RICHARD “Dick” McCARTHY

Richard McCarthy has served as the Executive Director for the California Seismic Safety Commission since 1995. The California Seismic Safety Commission was established by legislation in January 1975 to set goals and priorities for earthquake safety and advises the Governor and the State Legislature on earthquake risk reduction issues. In addition, the Commission is responsible for developing and maintaining the California Earthquake Loss Reduction Plan. This document is a comprehensive strategic plan that sets forth statewide policy and direction in pursuit of the vision for a safer California.

Prior to joining the Seismic Safety Commission, Mr. McCarthy worked as the senior engineering geologist for the California Coastal Commission from 1979 to 1990. This Commission regulates development within the California Coastal Zone. From 1975 to 1979, Mr. McCarthy was a production geologist with Getty Oil Company in Ventura, California. Between 1973 and 1975 he was a staff geologist with Fugro Inc. in Long Beach, California and participated in site identification for nuclear power plants in California, Arizona, and Puerto Rico.

Mr. McCarthy is dedicated to the reduction of earthquake risk to the people and property in the State of California. He has published numerous articles and reports and has served on many scientific committees and federal/state task forces.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA SEISMIC SAFETY COMMISSION:
The Commission investigates earthquakes, researches earthquake-related issues and reports, and recommends to the Governor and Legislature policies and programs needed to reduce earthquake risk. Among the duties of the Commission are:
• Managing California’s Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
• Reviewing seismic activities funded by the State
• Providing a consistent policy direction for earthquake-related programs for agencies at all government levels

• Proposing and reviewing earthquake-related legislation
• Conducting public hearings on seismic safety issues
• Recommending earthquake safety programs to governmental agencies and the private sector
• Investigating and evaluating earthquake damage and reconstruction efforts following damaging earthquakes

With passage of the Seismic Safety Act in 1975 the Seismic Safety Commission was established to advise the Governor, Legislature, and state and local governments on ways to reduce earthquake risk. Our name was revised in 2006 by Senate Bill 1278 which changed the name to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission. Senate Bill 1278 (Alquist, 2006) made changes to the Seismic Safety Act that included moving the Commission under the California State and Consumer Services Agency and adding three more members to the Commission.

The Commission is composed of 20 commissioners chosen for their expertise and experience. Fifteen members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, one member appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, one member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, a representative from Building Standards Commission, a representative from the State Architect’s office, and a representative from Cal EMA.

The Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission elects annually from its membership its own chairman and vice chairman and can replace them with other commissioners by a majority vote. Commissioners must be residents of California. The term of office for each member of the Seismic Safety Commission is approximately four years.

The office is held until the appointment and qualification of his or her successor is made. A quorum consists of ten members if there are no vacancies, or else a majority of the members of the Commission at the time.