PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: June 15, 2026
Subject: Community Warning System (CWS) Update
Submitted For: David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Department: Office of the Sheriff
Presenter: Lorena Herrera, CWS Manager
Contact: Enid.Mendoza@cao.cccounty.us
Referral History:
The development of a multi-language capability for the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) and Community Warning System (CWS) had been under Board of Supervisors Internal Operations Committee review since 2000, with oversight transferred to the Public Protection Committee (PPC) in 2008. Early updates from the Sheriff’s Office and Health Services (2008-2011) highlighted ongoing federal rulemaking, regional SUASI planning efforts, and the continued absence of practical technology to support local multilingual emergency notifications.
Following the 2012 Richmond Chevron refinery fire, the Board established an ad hoc committee to examine CWS and Industrial Safety Ordinance issues, though the PPC retained responsibility for the multilingual-capability referral. The PPC received reports on system updates in 2015 and 2016, including review of the County’s contract with AtHoc, Inc., a full-service alert and warning company specializing in fixed siren systems and emergency notification systems, which was integrated into the existing TENS referral to provide coordinated oversight.
No updates occurred between 2017 and 2023, though the PPC continued the referral due to ongoing interest in multi-language capabilities and CWS system performance. In March 2024, the PPC terminated the TENS component of the referral and moved the CWS-contract portion to the Industrial Safety Ordinance/Community Warning System Ad Hoc Committee. Later in August 2024, the BOS approved, in its response to the Civil Grand Jury, continuation of assignment of all emergency response planning, including CWS issues as a whole, to the Emergency Services Policy Board, which also serves as the County’s Disaster Council.
In February 2025, the newly seated PPC emphasized CWS’s broad countywide public-safety role beyond industrial incidents. The Committee unanimously recommended retaining oversight within the PPC while coordinating with the Emergency Services Policy Board. The Board approved continuing the referral under this structure.
At the Committee meeting held on April 30, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office presented a comprehensive introductory report, with staff from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials division also in attendance. Chair Andersen and Vice Chair Carlson provided feedback, emphasizing ways to enhance the CWS webpage for greater public accessibility-particularly regarding emergency preparedness and evacuation information. Suggestions included improving access to 'know your zone' tools, fire maps, and FAQ resources, as well as expanding public education to cover a wider range of emergency events. The Committee accepted the report and directed staff to return in October 2025 with updates.
At its October 20, 2025 meeting, the Committee accepted the report from the Sheriff’s Office, which highlighted updates to the CWS alert website and various data points for 2025. The Committee provided feedback for future reports to include historical data, including year-over-year registration progression activity, for at least 3-5 years.
Referral Update:
The Community Warning System (CWS) is Contra Costa County’s all-hazards alert and warning program, providing timely and accurate notifications during emergencies such as hazardous materials incidents, wildfires, and severe weather. Its mission is to ensure residents can take informed protective action through effective alerts, public education, and strong partnerships with local agencies.
CWS operates 24/7 with built-in redundancy, standardized procedures, and fully trained staff. The system uses multiple alerting methods, including sirens, Wireless Emergency Alerts, EAS, NOAA radios, website, and social media and can reach a user base of up to 490,459 contacts across both Reverse 911 and self-registered user profiles. Recent activities include outreach events, major exercises, duty officer and Incident Commander trainings, and development of the program’s 3-year strategic plan.
Program improvements over the past year include refined procedures, enhanced public messaging clarity, countywide training efforts, and strengthened readiness. Looking forward, CWS will continue advancing system reliability, increasing public understanding and registrations, and improving coordination with public safety and industry partners.
Please see attached report with additional information.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ACCEPT an update from the Office of the Sheriff on the County’s Community Warning System and PROVIDE direction to staff, as needed.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
There is no fiscal impact - this is an informational report.