Rolling Hills explores Cal OES bio program and earthquake alert system implementation

The Rolling Hills Estates City Council meeting on July 28, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community safety and resilience. A significant topic of discussion was the city’s potential participation in the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) voluntary buyout program. This program offers eligible homeowners the chance to relocate from properties affected by ongoing hazards. City staff submitted a draft notice of interest for funding in May, and Cal OES is currently conducting a benefit-cost analysis to assess the eligibility of Rolling Hills homeowners for this grant. The city expects to receive feedback from Cal OES by August, at which point the council will discuss the next steps.

Additionally, the city will receive two advanced earthquake alert receivers and antennas as part of a data casting receiver pilot program from Cal OES. These devices, which are about the size of a deck of cards, will be installed in the council chambers and at the back of City Hall. They utilize a secure signal from the U.S. Geological Survey, transmitted via a local public television station, to provide GPS-specific alerts in under one second. This technology aims to give city staff and Emergency Operations Center personnel critical seconds to take cover during seismic events. The pilot program will run until December 31, 2025, during which the city will provide monthly feedback to Cal OES. Participation in the program incurs no costs, and at the end of the pilot, Rolling Hills will retain the equipment permanently without ongoing maintenance fees.

In other updates, SoCalGas reported progress in restoring service to residents affected by the gas shutoff since September 2024, with three homes in the Seaview community of Rancho Palos Verdes already reconnected. The council's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and support residents in the face of environmental challenges.