TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Melvin Racelis, Acting Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Melvin Racelis, Acting Parks and Community Service Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Emergency Operations Center and Community Services Department Staff Roles and Preparations
end
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Receive information regarding the Community Services Department’s role in activating the Murrieta Equestrian Park as a large-animal evacuation center and provide feedback on proposed preparedness improvements.
body
PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
During an emergency, the City of Murrieta (City) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordinates personnel, facilities, supplies, and information in support of the City’s response. When directed by the EOC or other authorized emergency leadership, the Murrieta Equestrian Park may be activated as a temporary evacuation center primarily for horses and, when capacity and conditions allow, other large animals.
Community Services Department Role
The Community Services Department (CSD) does not independently activate the facility. Once activation is authorized, CSD staff provide the initial facility setup, intake coordination, logistical support, and recordkeeping needed to begin receiving animals.
CSD’s primary responsibilities include:
• Opening and preparing the facility, establishing an intake area, and deploying signs, lighting, traffic-control equipment, and emergency supplies.
• Establishing vehicle, trailer, parking, and unloading areas while maintaining access for emergency personnel.
• Registering owners and animals, taking identification photographs, assigning animals to numbered pens, and maintaining the animal registry.
• Tracking arrivals, pen assignments, transfers, releases, facility capacity, and operational needs.
• Communicating facility status and resource needs through the EOC.
• Remaining onsite until designated Riverside County personnel arrive and assume overnight coverage.
• Animal owners are expected to remain with and care for their animals in accordance with posted facility rules. CSD’s role is focused on facility operations and logistical coordination.
Volcano Fire Experience
The recent Volcano Fire provided CSD staff with an opportunity to activate the Equestrian Park and assist large-animal evacuees. The response confirmed the value of staging emergency supplies at the facility and having staff prepared to establish an intake and holding operation on short notice.
The activation also identified opportunities to improve registration, pen assignments, supply deployment, and the transition to County personnel. Based on this experience, staff plans to:
• Update and replenish the Equestrian Park EOC supply inventory.
• Improve the animal registry to include consistent identification numbers, pen assignments, photographs, arrival and release information, and relevant notes.
• Install durable, highly visible numbers on the horse pens and update the facility map.
• Use consistent identifiers across the animal registry, animal identification, and pen assignment.
• Update the facility procedures, emergency contact list, and shift-handoff checklist.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff anticipates minor costs for emergency supplies, signage, and materials as needed. Funding is available in the Municipal Services Department’s approved operating budget. No additional appropriation is requested.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Equestrian Park EOC Supply List
2. Horse Evacuation Poster
3. Equestrian Center Map