California Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway on California’s new Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center, a 60,000-sq. ft. structure that will bolster the state’s disaster response and recovery capabilities for millions of residents across Southern California.
The project, commissioned by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and delivered by the Department of General Services (DGS), is expected to be completed in late 2027.
Located on the grounds of the former Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa, the 15-acre site will serve as a vital hub for coordinated emergency response efforts across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. Designed to complement the state’s existing operations center in Mather, near Sacramento, the new campus will provide surge capacity during major incidents such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and public health emergencies.
“This facility is a tangible example of Governor Newsom’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient California,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “It 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.”
The complex will include a 39,000-sq. ft. operations building, a 21,000-sq. ft. warehouse, and major infrastructure upgrades such as utilities, stormwater systems, parking, roadways, and security fencing.
In keeping with California’s sustainability goals, the center will meet Zero Net Energy and LEED Gold standards, featuring solar photovoltaic panels, battery energy storage systems, and backup generators to maintain operations during power outages.
“DGS welcomes the opportunity to partner with Cal OES 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.
Leaders from CAL FIRE, the California Highway Patrol, the California Military Department, and the Department of Transportation also praised the project as a critical investment in statewide readiness.
“This new campus will contribute to a region that is better prepared, more resilient, and ultimately safer for all its residents,” said CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler.
