit http://www.palatribe.com/. About the Pala Band of Mission Indians The Pala Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized tribe whose reservation is located along the Palomar Mountain range approximately 30 miles northeast of San Diego. The majority of the over 900 tribal members live on the 12,000-acre reservation, established for Cupeño and Luiseño Indians, who consider themselves to be one proud people – Pala. Printer-friendly version
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