State Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Salinas, was appointed this week to a
special council that advises the governor on counter-terrorism
tactics.
State Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Salinas, was appointed this week to a special council that advises the governor on counter-terrorism tactics.
Denham – whose 12th Senate District includes San Benito County – joins nine others on the California Emergency Council, which will advise Gov. Gray Davis if a terrorism threat arises.
The governor has already instituted the State Emergency Plan, which equates to more security at locations of “higher risk” for terrorist attacks throughout the state, including a heightened presence of California Highway Patrol officers on the Golden Gate Bridge.
“This group would advise them on such issues,” said Nick Rappley, a representative from Denham’s office.
Denham, the lone Senator on the emergency council, does not have any specific background in counter-terrorism but expressed an interest in being on the advisory group, according to Rappley.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to advise the governor on emergency issues,” Denham said in a statement.
Rappley said he anticipates 2003 being a “very active year, considering what we’re facing.”
The CEC also advises the governor on an array of other emergencies including earthquakes and El Nino-related disasters, Rappley said.
Denham was appointed by Senate President Pro Tem John Burton.
