Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today officially opened the city's new $107-million, high-tech Emergency Operations Center, the nerve center where officials will coordinate the city's response to major earthquakes, wildfires, acts of terrorism and other potential disasters and public safety threats.

"The greatest responsibility entrusted in our government is to ensure the public safety of our constituents," Villaraigosa said. "Today, the city of Los Angeles has a 21st century facility ready to respond to 21st century threats."

The new downtown building replaces the cramped, outdated operations center that was in the basement of a City Hall building. The new center on East Temple Street, east of the federal courthouse, was paid for with funds from Proposition Q, a $600-million public safety bond measure approved by L.A. voters in 2002.

James G. Feathersone, general manager of the city's Emergency Management Department, said the facility's state-of-the-art communications and monitoring technology will enhance the city's response to disasters and work with county, state and federal agencies.

"We have no choice but to be the best for the city we serve," he said.