Author Archives: socalgovgis - Michael Carson

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About socalgovgis - Michael Carson

Michael Carson, GIS Manager (retired) for the City of Burbank and President of Southern California Government GIS User Group. Currently teaching GIS at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita.

Fireworks 2025!

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Fireworks! Fireworks! Fireworks!

Yes, it is almost July 4th again and our famous SoCal Fireworks app has been updated for 2025.

For this year the City of Orange has joined the other cities that allow fireworks. Sadly the City of Carson and City of Inglewood decided to ban fireworks for this year.

Use the app to view cities that allow the sale and discharge of fireworks in LA, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Included are days and times when fireworks will be sold and when you can light them up, as well as links to city websites and telephone numbers. Data was collected from municipal codes, websites, and/or contacting each city. Data provided as is. Some cities are allowing sales now. Check it out and be safe!

LA Riot Map

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Is LA really under siege with all these riots? This article and map shows it really is not.

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolitan area that’s home to nearly 13 million people. Unlike a lot of big cities, it doesn’t have one main population center. Angelenos are much more spread out than New Yorkers or Chicagoans. Most of the protests this week have taken place in a radius of just a few blocks of downtown L.A., where City Hall, LAPD headquarters and a federal detention center are clustered together.

Maps of WWII @ LOC

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The Library of Congress will have a webinar tomorrow on Maps of World War II. Register here: https://loc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/8717489749718/WN_-3eNMamQR1y7mybLbU1d5Q#/registration

Reference librarians will give a brief overview of maps and other cartographic items from World War II that can be found in the Geography and Map collections at the Library of Congress. This session will highlight items made by American forces, as well as captured maps made by the Axis powers. The breadth and content of these items and how they came to the Geography and Map Division will be discussed. Participants will learn how to search for and access them online or in person. The focus of the session will be on maps and online resources available to all patrons any time or place in the world, but attendees will also learn how to prepare for a future trip to the reading room. After the presentation, staff look forward to answering additional questions from attendees.

GIS Technician Position @ Culver City

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The City of Culver City has an opening for a GIS Technician. This position is responsible for installing and maintaining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application software and computer hardware; analyzing, designing, developing, testing, maintaining, and documenting GIS computer software programs for the network, web and microcomputer environments.

For more info and to apply, click here.

One-Year MS in GISci @ CSULB

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The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGISci) in the Department of Geography at California State University, Long Beach is accepting applications for our 1-year 30-unit MS degree starting in Fall 2025 (August 25, 2025 to August 14, 2026).

This graduate degree provides students with advanced analytic and technical training in geospatial technologies and professional skill building to prepare graduates for the geospatial workforce. The culminating team-based applied research project is informed by industry professionals.

Why CSULB?

  • We are the #1 Geography Program in the CSU, #5 in CA, #9 in the West and #28 in the USA!
  • CSULB Geography alumni are among the highest wage earners in 2-year income post-graduation from the College of Liberal Arts.
  • Join a network of over 200 MSGISci graduates.
  • You will receive excellent mentorship, instruction, and skill development to support your future professional goals.

Please visit www.BeachGIS.com to learn more about our program and register for an upcoming information session. Act Soon! Applications must be submitted via Cal State Apply by the June 1st deadline.

CalGIS Conference

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The CalGIS Conference offers valuable content specific to the California Geospatial Community, allowing attendees to engage in hands-on mini-workshops and user experiences to collaborate to support their geospatial organization at a state level. Connect with professionals from various sectors to share insights, best practices, and innovations. Learn about critical updates and solutions that enhance location-based services and improve public safety efforts through more efficient and accurate geographic data management. 

Attending CalGIS 2025 is a strategic investment in professional development, networking, and contributing to the future of geospatial technology. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, the conference offers a rich and rewarding experience for all attendees. The CalGIS community is welcoming and passionate about everything geospatial! Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, learn, and explore the possibilities!

For more info and to register, click below!

New Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps

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Cal Fire has released new Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps. The maps for most of Southern California, as well as a large portion of rural eastern California, including Inyo and Mono counties, were released today as part of Cal Fire’s Phase 4 of Local Responsibility Area data. The first three phases encompassed the rest of the state, including Ventura County in Phase 3. Click below to check it out.

Some of you might not be happy since your property might have been moved into the high risk areas which might make your insurance go up … or be dropped! Visit the comparison viewer here.

GIS Analyst Position @ Carlsbad

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The City of Carlsbad has an opening for a GIS Analyst. The primary purpose of the GIS Analyst position is to be the lead resource for the application of GIS technology to all city uses.  The GIS Analyst sets up and manages complex projects involving GIS staff, city client staff, and IT resources, and produces advanced data products for all city clients.   

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in a GIS-centric role and possess the following qualities:

  1. Customer-focused, providing excellent service and addressing user needs with professionalism.
  2. Skilled in managing project timelines, identifying roadblocks, and communicating challenges effectively.
  3. A curious learner who proactively approaches challenges with a problem-solving mindset, demonstrating adaptability.
  4. Capable of working independently while also thriving in a collaborative team environment.
  5. Experienced in creating and maintaining web applications using GIS technologies.

Click here for more info and to apply.

GIS Internship @ WRD

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The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) is seeking a paid, part-time GIS intern to join the Data and Technology Services Department.

Must be currently enrolled in junior or senior year of an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university, or a recent college graduate with a degree in geography or a closely related field.

For more info and to apply, click here.