The so-called Golden Guardian exercise series is the largest such event in the nation.
Gary Winuck, with the California Office of Homeland Security, says it’s designed to test the state’s ability to prevent and respond to a natural disaster or a terrorist attack:
 
California, in general, is one of the high risk targets in the nation.

Each year, different areas of the state are involved.  This week, in Sacramento and Los Angeles, state intelligence experts are testing their ability to analyze information about a terrorist threat.  In San Bernadino, the scenario features a terrorist bombing on a full ampitheatre.  In the Bay Area, participants will respond as if a major earthquake has taken place.  And Fresno officials will prepare for an influx of evacuees.