Schwarzenegger declares cold-weather emergency

By Jason Bennert, Bay City News Service

January 12, 2007

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today declared a state of emergency throughout California because of the cold snap gripping the state.

The declaration allows state facilities and resources to be used according to assist residents, businesses and farmers in coping with the extremely low temperatures.

"I have directed state agencies to activate the extreme temperature protocols established last year to assist the most vulnerable populations in the state and asked local governments and the people of California to take common sense precautions in the unseasonably cold weather,'' Schwarzenegger said in his declaration.

In the Bay Area, San Mateo County is opening the National Guard armory on Valota Road in Redwood City as a "warming center.'' The armory will open at 6 p.m. and no one will be admitted after 8 p.m. It will close Saturday at 7 a.m. Cots, blankets, food and drinks will be provided and San Mateo County Human Services Agency staff members along with the Red Cross and other agencies will staff the armory.

San Mateo County officials will decide on a day-to-day basis whether to open the armory each night. Information about whether it will be opening on any given night can be obtained by calling (650) 363-4099.

Three emergency shelters in Santa Clara County will be open for more hours than usual during the freezing nights expected through Monday, EHC Lifebuilders announced today.

The three shelters generally can house 500 people but this weekend they are expected to take in 750.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority will be offering free bus rides tonight to the three shelters in San Jose, Sunnyvale and Gilroy. Free rides will be available on bus lines 19, 26, 55, 68 and on the light rail system.

Contra Costa Health Services announced today it has added more than three dozen extra shelter beds during the cold snap.

Copyright © 2007 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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