HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-29; City Council; 04; ALERT California Wildfire CamerasCA Review JRT
Meeting Date: July 29, 2025
To: Mayor/President and City Council/Board Members
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager/Executive Manager
Staff Contact: Darcy Davidson, Division Chief – Fire Marshal
darcy.davidson@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2662
Subject: ALERTCalifornia Wildfire Cameras
District: All
Recommended Actions
1. Adopt a City Council resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to approve the
installation of ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras on city-owned property, as needed, and
to approve a memorandum of understanding between the Regents of the University of
California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, City of Carlsbad and Carlsbad Municipal
Water District to install, monitor and maintain the ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras in
the City of Carlsbad; and
2. Adopt a Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors resolution authorizing the
Executive Manager or designee to approve the installation of ALERTCalifornia wildfire
cameras on Carlsbad Municipal Water District-owned property, as needed, and to
approve a memorandum of understanding between the Regents of the University of
California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, City of Carlsbad and Carlsbad Municipal
Water District to install, monitor and maintain the ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras in
the City of Carlsbad.
Executive Summary
The University of California, San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia is a collaborative public safety program
designed to enhance community resilience to natural disasters. As part of this effort,
ALERTCalifornia has established a statewide network of fire cameras to support early wildfire
detection and provide real-time situational awareness.
The Fire Department recommends installing ALERTCalifornia cameras at high vantage points
within the city to help safeguard Carlsbad from wildfires.
The City Council and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board are being asked to approve
the installation of such cameras in the city, as needed, and to approve a memorandum of
understanding that defines the roles and responsibilities of each agency involved in the
installation and operation of the ALERTCalifornia cameras.
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Discussion
Background
The frequency and severity of wildfires in California continue to increase, emphasizing the need
for advanced tools to support wildfire prevention, mitigation and response efforts. The
ALERTCalifornia program manages a network of more than 1,100 cameras throughout
California. These cameras provide real-time data to assist first responders and researchers in
wildfire detection, situational awareness, and disaster response.
The ALERTCalifornia camera network enhances the ability to:
• Rapidly confirm fire ignition.
• Scale fire resources quickly.
• Support evacuations through improved situational awareness.
• Monitor wildfire progression through containment.
Location Of First Camera
The Fire Department, in coordination with ALERTCalifornia staff, evaluated multiple locations in
Carlsbad to determine the most suitable sites for camera installation. After careful
consideration, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District’s La Costa High Reservoir property, at
7041 Corintia Street, located south of Alga Road and east of El Fuerte Street, in the La Costa
Ridge neighborhood, was selected as the first installation site.
This location offers excellent visibility of nearby wildland areas, including the Rancho La Costa
Preserve and Box Canyon, enhancing the city’s wildfire detection and monitoring capabilities.
The Fire Department will continue to evaluate locations throughout the city for future camera
installations. Any future installations will comply with all applicable permitting requirements,
including but not limited to review and compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act and any other federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances governing such
activities.
Capabilities
The ALERTCalifornia cameras feature advanced capabilities, including:
• High-definition, pan-tilt-zoom functionality.
• 360-degree sweeps approximately every two minutes, capturing 12 high-definition
frames per sweep.
• 24-hour monitoring with near-infrared night vision.
• Visibility of up to 60 miles during the day and up to 120 miles at night, under clear
conditions.
ALERTCalifornia cameras are designed specifically to monitor natural hazards, not for general
surveillance of residential areas. To protect individual privacy, the program incorporates
safeguards such as blurring identifiable features, including homes, within the camera feeds.
Installation
For the current site at 7041 Corintia St., the camera and equipment will be located within a
secure area behind a locked fence on the Carlsbad Municipal Water District site. There will be
no noise, light, or ongoing disruption to the neighborhood during the installation or operation
of the camera. A temporary camera will be mounted atop a 16-foot tripod powered by a 410-
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watt solar panel and two 24-volt batteries. This equipment will be connected before being
located at the site.
The permanent installation will use an existing camera pole at the site. Electrical service to the
pole will be established, requiring a building permit, which will be obtained before
construction. Any future camera installations will also obtain all necessary permits.
Public Notification
For the current site at 7041 Corintia St., all residents within the La Costa Ridge Homeowners
Association were mailed a letter on July 23, 2025, providing information about the proposed
installation of cameras. The letter included details about the project, contact information for
questions, and notification that Fire Department staff will be hosting an informational meeting
for the La Costa Ridge Homeowners Association on July 30, 2025, to provide information on the
camera. The letter is provided as Exhibit 3.
This same process will be followed for any future camera installations.
Fiscal Analysis
There is minimal fiscal impact associated with approving the memorandum of understanding.
The city will obtain a building permit to establish electrical service to the existing camera pole in
preparation for permanent installation. The cost of the permit will be absorbed within the Fire
Department’s existing operating budget.
The University of California San Diego will provide, install, maintain, and repair the cameras and
related equipment. In return, the city will provide access to the city or district-owned properties
to support these ongoing activities.
Next Steps
The City Manager and Executive Manager or their designees will sign the memorandum of
understanding, which allows for the installation and operation of the ALERTCalifornia cameras
on city or district-owned properties.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act
Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(2) & (5) and does not require
environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) as it is a government
organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes
in the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed action
may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or the CEQA
Guidelines.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution
2. CMWD Board resolution
3. Public noticing letter
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Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-183 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO APPROVE
THE INSTALLATION OF ALERTCALIFORNIA WILDFIRE CAMERAS ON CITY-
OWNED PROPERTY, AS NEEDED, AND TO APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA, SCRIPPS INSTITUTION OF OCEANOGRAPHY, CITY OF CARLSBAD
AND CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT TO INSTALL, MONITOR AND
MAINTAIN THE ALERTCALIFORNIA WILDFIRE CAMERAS IN THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD
WHEREAS, the University of California, San Diego launched ALERTCalifornia, a collaborative
public safety program designed to enhance community resilience to natural disasters; and
WHEREAS, ALERTCalifornia has established a statewide network of fire cameras to support early
wildfire detection and provide real-time situational awareness; and
WHEREAS, in continued efforts to safeguard Carlsbad from wildfires, the Fire Department
recommends the installation of ALERTCalifornia cameras within the city; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Department evaluated multiple locations in Carlsbad to determine the most
suitable sites for camera installation and recommended the Carlsbad Municipal Water District’s La
Costa High Reservoir property at 7041 Corintia Street, located south of Alga Road and east of El Fuerte
Street, in the La Costa Ridge neighborhood, for the first installation site; and
WHEREAS, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Regents of the University of
California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the City of Carlsbad, and the Carlsbad Municipal Water
District defines the roles and responsibilities of each agency involved in the installation and operation
of the ALERTCalifornia cameras.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the City Council has determined the proposed action is not a “project” as defined
by California Environmental Quality Act Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section
15378(b)(2) & (5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines
Section 15060(c)(3) as it is a government organizational or administrative activity that
will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Any subsequent
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action or direction stemming from the proposed action may require preparation of an
environmental document in accordance with CEQA or the CEQA Guidelines.
3.That the City Manager or designee is authorized to approve the installation of
ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras on city-owned property, as needed.
4.That the City Manager or designee is authorized to execute the Memorandum of
Understanding (Attachment A) between the Regents of the University of California,
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, City of Carlsbad and Carlsbad Municipal Water
District to install, monitor and maintain the AlertCalifornia wildfire cameras in the City
of Carlsbad.
5.That the City Manager or designee is further authorized to execute future amendments,
agreements and other documents necessary to support the ALERTCalifornia wildfire
camera program within the City of Carlsbad, which are approved as to form by the City
Attorney’s Office.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Joint Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad and the Board of Directors of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District of the City of Carlsbad
on the 29th day of July, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
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Memorandum of Understanding
Between
The Regents of the University of California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the
City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District
This Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is entered into by and between the
Regents of the University of California, UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of
Oceanography, a University of California campus ( “Scripps”), the City of Carlsbad, a municipal corporation (“City”), and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, a Public Agency organized under the Municipal Water Act of 1911, and a Subsidiary District of the City of Carlsbad, California ("CMWD"), for the purposes of obtaining, installing, monitoring, and
maintaining a network of fire cameras. Scripps, City and CMWD may be referred to
individually as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.” This MOU has been created to clearly define the roles and expectations for Scripps, City and CMWD.
I.Background
In collaboration with corporate entities and public agencies, Scripps has established fire camera networks throughout California and now would like to improve the network in the City of Carlsbad. Subject to obtaining any required federal, state or local permits and any required authorization from property owners, Scripps plans to install additional cameras
in the City of Carlsbad and related equipment and Scripps will incorporate them into the
existing camera network.
First responders (e.g., City of Carlsbad Fire Department and Police Department, Sheriff, and CAL FIRE) would have priority in using and manipulating the cameras within their
respective jurisdictions. Scripps would also have control to manipulate the cameras (e.g.,
live view) but would defer priority to first responders. Control of the cameras and priority will be addressed at camera workshops provided by Scripps. The camera footage would be broadcast publicly online, and any recordings made would be saved and maintained by Scripps.
II.Roles and Responsibilities
Scripps, City and CMWD agree to be direct and proactive when raising any concerns relating to this MOU. The expectations of the Parties, individually and mutually, are
specified below:
A.Scripps agrees to perform the following tasks at its own expense:
1.Install and maintain cameras and related equipment at sites listed in
Exhibit A. Scripps is responsible for replacing broken cameras and
hardware. Scripps will retain ownership of all equipment.
Attachment A
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2.Install, maintain, and update all software necessary for the full function of the provided cameras. This includes all firmware updates and patches from the camera vendor. Updates must be installed
within 60 days of release or on the City or CMWD’s request
3.Obtain all required federal, state, or local permits.
4.Provide unfettered access to any recordings or copies of recordings,
in whatever format, made or kept, resulting from any entity’s use of
the cameras provided to City or CMWD.
5.Ensure that first responders always have priority in using and manipulating the cameras on the City or CMWD’s property. City on
City-owned sites and CMWD on CMWD-owned sites and Scripps
must first authorize access to any camera by any entity other than City or CMWD. City or CMWD/Scripps shall be able to add/remove users as needed.
6.Provide audit logs to City and CMWD that identify individuals who
access the provided cameras.
7.Take reasonable and appropriate steps to secure access to the provided cameras.
8.Provide City for City-owned sites and CMWD for CMWD-owned sites with 24-hour notice if access is needed to cameras for repair or maintenance, except in emergencies. Reasonable notice will be provided in emergencies.
9.Cooperatively work with Staff from City for City-owned sites or CMWD for CMWD-owned sites to resolve any identified security vulnerabilities or configuration issues on provided cameras that could present risk to City or CMWD.
10.Remove cameras and all related equipment within five business days of the termination of this MOU and restore the property to its prior condition, reasonable wear and tear accepted.
11.Comply with any responsibilities or obligations assigned to Scripps
as described in Paragraph IV.
B.City for city-owned sites and CMWD for CMWD-owned sites agrees to
perform the following tasks at its own expense:
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1.Provide access to Scripps to install, maintain, and repair cameras onthe site(s) listed in Exhibit A.
2.Comply with any responsibilities or obligations assigned to City or
CMWD as described in Paragraph IV.
C.The Parties mutually agree to:
1.Work collaboratively and cohesively to support each other in carrying
out the goals and terms of this MOU.
2.Comply with any responsibilities or obligations mutually assigned to theParties as described in Paragraph IV.
III. Term of Agreement
This MOU shall be considered effective June 1, 2025, and shall remain in effect until May 31, 2026. Any Party may terminate this MOU without cause by providing thirty (30)
days’ advance written notice to the other Party.
IV.Miscellaneous Terms and Conditions
A.Jurisdiction and Venue
This MOU shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and the Parties hereto agree that venue shall be in San Diego County, California.
B.Data Use and Privacy
Data collected will be used solely for wildfire detection, environmental monitoring, and related public safety purposes. No audio or video recording of private individuals or
dwellings is permitted. Any public or third-party sharing of data must be anonymized and
comply with applicable privacy laws.
C.No Lease or Tenancy Created
This MOU does not create a lease, license, easement, or other real property interest. The arrangement is revocable as provided herein.
D.Access to Records/Retention
For the purposes of auditing and compliance with the California Public Records Act (Govt. Code § 7920.00, et seq.), City and CMWD shall have access to any records created or maintained by Scripps as a result of City and CMWD’s use of cameras. Except where
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any federal or state law requires longer retention, Scripps shall maintain all required records for at least three (3) years after expiration of this MOU.
E.Mutual Indemnification
City and CMWD agree to defend, indemnify and hold Scripps harmless from and against any and all claims, liability, loss, expense, reasonable attorneys' fees, or claims for injury or damages arising out of the performance of this MOU, but only in proportion to and to the extent such liability, loss, expense, attorneys' fees, or claims for injury or damages
are caused by or result from the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of City, CMWD, their officers, elected and appointed officials, agents, employees and volunteers.
Scripps agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless City, CMWD and their officers, elected and appointed officials, employees, agents and volunteers from and against any
and all claims, liability, loss, expense, reasonable attorneys' fees, or claims for injury or damages arising out of the performance of this MOU, but only in proportion to and to the extent such liability, loss, expense, attorneys' fees, or claims for injury or damages are caused by or result from the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of Scripps, its officers, agents, or employees.
F.Limitation of Liability
1.OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THE MOU,NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY WARRANTIES, WHETHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THEIMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESSFOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
2.Notwithstanding any other provision in this MOU, neither party shall
have liability nor indemnity or defense obligations to the other partyfor any and all claims under any legal theory (including, but notlimited to, claims for negligence and breach of contract) arising fromor related to damage or injuries caused directly or indirectly by fires;provided however, if the claim arises from a fire negligently or
intentionally started by Scripps or City or CMWD during its operationor maintenance of the cameras provided for in this MOU, thelimitation of liability in this sentence will not apply.
G.Insurance
Upon request, Scripps will provide evidence of self-insurance coverage(Certificate of Self-Insurance Coverage) issued pursuant to the program ofself-insurance maintained by the Regents of the University of California.
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If requested by Scripps, City or CMWD shall provide valid evidence sufficient to prove its ownership interests in and to the Site, including its right to enter into this MOU and grant the rights herein granted.
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA, UC SAN DIEGO,
SCRIPPS INSTITUTION OF
OCEANOGRAPHY, a University of
California campus
CITY OF CARLSBAD, a municipal
corporation of the State of California
By: By:
(sign here) Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
(print name/title)
Megan Tolentino, Professional Buyer
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CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER
DISTRICT, a Public Agency organized
under the Municipal Water Act of 1911,
and a Subsidiary District of the City of
Carlsbad, California
By:
Geoff Patnoe, Executive Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
By:
_____________________________ Senior Assistant City Attorney
ATTEST:
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
By:
Deputy / Assistant City Clerk
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Exhibit 2
RESOLUTION NO. 1777
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CARLSBAD
MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE MANAGER OR
DESIGNEE TO APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF ALERTCALIFORNIA WILDFIRE
CAMERAS ON CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT-OWNED PROPERTY,
AS NEEDED, AND TO APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SCRIPPS
INSTITUTION OF OCEANOGRAPHY, CITY OF CARLSBAD AND CARLSBAD
MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT TO INSTALL, MONITOR AND MAINTAIN THE
ALERTCALIFORNIA WILDFIRE CAMERAS IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAD
WHEREAS, the University of California, San Diego launched ALERTCalifornia, a collaborative
public safety program designed to enhance community resilience to natural disasters; and
WHEREAS, ALERTCalifornia has established a statewide network of fire cameras to support early
wildfire detection and provide real-time situational awareness; and
WHEREAS, in continued efforts to safeguard Carlsbad from wildfires, the Fire Department
recommends the installation of ALERTCalifornia cameras within the city; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Department evaluated multiple locations in Carlsbad to determine the most
suitable sites for camera installation and recommended the Carlsbad Municipal Water District’s La
Costa High Reservoir property at 7041 Corintia Street, located south of Alga Road and east of El Fuerte
Street, in the La Costa Ridge neighborhood, for the first installation site; and
WHEREAS, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Regents of the University of
California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the City of Carlsbad, and the Carlsbad Municipal Water
District defines the roles and responsibilities of each agency involved in the installation and operation
of the ALERTCalifornia cameras.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of the City
of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the Board of Directors has determined the proposed action is not a “project” as
defined by California Environmental Quality Act Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines
Section 15378(b)(2) & (5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA
Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) as it is a government organizational or administrative
activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Any
subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed action may require
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Exhibit 2
preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or the CEQA
Guidelines.
3.That the Executive Manager or designee is authorized to approve the installation of
ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras on Carlsbad Municipal Water District-owned property,
as needed.
4.That the Executive Manager or designee is authorized to execute the Memorandum of
Understanding (Attachment A) between the Regents of the University of California,
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, City of Carlsbad and Carlsbad Municipal Water
District to install, monitor and maintain the AlertCalifornia wildfire cameras in the City
of Carlsbad.
5.That the Executive Manager or designee is further authorized to execute future
amendments, agreements and other documents necessary to support the
ALERTCalifornia wildfire camera program within the City of Carlsbad, which are
approved as to form by the Office of the General Counsel.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Joint Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Carlsbad Municipal Water District of the City of Carlsbad and the City Council of the City of Carlsbad
on the 29th day of July, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, President
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, Secretary
(SEAL)
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1
Memorandum of Understanding
Between
The Regents of the University of California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the
City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District
This Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is entered into by and between the
Regents of the University of California, UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of
Oceanography, a University of California campus ( “Scripps”), the City of Carlsbad, a municipal corporation (“City”), and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, a Public Agency organized under the Municipal Water Act of 1911, and a Subsidiary District of the City of Carlsbad, California ("CMWD"), for the purposes of obtaining, installing, monitoring, and
maintaining a network of fire cameras. Scripps, City and CMWD may be referred to
individually as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.” This MOU has been created to clearly define the roles and expectations for Scripps, City and CMWD.
I.Background
In collaboration with corporate entities and public agencies, Scripps has established fire camera networks throughout California and now would like to improve the network in the City of Carlsbad. Subject to obtaining any required federal, state or local permits and any required authorization from property owners, Scripps plans to install additional cameras
in the City of Carlsbad and related equipment and Scripps will incorporate them into the
existing camera network.
First responders (e.g., City of Carlsbad Fire Department and Police Department, Sheriff, and CAL FIRE) would have priority in using and manipulating the cameras within their
respective jurisdictions. Scripps would also have control to manipulate the cameras (e.g.,
live view) but would defer priority to first responders. Control of the cameras and priority will be addressed at camera workshops provided by Scripps. The camera footage would be broadcast publicly online, and any recordings made would be saved and maintained by Scripps.
II.Roles and Responsibilities
Scripps, City and CMWD agree to be direct and proactive when raising any concerns relating to this MOU. The expectations of the Parties, individually and mutually, are
specified below:
A.Scripps agrees to perform the following tasks at its own expense:
1.Install and maintain cameras and related equipment at sites listed in
Exhibit A. Scripps is responsible for replacing broken cameras and
hardware. Scripps will retain ownership of all equipment.
Attachment A
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2.Install, maintain, and update all software necessary for the full function of the provided cameras. This includes all firmware updates and patches from the camera vendor. Updates must be installed
within 60 days of release or on the City or CMWD’s request
3.Obtain all required federal, state, or local permits.
4.Provide unfettered access to any recordings or copies of recordings,
in whatever format, made or kept, resulting from any entity’s use of
the cameras provided to City or CMWD.
5.Ensure that first responders always have priority in using and manipulating the cameras on the City or CMWD’s property. City on
City-owned sites and CMWD on CMWD-owned sites and Scripps
must first authorize access to any camera by any entity other than City or CMWD. City or CMWD/Scripps shall be able to add/remove users as needed.
6.Provide audit logs to City and CMWD that identify individuals who
access the provided cameras.
7.Take reasonable and appropriate steps to secure access to the provided cameras.
8.Provide City for City-owned sites and CMWD for CMWD-owned sites with 24-hour notice if access is needed to cameras for repair or maintenance, except in emergencies. Reasonable notice will be provided in emergencies.
9.Cooperatively work with Staff from City for City-owned sites or CMWD for CMWD-owned sites to resolve any identified security vulnerabilities or configuration issues on provided cameras that could present risk to City or CMWD.
10.Remove cameras and all related equipment within five business days of the termination of this MOU and restore the property to its prior condition, reasonable wear and tear accepted.
11.Comply with any responsibilities or obligations assigned to Scripps
as described in Paragraph IV.
B.City for city-owned sites and CMWD for CMWD-owned sites agrees to
perform the following tasks at its own expense:
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1.Provide access to Scripps to install, maintain, and repair cameras onthe site(s) listed in Exhibit A.
2.Comply with any responsibilities or obligations assigned to City or
CMWD as described in Paragraph IV.
C.The Parties mutually agree to:
1.Work collaboratively and cohesively to support each other in carrying
out the goals and terms of this MOU.
2.Comply with any responsibilities or obligations mutually assigned to theParties as described in Paragraph IV.
III. Term of Agreement
This MOU shall be considered effective June 1, 2025, and shall remain in effect until May 31, 2026. Any Party may terminate this MOU without cause by providing thirty (30)
days’ advance written notice to the other Party.
IV.Miscellaneous Terms and Conditions
A.Jurisdiction and Venue
This MOU shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and the Parties hereto agree that venue shall be in San Diego County, California.
B.Data Use and Privacy
Data collected will be used solely for wildfire detection, environmental monitoring, and related public safety purposes. No audio or video recording of private individuals or
dwellings is permitted. Any public or third-party sharing of data must be anonymized and
comply with applicable privacy laws.
C.No Lease or Tenancy Created
This MOU does not create a lease, license, easement, or other real property interest. The arrangement is revocable as provided herein.
D.Access to Records/Retention
For the purposes of auditing and compliance with the California Public Records Act (Govt. Code § 7920.00, et seq.), City and CMWD shall have access to any records created or maintained by Scripps as a result of City and CMWD’s use of cameras. Except where
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any federal or state law requires longer retention, Scripps shall maintain all required records for at least three (3) years after expiration of this MOU.
E.Mutual Indemnification
City and CMWD agree to defend, indemnify and hold Scripps harmless from and against any and all claims, liability, loss, expense, reasonable attorneys' fees, or claims for injury or damages arising out of the performance of this MOU, but only in proportion to and to the extent such liability, loss, expense, attorneys' fees, or claims for injury or damages
are caused by or result from the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of City, CMWD, their officers, elected and appointed officials, agents, employees and volunteers.
Scripps agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless City, CMWD and their officers, elected and appointed officials, employees, agents and volunteers from and against any
and all claims, liability, loss, expense, reasonable attorneys' fees, or claims for injury or damages arising out of the performance of this MOU, but only in proportion to and to the extent such liability, loss, expense, attorneys' fees, or claims for injury or damages are caused by or result from the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of Scripps, its officers, agents, or employees.
F.Limitation of Liability
1.OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THE MOU,NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY WARRANTIES, WHETHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THEIMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESSFOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
2.Notwithstanding any other provision in this MOU, neither party shall
have liability nor indemnity or defense obligations to the other partyfor any and all claims under any legal theory (including, but notlimited to, claims for negligence and breach of contract) arising fromor related to damage or injuries caused directly or indirectly by fires;provided however, if the claim arises from a fire negligently or
intentionally started by Scripps or City or CMWD during its operationor maintenance of the cameras provided for in this MOU, thelimitation of liability in this sentence will not apply.
G.Insurance
Upon request, Scripps will provide evidence of self-insurance coverage(Certificate of Self-Insurance Coverage) issued pursuant to the program ofself-insurance maintained by the Regents of the University of California.
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If requested by Scripps, City or CMWD shall provide valid evidence sufficient to prove its ownership interests in and to the Site, including its right to enter into this MOU and grant the rights herein granted.
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA, UC SAN DIEGO,
SCRIPPS INSTITUTION OF
OCEANOGRAPHY, a University of
California campus
CITY OF CARLSBAD, a municipal
corporation of the State of California
By: By:
(sign here) Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
(print name/title)
Megan Tolentino, Professional Buyer
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CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER
DISTRICT, a Public Agency organized
under the Municipal Water Act of 1911,
and a Subsidiary District of the City of
Carlsbad, California
By:
Geoff Patnoe, Executive Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
By:
_____________________________ Senior Assistant City Attorney
ATTEST:
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
By:
Deputy / Assistant City Clerk
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Fire Department
Community Risk Reduction 2560 Orion Way Carlsbad, CA 92010 442-339-2669
July 21, 2025
Subject: Upcoming Installation of Wildfire Camera in La Costa Ridge
Dear La Costa Ridge Resident or Property Owner,
The Carlsbad Fire Department, in partnership with the Carlsbad Municipal Water District and
the University of California San Diego, will soon be installing a wildfire monitoring camera in
your community. The University of California San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia is a collaborative
public safety program designed to enhance community resilience to natural disasters. This
camera will be part of the ALERTCalifornia program, which supports early wildfire detection and
real-time situational awareness during emergencies.
ALERTCalifornia Public Safety Network
The ALERTCalifornia camera is a public safety tool used exclusively by emergency responders.
These cameras provide real-time data to assist first responders and researchers in wildfire
detection, situational awareness, and disaster response. It will not capture clearly visible
footage of nearby homes or be used for surveillance or law enforcement purposes. The
camera’s footage supports wildfire detection, early response coordination, and situational
awareness during emergencies.
Statewide Implementation
Carlsbad joins over 1,100 communities across California that have already implemented
ALERTCalifornia cameras. The program has been widely adopted as a reliable and effective
wildfire response resource. More information about ALERTCalifornia can be found on their
website: alertcalifornia.org.
Project Location
The camera will be installed on Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD) property adjacent to
the water tank on Corintia Street in the La Costa Ridge neighborhood.
What to Expect
The initial phase includes a temporary setup consisting of a tripod-mounted camera, one solar
panel (approximately 6 feet by 6 feet), and a battery box. A permanent installation is planned
for the future at the same location, and additional updates will be provided when available.
There will be no noise, light, or ongoing disruption to the neighborhood as part of the
installation or operation.
Exhibit 3
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Installation Timeline
The temporary camera is scheduled for installation in Summer 2025.
Community Benefits
The La Costa Ridge HOA requested the installation of this camera to help improve wildfire
readiness and protection for the neighborhood. The selected location provides excellent
visibility of surrounding wildland areas and strengthens our ability to detect, monitor, and
respond to wildfire threats in real time.
HOA Meeting Participation
Representatives from the Carlsbad Fire Department will host a virtual meeting via Teams on
July 30, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. to answer questions and provide additional details about the project.
For questions or more information, please contact our office at
wildfiremitigation@carlsbadca.gov.
You can also learn more about the City’s wildfire mitigation efforts at:
www.carlsbadca.gov/firemitigation.
Thank you for your continued support in helping keep Carlsbad wildfire-ready and community-
focused.
Sincerely,
Darcy Davidson
Division Chief / Fire Marshal
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