Item 417/2026
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To: Lisa L. Kim From: Matt West
Dept: City Manager Dept: City Manager
Date: 9/22/2026
Subject: Approval of overnight travel for one City staff to attend an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Action Planning training in Santa Barbara from September 29-30, 2026. (Cost: $326)(Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
For the City Council to approve overnight travel for the City’s Public Information Officer in the Office of Community Relations, to attend the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Action Planning (G626) training from September 29–30, 2026. Requested travel dates are Tuesday, September 29 through Wednesday, September 30.
BACKGROUND
The California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI), part of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), provides training to strengthen the ability of public agencies to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Its EOC Action Planning (G626) course focuses on developing Emergency Operations Center (EOC) action plans and understanding how each EOC section contributes to coordinated emergency operations. For public information personnel, understanding this process helps connect emergency communications with operational priorities. Participation in action planning supports the development of timely, accurate public messages that reflect current conditions, explain protective actions and address the community’s information needs. The 16-hour course will be held September 29–30, 2026, at the Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Management, with instruction from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. CSTI is offering the training at no registration cost.
When the City’s current biennial budget was adopted, the City Council approved a list of conferences, training programs, and seminars requiring overnight travel. The CSTI training was not included in the pre-approved list. Therefore, staff is requesting City Council approval for overnight travel to allow staff to attend the EOC Action Planning training in Santa Barbara, California.
Item 417/2026
DISCUSSION
The EOC Action Planning course is a valuable opportunity for the City’s Public Information Officer to strengthen knowledge of emergency coordination and action planning to support clear, timely public communications during emergencies.
The City’s Office of Community Relations views attendance as beneficial for the professional development of its public information staff and the continued improvement of the City’s emergency communications capabilities.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The cost for the City’s Public Information Officer in Garden Grove Community Relations division, to attend the EOC Action Planning course is anticipated to be $326. Expenses are as follows:
Hotel Room – One Night $286.00
Meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner) $40.00
The funds were budgeted and no additional appropriation is requested.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
Authorize overnight travel for one City staff (Public Information Officer) to attend the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Action Planning (G626) training in Santa Barbara, from September 29-30, 2026.
Approve estimated travel expenses of $326 in accordance with City Council Policy No. 100-19.
By: Johnathan Garcia, Public Information Officer