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May 28 Committee meetings may resume (J.R. 61(b)(12)).
June 15 Budget Bill must be passed by midnight (Art. IV, Sec. 12(c)).
June 27 Last day for a legislative measure to qualify for the Nov. 5 General Election ballot (Elections Code Sec. 9040).
July 3 Last day for policy committees to meet and report bills (J.R. 61(b)(13)). Summer Recess begins upon adjournment, provided Budget Bill has been passed (J.R. 51(b)(2)).
July 4 Independence Day.
Aug. 5 Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess (J.R. 51(b)(2)).
Aug. 16 Last day for fiscal committees to meet and report bills (J.R. 61(b)(14)).
Aug. 19 – 31 Floor session only. No committee may meet for any purpose except Rules Committee, bills referred pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2, and Conference Committees (J.R. 61(b)(15)).
Aug. 23 Last day to amend bills on the Floor (J.R. 61(b)(16)).
Aug. 31 Last day for each house to pass bills (Art. IV, Sec 10(c), J.R. 61(b)(17)).
Final Recess begins upon adjournment (J.R. 51(b)(3)).
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PENDING LEGISLATION OF INTEREST – 2023-2024 SESSION
Status:
AB 2 - Recycling: solar photovoltaic modules. (Ward)
This bill would require manufacturers of solar photovoltaic panels to develop an end-of-life management plan for the recycling and management of the panels and their components. The plan must be submitted to and approved by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, and manufacturers must report annually on their implementation of the plan. The bill would also require the department to provide guidelines for developing an end-of-life management plan and adopt regulations for implementation.
Status: In committee: Held under submission.
AB 33 - Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force. (Bains) The California Uniform Controlled Substances Act restricts the use of controlled substances, including fentanyl, and provides for imprisonment for violations. This bill establishes the Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force, which will be co-chaired by the Attorney General and Surgeon General, to collect and analyze data on fentanyl abuse and evaluate approaches to increase public awareness. The task force is required to submit interim and final reports with findings and recommendations to the Attorney General, Governor, and Legislature, and the provisions of the bill will be repealed on January 1, 2026.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 887, Statutes of 2023.
AB 84 - Property tax: welfare exemption: affordable housing. (Ward) The California Legislature has introduced a bill that would expand property tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations that provide low-income housing. The existing property tax law allows for a "welfare exemption" for property used exclusively for religious, hospital, scientific, or charitable purposes that is owned or operated by certain nonprofit entities, including those providing rental housing for lower-income households. This bill would extend the partial exemption to property acquired, rehabilitated, developed, or operated with financing from qualified 501(c)(3) bonds. Additionally, the bill would remove the requirement that eligible owners receive low-income housing tax credits and instead require that units designated for lower-income households have rent restrictions. The bill also requires an affidavit with specified information for the exemption claim and provides that the affidavit is not subject to public disclosure. Local tax officials' duties would be expanded, and perjury would become a more severe crime due to the affidavit's requirements. The bill includes findings and imposes a state-mandated local program, but it would not require reimbursement for property tax revenues lost by local agencies.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 734, Statutes of 2023.
AB 102 – Budget Act of 2023
The Budget Act of 2023 made appropriations for the support of state government for the 2023–24 fiscal year.
This bill would amend the Budget Act of 2023 by amending, adding, and repealing items of appropriation and making other changes. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as a Budget Bill.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 38, Statutes of 2023.
AB 309 - The Social Housing Act. (Lee, Carrillo, and Kalra) The Social Housing Act, proposed by this bill, establishes the Social Housing Program within the Department of General Services. The program aims to address the housing crisis by developing qualified social housing on leased state property. It allows the program to identify and develop up to three qualified social housing projects to inform future public policy. The bill mandates the solicitation of bids, prioritizing those demonstrating long-term revenue neutrality or a cost rent model. Additionally, it requires the program to employ both rental and ownership leasing models for social housing creation. The bill prohibits cities or
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counties from denying authorized social housing developments and allows them to propose design review standards and modifications for public health or safety concerns.
Status: Consideration of Governor's veto stricken from file.
Governor's Veto Message:
To the Members of the California State Assembly:
I am returning Assembly Bill 309 without my signature.
This bill would create the Social Housing Program in the Department of General Services (DGS). The program would identify and produce three social housing projects on excess state-owned property through development or acquisition.
This bill infringes on state sovereignty over state-owned real property by establishing a new process for local government review of state projects authorized under the bill and could potentially cost the state several hundred million dollars in capital expenditures.
State-owned sites identified as suitable for housing development already are being developed as affordable housing through the State Excess Sites program. This program, instituted through Executive Order (EO) N-06-19 and further codified through AB 2233 (Quirk-Silva, Chapter 438, Statutes of 2022) and SB 561 (Dodd, Chapter 446, Statutes of 2022), has already awarded state land for 17 residential or mixed-use projects with significant affordable housing components.
While I appreciate the author's commitment to build more affordable housing in the state, this bill creates new additional cost pressures and must be considered in the annual budget in the context of all state funding priorities.
In partnership with the Legislature, we enacted a budget that closed a shortfall of more than $30 billion through balanced solutions that avoided deep program cuts and protected education, health care, climate, public safety, and social service programs that are relied on by millions of Californians. This year, however, the Legislature sent me bills outside of this budget process that, if all enacted, would add nearly $19 billion of unaccounted costs in the budget, of which $11 billion would be ongoing.
With our state facing continuing economic risk and revenue uncertainty, it is important to remain disciplined when considering bills with significant fiscal implications, such as this measure.
For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.
Sincerely,
Gavin Newsom
AB 519 – Affordable housing: consolidated funding application process. (Schiavo) The Department of Housing and Community Development in California is responsible for promoting affordable housing in the state. This new bill requires the department to establish a workgroup that will create a consolidated application for obtaining financing for affordable housing projects and develop a coordinated review process for the application. The workgroup must include representatives from various agencies and identify a lead agency by October 1, 2024, to receive and process the application according to specified procedures.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 742, Statutes of 2023. Message from Governor: To Members of the California State Assembly:
I am signing Assembly Bill 519.
This bill would create an Affordable Housing Finance Workgroup to propose the creation of a consolidated application for affordable housing developers to access state housing funding programs and a coordinated review process for applications.
I agree with the author's goal to streamline the current process and reduce costs to construct affordable housing, and I welcome meaningful conversation and legislation to further align programs administered by the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC) and the Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) with efforts already underway.
While I am signing this bill into law, I am concerned that the process it creates has the potential to diverge from legislatively crafted, recently implemented efforts to improve California's affordable housing finance system.
Specifically, our departments worked hard to roll out the recently created Super NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability), required by AB 434 which I was proud to sign in 2020. As a result of that smart reform, developers can now apply for seven different affordable housing programs at one time.
As the Legislature looks to further improve and consolidate our state's affordable housing finance system in accordance with the new work group created by this bill, I expect that any subsequent changes proposed by the Legislature will build on the efforts the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has undertaken to implement AB 434, rather conflicting or departing from the wise, legislatively directed reforms that we just implemented.
Sincerely,
Gavin Newsom
AB 531 - The Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2023. (Irwin) Existing law establishes the Multifamily Housing Program, providing assistance in the form of deferred payment loans for eligible costs of specified developments. Specified funds for housing individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are required to be disbursed according to the Multifamily Housing Program. The
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California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mandates environmental impact reports for certain projects, exempting those funded for homelessness relief until July 1, 2024. The bill proposes that projects funded by the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2024 for homeless individuals with medical risks, disbursed per the Multifamily Housing or Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, undergo a streamlined, ministerial review process as a use by right. This revision imposes a state-mandated local program by altering the approval process for specified projects.
The bill also extends the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program indefinitely. It introduces the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2024, seeking voter approval for $6,380,000,000 in bonds to finance supportive housing for homeless veterans and others, along with grants for the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program. While the California Constitution requires reimbursement for certain mandated costs, the bill specifies that no reimbursement is required for this act. Sections of the bill and SB 326 are slated for voter consideration in the March 5, 2024, statewide primary election.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 789, Statutes of 2023.
AB 550 - Homelessness: public hearings (Schiavo)
Under existing law, a validated census of a county or district may be taken, and a housing element is required to identify the housing needs of all economic segments of the community. This bill requires cities, counties, and city and county to conduct an annual point-in-time count of homeless persons, hold a public hearing to present the data gathered, and develop a plan to reduce homelessness within their jurisdiction. The bill also imposes a state-mandated local program and provides for reimbursement for costs mandated by the state.
Status: Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution. From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
AB 799 - Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program: Homelessness Accountability Act. (Rivas, Friedman, Wart, and Wilson)
The Homelessness Accountability Act would revise the existing Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program to provide ongoing grant funds for local capacity expansion and regional coordination to address homelessness. The bill would require the Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council to establish statewide goals based on data and provide technical support to applicants for funding. It would also establish a 5th round of funding with specific program requirements, including local landscape data and analysis and outcome goals. Recipients must submit annual reports and meet outcome goals, or face a corrective action plan and reallocation of funds. The bill includes legislative findings to protect the public's right of access to public meetings and writings.
Status: Sen Inactive File - Assembly Bills
AB 817 - Open meetings: teleconferencing: subsidiary body. (Pacheco and Wilson) AB 817, as amended, extends provisions allowing local agencies to use teleconferencing for meetings indefinitely and without the requirement of a state of emergency, specifically for subsidiary bodies. This bill necessitates adherence to prescribed requirements for notice, agenda, and public participation when teleconferencing is utilized. Before a subsidiary body may employ teleconferencing, the bill mandates the parent legislative body to make specified findings every 12 months. Legislative findings are required to justify limitations on access to public meetings and records, as per constitutional provisions. The bill makes such findings to support its enactment. Additionally, the California Constitution obliges local agencies to comply with statutory enactments ensuring public access to meetings and records, contingent upon findings demonstrating alignment with constitutional requirements.
Status: Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and JUD.
AB 957 - Family law: gender identity. (Wilson)
This bill proposes an amendment to existing law regarding child custody and visitation in contested proceedings. It suggests adding a parent's affirmation of the child's gender identity or expression as part of
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determining the child's best interests, alongside factors like health and safety. Additionally, it integrates further modifications proposed by SB 599 to Section 3011 of the Family Code, contingent upon both bills being enacted, with this bill being enacted last.
Status: Vetoed by Governor. Consideration of Governor's veto stricken from file. Governor's Veto Message:
To the Members of the California State Assembly:
I am returning Assembly Bill 957 without my signature.
This legislation would require a court, when determining the best interests of a child in a child custody or visitation proceeding, to consider, among other comprehensive factors, a parent's affirmation of the child's gender identity or gender expression.
I appreciate the passion and values that led the author to introduce this bill. I share a deep commitment to advancing the rights of transgender Californians, an effort that has guided my decisions through many decades in public office.
That said, I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state government attempt to dictate - in prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic - legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply. Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities.
Moreover, a court, under existing law, is required to consider a child's health, safety, and welfare when determining the best interests of a child in these proceedings, including the parent's affirmation of the child's gender identity.
For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.
Sincerely,
Gavin Newsom
AB 985 - San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District: emission reduction credit system. (Arambula)
This bill addresses existing laws related to air pollution control and emission reduction credits in California. It requires the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District to establish a time period for the expiration of emission reduction credits. The bill also mandates the state board to conduct an analysis of the district's emission reduction credit banks by a certain date and invalidates credits issued in violation of laws or regulations. If the invalidation affects federal requirements, the bill requires current and future credits to be valued at the time of use. The state board must submit a report to the Legislature summarizing the analysis results. The bill imposes a state-mandated local program and specifies that no reimbursement is required for its implementation.
Status: Asm Motion to Reconsider.
AB 970 - Insurance: Climate and Sustainability Insurance and Risk Reduction Program. (Luz Rivas) This bill proposes the establishment of the Climate and Sustainability Insurance and Risk Reduction Program under the Department of Insurance. It aims to develop insurance options, particularly in vulnerable communities affected by climate-related risks. The program would implement eight climate insurance pilot projects in specific local areas to address flooding and extreme heat risks, focusing on communities with high risks and low insurance coverage. These local jurisdictions would collaborate with the department to design and execute pilot projects, prioritizing measures to mitigate risks before disasters occur. The bill provides for technical support from the department and sets a sunset date for the provisions. Additionally, it acknowledges the financial obligations imposed on local jurisdictions by this program, necessitating state reimbursement as mandated by the California Constitution.
Status: Vetoed by Governor. Consideration of Governor's veto stricken from file.
Governor's Veto Message
To the Members of the California State Assembly:
I am returning Assembly Bill 970 without my signature.
This bill requires the California Department of Insurance, upon appropriation, to establish and administer the Climate and Sustainability Insurance and Risk Reduction Program and creates eight climate insurance pilot projects to reduce physical risks from flooding and extreme heat in communities with high risks and low insurance uptake.
While I support the author's goal to expand insurance options in communities where climate risks are currently underinsured, this bill creates a significant state reimbursable mandate and new cost pressures in the millions of dollars that should be considered in the annual budget process.
In partnership with the Legislature, we enacted a budget that closed a shortfall of more than $30 billion through balanced solutions that avoided deep program cuts and protected education, health care, climate, public safety, and social service programs that are relied on by millions of Californians. This year, however, the Legislature sent me bills outside of this budget process that, if all enacted, would add nearly $19 billion of unaccounted costs in the budget, of which $11 billion would be ongoing.
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With our state facing continuing economic risk and revenue uncertainty, it is important to remain disciplined when considering bills with significant fiscal implications, such as this measure.
For this reason, I cannot sign this bill.
Sincerely,
Gavin Newsom
AB 1034 - Law enforcement: facial recognition and other biometric surveillance. (Wilson) This bill prohibits law enforcement agencies and officers from installing, activating, or using biometric surveillance systems in connection with officer cameras or data collected by them. It authorizes individuals to seek legal action against agencies or officers that violate this prohibition. The provisions of the bill will be repealed on January 1, 2034.
Status: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Glazer.
AB 1168 - Emergency medical services (EMS): prehospital EMS. (Bennett) The Emergency Medical Services System and the Prehospital Emergency Medical Care Personnel Act regulate local emergency medical services (EMS) systems and allow each county to establish an EMS program and designate a local EMS agency. Cities and fire districts that provided prehospital EMS services as of June 1, 1980, will retain their authorities and administration of prehospital EMS when providing it as part of an agreement with a county for the joint exercise of powers regarding prehospital EMS, subject to certain conditions. The bill also requires the local EMS agency to provide a right of first refusal to the designated providers in an exclusive operating area if a city's or fire district's assertion of its authorities regarding prehospital EMS causes the area to no longer qualify for an exclusive operating area. If the designated providers decline to continue services, the county may provide prehospital EMS in the area. The bill imposes a state-mandated local program and provides for reimbursement for any costs mandated by the state.
Status: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Limón.
AB 1236 - Fire protection: residential fire sprinklers. (Grayson) AB 1236, introduced by Grayson, addresses residential fire protection, particularly focusing on fire sprinkler systems. Existing law empowers the State Fire Marshal to set building standards for fire prevention, allowing local jurisdictions to enact stricter regulations. Currently, there's no mandate regarding residential fire sprinklers. The bill aims to pave the way for future legislation establishing a uniform and safe minimum size for residential fire sprinklers, aiming to lower costs for homeowners and property owners.
Status: Died at Desk.
AB 1373 - Energy. (Garcia)
The bill proposes several amendments to existing energy and utility laws in California:
1. The State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) would be required to assess barriers to electricity interconnection and energization, and provide recommendations to accelerate those processes, as part of the 2025 integrated energy policy report.
2. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) would need to ensure a reliable electricity supply with optimal integration of resource diversity, and determine the need for procurement of eligible energy resources by September 1, 2024, with possible procurement by the Department of Water Resources.
3. The PUC would establish a presumption in favor of Independent System Operator-approved transmission projects.
4. Local publicly owned electric utilities would be authorized to meet planning reserve margin requirements through individual or pooled resource procurement.
5. The PUC would assess capacity payments on entities failing to meet system reliability requirements and establish accounts for these payments.
6. Funds from the General Fund would support environmental monitoring and permitting for offshore wind energy development.
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7. Violations of the bill's provisions would be considered crimes, imposing a state-mandated local program.
8. The bill would take immediate effect as an urgency statute.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 367, Statutes of 2023.
AB 1484 - Temporary public employees. (Zbur)
The Meyers-Milias-Brown Act allows local public employees to form and join employee organizations for labor relations. This bill would require temporary employees to be included in the same bargaining unit as permanent employees and receive information about their job description, wage rates, eligibility for benefits, and procedures to apply for open positions. The bill imposes new duties on local agencies, creating a state-mandated local program, but does not provide for reimbursement for costs.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 691, Statutes of 2023.
AB 1532 - Office Conversion Projects (Haney)
The Planning and Zoning Law requires counties and cities to adopt a comprehensive general plan that includes a housing element. Supportive housing is permitted in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are allowed, with a plan for providing supportive services and meeting specified criteria. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires an environmental impact report for projects that may have a significant effect on the environment, but not for ministerial projects. This bill would make office conversion projects a use by right in all areas, regardless of zoning, as long as certain requirements are met. It would also exempt office conversion projects from certain impact fees and allow for payment of fees over a 10-year period. The Department of Housing and Community Development would establish a program to award funding to eligible office conversion projects. The bill would require reimbursement for costs mandated by the state.
Status: Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution. From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
AB 1637 - Local government: internet websites and email addresses. (Irwin) This bill requires local agencies in California to use a ".gov" or ".ca.gov" domain for their public websites and email addresses by January 1, 2025, and to redirect noncompliant websites to a compliant domain. The bill also imposes a state-mandated local program by adding to the duties of local officials. It applies to all cities, including charter cities, and does not require reimbursement.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 586, Statutes of 2023.
AB 1638 - Local government: emergency response services: use of languages other than English. (Fong) AB 1638, introduced by Assemblymember Mike Fong, seeks to enhance emergency response services for non-English-speaking populations in local jurisdictions. It mandates that, starting January 1, 2025, local agencies serving areas where 5% or more of the population speaks English less proficiently must provide emergency information in English and all languages spoken by this group. These agencies must use American Community Survey data to identify languages spoken by this population and update this information every 5 years. The bill also outlines requirements for providing information in languages other than English and mandates the Office of Planning and Research to assess compliance every 3 years. Since this bill increases service levels, it creates a state-mandated local program, necessitating reimbursement for associated costs as per existing procedures.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 587, Statutes of 2023.
AB 1648 – Disaster Preparedness: Local Government: Animal Natural Disaster Evacuation Plan. (Maienschein)
This measure requires a city or county that requires a kennel license or permit to operate a kennel within its jurisdiction to require, as a condition for obtaining the license
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or permit, that the kennel owner create and submit to the city or county an animal natural disaster evacuation plan.
Status: Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution. From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
AB 1657 - The Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2024. (Wicks) The Planning and Zoning Law requires counties and cities to adopt a comprehensive general plan that includes a housing element. Supportive housing is permitted in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are allowed, with a plan for providing supportive services and meeting specified criteria. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires an environmental impact report for projects that may have a significant effect on the environment, but not for ministerial projects. This bill would make office conversion projects a use by right in all areas, regardless of zoning, as long as certain requirements are met. It would also exempt office conversion projects from certain impact fees and allow for payment of fees over a 10-year period. The Department of Housing and Community Development would establish a program to award funding to eligible office conversion projects. The bill would require reimbursement for costs mandated by the state.
Status: From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 2031 – One California program. (Jones-Sawyer)
The bill proposes several amendments to existing law regarding the provision of immigration-related legal services by nonprofit organizations in California. It aims to expand the criteria for organizations providing services to unaccompanied undocumented minors and individuals intending to reside in the state, broadening the scope of services to include removal defense. Additionally, it removes the prohibition on using grant funds for individuals with certain criminal convictions and modifies reporting requirements, requiring annual updates and a triennial report on service costs. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to provide guidance on policies ensuring access to legal services for indigent immigrant Californians and safeguards personally identifiable information collected by the Department of Social Services.
Status: In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
AB 2081 – Substance abuse: recovery and treatment programs. (Davies) Existing law grants the State Department of Health Care Services exclusive authority to license adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery facilities and mandates licensees to report incidents such as resident deaths to the department. This bill would further require licensed facilities to disclose on their website any legal or disciplinary actions brought by the department for violations, including details of the violation, and failure to comply with this requirement would result in a $2,500 civil penalty.
Status: In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
AB 2330 - Endangered species: authorized take: routine fuel management activities. (Holden) The California Endangered Species Act prohibits the taking of endangered, threatened, or candidate species, with exceptions specified. A new bill mandates the Department of Fish and Wildlife to expedite permits for incidental species take during routine fuel management activities in fire hazard zones, or alternatively, grants the State Fire Marshal authority to determine local agency actions for fire protection if permits are not granted within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the bill necessitates the development of maps by the department, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, identifying environmentally sensitive areas within fire hazard severity zones and adjacent to wildland-urban interface fire areas, which will be provided to city and county fire departments for specific purposes.
Status: Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
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AB 2489 - Local agencies: contracts for special services and temporary help: performance reports. (Ward) This bill aims to regulate how local governments in California hire temporary workers and obtain special services. It requires contractors to use qualified workers meeting the same standards as government employees for tasks previously done by those employees. Additionally, local governments must notify employee representatives before contracting out such work. These rules apply to counties, cities, and other local agencies. The bill might increase their costs, and the state would be responsible for reimbursing those.
Status: In committee: Held under submission.
AB 2557 - Local agencies: contracts for special services and temporary help: performance reports. (Ortega) This bill aims to regulate how local governments in California hire temporary workers and obtain special services. It requires contractors to use qualified workers meeting the same standards as government employees for tasks previously done by those employees. Additionally, local governments must notify employee representatives before contracting out such work. These rules apply to counties, cities, and other local agencies. The bill might increase their costs, and the state would be responsible for reimbursing those.
Status: Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
AB 2561 – Local public employees: vacant positions. (McKinnor) This bill addresses vacancies in local public agencies' bargaining units under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act. If a public agency has a vacancy rate exceeding 10% for over 90 days in the past 180 days, it must collaborate with recognized employee organizations to create, publish, and implement a plan to fill all vacancies within the next 180 days. The agency must present this plan in a public hearing to the governing legislative body and publish it on their website for at least a year. This bill is considered a state-mandated local program and emphasizes its statewide significance. Additionally, it makes legislative findings to comply with constitutional requirements on public access to meetings and records. Although the bill doesn't provide reimbursement for mandated costs, it acknowledges that local agencies can seek reimbursement through available remedies.
Status: From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 11. Noes 2.) (May 16).
AB 2574 – Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities. (Valencia) The existing law emphasizes the need for counties and cities to facilitate the development of sufficient alcoholism or drug abuse recovery facilities based on local demand. Additionally, it categorizes small-scale facilities serving six or fewer individuals as residential properties for regulatory purposes, irrespective of residents' relationships. The proposed bill seeks to exempt unlicensed recovery homes in residential zones from this classification if they are proven to be an essential part of a licensed treatment facility located elsewhere, based on specific evidence.
Status: Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.
AB 2631 – Local agencies: ethics training. (Fong)
Existing law mandates ethics training for all local agency officials who receive certain monetary payments, regardless of compensation, and requires consultation with relevant authorities on course content. The proposed bill, contingent on funding, tasks the Fair Political Practices Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General, with developing and providing ethics training courses for local agency officials.
Status: In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.
AB 2661 – Electricity: transmission facility planning: water districts. (Soria) Existing law mandates ethics training for all local agency officials who receive certain monetary payments, regardless of compensation, and requires consultation with relevant authorities on course content. The proposed bill, contingent on funding, tasks the Fair Political Practices Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General, with developing and providing ethics training courses for local agency officials.
Status: Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
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AB 2737 – Motor vehicle conditional sale contracts: guaranteed asset protection waivers. (Alanis) Existing law regulates motor vehicle conditional sale contracts and requires sellers to disclose certain information to buyers. It also covers guaranteed asset protection waivers, where sellers agree to cancel or waive part of the contract in case of a total loss or theft. The terms of these waivers must be separate from the sale contract. The bill proposes that if a conditional sale contract is assigned specifically for securitization and the seller remains the buyer's point of contact, the entity receiving the assignment must notify the consumer accordingly. Sellers would be liable for violations if the holder fails to comply with the notice requirements.
Status: In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
AB 2751 – Employer communications during nonworking hours. (Haney) This bill mandates that public or private employers create a policy allowing employees to disconnect from employer communications during nonworking hours, barring emergencies or scheduled tasks. It defines "right to disconnect" as the freedom to ignore employer communications outside of working hours, except in specific circumstances. Nonworking hours must be agreed upon in writing between employer and employee.
Employees can file complaints of consistent violations of this policy with the Labor Commissioner, with penalties for non-compliance.
Status: In committee: Held under submission.
ACA 1 - Local government financing: affordable housing and public infrastructure: voter approval. (Aguiar-Curry)
The California Constitution prohibits the ad valorem tax rate on real property from exceeding 1% of the full cash value of the property, subject to certain exceptions. This measure would create an additional exception to the 1% limit that would authorize a city, county, city and county, or special district to levy an ad valorem tax to service bonded indebtedness incurred to fund the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of public infrastructure, affordable housing, or permanent supportive housing, or the acquisition or lease of real property for those purposes, if the proposition proposing that tax is approved by 55% of the voters of the city, county, or city and county, as applicable, and the proposition includes specified accountability requirements.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 173, Statutes of 2023.
ACR 137 – Cities Week. (Pacheco)
The resolution highlights the historical significance of cities in California, emphasizing their role in providing essential services and meeting the needs of diverse communities. It acknowledges the shared values and powers granted to cities by the California Constitution and recognizes the vital services they offer, such as public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. The resolution proclaims the week of April 14 to April 20, 2024, as Cities Week, urging Californians to engage with their local government and participate in community activities. Finally, it calls for copies of the resolution to be distributed accordingly.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 65, Statutes of 2024.
SB 2 – Firearms. (Portantino)
This bill proposes significant amendments to existing firearm laws in California. It removes the requirement for a "good character" and "good cause" for issuing or renewing a concealed carry license, instead focusing on the applicant's eligibility and firearm ownership status. It extends the required training hours and adds topics like safe storage and transportation of firearms. Additionally, it mandates fingerprint submission for all applicants and allows charging additional processing fees. The bill also revises license information and removes certain exemptions for carrying firearms in specific locations, expanding prohibited areas. It imposes stricter regulations on license revocation and licensee behavior, prohibiting alcohol consumption and false representation as a peace officer while carrying a firearm. Emergency regulations may be adopted for implementing the concealed firearm licensing system. The bill incorporates changes from other bills,
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contingent upon their enactment. It includes provisions for cost reimbursement and declares its provisions severable.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 249, Statutes of 2023 SB 4 – Planning and zoning: housing development: higher education institutions and religious institutions. (Wiener)
This bill relates to planning and zoning for housing development in higher education and religious institutions.
The bill requires that a housing development project be a use by right upon the request of an applicant who submits an application for streamlined approval on any land owned by an independent institution of higher education or religious institution before January 1, 2024, if the development satisfies specified criteria. The bill specifies that 100% of the units in the housing development project eligible for approval as a use by right under these provisions should be affordable to lower income households, except for 20% of the units for moderate-income households, and 5% for staff of the independent institution or religious institution that owns the land. The bill allows ancillary uses on the ground floor of the development, and the development is also eligible for a density bonus or other incentives or concessions. The California Environmental Quality Act exemption for ministerial approval of projects is expanded by this bill.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 771, Statutes of 2023.
SB 10 – Pupil health: opioid overdose prevention and treatment: Melanie’s Law. (Hurtado) SB 10, also known as Melanie’s Law, focuses on pupil health by addressing opioid overdose prevention and treatment in schools. It encourages county offices of education to establish County Working Groups on Fentanyl Education in Schools for outreach and awareness regarding fentanyl overdoses. The bill mandates the State Department of Education to maintain informational materials on its website aimed at preventing opioid overdoses for school staff, students, and parents or guardians. Additionally, it requires comprehensive school safety plans for schools serving grades 7 to 12 to include protocols for responding to opioid overdoses, imposing new duties on local educational agencies. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes using alternatives to law enforcement referrals for pupils misusing opioids and advocates for the use of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports to achieve these alternatives. The bill also incorporates changes from other bills related to education, contingent upon their enactment. Finally, it acknowledges the state's responsibility to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain mandated costs.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 856, Statutes of 2023.
SB 17 – Senior housing: tax credits. (Caballero)
Existing law requires the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee to allocate low-income housing tax credits in accordance with federal law and allocate a certain percentage to rural areas, small developments, and farmworker housing. SB 17 proposes to increase the housing goal for senior developments to 20 percent and requires the committee to revise its regulations accordingly. However, the bill also includes a change in state statute that would result in taxpayers paying higher taxes and requires approval from 2/3 of the Legislature for passage.
Status: Vetoed by the Governor. In Senate. Consideration of Governor's veto pending. Governor’s Veto Message: To the Members of the California State Senate:
I am returning Senate Bill 17 without my signature.
This bill would require the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) within the State Treasurer's Office to revise the regulations for the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) to increase the housing-type goal for senior developments from 15 percent to 20 percent.
While I appreciate the author's commitment to increase the supply of affordable housing for seniors, statutorily mandating this change may adversely impact access to affordable housing for other population groups.
TCAC already has the authority to revise its regulations, which can be done in conjunction with a robust stakeholder process to inform any adjustments. This bill would bypass that process. For this reason, I cannot sign this bill.
Sincerely,
Gavin Newsom
May 23, 2024 Pg. 187
SB 30 – Transportation: zero-emission vehicle signage. (Umberg) This bill would require the Department of Transportation, GO-Biz, and the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to create signage for zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling stations to be placed along state highways based on charger or fueling type and vehicle compatibility. The goal is to increase consumer confidence in locating electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen fueling stations.
The bill would also authorize the department to adopt regulations for these purposes.
Status: September 1 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
SB 35 – Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program. (Umberg) The proposed bill seeks to amend California's CARE Act, allowing superior court judges or appointed officers to conduct proceedings without filing fees. It enhances the rights of petitioners and respondents, enabling the latter to petition for record sealing. State Bar members face discipline for filing petitions to gain advantage. The bill addresses mental competency evaluations for defendants, requiring prompt hearings within 14 days and release if delayed. It includes technical changes, mandates cost reimbursement, and is declared an urgency statute for immediate effect.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 283, Statutes of 2023.
SB 37 – Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities Housing Stability Act. (Caballero) This bill builds upon existing laws to create the Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities Housing Stability Program. The Department of Housing and Community Development will administer the program and provide competitive grants to nonprofit community-based organizations, public housing authorities, and area agencies on aging to offer a housing subsidy program for older adults and adults with disabilities who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The program guidelines will prioritize communities where a higher proportion of renters face severe rental cost burden. The Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities Housing Stability Fund will be created to allocate funds to eligible recipients until December 31, 2028. Grant funds must be used for specified activities, including housing subsidies and relocation costs. The department will conduct oversight activities, including reporting requirements and contracting an independent evaluator to conduct an interim evaluation of program outcomes and a final report.
Status: In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
SB 43 – Behavioral health. (Eggman)
The bill proposes changes to the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, expanding the definition of "gravely disabled" to include conditions from severe substance use disorders and chronic alcoholism. Counties can delay implementation until January 1, 2026. It allows conservatorship for serious mental illness and substance use disorders, overcoming the hearsay rule for certain health practitioners' statements. Quarterly reports must include the number of persons admitted or detained for conditions like grave disability. Reimbursement for mandated costs is required if determined by the Commission on State Mandates.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 637, Statutes of 2023.
SB 94 – Recall and resentencing: special circumstances. (Cortese) This bill proposes changes to existing law regarding the sentencing of individuals convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances. It allows individuals serving life imprisonment without parole for offenses before June 5, 1990, and who have served at least 25 years in custody, to petition for resentencing.
Exceptions apply, such as cases involving the murder of a peace officer. The court can modify the sentence to a lesser one or vacate the conviction based on specified circumstances and mitigating evidence provided by the petitioner. The bill emphasizes the consideration of mitigating circumstances and appoints counsel for indigent petitioners. Additionally, it acknowledges victims' rights established by Proposition 9, ensuring their involvement in post-conviction proceedings.
Status: Ordered to inactive file on request of Assembly Member Kalra.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 188
SB 227 – Unemployment: Excluded Workers Program. (Durazo) SB 227, introduced by Durazo, proposes the creation of the Excluded Workers Program until January 1, 2027.
The program aims to provide income assistance to excluded workers who are not eligible for state or federal benefits administered by the Employment Development Department and are currently unemployed. The bill would require eligible individuals to receive $300 per week for each week of unemployment, subject to specific findings by the Director of Employment Development. The Franchise Tax Board would be required to submit a report to the Legislature on the total number of claims for the exclusion and the amount claimed for each exclusion for the taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2027. The bill would also make legislative findings on the limitation of access to public information.
Status: August 16 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.
SB 251 – Candidates’ statements: false statements. (Newman) This bill, SB 251, seeks to amend the Political Reform Act of 1974, which regulates conflicts of interest of public officials in California. Specifically, the bill would prohibit elected officers from being employed by any other elected officer with the same constituency, with the exception of those who were already employed before December 31, 2023. The bill does not apply to statewide elected officers. By expanding the scope of the existing law, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. However, the bill specifies that no reimbursement is required by the state for a specified reason. The Political Reform Act of 1974 allows the Legislature to amend the act to further its purposes upon a 2/3 vote of each house of the Legislature and compliance with specified procedural requirements. The bill declares that it furthers the purposes of the act.
Status: Referred to Com. on ELECTIONS.
SB 329 – Cities: city council members: compensation. (Dodd) Existing law allows a city council to establish a salary for its members based on the city's population, with a cap on how much the salary can be increased each year. This bill would allow a city council to adjust the salary based on inflation since January 1, 1984, using the California Consumer Price Index, and remove the prohibition on enacting or amending an ordinance to provide automatic future increases in salary.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 27, Statutes of 2023.
SB 351– Tribal gaming. (Roth)
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 allows for tribal-state gaming compacts to authorize gaming on Indian lands in a state. In California, the Governor negotiates these compacts, which are ratified by the Legislature. Current law establishes the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund to receive money from these compacts, with priorities for funding certain purposes, including problem gambling prevention. This bill proposes prioritizing funds for the Office of Problem Gambling to develop and provide quality statewide prevention and treatment programs for gambling disorder in California.
Status: Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
SB 363 – Facilities for inpatient and residential mental health and substance use disorder: database. (Eggman)
SB 363, as amended, requires the State Department of Health Care Services, in collaboration with other departments and stakeholders, to create a real-time, internet-based database by January 1, 2026. The database will collect and display information about beds in various facilities, including chemical dependency recovery hospitals and mental health rehabilitation centers, to assess the availability of inpatient and residential mental health or substance use disorder treatment. Specific details such as facility contact information, suitable diagnoses or treatments, and target populations served must be included. The department is authorized to impose correction plans or penalties for inaccurate or untimely data submission, with a fund established for penalties. Continuous appropriation is granted for administrative costs related to implementing the database.
Status: September 1 hearing: Held in committee and under submission
May 23, 2024 Pg. 189
SB 423 – Land use: streamlined housing approvals: multifamily housing developments. (Wiener) This bill aims to streamline housing approvals for multifamily housing developments. It deletes the January 1, 2026 repeal date of existing law, which authorizes the development proponent to submit an application for a streamlined, ministerial approval process, subject to specified planning standards. The bill also authorizes the Department of General Services to act as a local government for streamlined review of development on state-owned or leased property. The objective planning standards are modified, including an alternative definition for "affordable housing costs" for developments that dedicate 100% of units to lower income households. The bill deletes the objective planning standards requiring development proponents to pay the general prevailing rate of wages and utilize a skilled and trained workforce. The local government's planning director or equivalent position would determine if the development is consistent with the objective planning standards, and all departments of the local government required to issue approval must comply with the streamlined approval requirements within specified time periods. Finally, the bill would remove the authorization to conduct public oversight of the development and only authorize design review to be conducted by the local government's planning commission or any equivalent board or commission responsible for design review.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 778, Statutes of 2023.
SB 525 – Minimum wages: health care workers. (Durazo)
This bill would require a minimum wage of $25 per hour for health care workers, subject to adjustment, and applicable to all covered health care employment under the Labor Code and the Wage Orders of the Industrial Welfare Commission. It would also require that covered health care employees paid on a salary basis earn a monthly salary equivalent to no less than 2 times the health care worker minimum wage for full-time employment in order to qualify as exempt from the payment of minimum wage and overtime. The bill imposes a state-mandated local program and does not require reimbursement for specified reasons.
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 890, Statutes of 2023.
SB 584 – Laborforce housing: Short-Term Rental Tax Law. (Limón) SB 584, the Laborforce Housing Financing Act of 2023, aims to create affordable housing for residents unable to afford market rent. It establishes the Laborforce Housing Fund and allows funds to be used for housing projects by public entities, housing authorities, and nonprofit providers. The bill requires fair wages for construction workers and skilled labor on eligible projects. Starting in 2025, a 15% tax will be imposed on short-term rentals, with revenue going to the Laborforce Housing Fund. The tax will be collected by facilitators or operators, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration will oversee collection. No reimbursement is mandated for local agencies and schools.
Status: June 28 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.
SB 721 – Special taxes: vacant land. (Becker)
The California Constitution requires 2/3 approval of voters for a special tax by a city, county, or special district.
A charter city has the authority to levy local taxes, subject to restrictions imposed by the city's charter or preemption in matters of statewide concern. This bill specifies that a special tax includes a tax on vacant sites suitable for residential development, as identified in a county's or city's long-term general plan.
Status: From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.
SB 796 – Threats. (Alvarado-Gil and Rubio)
This bill expands the existing law that makes it a crime to willfully threaten to commit a crime resulting in death or bodily injury to another person. It criminalizes threats made against a particular location or event. As a result, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill states that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Status: July 11 set for second hearing canceled at the request of author.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 190
SB 915 – Local government: autonomous vehicles. (Cortese and Rodriguez) Existing law permits testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads by designated individuals, subject to safety certifications, and prohibits certain non-zero-emission autonomous vehicles from operation after 2030.
This bill introduces regulations mandating local ordinances for autonomous vehicle services, including permitting programs and safety measures, empowering local jurisdictions to establish entry policies, vehicle caps, and emergency response systems, with the ability to levy charges to cover associated costs. It requires permitted autonomous vehicle services to adhere to safety and financial responsibility standards, with penalties for non-compliance, and allows for inter-jurisdictional agreements for regulatory purposes.
Additionally, it designates the matter as of statewide concern and stipulates no reimbursement for local agencies regarding these provisions.
Status: Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
SB 961 – Vehicles: safety equipment. (Wiener)
SB 961, introduced by Senator Wiener, proposes amendments to existing vehicle safety regulations in California. It mandates certain trucks and trailers to be equipped with side guards to prevent collisions, and requires the Department of the California Highway Patrol to establish rules for inspections of these guards.
Additionally, starting from the 2027 model year, specified vehicles must be equipped with an intelligent speed limiter, limiting speed to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, with exceptions for emergency vehicles and discretionary disabling by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. Violations of these regulations would constitute a criminal offense, thereby imposing a new local program without requiring state reimbursement.
Status: Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
SB 967 – University of California: pilot project: dust forecast and warning system: Imperial County and Coachella Valley. (Padilla)
SB 967, as amended by Padilla, proposes a pilot project in Imperial County and the Coachella Valley, tasking the Regents of the University of California with developing a regional dust forecast system for the winter and an early warning system for dust storms during the monsoon season. This project aims to address air pollution concerns in the designated areas. The bill's provisions are set to expire on January 1, 2030.
Status: May 16 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
SB 972 – Methane emissions: organic waste: landfills. (Min) The bill mandates the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, along with the State Air Resources Board and the California Environmental Protection Agency, to conduct a minimum of two joint meetings annually to coordinate the implementation of policies aimed at reducing organic waste in landfills, as required by existing law. This collaboration ensures alignment between regulations adopted by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery and the state's overall efforts to monitor and regulate greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined by the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.
Status: Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
SB 1011– Encampments: penalties. (Jones)
The bill aims to address issues related to homelessness by prohibiting individuals from sitting, lying, sleeping, or placing personal property on streets or sidewalks if there's available shelter. It also prohibits these activities within 500 feet of certain locations like schools, open spaces, or major transit stops. Violations would be considered public nuisances subject to enforcement, potentially as misdemeanors or infractions. However, individuals must be provided notice 72 hours prior to any enforcement action. The bill may impose costs on local agencies, triggering state reimbursement requirements.
Status: April 16 set for first hearing. Failed passage in committee. (Ayes 1. Noes 3. Page 3637.) Reconsideration granted.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 191
SB 1032 – Housing finance: portfolio restructuring: loan forgiveness. (Padilla) SB 1032, proposed by Padilla, aims to amend existing housing finance laws to allow the Department of Housing and Community Development to forgive certain loans related to rental housing projects. This includes forgiving principal, interest, fees, and outstanding balances if the borrower demonstrates that the loan is hindering their ability to maintain and operate the project. However, projects receiving loan forgiveness must adhere to specific criteria, such as maintaining the same number of affordable units at the same cost as outlined in the project’s regulatory agreement. Borrowers have the right to appeal loan forgiveness decisions to the Secretary of Business, Consumer Services, and Housing for reconsideration. The bill also includes provisions regarding public funds' gift declarations.
Status: Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
SB 1153 – Agricultural land: hedge fund ownership and interests. (Hurtado) The bill aims to prohibit hedge funds from acquiring controlling interests in agricultural land in California, defining a hedge fund as an investment vehicle pooling private investors' contributions for various asset classes. However, it exempts agricultural land already held by hedge funds before the bill's enactment.
Additionally, it requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to compile an annual report on hedge fund ownership of agricultural land, its use, and recommendations for legislative changes, based on reports from the United States Secretary of Agriculture. The department must publish this report annually, with recommendations forwarded to relevant legislative committees and the governor. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon legislative appropriation, signaling urgency in its implementation.
Status: Referred to Coms. on JUD. and AGRI.
SB 1156 – Groundwater sustainability agencies: financial disclosures. (Hurtado) SB 1156, introduced by Hurtado, seeks to amend the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act by requiring members of groundwater sustainability agencies' executive teams and decision-making bodies to annually disclose financial interests that could influence groundwater management decisions. This disclosure aligns with existing provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974. The bill mandates the Fair Political Practices Commission to establish guidelines for these disclosures and allows for enforcement actions in case of violations. As this bill expands the scope of punishable offenses, it imposes a state-mandated local program, exempt from reimbursement under the California Constitution.
Status: Ordered to third reading.
SB 1309 – Lithium Battery Production Council. (Padilla) Existing law assigns responsibilities to the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission regarding the state's energy policies. This bill would mandate the commission, in collaboration with other state agencies, to establish a Lithium Battery Production Council to conduct an economic analysis and develop a strategic plan addressing workforce development, infrastructure, housing, and environmental needs for lithium battery production, with a report due to the Legislature by March 1, 2025.
Status: May 16 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
SB 1383 – California Advanced Services Fund: Broadband Public Housing Account. (Bradford) The existing law mandates the establishment of the Broadband Public Housing Account to finance projects connecting broadband networks offering free service to low-income communities. The proposed bill expands the use of these funds to finance projects providing broadband service to low-income communities without the requirement for it to be free. Additionally, it empowers the commission to provide grants supporting the deployment of network devices to address barriers to consistent broadband service in such communities.
Status: Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
SB 1446 – Grocery establishment and retail drug establishment employees: self-service checkout and technologies affecting essential job functions. (Smallwood-Cuevas)
May 23, 2024 Pg. 192
This bill addresses the use of self-service checkout options in grocery and retail drug establishments. It prohibits these establishments from offering self-service checkout unless certain conditions are met, such as having no more than two self-service checkout stations monitored by a single employee who is relieved of all other duties. The bill also mandates that if these establishments implement technologies that significantly impact employees' essential job functions or eliminate jobs, they must conduct a thorough assessment beforehand. This assessment should cover aspects like salaries, benefits, jobs, and work hours affected by the technology. Additionally, the bill requires the establishments to involve employees in the process by notifying them at least 60 days before drafting the assessment, providing them with the study at least 60 days before implementation, and making it accessible to employees and customers before and after implementation.
Status: Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading. ####
For more information please contact:
John Basmajian
Governmental Affairs Manager | The CrisCom Company
[email protected]
May 23, 2024 Pg. 193
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.
Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 9. - A
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Antony V. López, City Manager
DATE: May 23, 2024
RE: Consider Approval of Council Policy 2024-01 (Council Stipend/Compensation) INFORMATION: On May 9, 2024, the majority of the City Council voted in favor to increase council member compensation from $300 to $450 per month. This action is allowed based on the provisions set forth in City Ordinance 99-06, which allows for updating Council pay by resolution in accordance with California Government Code Section 36516.
BACKGROUND:
Ordinance 99-06: This ordinance, adopted in October 1999, added Article 2 to Title 2, Chapter 1, of the Code of Ordinances, enabling Council Members to receive compensation as set by resolution, provided it does not exceed the maximum amount allowed by state law .
Resolution 2001-02: This resolution established the compensation amount for Council Members at $300 per month following an election held on November 7, 2000. A new resolution can be introduced at any time and adopted, as long as it is within the guidelines of Government Code Section 36516.
CONCLUSION:
As per the minutes from the May 9, 2024 meeting, the majority of Council voted to increase the monthly compensation from $300 to $450 per month. The Council also requested that for the upcoming fiscal year, a new compensation structure, including a community grant fund, be prepared. Likely the attached resolution will be replaced by a new resolution later in the year.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution 2024-16 and direct staff to continue developing the details for the Community Grant Fund.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Increase Council Personnel budget from $18,000 to $27,000 of General Funds for the FY 2023/2024.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 194
BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF AVENAL
IN THE MATTER OF:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL
INCREASING COUNCIL MEMBER
COMPENSATION FROM $300 TO $450
PER MONTH
RESOLUTION 2024-_25__
WHEREAS, Ordinance 99-06, adopted in October 1999, added Article 2 to Title 2, Chapter 1, of the Code of Ordinances, enabling Council Members to receive compensation as set by resolution, provided it does not exceed the maximum amount allowed by California Government Code Section 36516; and WHEREAS, Resolution 2001-02 established the compensation amount for Council Members at $300 per month following an election held on November 7, 2000; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 36516, which governs the compensation of City Council Members, was updated in 2024 to allow cities the size of Avenal to increase Council Member pay from $300 to a maximum of $950 per month; and
WHEREAS, on May 9, 2024, the Avenal City Council voted to increase Council Member compensation from $300 to $450 per month effective immediately after ratification and presentation of a resolution on May 23, 2024.
UPON MOTION OF COUNCIL MEMBER , SECONDED BY
COUNCIL MEMBER , THE FOLLOWING WAS PASSED,
APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT AN OFFICIAL MEETING HELD ON May 23, 2024, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
Alvaro Preciado, Mayor
CITY OF AVENAL
MARIA A. ORTIZ, City Clerk
CITY OF AVENAL
May 23, 2024 Pg. 195
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. Found that the foregoing recitals are true;
2. Council Member compensation is hereby increased from $300 to $450 per month effective immediately.
3. Staff is instructed to integrate the new compensation policy into the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget and proceed with implementation;
4. Authorized the City Manager, City Clerk and all relevant City staff to carry out the terms and conditions of this resolution and to take all steps reasonably necessary, proper and/or convenient and/or incidental thereto. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
May 23, 2024 Pg. 196
RESOLUTION NO.2OO1 {2
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TIIE CITY OF AVENAL
ESTABLISHING A COMPENSATION AND/OR BENEFIT AMOUNT FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
WHEREAS, Ordinance 99-06 was adopted in October of 1999 that added a section to the Code of Ordinances which would enable Council Members (after an election) to receive compensation and/or benefits as set by Resolution provided that such Resolution does not exceed an amount equivalent to the maximum amount computed pursuant to California Government Code Section 36516; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to said Code, compensation and/or benefits for Council Members serving the City of Avenal shall not exceed $300.00 per month per Member; and WHEREAS, an election was held on November 7,2000 and said results were certified by the Kings County Elections Division; and
WHEREAS, the Avenal City Council is now eligible for said compensation and/or benefits at an amount not to exceed $300.00 per month;
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Avenal held on the llth day ofJanuary, 2000 by the following vote:
AYES: CRAIGEEAD, CEASTINE,ELLIOTT
NOES; woOr,r.EY, CASIDA
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAJN. NoNE
VED:
Ray ott, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Nina Garza, CITY CLERK
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cify Council of the City of Avenal does hereby establish a compensation and/or benelit amount of$300.00 per month per Council Member during his/her term of service on the Avenal City Council.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 197
AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE 2 TO TITLE 2, CHAPTER 1, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCE, CITY OF AVENAL, R.ELATING TO SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
The City Council of the City of Avenal ordains as follows
1. That Article 2 is hereby added to Title 2, Chapter 1, ofthe Code of Ordinances, City of Avenal, County of Kings, to read as follows:
Article 2: Compensation and Benefits
Section 2-1.201 : Compensation.
City Council members shall be entitled to receive compensation as set by resolution provided such resolution does not exceed an amount equivalent to the maximum salary computed pursuant to Califomia Govemment Code Section 36516, as it now exists or hereafter may be amended or superseded.
Section 2-2.202. Benefits,
In lieu of compensation pursuant to Section 2-1.201, a City Council member may elect to receive benefits, including retirement, health and welfare and/or federal social security benefits, which are available and paid by the City of its employees, in an amount equal to the compensation available to that Council member pursuant to Section 2- 1 .201 .
2. Ifany section, subsection, sentence, clause, word or phrase of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance. The City Council oftheCityof Avenal hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, word or phrase thereof, inespective ofthe fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, word or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutiona[.
3. This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force and effect on the thirtieth (306) day following its passage and adoption, and prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days from the passage and adoption thereof, shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the city of Avenal, together with the names of the members of the City Council voting for and against the same.
ORDINANCE 99-06
May 23, 2024 Pg. 198
oRD. 99- 06
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Avenal City Council on the 146 day ofOctober, 1999, by the following vote:
AYES: Craighead, Cota, Elliott.
NOES: Casida. Woolley .
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
APPRO
Ray Mayor
ATTEST:
o.s CITY
May 23, 2024 Pg. 199
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.
Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. F
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Robert Nevarez, Director of Public Safety
DATE: February 8, 2024
RE: Consider Approval and Adoption of the 2024 Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
BACKGROUND: Borrowed from County of Kings Agenda for May 14, 2024 The purpose of the hazard mitigation plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life, property, and infrastructure by minimizing the impact of disasters. The County of Kings, alongside the involved jurisdictional cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore, have developed this multijurisdictional hazard mitigation plan to reduce future losses to the county and its communities resulting from any natural or man-made disaster. The plan meets the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) and achieves eligibility for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant Program.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no impact on the General Fund. Having an approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) will allow the County to apply for FEMA grant programs which have the potential to reduce the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. Formal adoption of the MJHMP will allow the State to release the retention amount withheld throughout the grant duration. Once the plan is adopted locally, the County will become eligible to apply for future HMA, FMA, and BRIC funds through FEMA.
Business Impact Statement:
Mitigation is an investment in the community’s future safety and sustainability. Having a hazard mitigation plan will increase awareness of hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities; identify actions for risk reduction; focus resources on the greatest risks; communicate priorities to state and federal officials; and increase overall awareness of hazards and risks.
BACKGROUND:
The Kings County Operational Area used the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) DR-4283 grant funds in 2022 to hire WSP USA Environment and Infrastructure Inc. (formerly known as Wood Environment and Infrastructure Solutions Inc.) to update the previous federally required countywide Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) (last adopted in 2012 and expired in 2017). The Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) requires all local governments to address risks and measures that can be taken in advance to reduce future losses from natural or manmade related disasters.
The planning process followed a methodology set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which began with the formation of a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) comprised of key stakeholders from Kings County and participating jurisdictions. The HMPC May 23, 2024 Pg. 200
City of Avenal
919 Skyline Blvd.
Avenal, CA 93204
Phone: (559) 386-5766
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. F
conducted a risk assessment to examine the recorded history of losses resulting from natural or manmade disasters, assess the probability and magnitude of future hazard events, and analyze the county’s assets at risk to hazards. The assessment included the review of natural or man-made disasters/events.
The risk assessment indicated that drought, dense fog, extreme temperature, and agricultural pests and disease (amongst others) are the hazards most likely to significantly affect people and property in the county. Based upon the risk assessment, the HMPC identified goals and objectives for reducing risk to hazards. To meet identified goals and objectives, the plan recommends mitigation actions to be completed prior to the next MJHMP update. The HMPC also developed an implementation plan for each action which identifies priority level, activity description, and responsible agency.
This plan has been approved by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and FEMA pending approval and adoption by each jurisdiction participating in the process. The Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is on file with the clerk of the Board and can be located on our website at [insert website link].
AVENAL’S PORTION OF THE PLAN:
This Annex summarizes the hazard mitigation elements specific to the City of Avenal. The Annex supplements the Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP); therefore, the Annex is not a stand-alone plan but is intended to supplement the hazard information provided in the Base Plan document. All other sections of the Kings County MJHMP, or Base Plan, including the sections on the planning process, countywide risk assessment, and procedural requirements related to plan implementation and maintenance apply to the City of Avenal.
Key Elements in Avenal’s Portion:
• Community Profile: Detailed information on the City’s profile, including geography, climate, history, and economy.
• Risk Assessment: Assessment of hazards specific to Avenal, including flood, drought, earthquake, extreme temperatures, and public health hazards. • Mitigation Strategy: Customized mitigation actions and projects specific to the City of Avenal, developed by the City’s Local Planning Committee (LPT). • Critical Facilities and Infrastructure: Identification and assessment of critical facilities within the City of Avenal.
• Development Trends and Future Planning: Information on development trends, future growth, and how the City plans to manage potential hazards.
The City of Avenal is committed to working with Kings County and other jurisdictions to implement the mitigation strategies outlined in the plan to protect its residents and enhance the community’s resilience to disasters. By approving this plan, should there ever be a major disaster in Avenal, FEMA would be able to a grant a greater percentage of fiscal assistance to the City. This also continues the bond and communication City Staff has with County Staff.
ACTION REQUESTED:
1. Approve by motion.
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ANNEX A CITY OF AVENAL
A.1 PURPOSE
This Annex summarizes the hazard mitigation elements specific to the City of Avenal. This Annex supplements the Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP); therefore, the Annex is not a stand-alone plan but intended to supplement the hazard information provided in the Base Plan document. All other sections of the Kings County MJHMP, or Base Plan, including the sections on the planning process, countywide risk assessment, and procedural requirements related to plan implementation and maintenance apply to the City of Avenal. This Annex provides additional information specific to the City of Avenal, including details on the City’s profile, planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy for the community.
A.2 COMMUNITY PROFILE
A.2.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2022-2023 Process This Annex was created during the development of the 2023-2028 Kings County MJHMP update.
The City of Avenal participated in Kings County’s 2012 Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan process; however, the 2012 MJHMP did not include supplemental annexes for each of the participating jurisdictions. Instead, the 2012 MJHMP included a Community Profile that summarized the hazard profiles for the City and included a vulnerability assessment.
Information on the participating jurisdictions vulnerability to hazards and their specific mitigation actions were included in the main plan.
During the current update process, the City of Avenal followed the planning process detailed in Chapter 3 of the Base Plan. This planning process consisted of participation in the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) and the formation of a smaller internal planning team referred to as the City’s Local Planning Committee (LPT). The LPT was organized to support the broader planning process, coordinate with the City departmental staff, and develop customized mitigation actions and projects specific to the City of Avenal. The City’s LPT is also responsible for the update, implementation, and maintenance of the plan.
A full list of stakeholders invited to participate in the HMPC is included in Table 3-5 of the base plan, while Table A-1 includes stakeholders who participated in the City’s LPT.
Table A-1 Stakeholders Who Participated in Avenal’s LPT
STAKEHOLDER GROUP STAKEHOLDER AGENCY
Agencies involved in hazard
mitigation activities
Avenal Police Department
California DWR
California OES
Kings County OES
Kings County Public Works
Kings County Public Health Department
NWS Hanford
Kings County Water District
Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Agencies that have the authority
to regulate development:
Avenal City Manager’s Office
Kings County Board of Supervisors
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STAKEHOLDER GROUP STAKEHOLDER AGENCY
Kings County Community Development Agency
Kings County Fire Department
Neighboring Communities
City of Hanford
City of Corcoran
City of Lemoore
Kings County
Representatives of business
academia, and other private
organizations:
Cross Creek Flood Control District
Kings County Farm Bureau
Kings River Conservation District
Westland Water District
Representatives that provide
support to underserved
communities
Office of Senator Hurtado SD 16
Given the small population size of each jurisdiction in Kings County, as well as the County itself, three entities that encompass the region were invited to represent vulnerable populations in each jurisdiction. The Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance, which addresses housing and service needs for the homeless, was invited as its extensive connections with the unhoused population would make it a valuable contributor. The Kings Partnership for Prevention, a non-profit organization which leads various groups including substance use response and mental health task forces, was invited by the Planning Team for its broad reach across demographic groups.
The Office of Senator Hurtado Senate District 16 (SD 16), covering Kern, San Bernardino, and Tulare Counties, highlighted the economic challenges in these areas, including high rates of adults without high school diplomas and single-parent households. The Office of SD 16 was the sole organization supporting vulnerable populations participating in the drafting of the plan, providing valuable information during HMPC meetings and workshops.
The City of Avenal was further represented by Avenal City Manager Antony Lopez, Avenal Police Chief Robert Nevarez, and Avenal Police Sergeant Chris Pelletier. Both Mr. Lopez and Chief Nevarez participated in HMPC meetings and workshops, and Antony Lopez provided valuable feedback on the City’s annex to the 2023 MJHMP. Sergeant Pelletier was crucial in the initial data collection phase and provided valuable information which formed the basis of this annex.
Additionally, while the LPT did not promote the public survey or request public comments on the draft plan, four self-reported citizens of Avenal participated in the public survey. These individuals spanned a large range of demographic backgrounds and expressed a high level of concern. These survey results were shared with the LPT and influenced the City’s hazard rankings and mitigation strategy.
A.2.2 Geography and Climate
Avenal is situated 180 miles north of Los Angeles and 200 miles south of San Francisco and Sacramento— “Half the way from the Bay to L.A.” It is located in the southwestern portion of Kings County between State Route (SR) 33 and Interstate 5. Most of the developed part of the City is located in the Kettleman Plain between the Kettleman Hills to the northeast and the Kreyenhagen Hills to the southwest. The amount of land area in Avenal is approximately 20 square miles and the City’s elevation is 800 feet above sea level. Annual precipitation is about 10 inches with most of the rain falling between November and April. Average high temperature in the winter is 62°F and in the summer is 103°F.
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Three major freeways go through the City of Avenal, including Interstate 5, State Highway 269 and SR 33. No major waterway or waterbody exists within the City’s limits. Figure A-1 below shows the City limits and the sphere of influence boundary (SOI) for Avenal. The City limits, or the area where the City has authority to make land use decisions, is the City’s planning area and consists of 13,243 acres, or 20.69 square miles.
The City is located in the western portion of the County of Kings (the “County”), approximately 35 miles southwest of the county seat of Hanford. The City was incorporated in 1979 but is a community which dates back to 1929. The present population of the City is approximately 16,200, which includes approximately 4,600 inmates incarcerated at the Avenal State Prison (the “Prison”). The City’s population has increased from approximately 6,466 in 1990.
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Figure A-1 City of Avenal
A.2.3 History
The City of Avenal was named by Spanish explorers “Avena,” which means oats or oat field in Spanish. The City was originally covered with “waist high” wild oats that looked like golden silk that covered the surrounding Kettleman Plains. Early American settlers arrived in the Kettleman Hills area during the 1850’s with the dream of raising cattle and farming. Oil, however, would bring fame, fortune and people to the area. On March 27, 1927, the Milham Exploration Company began work on Elliott No. 1. The crew toiled for 19 months, drilling past the 7,000-foot mark. On October 5, 1928, the well blew out with a roar, which was heard over 30 miles away, spewing forth oil so fine and white in color that the gasoline could be used unrefined in automobiles.
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The discovery of oil transformed Avenal into a boomtown. In 1929, Standard Oil surveyed the current site of Avenal to build a town. Makeshift houses were hauled from Taft to take the place of tents. Water lines were installed and later a sewer plant was constructed, a post office replaced a cigar box in the general store, a fire department was organized and the community grew.
Standard Oil Company built, among many other things, a 600-seat air-conditioned theater and a new hospital to meet the growing needs of the community. By 1940, Avenal was the second largest town in Kings County with a population of over 4,000 and was known to have some of the best services and schools in the state.
The collapse of oil and gas production came with the intrusion of salt water into the oil reservoir leaving 65 to 70 percent of the Kettleman Hills North Dome still undisturbed. In 1953, oil companies with holdings in the area fields unitized, selecting Standard Oil to operate the fields.
Avenal’s economy and population declined steadily as the oil money dwindled. Along with it, many stores, buildings, and houses were vacated until the 1960’s when an influx of agricultural workers made a major impact on Avenal and the surrounding area. The Lemoore Naval Air Station also brought some growth to the area in the 1960’s, but it was short-lived.
The 1970’s saw two substantial projects that significantly changed Avenal and the surrounding areas: 1) completion of the California Aqueduct, which brought needed water to the west side; and, 2) opening of Interstate 5. After a few failed attempts over several years, the citizens of Avenal supported incorporation of the community in September 1979. While still a very young City, the citizens pursued and were successful in bringing a state prison facility to Avenal. With construction underway, improvements and activities could be seen in every corner of the community. Since the early 1990’s, many significant projects have followed such as: the reconstruction and beautification of Skyline Boulevard; construction of 52 miles of new curbs, gutters and sidewalks; a new Post Office; two (2) new schools; many new homes and apartment complexes; significant street, underground infrastructure and water storage improvements; park improvements; the Oasis Child Development Center as well as the Paramount Child Development Center (a “green” construction facility); and an 18-acre Sports Complex which is located adjacent to the Avenal Sand Drags Track (home of numerous World Records). Additional new projected consisted of the construction of a new state-of-the-art Animal Shelter; Downtown Kings Street Improvement Project; renovation of a significant historical building which is now home to the City of Avenal Police Department, established in 2010; and the most recently completed project is renovation of the Avenal Recreation Center (Avenal’s first schoolhouse, established 1929) located at Rice Park.
The City of Avenal is also very proud to be home of the Central Valley Soaring Club. In November of 2003, the Avenal Theater, historic cornerstone of the downtown area, was destroyed by fire.
The fire affected all surroundings buildings, which were part of a complex constructed by Standard Oil in 1935. Construction commenced on the new facility in late 2008 and completed in the spring of 2010. The Avenal Theater, with its renewed beauty and splendor, again, reigns as the downtown cornerstone and continues to capture the attention, as it did in 1935 when the theater first opened.
Part of the Avenal's proud agricultural heritage comes from the bountiful pistachio crop that grows in and around Avenal. The largest pistachio grower and processor, Wonderful Pistachios, employs a majority of Avenal's agricultural labor force (both seasonally and full-time). Given how much of Wonderful's labor force comes from Avenal, the company has invested millions of philanthropic dollars over the years in the community, including the construction of Wonderful Preschool.
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A.2.4 Economy
As described on the City of Avenal website, Avenal is a thriving city with potential and local charm, which offers developers various growth and redevelopment opportunities. Avenal is home to many young and growing families, whose population has gradually increased, despite some population loss discussed in the next section. As noted in the City’s 2017 Economic Development Plan, Avenal State Prison is the dominant employer in Avenal (one of California’s State Prisons), accounting for almost half of all jobs. Accommodation and food services businesses, especially lodging, also provide economic development opportunities. The Economic Development Plan also states that manufacturing is a relatively important part of the Kings County economy, but it is underrepresented in the local economy. Avenal is also underserved by retail businesses. Most of the City’s efforts to increase retail spending should provide services to support the expansion of existing businesses and to support local residents to start new retail businesses.
Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Avenal are shown in Table A-2.
Table A-2 City of Avenal Economic Characteristics, 2017-2021
CHARACTERISTIC CITY OF AVENAL
Families below Poverty Level (%) 23%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 25.6%
Median Family Income $51,304
Median Household Income $52,080
Per Capita Income $12,636
Population in Labor Force 40%
Population Employed* 34.9%
Unemployment Rate 12.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, California Department of Finance, 2017-2021 American Community Survey (ACS), 5-year estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces.
The most common industry within a five-mile radius of Avenal is agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (45.8 percent of workers). Education services, and health care and social assistance is another major industry (18.2 percent of workers) of the City. Table A-3 and Table A-4 below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2017-2021 five-year American Community Survey (ACS).
Table A-3 City of Avenal Employment by Industry, 2017-2021 OCCUPATION # EMPLOYED % EMPLOYED
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 1,609 45.79% Construction 168 4.78%
Manufacturing 164 4.67%
Wholesale trade 224 6.38%
Retail trade 197 5.61%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 104 2.96% Information 0 0%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 10 0.28% Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
151 4.3%
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 640 18.22% May 23, 2024 Pg. 207
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OCCUPATION # EMPLOYED % EMPLOYED
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation
and food services
85 2.42%
Other services, except public administration 16 0.46%
Public administration 144 4.1%
Total 3,512 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, California Department of Finance, 2017-2021 American Community Survey (ACS), 5-year estimates, www.census.gov/
*Excludes armed forces
Table A-4 City of Avenal Employment by Occupation, 2017-2021 OCCUPATION # EMPLOYED % EMPLOYED
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 587 16.7% Service occupations 513 14.6%
Sales and office occupations 176 5.0%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 1,749 49.8% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 488 13.9% Total 3,512 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, California Department of Finance, 2017-2021 American Community Survey (ACS), 5-year estimates, www.census.gov/
*Excludes armed forces
A.2.5 Population
According to ACS, the City of Avenal had a total population of 15,749 in 2010, while the City had a total population of 13,881 in 2021, which includes the prison population. The City’s population reduced by 12% during the 12-year period.
Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Avenal from the 2017-2021 ACS and the California Department of Finance (DOF), are shown in Table A-5. As shown in the tables, the City has a strong Latino population representing approximately 85% of Avenal’s community.
Also, approximately 79% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. At noted in the 2012 MJHMP, this population has a strong connection to farm labor and the agriculture industry, and the many other industries directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture, such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, wholesale, and retail.
Table A-5 City of Avenal Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2017-2021
CHARACTERISTIC CITY OF AVENAL
Gender/Age
Male 60.3%
Female 39.7%
Median age (years) 29.6
Under 5 years 6.9%
Under 18 years 30.0%
65 years and over 4.8%
Race/Ethnicity
White 8.5%
Asian 1.4%
Black or African American 4.0%
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CHARACTERISTIC CITY OF AVENAL
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.3%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 85.0%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific
Islander
0.2%
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 0.7%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 46.3%
% with bachelor’s degree or higher 5.5%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 7.9%
% Language other than English
spoken at home
79.4%
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 33.9%
% of households with a computer 95.5%
% of households with an Internet
subscription
88.0%
% of households with no vehicle
available
5.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, California DOF, 2017-2021 American Community Survey (ACS), 5-year estimates, www.census.gov/ * Population 25 years and over
Table A-6 summarizes information from the ACS 5-year estimates (2017-2021) related to housing occupancy in the City of Avenal.
Table A-6 City of Avenal Housing Occupancy and Units, 2017-2021
HOUSING CHARACTERISTIC ESTIMATE PERCENTAGE
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 3,168 100%
Units Occupied 3,036 95.8%
Vacant 132 4.2%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 2,150 67.9%
1-unit attached 140 4.4%
2 units 66 2.1%
3 or 4 units 154 4.9%
5-9 units 297 9.4%
10-19 units 222 7.0%
20 or more units 65 2.1%
Mobile Home 74 2.3%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0.0
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 1,431 47.1
Renter Occupied 1,605 52.9
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, California DOF, 2017-2021 American Community Survey (ACS), 5-year estimates, www.census.gov/ May 23, 2024 Pg. 209
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A.2.6 Disadvantaged Communities
Disadvantaged communities (DACs) are identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA) based on geographic, socioeconomic, public health, and environmental hazard criteria, and may include, but not be limited to: areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution or other hazards and areas with concentrations of people that are low income, high unemployment, low levels of home ownership, high rent burden, sensitive populations, or low levels of education attainment (California Health and Safety Code Section 39711). One of the ways the Cal EPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) identifies DACs is using the CalEnviroScreen tool.
Employing a comprehensive approach, the OEHHA CalEnviroScreen tool applies a formula to generate a combined ranking score that considers 21 indicators for each census tract. These indicators span pollution measures like diesel emissions and concentrations of toxic sites, alongside demographic factors such as poverty and unemployment rates. Census tracts exhibiting CalEnviroScreen rankings ranging from 75 to 100 percent (i.e., within the top 25% of all tracts statewide) are designated as DACs. Census tracts are also defined as disadvantaged based on the highest 5% cumulative pollution burden scores, as well as those tracts identified in the 2017 DAC designations, and lands under control of federally recognized Tribes.1 The City is situated within three census tracts – 6031001701, 6031001601, and 6031981800. As shown in Table A-7, which is based on data derived from the OEHHA CalEnviroScreen tool, two of these census tracts are designated as DACs based on their CalEnviroScreen Ranking. Census tract 6031001601, which is a small census tract surrounding the Avenal State Prison, does not have an overall CalEnviroScreen score due to unreliable socioeconomic and/or health data.
Table A-7 Disadvantaged Communities Statistics
CENSUS
TRACT
% HOUSING
BURDENED
AND LOWINCOME
# HOUSING
UNITS
# LOWINCOME
HOUSING
UNITS
# LOW
INCOME &
HOUSING
BURDENED
HOUSING
UNITS
CALENVIROSCREEN
RANKING
6031001701 22% 2,225 1,445 480 77
6031001601 18% 1,100 530 195 92
Source: OEHHA 2023, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-40 These census tracts are also composed of housing-burdened low-income households. This means these households are both economically disadvantaged (making less than 80% of the County’s median family income) and substantially burdened by housing costs (paying greater than 50% of their income on housing costs). This situation renders these households more susceptible to negative impacts during hazard events, and less likely to recover after a disaster.
California has very high housing costs relative to the rest of the country, which can make it hard for households to afford housing (OEHHA 2021). As a result, households in the City with lower incomes may spend a larger proportion of their income on housing and may suffer from housing-induced poverty (OEHHA 2021).
Of the 13,881 people that live in the City, according to the U.S. Census, approximately 5,946 people are potentially exposed to hazards based on the vulnerability assessment in Section A.3.
Among this population, those who reside in the DACs in the City are considered more socially vulnerable to hazards. Additional information on specific exposure of DACs and socially vulnerable populations is summarized in Section A.3 Hazard Identification and Summary.
Outreach, engagement, and hazard mitigation efforts should therefore address the needs of the 1 For more information on how DACs are designated refer to the final designations of DACs from May 2022 on the OEHHA CalEnviroScreen tool here: https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/sb53 May 23, 2024 Pg. 210
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City’s low-income and housing burdened residents. The City can utilize the CalEnviroScreen information to conduct targeted outreach and engage community members to consider what other hazards and mitigation strategies or programs should be considered to meet community needs. The City can also engage these communities to proactively prioritize hazard mitigation projects that benefit DACs.
A.2.7 Development Trends
Included in the City’s 2018 General Plan Land Use Element, the General Plan Land Use Map designates the general distribution of land uses, including housing, business, industrial, open space, and public facilities within the City’s SOI as shown on Figure A-2. The Land Use Element contains goals, policies and actions on the City’s framework for future land use planning and decision making on accommodating population growth. Below are some outlined goals that are closely related to future development:
• Preserve and enhance Avenal’s unique and small-town character. • Minimize urban sprawl and leapfrog development
• Achieve an optimal balance of residential, commercial, industrial, and open space land uses. • Provide adequate land for future housing needs.
• Provide sites for adequate public facilities to serve projected growth. • Create and preserve open space in the Avenal area to meet the needs of the community now and in the future.
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Figure A-2 City of Avenal General Plan Land Use Designations May 23, 2024 Pg. 212
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From 2006 to 2012, the City did not experience much population growth and urban development; during this time the City averaged about 1.9 percent growth per year (Kings County 2012). Because overall population growth declined since the approval of the 2012 MJHMP, there has been little new development in hazard prone areas. Some housing allocations have occurred to the area south of the City, where flooding during certain periods following storms has occurred, as noted in the 2012 MJHMP (Kings County 2012). However, the City now requires new developments to address potential flooding problems by enforcing the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
According to the 2016 – 2024 Kings County Housing Element, the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the City of Avenal is 639 housing units in total, including 73 for extremely low income, 72 for very low income, 108 for low income, 115 for moderate income, and 271 for above moderate income. Between 2021-2023, the El Camino del Mar development added 120 new affordable homes at the south end of Corcoran Street. Phases 1 and 2 of the Cielito Lindo development added 65 affordable homes between 2015-2020 near First Avenue, next to ReefSunset Middle School. Other infill developments have added 32 new homes between 2017 and 2023. As much of the development that did occur since 2012 was focused in downtown Avenal and the area south of the City, overall vulnerability has remained the same.
A.2.8 Future Development
The areas located in the SOI shown in Figure A-1 are areas each City plans to grow into that are potentially slated for future development. The City also plans for future growth through the goals and policies set forth in the General Plan. Understanding the potential hazard exposure in the area can help to mitigate the impacts of events before development occurs in those areas.
During this plan update process, a parcel analysis was conducted using the SOI and overlaid with available hazard risk layers to determine where future development may be at risk of natural hazard events. The results of the analysis have been integrated into the applicable hazard sections: flood. Table A-8 is the summary of the SOI total exposure for the City of Avenal, which includes improved parcel count and building count.
Table A-8 Sphere of Influence Total Exposure Summary
Property Type Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content Value
Total Value
Exempt 2 2 $340,269 $340,269 $680,538
Total 2 2 $340,269 $340,269 $680,538
Source: Kings County Assessor, WSP analysis
A.3 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Avenal LPT identified the hazards that affect the City and summarized their frequency of occurrence, spatial extent, potential magnitude, and significance specific to their community (see Table A-9). There are no hazards that are unique to Avenal, although the hazard risk in the City varies and is distinct from the hazard risk in the County’s planning area. The purpose of this section is to profile the City of Avenal’ hazards where different from the County and assess the City’s unique vulnerabilities.
The hazards profiled in the County MJHMP Base Plan discuss the overall impacts to the County’s planning area. This information is summarized in the hazard description, geographic extent, magnitude/severity, previous occurrences, and probability of future occurrences sections of the risk assessment. The information in the City of Avenal’ risk assessment summarizes only those hazards that vary from the County’s planning area and that have a potential to affect the City of Avenal. The hazard profile information is organized in a similar format here as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes.
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Table A-9 summarizes the hazards profiled in the County’s planning area and risk assessment to provide a way for the City’s LPT to evaluate which hazards are addressed in their General Plan Safety Element and which hazards are relevant and priority hazards for the City. The City’s General Plan Safety Element addresses emergency planning, fire hazards, flooding, and public safety. Among the hazards addressed in the City’s General Plan Safety Element, fire hazards and flooding are addressed in this Annex as well as the Base Plan. General public safety considerations are also addressed in the Base Plan.
Table A-9 City of Avenal —Hazard Profiles
HAZARD GEOGRAPHIC
AREA
PROBABILITY
OF FUTURE
OCCURRENCE
MAGNITUDE/
SEVERITY
(EXTENT)
OVERALL
SIGNIFICANCE
PRIORITY
HAZARD?
Agriculture Pest and
Disease
Extensive Likely Critical Medium No
Cyber Attack Significant Occasional Critical Medium Yes Dam Incidents Limited Unlikely Negligible Low No
Drought Extensive Likely Critical High Yes
Earthquake Significant Occasional Catastrophic High Yes Extreme Temperatures Extensive Highly Likely Limited High Yes Flood Extensive Highly Likely Critical High Yes
Land Subsidence Extensive Likely Limited Medium Yes
Landslide Significant Occasional Negligible Low No
Public Health Hazards Extensive Highly Likely Critical Medium Yes Severe Weather: Dense
Fog
Extensive Highly Likely Moderate Low No
Severe Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunderstorms,
Hail, Lightning
Extensive Highly Likely Critical Medium Yes
Severe Weather: High
Wind/Tornado
Extensive Highly Likely Critical Medium Yes
Wildfire Limited Occasional Negligible Medium Yes
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HAZARD GEOGRAPHIC
AREA
PROBABILITY
OF FUTURE
OCCURRENCE
MAGNITUDE/
SEVERITY
(EXTENT)
OVERALL
SIGNIFICANCE
PRIORITY
HAZARD?
Geographic Area
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Probability of Future Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of
occurrence in next year or happens every
year.
Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of
occurrence in next year or has a
recurrence interval of 10 years or less.
Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance of
occurrence in the next year or has a
recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.
Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of
occurrence in next 100 years or has a
recurrence interval of greater than every
100 years.
Magnitude/Severity (Extent)
Catastrophic—More than 50 percent of property severely
damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than 30 days;
and/or multiple deaths
Critical—25-50 percent of property severely damaged;
shutdown of facilities for at least two weeks; and/or injuries and/or illnesses result in permanent disability
Limited—10-25 percent of property severely damaged;
shutdown of facilities for more than a week; and/or
injuries/illnesses treatable do not result in permanent disability
Negligible—Less than 10 percent of property severely
damaged, shutdown of facilities and services for less than 24 hours; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable with first aid Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact
A.3.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Avenal’s vulnerability that is separate from that of the planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in Section 4 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment of the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk of hazards ranked as a priority.
The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on a combination of the previous 2012 LHMP for the City and County and jurisdiction-specific information collected during the 2022-2023 update. A Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets were distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during the 2022-2023 update process. Information collected was analyzed and summarized in order to identify and rank all the hazards that could impact anywhere within the County, as well as to rank the hazards and identify the related vulnerabilities unique to each jurisdiction.
Each participating jurisdiction was in support of the main hazard summary identified in the Base Plan (see Table 4-3). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary due to specific hazard risks and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction. The information in this Annex helps differentiate the jurisdiction’s risk and vulnerabilities from that of the overall County, where applicable.
Note: The hazard “Significance” reflects the overall ranking for each hazard and is based on a combination of the City of Avenal LPT’s input from the Plan Update Guide, the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), and the set of problem statements developed by the City LPT. The hazard significance summaries in Table A-9 above reflect the hazards that could potentially affect the City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses, which includes an overview on the local issues and areas of concern associated with the hazard, a problem statement for the priority hazard, and a quantitative risk assessment, where spatial data is available. Based on this analysis, the priority hazards for mitigation purposes for the City of Avenal are identified below.
• Cyber Attack
• Drought
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• Earthquake
• Extreme Temperatures
• Flood
• Land Subsidence
• Public Health Hazards
• Severe Weather
• Wildfire
Public Health Hazards were ranked significant hazards but are not addressed further in this vulnerability assessment as the risk and exposure are similar to the overall County risk and exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Avenal.
Additionally, hazards assigned a significance rating of Low and which do not differ significantly from the County ranking (e.g., Low vs. High) are not addressed further and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this Annex. In the City of Avenal, those hazards include Agriculture Pests and Disease, Dam Incidents, Landslide, and Severe Weather: Fog.
A.3.2 Assets
This section considers Avenal’s assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.
A.3.3 Property Exposure
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Kings County 2023 Assessor’s parcel and address point data. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the City as the information has some limitations. It is also important to note that in the event of a disaster, it is generally the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss and is not included in the values below. Table A-10 shows the exposure of properties (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City of Avenal.
Table A-10 City of Avenal Property Exposure by Type
PROPERTY TYPE IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
BUILDING
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL
VALUE
Agricultural 6 6 $964,105 $964,105 $1,928,210
Commercial 112 134 $18,337,766 $18,337,766 $36,675,532
Exempt 27 33 $3,072,688 $3,072,688 $6,145,376
Industrial 9 10 $849,591 $1,274,387 $2,123,978
Multi-Family
Residential 51 564 $42,930,514 $21,465,257 $64,395,771
Multi-Use 9 12 $965,833 $965,833 $1,931,666
Residential 1,683 1,755 $145,608,108 $72,804,054 $218,412,162 Total 1,897 2,514 $212,728,605 $118,884,090 $331,612,695 Source: Kings County Assessor, WSP analysis
A.3.4 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
For the purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. FEMA sorts critical facilities into seven lifeline categories as shown in Figure 4-1 in the Base Plan.
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Figure A-3 Critical Facilities within the City of Avenal Table A-11 shows a summary of the critical facilities within the City of Avenal. Critical facilities and other community assets are important to protect in the event of a disaster.
Table A-11 Critical Facilities within the City of Avenal LIFELINE # OF CRITICAL FACILITIES
Communication 16
Energy 5
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LIFELINE # OF CRITICAL FACILITIES
Food, Water, Shelter 0
Hazardous Materials 2
Health and Medical 1
Safety and Security 17
Transportation 2
Total 43
Source: Kings County, HIFLD, NID, DWR, WSP analysis
Within the City of Avenal, the following are considered critical facilities:
• Avenal County Sheriff’s Department – Avenal Substation • Avenal State Prison
• Avenal State Prison Fire Department
• Kings County Fire Department Station #12
• Major communication lines and microwave transmission facilities • Major electrical transmission lines and substations
• Major public and private schools
• Public Library
• Wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and trunk lines • Water supply lines and wells
Figure A-4 shows the location of the critical facilities in the City. The critical facility database only includes point locations; therefore linear facilities like major water supply and wastewater trunk lines were not included in the City’s critical facility database. The City library and pump stations were also not included in the critical facility database and not analyzed spatially; these are however, key critical facilities in Avenal.
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Figure A-4 Critical Facilities in the City of Lemoore
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A.3.5 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
The National Registry of Historic Preservation database does not show any historical resource properties within the City of Avenal.
Natural resources are important to include in benefit-cost analyses for future projects and may be used to leverage additional funding for projects that also contribute to community goals for protecting sensitive natural resources. According to the City’s General Plan, the City’s Planning Area has a variety of natural and altered habitats supporting a diverse assemblage of plant and animal species. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) lists the following specialstatus species that have been known to occur within and around the Planning Area:
• American badger
• Blunt-nosed leopard lizard
• Lemmon’s jewelflower
• Nelson’s antelope squirrel
• Prairie falcon
• Pale yellow layia
• San Joaquin kit fox
• San Joaquin pocket mouse
• San Joaquin whipsnake
• San Joaquin woollythreads
• Tricolored blackbird
• Tylare grasshopper mouse
Moreover, awareness of natural assets can lead to opportunities for meeting multiple objectives.
For instance, protecting wetlands areas protects sensitive habitat as well as attenuates and stores floodwaters.
A.3.6 Estimating Potential Losses
A.3.6.1 Cyber-Attack
All servers, networks, and users are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. While there have been no recorded cyber-attack events occurring in the City of Avenal, minor cyber-attacks such as phishing emails often go unreported. Cyber-attack is ranked an overall medium significance hazard for the City of Avenal and all jurisdictions within Kings County. However, jurisdictions with greater populations and therefore more people exposed to a cyber-attack event are at a higher risk.
Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of the cyber-attack risk relative to the City of Avenal and Kings County.
A.3.6.2 Drought
The City’s Utilities Department provides water supply production, treatment, and distribution to approximately 16,302 residents through approximately 2,080 residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and landscape service connections (Lopez 2023). The City is different than other communities in Kings County because it relies on surface water from the San Luis Canal, which is part of the State and Federal Water Project supplying water to the west side of the San Joaquin Valley.
The City signed a long-term contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) on November 20, 1969, for up to 3,500 acre-feet of Central Valley Project (CVP) water annually. This contract May 23, 2024 Pg. 220
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expired December 31, 2008, and has been superseded by a series of interim renewal contracts.
The most recent of these contracts became effective on February 1, 2021, guaranteeing 3,500 acre-feet of CVP water annually for the City of Avenal. According to the 2014 USBR Water Management Plan, the City also receives a minor amount of water from groundwater sources (about 16 acre-feet in 2014), although this water is used for sports complex irrigation as the low quality makes it unsuitable for consumption.
Given the City relies on surface water from the CVP for drinking water, it is susceptible to drought and related climate change considerations. DACs and socially vulnerable populations in the City may be even more vulnerable to drought and water supply shortages due to income disparities and limited access to emergency water supply pick-up locations. As the City grows and the demand for water increases, water demands in the City will be impacted by hotter days, drier conditions, and a longer irrigation season, which will increase the City’s demand for imported surface water allocations and landscaping and irrigation water needs. Other climate change effects such as increased precipitation variability may result in the depletion of stored groundwater availability, and in turn reduced crop productivity, and potential higher water costs. The City of Avenal already encourages the community to do their part to conserve the region’s water supplies.
Historically, the City has been affected by regional mandates, such as the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992, which were put in place to better manage water resources in the Central Valley, particularly through the protection, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources. Severe droughts and these mandates have also resulted in the adoption of the City’s Water Conservation Ordinance. More recently in July 2022, the City of Avenal implemented a watering schedule that restricts residents to watering lawns between 12 am and 11:59 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Additionally, no water user is permitted to wash motor vehicles, trailers, boats and other types of equipment without utilizing a hand-held bucket or hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle for quick rinses on appropriate watering days. The City also prohibits using potable water for “Car Wash” fundraising of any kind. All homes/apartment complexes with swimming pools require City approval prior to draining or filling pools. Additionally, city-provided potable water is strictly prohibited for use to wash down sidewalks, driveways, drive approaches, curbs and gutters and/or streets to clean and/or spray down houses and buildings.
In summary, the City has staff and resources to better manage water resources and has already taken steps to do so. The City may benefit from developing alternative backup supplies through additional surface water storage facilities to mitigate impacts during drought events in the future. The City may also need to ensure DACs and other socially vulnerable communities have adequate emergency water supplies. Future water conservation policies should continue to be updated to comply with new legislation and water use objectives.
A.3.6.3 Earthquake
The City of Avenal is located within a region of significant seismic activity. While major fault systems are not known to exist within Kings County or the Avenal area, there is a potential for minor surface ruptures, particularly in the vicinity of the Kettleman Hills mountain range in the southwestern part of the County. It's important to note that the San Andreas Fault is situated less than four miles west of the Kings County line, contributing to the earthquake hazard in the area. As illustrated in Figure 4-14 of the Base Plan, earthquake hazards are most severe in the southwest of Kings County and the City of Avenal, with the potential for ground shaking ranging from 60-100% g. The southwestern County line experiences the highest potential for ground shaking, reaching 100% g and above.
Historical seismic activity, as depicted in Figure 4-15 (Kings County Earthquake Epicenters: 1855 – 2021), shows that several earthquakes have occurred within or near the City of Avenal. Notably, May 23, 2024 Pg. 221
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the 1983 Coalinga earthquake (6.7 on the Richter scale) was caused by a blind thrust on the Anticline Ridge Fault, which is relevant understanding the risk of earthquake hazards in the region. In addition, there was a 1985 earthquake (5.5 on the Richter scale) centered five miles northeast of Avenal in the Kettleman Hills. Although the 1985 earthquake did not result in structural damage, it caused widespread cracks in City buildings, pavement, and numerous broken windows (City of Avenal 2018). Further, the White Wolf Fault to the south in Kern County may also influence seismic activity in the broader Central Valley region. Further research and consideration of this fault's proximity to Avenal should be examined to ensure a comprehensive understanding of potential earthquake risks in the City.
The Level 1 HAZUS analysis completed in the Base Plan, under the Great Valley ShakeMap Scenario, predicts that the City of Avenal is expected to experience the highest total building losses when compared to other jurisdictions in Kings County. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive earthquake preparedness and mitigation efforts. The City's transmission lines and its water source, the San Luis Canal and the CVP, are also vulnerable during seismic events.
Moreover, the 2012 MJHMP noted that during the Coalinga earthquake in 1983, buildings in Avenal experienced significant shaking. In September 2012, there were two additional Coalinga earthquakes that resulted in intense ground shaking and subsequent water damage (Kings County 2012). This makes the City’s population more vulnerable to planned and unplanned power outages that may be associated with an earthquake, in addition to temporary loss of water delivery where water conveyance relies on electricity for pump stations to remain in operation. In turn this could have a severe impact on the City’s DACs and other socially vulnerable populations, in addition to Medicare beneficiaries that rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment and devices to live independently in their homes.
While soils in Avenal are not mapped as prone to liquefaction, it's important to be aware that both the Kettleman Hills and Kreyenhagen Hills are prone to landslides during seismic events.
For further details on the potential impact of earthquakes on the City of Avenal and Kings County, refer to the Base Plan.
A.3.6.4 Flood
The extent of flood severity is influenced by various factors, encompassing the intensity and duration of rainfall, the landscape's topography, and the type of ground cover in the region. An abundance of rainfall within a brief timeframe can lead to sudden flash floods. Conversely, even a modest amount of rain can trigger flooding, particularly in regions with frozen or saturated soil from prior wet spells. Furthermore, floods might occur if rainfall accumulates over impermeable surfaces like extensive parking lots, paved roads, or densely developed zones.
The repercussions of flooding encompass a broad spectrum of effects, including injuries and loss of life, financial setbacks, psychological trauma, as well as damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and properties. This damage spans across different aspects including structural elements (such as foundations), electrical systems (outlets, wiring, meters, etc.), mechanical equipment (washers, dryers, furnaces, water heaters, etc.), and finishing touches like floors and walls.
Floodplains and Special Flood Hazard Area
As referenced in the Base Plan, federal, state, and local agencies use the 1% likelihood flood, often called the "base flood" or "100-year flood," as a regulatory benchmark (SFHA) and FEMA maps these flood zones in regulatory maps. A floodplain is a flat area near water bodies prone to periodic flooding, reducing flood impact on communities. Floodplains have fertile soil and diverse ecosystems, requiring careful management for safety and environmental protection. As noted in the 2035 General Plan, the City of Avenal, situated on the Kettleman Plain amidst the Kettleman Hills and Kreyenhagen Hills, faces a distinct flood risk due to its intricate arroyo May 23, 2024 Pg. 222
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network. Unlike continuous year-round watercourses, Avenal experiences periodic surges of water through these arroyos during intense rainfall. This geographic setup leads to a fascinating yet potentially hazardous hydrological behavior. During heavy storms, runoff from the adjacent hills triggers flooding along the valley floor and near specific drainage channels. This water eventually follows southeast converging in the Tulare Lake Basin, about 18 miles away. Arroyo Curvo and Arroyo Esquinado, intermittent creeks within this intricate drainage network, rise during periods of heightened rainfall.
Notably, Avenal's flood vulnerability is accentuated by its location within FEMA's designated 100- year floodplain, which refers to an annual 1% likelihood of flooding. However, it's the arroyos that underscore the City's immediate flood susceptibility. Situated upstream, these arroyos are susceptible to flash flooding during major storms. Flash floods, characterized by their rapid onset and intensity, can overwhelm drainage systems and swiftly raise water levels.
Avenal residents have reported flooding incidents along Santa Clara Street, particularly beneath the path of Arroyo Esquinado. This underscores the arroyos' capacity to inundate nearby areas during storms, necessitating preparedness and mitigation strategies. Moreover, FEMA identifies Arroyo del Camino as a flood hazard, a concern that might be amplified by inadequately maintained culverts and drainage ditches. Approximately ten distinct watersheds contribute to Avenal's arroyo system, funneling water through or close to the urbanized region before dispersing onto the Kettleman Plain. This interplay of arroyos and watersheds requires attention to mitigate the flood risk. Given this context, Avenal must prioritize robust planning, maintenance of drainage infrastructure, and potentially tailored flood management measures.
By doing so, the City can strengthen its ability to adapt to, minimize, and withstand arroyoinduced flooding, ensuring the safety of both its people and property.
A majority of the City of Avenal’s residential properties are also located within the 500-year (0.2%) floodplain covering the southwestern portion of the City. Properties in the 500-year floodplain have a lower immediate risk of flooding compared to those in the 100-year floodplain.
However, flooding can still occur, and in rare cases, events larger than the 500-year flood could happen. Zoning and construction regulations are less stringent in the 500-year floodplain compared to the 100-year floodplain. However, it's still important to consider potential flood risks when developing or purchasing property in these areas. While flood insurance might not be as strongly mandated for properties in the 500-year floodplain, it's still an important consideration. Property owners should assess their risk tolerance and the potential financial impact of flood damage.
The physical risks associated with potential flooding and the regulatory requirements for floodplain management are important considerations when decisions are being made regarding future land use throughout the City of Avenal. The rest of Avenal lies outside the 100- year floodplain designated by FEMA. Based on the history of flooding in King’s County, the City and surrounding areas are considered likely to have the potential for future flooding. Parts of the City are also prone to local flooding problems associated with poor drainage issues. The 2012 MJHMP noted that there are localized flooding issues at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Highway 33. Runoff from the Arroyo del Camino is conveyed through channels, culverts, and storm drains for approximately one-half mile between the city limits and Fremont Street. At the downstream end of Fremont Street, the discharge from this runoff can result in sheet flow flooding (Kings County 2012). The previous plan also noted that stormwater discharge from the areas west of Arroyo del Camino also concentrate along Highway 33 at the southwest limit of the City.
Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of major storms, which could create more frequent and severe flooding. In summary, the risk to riverine flooding in the City is high due to development in the floodplain and localized flooding issues.
A flood vulnerability assessment was completed during the 2022-2023 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. Flood hazards for the City of Avenal are May 23, 2024 Pg. 223
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shown in Figure A-5. Table A-12 summarizes the values at risk in the City’s 1% annual chance floodplain. Table A-13 summarizes the values at risk in the City’s 0.2% annual chance floodplain.
Figure A-5 City of Avenal FEMA 1% & 0.2% Annual Chance Floodplains Table A-12 City of Avenal FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by Property Type
PROPERTY
TYPE
IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
BUILDING
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL
VALUE
ESTIMATED
LOSS POPULATION
Agricultural 2 2 $103,539 $103,539 $207,078 $51,770 –
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PROPERTY
TYPE
IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
BUILDING
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL
VALUE
ESTIMATED
LOSS POPULATION
Commercial 1 1 $11,386 $11,386 $22,772 $5,693 –
Exempt 2 2 $342,024 $342,024 $684,048 $171,012 –
Residential 5 6 $170,357 $85,179 $255,536 $63,884 22
Total 10 11 $627,306 $542,128 $1,169,434 $292,358 22
Source: Kings County Assessor’s Office; National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 6/17/2019; FEMA; WSP analysis Table A-13 City of Avenal FEMA 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by Property Type
PROPERTY
TYPE
IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
BUILDING
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL
VALUE
ESTIMATED
LOSS POPULATION
Agricultural 1 1 $163,000 $163,000 $326,000 $81,500 –
Commercial 97 119 $17,116,938 $17,116,938 $34,233,876 $8,558,469 – Exempt 7 9 $109,198 $109,198 $218,396 $54,599 –
Industrial 9 10 $849,591 $1,274,387 $2,123,978 $530,994 – Multi-Family
Residential 29 112 $22,639,837 $11,319,919 $33,959,756 $8,489,939 402 Multi-Use 6 9 $749,775 $749,775 $1,499,550 $374,888 32
Residential 1,363 1,419 $114,303,823 $57,151,912 $171,455,735 $42,863,934 5,094 Total 1,512 1,679 $155,932,162 $87,885,128 $243,817,290 $60,954,322 5,529 Source: Kings County Assessor’s Office; National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 6/17/2019; FEMA; WSP analysis Based on this analysis, the City of Avenal has 11 buildings located within the 1% annual chance floodplain for a total value of almost $1.17 million. The potential loss is estimated at over $292,000 if these areas were inundated by the 1% annual chance flood. In addition, the City of Avenal has 1,679 buildings located within the 0.2% annual chance floodplain for a total value of almost $244 million. The potential loss is estimated at almost $61 million if these areas were inundated by the 0.2% annual chance flood. The population at risk was calculated for the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains based on the number of residential properties at risk and the average number of persons per household (3.59). There are an estimated 22 persons at risk to 1% annual chance flood and 5,529 persons at risk to 0.2% annual chance flood in the City of Avenal. Further, of this population two Census Tracts 6031001701 and 6031001601 in the City consist of DACs. This means that the population within these tracts are more likely to have a disproportionate impact from flood hazards, and may need additional assistance responding to and recovering from these hazards. For example, these communities may not be able to easily evacuate or relocate to alternative housing. Many of these communities may also lack flood insurance. However, in comparison to the other cities in Kings County, the City of Avenal’s flood risk to socially vulnerable populations is more severe mainly based on the overall population at risk to the 1% annual chance flood (22) and the 0.2% annual chance flood (5,529).
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) developed Best Available Maps (BAM) following legislation enacted in 2017 (Senate Bill 5) for the 100-, 200-, and 500-year floodplains located within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley. The BAM maps contains the best available information on flood hazards in cities and counties. While the BAM maps do not replace existing FEMA regulatory floodplains shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) they identify potential flood risk in aeras that may warrant further studies and are intended to facilitate land use decision making. The DWR Awareness 100-year floodplains within the City of Avenal are shown in Figure A-6.
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Figure A-6 City of Avenal DWR Awareness 100-Year Floodplains Critical Facilities at Risk
Critical facilities are those community components that are most needed to withstand the impacts of disaster as previously described. Table A-14 and Table A-15 list the critical facilities in the City’s 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains respectively. Figure A-7 shows the location of the critical facilities in the City’s 1% and 0.2% annual percent chance floodplains.
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Table A-14 Critical Facilities at risk of 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by FEMA Lifeline
FEMA LIFELINE COUNT
Communications -
Energy 1
Food, Water, Shelter -
Hazardous Materials -
Health and Medical -
Safety and Security -
Transportation 1
Total 2
Source: Kings County, HIFLD, NID, DWR, National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 6/17/2019; FEMA; WSP analysis Table A-15 Critical Facilities at risk of 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by FEMA Lifeline
FEMA LIFELINE COUNT
Communications 2
Energy -
Food, Water, Shelter -
Hazardous Materials 1
Health and Medical -
Safety and Security 8
Transportation -
Total 11
Source: Kings County, HIFLD, NID, DWR, National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 6/17/2019; FEMA; WSP analysis Two facilities are potentially exposed to a 1% annual chance flood events, including the Kettleman Solar and Avenal Gliderport Corporation. There are also 11 facilities potentially exposed to a 0.2% annual chance flood events, including four child day care centers, the City of Avenal Water Treatment Plant, Kings County Fire Department Station 12 Avenal, Kings County Sheriff’s Department - Avenal Substation, two microwave service towers, and two public schools.
The impact on the community could be substantial if any of these facilities are damaged or destroyed during a flood event. Impacts to any of the City’s key wastewater facilities and infrastructure and conveyance systems would also result in severe service disruptions to the community and subsequent costs associated with response and recovery. For example, the 2012 MJHMP noted that two water main lines, an 18-inch and a 12-inch, carry water from the California Aqueduct to the City through the Kettleman Hills, which are prone to slope failure and erosion during heavy rains that cause flooding. Because the areas where the City’s water conveyance infrastructure is prone to landslides are outside the City limits, they are not discussed further in a landslide section. This infrastructure does however have a history of problems during large rain events that result in localized flooding and incidents were reported in March 1995 when the 18- inch main line broke due to slope failure around the water line, which resulted in a loss of water supply to the City for 12 days. Roads were closed during this time period, and businesses were without water, which in turn caused economic impacts (Kings County 2012). This same 18-inch water line broke again in January 1998, near the Old Skyline Road (Kings County 2012). While the failure area has since been reinforced, the 2012 MJHMP stated it is likely a similar event could happen along other portions of the water line in the future.
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Figure A-7 Critical Facilities at Risk of FEMA 1% & 0.2% Annual Flood Hazard Flood Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. In terms of economic disruption, property damage, and loss of life, floods are often referred to as "nature's number-one disaster." Consequently, flood insurance is typically not included in standard homeowner's and renter's insurance policies. To safeguard their property against flood-related losses, individuals are advised to acquire flood insurance through the NFIP. Established by Congress in 1968 to mitigate the rising costs of federal disaster relief, the NFIP is administered by FEMA, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It provides federally backed May 23, 2024 Pg. 228
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flood insurance to communities that adopt and enforce effective floodplain management ordinances aimed at reducing potential flood losses.
The NFIP offers flood insurance coverage to individuals residing in participating communities.
Community membership is contingent on adopting and enforcing floodplain management and development regulations. The NFIP operates on the basis of voluntary community participation, regardless of size. In this context, a "community" refers to a political entity with the legal authority to implement and enforce floodplain management ordinances within its jurisdiction, including incorporated cities, towns, townships, boroughs, villages, or unincorporated areas of counties or parishes.
National flood insurance is only available in communities that apply for participation in the NFIP and commit to implementing prescribed flood mitigation measures. In return for adhering to basic floodplain management standards, local governments enable property owners to purchase modest levels of flood insurance coverage. Communities that adopt more comprehensive floodplain management measures can be promoted to the Regular Program, allowing local policyholders to access higher levels of insurance coverage.
Integral floodplain management involves both evaluating and permitting development within the SFHA, while also addressing equity and outreach. This entails raising new residential structures to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), implementing floodproofing for nonresidential structures, constraining development in floodways, strategically siting public utilities and facilities to minimize flood damage, and reinforcing foundations against floatation, collapse, or lateral shifting. These efforts prioritize fairness and engagement within flood-prone communities.
The City of Avenal joined the NFIP on April 5, 1989. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of May 2022, there was one flood insurance policy in force in the City with $277,000 of coverage. This policy is located in A01-30 & AE zone. This policy is for single family residential. There has been one historical claim that did not result in paid losses.
According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed August 25, 2023, the City currently has no Repetitive Loss or Severe Repetitive Loss properties.
Future Development
SOI flood analysis shows that none of the parcels located within the City’s SOI are exposed to 1% or 0.2% annual chance flood events.
A.3.6.5 Land Subsidence
Land subsidence is prevalent along the northeastern portion of Kings County. According to data from DWR, a majority of the City’s SOI has not experienced vertical displacement, while the southernmost portion has experienced slight increases in vertical displacement. The southern most portion of the City currently houses the Avenal State Prison and the Avenal Sports Complex, although it is also zoned for light industrial and public facilities. Any future development in this area should plan for possible future vertical displacement. Land subsidence is an overall medium significance hazard for the City of Avenal and all jurisdictions within Kings County.
Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of land subsidence risk relative to the City of Avenal and the County.
A.3.6.6 Extreme Temperatures: Freeze and Heat
Extreme heat is highly likely to occur in Avenal. Extreme heat events have occurred in the summers of 2006, 2012, and have dramatically increased over the past decade. As noted in the Kings County Base Plan, there have been 52 excessive heat and heat events recorded in the May 23, 2024 Pg. 229
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County from 2000 to 2022. These events result in increased energy costs and have a disproportionate impact on outdoor construction and agriculture workers. These communities also have a disproportionate impact on DACs and other socially vulnerable communities in Census Tracts 6031001701 and 6031001601. Impacts can be particularly problematic for those households that lack air conditioning or easy access to local cooling centers. Further, of this socially vulnerable population, the Medicare beneficiaries that rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment and devices are most vulnerable to extreme heat events that result in planned or unplanned power outages.
A.3.6.7 Severe Weather: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, Hail and Lightning Between 1968 and 2021, the NCEI Storm Events Database recorded a total of 431 instances of severe weather events in Kings County. These severe weather events are listed in Table A-16 Of these events, 8 were recorded in Avenal, consisting of two hail events, one flash flood, two lightning, and three heavy rain events.
Table A-16 Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, Hail and Lightning Events in the City of Avenal:
1968 to 2021
DATE DAMAGE SUMMARY
Hail
October 10,
2000
$500,000
(Crop
Damage)
An early season convective rain event did economic damage to the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley. Frontal passage with embedded and post-frontal thunderstorms swept through the Central and South San Joaquin Valley beginning around 0900 PST on the 10th.
Hanford received 1/3" rain in an hour from a heavy thundershower from 1150 to 1250 PST.
Severe weather hail damage occurred on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley in the Fresno and Kings County areas. Additionally, a 1-mile long, small hail swath in Central Fresno County near Malaga did agricultural damage. Crops impacted by the hail were lettuce, alfalfa, beans, broccoli, persimmons, raisin, pomegranates, and cotton. Going back through at least 1922, no Fresno Fair closures had been noted due to adverse weather but the heavy rain on the 10th closed the fair leading to an estimated revenue loss of $200K. Over the 3-day period from the 9th through the 11th, Fresno received 1.22" of rain including a record breaking 0.76" on the 10th. Ponded water caused numerous flooding problems in and around the City of Fresno. In the Tulare area 0.67" was received during the afternoon of the 10th. The unusually significant, early rain caused damage in the form of ceiling collapses and water damage.
September
20, 2005
N/A A late afternoon thunderstorm provided large hail...locally heavy rain...and high wind in the western portions of Kings and Fresno counties. Outflow south wind caused late season cotton to be laid over in addition to intense rainfall for short periods of time. The "horizontal rain" totaling 2" in a short period of time with the thunderstorm downburst caused extensive damage to a pistachio treatment plant in Kings County. To the east-southeast of Huron in Fresno County 0.58" of rain was reported within a 30 minute time period.
Flash Flood
March 5,
2001
N/A Large accumulations of rain from the 4th and into the 6th provided for substantial sheet flow or small stream flooding, especially on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley.
Lightning
May 31,
2002
$5,000 Localized heavy rain at the Hanford Airport of 1.01" within a 21-minute time period totally flooded local streets and intersections. Despite heavy rain being highly localized (known locations at Hanford, Armona, Avenal, downtown Fresno, and Piedra area of Fresno County), lightning activity with this event was widespread, long-lasting, and very visual...an infrequent occurrence for the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley. There were 260 lightning strikes between just 1900 and 2000 PST through the Central and South San Joaquin Valley...and that activity continued to just after midnight PST as a band of convection moved north through Kings County and into Fresno County. A trained spotter reported lightning at the rate of 5-6 flashes/second around 2100 PST in the Pine Flat Reservoir location near Piedra.
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August 31,
2007
$1,000 A hot and humid airmass, combined with an approaching upper level trough, contributed to isolated strong thunderstorms across the San Joaquin valley on the 30th and 31st of August.
Late at night on the 30th, a strong thunderstorm knocked out power to over 1500 Avenal residents. Similarly, 800 customers in Dinuba were without power due to strong thunderstorms. In Visalia, a tree was knocked down by gusty winds and lightning, causing minor property damage on the 30th.
Heavy Rain
March 15,
2003
N/A Heavy rain led to some urban flooding in portions of the Southeast San Joaquin Valley in Tulare County as well as some rural flooding problems from sheet flow in the southernmost areas of the South San Joaquin Valley. Locally heavy rainfall was reported on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley on the 15th in convective activity. Avenal in west Kings County received over 1.1 inches of rain on the 15th. Lemoore had received 3/4-inch of rain by mid-afternoon on the 15th with street flooding reported in Hanford by mid-day with a total of 0.85" during the day. Rain amounts on the east side of the S.J.Valley were generally closer to 1/2" over the period from the 15th through the 18th. There was more convection for storm development on the west side than east side during this period.
February 19,
2005
N/A A thunderstorm passed over Avenal late in the afternoon of the 18th with 1/2" hail and very heavy rain reported. The city of Visalia had over 30 intersections between Tulare and Walnut Avenues around Central Street flooded due to persistent and locally heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations around Visalia for the 36-hour period ending late on the 18th were in excess of 1"
May 21,
2006
N/A As the transition from near record high temperatures, a vigorous frontal passage swept over Interior Central California from the southwest starting at mid-afternoon of the 21st bringing substantial cooling and rainfall. Through the course of the afternoon heavy rain generated north-to-south along an eastward moving rain band. Much of the heavy rain fell in less than a couple of hours. Avenal in Western Kings County had 1" of rain in about an hour. Other reports of rainfall on the Central and northern portion of the Southern San Joaquin Valley included
1.59" at Spanish Lake near Coalinga, 1.26" at Tranquility, 1.43" at Madera, 1.95" at Chowchilla, and
1.07" at Merced.
A.3.6.8 Severe Weather: High Wind/Tornado
Between 1968 and 2022, the National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI) Storm Events Database recorded a total of 98 instances of high wind, strong wind, and tornado events in Kings County.2 Of these 98 events, six were recorded in Avenal – four high wind and two strong wind.
In addition to these events, the USDA declared three disaster designations, one in 2016 and two in 2017, due to high wind events. Table A-17 summarizes the high wind events recorded by the NCEI in Avenal.
Table A-17 High Wind Events in Avenal: 1968 to 2021
DATE PROPERTY
DAMAGE
SUMMARY
High Wind
Jan. 4,
2008
$4,500,000 Very strong winds developed on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley.
The strongest winds occurred in the town of Avenal, where roofs were damaged, trees toppled, and two glider planes lifted off the tarmac and flipped over at the local airport. Based on surveys of the sustained property damage, top winds were estimated at 70-75 mph. Two direct injuries also occurred in Avenal during the wind event.
Oct. 14,
2014
$500 This cold front brought strong winds to the west side of the San Joaquin Valley on April 14th, with dust storms occurring near Coalinga and Avenal.
Both dust storms produced areas of near-zero visibility. The California 2 The NCEI Storm database defines high winds as sustained non-convective winds of 35 knots (40 mph) or greater lasting for 1 hour or longer, or gusts of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater for any duration (or otherwise locally/regionally defined). Events with winds less than High Wind criteria, resulting in fatalities, injuries, or significant property damage are encoded as a Strong Wind events.
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DATE PROPERTY
DAMAGE
SUMMARY
Highway Patrol (CHP) reported blowing dust at Avenal cutoff on I-5 with near-zero visibility. The CHP determined it caused a traffic collision along Interstate 5. No fatalities were reported although several people were injured.
Oct. 11,
2021
$25,000 Small pea sized hail fell at Avenal during the afternoon of April 20th, with similarly sized hail fall in Lamont that evening. Winds in the central and southern San Joaquin Valley gusted as high as 45 mph, toppling trees and downing power lines.
Dec. 31,
2022
$0 Strong winds were blowing across Interstate 5 and highway 41. Due to the extended period of drought across the San Joaquin Valley, the winds caused blowing dust across most of the west side of the valley. Visibility was reduced to near zero in blowing dust, resulting in stopped traffic along Interstate 5 and highway 41 and other county roads between Avenal and Lost Hills. There were at least 7 accidents reported and highway 41 was closed from near Avenal to where it intersects highway 46 in San Luis Obispo county for at least 3 hours.
Strong Wind
April 15,
2009
$0 Several stations in the Coalinga-Avenal Zone reported wind gusts exceeding 58 mph. A few low impact indicator sites reported gusts exceeding 80 mph. The Kettleman Hills Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) measured a peak wind gust of 61 mph.
April 20,
2010
$0 Strong wind gusts occurred across the Coalinga-Avenal Zone with several stations in the West Side Hills and Tehachapi Mountains reporting gusts exceeding 60 mph. The Kettleman Hills RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 61 mph.
Tornadoes and windstorms pose a notable risk to both the residents and the property within the City of Avenal. Vulnerability varies depending on the intensity of the event, with certain entities, including mobile homes, damaged vegetation, trees, and utility infrastructure, being particularly susceptible. While vulnerability might differ based on the strength of the event, due to the regional scale of these events, the risk to the City of Avenal does not vary significantly from the risk to the County as a whole. However, some communities designated as DACs in Census Tracts 6031001701 and 6031001601 may experience disproportionate impacts from severe weather events that result in long-term planned or unplanned power outages. And impacts can be particularly problematic for Medicare beneficiaries that rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment and devices to live independently in their homes.
High wind and tornado events are an overall medium significance hazard for the City of Avenal and all jurisdictions within Kings County. Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of high wind and tornado risk relative to the City of Avenal and the County.
A.3.6.9 Wildfire
Kings County is at risk of both urban and wildland fires, which can cause damage to property and loss of life. CAL FIRE ranks fuel loading as low in most of the County, where fuels are mainly crops and grasses. However, in State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) located in the far western and eastern portions of the County, there is undeveloped and rugged terrain that contain highly flammable grass, brush, and some pine fuels. These areas are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5.
Figure A-8 shows the fire threat areas in the City of Avenal. As shown in Figure A-8, there are some pockets of high wildfire threat areas within the eastern portion of the City. Some very high and high wildfire threat areas are located in the central and far northeastern portions of the County making wildfire a greater threat to the City of Avenal than the other cities in Kings County. For example, the Skyline Fire in 1996 burned over 20,000 acres (about the area of May 23, 2024 Pg. 232
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Manhattan) east of Avenal along the west side of Interstate 5 and north of Highway 41. This fire also burned near 36th Avenue on the north side of the City (Kings County 2012). In general, the fuels in the surrounding hills near Avenal are prone to wildfire risk, and under certain conditions fast-burning fires can spread towards the City. Table A-18summarizes the values at risk, detailed loss estimates, and populations at risk. Note that the City does not have improved parcels that are located in very high or high wildfire threat zones.
Figure A-8 City of Avenal Wildfire Threat Areas
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Table A-18 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
PROPERTY
TYPE
IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
MODERATE
BUILDING
COUNT
MODERATE
TOTAL
IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
TOTAL
BUILDING
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Agricultural 1 1 1 1 $163,000 $163,000 $326,000 –
Commercial 1 1 1 1 $95,604 $95,604 $191,208 –
Exempt 3 5 3 5 $455,125 $455,125 $910,250 –
Multi-Family
Residential
1 81 1 81 $8,120,220 $4,060,110 $12,180,330 291
Residential 12 12 12 12 $2,263,505 $1,131,753 $3,395,258 43 Total 18 100 18 100 $11,097,454 $5,905,592 $17,003,046 334 Source: Kings County Assessor, CAL FIRE, FRAP, WSP analysis Based on the analysis above, approximately 334 people living in multi-family and residential properties in northern Avenal are exposed to wildfire threat areas. Of these 334 people, a portion in Census Tracts 6031001701 and 6031001601 are designated DACs and may experience additional impacts from wildfires that result in evacuations and long-term planned or unplanned power outages. Parts of northeastern and western Avenal are also more remote and rural and given the City has a large number of non-English speaking residents; these households may not be able to quickly access evacuate routes during a disaster given most signage is only provided in English. Additionally, where wildfires are coupled with power outages, impacts can be particularly problematic for Medicare beneficiaries that rely on electricitydependent medical equipment and devices to live independently in their homes.
Table A-19 shows the results of the critical facility analysis by fire threat area. None of the City’s critical facilities are located within very high wildfire threat areas. A total of 7 critical facilities are located in high or moderate wildfire threat areas.
Table A-19 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
FEMA LIFELINE COUNT
High Wildfire Threat
Communications 1
Energy 1
Moderate Wildfire Threat
Communications 3
Energy 1
Transportation 1
Total 7
Source: Kings County, HIFLD, NID, DWR, CAL FIRE, FRAP, WSP GIS Analysis A.4 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
Capabilities are the programs and policies currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is divided into five sections: regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts. To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives on the City’s LPT reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Avenal Plan Update Guide. The City’s LPT then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazardrelated losses.
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During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and WSP consultant team staff to update information where applicable and note ways in which these capabilities have improved or expanded. Additionally, in summarizing current capabilities and identifying gaps, the City’s LPT also considered their ability to expand or improve upon existing policies and programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Avenal’s capabilities are summarized below.
A.4.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. Table A-20 indicates those that are in place in the City of Avenal. The comment column notes whether the existing regulatory or planning mechanism is currently used, whether the existing HMP was integrated into the mechanism (if applicable), and whether there are future opportunities to expand or improve the regulatory tool.
Table A-20 City of Avenal —Regulatory and Planning Capabilities
REGULATORY TOOL
(ORDINANCES, CODES, PLANS)
YES/NO COMMENTS
General Plan Yes Adopted March 22, 2018
Zoning ordinance Yes Title 9, being updated in December 2023 Subdivision ordinance Yes -
Growth management ordinance No -
Floodplain ordinance Yes Title 8 Chapter 5 – Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Other special purpose ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
Yes Title 4 – Public Safety code, Water Conservation
Ordinance
Building code Yes Title 8, Uniform Building Code 1998
BCEGS Rating No
Fire Department ISO rating 4 2012 Rating for Kings County Fire Department Erosion or sediment control program No
Stormwater management program Yes Yes: Stormwater Management is under the City’s Public Works Department, Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plans for Development
Site plan review requirements Yes
Capital improvements plan Yes Some capital improvements funding for projects Economic development plan Yes Adopted 2017
Local emergency operations plan Yes 2008, updated in 2013 Other special plans No
Flood insurance study or other
engineering study for streams
Yes September 1, 2015
Elevation certificates (for floodplain
development)
No
Other
Avenal General Plan 2035 (2018)
The Avenal General Plan provides a guide to comprehensive planning for the future. It encompasses what the City is now, what it intends to be, and provides the overall framework of how to achieve this future condition. Estimates are made about future population, household types and employment, so that plans for land use, circulation and public facilities can be made to meet future needs. The General Plan represents an agreement on the fundamental values and a vision that is shared by the residents and the business community of Avenal and the surrounding area of interest. Its purpose is to provide decision makers and staff of the City of May 23, 2024 Pg. 235
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Avenal with direction for confronting present issues, as an aid in coordinating planning issues with other governmental agencies, and for navigating the future.
The General Plan includes a Land Use Element, an Economic Development Element, a Conservation, Natural Resources, and Recreation Element, a Circulation Element, an Air Quality Element, a Public Services and Facilities Element, and a Safety Element.
Emergency Preparedness Ordinance
The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within the City in the event of an emergency; the direction of the Emergency Organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of the City with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons.
The ordinance established the Avenal Disaster Council. The mayor serves as the chairman and the Director of Emergency Services serves as the vice-chairman. The purpose of the Avenal Disaster Council is to develop and recommend for adoption by the City Council, emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and such ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations as are necessary to implement such plans and agreements.
Building Standards Code Title 8 Chapter 1
The City adopted the California Building Code, 2010 edition, including appendix chapters.
Fire Code Title 4 Chapter 3
The City adopted the "Uniform Fire Code, 1991 Edition," "Uniform Fire Code Standards, 1991 Edition," published by the International Conference of Building Officials and the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
California Fire Code Title 15 Chapter 08
The City of Avenal adopts the California Fire Code, Part 9 of Title 24 California Code of Regulations, 2019 edition, including Appendix Chapter 4 and Appendix B, BB, D, E, F, G, I, K, N, O and Division 1 California Administration and Division II Administration. The Fire Code regulates the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling, and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings. The Code also authorizes the City to issue permits, collect fees, and provides penalties for the violation and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of the California Fire Code, 2019 edition.
Ordinance 2009-01 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance: Municipal Code: Title 8 Chapter 5
Ordinance No. 2009-01 in the City of Avenal marks a significant shift in flood damage prevention and floodplain management by repealing Ordinance 95-07 and introducing comprehensive regulations under the City’s Municipal Code Section 8.5. This action is taken under the authority granted by the State of California to local governments, enabling them to enact measures that protect public health, safety, and welfare. The ordinance acknowledges the substantial risks posed by flood hazard areas in Avenal, including the potential for loss of life, property damage, health and safety hazards, economic disruptions, and increased public expenditure for flood protection and relief efforts. These losses often occur due to inadequately elevated or floodproofed structures and the cumulative impact of obstructions in flood-prone regions.
The core objective of this ordinance is to establish and enforce consistent regulations across the community, encompassing both publicly and privately owned land within flood-prone, mudslide, or flood-related erosion zones. These regulations have several key purposes, including May 23, 2024 Pg. 236
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safeguarding human life and health, reducing the financial burden on the public for flood control projects, minimizing disruptions, protecting public facilities and utilities, preserving a stable tax base, informing potential property buyers about flood risk, and ensuring accountability among those residing in flood-prone areas. To achieve these goals, the ordinance employs a range of methods, such as restricting or prohibiting hazardous land uses, mandating flood-resistant construction, regulating alterations to natural floodplains, controlling development that could exacerbate flood risk, and overseeing flood barrier construction to prevent adverse impacts on other flood hazard areas.
In line with FEMA's new policy guide, the ordinance also embraces the concept of substantial improvement and substantial damage. These elements play a role in determining compliance with floodplain management regulations. By incorporating substantial improvement and damage language in line with FEMA's updated guidelines, the ordinance ensures that development and redevelopment within flood-prone areas adhere to the latest standards and best practices for effective flood risk mitigation.
Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Title 13 Chapter 20 The purpose of this chapter is to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Avenal by controlling non-stormwater discharges to the stormwater conveyance system from spills, dumping or disposal of materials other than stormwater, and by reducing pollutants in urban stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable. This chapter also intends to assist in the protection and enhancement of the water quality of watercourses, water bodies and wetlands in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. sections 1251 et seq.) and any subsequent amendments thereto, by reducing pollutants in storm water discharges to the maximum extent practicable and by prohibiting non-storm water discharges into the storm drain system.
City of Avenal Emergency Operations Plan (2008)
The City of Avenal’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) addresses planned response to extraordinary emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological emergencies, and national security-related events in, or affecting the City. The EOP established policies, procedures and an emergency management organization, and assigns roles and responsibilities to ensure the effective management of emergency operations within the City of Avenal. The EOP addresses the City’s planned response to disasters and supports the California Emergency Plan and the Kings County/Operational Area EOP. The EOP establishes the conceptual framework for emergency management in the City of Avenal, assigned roles and responsibilities of City staff, policies and procedures required to protect the health and safety of City residents and visitors, public and private property, and the environment from the effects of natural, technological and national security-related emergencies, and the operational concepts and procedures associated with the City Emergency Operations Center activities. Moreover, the plan intends to facilitate multi-agency and multi-jurisdiction coordination, particularly between the City of Avenal, Kings County Operational Area, other local cities and special districts, and State and Federal agencies. The EOP may be used for pre-emergency planning, as well as for emergency operations.
City of Avenal Economic Development Plan (2017)
The City’s Economic Development Plan contains the following contents: national economic context, regional economic context, the local economy, economic development, general plan element, and strategic action plan. The strategic action plan chapter, in particular, presents a list of actions – economic development projects and programs – that the City intends to prioritize and then implement in the future.
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A.4.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
Table A-21 identifies City personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Avenal. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows. The comment column notes whether the capability is currently used, whether mitigation actions from the existing HMP were integrated the roles and responsibilities of personnel duties, and whether there are future opportunities to expand or improve the City’s personnel resources.
Table A-21 City of Avenal —Personnel Capabilities
PERSONNEL RESOURCES YES/NO DEPARTMENT/POSITION
Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management practices
Yes City Community Development
Department
Engineer/professional trained in construction
practices related to buildings and/or
infrastructure
Yes City Building Division, City Engineer,
Public Works
Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards
No -
Personnel skilled in GIS No The City does not have GIS capabilities; Kings County has supported GIS
mapping
Full time building official No -
Floodplain manager Yes The Community Development Director Emergency manager Yes City Manager as the Director of
Emergency Services
Grant writer Yes Administration and Community
Development Director
Other personnel Yes Multiple agencies and departments
with support personnel expanding
capabilities for mitigation
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use, building
footprints, etc.)
No
Warning Systems/Services
(Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor warning
signals)
Yes KC Alert
Other Public Works Department; 2012
MJHMP noted that one position is split
between water conservation officer
and code enforcement
Mayor and City Council
The Council acts as the governing body of the City, with all regulatory and corporate powers of a municipal corporation provided under California State Law. The Council is comprised of five members. Council members are elected from the community at large to serve four-year staggered terms. Every two years elections are held, with no more than three Council positions up for election. The City Council currently includes one Mayor, one Mayor Pro Term, and three Councilmen.
City Manager
The City Manager is the administrative head of City Government under the direction and control of the City Council and is responsible for the administration of all affairs of the City which are under their control. In addition to the general powers as administrative head, the City Manager May 23, 2024 Pg. 238
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has the following powers and duties (but not limited to): law enforcement; direction of officers and employees; appointment of officers and employees (as per personnel system rules); reorganization of offices, positions and departments; recommendation of adoption of laws; attendance at city council meetings; preparation of budgets, salary plans and financial reports; expenditure control and purchasing; supervision of public property recommendations and oversight of franchises, permits and licenses; preparation of reports and recommendations to the city council; provide leadership; performance of additional duties as directed by the city council.
City Clerk
The City Clerk is responsible for the preparation, execution, and archiving of all City Council documents as prescribed by California State law and the Avenal Municipal Code. These duties include archiving city council documents, official proceedings, ordinances, and resolutions; maintaining boards and commissions applications and appointments; maintaining city council meeting and election materials; publicizing of legal notices; recording official documents.
Community Development Department
The Community Development Department consists of: Planning and Zoning; Economic Development; Housing Programs; Projects; Grant Writing; Building Division. The Department performs a variety of services intended to protect, maintain, and develop an attractive, safe, and healthy environment. Primary functions address property development and land use activities while working concurrently to promote and market the City for new development and job creation.
Building Division
The Building Division serves as a resource for homeowners, businesses, developers, and contractors while regulating construction to ensure the health and safety of the public. The Building Division reviews building plans to ensure compliance with City, State, and Federal building code requirements; issues building permits for new construction and additions to existing buildings and structures; performs occupancy inspections for new businesses and residences.
The City of Avenal currently contracts with Willdan Engineering for all Building and Inspection Services and well as Building Code Enforcement.
Public Works Department
The purpose of the Public Works Department is to promote and oversee the construction and maintenance of the city's infrastructure. Public Works' services include code enforcement; parks maintenance & landscaping; animal control; street maintenance; water distribution; wastewater collection & treatment; vehicles, equipment & building maintenance; and encroachment permits.
Finance Department
The Finance Department manages all financial activity for the City of Avenal. It is responsible for:
preparation of the city budget; preparation of city financial statements; payroll services; bids and purchasing; business licenses; utility billing; commercial parking permit; and administration of all other financial affairs of the city.
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Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is a body of citizens appointed by the City Council to serve as an advisory and authority decision maker on issues and polices relating to planning, land use regulation and community development.
Public Safety Commission
The purpose of the Commission is "to review, advise and make recommendations to the City Council on community/public safety issues as directed by the City Council or as information is brought forth for review and consideration that pertains to public safety".
A.4.3 Fiscal Capability
Table A-22 identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities. There are currently no specific funding sources for hazard mitigation.
Table A-22 City of Avenal —Available Financial Tools and Resources
FINANCIAL RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE/
ELIGIBLE TO
USE
HAS THIS BEEN USED
FOR MITIGATION IN THE
PAST?
COMMENTS
Community Development
Block Grants
Accessible No Source for Community &
Recreation Center
Capital improvements
project funding
Accessible Yes. Special approval is
required by the City
Council in an emergency.
Authority to levy taxes for
specific purposes
Accessible No
Fees for water, sewer, gas,
or electric services, new
development
Accessible No Impact Fees
Incur debt through general
obligation bonds
Accessible No
Incur debt through special
tax bonds
Accessible No
Incur debt through private
activities
Accessible No
Federal Grant Programs
(Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program)
Accessible No
A.4.4 Outreach and Partnerships
The City of Avenal facilitates the coordination of emergency response efforts through its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is a central location of authority that allows for faceto-face coordination and decision making between City staff and outside organizations.
In an emergency, the City would activate its EOC to coordinate responses from various agencies, including the Kings County Sheriff’s Department, Kings County Fire Department, American Red Cross, FEMA, and other mutual aid resources. Members of these agencies, along with City staff, would manage and respond to disasters of any kind.
To prepare for emergencies, the City does the following:
• Conducts frequent staff training;
• Holds tabletop exercises;
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• Participates in the annual Countywide disaster drill; • Identifies resources to be used in emergencies; and
• Tests coordination efforts with external organizations.
These efforts are designed to help ensure that the City and its emergency responders are well trained and equipped to coordinate and respond to any emergency.
Moreover, as outlined in the Kings County 2015 EOP, the emergency response role of cities and special districts is generally focused on restoring their normal services or functional area of responsibility. During disasters, cities and some types of special districts will be more extensively involved in the emergency response by directly coordinating, communicating, and assisting local governments. If a city or special district does not send a representative to the EOC, then the Liaison Officer in the County’s EOC will be responsible for establishing communications and coordination with the cities or special district liaison(s).
The City is also a member of the California Rural Water Association, an affiliate of the National Rural Water Association, a non-profit organization of rural water and wastewater systems that provides training, technical assistance, and representation to public water and wastewater utilities. According to the 2012 MJHMP, the City supports the Kings County Water Education Commission. This organization provides water education programs for schools. The City provides information on safety to City workers as required by their risk management insurance.
During the 2022-2023 planning process the following outreach efforts were identified that the City of Avenal could support related to hazard mitigation:
• Water Portal Access
• Report a Problem Portal
• Avenal Community Center
• Alert Center (Emergency Alerts and Notifications)
• Social Media (Facebook & Instagram)
• Utility Mailers
• Physical flyers at all City locations and supermarkets • Email, text, and phone tree for emergency purposes
Education and outreach efforts, as well as emergency response planning, will also need to address the needs of low-income residents and the large Spanish-speaking population. For example, emergency preparedness education materials are already translated into Spanish, and additional transportation and evacuation route signage could also be provided in Spanish.
A.4.5 Other Mitigation Efforts
In 2023, after the Veterans’ Memorial Hall electrical was upgraded and a was generator installed, the City designated the Veterans’ Memorial Hall as a power-safety shut-off (PSPS) site, cooling and heating center, and emergency shelter. Construction is ongoing for a 34,000 square foot community and recreation center that will also serve as a heating and cooling center, and shelter for the City. The center is expected to be completed in 2025.
A.4.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capability assessment, the City of Avenal has existing regulatory, administrative/technical, fiscal mechanisms in place that help to mitigate hazards. In addition to these existing capabilities, there are opportunities for the City to expand or improve on these policies and programs to further protect the community. These are organized below by regulatory, administrative/technical, fiscal, and outreach opportunities.
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Regulatory Opportunities
Future opportunities for regulatory enhancement should focus on compliance with Assembly Bill 2140, including amending the City of Avenal General Plan Safety Element to incorporate the 2023-2028 Kings County MJHMP and City of Avenal Annex by reference.
Administrative/Technical Opportunities
Other future enhancements may include providing hazard training for staff or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with Kings County and Cal OES. Existing City staff are aware of the benefits of participating in training and webinars offered by Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Team related to Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) opportunities, HMGP Sub application Development support, and other funding programs, such as Prepare California Jumpstart. Other opportunities may be related to coordinating and educating key stakeholders in the City. Other stakeholders may be interested in aligning efforts related to hazard mitigation and also supporting HMGP Sub applications and other hazard mitigation trainings.
Fiscal Opportunities
The City can update other plans, such as their CIP to incorporate hazard information and include hazard mitigation actions and climate adaptation strategies that relate to infrastructure systems resiliency associated with the water and wastewater systems. Once projects related to hazard mitigation are approved, the recent CIP can be shared with the community on the City’s webpage. Capital investments and improvements related to seismic retrofits, cooling center upgrades, and WWTP upgrades should all be emphasized in the outreach materials as they are related to hazard mitigation. The City should also apply for HMGP grants to fund implementation costs associated with key CIP projects, and related projects in the City’s mitigation strategy. These fiscal capabilities may be supported by City staff or augmented with Consultant staff.
Outreach Opportunities
The City can expand their outreach capabilities related to the implementation of the 2023-2028 Kings County MJHMP and the City of Avenal Annex. Specific enhancements may include continued public involvement through social media posts and advertisements focused on projects successes related to the Annex Mitigation Strategy as well as focused outreach to under-represented and special-interest groups in the City. The City can also develop outreach kits for partner organizations by expanding on the information include in the MJHMP Outreach Strategy included in Appendix F.
A.5 MITIGATION STRATEGY
A.5.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Avenal adopted the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the HMPC and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Base Plan. After reviewing the goals and objectives from the 2012 plan, the LPT noted no change in priorities for the updated 2023 plan.
Like the Mitigation Strategy in the Base Plan, this section outlines the City’s roadmap for future hazard mitigation administration and implementation. The purpose of the strategy is to reduce vulnerabilities from key priority hazards outlined in the risk assessment through regulatory tools and projects. The selection and prioritization methods used by the City’s LPT is also described in more detail in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Base Plan.
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A.5.2 Progress on Previous Mitigation Actions
During the 2022-2023 planning, the City’s LPT reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2012 plan. As shown in Table A-23, of the four actions from the 2012 MJHMP, one mitigation action has been completed. The remaining three mitigation actions were carried forward into the 2023-2028 MJHMP.
Table A-23 Previous Mitigation Actions
ID HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED DESCRIPTION/ BACKGROUND/ BENEFITS STATUS
1 Multi-Hazard
Housing Rehabilitation Program - Continue
and enhance housing rehabilitation program. Ongoing.
2 Multi-Hazard
Emergency Power System for the Emergency
Operations Center at the Ken Brown Public
Safety Center
Completed in 2018, creating the
City’s EOC at the APD
3 Multi-Hazard
Vulnerability of Water Distribution System –
Reduce vulnerability of water distribution
system.
In progress.
4 Multi-Hazard
Loss Reduction Program for URM Buildings –
Establish a loss reduction program for
unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings in
compliance with the California URM Law of
1986.
In progress.
A.5.3 Continued Compliance with the NFIP
The following five FEMA NFIP requirements include:
1) Adoption of NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria via local regulation. • This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, issuing permits for appropriate development in SFHAs, and ensuring that this development is mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the flood damage prevention ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping. Other actions related to continued NFIP compliance include:
o Continued designation of a local floodplain manager at the City whose responsibilities include reviewing floodplain development permits to ensure compliance with the local floodplain management ordinances and rules; o Suggest changes to improve enforcement of and compliance with regulations and programs;
o Participation in Flood Insurance Rate Map updates by adopting new maps or amendments to maps;
o Utilize Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps in conjunction with GIS to improve floodplain management, such as improved risk assessment and tracking of floodplain permits; and
o Promoting and dispersing information on the benefits of flood insurance, including those in the households in the 500-year floodplain. 2) Adoption of the latest effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), if applicable. • The City of Avenal joined the NFIP on April 5, 1989. Maps in the flooding profile are current and the latest effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was adopted on July 16, 2009
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3) Implementation and enforcement of local floodplain management regulations to regulate and permit development in SFHAs.
• In addition to the mitigation actions identified herein the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. Floodplain management is under the purview of the Community Development Department and Building Division and these departments will continue to make every effort to remain in good standing with the program. This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, issuing permits for appropriate development in SFHAs, and ensuring that this development is mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the flood damage prevention ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.
4) Appointment of a designee or agency to implement the addressed commitments and requirements of the NFIP.
• As noted, the Community Development Department and Building Division are responsible for requirements under the NFIP.
•
5) Description of how participants implement the substantial improvement/substantial damage provisions of their floodplain management regulations after an event. • The City of Avenal, along with the County, actively manages floodplains, implementing regulations to minimize flood impact. After events, the City assesses damage and improvement needs, communicating obligations to property owners through various channels. Technical evaluations consider engineering criteria and guiding a streamlined permitting process for substantial improvements. The City also provides compliance assistance, supporting property owners in meeting regulatory requirements.
• The City has a provision in the zoning code pertaining to the development of Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Procedures:
o “Using FEMA publication FEMA 213, “Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings,” develop detailed procedures for identifying and administering requirements for substantial improvement and substantial damage, to include defining “Market Value.”
o Assure procedures are coordinated with other departments/divisions and implemented by City of Avenal staff”.
o For more information, please see the City’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance: Zoning Ordinance complete, 2011 update.pdf (cityofavenal.com).
A.5.4 Mitigation Actions
As part of the 2022-2023 planning process the City’s LPT developed an updated list of hazard mitigation actions or projects specific to the City. The process used to identify, develop, and prioritize these actions is described in Chapter 5 of the Base Plan. The City’s LPT identified and prioritized the 11 actions, including three actions carried forward from the 2012 MJHMP, and eight new actions, as summarized in Table A-24. These mitigation actions are based on the risk assessment, goals, and objectives. Background information as well as information on how the action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, partners, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline also are described. Per the DMA requirement, actions have also been identified that address reducing losses to existing development and future development. Moreover, the LPT reviewed existing mitigation actions from the County’s 2012 MJHMP and provided status updates on past hazard mitigation planning efforts.
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2023 Update Page A-44
The mitigation strategy includes only those actions and projects which reflect the actual priorities and capacity of the jurisdiction to implement over the next five years covered by this plan. It should further be noted, that although a jurisdiction may not have specific projects identified for each significant (medium or high) hazard for the five-year coverage of this planning process, each jurisdiction has focused on identifying those projects which are realistic and reasonable for them to implement. Should future projects be identified for significant hazards where the implementing jurisdiction has the capacity to implement, the jurisdiction would add those projects to their Annex. The City also recognizes that other mitigation actions proposed in the County’s mitigation strategy will cover the significant hazards in the City that are not currently linked to a mitigation action.
Many of these mitigation actions are intended to reduce impacts to existing development. Those that protect future development from hazards, as required per the DMA 2000 regulations, are indicated by an asterisk in the action identification number. These actions include those that promote wise development and hazard avoidance, such as updating mapping and continued enforcement of floodplain development regulations. There is at least one mitigation actions for each natural hazard identified in the plan.
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2023 Update Page 45
Table A-24 City of Avenal Mitigation Action Plan
ID GOAL(S)
AND
LIFELINES*
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/ BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
LEAD AGENCY
AND
PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE*
POTENTIAL
FUNDING*
PRIORITY TIMELINE* STATUS/IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
A-1 Goals 1, 3-4;
Food,
Hydration,
Shelter
Earthquake,
Land
Subsidence,
Landslide
Housing Rehabilitation Program -
Continue and enhance housing
rehabilitation program and
reconstruct homes to current
building standards..
City of Avenal
Community
Development
Director
High General Fund,
Housing and
Urban
Development
(HUD)
Community
Development
Block Grant
(CDBG) Funds,
HOME, Cal
Home
Program
Medium Medium-term Ongoing, homes continue to be
rehabbed with these funds-first
come first serve. The City has
received funding from CDBG,
HOME, and the Cal Home Program
to rehabilitate homes. Under this
program most homes are torn
down and reconstructed to
current codes.
A-2 Goals 1-4; Food,
Hydration,
Shelter
Flood, Drought,
Earthquake,
Land
Subsidence
Vulnerability of Water Distribution
System – Upgrade the two water
transmission lines that supply water
to the city and Avenal State Prison
(one 18‐inch line and one 12‐inch
line) that experience water leaks and
movement due to earthquakes that
lead to slope failure.
City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
High FEMA HMA
HMPG, BRIC
Medium Long-term In progress, expected to be
completed December 2023.
A-3 Goals 1, 3-4;
Food,
Hydration,
Shelter
Earthquake,
Subsidence,
Landslide
Loss Reduction Program for
unreinforced masonry (URM)
Buildings - Establish a loss reduction
program for URM buildings in
compliance with the California URM
Law of 1986. In response to the
danger posed by the great number
of potentially hazardous buildings in
California, in 1986 the state
legislature enacted the URM
building law (Chapter 250, Statutes
of 1986: SF547 [Alquist]; Government
Code Section 8875 et seq.). The law
mitigates hazards posed by URMs
and applies to all jurisdictions in
California's Seismic Hazard Zone 4,
the region of highest earthquake
activity in the nation..
City of Avenal City
Manager’s Office,
California Seismic
Safety
Commission, City
of Avenal Public
Works
Department
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP, BRIC,
General Fund,
Staff Time
Medium Long-term In progress.
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2023 Update Page 46
ID GOAL(S)
AND
LIFELINES*
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/ BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
LEAD AGENCY
AND
PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE*
POTENTIAL
FUNDING*
PRIORITY TIMELINE* STATUS/IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
A-4 Goals 2-4;
Safety and
Security
Earthquake Replace Existing Valves at Tank Sites
with Earthquake Valves to Protect
Water Supply
City of Avenal
Public Works
Moderate General Fund Medium Medium Term New in 2023
A-5 Goals 2-4;
Food,
Hydration,
Shelter
Drought Water Supply Rehabilitation - Install
valve at the City water source to
isolate from joint use facilities to
maintain water supply during
unexpected outages of Westland
Water District facility.
DWR, City of
Avenal, Westlands
Water District
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP, BRIC,
USDA DWSRF,
DWR Urban
Community
Drought Relief
Grant Program
Low Medium Term New in 2023
A-6 Goals 1-4;
Water Systems
Flood; Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunder,
Hail, and
Lightning
Improve Flow Design for Arroyo
Esquinado Channel
City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
Moderate FEMA HMA
HMGP, BRIC
Medium Medium Term New in 2023
A-7 Goals 1-4;
Water Systems
Flood Stormwater Drainage Master Plan City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
Moderate General Fund Medium Medium Term New in 2023
A-8* Goals 1-4;
Water Systems
Flood Investigate Capacity for Floodwater
Conveyance Facilities (Drainage
Ditches and Culverts) along Arroyo
del Camino
City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
Moderate FEMA HMA
HMGP, BRIC,
General Fund
Low Medium Term New in 2023
A-9* Goals 1-4:
Safety and
Security, Food
and Water,
Shelter,
Transportation
Land
Subsidence
Conduct updated Land Subsidence
Study to understand Elevation, Shifts,
and Vulnerability.
Kings County
Administration,
Water
Management
Agencies, City of
Avenal Public
Works
Department
Moderate DWR, FEMA
HMA HMGP,
USACE
Medium Long Term New in 2023
A-10 Goals 1-4;
Energy
Wildfire Undergrounding of Utilities along
City’s Main Corridors
Kings County Fire
Department
High FEMA HMA
HMGP, US
Forest Service
WUI Grants
Medium Medium Term New in 2023
A-11 Goals 1, 3-4;
Safety and
Security,
Health and
Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:
Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Conduct a Public Survey on At-Risk
Community Demographics and
Disability Needs – A public survey will
be developed around at-risk
communities to understand those in
the County with Access and
Functional Needs (AFNs) and other
disabilities, household emergency
Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
High Short-Term New in 2023
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2023 Update Page 47
ID GOAL(S)
AND
LIFELINES*
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/ BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
LEAD AGENCY
AND
PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE*
POTENTIAL
FUNDING*
PRIORITY TIMELINE* STATUS/IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
Hail, and
Lightning,
Severe Weather:
Wind and
Tornado
preparedness and evacuation and
support needs, and medical devices
and equipment needs at sheltering
facilities.
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2023-2028 Update Page 48
KEY:
• *This key provides additional information on cost estimates, potential funding, community lifelines, and the timing for implementation for each action.
Cost Estimate
• Little to no cost
• Low: Less than $10,000
• Moderate: $10,000 – $100,000
• High: $100,000 – $1,000,000
• Very High: More than $1,000,000
Potential Funding
• BRIC – Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant • CDBG – Community Development Block Grant
• DWR Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program – Grant program designed to strengthen drought resilience and better prepare communities for dry conditions. • FEMA HMA HMGP – Hazard Mitigation Assistance Hazard Mitigation Grant Program • HUD – Housing and Urban Development
• USACE – U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Funding like Silver Jacket Program, Flood Risk Management Program
• U.S. Forest Service Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Grants – Funds to mitigate risk from wildland fire within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) that are awarded annually. • USDA DWSRF – Program that help water systems finance infrastructure improvements to ensure compliance with drinking water standards and public health objectives.
FEMA Community Lifelines
• Safety and Security
• Food, Hydration, and Shelter
• Health and Medical
• Energy
• Communications
• Transportation
• Hazardous Materials
• Water Systems
Timeline
• Short Term: 1-2 years
• Medium Term: 3-5 years
• Long Term : 5+ years
• Ongoing: Action is implemented every year
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2023-2028 Update Page 49
A.6 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the City will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track the progress on the implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.
A.6.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
While an opportunity to integrate the 2012 Hazard Mitigation Plan into the City’s other planning mechanisms did not arise, the information contained within this plan, including results from the Vulnerability Assessment and the Mitigation Strategy, will be used by the City to help inform updates and the development of local plans, programs and policies. The Community Development Department may utilize the hazard information when implementing the City’s capital projects and may utilize the hazard information when reviewing a site plan or other type of development applications. The City will also incorporate this MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plan, as recommended by AB 2140.
As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the City of Avenal LPT representatives will report on efforts to integrate the hazard mitigation plan into local plans, programs and policies and will report on these efforts at the annual LPT plan review meeting.
A.6.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Kings County as outlined in Section 6 of the Base Plan. The City will continue to involve the public in mitigation, as described in Section 6.2.1 of the Base Plan. The Avenal Police Department Police Chief will be responsible for representing the City in the County HMPC, and for coordination with City staff and departments during plan updates. The City realizes it is important to review the plan regularly and update it every five years in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements as well as other State of California requirements.
A.6.3 Continued Public Involvement
Continued public involvement is imperative to the overall success of the City’s plan’s implementation. The update process provides an opportunity to solicit participation from new and existing stakeholders and to publicize success stories from the plan implementation and seek additional public comment. The plan maintenance and update process will include continued public and stakeholder involvement and input through attendance at designated committee meetings, web postings, social media postings, press releases to local media, and through public hearings.
When the County’s HMPC reconvenes for the update, they will coordinate with all stakeholders participating in the planning process—including those that joined the committee since the planning process began—to update and revise the plan. This process should involve the City’s LPT. Public notice will be posted, and public participation will be invited, at a minimum, through available website postings and press releases to the local media outlets, primarily newspapers. Per DMA requirements the public will be provided an opportunity to provide input during the plan update process, and before the plan is finalized.
This means the City will also advertise the plan update process within their jurisdiction using their local social media channels and relevant outreach tools and touchpoints. This can be accomplished through public surveys or meetings. Public comments will be solicited on the plan update draft by posting the plan online and soliciting review and comment for a minimum of two weeks.
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A.7 REFERENCES
City of Avenal. 2022. City of Avenal Webpage. https://www.cityofavenal.com/ Kings County. 2012. Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
OEHHA. CalEnviroScreen Version 4.0. California Environmental Protection Agency Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).
2021. https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-version-20 May 23, 2024 Pg. 251
2023 KINGS COUNTY
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
FINAL DRAFT | FEBRUARY 2024
Prepared for:
Kings County
Office of Emergency Services
280 Campus Drive
Hanford, CA 93230
Prepared by:
WSP Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
May 23, 2024 Pg. 252
Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary
2023 Update Page i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of hazard mitigation is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards. The County of Kings (County) developed this Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update to make the County, its four participating jurisdictions, and its residents less vulnerable and more resilient to future hazard events. This plan was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 so that Kings County would be eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs.
The County followed a planning process prescribed by FEMA, which began with the formation of a hazard mitigation planning committee (HMPC) comprised of key County representatives, four participating jurisdictions from the cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore, and other regional stakeholders. The HMPC conducted a risk assessment that identified and profiled hazards that pose a risk to Kings County, assessed the County’s vulnerability to these hazards, and examined the capabilities in place to mitigate them. The County is vulnerable to several hazards that are identified, profiled, and analyzed in this plan. Drought; extreme temperatures: extreme heat and freeze; flood; land subsidence; and severe weather hazards: fog, heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and lightning; are among the hazards that can have a significant impact on the County.
Based on the risk assessment review and goal-setting process, the HMPC adopted the following four goals, modified from their previous HMP, which provide the direction for reducing future hazard-related losses within the County’s Planning Area:
• Goal 1: Reduce impacts of natural hazards to life, property, and the environment. • Goal 2: Minimize impacts of natural disasters to agriculture and the economies of communities. • Goal 3: Implement identified mitigation activities.
• Goal 4: Plan for and adapt to the effects of climate change.
To meet these goals, the plan recommends a total of 83 mitigation actions, which are summarized by jurisdiction and the hazard they mitigate in the table that follows. Together, the 83 mitigation actions address more than one hazard relevant to each jurisdiction given the mitigation strategy consists of several multi-hazard actions. Of the 83 mitigation actions in the updated plan, 14 were carried forward from the previous plan, including two actions that were revised, and 69 are new mitigation actions developed as part of the 2022-2023 planning process. This includes 28 Kings County actions and 55 jurisdiction-specific actions. Once formally approved by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA Region IX and adopted by the County and their participating jurisdictions, this MJHMP will be updated every five years.
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Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary
2023 Update Page 1-2
Table ES-1 Kings County Mitigation Actions
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
KC-1 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought,
Subsidence
Water Recharge Basin
Partnership Program
Partner with the State
and contiguous
counties to improve
coordination, planning,
and investment in
long‐term water
supplies by developing
a comprehensive water
recharge basin project
to meet demands of
ongoing growth and
development.
Kings County State DWR led
joint powers
authority should
be developed to
manage this
multijurisdictional
project.
California
Department of
Water Resources
(DWR), Kings
County water
and irrigation
districts, Kings
County OES,
Community
Development
High Possible grant
and bond
funds through
recent State
Propositions,
DWR Grants,
HMGP
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium Ongoing In progress. Funding
not secured but has
been applied for
with Hazard
Mitigation Grant
Program
KC-2** Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Dense
Fog, Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning
Community Alert and
Warning System -
Purchase, install, test,
and utilize a
community wide alert
and early warning
system that alerts
residents by phone,
email, cell phone and
other electronic
communication
devices.
Kings County Kings County
OES, Sheriff and
City Law
Enforcement,
Kings County
Operational Area
partners, county
communications
and Cal OES,
State
Department of
Corrections, State
High Speed Rail
Authority.
High HMGP,
Emergency
Management
Performance
Grant (EMPG),
Homeland
Security Grant
Program
(HSGP) and
potentially the
EOC Grant
Program
Safety and
Security;
Communications
High Ongoing In progress. Funding
has been secured
through EMPG grant
KC-3** Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought,
Earthquake,
Extreme
Temperatures:
Freeze and
Heat, Flood, Fog,
Wildfire
New County EOC
Assessment - Develop a
standing EOC group to
review and discuss
specifications,
supervise the creation
of construction plans,
identify funding
mechanism and
requirements, and
identify the site for the
new Kings County EOC.
Kings County Kings County
OES, County
Departments,
Kings County Fire
Department,
Kings County
Environmental
Health, Kings
County
Information
Technology
Department, and
Kings County
High General Fund,
HMP Grants,
EOC Grant
Program,
Partnership
with State,
County and
Transportation
Agencies,
EMPG,
Homeland
Security Grant
Program
Safety and
Security;
Communications
High ShorttermIn progress. Funding
not secured yet
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2023 Update Page 1-3
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Public Works
Department .
KC-4* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Agricultural
Pests and
Disease, Dam
Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Land
Subsidence,
Landslide,
Wildfire
Inter-jurisdictional GIS
Program -– Establish a
centralized, interjurisdictional GIS
program to improve all
phases of emergency
management.
Kings County Kings County
Community
Development,
OES, City GIS, IT,
Cities of Avenal,
Corcoran,
Lemoore, and
Hanford; special
districts; water
and irrigation
districts; Local
Agency
Formation
Commission of
Kings County;
and Kings County
Association of
Governments.
Moderate Local
government
funds and
possible grant
funds through
recent
Safety and
Security;
Communications;
Transportation
Medium ShorttermIn progress. The
County has been
completely mapped;
Hanford and Avenal
have joined in on the
project contracting
with County GIS to
meet their mapping
needs. The project is
planned to expand
to include all the
incorporated Cities
and continue to
create an integrated
countywide GIS
system and
database.
KC-5 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought,
Earthquake,
Extreme
Temperatures:
Freeze and
Heat, Flood, Fog,
Wildfire
Kings County Area
Disaster Council -
Review and update
items related to the
Kings County Area
Disaster Council in the
Kings County
Emergency Services
Ordinance to improve
countywide
coordination and the
monitoring and
implementation of the
mitigation plan
Kings County Kings County
OES, County
Admin Office,
Board of
Supervisors
Low Kings County
General Fund,
EMPG
Safety and
Security
High ShorttermIn progress.
Organizational work
to establish the
Council was
accomplished but
formal meetings
have not yet
commenced.
KC-6 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Agriculture and
Pest Disease,
Public Health,
Extreme
Temperatures:
Freeze and Heat
Livestock Disposal Plan
- Establish a livestock
disposal plan and
compost team to
address livestock
fatality during extreme
heat events. This action
would reduce impacts
to the agricultural
industry during
extreme temperature
events, reduce the
potential for
Kings County Kings County
Agricultural
Commissioner,
Kings County
Agricultural
Advisory
Committee,
University of
California at
Davis Extension,
Environmental
Health Services,
Natural
Moderate Hospital
Preparedness
Grant, the
actual costs to
bury the
carcasses
would be the
responsibility of
the animal
facility
owner/operator
.
Safety and
Security
High ShorttermNot started, funding
not yet secured
May 23, 2024 Pg. 255
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2023 Update Page 1-4
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
agricultural pests and
diseases and public
health concerns, and
avoid overwhelming
critical rendering
infrastructure.
Resources
Conservation
Service, Kings
County
Community
Development
Agency, Kings
County
Environmental
Health, County
OES, PHEP
KC-7 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Earthquake,
Extreme
Temperatures:
Freeze and
Heat, Flood, Fog,
Wildfire
Disaster Evacuation
Routes - Ensure the
maintenance and
enhancement of
established disaster
evacuation routes
Kings County Kings County
Public Works
Department,
Kings County
Sheriff / City
Police, County
OES, Human
Services Agency
(HAS), Kings
Rural Area
Transit, Public
Health
Emergency
Preparedness,
Kings County
Planning Agency;
Cities of Avenal,
Corcoran,
Lemoore, and
Hanford;
California
Department of
Transportation
Moderate Gas tax,
federal/state
transportation
funding, Kings
County General
Fund for staff
time,
Community
Power
Resiliency
Allocation
Program,
EMPG, HMGP
Transportation High ShorttermIn progress. Funding
has not been
secured, may do this
internally.
KC-8 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Severe Weather
– Dense Fog
Traffic Safety Fog
Events - Improve
lighting, signage, and
traffic controls at
critical intersections
and roadways to
improve safety during
fog events.
Kings County Kings County
Public Works,
Kings OES,
County and City
Law
Enforcement,
CHP, Caltrans
Moderate Cal Trans
Grants, EMPG,
HSGP
Transportation Medium ShorttermNot started, funding
not secured yet.
KC-9** Goal 1 Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Land
Subsidence,
Landslide,
Automated
Transportation App -
Develop a
transportation routing
app, similar to the
Kings County Kings County
Public Works,
Kings County
Administration,
City GIS and
Moderate Community
Power
Resiliency
Allocation
Transportation,
Communications
Low ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 256
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2023 Update Page 1-5
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Severe Weather:
Dense Fog
Caltrans app, to divert
traffic due to road
conditions during
hazard events
Emergency
Management
Department
Program,
EMPG, HMGP
KC-10* Goal 2, Goal
3, Goal 4
Drought Water Conservation
Campaign - Create a
water conservation
campaign, utilizing
social media, signage,
and grass roots
outreach
Kings County Kings County
Administration,
Water Manager,
Utility Districts
Low DWR, FEMA
HMA HMGP
Funds
Food, Water,
Shelter
High ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
KC-11* Goal 2, Goal
4 Drought Floodwater Recharge
Project - Create a flood
water recharge project
utilizing a feasibility
study, pumps, and land
for recharge.
Kings County Kings County
Administration,
Water Manager,
Utility Districts,
City and County
Engineering
Departments
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP Funds,
DWR
Food, Water,
Shelter
High MediumtermNew Action in 2023.
KC-12* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought,
Subsidence
Land Subsidence Study
- Conduct updated
land subsidence study
to understand
elevation, shifts, and
vulnerability.
Kings County Kings County
Administration,
Water Manager,
City and County
Engineering
Departments
Moderate DWR, USACE,
Cal OES
Safety and
Security; Food,
Water, Shelter;
Transportation
Medium ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
KC-13* Goal 1, Goal
2 Flooding, Fire Debris Management
Plan - Create a flood
channel debris
management plan to
allow the flow of water,
increase capacity, and
remove fire hazards.
Kings County Kings County
Public Works,
Water and
Irrigation
Districts, City
Public Works
High Proposition 68,
Federal and
State
Resources
Safety and
Security
High ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
KC-14* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood, Severe
Weather – Heavy
Rain/Thunderst
orm/Hail/Lightni
ng, Drought,
Subsidence
Develop a series of
flood control basins on
the Kings River that
either recharge or store
water during flood
flows.
Kings County Kings County
Conservation
District (KRCD),
Local GSAs
Very High DWR Grants Safety and
Security, and
Food, Water,
Shelter
High LongtermNew Action in 2023.
KC-15* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood,
Subsidence,
Severe Weather
– Heavy
Rain/Thunderst
orms/Hail/Light
ning
Sediment Removal -
Remove sediment from
the Kings to River to
avoid future capacity
issues.
Kings County KRCD Very High HMPG Funds,
Prop 68
Safety and
Security
High MediumtermNew Action in 2023.
KC-16** Goal 1, Goal
4 Drought Establish a Drought
Task Force – Kings
County will establish
Kings County Water Districts,
Small Water
Suppliers, NonHigh General Fund Water Systems,
Safety and
Security
High ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 257
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2023 Update Page 1-6
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
and convene a task
force that develops
water shortage
preparedness planning
efforts for domestic
wells, privately
supplied homes, and
small state water
systems.
Transient NonCommunity
Water Systems;
Kings County
Department of
Public Health
KC-17 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 4
Drought Regularly review and
incorporate
information from the
Water Storage
Vulnerability Tool to
update information
about drought and
water shortage
vulnerabilities in the
County’s MJHMP,
WSCPs, and Drought
Resiliency Plan
Kings County Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Water
Districts, Small
Water Suppliers,
Non-Transient
Non-Community
Water Systems,
Kings County
Department of
Public Health
Little to No
Cost
General Fund Water Systems High ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
KC-18 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Water Shortage
Contingency Plans
(WSCPs) - The County
will work with small
water providers to
develop a WSCP and
update the plans every
5 years.
Kings County Kings River
Hardwick School,
Hanford Christian
School, Island
Union School,
Pioneer Union
Elementary
School, Lakeside
Union School,
Kings Ranch
Ministries, Villa
Terrace
Apartments,
Rollerland
Company,
Westlake Farms
Headquarters,
Couture Farms,
State Water
Resources
Control Board
(SWRCB)
Moderate FEMA HMA, CA
DWR
Water Systems Medium ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
KC-19 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought County Drought
Resiliency Plan – The
County will develop a
Drought Resiliency
Kings County Water Districts,
Small Water
Suppliers, NonTransient NonModerate FEMA HMA
HMGP, DWR
Water Systems Medium ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 258
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2023 Update Page 1-7
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Plan that includes
water districts, small
water suppliers, and
Non-Transient NonCommunity Water
Systems
Community
Water Systems
KC-20 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Perform a countywide
service area
assessment to address
the needs of
maintaining an
adequate level of
service for all small
public water systems.
Kings County Water Districts,
Small Water
Suppliers, NonTransient NonCommunity
Water Systems,
Kings County
Department of
Public Health
Moderate FEMA HMA
HMGP
Water Systems Medium ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
KC-21 Goal 1, Goal
3 Earthquake Adopt HazardResistant and Modern
Building Ordinance to
improve Seismic
Resiliency – Residential
properties would be
most vulnerable during
an major earthquake.
This action promotes
the regular local
adoption of applicable
building code updates
to the Building
Ordinance that are
consistent with the
minimum
requirements in the
California Building
Code (CBC) and make
use of the International
Code Council (ICC)
model building codes
to provide a higher
level of protection
against seismic
hazards.
Kings County Kings County
Community
Development
Agency
Moderate FEMA Public
Assistance,
National
Earthquake
Hazards
Reduction
Program’s State
Assistance
Grant Program
Safety and
Security; Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Communications,
Transportation
Low ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
KC-22 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat
Collaborate with the
Kings County Farm
Bureau to promote
Climate-Smart
Agricultural Practices
that improve crop
Kings County Kings County
Agricultural
Commissioner’s
Office,
Department of
Public Health,
High California
Climate
Investments
Technical
Assistance
Program
Safety and
Security; Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
Low MediumtermNew Action in 2023.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 259
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2023 Update Page 1-8
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
resilience to extreme
heat to ensure Kings
County’s working lands
are productive and
vulnerable and
underserved
communities can
access produce
throughout the year
and refrigeration
infrastructure.
Kings County
Farm Bureau
KC-23 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:
Heavy
Rain/Thunderst
orm/Hail/Lightni
ng, Severe
Weather:
Wind/Tornado
Kings County Cool
Zone and Warm Zone
Program – Expand
participating
businesses and
continuums of care in
Kings County in
partnership with major
hospitals and medical
clinics to ensure there
are protections in place
for the unhoused and
other vulnerable
populations during
extreme temperature
events. Also consider
retrofitting designated
facilities included in
the Program that can
also serve as Safe
Rooms during
earthquake and severe
weather events.
Kings County Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Moderate EPA Grants,
Office of
Environmental
Health Hazard
Assessment
(OEHHA),
Health and
Human
Services
Agency
Technical
Support
Safety and
Security; Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
Low MediumTermNew Action in 2023.
KC-24 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:
Heavy
Rain/Thunderst
orms/Hail/Light
ning, Severe
Weather:
Wind/Tornado
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
public survey will be
developed around atrisk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
Kings County Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security; Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
High ShortTermNew Action in 2023
May 23, 2024 Pg. 260
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2023 Update Page 1-9
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.
KC-25 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Landslide Development
Regulations in
Landslide Hazard Areas
- Define steep
slope/high-risk areas in
land use, community
plans, and specific
plans in western Kings
County and create
guidelines for
development in these
areas or restrict
development. The
regulations should also
ensure protections are
in place for critical
facilities, like
transportation and
communications
facilities.
Kings County Kings County
Community
Development
Agency
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security; Energy,
Transportation
Low MediumTermNew Action in 2023.
KC-26 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Severe Weather
– All
Protect Existing
Substandard Housing
and New Residential
Construction from
Severe Weather
Hazards – Identify
Housing Rehabilitation
Funding Opportunities
and Review Building
Ordinance and
consider inclusion of
techniques such as
structural bracing
(straps or clips, anchor
bolts), shutters, roof
coverings or
interlocking shingles,
flashing, and bracing
elevated components
in building design to
Kings County Kings County
Community
Development
Agency, City of
Avenal, City of
Corcoran, City of
Hanford, City of
Lemoore
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security
Low MediumtermNew Action in 2023.
Complements
Mitigation Action
KC-21.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 261
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ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
minimize severe
weather, hail, and wind
hazards.
KC-27 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Severe Weather
– Wind/Tornado
Protect Power Line
Infrastructure and
Coordinate a
Community Back-Up
Power Resiliency Plan
during PSPS Events –
This will involve
coordination with the
CPUC, PG&E and SCE
and the purchase of
permanent generators
in partnership with
hospitals, nursing
homes, and sheltering
facilities.
Kings County CPUC, Electric
Safety and
Reliability
Branch, PG&E,
SCE, City of
Avenal
High FEMA HMA
HMGP, CPUC
Rule 20
Undergroundin
g Programs,
Federal
Transportation
Enhancements
Program (under
TEA-21)
Energy Low MediumtermNew Action in 2023.
KC-28 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Wildfire Regulate Development
in Wildfire Urban
Interface (WUI) in
Western Portion of
County – Update Safety
Element policies to
address current wildfire
risk, discourage
development in the
WUI (very high Fire
Hazard Severity Zones
[VHFHSZs] or State
Responsibility Area
[SRA]), and implement
defensible space
inspection
requirements through
zoning or land use
regulations related to
emergency
accessibility, water
supply and flow for fire
suppression, visible
street addressing and
signage, defensible
space clearances, fuel
modifications, and fire
breaks.
Kings County Kings County Fire
Department
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security; Food,
Hydration,
Shelter; Health
and Medical;
Energy;
Communications,
Transportation;
Water Systems
Low ShorttermNew Action in 2023.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 262
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2023 Update Page 1-11
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
A-1 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Earthquake,
Land
Subsidence,
Landslide
Housing Rehabilitation
Program - Continue
and enhance housing
rehabilitation program.
Avenal City of Avenal
Community
Development
Director
High General Fund,
Housing and
Urban
Development
(HUD)
Community
Development
Block Grant
(CDBG) Funds,
HOME, Cal
Home Program
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium MediumtermIn progress. Homes
continue to be
rehabbed with these
funds-first come first
serve. The City has
received funding
from CDBG, HOME,
and the Cal Home
Program to
rehabilitate homes.
Under this program
most homes are torn
down and
reconstructed to
current codes.
A-2 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood, Drought,
Earthquake,
Land
Subsidence
Vulnerability of Water
Distribution System –
Upgrade the two water
transmission lines that
supply water to the city
and Avenal State Prison
(one 18‐inch line and
one 12‐inch line) that
experience water leaks
and movement due to
earthquakes that lead
to slope failure.
Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
High FEMA HMA
HMPG, BRIC
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium LongtermIn progress.
Expected to be
completed
December 2023.
A-3 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Earthquake,
Subsidence,
Landslide
Loss Reduction
Program for
unreinforced masonry
(URM) Buildings -
Establish a loss
reduction program for
URM buildings in
compliance with the
California URM Law of
1986. In response to the
danger posed by the
great number of
potentially hazardous
buildings in California,
in 1986 the state
legislature enacted the
URM building law
(Chapter 250, Statutes
of 1986: SF547 [Alquist];
Government Code
Avenal City of Avenal
City Manager’s
Office, California
Seismic Safety
Commission, City
of Avenal Public
Works
Department
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP, BRIC,
General Fund,
Staff Time
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium LongtermIn progress.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 263
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ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Section 8875 et seq.).
The law mitigates
hazards posed by
URMs and applies to all
jurisdictions in
California's Seismic
Hazard Zone 4, the
region of highest
earthquake activity in
the nation.
A-4 Goal 2, Goal
4 Earthquake Replace Existing Valves
at Tank Sites with
Earthquake Valves to
Protect Water Supply
Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security
Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
A-5 Goal 2, Goal
3, Goal 4
Drought Water Supply
Rehabilitation - Install
valve at the City water
source to isolate from
joint use facilities to
maintain water supply
during unexpected
outages of Westland
Water District facility.
Avenal DWR, City of
Avenal,
Westlands Water
District
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP, BRIC,
USDA DWSRF,
DWR Urban
Community
Drought Relief
Grant Program
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Low Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
A-6 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood; Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunder,
Hail, and
Lightning
Improve Flow Design
for Arroyo Esquinado
Channel
Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
Moderate FEMA HMA
HMGP, BRIC
Water Systems Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
A-7 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood Stormwater Drainage
Master Plan
Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
Moderate General Fund Water Systems Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
A-8* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood Investigate Capacity for
Floodwater
Conveyance Facilities
(Drainage Ditches and
Culverts) along Arroyo
del Camino
Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
Moderate FEMA HMA
HMGP, BRIC,
General Fund
Water Systems Low Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
A-9* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Land
Subsidence
Conduct updated Land
Subsidence Study to
understand Elevation,
Shifts, and
Vulnerability.
Avenal Kings County
Administration,
Water
Management
Agencies, City of
Avenal Public
Works
Department
Moderate DWR, FEMA
HMA HMGP,
USACE
Safety and
Security, Food
and Water,
Shelter,
Transportation
Medium Long
Term
New Action in 2023.
May 23, 2024 Pg. 264
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2023 Update Page 1-13
ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
A-10 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Wildfire Undergrounding of
Utilities along City’s
Main Corridors
Avenal Kings County Fire
Department
High FEMA HMA
HMGP, US
Forest Service
WUI Grants
Energy Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
A-11 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:
Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning,
Severe Weather:
Wind and
Tornado
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
public survey will be
developed around atrisk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.
Avenal Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Health and
Medical, Energy,
Transportation
High Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
C-1 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Extreme
Temperatures:
Freeze and Heat
Equip and maintain
the Recreational
Association of Corcoran
(RAC) Gymnasium
Building, and Corcoran
Transit Station with
climate control
features and designate
each site as an
Emergency Warming
and Cooling Center for
Sensitive Populations
Corcoran City of Corcoran
Public Works
Department
High FEMA HMA
HMGP, Other
State Grants
Safety and
Security
High Long
Term
In progress - revised
in 2023. This project
has been carried
over from the 2007
and 2012 MJHMPs.
This action has also
been modified to
now include the RAC
Building and the
Corcoran Transit
Station. These
facilities are already
in use for this
purpose and now
need to be
maintained for this
use.
C-2** Goal 1, Goal
3 Extreme
Temperatures:
Extreme Heat
Emergency Power
System for the
Corcoran Depot
Apartment complex
operated by the Kings
Corcoran City of Corcoran
Public Works,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services
High, Community
Power
Resiliency
Allocation
Program,
EMPG, FEMA
Energy High Short
Term
In progress - revised
in 2023. Use of the
Veteran’s Hall is no
longer needed now
that the RAC
gymnasium is
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MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
County Housing
Authority.
HMA HMGP,
SHSGP Grant
Program
outfitted and serves
a larger population.
The next critically
identified need area
is the Corcoran
Depot apartment
complex as it houses
a concentrated area
of senior and special
needs individuals.
C-3 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Earthquake,
Flood, Land
Subsidence
Assess the Vulnerability
of Critical Facilities –
Assess vulnerability of
critical facilities,
including police/fire
stations, hospitals,
schools, and others, to
identify and prioritize
projects for multi‐
hazard risk reduction.
Corcoran City of Corcoran
Public Works,
Police
Department
High General Fund Water Systems High Ongoing In progress. This was carried over from the
2012 MJHMP. The
Police Department
building is a newly
constructed building
that shifted all Police
Department
operations to the
new facility in 2019.
Other City facilities
are routinely
reviewed through
risk management
authority in order to
maintain current
insurance.
C-4 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Assess Community
Lifelines related to
Water Distribution
Systems – Assess
vulnerability of lifeline
utilities, including
water distribution
systems, to identify and
prioritize projects for
multi‐hazard risk
reduction.
Corcoran City of Corcoran
Public Works
Department
High Department of
Water
Resources
(DWR) and
Regional Water
Quality Control
Board (RWQCB)
Safety and
Security, Water
Systems
High Ongoing In progress. This was
carried over from the
2007 MJHMP.
Upgrades and
investments are
routinely planned for
the City’s CIP and
funding through
grants, loans and
other City funding.
The City’s Water
system is monitored
and upgraded to
maintain reliable
system services,
which also proactively addresses
challenges posed by
the drought. The
City’s Wastewater
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GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
ponds and
connecting system
were recently
upgraded using
American Rescue
Plan (ARP) funding.
C-5 Goal 3 Cyber Threat Use antivirus solutions,
malware, and firewalls
to block threats
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Public Works
Department
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security;
Communications
Medium Ongoing New Action in 2023.
The City has assessed
network
vulnerabilities and is
currently
Implementing
measures for
cybersecurity.
Monitoring and
evaluation will be
ongoing to evaluate
changes and risks.
C-6** Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Severe
Weather: Dense
Fog, Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Lightning and
Hail
Community Alert and
Warning System -
Purchase, install, test
and utilize a
community wide alert
and early warning
system that alerts
residents by phone,
email, cell phone and
other electronic
communication
devices. This system
can be expanded to
include a Flood Early
Warning System
(FEWS) component
(HMGP eligible
component) that
utilizes USGS and
NOAA rainfall and flood
gauges to initiate
flood-specific warnings
and downstream
evacuations.
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Corcoran Police
Department, and
Kings County
OES
Moderate Emergency
Management
Performance
Grant (EMPG),
Homeland
Security Grant
Program
(HSGP), High
Hazard
Potential Dam
(HHPD), FEWS
designs that
are eligible for
HMPG funding
Safety and
Security, Water
Systems
High Ongoing New Action in 2023.
The City has
implemented NIXLE
Alert System, and
utilizes City
associated social
media for
community
announcements.
Extended
Countywide alert
notification system is
in development
through Kings
County OES –
Funding has been
secured through a
EMPG Grant.
C-7 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought Public Education
Program for Water
Conservation
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
City Public Works
Department
Low General Fund,
City Water
Enterprise
Fund, and
Department of
Water Systems High Ongoing New Action in 2023.
The City is currently
implementing
citywide water meter
installation along
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GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Water
Resources
funding.
with public use
property water use
application, water
restriction
notifications, and
enhancing water
utility payment
information.
Together, these
systems are
providing enhanced
water conservation
education to the
public and is
anticipated to affect
greater conservation
headed into 2024
summer.
C-8* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flooding,
Drought,
Subsidence
Corcoran Flood
Protection – MultiAgency Strategic Plan
for Upstream
Floodwater Diversion to
Reduce Tulare Lake
Flooding
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Cross Creek Flood
Control District,
other Water &
Irrigation Districts
representing the
Tulare Lake Basin,
and DWR
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP, DWR
Riverine
Stewardship
Program and
Urban Stream
Restoration
Program, Prop
68 Funds
(Floodplain
Management,
Protection, and
Risk Awareness
Grant Program)
Water Systems High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.
Acknowledges that
the USACE controls
water releases from
Pine Flat, Terminus,
Schaefer, and
Isabella Dams, and
water and irrigation
districts in Kings,
Tulare, Fresno, and
Kern counties. It is
critical to beneficial
groundwater
recharge and
management.
C-9* Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Failure;
Flood; Severe
Weather:
Heavy Rain,
Thunder, Hail,
and Lightning
Enhanced Erosion
Control and Protection
of the Flood Control
Levee
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Cross Creek Flood
Control District
High FEMA HMA
HMGP, DWR
Urban
Community
Drought Relief
Program
Safety and
Security
Medium Long
Term
New Action in 2023.
DWR response to
2023 flooding
provided erosion
control measures
along the Corcoran
Levee for enhanced
erosion control. This
established a flood
response measure
that can be
replicated in future
years with flood
disasters.
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ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
C-10* Goal 2, Goal
3, Goal 4
Flooding,
Drought,
Subsidence
Increase Reservoir
Storage for Control of
Floodwater
Corcoran Cross Creek Flood
Control District,
City of Corcoran,
USACE, Kings
County, Other
Water Districts
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP, DWR
Grants
Water Systems High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.
C-11 Goal 3 Public Health
Hazards
Utilize trainings and
exercises,
epidemiology, and
surveillance to control
and combat public
health risks
Corcoran Kings County,
City of Corcoran
Moderate General Fund Health and
Medical
Medium Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
This would be a
Kings County Public
Health Department
initiated effort that
the City supports
and helps to
facilitate in Corcoran.
C-12* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Flooding Update the City’s
Storm Drain Master
Plan every Few Years to
included Planned
Growth Areas
Corcoran City of Corcoran Low General Fund Water Systems Low Short Term
New Action in 2023.
This is needed
infrastructure for the
City to diversify
disbursement of
stormwater drainage
within the City.
C-13* Goal l, Goal
2, Goal 3
Flooding Continue to Participate
with the Cross Creek
Flood Control District
to Ensure Levees
Protecting Corcoran
from Tulare Lake
Flooding are
Adequately Monitored
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Cross Creek Flood
Control District
Low General Fund Water Systems,
Safety and
Security
High Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
This is ongoing
monitoring and
maintenance efforts
that are needed.
New Action in 2023;
this was integrated
from the Safety
Element (Policy 4.17).
C-14 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:
Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning,
Severe Weather:
Wind and
Tornado
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
public survey will be
developed around atrisk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
Corcoran Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security, Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
High Short
Term
New Action in 2023/
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ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.
H-1 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought,
Earthquake,
Extreme
Temperatures,
Flood, Public
Health Hazards,
Wildfire
Public Education
Program for All
Hazards
Hanford County and City
Public Works,
Kings County
Health Dept.,
Kings County
OES
Low General Fund Safety and
Security
High Ongoing In progress. The
Hanford Fire
Department hired a
Fire Mashal to lead
Community Risk
Reduction and
public education
program for the
department.
Outreach now
includes numerous
events such as
school programs and
other monthly
events.
H-2 Goal 1, Goal
3 Drought Retrofits to Water
Storage Tanks – Two
water storage tanks
holding 800,000
gallons of water need
to be seismically
retrofitted against
seismic and fire
hazards following
earthquakes
Hanford City of Hanford
Public Works
Department
Moderate DWR Grants,
HMGP
Food, Water
Shelter
High Ongoing In progress. Drilled
two new wells to
feed the system and
added two
additional 500,000
water tanks being
proposed as part of
the City
Infrastructure Plan.
H-3 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Earthquake GIS Database of
Unreinforced Masonry
(URM) Buildings
Hanford City of Hanford
Fire Department,
Kings County
Community
Development,
OES, City GIS, IT
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security;
Communication;
Transportation
Medium Short
Term
Not started. Funding
not secured yet.
H-4 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Earthquake Retrofit 58 URM
Buildings in Downtown
Hanford
Hanford City of Hanford
City Manager’s
Office
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium Long
Term
In progress. In
certain cases, the
City has required
developers to
conform to the most
recent
H-5 Goal 1, Goal
2 Earthquake,
Dam Incidents,
Flood, Wildfire
Disaster Evacuation
Routes - Ensure the
maintenance and
enhancement of
established disaster
evacuation routes
Hanford City of Hanford
City Manager’s
Office, City of
Hanford Public
Works
Department,
Moderate General Fund Transportation Medium Medium
Term
Not started.
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ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Kings County
OES
H-6 Goal 1 Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood,
Subsidence,
Landslide, Fog,
Severe Storms,
Wildfire
Develop a
transportation routing
app, like the Caltrans
app, to divert traffic
due to road conditions
during hazard events.
Hanford Kings County
Public Works,
Kings County
Administration
Moderate Community
Power
Resiliency
Allocation
Program,
Emergency
Management
Performance
Grant (EMPG),
HMGP
Transportation,
Communication
Low Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-7 Goal 1, Goal
2 Flooding,
Wildfire
Create a flood channel
debris management
plan to allow the flow
of water, increase
capacity, and remove
fire hazards.
Hanford Kings County
Public Works,
Water and
Irrigation
Districts, City
Public Works
High Proposition 68,
Federal and
State
Resources
Safety and
Security
High Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-8 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood; Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunder,
Hail and
Lightning;
Drought;
Subsidence
Develop a series of
flood control basins on
the Kings River that
either recharge or store
water during flood
flows.
Hanford Kings County
Conservation
District (KRCD),
Local GSAs
Very High DWR Grants,
FEMA HMA
HMGP, BRIC
Safety and
Security, and
Food, Water,
Shelter
High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-9 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood, Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunder,
Hail and
Lightning
Evaluate federal levees
to determine height
and make-up of levees
to protect during 100-
year storm events.
Hanford United States
Army Corps of
Engineers
(USACE), KRCD
Very High USACE Grants Safety and
Security
High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-10 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood,
Subsidence,
Severe Weather:
Heavy Rain,
Thunder, Hail
and Lightning
Remove sediment from
Kings River to avoid
future capacity issues.
Hanford KRCD Very High HMPG Funds.
Prop 68
Safety and
Security
High Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-11 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought,
Subsidence
Conduct updated land
subsidence study to
understand elevations,
shifts, and vulnerability.
Hanford Kings County
Administration,
Water
Management
Agencies
Moderate DWR, USACE,
Cal OES
Safety and
Security, Food,
water, Shelter,
Transportation
Medium Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-12 Goal 3 Cyber-attack Use antivirus solutions,
malware, and firewalls
to block threats
Hanford Kings County,
Avenal, Corcoran,
Hanford,
Lemoore
Moderate General fund Safety and
Security,
Communications
Medium Ongoing New Action in 2023.
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HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
H-13 Goal 3 Public Health
Hazards
Utilize trainings and
exercises,
epidemiology, and
surveillance to control
and combat public
health risks
Hanford County and City
Public Health
Departments
Moderate General Fund Health and
Medical
Medium Ongoing New Action in 2023.
H-14 Goal 1, Goal
3 Earthquake,
Drought
Safety Building &
Community Center –
Create a safety building
for police and fire
administration.
Building will house
EOC and a community
center
Hanford Hanford Police
and Fire
Departments
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security
Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-15 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures:
Heat and Freeze
Extreme Weather
Shelter - Develop plan
for center to assist atrisk populations during
extreme weather
events. Coordinate with
regional plans for
consistency.
Hanford Hanford
Community
Development
Agency, Police
and Fire
Department
Moderate General Fund,
APGP
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
High Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-16 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Dense
Fog Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning, High
Wind and
Tornado,
Wildfire
Grangeville Overpass -
Design and build an
overpass for the train
tracks to allow
emergency vehicle
access during a hazard
event.
Hanford Hanford Public
Works,
Community
Development,
and
Administration
Very High General Fund Transportation High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-17 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Dense
Fog Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning, High
Wind and
Tornado,
Wildfire
Assess the Capacity
and Viability of
Designate Evacuation
Routes and Develop
Evacuation Plan for All
Hazard Scenarios
Hanford Hanford Public
Works,
Community
Development,
and
Administration
Very High General Fund Transportation High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.
H-18 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Incidents;
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
Hanford Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security, Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
High ShortTermNew in 2023
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HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:
Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning,
Severe Weather:
Wind and
Tornado
public survey will be
developed around atrisk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
L-1 Goal 1, Goal
3 Drought,
Earthquake,
Extreme Heat,
Flood, Fog,
Freeze, Wildfire
Public Education
Program for All
Hazards
Lemoore City of Lemoore,
City Public
Works, Kings
County Health
Department,
Kings County
OES,
Low General Fund,
FEMA HMA
HMGP, EMPG
Safety and
Security;
Communications
High Short
Term
In progress. This
project entails
establishing a
training program to
educate citizens
about hazards and
encourage
households to have
emergency kits,
plans, and drills in
place.
L-2 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Long-Term Water
Supply – Improve
coordination, planning,
and investment in
long-term water
supplies to meet
demands of ongoing
growth and
development
Lemoore City of Lemoore,
Kings County
Water District,
Kings County,
Kings County
COG
Moderate DWR Funds Water Systems High Short
Term
In progress. The City
has installed a new
well head and is
actively pursuing
funding sources to
complete treatment
and connection to
water supply for
development on the
south side of town.
L-3* Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Earthquake,
Flood, Land
Subsidence
Inter-jurisdictional GIS
Program -– Establish a
centralized, interjurisdictional GIS
program to improve all
phases of emergency
management
Lemoore City of Lemoore
Planning
Department
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP, ESRI,
General Fund
Communications High Ongoing In progress. This
project was
completed as part of
the 2012 MJHMP but
carried forward in
that plan as an
ongoing effort. The
City continues to
participate in the
Municipal GIS
Program with the
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HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Kings County
Planning
Department.
L-4 Goal 1, Goal
3 Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood,
Subsidence,
Landslide, Fog,
Severe Storms,
Wildfire
Develop a
transportation routing
app, similar to the
Caltrans app, to divert
traffic due to road
conditions during
hazard events
Lemoore Kings County
Public Works,
Kings County
Administration,
Kings County,
City of Lemoore
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Transportation Low Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
L-5 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Public Education
Program for Water
Supply and
Conservation
Lemoore City of Lemoore
Administration
Department,
Finance
Department
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP, DWR
Grants
Water Systems Medium Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
The City of Lemoore
recently hired a
Water Conservation
Officer to provide
public education on
water supply and
conservation
measures.
L-6 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood Well Protection and
Flood Mitigation –
Protect Wells from
Floodwaters during
Future Flooding Events
by Building
Infrastructure and
Protection around the
Well Sites
Lemoore City of Lemoore
Public Works
High FEMA HMA
HMGP, DWR
Funds, USDA
DWSRF
Water Systems Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
The City of Lemoore
Public Works
Department has
created berms
around City wells
and is researching
additional protective
measure solutions.
L-7 Goal 1, Goal
2 Flood, Wildfire Create a flood channel
debris management
plan to allow the flow
of water, increase
capacity, and remove
fire hazards.
Lemoore City of Lemoore,
Kings County
Public Works,
Water and
Irrigation
Districts, City
Public Works,
Kings County
High FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security, Water
Systems
High Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.
L-8* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought,
Subsidence
Conduct updated land
subsidence study to
understand elevations,
shifts, and vulnerability.
Lemoore City of Lemoore,
Kings County
Administration,
Water
Management
Agencies
Moderate DWR, USACE,
Cal OES
Safety and
Security, Food,
water, Shelter,
Transportation
Low Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
The City currently
performs subsidence
studies at areas of
concern.
L-9 Goal 3 Cyber Attack Use antivirus solutions,
malware, and firewalls
to block threats
Lemoore Kings County,
Avenal, Corcoran,
Hanford,
Lemoore
Moderate General fund,
HSGP
Safety and
Security,
Communications
Medium Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
City of Lemoore IT
staff will assess cyber
security needs and
seek solutions to
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ID LINKS TO
GOALS
HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED
DESCRIPTION/
BACKGROUND/
BENEFITS
JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY
AND PARTNERS
COST
ESTIMATE
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
improve security
measures.
L-10 Goal 3 Public Health
Hazards
Utilize trainings and
exercises,
epidemiology and
surveillance to control
and combat public
health risks
Lemoore County Public
Health
Department
Moderate General Fund Health and
Medical
Low Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
The City does not
have a Public Health
Department, but will
coordinate with the
Kings County Public
Health Department
during public health
emergencies.
L-11 Goal 1, Goal
3 Dam Incidents Develop plan
addressing
communication and
evacuation for
vulnerable populations
in areas potentially
impacted by Pine Flat
Dam failure.
Lemoore Kings County
OES
Low General Fund Communications,
Safety and
Security
Low Short
Term
New Action in 2023.
The City will
coordinate with
Kings County OES to
create a response
plan addressing the
impacts of a dam
failure.
L-12 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Incidents;
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:
Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning,
Severe Weather:
Wind and
Tornado; Severe
Weather: Dense
Fog
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
public survey will be
developed around atrisk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.
Lemoore Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
; Safety and
Security, Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
High ShortTermNew Action in 2023
Acronyms and abbreviations are defined below:
• HMA – Hazard Mitigation Assistant Program
• HMGP – Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
• HSGP – Homeland Security Grant Program
• EMPG – Emergency Management Performance Grant
• Community Power Resiliency Allocation Grant Program – formerly the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Program Funds • DWR – Department of Water Resources Grant Funds
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• Proposition 68 – water bond funds allocated to recreation, ecosystem protection, habitat conservation, and climate resilience projects • KRCD – Kings River Conservation District Funds (funding from the California Department of Conservation [DOC]) • USACE – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Funds
• APGP – Adaptation Planning Grant Program
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................................................................................i Annexes ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................xxviii 1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Purpose of Plan..................................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Hazard Mitigation Planning.......................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.3 Federal Regulatory Framework..............................................................................................................................................1-2
1.4 State and Local Regulatory Framework............................................................................................................................1-2
1.5 Background and Scope...............................................................................................................................................................1-2
1.6 Plan Update.........................................................................................................................................................................................1-3
1.7 Multi-Jurisdictional Planning...................................................................................................................................................1-4
1.8 Plan Organization............................................................................................................................................................................1-4 2 Community Profile and Capability Assessment.........................................................................................................................2-1
2.1 History .....................................................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Geography and Climate .............................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.3 Land Ownership..............................................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.4 Transportation System................................................................................................................................................................2-5
2.5 Economy.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2-6
2.6 Population & Housing Characteristics...............................................................................................................................2-7
2.7 Natural and Recreation Resources..................................................................................................................................... 2-9
2.8 County’s Mitigation Capabilities......................................................................................................................................... 2-10
2.8.1 Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities .......................................................................................................................2-11
2.8.2 Related Plans and Regulations...............................................................................................................................2-11
2.8.3 Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities............................................................................2-14
2.8.4 Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities...................................................................................................................................2-16
2.8.5 Other Mitigation Programs and Partnerships ..............................................................................................2-17
2.8.6 Opportunities for Enhancement...........................................................................................................................2-18 3 Planning Process ............................................................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1 Background on Mitigation Planning in Kings County .............................................................................................3-1
3.2 What’s New in the Plan Update.............................................................................................................................................3-1
3.2.1 Plan Section Review and Analysis – 2022-2023 Update..........................................................................3-2
3.3 Multi-Jurisdictional Participation.........................................................................................................................................3-4
3.4 Planning Process.............................................................................................................................................................................3-4
3.4.1 Phase 1: Organize Resources..................................................................................................................................... 3-5
3.4.2 Planning Step 3: Coordinate with Other Departments and Agencies .........................................3-16
3.4.3 Phase 2: Assess Risks....................................................................................................................................................3-23
3.4.4 Phase 3: Develop the Mitigation Plan...............................................................................................................3-24
3.4.5 Phase 4: Implement the Plan and Monitor Progress ..............................................................................3-24 4 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.................................................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Non‐Profiled Hazards...................................................................................................................................................................4-2
4.2 Disaster Declaration History.....................................................................................................................................................4-2
4.3 Methodology......................................................................................................................................................................................4-4
4.3.1 Hazard Ranking Summary by Jurisdiction...................................................................................................... 4-5
4.4 Asset Summary................................................................................................................................................................................4-7
4.4.1 Assets Exposure .................................................................................................................................................................4-7
4.5 Hazard Analysis and Risk Summary ................................................................................................................................4-22
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4.5.2 CYBER-ATTACK...............................................................................................................................................................4-27
4.5.3 DAM INCIDENTS.............................................................................................................................................................4-33
4.5.4 DROUGHT...........................................................................................................................................................................4-43
4.5.5 EARTHQUAKE................................................................................................................................................................. 4-59
4.5.6 EXTREME TEMPERATURES: FREEZE AND HEAT..................................................................................... 4-89
4.5.7 FLOOD 4-99
4.5.8 LAND SUBSIDENCE.....................................................................................................................................................4-117
4.5.9 LANDSLIDE.......................................................................................................................................................................4-122
4.5.10 PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARDS: PANDEMICS/EPIDEMICS ........................................................................4-127
4.5.11 SEVERE WEATHER: GENERAL.............................................................................................................................4-136
4.5.12 SEVERE WEATHER: DENSE FOG........................................................................................................................4-138
4.5.13 SEVERE WEATHER: HEAVY RAIN, THUNDERSTORMS, HAIL, AND LIGHTNING...................4-142
4.5.14 SEVERE WEATHER: HIGH WIND/TORNADO..............................................................................................4-157
4.5.15 WILDFIRE...........................................................................................................................................................................4-167 5 Mitigation Strategy ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Mitigation Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1 Mitigation Goals.................................................................................................................................................................5-2
5.2 Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Actions ......................................................................................................5-2
5.2.1 Prioritization Process..................................................................................................................................................... 5-3
5.2.2 Continued NFIP Participation.................................................................................................................................. 5-5
5.3 Mitigation Strategy Action Plan...........................................................................................................................................5-6
5.3.1 Progress on Previous Mitigation Actions ...........................................................................................................5-7
5.3.2 Updated Action Plan...................................................................................................................................................5-10 6 Plan Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance.............................................................................................................. 6-1
6.1 Adoption............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Implementation.............................................................................................................................................................................. 6-1
6.2.1 Role of the HMPC in Implementation and Maintenance....................................................................... 6-1
6.3 Maintenance and Monitoring................................................................................................................................................ 6-2
6.3.1 Maintenance Schedule................................................................................................................................................ 6-2
6.3.2 Maintenance and Evaluation Process................................................................................................................. 6-3
6.3.3 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms.................................................................................... 6-3
6.3.4 Continued Public Involvement............................................................................................................................... 6-4 7 Plan Adoption..................................................................................................................................................................................................7-1
7.1 Element E.1 Formal Plan Adoption Documentation.................................................................................................7-1
7.2 General Plan Safety Element Integration.........................................................................................................................7-1 8 References......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8-1 May 23, 2024 Pg. 278
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
Appendix B: Planning Process Documentation
Appendix C: Approval and Adoption Documentation
Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives
Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
Appendix G: Public Survey Results
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ANNEXES
Annex A: City of Avenal
Annex B: City of Corcoran
Annex C: City of Hanford
Annex D: City of Lemoore
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Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Introduction
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE OF PLAN
Kings County including the participating jurisdictions have prepared this multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan (MJHMP) to guide hazard mitigation planning to better protect the people and property of the County from the effects of hazard events. The purpose of this MJHMP is to identify policies, actions, and strategies that will help to reduce risk and prevent future losses. Hazard mitigation is best realized when community leaders, businesses, citizens, and other stakeholders join together to undertake a process of learning about hazards that can affect their area and use this knowledge to prioritize needs and develop a strategy for reducing damage. Hazard mitigation is most effective when it is based on a comprehensive long-term plan that is developed prior to a disaster occurring.
This plan demonstrates the Kings County communities’ commitment to reducing risks from hazards and serves as a tool to help decision-makers direct mitigation activities and resources. This plan was also developed to make Kings County and the participating jurisdictions eligible for certain federal disaster assistance, specifically, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, as well as to make the County and jurisdictions more disaster resistant. This plan demonstrates the County’s commitment to reducing risks from hazards and serves as a tool to help decision-makers direct mitigation activities and resources.
1.2 HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING
FEMA has determined that there is a critical link between hazard mitigation planning and sustainability.
This means if Kings County has the foresight to plan ahead to reduce the impacts of hazards, the County will be better able to prevent injury, loss of life and damage to our homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. The County can use the threat of disaster as a catalyst to act and develop a plan so we can recover more quickly following a disaster.
Kings County and the four participating jurisdictions have committed to reducing long-term risk to their citizens and damage to property from the effects of natural hazards. By planning, preparing, and adopting a MJHMP, the County and each jurisdiction are taking a proactive approach to reduce or eliminate the impacts of hazards before they occur.
FEMA defines “hazard mitigation” as any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. The County's plan will serve as a tool for learning from disasters that have already occurred, so they can deal with them more effectively and efficiently with less expenditure than in the past.
Direct benefits include:
• Reduced loss of life;
• Reduced loss of property and essential services;
• Reduced economic hardship;
• Reduced reconstruction costs;
• Increased cooperation and communication within the community through the planning process; and
• Expedited post-disaster funding.
Indirect benefits include:
• Disaster resilience;
• Environmental quality;
• Economic vitality; and
• Improved quality of life.
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1.3 FEDERAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Section 322, Mitigation Planning, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (“the Stafford Act”), enacted by Section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (“DMA 2000”), provides revitalized approaches to mitigation planning. Section 322 continues the requirement for a State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) as a condition of disaster assistance and establishes a new requirement for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMP). In order to apply for federal aid for technical assistance and post-disaster funding, local jurisdictions must comply with DMA 2000 and its implementing regulations (44 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 201.6).
Under the 2008 44 CFR update, requirements have changed governing mitigation planning provisions for LHMPs published under 44 CFR §201.6. LHMPs qualify communities for federal mitigation grant programs including:
• HMA Grants
• HMGP
• BRIC
• FMA
• High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD)
• Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)
• Repetitive Flood Claim (RFC)
1.4 STATE AND LOCAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The MJHMP was prepared consistent with the Health and Safety Element (Safety Element) of the Kings County General Plan, as the planning effort covers common overlapping natural hazard issues and mutually-reinforcing policies and implementation programs. The MJHMP and Safety Element are considered complimentary documents that address natural hazards, and both planning documents contain goals, policies, and project actions or implementation programs to enhance the County’s mitigation efforts related to public safety.
California Government Code Section 65302.10, also referred to as Assembly Bill (AB) 2140 encourages California counties and cities to adopt their current, FEMA-approved LHMPs into the Safety Element of their General Plan. This adoption by reference or incorporation of the MJHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan follows plan approval and makes Kings County and each participating jurisdiction eligible to be considered for part or all of its local-share costs on eligible public assistance funding to be provided by the State through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA). The CDAA allows the State to pay up to 18.75% of the non-federal share that would otherwise fall upon a county or city to pay for public assistance projects. The legislature passed AB 2140 to provide additional funding after a disaster occurs. The local share is 25% of the total project cost; therefore, the legislation allows city and counties that comply to be eligible for only the remaining local share (6.25%).
AB 2140 is an optional state incentive to help counties and cities become more resilient to natural hazards. Compliance with AB 2140 also expires when the MJHMP expires, and the County must re-adopt the plan into the Safety Element during update cycles to ensure continued compliance and funding eligibility. Additionally, each participating jurisdiction in Kings County must adopt their annex into their own General Plan Safety Element, as the annex jurisdictions are not covered under the County’s General Plan Safety Element adoption.
1.5 BACKGROUND AND SCOPE
In the State of California and around the world, natural disasters occur frequently. Each year in the United States, disasters take the lives of hundreds of people and injure thousands more. Nationwide, taxpayers pay billions of dollars annually to help communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals recover from disasters. The time and money needed to recover from these events can strain or deplete local resources. These monies only partially reflect the true cost of disasters because additional expenses to insurance companies and non-governmental organizations are not reimbursed by tax dollars. Many disasters are predictable, and much of the damage caused by these events can be alleviated or even eliminated.
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Hazard mitigation is defined by FEMA as “any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life and property from a hazard event.” The results of a three-year, congressionally mandated independent study to assess future savings from mitigation activities provides evidence that mitigation activities are highly cost-effective. On average, each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of $6 in avoided future losses in addition to saving lives and preventing injuries (Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: 2017 Interim Report).
Hazard mitigation planning is the process through which hazards that threaten communities are identified; likely impacts are determined, prioritized, and implemented. This MJHMP update continues the hazard mitigation planning process for Kings County, the unincorporated county; the participating cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore. The plan identifies natural and human-caused hazards and risks within Kings County and identifies the hazard mitigation strategy to reduce vulnerability and make the communities of Kings County more disaster-resistant and sustainable. Information in this plan can be used to help guide and coordinate mitigation activities and local land use decisions. Proactive mitigation planning will help reduce the cost of disaster response and recovery to the community and its property owners by protecting critical community facilities, reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community impacts and disruption. The Kings County planning area has been affected by hazards in the past and is thus committed to reducing future disaster impacts and maintaining eligibility for federal funding.
1.6 PLAN UPDATE
This plan underwent a comprehensive update in 2022-2023 in fulfillment of the five-year update requirement. Several factors underscore the need for this planning effort:
• Kings County is exposed to hazards that have caused past damage. • Limited local resources make it difficult to be pre-emptive in reducing risk. Eligibility for federal financial assistance is paramount to promote successful hazard mitigation in the area. • Kings County and its partners recognize the probability of certain future hazards is increasing, and want to identify and implement mitigation actions that will address the needs of populations most vulnerable to these hazards impacts.
• Kings County and its partners participating in this plan want to be proactive in preparing for the probable impacts of natural hazards.
The Kings County’s 2012 MJHMP was already developed pursuant to the regulations of DMA 2000, and the implementing regulations set forth by the Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2002 (44 CFR Section 201.6). While the act emphasized the need for mitigation plans and more coordinated mitigation planning and implementation efforts, the regulations established the requirements that LHMPs must meet in order for a local jurisdiction to be eligible for certain federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation funding under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act (Public Law 93-288). Because the Kings County planning and response area is subject to many kinds of hazards, access to these programs is vital. As a result, the County and its participating jurisdictions must complete a comprehensive plan update every five years. For the current plan update, Kings County completed the update as part of a multi-jurisdictional planning process in 2022-2023 to bring the MJHMP into compliance with recent legislation related to climate change probability, underserved and socially vulnerable populations, increased stakeholder engagement, and to address emerging concerns. The Kings County 2012 MJHMP was adopted by Kings County and the participating jurisdictions on January 13, 2015. The Kings County 2012 MJHMP was approved by FEMA on June 4, 2015.
Information in this plan will be used to help guide and coordinate mitigation activities and decisions for local land use policy in the future. Proactive mitigation planning will help reduce the cost of disaster response and recovery to the community and its property owners by protecting critical community facilities, reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community impacts and disruption. The Kings County planning area has been affected by hazards in the past and is thus committed to reducing future disaster impacts and maintaining eligibility for federal funding.
This MJHMP identifies resources, information, and strategies for reducing risk from natural hazards.
Elements and strategies in the plan were selected because they meet a program requirement and because they best meet the needs of the planning partners and their citizens. One of the benefits of multi-jurisdictional planning is the ability to pool resources and eliminate redundant activities within a planning area that has uniform risk exposure and vulnerabilities. FEMA encourages multi-jurisdictional May 23, 2024 Pg. 283
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planning under its guidance for the DMA. This plan will help guide and coordinate mitigation activities throughout the planning area. The plan was developed to meet the following objectives:
• Meet or exceed the requirements of the DMA.
• Enable all planning partners to use federal grant funding to reduce risk through mitigation. • Meet the needs of each planning partner as well as state and federal requirements. • Create a risk assessment that focuses on Kings County hazards of concern. • Update the risk assessment with a consequence analysis that assesses the risk and vulnerability of people, property, critical facilities and infrastructure, natural and cultural resources, future development from these hazards of concern.
• Create a single planning document that integrates all planning partners into a framework that supports partnerships within the County and puts all partners on the same planning cycle for future updates.
• Meet the planning requirements of FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), allowing planning partners that may choose to participate in the CRS program to enhance their CRS classifications. • Coordinate existing plans and programs so that high-priority initiatives and projects to mitigate possible disaster impacts are funded and implemented.
1.7 MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL PLANNING
All citizens and businesses of Kings County are the ultimate beneficiaries of this MJHMP. The plan reduces the risk for those who live in, work in, and visit the County. It also provides a viable planning framework for all foreseeable natural hazards that may impact the County. Participation in the development of the plan by key stakeholders in the County helps ensure that outcomes will be mutually beneficial. The resources and background information in the plan are applicable countywide, and the plan’s goals and recommendations can lay the groundwork for the development and implementation of local mitigation activities and partnerships.
The Kings County 2022-2023 MJHMP is a multi-jurisdictional plan that geographically covers people, property, and critical assets within Kings County’s jurisdictional boundaries (hereinafter referred to as the planning area). Unincorporated Kings County and the following jurisdictions participated in the 2022- 2023 update planning process:
• Kings County
• City of Avenal
• City of Corcoran
• City of Hanford
• City of Lemoore
The four cities were all participants of the 2012 Kings County MJHMP. In addition to these four cities, Santa Rose Rancheria/Tachi Yokut Tribe and the Kings County Office of Education representing various school districts were also all participants of the 2012 Kings County MJHMP, however, they opted not to participate in the 2022-2023 plan update due to limited staff capacity and resources. This 2022-2023 MJHMP update process covers four of the participating jurisdictions and includes four annexes.
1.8 PLAN ORGANIZATION
The sections that comprise the County’s MJHMP include:
Executive Summary and Prerequisite – This section includes the executive summary of the MJHMP and addresses the formal adoption of the plan by each governing body to demonstrate the commitment of the community and elected officials to the County's goal of becoming disaster-resistant.
Section 1: Introduction – This section describes the purpose of the MJHMP update, the benefits of hazard mitigation planning, the federal and state regulatory requirements, and the background of the County’s hazard mitigation planning process.
Section 2: Community Profile and Capability Assessment – This section provides the history and background of the County, including population trends and the demographic and economic conditions that have shaped the area. This section also includes the County’s capability assessment.
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Section 3: Planning Process – This section identifies the planning process, the HMPC members, the meetings held as part of the planning process, documents the outreach efforts, and the review and incorporation of existing plans, reports, and other appropriate information.
Section 4: Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment (HIRA), and Consequence Analysis –This section describes the process through which the HMPC and our local partners identified, screened, and selected the hazards to be profiled. The hazard analysis includes the description, location, extent, and probability of future events for each hazard. This section also includes a Vulnerability Assessment. The Vulnerability Assessment covers all hazards and considers the impact on the following assets: property; people; critical facilities and infrastructure; natural and cultural resources; economic condition of the jurisdiction; and future development trends.
Section 5: Mitigation Strategy – The mitigation strategy section provides a plan for reducing the potential losses identified in the vulnerability analysis. Mitigation goals and potential actions to minimize the risks and losses associated with each hazard will be described along with a strategy for implementation.
Section 6: Implementation and Maintenance – This section describes the method and schedule for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the plan to ensure it remains an active and applicable document.
Section 7: Plan Adoption – This section includes the plan adoption documentation and process for integrating the plan by reference into the County’s General Plan Safety Element.
Section 8: References – This section lists the sources cited in the plan.
Appendices
• Appendix A: Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
• Appendix B: Planning Process Documentation
• Appendix C: Approval and Adoption Documentation
• Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives
• Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template • Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
Annexes
• Annex A: City of Avenal
• Annex B: City of Corcoran
• Annex C: City of Hanford
• Annex D: City of Lemoore
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2 COMMUNITY PROFILE AND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
2.1 HISTORY
As noted in the Kings County 2035 General Plan, Kings County was established in 1893 through a separation of territory from Tulare County. Additional territory was added from Fresno County in 1909 to make up what is known today as Kings County. Before the formation of the County, there were a number of historical events that led up to its establishment. Early inhabitants of this region were the Tache tribe of the Yokut Indians which existed throughout the San Joaquin Valley from the Delta to Tejon Pass. The first European contact occurred in 1805 when Lieutenant Gabriel Moraga led a company of Spanish soldiers and Franciscan clergymen through the eastern edge of the San Joaquin Valley while in search of possible mission sites. On January 6, 1805, they encountered a thriving Yokut Indian culture along the banks of a large river draining into the Laguna de Tache, (Tulare Lake). The river was named El Rio de los Santos Reyes, the “River of the Holy Kings,” later shortened to “Kings River.” This is where the County derived its namesake.
Prior to the development of any towns, Kings County was home to a handful of adventurous pioneers who settled primarily in the barren valley floor along the Kings River. Kingston, the first of several settlements located in Kings County was founded in 1856 and situated along the south bank of the Kings River. The town grew up around a ferry crossing that transported travelers across the Kings River who were traveling along the Spanish road called El Camino Viejo á Los Angeles (the old road to Los Angeles).
Kingston was the only stopping point along the Overland Mail Company stage route between Stockton and Visalia.
Following Kingston, other communities sprang up in Kings County, primarily along existing or proposed railroad easements. The first incorporated community in Kings County was Lemoore. The success of the community was assured with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1877, the same year the community of Hanford was founded. Hanford later became incorporated in 1891, and later was selected as the County seat when in 1893, local voters approved the formation of a new county when a portion of western Tulare County was divided to form Kings County. In 1909, Kings County increased its boundary by 118 square miles when a triangular area of land was transferred from Fresno County’s jurisdiction to Kings County.
Settlement in Kings County remained modest throughout much of the County's first century. The third incorporated community, Corcoran, was established on the San Francisco and San Joaquin Railroad in 1905 following a visit from Hobart Johnstone Whitley, a prominent land developer from southern California. The fourth incorporated town, Avenal, was established along the west side of the Kettleman Hills in an area historically called “Avena” by Spanish soldiers and explorers.
A number of unincorporated communities also grew from the early pioneering years. The Southern Pacific Railroad, which was the cause of many valley communities, was the primary driving force that led to the creation of Armona’s town layout in 1875 by John Yoakum for the Pacific Improvement Company.
The railroad line followed in 1877, and Armona quickly became recognized as a main railroad shipping point for the rich Grangeville farming and fruit growing region. Farming and ranching supported the early economy of Kings County.
The community of Stratford has its origins dating back to 1899 when settlers of the Tulare Lake Basin dug three miles of canal to irrigate the farms of Blakeley, Clawson, Lovelace, and others who had settled on the margins of what was once water filled Tulare Lake. Stratford technically came into being in 1905 when the Empire Investment Company purchased 19,000 acres from the Bates, Davis and Miller Company. The town officially was organized by the sale of town lots from the ranch. However, due to a name conflict with another depot, the community’s name was changed to what it is recognized today “Stratford”. Manford Brown, a real estate developer founded the town of Kettleman City in 1929, following his donation of land to construct a school site and a community church. The community of Home Garden was established later during the 1940s and was initially home to many local farmers and farm industry workers. The City of Hanford has grown around the community on three sides, and Home Garden has evolved into a bedroom community for Hanford.
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The Naval Air Station Lemoore (NASL) has been a strong economic force in the County since its development in 1961 when it was commissioned and constructed to be the largest and newest Master Jet Base in the Navy. Currently, the NASL hosts the Navy’s largest west coast fighter/attack capability and houses approximately 175 Hornets and SuperHornets organized into 16 squadrons which comprise the Pacific Strike Fighter Wing.
Figure 2-1 shows the County’s planning area.
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Figure 2-1 County of Kings Planning Area
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2.2 GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Kings County has a total area of 1,392 square miles, of which 1,389 square miles is land and 2.1 square miles (0.2%) is water. Kings County is bordered on the north and northwest by Fresno County, on the east by Tulare County, on the south by Kern County and a small part of San Luis Obispo County, and on the west by Monterey County. Most of the historic Tulare Lake was within Kings County. Kings County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors.
Kings County has a climate that can be described as warm and sunny for much of the year. Summers are dry and hot while winters are mild. The County averages approximately 7.43 inches of rainfall each year.
Temperatures range from an average minimum temperature of 36.2 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, and to an average high in the 90s during the summer months. The County has an annual average maximum temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit and an average minimum temperature of 62.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Table 2-1 lists the average maximum and minimum temperatures by month and associated average rainfall.
Table 2-1 Average Maximum & Minimum Temperatures by Month and Associated Average Rainfall Average Maximum/Minimum Temperature Average Rainfall
January 54.3°/36.2°F January 1.55 inches
August 95.7°/63.7°F August .01 inches
Annual 76°/62.3° F Annual 7.43 inches
Note: The time frame for both temperature and precipitation is from 1950 to 2023.
Sources: Climate at a Glance County Time Series, NOAA
2.3 LAND OWNERSHIP
Large expanses of the County are public land. The entities and agencies that own non-public land within the County include the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Department of Defense (who owns the Lemoore Naval Air Station), and the Center for Natural Lands Management (which is a nonprofit land trust). Figure 2-2 shows the overall land ownership in the County.
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Figure 2-2 Kings County Land Ownership
2.4 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Kings Area Rural Transit (KART) is Kings County’s public transportation provider. KART provides transportation services to the cities and unincorporated communities of Armona, Avenal, Corcoran, Grangeville, Hardwick, Hanford, Kettleman City, Laton, Lemoore, and Stratford. KART also provides regular transportation services to Fresno and Visalia. Two railway stations are located within the County, Corcoran station and Hanford station. Both stations are Amtrak train stations.
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The major highways in the County include Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route (SR) 41, Highway 198 and Highway 43. I-5 is a major north–south route of the Interstate Highway System in the United States, stretching from the Mexican border at the San Ysidro crossing to the Canadian border near Blaine, Washington. I-5 links the major California cities of San Diego, Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Stockton, Sacramento, and Redding. I-5 runs through the City of Avenal. SR 41 is a state highway in California, connecting the Central Coast with the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada. SR 41 runs through the City of Lemoore and Kettleman City. SR 198 is an east–west state highway that connects the California Central Coast to the mid–Central Valley through Hanford and Visalia. It intersects I-5 and SR 41. SR 43 is a north–south state highway, which runs roughly parallel to SR 99, connecting the towns of Shafter, Wasco, Corcoran, and Selma, and the City of Hanford. All these highways are shown in Figure 2-1.
2.5 ECONOMY
Kings County is located in the heart of California’s rapidly growing San Joaquin Valley, the richest agricultural area in the world. With that distinction also come the challenges of an economy which has historically been dependent on seasonal agriculture and low wages. Select 2017-2021 economic characteristics estimated for Kings County by the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) are shown in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2 Kings County Economic Characteristics
CHARACTERISTIC KINGS COUNTY
Families below Poverty Level (%) 13.8%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 12.6%
Median Family Income $85,806
Median Household Income $69,717
Per Capita Income $38,332
Population in Labor Force 63.0%
Population Employed* 58.6%
Unemployment Rate** 6.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2017-2021 5-Year Data Profile Kings County provides a broad range of services to its residents, businesses, and visitors, and manages and operates its facilities to meet community needs. Agriculture is the dominant land use in the County, accounting for 90.2% of total land use (2023 General Plan 2010). Furthermore, as shown in Table 2-3, based on U.S. Census Bureau ACS, the most common industries within Kings County are educational services and health care and social assistance (a combined average of 20.3% of workers). Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining as well as Public administration are the other two major industries.
Table 2-3 and Table 2-4 below show the labor force breakdown by industry and occupation and are based on estimates from the 2017-2021 five-year ACS.
Table 2-3 Kings County Employment by Industry Sector, 2017-2021
INDUSTRY SECTOR PERCENT OF WORKFORCE
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 20.3% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 16.2% Public administration 13.3%
Retail trade 10.0%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services
8.3%
Manufacturing 7.6%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
6.0%
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INDUSTRY SECTOR PERCENT OF WORKFORCE
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 5.0%
Construction 3.3%
Other services, except public administration 3.3%
Wholesale trade 2.9%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 2.7% Information 1.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2017-2021 5-Year Data Profile Table 2-4 Kings County Employment by Occupation, 2017-2021 OCCUPATION # EMPLOYED % EMPLOYED
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 13,224 25% Service occupations 10,863 21%
Sales and office occupations 9,236 18%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance
occupations
11,125 21%
Production, transportation, and material moving
occupations
8,029 15%
Total 13,224 25%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces
2.6 POPULATION & HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
The total estimated population of Kings County in 2021 was 151,887, up from 151,122 people in 2010. This constitutes less than a 1% increase in population. Select demographic and social characteristics for Kings County from the 2017-2021 ACS and the California Department of Finance (DOF) are shown in Table 2-5.
Increases in population growth also increase exposure to severe weather-related hazards, pandemics/epidemics as well as earthquakes. This increase in growth also puts more demand on water resources and can increase vulnerability to drought.
Table 2-5 Kings County Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2017-2021
CHARACTERISTIC KINGS COUNTY
Gender/Age
Male 55.2%
Female 44.8%
Median age (years) 32.1
Under 5 years 7.5%
Under 18 years 27.2%
65 years and over 10.3%
Race/Ethnicity
White 30.9%
Asian 3.7%
Black or African American 6.0%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.8%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 55.5%
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CHARACTERISTIC KINGS COUNTY
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific
Islander
0.2%
Some other race 0.2%
Two or more races 2.7%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 89.4%
% with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 35.0%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 13.0%
% Language other than English
spoken at home
21.6%
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 8.3%
% of households with a computer 95.0%
% of households with an Internet
subscription
90.1%
% of households with no vehicle
available
5.3%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ * Population 25 years and over
Table 2-6 summarizes information from the ACS 5-year estimates (2017-2021) related to housing occupancy in Kings County. More than half of the County residents own the home they live in.
Table 2-6 Kings County Housing Occupancy and Units, 2017-2021 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 46,145 100%
Units Occupied 43,286 93.8%
Vacant 2,859 6.2%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 33,140 71.8%
1-unit attached 2,082 4.5%
2 units 1,337 2.9%
3 or 4 units 2,546 5.5%
5-9 units 1,655 3.6%
10-19 units 906 2.0%
20 or more units 2,403 5.2%
Mobile Home 2,017 4.4%
Boat, RV, van etc. 59 0.1%
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 23,610 54.5%
Renter Occupied 19,676 45.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ According to the DOF, the 2020 population of Kings County was 154,745 (DOF 2021). The DOF projects the total population will increase by 7% to 165,752 by 2030 (DOF 2021). These projections are shown in Figure 2-3. While total households in the County are also projected to increase from 44,561 in 2020 to 50,068 in 2030, people per household is projected to slightly decrease from 3.16 in 2020 to 3.06 persons per household in 2030 (DOF 2021).
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Figure 2-3 Kings County Observed and Projected Population (2010 – 2060) Source: DOF 2021
2.7 NATURAL AND RECREATION RESOURCES
As shown in Figure 2-4, the majority of the County’s land cover is agricultural land. Like other counties in the Central Valley, the agriculture industry is one of the pillar industries. Rangelands are also scattered over the County. The majority of the southwestern County is made up of rangeland.
Further details on the County’s natural resources can be found in Section 4.4.1.4 Cultural, Historical and Natural Resources.
145,000
150,000
155,000
160,000
165,000
170,000
175,000
180,000
185,000
190,000
195,000
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055 2060
Population
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Figure 2-4 Kings County Land Cover
2.8 COUNTY’S MITIGATION CAPABILITIES
The following section assesses the County’s and each participating jurisdiction’s existing capabilities to pursue hazard mitigation. The capability assessment analyzes Kings County’s capabilities that can be leveraged to mitigate hazards. Combining the risk assessment with the mitigation capability assessment results in the County’s “net vulnerability” to disasters, and more accurately focuses the goals, objectives, and proposed actions of this plan.
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The HMPC used a two-step approach to conduct this assessment for the County and jurisdictions. First, an inventory of common mitigation activities was made using a matrix. The purpose of this effort was to identify policies and programs that were either in place, needed improvement, or could be undertaken if deemed appropriate. Second, the HMPC conducted an inventory and review of existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contributed to reducing hazard-related losses or if they inadvertently contributed to increasing such losses.
This assessment is divided into four sections: regulatory mitigation capabilities; administrative and technical mitigation capabilities; fiscal mitigation capabilities; and mitigation outreach and partnerships.
Additional information on jurisdiction capabilities can also be found in the participating jurisdictions’ annexes.
2.8.1 Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
The regulatory and planning capabilities listed in Table 2-7 outline planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities and indicate those that are in place in Kings County.
Table 2-7 Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
REGULATORY TOOL
(ORDINANCES,
CODES, PLANS)
KINGS COUNTY AVENAL CORCORAN HANFORD LEMOORE
General plan Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Zoning ordinance Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Subdivision ordinance Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Growth management
ordinance
No No No No No
Floodplain ordinance Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Other special purpose
ordinance (storm
water, steep slope,
wildfire)
No No Yes No No
Building code Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Fire department ISO
rating
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Erosion or sediment
control
Yes No No No No
Storm water
management
program
Yes No No Yes Yes
Site plan review
requirements
Yes No No Yes No
Capital improvements
plan
Yes No No Yes Yes
Economic
development plan
No No No No No
Local EOP Yes No No No No
Other special plans N/A N/A N/A N/A No
Flood insurance study
or other engineering
study for streams
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Elevation certificates Yes Yes No No Yes
Source: Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
2.8.2 Related Plans and Regulations
2035 Kings County General Plan, 2035
The 2035 Kings County General Plan defines goals, objectives and policies that will guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the County through the year May 23, 2024 Pg. 296
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2035. The County’s overarching priorities are to protect prime agricultural land, direct urban growth to existing cities and community districts, and increase economic and community sustainability. General Plan land use designations and policies are designed to encourage compact and community-centered development patterns that lower public service costs, make more efficient use of land, and discourage premature conversion of farmland to other uses. Policies embodied in this General Plan are designed to balance the protection of individual property owners' rights and property value with the efficient provision of public services to the community at large and long-term preservation of natural resources.
The General Plan also contains specific community plans that elaborate on the development planning for the County’s several urban communities.
The County’s General Plan includes the six mandatory elements: the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, Open Space Element, Noise Element, Health and Safety Element, and 2016-2024 Housing Element. The General Plan also has a Dairy Element and an Air Quality Element. The Health and Safety Element contains goals and policies that address natural and human-caused hazards in the County.
Health and Safety Element
The purpose of the Health and Safety Element is to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from natural or man-made hazards. This element includes policies for community health and safety-related issues associated with the built environment that affect the health and safety of residents living within the County. This element concentrates on those hazards and community factors that are within the responsibility of the County to mitigate. These include land use decisions and patterns of development that directly and indirectly affect the health, well-being, and personal/property protection of county residents, and the mitigation of potential natural hazards. The Health and Safety Element also describes the location and extent of known hazards and provides maps of hazardous land uses and evacuation routes.
The Health and Safety Element is the primary vehicle for relating County land use policies to local safety planning and is comprised of three major components that include “Natural Hazards,” “Community Health,” and “Community Safety.” While the Land Use Element identifies areas where hazardous land uses may be located, the Health and Safety Element contains policies for determining acceptable levels of public risk imposed by these land uses, as well as policies for mitigating the effects of natural or manmade catastrophes. The natural hazards discussed in the Health and Safety Element include:
• Geologic Hazards: including earthquake, subsidence and liquefaction, landslide, expansive soil; • Flood Hazards: flood, dam inundation;
• Temperature Hazards: extreme heat, drought, freeze, fog; • Fire Hazards; and
• Wind Hazards.
Moreover, the Health & Safety Element includes various Community Health and Safety components, which cover community health topics such as Built Environment Health and Medical Services, as well as community safety topics, including Safe Routes, Built Environment Safety, Law Enforcement, Fire Protection, Emergency Operations, Evacuation Routes, and Airport Safety.
The Safety Element fully incorporates the County’s 2007 MJHMP by reference to meet the requirements under California Government Code Section 65302(g)(4). During the 2022-2023 MJHMP update process, the County OES and Planning and Community Development Department collaborated so that the forthcoming Health and Safety Element update would complement and be consistent with the efforts already underway associated with the MJHMP update, such as the climate-related hazards profiled and the other climate change considerations addressed in the risk and vulnerability assessment. The MJHMP update also now addresses socially vulnerable and underserved communities.
Kings County Emergency Operations Plan
The purpose of the County of Kings Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and its Functional Annexes is to provide the basis for a coordinated response before, during and after a disaster incident. This plan is the principal guide for the County’s response to, and management of real or potential emergencies and disasters occurring within its designated geographic boundaries. Specifically, this plan is intended to:
• Facilitate multi‐jurisdictional and interagency coordination in emergency operations, particularly between local government, private sector, operational area (geographic county boundary), state response levels, and appropriate federal agencies.
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• Serve as a county plan, a reference document, and when possible, may be used for pre-emergency planning in addition to emergency operations.
• To be utilized in coordination with applicable local, state, and federal contingency plans. • Identify the components of an Emergency Management Organization (EMO), and establish associated protocols required to effectively respond to, manage and recover from major emergencies and/or disasters.
• Establish the operational concepts and procedures associated with field response to emergencies, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activities.
• Establish the organizational framework of the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Emergency Services Ordinance, (County Code Chapter 6)
The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within this County in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of this county with the cities in this County and with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons. This ordinance also discusses the Kings Area Disaster Council, its powers and duties, the designation of director and assistant director of emergency services, etc.
Building Code (County Code Section)
Several specific building codes are adopted for Kings County. These codes include the 2013 edition of the California Building Standards Code, the California Fire Code (which is adopted separately), the Uniform Housing Code, and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. By adopting these codes, they become a part of the rules that apply to construction in the unincorporated area of Kings County. The codes are considered as if they are fully written in this statement, and they must be followed when constructing buildings in the county. However, if a newer edition of the California Building Standards Code is published within 180 days after this statement, that newer edition will replace the 2013 edition as the adopted building code for Kings County. So, in that case, the newer edition will be the set of rules that should be followed for construction purposes.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (County Code Chapter 5A) The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas. The County’s flood damage prevention ordinance provisions are designed to:
• Protect human life and health;
• Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; • Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
• Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
• Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, and streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; • Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future blight areas;
• Assist potential buyers in identifying properties which are in areas of special flood hazard; and • Promote those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assuming responsibility for their actions.
Moreover, base flood data in the County must also meet the following requirements:
• Single parcels are required to elevate the lowest floor of any residential structure to no less than two feet above natural grade when base flood data does not exist. Nonresidential structures may elevate or floodproof to meet this standard.
• Multiple parcels (five or more) are required to have all proposals establish the 100-year base flood elevation before consideration of the preliminary plan for development. The floodplain administrator may, at his/her discretion, require higher standards.
• All new subdivision proposals and other proposed development, including proposals for manufactured home parks and subdivisions, greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the lesser, shall:
o Identify the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and Base Flood Elevations (BFE); May 23, 2024 Pg. 298
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o Identify the elevations of the lowest floors of all proposed structures and pads on the final plans; and
o If the site is filled above the base flood elevation, the following as-built information for each structure shall be certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor and provided as part of an application for a Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F) to the floodplain administrator:
- Lowest floor elevation;
- Pad elevation; and
- Lowest adjacent grade.
Kings County has numerous other plans, programs, and procedures in place that support hazard mitigation, public health and safety, hazardous materials management, and emergency operations.
Related partner agency plans were also reviewed to inform the MJHMP to update risk assessment and mitigation strategies based on public availability, as they relate to flooding, drought, and water supply events, as well as agricultural pests and disease. These plans are listed below. • 2017 U.S. Census of Agriculture. United States Department of Agriculture • Agriculture Response Plans
• American Red Cross Emergency Plan
• California 2018 State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) (2023 Draft SHMP is in development) • California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment
• City of Lemoore Urban Water Management Plan 2015
• Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government Plans (COOP/COG) • Department of Water Resources Directory of Flood Officials • Economic analysis of the 2014 drought for California agriculture. University of California, Davis, CA:
Center for Watershed Sciences
• Kings River Handbook
• Kings County 2012 MJHMP
• Kings County Association of Governments Regional Climate Action Plan • Kings County Department of Agriculture 2021 Crop Report • Reclamation Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• Safeguarding California Plan: California Climate Adaptation Strategy • The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Data Breach Notification in the United States 2022 Report. 2023. • Westlands Water District Water Management Handbook
• Westlands Water District Water Management Plan
2.8.3 Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities Table 2-8 below identifies the County personnel responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in Kings County and the unincorporated areas. Many positions are full-time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.
Table 2-8 Kings County Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities
PERSONNEL RESOURCES YES/NO DEPARTMENT/POSITION
Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management practices
Yes Community Development Agency
Engineer/professional trained in construction
practices related to buildings and/or infrastructure
Yes Public Works Department, Community
Development Agency
Planner/engineer/scientist with an understanding of
natural hazards
Yes Public Works Department, Community
Development Agency
Personnel skilled in Geographic Information System
(GIS)
Yes Community Development Agency, County
Assessor
Full time building official Yes Community Development Agency Floodplain manager/Floodplain Administrator Yes Building Official/Community Development Agency
Emergency manager Yes Office of Emergency Services
Grant writer Yes
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PERSONNEL RESOURCES YES/NO DEPARTMENT/POSITION
Other personnel N/A
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use, building
footprints, etc.)
Yes Kings County Geographic Information System
Warning Systems/Services
(Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor warning signals) Yes Office of Emergency Services
Other N/A
Source: HMPC 2022
Office of Emergency Services
The County's Office of Emergency Services (OES) is the County's emergency management agency, responsible for coordinating multi-agency responses to complex, large-scale emergencies, and disasters within Kings County. It is the responsibility of the County OES to develop and maintain the EOP, which serves as a guideline for who will do what, as well as when, with what resources, and by what authority-- before, during, and immediately after an emergency. The County OES provides dedicated staff responsible for managing the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and developing and implementing training and exercise programs designed to coincide with the processes and procedures within the EOP.
The OES is the conduit for information and resource coordination between the State of California and the local governments of Kings County (the Kings Operational Area), as defined in California's Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). The Kings Operational Area includes all the political subdivisions of the County.
Kings County Fire Prevention Bureau
Kings County Fire Department protects approximately 153,000 residents. The Fire Department responds to an approximate 1,392 square-mile region through a combination of 10 stations and one headquarters office with 88 full-time employees. The Department’s goal is to serve communities with the best in fire protection and offer a professional and dedicated response when citizens of Kings County call for help.
Kings County Fire Department primarily serves the rural areas of the County and provides contractual services to the cities of Avenal and Corcoran. Kings County Fire Department responds to over 5,100 calls annually, averaging nearly 14 calls daily. Calls include structure, vehicle, wildland and grass fires, medical aids, traffic accidents, hazardous materials incidents and various public assistance calls.
Hanford Fire Department
The Hanford Fire Department consists of three stations staffed with paid professional firefighters. Each station is staffed with a Captain, who runs the station for their assigned shift; an Engineer, who is responsible for the safe operations and maintaining all apparatus; and a Firefighter, who operates and maintains the equipment. Together they make up the station crew that routinely responds to mitigate emergencies and events.
Kings County Public Works Department – Engineering
The County Engineer processes community development projects including land divisions, records of survey, County Right-of-Way (ROW) encroachment permits, and provides recommendations on zoning permits. The County Surveyor reviews land division proposals and community development applications.
The division assists the public and county offices including the Clerk/Recorder’s Office. In addition, the County Engineer provides support for traffic engineering, roadway and bridge design, project management, and contract preparation/administration for various road and building projects. The County Engineer also provides engineering support for the Waste Management Authority and administers the Solid Waste Ordinance. The County Engineer maintains engineering records on assessment districts, right-of-way, and County owned property.
Kings County Community Development Agency
The County’s Planning Division keeps the County’s General Plan on file. The Planning Division contains various commissions and committees, including Agricultural Advisory Committee, Local Assessment Committee, Planning Commission/Advisory Agency and Water Commission. The Planning Division also is May 23, 2024 Pg. 300
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responsible for the GIS/Mapping system. The Building Division implements the County’s building ordinance, well ordinance, and flood damage prevention ordinance.
KC Alert
By opting into the Kings County emergency mass notification system, citizens will be informed before, during, and after incidents that could impact their safety. During hazard events, Kings County OES will launch a mass notification system that notifies registered users of important emergency information pertaining to severe weather, police and fire emergencies, and public health crises.
2.8.4 Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table 2-9 identifies financial tools or resources that the County could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.
Table 2-9 Kings County Financial Capabilities
FINANCIAL
RESOURCES
ACCESSIBLE/
ELIGIBLE TO
USE
COMMENTS/HAS THIS BEEN USED FOR MITIGATION IN THE
PAST?
Authority to levy taxes
for specific purposes
Yes Has not been used. Must be approved by voters.
California Disaster
Assistance Act
Yes The County was awarded $95 million in May 2023 to assist undocumented residents suffering from hardships and damages from the 2023 floods.
California Rapid
Response Fund
Yes The County was allotted funds from the Rapid Response Fund to provide disaster recovery services to mixed-status and
undocumented families that were not eligible for FEMA individual assistance after the 2023 flooding events.
Capital improvements
project funding
Yes No.
Community
Development Block
Grants
Yes Each year Kings County may apply under both the General Allocation and Economic Development components of the CDBG program.
Potential projects under General Allocation include housing acquisition, housing rehabilitation, new construction, public works and community facilities. Potential projects under Economic Development include business loans, infrastructure grants, micro enterprise assistance, and other types of loans and grants for businesses. Projects funded with CDBG allocations must carry out at least one of three National Objectives as follows: benefit to low to moderate income persons, elimination of slums and blight, or meeting urgent community development needs.
The Planning and Community Development Department also
administers the Kings Urban County CDBG and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds.
Federal Grant Programs
(HMGP)
Yes HMPG funding has been used to update the County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Various departments in Kings County are eligible and will remain eligible for HMA BRIC funding that focuses on risk reduction and funding of public infrastructure projects that increase the County’s resilience to disasters.
The County is eligible for HMA FMA funding that funds projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the NFIP.
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FINANCIAL
RESOURCES
ACCESSIBLE/
ELIGIBLE TO
USE
COMMENTS/HAS THIS BEEN USED FOR MITIGATION IN THE
PAST?
preparedness technical assistance activities in support of the four homeland security mission areas related to prevention, protection, response, and recovery.
Fees for water, sewer,
gas, or electric services,
new development
Yes Has not been used. Services provided through cities or districts and levied through property assessments.
FEMA’s Public
Assistance Program
Yes The County received post-flood funding from the Public Assistance Program in 2011 to repair roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as for debris removal and protective measures.
In 2020, the County received several rounds of funding from the Section 406 Public Assistance (PA) Program for protective measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, the County received additional funding from the PA Program for post-flood assistance.
Incur debt through
general obligation
bonds
Yes No.
Incur debt through
private activities
Yes Has not been used. Do not have any in place.
Incur debt through
special tax bonds
Yes Has not been used. Must be approved by two-thirds voters.
Source: HMPC 2022-2023
2.8.5 Other Mitigation Programs and Partnerships
Table 2-10 below summarizes some of the mitigation partnerships and education or outreach capabilities available to Kings County.
Table 2-10 Kings County Education and Outreach Capabilities
EDUCATION & OUTREACH YES/NO COMMENTS
Local Citizen Groups That Communicate Hazard Risks Yes See below.
Firewise USA No There are currently no Firewise USA
communities in the County.
StormReady No The County and all the participating are
not StormReady communities.
Other
Source: HMPC 2023
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross identified several capability enhancements through collaboration with the County, cities, and fire departments of Kings County. Programs such as outreach campaigns for preparedness education, continuing shelter inspections, and updating existing points of contact for shelter sites. These efforts will improve the American Red Cross’ ability to conduct mitigation, preparedness, and response efforts in Kings County.
Dam Owners and Operators Coordination: Kings County coordinates with numerous dam owners and operators, including owners upstream of the County. Coordination involves partnerships with federal, state, and local officials, agency engineers, emergency managers, emergency preparedness coordinators, dam owners and operators, and property owners near areas that can be potentially affected by dam incidents. Key agencies within the County’s partnership include the FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program (NDSP), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Bureau of Reclamation, California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), and other companies who own low-hazard dams in the County.
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Given there is a range of mitigation actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of dam incidents and the effects of dam failure, the County has an ongoing partnership with key dam owners and operators to ensure each agency is aware of each other’s actions and to coordinate them effectively, recognizing that working together maximizes risk reduction. As a result, many of these dam owners and operators were invited as stakeholders to inform and support the update of the County’s MJHMP. Information on these dam owners and operators is shown in the Table 2-11 below.
Table 2-11 Kings County Dams of Concern Owner/Operator & Emergency Information
COUNTY DAM NAME DAM OWNER/OPERATOR WHETHER OR NOT AN
OFFICE, DEPARTMENT, OR
AGENCY SUPPORTS DAM
MITIGATION ACTIONS
Kings Crescent Weir Crescent Canal Company Yes
Empire Weir No.1 Empire Westside Irrigation
District
Yes
Empire Weir No.2 Tulare Lake Basin Water
Storage District
Yes
Island Weir Laguna Irrigation District Yes
Last Chance Weir Last Chance Water Ditch
Company
Yes
Lemoore Diversion
Weir
Lemoore Canal and
Irrigation Company
Yes
Peoples Weir Peoples Ditch Company Yes
Tulare Terminus USACE – Sacramento
District
Yes
Schafer (Success
Dam)
USACE – Sacramento
District
Yes
Fresno Pine Flat USACE – Sacramento
District
Yes
2.8.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
The 2022-2023 MJHMP update process provided the County and the participating jurisdictions an opportunity to review and update the capabilities currently in place to mitigate hazards. This also provided an opportunity to identify where capabilities could be improved or enhanced. Specific opportunities could include:
Safety Plan Update: Kings County has identified several plans which could be updated, specifically the County’s General Plan Safety Element last updated in 2010. During the MJHMP update process, the County also indicated they will soon begin a formal update of the General Plan, including the Health and Safety Element. The County’s Safety Element was last updated in 2010 to incorporate by reference the 2007 MJHMP.
The County will incorporate by reference the 2023 MJHMP into the County Safety Element to become eligible again for CDAA funding in the event of a disaster; this process also ensures further consistency of each plan and provides an opportunity to reference the MJHMP and enhance the capabilities for implementation of goals and objectives of each plan. The Safety Element currently covers several hazards that align with the MJHMP; it is only missing severe weather hazard: heavy rain, thunderstorm, hail, and lightning, the Safety Element does not discuss how these hazards disproportionately impact socially vulnerable populations and underserved communities. A comprehensive update of the Safety Element to include hazards and mitigation strategies addressed in the 2023 MJHMP update will ensure plan alignment and help the County integrate the related goals, policies, and mitigation actions into each plan.
Training: Provide training opportunities to help inform County staff on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments. Kings County has identified a multi-year training and exercise plan which would cover all county departments. There are also several financial May 23, 2024 Pg. 303
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resources that the County could leverage in the future for funding mitigation efforts. In particular, the 2022-2023 MJHMP provides eligibility for FEMA HMA grants. County OES staff can attend workshops and training regarding the grant application process and how to develop successful grant applications under the HMGP. Cal OES periodically hosts related training and webinars. Understanding the types of projects that can be funded, and the components of a successful application will enhance the chances of a successful grant award.
Hazard Mitigation Specialist: The County could appoint or assign someone in OES to oversee hazard mitigation grant opportunities. This could be a follow-up goal to the Cal OES grant training. This specialist can notify the County departments/agencies of upcoming grant cycles, and support tracking and completing the Notice of Intent (NOI) applications, grant applications, and final grant management reporting requirements. Related financial opportunities for enhancement should include applying for HMA grants, such as BRIC and HMGP funding as it becomes available. The Hazard Mitigation Specialist should also focus on funding mitigation actions that mitigate critical infrastructure, provide protection for those most vulnerable in the community, address climate change, public health hazards, extreme heat, flooding, other climate-related hazards and needed and related climate adaptation strategies.
HMGP Technical Assistance: HMGP funding opportunity provides support for communities to implement mitigation activities to reduce risk to life and property from natural hazards. In California, natural hazards include wildfire, earthquake, drought, extreme weather, flooding, and other impacts of climate change. Cal OES technical subject-matter experts are available to discuss project eligibility, benefit cost analysis, technical feasibility, and Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) requirements.
Firewise: Firewise USA® is a voluntary program that provides a framework to help neighbors get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community. The program is co-sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters. As of June 2023, neither Kings County nor any of the incorporated jurisdictions in the County currently participate in the program.
In order to become a Firewise USA site, a neighborhood, community, city, or county must form a board or committee comprised of residents and stakeholders, obtain a written wildfire risk assessment, develop and maintain an action plan, and contact the applicable state liaison to the program.
Storm Ready: Neither Kings County nor any of the incorporated jurisdictions in the County are certified as Storm Ready communities. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Storm Ready program helps local governments handle extreme weather and improve the timeliness and effectiveness of hazardous weather-related warnings for the public. To be officially Storm Ready, a community must:
• Establish a 24-hour warning point and EOC,
• Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public, • Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally, • Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars, and • Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
Community Rating System (CRS): An additional indicator of floodplain management capability is the active participation of local jurisdictions in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is an incentive-based program that encourages counties and municipalities to undertake defined flood mitigation activities that go beyond the minimum requirements of the NFIP, adding extra local measures to protect from flooding. All 18 creditable CRS mitigation activities are assigned a range of point values. As points are accumulated and reach identified thresholds, communities can apply for an improved CRS class. Class ratings, which run from 10 to 1, are tied to flood insurance premium reductions. As class ratings improve (decrease), the percent reduction in flood insurance premiums for NFIP policyholders in that community increases. These potential discounts in flood insurance premiums through CRS are summarized in Table 2-12 below.
As of June 2023, neither Kings County nor any of the other incorporated jurisdictions in the County participate in the CRS. Should the other jurisdictions and Kings County decide to join the CRS, it would be an opportunity for the enhancement of existing mitigation capabilities and help make flood insurance more affordable in the future.
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Table 2-12 CRS Premium Discounts
CLASS DISCOUNT CLASS DISCOUNT SFHA (Zones A, AE, A1-A30, V, V1-V30, AO, and AH): Discount varies depending on class. SHFA (Zones A99, AR/A, AR/AE.
AR/A1-A30, AR/AH, and AR/AO): 10% discount for Classes 1-6; 5% discount for Classes 7-9. Non-SFHA (Zones B, C, X, D): 10% discount for Classes 1-6; 5% discount for Classes 7-9. In determining CRS premium discount, all AR and A99 Zones are treated as non-SFHAs.
1 45% 6 20%
2 40% 7 15%
3 35% 8 10%
4 30% 9 5%
5 25% 10 --
Source: FEMA CRS Coordinators Manual
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3 PLANNING PROCESS
Requirement §201.6(b) and §201.6(c)(1):
An open public involvement process is essential to the development of an effective plan. In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of natural disasters, the planning process shall include:
(1) An opportunity for the public to comment on the plan during the drafting stage and prior to plan approval; (2) An opportunity for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia, and other private and non-profit interests to be involved in the planning process; and (3) Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information. [The plan shall document] the planning process used to develop the plan, including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process, and how the public was involved.
3.1 BACKGROUND ON MITIGATION PLANNING IN KINGS COUNTY
The primary purpose of the Kings County MJHMP update is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects on the Kings County planning area. Kings County recognized the need and importance of a MJHMP and initiated its development in 2012 after receiving a grant award from FEMA. The County also qualified for Prepare CA, a program that covers the HMGP State match.
The plan underwent a comprehensive update in 2022-2023. The planning process followed during the update was similar to what was used in the original plan development, except that the 2022-2023 planning process did not have participation from the Santa Rose Rancheria/Tachi Yokut Tribe, who opted not to participate in the plan update. The 2022-2023 planning process also involved a multi-jurisdictional HMPC. WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. (WSP) was procured to assist with the update in 2022 to 2023. The process is described further in this section and documented in Appendix B.
3.2 WHAT’S NEW IN THE PLAN UPDATE
DMA Requirement §201.6(d)(3):
A local jurisdiction must review and revise its plan to reflect changes in development, progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities, and resubmit it for approval within 5 years in order to continue to be eligible for mitigation project grant funding.
The updated MJHMP complies with the latest FEMA guidance and California OES guidelines for LHMPs, specifically FEMA’s 2022 Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide. The update followed the requirements noted in the DMA of 2000 and FEMA’s 2023 Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Handbook.
This MJHMP update involved a comprehensive review and update of each section of the 2012 MJHMP, the integration of a detailed risk assessment, and an assessment of the progress in evaluating, monitoring, and implementing the mitigation strategy outlined in the initial plan. The planning process provided an opportunity to review jurisdictional priorities related to hazard significance and mitigation actions, and revisions were made where applicable to the base plan. Another change was the development of specific annexes for the municipalities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore; jurisdictional information was integrated throughout the 2012 MJHMP.
While each jurisdiction participated in the previous MJHMP updates, representatives from multiple departments representing a Local Planning Team (LPT) for each of the participating jurisdictions were engaged and involved in the development of the 2023 MJHMP through multiple planning workshops and numerous one-on-one work sessions. Only the information and data still valid from the 2012 plan were carried forward as applicable to this MJHMP update. Also, given the four municipalities’ participation, significant new hazard information was integrated into the base plan and into each annex.
The 2012 MJHMP assessed nine hazards, including drought, earthquake, extreme heat, flood, fog, freeze, landslide, tornado, and wildfire. The 2023 MJHMP update assessed 15 natural, human-caused, and human-health hazards, including agricultural pests and disease; cyber-attack; dam incidents; drought; earthquake; extreme temperatures: freeze and heat, flooding; land subsidence; landslide; public health May 23, 2024 Pg. 306
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hazards: epidemic/pandemic; severe weather: dense fog; severe weather: heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and lightning; severe weather: high wind/tornado; and wildfire. As a result, there are 10 new countywide mitigation actions, plus nine jurisdiction-specific mitigation actions that were developed for the four annexes for a total of 19 new mitigation actions.
3.2.1 Plan Section Review and Analysis – 2022-2023 Update During the 2022-2023 MJHMP update process, the HMPC updated each of the sections of the previously approved plan to include new information. WSP developed a summary of each section in the plan and guided the HMPC through the elements that needed updating during the kick-off webinar in October 2022. This included analyzing each section using FEMA’s Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (2023) and the Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (2022; Effective April 19, 2023) to ensure that the plan met the latest requirements. In addition, for this plan update, the FEMA Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool was not provided with the approval of the 2012 version of this plan; therefore, it was not referenced. Therefore, previous 2012 FEMA comments on opportunities for improvement were not considered and addressed in the 2022-2023 update. Instead, the County focused the update on meeting the new requirements outlined in the Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide.
The HMPC and WSP determined that nearly every section of the plan would need revision to align the plan with the latest FEMA planning guidance and requirements and recent California legislation. A detailed summary of the changes in this plan update is highlighted in Table 3-1 below.
Table 3-1 Kings County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Highlights
PLAN SECTION SUMMARY OF PLAN REVIEW, ANALYSIS, AND UPDATES
1. Introduction • Revised to reflect updated plan and 2022-2023 planning process
2. County Profile
and Capability
Assessment
• Updated with recent census data and current economy description • Updated land use and development trends
3. Planning Process • Described and documented the planning process for the 2022-2023 update, including coordination among agencies
• Described how the 2012 plan was integrated with/into other planning efforts, like the County Safety Element and EOP
• Removed 2012 planning process information
• Described changes to jurisdictional participation
• Described 2022-2023 update public participation process • Summarized the results of the Public Survey
• Described the HMPC
• Described the 10-step process followed for the update
4. Hazard
Identification and
Risk Assessment
and Consequence
Analysis
• Climate change information has been added to each hazard profile • Updated list of disaster declarations to include recent data • Updated tables to include recent National Center for Environmental Information data • Updated past occurrences for each hazard to include recent data • 2012 Plan Vulnerability Assessment is now included with the Risk Assessment and an integrated Vulnerability Assessment section organized by hazard • The Vulnerability Assessment considers the impacts on the following assets: (1) people; (2) property; (3) critical facilities and lifelines; (4) economy; (5) cultural, historic and natural resources; (6) development trends.
• The Vulnerability Assessment includes a discussion on impacts on population assets, including socially vulnerable populations and underserved communities. • Updated critical facilities identified from the 2012 plan; the critical facilities database now includes 646 facilities organized by Community Lifeline • Updated growth and development trends to include recent Census and local data sources from the County’s Public Works Department and Community Development Agency, as well as the general plans and most up-to-date housing elements of the participating jurisdictions
• Updated historic and cultural resources using local/state/national sources • Updated property values for vulnerability and exposure analysis, using updated building information based on assessor’s data; in order to estimate the participating May 23, 2024 Pg. 307
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PLAN SECTION SUMMARY OF PLAN REVIEW, ANALYSIS, AND UPDATES jurisdictions’’ future development and growth areas’ vulnerability against hazards, the exposure analysis also includes properties that are located in Sphere of Influences (SOIs) in order to assess risk in future development areas; SOI exposure analysis was not carried out in the 2012 plan
• Updated estimate flood losses using the latest Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) and assessor’s data
• Updated National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data and Repetitive Loss structure data from the previous plan
• Incorporated new hazard loss estimates since 2012, as applicable • Used updated GIS inventory data to assess wildfire threat to the County • Updated HAZUS-MH Level I earthquake vulnerability analysis data with two scenarios performed (one probabilistic scenario and one ShakeMap scenario) • Seven additional hazards that were not included in the 2012 plan are added and profiled, which include: Agricultural Pests and Disease, Cyber Attack, Dam Incidents, Land Subsidence, Public Health Hazards: Epidemic/Pandemic, Severe Weather: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, Hail, and Lightning, Severe Weather: High Wind • Updated information regarding specific vulnerabilities to hazards, including maps and tables of specific assets at risk, specific critical facilities at risk, and specific populations at risk
• Revisited and updated hazard significance/priority levels • Updated maps in the plan where appropriate
5. Mitigation
Strategy
• Indicated what actions have been implemented that may reduce previously identified vulnerabilities
• Updated mitigation strategy based on the results of the updated risk assessment, consequence analysis, completed mitigation actions, and implementation obstacles and opportunities since the completion of the 2012 plan • Reviewed and updated goals and objectives based on HMPC input • Included updated information on how actions are prioritized, or how priorities changed • Reviewed mitigation actions from the 2012 plan and developed a status report for each • Identified if actions have been completed, deleted, or deferred/carried forward • Updated priorities on actions
• Summarized successful implementation to highlight the implementation of actions identified in the 2012 plan
• Identified new mitigation actions proposed by the HMPC with more detail on implementation than the previous plan
• Nine new countywide mitigation actions were added to address existing hazards and new hazards
• Eight new jurisdiction-specific mitigation actions were included in the annexes • Developed a summary table of mitigation actions for all participating jurisdictions
6. Plan Review,
Evaluation, and
Implementation
• Reviewed and updated procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the plan • Revised to reflect current methods
• Updated the system for monitoring the progress of mitigation activities by identifying additional criteria for plan monitoring and maintenance • Added a process for incorporation of the MJHMP update into existing mechanisms • Clarified future public involvement activities and tied them to the Outreach Strategy in Appendix F
7. Plan Adoption • Updated to reflect the 2022-2023 adoption process Jurisdictional
Annexes
• Updated previous participants’ annexes with recent Census data • Updated past event history and hazard loss estimates
• Added new maps and updated old maps as needed
• Updated mitigation actions from 2012 and added new mitigation actions • Integrated the following annexes:
A City of Avenal
B City of Corcoran
C City of Hanford
D City of Lemoore
Appendices • Appendix A: Planning Committee
• Appendix B: Planning Process Documentation
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PLAN SECTION SUMMARY OF PLAN REVIEW, ANALYSIS, AND UPDATES • Appendix C: Approval and Adoption
• Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives
• Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template • Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
• Appendix G: Public Survey Results
3.3 MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL PARTICIPATION
In the 2022-2023 MJHMP update, the following jurisdictions participated in the planning process and will be adopting the updated plan following FEMA approval. All incorporated cities in the County participated in this planning process.
Lead Jurisdiction:
• Kings County
Municipalities:
• City of Avenal
• City of Corcoran
• City of Hanford
• City of Lemoore
The DMA planning regulations and guidance stress that each local government seeking FEMA approval of their mitigation plan must participate in the planning effort in the following ways:
• Participate in the process as part of the HMPC
• Detail areas within the planning area where the risk differs from that facing the entire area • Identify potential mitigation actions
• Formally adopt the plan
For the Kings County planning area’s HMPC, “participation” meant the following:
• Providing facilities for meetings
• Attending and participating in the HMPC meetings
• Completing and returning WSP Plan Update Guide worksheets • Collecting and providing other requested data (as available) • Identifying mitigation actions for the plan
• Reviewing and providing comments on plan drafts and jurisdictional annexes • Informing the public, local officials, and other interested parties about the planning process and providing the opportunity for them to comment on the plan • Coordinating, and participating in the public input process • Coordinating the formal adoption of the plan by the governing boards The County and all jurisdictions with annexes to this plan and seeking FEMA approval met all these participation requirements. In most cases, one or more representatives for each jurisdiction attended the multi-jurisdictional webinars/meetings and workshops described in Table 3-4 and brought together the HMPC to help collect data, identify mitigation actions and implementation strategies, and review and provide data on annex drafts. In some cases, the jurisdictions had limited capacity to attend or had conflicts with HMPC meetings; in these cases, alternative forms of communication were used to provide input into the process, and in some instances, a representative from a different jurisdiction’s department attended the HMPC meeting on behalf of the main representative. County OES and WSP staff also met via virtual meetings with individual jurisdictions, such as the cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore to gather additional input on the planning process, existing capabilities, and new mitigation actions. Appendix B provides additional information and documentation of the planning process.
3.4 PLANNING PROCESS
WSP established the planning process for the Kings County MJHMP using the DMA planning requirements and FEMA’s associated guidance. The original FEMA planning guidance is structured around a four-phase process:
1. Organize Resources
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2. Assess Risks
3. Develop the Mitigation Plan
4. Implement the Plan and Monitor the Progress
Into this process, WSP integrated a more detailed 10-step planning process used for FEMA’s CRS and FMA programs. Thus, the modified 10-step process used for this plan meets the requirements of major grant programs including FEMA’s HMGP, BRIC program, FMA Program, and flood control projects authorized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In May 2023, FEMA released the Local Mitigation Planning Handbook that has become the official guide for local governments, including special districts, to develop, update and implement local mitigation plans. While the requirements under Section 201.6 have not changed, the Handbook guides local governments on developing or updating hazard mitigation plans to meet the requirements under the CFR Title 44 – Emergency Management and Assistance Section 201.6, Local Mitigation Plans for FEMA approval and eligibility to apply for FEMA HMA grant programs. It also offers practical approaches, tools, worksheets, and local mitigation planning examples for how communities can engage in effective planning to reduce long-term risk from natural hazards and disasters. The Handbook complements and liberally references the Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (October 1, 2011), which is the official guidance for federal and state officials responsible for reviewing local mitigation plans in a fair and consistent manner.
Table 3-2 shows how the modified 10-step process fits into FEMA’s four-phase process, and how these elements correspond to the tasks in the FEMA Mitigation Planning Handbook.
Table 3-2 Kings County Hazard Mitigation Planning Process FEMA’S 4-PHASE DMA
PROCESS
MODIFIED 10-STEP CRS
PROCESS
FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION
PLANNING HANDBOOK TASKS
1) Organize Resources
201.6(c)(1) 1) Organize the Planning Effort 1: Determine the planning area and resources
201.6(b)(1) 2) Involve the Public 2: Build the planning team - 44 CFR 201.6 (C)(1)
201.6(b)(2) and (3) 3) Coordinate with Other
Departments and Agencies
3: Create an outreach strategy - 44
CFR 201.6(b)(1)
4: Review community capabilities - 44
CFR 201.6 (b)(2)&(3)
2) Assess Risks
201.6(c)(2)(i) 4) Identify the Hazards 5: Conduct a risk assessment - 44 CFR 201.6 (C)(2)(i) 44 CFR
201.6(C)(2)(ii)&(iii)
201.6(c)(2)(ii) 5) Assess the Risks
3) Develop the Mitigation Plan
201.6(c)(3)(i) 6) Set Goals 6: Develop a mitigation strategy - 44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(i); 44 CFR 201(c)(3)(ii)
and 44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(iii)
201.6(c)(3)(ii) 7) Review Possible Activities
201.6(c)(3)(iii) 8) Draft an Action Plan
4) Implement the Plan and Monitor Progress
201.6(c)(5) 9) Adopt the Plan 7: Review and adopt the plan 201.6(c)(4) 10) Implement, Evaluate, and
Revise the Plan
8: Keep the plan current
9: Create a safe and resilient
community - 44 CFR 201.6(c)(4)
3.4.1 Phase 1: Organize Resources
Planning Step 1: Organize the Planning Effort
The 2022-2023 planning process and update of the 2012 MJHMP had its roots in the development of a HMGP application. The County OES wrote the grant and in the process solicited commitments from local government jurisdictions that were interested in participating. With an understanding of the number of May 23, 2024 Pg. 310
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jurisdictions and their commitment to participate, the HMGP application was approved and awarded to the County in 2021.
WSP worked with the County to get organized for the plan update. Organizational efforts were initiated with the County and participating jurisdictions in September 2022 to inform and educate the plan participants of the purpose and need for updating the countywide hazard mitigation plan. An initial meeting between WSP and County OES was held to discuss the organizational aspects of this plan update process. Invitations to the kick-off meeting for this plan update were extended to key County departments, the four incorporated communities, and representatives from special districts for the County and municipalities, as well as to other federal, state, and local stakeholders that might have an interest in participating in the planning process. Representatives from participating jurisdictions and HMPC members of the 2012 plan were used as a starting point for the invite list, with additional invitations extended as appropriate throughout the planning process. The list of initial invitees is included in Appendix A.
Representatives from the following County and municipal departments participated in the HMPC and the development of the plan update; these representatives are listed in Table 3-3. A list of specific HMPC representatives is included in Appendix A. Other local, state, federal, and agencies and stakeholders invited to participate in the HMPC are discussed under Planning Step 3.
Table 3-3 List of HMPC Participants for 2021-2022 MJHMP Update
NAME TITLE JURISDICTION
Abraham Valencia Emergency Services Manager County of Kings Brionne Jackson Public Health Emergency Planner County of Kings Chief William Lynch Fire Chief County of Kings
Chuck Kinney Community Development Director County of Kings Supervisor Joe Neves County Supervisor County of Kings
Jimmy Hook Ag Commissioner County of Kings
Todd Barlow Superintendent of Schools County of Kings
Alex Torres Risk Manager Santa Rosa Rancheria Tribe
Greg Gatzga City Manager Corcoran
Chief Reuben Shortnacy Police Chief Corcoran
Chief Michael Kendall Police Chief Lemoore
Michelle Speer Assistant City Manager Lemoore
Chief Bruce German Fire Chief Lemoore
Chief Steve Pendergrass Fire Chief Hanford
Mario Cifuentez City Manager Hanford
Chief Parker Sever Police Chief Hanford
Antony Lopez City Manager Avenal
Chief Robert Nevarez Police Chief Avenal
Kelly Vandergon Supervisor of Field Engineering and
Planning
Westland Water District
Dennis Mills General Manager Kings County Water District Gabriela Rodriguez Executive Director Kings Partnership Leticia Hinojosa Coordinated Entry Manager Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance Dennis Mills General Manager Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Silvia Montoya Office Coordinator Sequoia Riverlands Trust Dominic Tyburski Director of Public Works County of Kings Source: HMPC 2022-2023
Planning Meetings
The planning process officially began with a kick-off meeting on September 16, 2022, which involved County OES staff and the WSP team. On October 31, 2022, the HMPC convened for the first time. The first HMPC meeting covered the scope of work and an introduction to the DMA requirements. Participants were provided with a Plan Update Guide, which included electronic worksheets to facilitate the May 23, 2024 Pg. 311
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collection of information necessary to support the update of the plan. Using FEMA guidance, WSP designed these worksheets to capture information on past hazard events, identify hazards of concern to each of the participating jurisdictions, quantify values at risk to identified hazards, inventory existing capabilities, and record possible mitigation actions. A copy of WSP’s Plan Update Guide for this project is included in Appendix B. The County and each jurisdiction seeking FEMA approval of their plan completed and returned the worksheets in either the Plan Update Guide or shared their most recent local hazard mitigation plan for incorporation into the plan document.
During the planning process, the HMPC communicated through in-person meetings, virtual meetings, email, telephone conversations. The first three HMPC meetings were held virtually while the last HMPC meeting was held in person. Draft documents were emailed so that the HMPC members could easily access and review them. The County’s OES staff and HMPC formally met four times during the planning period (September 16, 2022 – June 8, 2023). The purposes of these meetings are described in Table 3-4.
The planning consultant sent meeting handouts ahead of time to the participating jurisdictions to review and provide feedback before or at the meeting. In addition to these meetings, some jurisdictions held meetings with subcommittees to discuss the needed input for the plan update. The Emergency Services Coordinator of the County’s OES and WSP worked with the jurisdictions individually to obtain necessary information and input into the planning process. This was done through direct emails from the planning consultant and follow-up phone conversations with the consultant and County OES where necessary.
Table 3-4 Summary of Planning Meetings
MEETING
NUMBER
MEETING TOPIC DATE LOCATION
1 Kick-off/HMPC Roles and Expectations (Kings
County OES staff only)
September 16, 2022 Virtual/Webinar
– Microsoft
Teams
2 Overview of DMA 2000 & Hazard Mitigation
Planning Process / Review 2012 MJHMP
October 31, 2022 Virtual/Webinar
– Microsoft
Teams
3 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment March 9, 2023 Virtual/Webinar – Microsoft
Teams
4 Mitigation Strategy and Goals Update / New
Mitigation Actions Brainstorm
June 8, 2023 In-Person
Workshop
Source: WSP 2023
Internal Kick-off Meeting – On September 16, 2022, Kings County’s OES staff and the WSP’s team convened and discussed the project background and the overall MJHMP update process, as well as the scope of work and project goals. County OES staff and WSP’s team also discussed the hazards that need to be profiled in this MJHMP update based on initial conversations with the County during an internal kick-off meeting. In addition, County OES staff and WSP’s team reviewed potential additional HMPC members, partners, and stakeholders. Moreover, the outreach plan needed for the MJHMP update and GIS data needs were also discussed during the kick-off meeting.
HMPC Meeting #1 – Overview of DMA 2000 & Hazard Mitigation Planning Process On October 31, 2022, the HMPC convened to discuss the process for completing the update of this plan.
This first HMPC meeting was attended by twenty-one (21) representatives. The HMPC consisted of a mix of county departments, local governments, special districts, and stakeholders. A complete list of those in attendance at the first HMPC meeting can be found in the meeting minutes in Appendix B.
Following introductions, WSP reviewed the DMA requirements and the suggested planning process to follow to meet the requirements as well as the expected schedule of the process for the MJHMP update.
The roles of the HMPC and stakeholders were discussed including the participation requirements for the different roles.
During the first HMPC meeting, the HMPC validated the identified hazards within the 2012 plan, together with additional hazards that are added and profiled in this 2023 MJHMP update. The HMPC collaboratively prioritized the hazards to identify which are of most concern to the County. More details are included in Section 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
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The group also discussed other agencies that should be part of this planning process, as well as related planning efforts to be coordinated with and recent studies to be incorporated. Part of this discussion was also related to creating an outreach strategy to involve the public throughout the planning process. This outreach strategy is included in Appendix F. The first HMPC meeting ended with WSP sharing handouts to assist in the planning process. These handouts included the Plan Update Guide, which outlined data collection needs for each participating jurisdiction.
HMPC Meeting #2 –Risk Assessment and Mitigation Goal Refinement On March 9, 2023, the HMPC convened virtually to discuss the results of the risk and vulnerability assessment. Fourteen (14) members of the HMPC were present for the discussion. WSP began the meeting with a presentation on the results of the risk assessment findings for natural hazards and public health hazards. The group went through each hazard together and discussed the results as well as shared any local insight to inform the HIRA update. Refer to the meeting summary in Appendix B for notes related to each hazard discussed.
Following the discussion on the results of the risk assessment findings, WSP explained this update process provides an opportunity to review the previous plan’s goals to determine if they are still valid, and comprehensive, and reflect current priorities, and updated risk assessment. Inputs on mitigation goals and objectives were solicited via virtual polls. The group was also encouraged to share insights on the development of mitigation goals, objectives, and specific actions and projects.
WSP shared with HMPC that the online public survey had been opened. A link was shared with the HMPC to easily distribute by email and for posting on each of the participating jurisdiction’s websites and MJHMP webpages. This was encouraged to promote engagement and input from the public and participating jurisdiction communities. The meeting ended with a review of the next steps and the planning process schedule.
HMPC Meeting #3 –Mitigation Strategy
The HMPC convened for an in-person workshop on June 8, 2022, with 27 people participating to update the plan’s mitigation strategy. The group finalized the plan’s goals and objectives (Step 6) and reviewed the progress made on the previous mitigation actions from the 2012 LHMP. The group then discussed the criteria for mitigation action selection and prioritization using a worksheet provided by WSP. The group reviewed each possible new mitigation action. Additional details were provided by the Planning Committee (Step 7). This was followed by a group activity to elicit the development of new mitigation actions followed by another group activity to prioritize (rank) the top mitigation actions. WSP then briefly explained the plan implementation and maintenance process. The meeting ended with a review of the next steps and planning process schedule.
Planning Step 2: Involve the Public
Involving the public assures support from the community at large and is a required part of the planning process per the DMA 2000. Early discussions with Kings County and input received in the first HMPC meeting established the initial plan for public involvement in the plan update. Public outreach began with the development of an online public survey that was shared with each participating jurisdiction to post on their websites and disseminate via email to local stakeholders. The public outreach activities described here were conducted with participation from and on behalf of all jurisdictions participating in this plan.
During the planning process, three public workshops were held to inform the public of the purpose of the DMA and the hazard mitigation planning process for the Kings County planning area. At each workshop, the public in attendance was provided links to electronic comment forms to leave any comments related to the County’s MJHMP as well as provide their contact information if they would like to receive ongoing updates and information related to the planning process.
At the first HMPC meeting, the HMPC discussed additional options for public involvement and agreed to an approach using established public information mechanisms and resources within the community.
These additional options are outlined in the Outreach Strategy. Additional public involvement activities included press releases, website postings, flyer development and distribution, three public workshops (two were held during the plan development and one was held during public review), and the collection of public comments on the draft plan. Details on the outreach methods and approach are also summarized in the Outreach Strategy included in Appendix F.
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Plan Facts
The WSP team provided the County with a Webpage Backgrounder document that included MJHMP update information for the MJHMP Webpage. Some of this information was incorporated on the County’s OES Instagram page. Figure 3-1 includes a screenshot of the County’s OES Instagram page. As shown in the screenshot, the second post is the County’s OES seeking participation in the MJHMP online public survey. Most of the information regarding the 2022-2023 MJHMP update is provided on the County’s OES Instagram page.
Figure 3-1 Kings County’s Instagram Page
Source: Kings County 2023
Online Public Survey
During the plan update’s initial drafting stage, an online and bi-lingual public survey (in English and Spanish) was used to gather public input for the HMPC. The survey provided an opportunity for public input during the planning process before the finalization of the plan update. The survey gathered public feedback on concerns about hazards and input on mitigation strategies to reduce their impacts. The survey was released on December 21, 2022, and closed on June 30, 2023 (6-month period). The usual input period for the public survey is one month, but the public survey was left open for an extended May 23, 2024 Pg. 314
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period to allow the County and participating jurisdictions to circulate additional advertisements during public meetings and outreach events to seek more input from the public. The HMPC provided links to the public survey by distributing it using social media, email, and posting the link on websites. Screenshots from the County’s OES Webpage and social media channels can be found in Appendix B.
A total of 92 people filled out the survey online; all participants completed the English version of the survey even though a Spanish version with release materials translated in Spanish were circulated.
Results showed that the public perceives the most significant hazards to be drought, dense fog, extreme temperatures, agricultural pests and disease, and power outages. This information was used when developing mitigation actions, particularly those around issues and concerns on Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, drought impacts, and dense fog hazards. The public input was also used to prioritize and rank hazards in the final plan. Figure 3-2 shows the results of a question from the survey, which asked the public’s opinion on what mitigation actions should have the highest priority in the updated MJHMP. Water conservation, generators for critical facilities, public education/awareness, aquifer recharge, and improve reliability of communication systems were cited as the most popular mitigation actions. This information was shared with the HMPC during the update of the mitigation strategy and used as a starting point for developing individual mitigation actions.
Figure 3-2 Example of Results from the Online Public Survey Source: WSP 2022
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Additional public comments left in the survey included feedback expressing concern about the COVID-19 pandemic, drought, PSPS shutoffs, and difficulties posed by dense fog in the region. These comments were shared with the HMPC and considered when prioritizing and ranking hazards, as well as determining mitigation actions. A summary of the survey data and documentation of the public feedback can be found in Appendix F.
Online Public Workshops
Three public workshops were held during the planning process to inform the public, receive input to integrate into the plan update and keep the public updated on the progress being made in the planning process. Two workshops were held virtually as webinars followed by question-and-answer sessions (Q&A) and one workshop was held in person during the plan development.
The first workshop took place on February 9, 2023, through Microsoft Teams. The workshop introduced the public to the hazard mitigation planning process for the County’s Plan Update and County and WSP staff answered any questions and gather public input to be integrated into the plan update. In addition, it was an opportunity to help staff identify risks, hazards, and vulnerabilities from the public’s perspective.
The second workshop took place on February 16, 2023, at the Multi-Purpose Room in the County Administrative Building. Members of the public were able to submit comments and ask questions verbally or via the chat function. The HMPC also received various questions and comments from the workshop on the public’s priority hazards in their community and possible mitigation ideas to reduce hazard risk. Figure 3-3 is copy of the first and second public workshop press release.
Table Events
Kings County OES did outreach at several local events, as documented in Table 3-5 and Figure 3-3.
Table 3-5 List of Table Events
DATE LOCATION EVENT NAME
9/19/23 Tulare, CA Listos California Disaster Ready Summitt 9/28/23 Avenal, CA Confia Resource Fair
10/03/23 Hanford, CA Hanford’s National Night out
10/10/23 Corcoran, CA Corcoran National Night Out
10/12/23 Lemoore, CA Kings County Public Health Fair
10/19/23 Kettleman City, CA Kings County’s Public Safety Event May 23, 2024 Pg. 316
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Figure 3-3 Screenshots from Instagram Reels Showing Table Events Vulnerable / At-Risk Population Outreach
The Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance (Alliance) was invited to participate in the HMPC through email blasts and through invitations to comment on the draft plan. The Alliance is a consortium of partners that includes homeless service providers, advocacy groups, government agencies, and homeless individuals who are working together to address the housing in the County and support service needs of the homeless in this region of the San Joaquin Valley. According to the Alliance’s 2023 Point in Time Report, there was a 16% increase of individuals experiencing homelessness in Kings and Tulare Counties between 2022 and 2023 (from 1,235 individuals to 1,470 individuals).1 The Planning Team recognized that this organization possesses extensive connections with the unhoused population, making it a valuable source of crucial insights for shaping the MJHMP update to ensure equitable support for all community members.
The Kings Partnership for Prevention was invited to participate in the HMPC through email blast and invitations to comment on the draft plan. The Kings Partnership, a non-profit organization, collaborates with businesses, service providers, and the community to prioritize prevention and spotlight progress and prosperity for residents. With a focus on health, family, education, and financial stability, the organization 1 https://www.kthomelessalliance.org/pit
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aims to build a thriving community. Initiatives spearheaded by the Alliance include substance use response groups, mental health task forces, and financial and stability taskforces. The Planning Team felt that this organization has broad reach across demographic groups and would be able to provide valuable information that would allow this MJHMP access to a broad range of relevant interests.
The Office of Senator Hurtado Senate District 16 (SD 16) covers Kern, Kings, San Bernardino, and Tulare Counties. These areas exhibit rates of adults without high school diplomas and percentages of singleparent households that are nearly double the California state averages. Additionally, their median household and family incomes, as well as per capita incomes, range from three-quarters to half of the state's averages (ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles). The Office of Senator Hurtado was the only organization focusing on supporting vulnerable populations that chose to participate in the drafting of this plan. The Office of Senator Hurtado staff joined the HMPC and provided valuable information during HMPC meetings and workshops.
While the online public survey was distributed in English and Spanish, only English responses were recorded. While links to the survey were distributed across Kings County platforms and email listservs, engagement may have been better if the link was published across strictly Spanish speaking platforms as well. Another effective strategy may involve posting a Spanish press release with a QR code at grocery stores such as El Rey Supermercado, Super Mercado Leon, or Del Valle to gather additional input during the next plan update.
Enhancements can also be made in reaching out to organizations and agencies supporting vulnerable or at-risk populations. This improvement may involve broadening the scope of organizations, both in terms of quantity and diversity; for example, by considering inclusion of those aiding elderly individuals or supporting children in foster care. Furthermore, adopting a more personalized approach, such as one-onone outreach through personal emails or phone calls or request for focused listening sessions with the organizations, may prove to be a more effective method for encouraging engagement.
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Figure 3-4 Press Release for the First and SecondPublic Workshops May 23, 2024 Pg. 319
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Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Collection
During the 2022-2023 plan update, the WSP team prepared a GIS data list to request the GIS data needed for the plan update. The County’s GIS staff was then able to compile and provide the WSP team with access to the County’s GIS data.
During the project kick-off meeting the County and WSP team discussed the MJHMP update process and schedule, plan review, data, and GIS hazard mapping for the Plan update. In attendance were representatives from the County’s Community Development Agency, which is in charge of managing the County’s GIS data, Public Works, and the Assessor’s Office. The County’s GIS Manager reviewed a GIS Data Needs List provided by WSP. The GIS team proceeded to discuss the details of the GIS mapping requirements, such as including inventory and valuation information for public infrastructure for each of the five identified hazards: earthquake, landslide, dam failure, flood, and wildfire. The team also discussed GIS data sources for potential new hazards. Other related comprehensive inventory information that was discussed included: roads, traffic signals, drainage facilities, lighting facilities, bridges, and airports.
Most of the inventory and risk data can be layered to provide aggregation of asset values within specifically identified risk areas. Additional hazard-specific data and layers were acquired and analyzed to quantify the geographic extent as well as the magnitude and severity of hazards for each of the five identified hazards that are assessed quantitatively: earthquake, landslide, dam failure, flood, and wildfire.
Data sources include USACE, Department of Water Resources (DWR), Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD), National Inventory of Dams (NID), FEMA, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP), Department of Conservation (DOC), and California Geological Survey (CGS). Additional GIS spatial data was integrated to assess agricultural pests and diseases (important farmland data from DOC) and severe weather data from NWS and NOAA.
During the HIRA process, to assess hazards’ potential impacts on the County’s critical facilities, a critical facilities GIS database was needed and then established. While building the critical facilities GIS database, each participating jurisdiction’s assistance was requested to validate the critical facilities GIS data. There were two primary aspects of this: data completeness/correctness and alignment/classification with FEMA Lifelines framework. The County and four participating jurisdictions each reviewed the critical facility database and were encouraged to edit descriptive attributes and add new point data for critical facilities. This process further engaged participating jurisdictions that saw the value of the MJHMP and long-term use and maintenance of the critical facility data moving forward. The result was an updated comprehensive critical facilities database with 646 facilities.
Risk Assessment and GIS Methodology
The GIS methodology for the risk assessment is summarized below. • Identify Structures—buildings, infrastructure, critical facilities, structures that house elderly or disabled and transportation systems—both for present assets and those planned—categorized by FEMA Lifelines.
• Address Repetitive Loss Properties for flood hazard.
• Estimate Potential Property Losses. The development of the MJHMP includes an inventory of assets from each publicly governed jurisdiction, coordinated by Kings County, and an assessment of all the hazard risks: agricultural pest and disease, cyber threats, dam incidents, drought, earthquakes, extreme temperatures, flood, land subsidence, landslide, public health hazards, severe weather hazards and wildfires.
• The asset inventory provided by the County Assessor’s Office database includes individual parcels, address points, various lands use codes, and various taxing agencies or districts. • County property (building asset) inventory and valuation—for both present assets and those planned (within jurisdictions’ SOI).
• Each property within this County property inventory has its Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), assessor's use code, government jurisdiction, and valuation data. Property value includes both improved value and estimated content value.
• County property type includes agricultural, commercial, exempt, industrial, multi-family residential, multi-use, and residential.
• From Census data, the number of people that would be affected by each natural hazard is calculated, which is the product of the number of properties that would be affected and the average household size.
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jurisdictions were asked to incorporate replacement costs for vulnerable buildings and impacts of population growth or loss in vulnerable areas. WSP staff integrated this information, if available from each jurisdiction after the critical facilities assessment was complete. This process helped the jurisdictions understand what facilities were vulnerable to hazards and gather replacement value for these facilities.
• For hazards that are not assessed quantitatively, the vulnerability assessment includes qualitative analysis that addresses the hazard’s impact on property, people, critical facilities and infrastructure, economy, natural and cultural resources, and future development.
Public Review Period
The County OES department circulated the Public Review Draft MJHMP for a 20-day period from October 19, 2023, through November 7, 2023. The Public Review Draft was released for comment and made available for download via the County OES website. The Public Review Draft MJHMP was advertised through social media, mass emailing, and an advertisement through the media mechanisms noted previously. An electronic comment form through Microsoft Forms was provided with the draft plan.
However, no comments were received on the Public Review Draft MJHMP. As such, the majority of the public input was compiled from the public survey and tabling events.
3.4.2 Planning Step 3: Coordinate with Other Departments and Agencies Early in the planning process, state and local agencies and organizations were invited to participate as stakeholders in the process through email. Stakeholders include local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities or those beyond the County and local government that have the authority to regulate development. Kings County worked with the WSP team to come up with a list of potential HMPC participants and stakeholders. Stakeholders could participate in various ways, either by contributing input at HMPC meetings, being aware of planning activities through an email group, providing information to support the effort, or reviewing and commenting on the draft plan. Based on their involvement in other hazard mitigation planning efforts, and status in the County, representatives from the following agencies and organizations were invited to participate as stakeholders in the process by email; an asterisk indicates they participated in HMPC meetings. More specifics on stakeholder agency representatives can be found in Appendix A and documentation in Appendix B.
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Table 3-6 All Stakeholders Given An Opportunity To Be Involved In The Planning Process
STAKEHOLDER
GROUP STAKHOLDER AGENCY
OPPORTUNITY
INVITED TO
PARTICIPATE IN
HMPC
INVITED TO
COMMENT ON DRAFT
SHARED MEETING
SUMMARY
MATERIALS
INCLUDED IN SOCIAL
MEDIA BLASTS
Agencies
involved in
hazard mitigation
activities
CAL FIRE ✓ ✓
California DSOD ✓
California DWR* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
California Natural Resource Agency ✓
California OES* ✓ ✓
County Agricultural Commissioner* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
FEMA Region IX ✓
Kings County Department of
Agriculture*
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings County OES* ✓ ✓
Kings County Public Works* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings County Public Health
Department*
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
NOAA/ NWS ✓ ✓
NWS Hanford* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings County Office of Education ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings County Water District* ✓ ✓ ✓
Mid-Kings River Groundwater
Sustainability Agency*
✓ ✓ ✓
California Department of Parks and
Recreation
✓
Agencies that
have the
authority to
regulate
development:
City of Hanford Fire Department* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings County Board of Supervisors* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings County Community
Development Agency*
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings County Fire Department* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Lemoore Police Department* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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STAKEHOLDER
GROUP STAKHOLDER AGENCY
OPPORTUNITY
INVITED TO
PARTICIPATE IN
HMPC
INVITED TO
COMMENT ON DRAFT
SHARED MEETING
SUMMARY
MATERIALS
INCLUDED IN SOCIAL
MEDIA BLASTS
USACE ✓
Neighboring
Communities
Tulare County Emergency
Management ✓
✓
✓
Fresno County Emergency
Management ✓
✓ ✓
Monterey County Emergency
Management ✓
✓
✓
Kern County Emergency
Management ✓
✓ ✓
Representatives
of business
academia, and
other private
organizations:
Southern California Edison ✓
Cross Creek Flood Control District* ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings County Farm Bureau* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings River Conservation District* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Sequoia Riverlands Trust ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
PG&E ✓
Westland Water District* ✓
Representatives
that provide
support to
underserved
communities
Office of Senator Hurtado SD 16* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings Partnership ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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Federal, State, and Local Agencies
• California Department of Fire Protection and Forestry • California Department of Parks and Recreation
• California DSOD
• California DWR*
• California Natural Resource Agency
• California OES*
• City of Hanford Fire Department*
• County Agricultural Commissioner*
• FEMA Region IX
• Kings County Board of Supervisors*
• Kings County Community Development Agency*
• Kings County Department of Agriculture*
• Kings County Fire Department*
• Kings County OES*
• Kings County Public Health Department*
• Kings County Public Works*
• Lemoore Police Department*
• National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/National Weather Service • NWS
• NWS Hanford*
• USACE
Businesses, Academia, Utility Providers, Dam Owners and Operators and Non-Profits • Cross Creek Flood Control District*
• Kings County Farm Bureau*
• Kings County Office of Education
• Kings County Water District*
• Kings River Conservation District*
• Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency*
• PG&E
• Sequoia Riverlands Trust
• Southern California Edison
• Westland Water District*
Incorporation or Existing Plans and Other Information
The coordination and synchronization with other community planning mechanisms and efforts are vital to the success of this plan. To have a thorough evaluation of hazard mitigation practices already in place, appropriate planning procedures should also involve identifying and reviewing existing plans, policies, regulations, codes, tools, and other actions designed to reduce a community’s risk and vulnerability from natural hazards. Kings County uses a variety of mechanisms to guide growth and development.
Integrating existing planning efforts, mitigation policies, and action strategies into this plan establishes a credible, comprehensive document that weaves the common threads of a community’s values together.
The development and update of this plan involved a comprehensive review of existing plans, studies, reports, and initiatives from Kings County and each participating municipality that relate to hazards or hazard mitigation. A high-level summary of the key plans, studies and reports is summarized in Table 3-7 below. Information on how they informed the update is noted and incorporated where applicable.
Table 3-7 Summary of Review of Key Plans, Studies and Reports
PLAN, STUDY, REPORT NAME HOW PLAN INFORMED LHMP
Kings County General Plan The Kings County General Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on January 26, 2010. The County proactively addresses hazards through the General Plan Health and Safety Element and references the MJHMP that was prepared in 2012. One representative from the HMPC is also working on initiating the County’s General Plan update, which would help ensure that May 23, 2024 Pg. 324
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PLAN, STUDY, REPORT NAME HOW PLAN INFORMED LHMP
both plans are integrated and contain mutually-reinforcing policies (please note this formal update process will not start before the finalization of the MJHMP). The General Plan and the 2023 MJHMP Update contain complementary actions to achieve the goal of hazard risk reduction. Future updates of the General Plan, including incorporation by reference of the 2023 MJHMP into the Health and Safety Element will continue to ensure consistency between both plans.
The General Plan also includes the Housing Element chapter. The 2016-2024 Housing Element is incorporated into the 2023 MJHMP Update to identify development trends.
Kings County Emergency
Operations Plan
The purpose of the County of Kings Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and its Functional Annexes is to provide the basis for a coordinated response before, during and after a disaster incident. This plan is the principal guide for the County’s response to, and management of real or potential emergencies and disasters occurring within its designated geographic boundaries.
The 2015 Kings County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) incorporates the FEMA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101 v. 2.0 and the State of California Emergency Plan best practices. The plan is designed to be read, understood and exercised prior to an emergency and establishes the framework for implementation of the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the NIMS for the County. The County of Kings EOP is intended to facilitate multi‐agency and multi‐jurisdictional coordination, particularly between the County of Kings and its jurisdictions, as well as special districts, utilities, major businesses, the American Red Cross (ARC), community groups, state agencies, and the federal government. The County is in the process of initiating a formal update to the EOP in late 2023.
Kings County Code, Chapter 5 –
Buildings and Structures
The Kings County Code, Chapter 5, provides minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the unincorporated areas of the County.
This chapter of the County code includes building code, relocation permits, electrical code, and plumbing code.
Kings County Code, Chapter
16.50, Floodplain Management
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas through specific provisions.
This ordinance was used as a reference to assess County’s mitigation capabilities and design mitigation actions and projects.
Kings County Code, Chapter
16.55, Fire Code
This chapter is enacted for the public need in the extinguishment of fires, and the preventing, eliminating, or minimizing fire hazards for the safety of life and property in the county.
Kings County 2012 MJHMP The plan was reviewed to provide a basis for the current update.
Assessor for parcel data
including Use Codes; assessed
categories; and values; address
points
Used for quantitative vulnerability assessment for hazards. Parcel information was integrated into each hazard’s “Property” section in the vulnerability assessment.
Public Works for current
infrastructure list (Bridges,
Drainage, Street Lights, and
Traffic Lights) and their
geographic placement
Used to establish critical facilities GIS database.
GIS for numerous base map
shapefiles such as cities, counties,
parcels, rivers, and roads
Used as base maps and for establishing critical facilities GIS database.
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PLAN, STUDY, REPORT NAME HOW PLAN INFORMED LHMP
FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplain data was acquired to profile flood hazard and carry out the related vulnerability assessment.
USACE Comprehensive Study;
DWR Awareness Floodplain
Mapping project
USACE 100-year flood event layer and DWR best available maps in 200-year flood event layer were acquired to profile flood hazard and carry out the related vulnerability assessment.
FEMA Technical Bulletin 11-01
Crawlspace Construction for
Buildings located in Special
Flood Hazard Areas NFIP Interim
Guidance
Provides guidance on crawlspace construction; used as a reference to design mitigation actions and projects.
NFIP This program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures by providing affordable insurance to property owners and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. These efforts help mitigate the effects of flooding on new and improved structures.
NFIP data was incorporated into the vulnerability assessment for flood hazard.
NIMS This system directs the creation of a comprehensive, national approach to incident management by federal, state, territorial, Tribal, and local responders and across all functional disciplines.
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC)
FERC is an independent agency that regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. FERC also reviews proposals to build liquefied national gas (LNG) terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines as well as licensing hydropower projects and providing regulations for dams.
California Geological Survey,
USGS
Data was acquired to profile and carry out vulnerability assessment for earthquake, land subsidence, and landslide hazards.
California Code of Regulations,
Title 24, Part 9 (California
Building Standards Code) (Fire
Code)
CCR Title 24 governs the design and construction of all building occupancies and associated facilities and equipment throughout California and is also known as building standards. It contains requirements for the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and requires measures for energy conservation, green design, construction and maintenance, fire and life safety, and accessibility.
The code is used as a reference to design mitigation actions and projects.
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Act
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act’s main purpose is to prevent the construction of buildings used for human occupancy on the surface trace of active faults.
Relevant data was acquired to profile earthquake hazard.
California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA)
CEQA is a California statute passed in 1970 (shortly after the United States Federal Government passed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)), to institute statewide policy of environmental protection. The County will complete supporting CEQA documentation prior to board approval and adoption.
California Public Resources Code
(PRC) Section 4291 – Structures in
Fire Hazard Areas
This code provides direction for persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating, or maintaining any building or structure in, upon, or adjoining any mountainous area of forest-covered lands, brush-covered lands, or grasscovered lands, or any lands which are covered with flammable material.
The code is used as a reference to design mitigation actions and projects.
Municipal General Plans
(including Safety Elements, Land
Use Elements, and Housing
Elements)
Informed the municipal annexes and in some cases the community service district annexes on past hazard events, mitigation policies, combining designations and existing and projected development.
Kings County Flood Insurance
Study
Reviewed for information on past floods and flood problems to inform risk assessment and consequence analysis (Section 4).
Utilized digital flood insurance rate maps effective
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PLAN, STUDY, REPORT NAME HOW PLAN INFORMED LHMP
2018 State of California MultiHazard Mitigation PlanReviewed information on climate change and hazard assessment data to ensure consistency with this plan update.
Reviewed list of hazards to inform risk assessment and consequence analysis (Section 4).
Reviewed goals for consistency
CALFIRE and FRAP Data was acquired to profile and carry out vulnerability assessment for wildfire hazard.
NOAA National Centers for
Environmental Information-State
Climate Summaries
Reviewed information on climate change to inform risk assessment and consequence analysis.
Data was acquired to profile and carry out vulnerability assessment for severe weather hazard.
California DOF/U.S. Census
Bureau, ACS, 2015-2019
Informed the background of the community including demographic trends and the calculation of population at risk.
USDA Risk Management Agency
Crop Indemnity Reports, 2007-
2020
Informed the adverse weather section vulnerability assessment on how crops have been impacted by weather events in the past. Also informed the Drought, Severe Weather and Agricultural Pests and Disease sections of the HIRA.
California Climate Adaptation
Strategy, 2018 and California OES
Contingency Plan for Excessive
Heat Emergencies (2014)
Informed the Extreme Heat profile and climate change considerations in the risk assessment and consequence analysis.
All relevant plans, codes, and
ordinances currently in place
such as building codes, zoning
ordinances, subdivision
ordinances, special purpose
ordinances, site plan review
requirements, growth
management ordinances,
economic development plans,
and emergency response plans
were reviewed
Reviewed and used to profile and carry out vulnerability assessment for hazards.
Used as references to design mitigation actions and projects.
In the process of preparing this 2023 MJHMP Update, many other existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information were evaluated or used as guidance. The HMPC for the development of the MJHMP Update included representatives who are charged with developing the Kings County General Plan and the Kings County EOP. The Planning Committee members work to ensure that local plans are integrated with the MJHMP and provide expertise for the integration of other local, state, and federal plans, codes, and regulations.
Other technical data, reports and studies were reviewed and considered, as appropriate, during the collection of data to support Planning Steps 4 and 5, which include hazard identification, vulnerability assessment, and capability assessment. Information from the following agencies and groups was reviewed in the development and update of this plan. Specific references relied on in the development of this plan are also sourced throughout the document as appropriate. • CAL FIRE
• California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation • California Department of Transportation
• California Department of Public Health
• California Natural Resources Agency
• California DSOD
• California DWR
• California Geological Survey
• Kings County Agricultural Department
• Kings OES
• California Water Foundation
• FEMA
• NOAA National Climatic Data Center
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• National Register of Historic Places
• Natural Resource Conservation Service
• NWS
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Western Regional Climate Center
• Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes
Integration of 2012 Plan into Other Plans and Planning Mechanisms The 2012 MJHMP was referenced in the County’s 2015 EOP. However, the 2012 MJHMP was not specifically incorporated or referenced in any other County or municipal plans and planning mechanisms with the exception of the City of Hanford 2035 General Plan Safety Element Policy Document (Goal H1-H2 and Policies H1-H6). A process to do so with the 2023 MJHMP is outlined in Subsection 6.3.3. For example, the County’s 2010 General Plan Health and Safety Element extensively referenced the County’s 2007 MJHMP, but the current element does not reference the 2012 MJHMP. The 2023 MJHMP update can be incorporated into the Health and Safety Element when the County updates the element. There is a process noted in both Subsection 6.3.3 and corresponding mitigation actions in Subsection 5.3 that outline how the County and municipalities can sustain compliance under AB 2140, which recommends adoption by reference or incorporation of the MJHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan. The County can also use the Health and Safety Element update process to address compliance with AB 747 and Senate Bill 99 related to evacuation route capacity and the identification of residential neighborhoods that do not have at least two ingress/egress routes.
3.4.3 Phase 2: Assess Risks
Planning Step 4: Identify the Hazards
WSP led the HMPC to review the list of hazards identified in the 2012 plan and document all the hazards that have, or could, impact the Kings County planning area, including documenting recent drought, flood, land subsidence, wildfire and severe storm events that were not included in the 2012 MJHMP. The Plan Update Guide worksheets were used to aid in determining hazards and vulnerabilities and where risk varies across the planning area. The profile of each of these hazards was then updated during the 2022-2023 process with information from the HMPC and additional sources. Web resources, existing reports and plans, and existing GIS layers were used to compile information about past hazard events and determine the location, previous occurrences, probability of future occurrences, and magnitude/severity of each hazard. GIS was used to display, analyze, and quantify hazards and vulnerabilities where data was permitted. The potential for climate change to affect the frequency and intensity of the hazards was summarized based on the latest available science, where applicable. A more detailed description of the HIRA process and the results are included in Section 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
Planning Step 5: Assess the Risks
After updating the profiles of the hazards that could affect the County, the HMPC collected information to describe the likely impacts of future hazard events on the participating jurisdictions. This step included two parts: a vulnerability assessment and a capability assessment.
Vulnerability Assessment – Participating jurisdictions updated their assets at risk to natural hazards— overall and in identified hazard areas. These assets included the total number and value of structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; natural, historic, and cultural assets; and economic assets. The HMPC also analyzed development trends in hazard areas. The latest DFIRM was used to refine the estimated flood losses during the update, where available, for the NFIP participating communities.
Population at risk, specifically socially vulnerable populations and underserved communities were also assessed and calculated for dam incidents, earthquake, flood, landslide, and wildfire hazards. These populations include housing-burdened, low-income households, who may not have the resources to prepare for hazards, those with limited water access, who may be more vulnerable to interruptions in access due to hazard events, and those who rely upon electricity-dependent medical equipment.
Capability Assessment – The HMPC conducted a capability assessment update to review and document the planning area’s current capabilities to mitigate risk and vulnerability from hazards. By collecting information about existing government programs, policies, regulations, ordinances, and emergency May 23, 2024 Pg. 328
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plans, the HMPC can assess those activities and measures already in place that contribute to mitigating some of the risks and vulnerabilities identified. This information for the County is included in Section 6 and the respective jurisdictional annexes. This addressed FEMA planning task 4: Review community capabilities - 44 CFR 201.6 (b)(2) & (3).
Results of the risk assessment were presented, and comments were discussed at the second HMPC meeting in March 2023. A more detailed description of the risk assessment process and the results are included in Section 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
3.4.4 Phase 3: Develop the Mitigation Plan
Planning Step 6: Set Goals
WSP facilitated a discussion session with the HMPC to review the 2012 MJHMP’s goals and objectives. The HMPC discussed definitions and examples of goals, objectives, and actions and considered the goals of the 2023 Draft California SHMP and other relevant local plans when reviewing and revising the goals and objectives. The resulting updated goals and objectives are presented in Section 5: Mitigation Strategy. For the 2023 MJHMP, several goals were modified; no objectives specific were added.
Planning Step 7: Review Possible Activities
WSP facilitated a discussion at an HMPC meeting to review the alternatives for mitigating hazards. This included a group activity with the HMPC to identify a comprehensive range of mitigation actions for each identified hazard, and a group activity to select and rank mitigation actions using selection criteria. More specifics on the process and the results of this collaborative process are captured in Section 5: Mitigation Strategy.
As part of the review of mitigation options long-term climate change adaptation strategies were also discussed. HMPC members were encouraged to incorporate climate change adaptation measures into the mitigation strategy of their respective jurisdictions by utilizing resources and guidance available on the Cal-Adapt website and the California Adaptation Planning Guide (APG).
Planning Step 8: Draft an Action Plan
Based on input from the HMPC regarding the draft risk assessment and the goals and activities identified in Planning Steps 6 and 7, WSP produced a complete first draft of the plan. This complete Administrative Draft MJHMP was shared electronically with the HMPC for review and comment. Other agencies were invited to comment on this draft, specifically surrounding counties. HMPC and agency comments were integrated into the second draft, which was advertised and distributed to collect public input and comments. Neighboring county emergency managers and interested stakeholders identified under Step 3 were also solicited to provide comments on the draft plan during the public review period; no comments were received. WSP integrated comments and issues from the public, as appropriate, along with additional internal review comments and produced a final draft for the California OES and FEMA Region IX to review and approve, contingent upon final adoption by the governing boards of each participating jurisdiction.
3.4.5 Phase 4: Implement the Plan and Monitor Progress
Planning Step 9: Adopt the Plan
In order to secure buy-in and officially implement the plan, the plan was adopted by the governing boards of each participating jurisdiction on the dates included in the adoption resolutions in Appendix C.
The final plan will be incorporated by reference in the Safety Element of the County General Plan and result in the County’s eligibility for Assembly Bill (AB) 2140. This adoption makes the jurisdiction eligible for consideration for part or all its local costs on eligible public assistance to be provided by State share funding through the CDDA.
Planning Step 10: Implement, Evaluate, and Revise the Plan The true worth of any mitigation plan is in the effectiveness of its implementation. Up to this point in the plan update process, all the HMPC’s efforts have been directed at researching data, coordinating input from participating entities, and updating and developing appropriate mitigation actions. Each recommended action includes key descriptors, such as hazard(s) addressed, lead manager and priority, to May 23, 2024 Pg. 329
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help initiate implementation. An overall implementation strategy is described in Section 6: Plan Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance.
Finally, there are numerous organizations within the Kings County planning area whose goals and interests’ interface with hazard mitigation. Coordination with these other planning efforts, as addressed in Planning Step 3, is paramount to the ongoing success of this plan and mitigation in Kings County and is addressed further in Section 6. A plan update and maintenance schedule and a strategy for continued public involvement are also included in Section 6.
Implementation and Maintenance Process: 2012 MJHMP
The 2012 MJHMP included a process for implementation and maintenance which was generally followed, with some variation. Implementation of the plan including the status of mitigation actions is captured in Section 5 and the jurisdictional annexes. In general, the County and participating jurisdictions have made progress in the implementation of the plan. Successes of note are detailed in the mitigation strategy in Section 5. An updated implementation and maintenance section can be referenced in Section 6.
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4 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT
Requirement §201.6(c)(2)(i):
[The risk assessment shall include a] description of the type, location and extent of all natural hazards that can affect the jurisdiction.
The plan shall include information on previous occurrences of hazard events and on the probability of future hazard events.
Requirement §201.6(c)(2)(ii):
[The risk assessment shall include a] description of the jurisdiction’s vulnerability to the hazards described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. This description shall include an overall summary of each hazard and its impact on the community. All plans approved after October 1, 2008, must also address NFIP insured structures that have been repetitively damaged by floods. The plan should describe vulnerability in terms of:
• §201.6(c)(2)(ii)(A): The types and numbers of existing and future buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities located in the identified hazard areas;
• §201.6(c)(2)(ii)(B): An estimate of the potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures identified in ... this section and a description of the methodology used to prepare the estimate.
• §201.6(c)(2)(ii)(C): Providing a general description of land uses and development trends within the community so that mitigation options can be considered in future land use decisions.
Risk to natural hazards is a combination of hazard, vulnerability, and capability. This section of the MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) will look at both hazards and vulnerability. The risk assessment process identifies and profiles relevant hazards and assesses the exposure to lives, property, and infrastructure to these hazards. The goal of the risk assessment table is to estimate the potential losses in Kings County (County) from a hazard event. This process also allows communities in the County to better understand their potential risk to natural hazards and provides a foundation for developing and prioritizing mitigation actions to reduce the risks from future hazard events in Kings County. These mitigation actions can then be designed to reduce damage from natural disasters through increased preparedness and focus resources towards assets that have the greatest vulnerability.
In the early meetings, the County and the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) reviewed data from the following sources on hazards affecting the County, those sources were: the federal and state disaster declaration history, the State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) (2018) and the Draft SHMP Update (2023), the previous Kings County MJHMP (2012), the Health Safety Element of the Kings County 2035 General Plan (2010), and interviews of staff that live and work in the County.
During the 1st HMPC Meeting (October 31, 2022), the HMPC reviewed the broad set of hazards evaluated in the relevant local and regional hazard planning documents, including the SHMP. Based on this crosswalk process with the other relevant planning documents, the HMPC agreed on the significant natural, human-caused, and human-health hazards in the County that should be evaluated in the risk assessment. The HMPC agreed to address technological or human‐caused hazards but not transportation accidents and hazardous material incidents, which are addressed in emergency operations plans for the county and participating jurisdictions. This crosswalk process provided the basis for prioritizing the hazards profiled and evaluated in the risk assessment. The hazards contained in this planning effort are in alphabetical order and listed below. Hazards noted in italics (and with an asterisk) are hazards not previously profiled in the 2012 Kings Count MJHMP; five additional hazards were addressed in the MJHMP update, including two natural hazards, two human-caused hazards, and one public health hazard. • Agricultural Pests and Disease*
• Cyber-Attack*
• Dam Incidents
• Drought
• Earthquake
• Extreme Temperatures: Freeze and Extreme Heat
• Flood
• Land Subsidence*
• Landslide
• Public Health Hazards: Pandemics/Epidemics*
• Severe Weather: General
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• Severe Weather: Dense Fog
• Severe Weather: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, Hail, and Lightning* • Severe Weather: High Wind/Tornado
• Wildfire
4.1 NON‐PROFILED HAZARDS
The HMPC reviewed data and discussed several other hazards, which were eliminated from further discussion because they rarely occur and/or their impacts are not significant. The list below details these hazards and provides a brief explanation for their omission from further profiling. • Avalanche ‐ Snowfall is extremely rare to nonexistent across the County planning area. • Coastal Erosion/Storm ‐ Coastal hazards do not occur due to distance from coasts and ocean. • Hurricane ‐ Hazard does not occur due to distance from ocean. • Terrorism/Civil Unrest/Human-Caused Threats – While terrorism and civil unrest are threats to the County, this risk is best addressed in other plans.
• Tsunami ‐ Hazard does not occur due to distance from ocean. • Severe Winter Storm ‐ Very little to no snowfall recorded throughout the County; temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit only a few days of the year. • Volcano ‐ The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) does not include the County in their map of areas identified as subject to hazards from potential volcano eruptions in California. Also, the volcanoes in California near the Mono-Inyo Craters Volcano Chain and the Lassen Volcanic Center are not close to the County and have a limited chance of eruption. There have also not been declared disasters in the County associated with volcanic activity.
The remainder of this section begins with an overview of the history of declared disasters in the County followed by the profiles of identified hazards.
4.2 DISASTER DECLARATION HISTORY
One method to identify hazards is to look at the events that have triggered federal and/or state disaster declarations that included the County. The County received 20 federal and state disaster declarations since 1950, the majority of which consisted of flood and severe storm events. Table 4-1 lists the disaster declarations where the County was designated federal and/or state disaster declarations from 1950 to the present. There have been 21 State declarations and 15 federal declarations.
Table 4-1 Kings County Disaster Declaration History 1950‐present
HAZARD TYPE DISASTER NAME DISASTER
NUMBER
STATE
DECLARATION
FEDERAL
DECLARATION
Flood 1969 Storms OEP DR‐253 01/29/69 01/26/69
Flood Heavy Snow Runoff OEP DR‐2270 01/28/69 08/15/69
Severe Storm,
Freeze Freeze / Severe Weather OEP DR-3086 04/17/72 Not declared Drought 1976 Drought EM-3023-CA 02/13/76 01/20/77
Severe Storms Winter ’78 Storms DR‐547 02/27/78 02/15/78 Flood Winter Storms DR‐682 03/03/83 02/09/83
Severe Storm Severe Winter Storms DR‐1044 01/17/95 01/13/95 Severe Storm,
Flood Late Winter Storms DR‐1046 01/05/95 01/10/95
Flood January 1997 Floods W-145-97 01/31/97 Not declared Flood El Nino W-169-98 02/13/98 Not declared
Freeze Freeze DR‐1267 02/09/99 02/09/99
Freeze Severe Freeze DR‐1689 3/13/2007 3/13/07
Severe Storm 08 January Storms OES 2008‐01 1/2008 Not declared Drought Central Valley Drought OES 2008‐03 06/12/08 Not declared May 23, 2024 Pg. 332
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HAZARD TYPE DISASTER NAME DISASTER
NUMBER
STATE
DECLARATION
FEDERAL
DECLARATION
Flood December 2010 Statewide
Storms
DR‐1952
OES 2010‐17 12/21/10 01/26/11
Flood Severe Winter Storms DR-4308-CA 04/01/2017 04/01/17 Biological Statewide Covid-19 EM-3428-CA 03/13/2020 03/13/2020 Biological Covid-19 Pandemic DR-4482-CA 03/20/2020 03/22/20 Biological Statewide Monkeypox NR22-119 09/04/2022 Not declared Flood Severe Winter Storms EM-3591-CA
DR-4683-CA 01/24/2023 01/09/23
Flood Severe Winter Storms EM-3592-CA,
DR-4683-CA 03/10/23 03/09/23
Source: Kings OEM, Cal EMA and FEMA
The majority of declarations and all but two federal disaster declarations were declared for severe storms and flooding. These occurred twice in 1969, once each in 1978 and 1983, and twice in 1995 and again in 2010‐2011. A federal disaster declaration for freeze in February was declared in 1999 and in 2007. The remaining declarations were for a state declaration for drought in 1976 and another in 2008.
The federal government may also issue a disaster declaration through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and/or the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The quantity and types of damage are the determining factors. A USDA declaration makes all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for low‐interest emergency loans from the USDA's Farm Service Agency. As part of an agreement with the USDA, the SBA offers low interest loans for eligible businesses that suffered economic losses in declared and contiguous counties.
The USDA declarations are listed in Table 4-2 since the last plan update in 2012.
Table 4-2 USDA Agricultural Declarations Since 2012 Plan Update
USDA DECLARATION APPROVAL DATE DESIGNATION NUMBER
Drought 2/27/2013 S3491
Drought 3/13/2013 S3497
Drought 4/10/2013 S3504
Drought 1/15/2014 S3626
Drought 9/17/2014 S3743
Drought 2/17/2016 S3952
Rain and wind 7/27/2016 S4003
Excessive rainfall and high
winds
3/31/2017 S4164
Excessive rain, high winds, cold
temperatures, and hail
4/28/2017 S4170
Drought 2/23/2017 S4144
Freeze 7/18/2018 S4350
Drought 3/22/2019 S4467
Excessive rain 3/11/2020 S4656
Excessive rain and hail 3/11/2020 S4657
Drought 3/5/2021 S4916
Drought 5/10/2021 S4969
Source: USDA Disaster Designations, 2012 – 2021
Hazard events that occur outside the County planning area can also directly and indirectly impact the County. These hazard events are commonly associated with dam incidents that result in inundation flooding within the larger watershed and wildfires that affect air quality and downstream post-wildfire erosion. Power outages can also occur due to high wind events and wildfires and because of outages that occur outside the County.
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4.3 METHODOLOGY
The HMPC prioritized hazards based on a process that combines criteria on the hazard problem, where the hazard occurs in the planning area, past occurrences, the Likelihood of Future Occurrence, and the magnitude of the hazard if it were to cause damage. Each hazard profile includes the following subsections:
HAZARD DESCRIPTION – This section gives a description of the hazard problem and associated issues followed by details on the hazard specific to the County planning area.
GEOGRAPHIC AREA – This section provides a spatial description of the potential location or areas of the County where the hazard is expected to impact.
• Limited: Less than 10% of planning area
• Significant: 10-50% of planning area
• Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
PAST OCCURRENCES – This section contains information on historical incidents, including impacts where known events occurred. Historical incident worksheets were used to capture information from participating jurisdictions on past occurrences.
LIKELIHOOD OF FUTURE OCCURRENCE – The frequency of past events is used in this section to gauge the likelihood of future occurrences. Where possible, frequency was calculated based on existing data. It is determined by dividing the number of events observed by the number of years on record and multiplying by 100. This gives the percent chance (probability) of an event happening in any given year (e.g., three droughts over a 30-year period equates to a 10 percent chance of a drought in any given year). The likelihood of future occurrences is categorized into one of the following classifications:
• Highly Likely: Near 100 percent chance of occurrence in next year or happens every year. • Likely: Between 10 and 100 percent chance of occurrence in next year or has a recurrence interval of 10 years or less.
• Occasional: Between 1 and 10 percent chance of occurrence in the next year or has a recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.
• Unlikely: Less than 1 percent chance of occurrence in next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of greater than every 100 years.
CLIMATE CHANGE CONSIDERATIONS – This describes the potential for climate change to affect the frequency and intensity of the hazard in the future. The HIRA describes two GHG emissions scenarios that reflect different projections for how global emissions and atmospheric GHG concentrations may change over time but selects a high emissions scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway [RCP] 8.5) for each natural hazard affected by climate change. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) recommends that agencies use RCP 8.5 for analyses considering impacts through 2050 because there are minimal differences between emissions scenarios during the first half of the century.
The HIRA also uses Cal-Adapt’s default settings that provides outputs for subsets of 10 and 4 global climate models (GCMs) and integrates projections for mid-century (2040-2060) and through the end-ofcentury (2070-2090); however mapped climate projects using GIS data were only included for the midcentury.
MAGNITUDE AND SEVERITY – This section describes the potential strength or magnitude of the hazard as it pertains to the County. It describes how much damage could occur as a result of a hazard event.
• Catastrophic: More than 50 percent of property severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than 30 days; and/or multiple deaths
• Critical: 25-50 percent of property severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for at least two weeks; and/or injuries and/or illnesses result in permanent disability • Limited: 10-25 percent of property severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than a week; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable do not result in permanent disability May 23, 2024 Pg. 334
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• Negligible: Less than 10 percent of property severely damaged, shutdown of facilities and services for less than 24 hours; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable with first aid VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT – Following the hazard profiles is a vulnerability assessment for each identified hazard. The assessment was conducted through the study of potential impacts on the following specific sectors:
• People
• Property
• Critical Facilities and Lifelines
• Economy
• Cultural, Historic and Natural Resources
• Development Trends
The vulnerabilities are summarized for all natural hazards, including the human-caused and humanhealth hazards. For example, the vulnerability assessment addresses who or what is vulnerable to natural hazards or climate stressors that influence the hazard, where someone or a critical facility is susceptible to related health impacts or direct damage, and when and why these assets may be vulnerable. The vulnerability assessment is used to inform strategic decision-making by identifying the assets or portions of the planning areas most vulnerable to natural hazards.
RISK SUMMARY – Overall hazard significance is based on a combination of geographic area, probability of future occurrence and magnitude/severity. Each risk summary includes key issues and problems based on threat, vulnerability and impacts to the County planning area and jurisdictions from the specific hazard. Significance rankings are defined by the following:
• Low: minimal potential impact
• Medium: moderate potential impact
• High: widespread potential impact
•
Data used to support this assessment included the following information sources:
• County GIS data (hazards, base layers, and assessor’s data); • Statewide and nationwide GIS datasets to support mitigation planning; • California 2018 SHMP and 2013 Draft SHMP;
• Kings County 2012 MJHMP;
• Neighboring Jurisdictional HMPs;
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) datasets; • California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment;
• Written descriptions of inventory and risks provided by the jurisdictions; • Online data sources (cited where applicable);
• Data and information from existing plans and studies; and • Input from the HMPC members and staff from the County and local, state, and federal agencies • FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)
4.3.1 Hazard Ranking Summary by Jurisdiction
Overall hazard significance is based on a combination of information on how much of the hazard covers the planning areas, historical data, disaster potential and relevance to each jurisdiction, magnitude and severity, and the probability of future occurrences. Each metric was used to identify and prioritize the list of hazards most relevant to Kings County and the individual rankings are based on or interpolated from the analysis of the hazards in the risk assessment. This process helps the County and jurisdictions compare and rank hazards that pose the greatest risk.
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Participating agencies were also asked to complete Plan Update Guide worksheets to initiate the process of screening and ranking hazards within the County. The Plan Update Guides require ranking of the hazards based on geographic extent, magnitude/severity of the hazard, past occurrences, the frequency/probability of future occurrences, and overall significance, as shown in Table 4-3. The results of the Plan Update Guides were collected to determine the rankings, and these rankings were reviewed again with the HMPC for further input. Public input was also integrated based on feedback from the bilingual survey and two public workshops.
Table 4-3 Kings County Hazard Significance Summary
Hazard Geographic Extent Magnitude/Severity
(Extent)
Probability of
Future Occurrence Overall Significance
Agricultural Pests
and Disease
Extensive Critical Likely Medium
Cyber-Attack Significant Critical Occasional Medium
Dam Incidents Significant Critical Unlikely Medium
Drought Extensive Critical Likely High
Earthquake Limited Catastrophic Occasional Medium
Extreme
Temperatures
Extensive Limited Highly Likely High
Flood Extensive Limited Highly Likely Medium
Land Subsidence Extensive Limited Likely Medium
Landslide Significant Negligible Occasional Low
Public Health
Hazards
Extensive Critical Highly Likely Medium
Dense Fog Extensive Critical Highly Likely Medium
Severe Storms Extensive Critical Highly Likely Medium
High Wind and
Tornado
Extensive Critical Highly Likely Medium
Wildfire Significant Negligible Likely Medium
Spatial Extent
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area
Potential Severity
Catastrophic: Multiple deaths, shutdown of facilities for 30 days or more, >50% of property is severely damaged
Critical: Multiple severe injuries, shutdown of facilities for at least 2 weeks, >25% of property is severely damaged
Moderate: Some injuries, shutdown of critical facilities for more than one week, >10% of property is severely damaged
Negligible: Minor injuries, minimal quality-of-life impact, interruption of facilities and services for 24 hours or less, less than 10% of property is severely damaged.
Probability of Future Occurrence
Highly Likely: Near 100% probability each year.
Likely: Between 10 and 100% probability per year or at
least one chance in ten years.
Occasional: Between 1 and 10% probability per year or
at least one chance in next 100 years.
Unlikely: Less than 1% probability in next 100 years.
Significance
High: widespread potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
Low: minimal potential impact
Table 4-4 summarizes how these hazard rankings vary across jurisdiction, which allows the jurisdictions to compare multiple hazards and priorities, and with a focus on the natural hazards.
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Table 4-4 Hazard Ranking Summary in Kings County by Jurisdiction
HAZARD KINGS
COUNTY AVENAL CORCORAN HANFORD LEMOORE
Agricultural
Pest & Disease Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Cyber-Attack Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Dam Incidents Medium Low Low Medium Medium
Drought High High High High High
Earthquake Medium High Medium Medium Medium
Extreme
Temperatures Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Flood High High High High High
Land
Subsidence Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Landslide High Medium High Medium Medium
Public Health Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Fog Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Severe Storm Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Wind &Tornado Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Wildfire Medium Medium Low Low Low
Source: Kings County HMPC
4.4 ASSET SUMMARY
4.4.1 Assets Exposure
As a starting point for analyzing the planning area’s vulnerability to identified hazards, the HMPC used a variety of data to define a baseline against which all disaster impacts could be compared. If a catastrophic disaster was to occur in the planning area, this section describes significant assets exposed or at risk in the planning area. Data used in this baseline assessment included:
• Total assets at risk;
• Critical facility inventory;
• Cultural, historical, and natural resources; and
• Population growth and land use and development trends.
4.4.1.1 Total Assets at Risk
Building value assessments in this plan are based on data from the County’s Assessor’s Office. This data provided the baseline for an inventory of the total exposure of developed properties within the County and helps to ensure that the updated MJHMP reflects changes in development. It is important to note that depending on the nature and type of hazard events or disasters, it is generally the value of the May 23, 2024 Pg. 337
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infrastructure or improvements to the parcels that are of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a total loss, but may see a reduction in value. Thus, the parcel analysis excludes land value.
4.4.1.2 Parcel & Structure Exposure and Preparations for Analysis The most up-to-date County Assessor data (2023) and address point data (2022) were used to inventory the total number and types of parcels with improvements, defined as parcels with an improvement value greater than zero in the County, as well as the total number and types of structures on these parcels.
Building content values were estimated based on the following formulas derived from FEMA/Hazus methods: a) Residential and Multi-Family Residential properties received content values worth 50% of the improved values; b) Agricultural, Commercial, Exempt, and Multi-Use related properties received content values worth 100% of the improved values; and c) Industrial properties received content values worth 150% of the improved values. Adding up these content and original improved values yields the Total Value of Improved Parcels, which is an estimation of the total property exposure within the County.
Table 4-5 summarizes the property inventory for the County and each participating jurisdiction with detail by property type. Table 4-6 shows the total property inventory from the Assessor’s Office.
Table 4-5 Total Exposure Summary by Jurisdiction
JURISDICTION IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
BUILDING
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL VALUE
Avenal 1,897 2,514 $212,728,605 $118,884,090 $331,612,695 Corcoran 3,330 3,706 $411,183,649 $250,888,988 $662,072,637 Hanford 17,122 20,749 $3,636,911,685 $2,294,089,679 $5,931,001,364 Lemoore 7,109 10,012 $1,541,853,696 $955,326,836 $2,497,180,532 Unincorporated 10,227 13,561 $1,913,346,387 $1,681,807,156 $3,595,153,543 Total 39,685 50,542 $7,716,024,022 $5,300,996,749 $13,017,020,771 Source: Kings County Assessor’s Office, WSP Analysis
Table 4-6 Total Exposure by Jurisdiction and Property Type
JURISDICTION PROPERTY
TYPE
IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
BUILDING
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL
VALUE
Avenal Agricultural 6 6 $964,105 $964,105 $1,928,210
Commercial 112 134 $18,337,766 $18,337,766 $36,675,532
Exempt 27 33 $3,072,688 $3,072,688 $6,145,376
Industrial 9 10 $849,591 $1,274,387 $2,123,978
Multi-Family
Residential
51 564 $42,930,514 $21,465,257 $64,395,771
Multi-Use 9 12 $965,833 $965,833 $1,931,666
Residential 1,683 1,755 $145,608,108 $72,804,054 $218,412,162 Total 1,897 2,514 $212,728,605 $118,884,090 $331,612,695 Corcoran Agricultural 6 6 $104,009 $104,009 $208,018
Commercial 155 273 $39,701,556 $39,701,556 $79,403,112
Exempt 35 41 $1,388,873 $1,388,873 $2,777,746
Industrial 31 37 $24,083,922 $36,125,883 $60,209,805
Multi-Family
Residential
92 266 $46,250,891 $23,125,446 $69,376,337
Multi-Use 10 16 $1,232,045 $1,232,045 $2,464,090
Residential 3,001 3,067 $298,422,353 $149,211,177 $447,633,530 Total 3,330 3,706 $411,183,649 $250,888,988 $662,072,637 Hanford Agricultural 28 34 $2,925,519 $2,925,519 $5,851,038 Commercial 794 1,534 $714,496,080 $714,496,080 $1,428,992,160 Exempt 96 155 $26,175,037 $26,175,037 $52,350,074
Industrial 97 130 $100,067,929 $150,101,894 $250,169,823 Multi-Family
Residential
489 3,008 $239,982,926 $119,991,463 $359,974,389
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JURISDICTION PROPERTY
TYPE
IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
BUILDING
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL
VALUE
Multi-Use 49 61 $7,535,179 $7,535,179 $15,070,358
Residential 15,569 15,827
$2,545,729,015
$1,272,864,508 $3,818,593,523
Total 17,122 20,749 $3,636,911,685 $2,294,089,679 $5,931,001,364 Lemoore Agricultural 6 6 $360,817 $360,817 $721,634
Commercial 228 704 $132,810,700 $132,810,700 $265,621,400 Exempt 26 30 $6,332,106 $6,332,106 $12,664,212
Industrial 24 32 $109,777,286 $164,665,929 $274,443,215 Multi-Family
Residential
166 2,445 $152,673,286 $76,336,643 $229,009,929
Multi-Use 21 30 $9,741,781 $9,741,781 $19,483,562
Residential 6,638 6,765 $1,130,157,720 $565,078,860 $1,695,236,580 Total 7,109 10,012 $1,541,853,696 $955,326,836 $2,497,180,532 Unincorporated Agricultural 768 803 $69,307,835 $69,307,835 $138,615,670 Commercial 261 646 $80,078,804 $80,078,804 $160,157,608 Exempt 3,874 6,233 $957,516,751 $957,516,751 $1,915,033,502 Industrial 53 67 $117,039,604 $175,559,406 $292,599,010 Multi-Family
Residential
35 125 $6,238,179 $3,119,090 $9,357,269
Multi-Use 489 653 $109,285,327 $109,285,327 $218,570,654 Residential 4,747 5,034 $573,879,887 $286,939,944 $860,819,831 Total 10,227 13,561 $1,913,346,387 $1,681,807,156 $3,595,153,543 Grand Total 39,685 50,542
$7,716,024,022
$5,300,996,749
$13,017,020,771
Source: Kings County Assessor’s Office, WSP Analysis
4.4.1.3 Critical Facility/Lifeline Inventory
A significant aspect of the 2023 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) update was the update of critical facilities and an alignment/classification with the FEMA Community Lifelines framework. The critical facilities/lifelines GIS database was based on a combination of County-provided data, Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD), and local and jurisdiction-specific input. Jurisdictions were able to review critical facility data, edit descriptive attributes and address information, and add new critical facilities. The results are summarized here and provided the basis for GIS-based vulnerability analyses, where data permitted.
For the purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. FEMA sorts critical facilities into seven lifeline categories as shown in Figure 4-1.
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Figure 4-1 Lifeline Categories
Source: FEMA 2020.
These lifeline categories standardize the classification of critical facilities and infrastructure that provide indispensable service, operation, or function to a community. A lifeline is defined as providing indispensable service that enables the continuous operation of critical business and government functions, and is critical to human health and safety, or economic security. These categorizations are particularly useful as they:
• Enable effort consolidations between government and other organizations (e.g., infrastructure owners and operators).
• Enable integration of preparedness efforts among plans, easier identification of unmet critical facility needs.
• Refine sources and products to enhance awareness, capability gaps, and progress towards stabilization.
• Enhance communication amongst critical entities, while enabling complex interdependencies between government assets.
• Highlight lifeline related priority areas regarding general operations as well as response efforts.
Table 4-7 shows a summary of the 646 critical facilities inventory grouped by lifeline. Figure 4-2 illustrates the location of critical facilities in the County. The critical facility database includes water infrastructure facilities, such as levees.
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Table 4-7 Summary of Critical Facilities by Jurisdiction and Lifeline
JURISDICTION
COMMUNICATIONS
ENERGY
FOOD, WATER,
SHELTER
HAZARDOUS
MATERIAL
HEALTH AND
MEDICAL
SAFETY AND
SECURITY
TRANSPORTATION
TOTAL
Avenal 16 5 2 1 17 2 43
Corcoran 12 5 3 2 17 3 42
Hanford 32 7 6 10 14 54 9 132
Lemoore 11 6 6 1 23 10 57
Unincorporated 94 57 15 5 41 160 372
Grand Total 165 80 6 36 23 152 184 646
Sources: HIFLD, National Inventory of Dams (NID), National Bridge Inventory, Kings County May 23, 2024 Pg. 341
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Figure 4-2 Kings County Critical Facilities
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Moreover, during the 2022-2023 planning process, the HMPC mentioned the Corcoran Levee as a critical facility, which is maintained by the Cross Creek Flood Control District and is a protective barrier for the City of Corcoran. The Corcoran Levee is a protective levee system in the southeast portion of the County that protects two State Prisons. The GIS info for Corcoran Levee is added to the critical facilities inventory.
The levee is further discussed in Section 4.5.7 Flood.
One other critical facility unique to the County is the California Aqueduct. However, this facility is better addressed in the EOPs for the County and federal emergency plans. The California Aqueduct, part of the California State Water Project, runs through the western part of the County. The State Water Project is a water storage and delivery system of reservoirs, aqueducts, power plants, and pumping plants. Its main purpose is to store water and distribute it to 29 urban and agricultural water suppliers in Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, the San Joaquin Valley, the Central Coast, and Southern California.
Seventy percent of the contracted water supply goes to urban users and thirty percent goes to agricultural users. The State Water Project makes deliveries to two-thirds of California's population.
Earthquakes, landslides, flooding, or other hazard events that disrupt the aqueduct’s ability to deliver water could have serious impacts to agriculture in the County and water users in many areas of California.
4.4.1.4 Cultural, Historical and Natural Resources
Assessing the County’s vulnerability to disaster also involves inventorying the natural, historical, and cultural assets of the area. This step is important for the following reasons:
• The community may decide that these types of resources warrant a greater degree of protection due to their unique and irreplaceable nature and contribution to the overall economy. • In the event of a disaster, an accurate inventory of natural, historical, and cultural resources allows for more prudent care in the disaster’s immediate aftermath when the potential for additional impacts is higher.
• The rules for reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, and/or replacement are often different for these types of designated resources.
• Natural resources can have beneficial functions that reduce the impacts of natural hazards, for example, wetlands and riparian habitat which help absorb and attenuate floodwaters and thus support overall mitigation objectives.
Historic and Cultural Resources
Historical resources are buildings, structures, objects, places, and areas that are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR), or the County’s List of Historic Resources; or that have an association with important persons, events in history, or cultural heritage; or that have distinctive design or construction method.
For purpose of federal actions, a qualified historic resource is defined as a property listed in or formally determined eligible for listing in the NRHP before a disaster occurs. The NRHP is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect historic and archeological resources. Properties listed include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. The National Register is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service. Local and state agencies may consider a broader definition of qualified historic properties in the review, evaluation, and treatment of properties damaged during a disaster.
The State of California Office of Historic Preservation can provide technical rehabilitation and preservation services for historic properties affected by a natural disaster. Depending on the hazard, protection could range from emergency preparedness, developing a fire safe zone around sites susceptible to wildfires, or seismically strengthening or structurally reinforcing structures.
State and local registers of historic resources provide designated Historical Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, and Historic Buildings. These resources include, but are not limited to:
• The California Register of Historical Resources
• The California Historical Landmarks
• The California Inventory of Historical Resources
• The California Points of Historical Interest
Historical Resources designated on a federal, state, or local level are listed in Table 4-8.
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Table 4-8 Kings County Historical Resources
PROPERTY NAME REGISTER JURISDICTION DATE
LISTED
El Adobe De Los Robles Rancho (206) California State Historical Landmark
Lemoore 6/20/1935
Hanford Carnegie Library (N977) National Register Hanford 12/17/1981 Kings County Courthouse (N674) National Register Hanford 9/21/1978 Kingston (270) California State Historical
Landmark
Laton 9/3/1937
Location Of The Famous Mussel Slough
Tragedy (245)
California State Historical
Landmark
Hardwick 9/28/1936
Taoist Temple (N173) National Register Hanford 6/13/1972 Witt Site (N77) National Register Kettleman
City
5/6/1971
Source: California Office of Historic Preservation
Other historic sites of local importance also exist. These include the Kings County Museum, the Bastille building in Civic Park, and the Tulare Lake Basin which holds cultural and historical significance for the Yokut Tachi Tribe.
Lists of designated historical resources change periodically, and they may not include those currently in the nomination process and not yet listed. Additionally, as defined by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), any property over 50 years of age is considered a historic resource and is potentially eligible for the National Register. Thus, in the event that the property is to be altered, or has been altered, as the result of a major federal action, the property must be evaluated under the guidelines set forth by NEPA.
Structural mitigation projects are considered alterations for the purpose of this regulation.
Cultural resources defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15064.5 include prehistoric and historic archeological resources; historic-period resources (buildings, structures, area, place, or objects). Archeological resources reflect past human activity extending from Native American prehistoric cultures throughout the early 20th century. The artifacts left by previous occupants may be encountered in small to large residential sites, or special use areas.
Many cultural and historical resources in the County are vulnerable to several hazards due to location and the nature of their construction. Some of these risks include earthquakes, wildfires, or adverse weather.
Natural Resources
Natural resources are important to include in benefit/cost analyses for future projects and may be used to leverage additional funding for mitigation projects that also contribute to community goals for protecting sensitive natural resources. Inventory and awareness of natural resource assets is vital to meeting conservation objectives. For example, protecting wetland areas provides sensitive habitat protection as well as floodwater conveyance and storage, which further enhances public safety.
To further understand natural resources that may be particularly vulnerable to a hazard event, as well as those that need consideration when implementing mitigation activities, it is important to identify at-risk species (endangered and threatened species) in the planning area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) maintains a list of federally listed threatened and endangered species for the country, which can be queried at the state or even county levels through the Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) database. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) also maintains species lists and accounts for threatened and endangered species. State and federal laws protect the habitat of these species through the environmental review process. Species of special concern may additionally include species that meet the State definition of threatened or endangered but that have not been formally listed, species that are experiencing serious population or habitat decline, or a species which has a naturally small population that is exhibiting high susceptibility to population decline (CDFW n.d.).
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Table 4-9 summarizes Kings County’s special status animal species as indicated in the IPaC database, within the Environmental Conservation Online System.
Table 4-9 Threatened and Endangered Species in Kings County
GROUP COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS
Amphibians California Red-legged
Frog
Rana draytonii Threatened
California Tiger
Salamander
Ambystoma californiense Threatened
Birds California Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris obsoletus Endangered California Condor Gymnogyps californianus Endangered
Western Snowy Plover Charadrius nivosus nivosus Threatened Crustaceans Conservancy Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta conservatio Endangered Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta lynchi Threatened Vernal Pool Tadpole
Shrimp
Lepidurus packardi Endangered
Flowering Plants California Jewelflower Caulanthus californicus Endangered San Joaquin WoolythreadsMonolopia (=Lembertia)
congdonii
Endangered
Insects Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Candidate
Mammals Buena Vista Lake Ornate
Shrew
Sorex ornatus relictus Endangered
Fresno Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys nitratoides exilis Endangered Giant Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys ingens Endangered
San Joaquin Kit Fox Vulpes macrotis mutica Endangered
Tipton Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys nitratoides
nitratoides
Endangered
Reptiles Blunt-nosed Leopard
Lizard
Gambelia silus Endangered
Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas Threatened
Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service – Environmental Conservation Online System
4.4.1.5 Growth and Development Trends
Population and Projected Growth
According to the Department of Finance (DOF) the 2023 population of the County was 157,316. The DOF projects the total population will increase by 7.6% to 169,215 by 2030. While total households in the County are also projected to increase from 44,561 in 2020 to 50,068 in 2030, people per household is projected to slightly decrease from 3.16 in 2020 to 3.06 persons per household in 2030. The cities of Avenal and Corcoran both experienced an increase in population between 2021 and 2022 (3.4% for Avenal and 6% for Corcoran), however, the rest of the cities experienced a slight decrease in population between 2021 and 2022.
Social Vulnerability
Social vulnerability is broadly defined as the susceptibility of social groups to the adverse impacts of natural hazards, including disproportionate death, injury, loss, or disruption of livelihood. Social vulnerability considers the social, economic, demographic, and housing characteristics of a community that influence its ability to prepare for, respond to, cope with, recover from, and adapt to environmental hazards. Social vulnerability considerations were included in the update of this 2023 MJHMP update to identify communities across the County that might be more vulnerable to hazard impacts based on many factors. In California, socially vulnerable populations, also referred to as disadvantaged communities (DACs) are mapped through Federal-developed and State mapping tools, including but not limited to the FEMA’s National Risk Index (NRI) for Natural Hazards, the California Office of Environmental May 23, 2024 Pg. 345
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Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEHHA) CalEnviroScreen, Department of Water Resources (DWR) Mapping Tools (DAC and Economically Distressed Areas [EDAs]), and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). FEMA’s NRI and OEHHA’s CalEnviroScreen are used to identify and assess socially vulnerable populations in the County’s MJHMP update.
The OEHHA CalEnviroScreen tool applies a formula to generate a combined ranking score that considers 21 indicators for each census tract that cover pollution indicators, such as diesel emissions and concentrations of toxic clean-up sites and population indicators, such as poverty and unemployment rates. Census tracts with CalEnviroScreen rankings between 75 and 100 percent (i.e., a combined score in the top 25 percent of all census tracts in the State) are considered to be DACs.
One of the population indicators for the CalEnviroScreen is the Housing Burden Indicator, which identifies housing-burdened communities. Housing-burdened low-income households are households that are both low-income and highly burdened by housing costs. The housing burden indicator measures the percentage of households in a census tract that are both low-income (making less than 80% of its County’s median family income) and severely burdened by housing costs (paying greater than 50% of their income to housing costs). California has very high housing costs relative to the rest of the country, which can make it hard for households to afford housing (OEHHA 2022). Households with lower incomes may spend a larger proportion of their income on housing and may suffer from housing-induced poverty (OEHHA 2022). Housing affordability is an important determinant of health and well-being. Low-income households with high housing costs may suffer adverse health impacts. These households are also more likely to be adversely affected during a hazard event and less likely to recover as quickly as other population groups.
Figure 4-3 below shows the overall housing burden indicator for Kings County from the census tract level.
As shown in Figure 4-3, there are a few communities within the County with a higher housing burden; these communities are concentrated in the cities of Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran, and Avenal, as well as the unincorporated area surrounding the City of Avenal. Twenty-three percent of the people in the dark purple census tract near the City of Hanford are housing-burdened low-income households. This percent housing burdened is higher than 75% of the rest of California. In addition, 28% of the people in the dark purple census tract near the City of Corcoran are housing-burdened low-income households. This percent housing burdened is higher than 87% of the rest of California.
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Figure 4-3 CalEnviroScreen Housing Burden Indicator – Kings County Source: OEHHA 2023
Social vulnerability is also one of the main three components of calculating FEMA’s NRI level. As documented in the March 2023 NRI Technical Documentation, among various social vulnerability indices, the CDC/ATSDR’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was selected to be used in the NRI calculation. SVI is a location-specific assessment of social vulnerability that utilizes 16 socioeconomic variables deemed to contribute to a community’s reduced ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hazards.
Examples of these variables include racial & ethnic minority status, no high school diploma, and no health insurance.
Figure 4-4 below shows the overall social vulnerability of the County according to FEMA NRI and CDC/ATSDR’s SVI. The darker the color, the higher social vulnerability of the census tract. Many census tracts within the County have very high social vulnerability, such as the areas around Corcoran, Avenal, and the area west of the Lemoore Naval Air Station. The entire southwestern and central portions of the County have very high social vulnerability. Quite a few census tracts near and within the City of Hanford also have very high social vulnerability.
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Figure 4-4 FEMA NRI Social Vulnerability – Kings County Source: FEMA 2023
The County can use the above information about these DACs to understand whether certain socially vulnerable communities have a greater exposure to hazards like dam incidents, earthquakes, droughts, flooding, and wildfire. The County can also use the information to conduct targeted outreach and engage community members to consider what other hazards and mitigation strategies or programs should be considered to meet community needs. The County can also engage these communities to proactively prioritize hazard mitigation projects that benefit them. Additional information on specific DACs is summarized in the specific jurisdictional Annexes.
Development Trends
The areas located in the Sphere of Influence (SOI) for each incorporated jurisdiction are areas each city plans to grow into and are areas potentially slated for development. Understanding the potential hazard exposure in each area can help to mitigate the impacts of events before development occurs in those areas. Development trends since the previous 2012 MJHMP update are also addressed. These growth and development trends are assessed in the Development Trends subsection of the vulnerability assessment, each annex, and broadly summarized below. In general, most residential development has occurred or is proposed within the city limits of each jurisdiction or within and around the unincorporated communities.
The County is expected to grow in population over the next five years and growth forecasts project growth will be approximately 2% from 2023 to 2027 (152,340 people to 155,589 people) according to the California Department of Finance County Population Projections from 2020 to 2060 (DOF 2023). To accommodate the growth new residential, commercial, and industrial development will occur, with the most growth occurring for residential land uses and around the communities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore. The U.S. Census Bureau Building Permit Survey provides information and local May 23, 2024 Pg. 348
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statistics on new privately-owned residential construction. Figure 4-5 displays the new privately owned housing unit authorizations by year in Kings County. The data indicates that there was a sharp increase in housing units from 2000 to 2005, and then a sharp decrease from 2006 through 2014. The number of new units has steadily remained around 300 to 400 units per year in the County from 2015 through 2022, An increase in the number of housing unit authorizations in the County could indicate an increase in the total number of buildings exposed to hazard events.
Figure 4-5 New Privately Owned Housing Unit Authorizations Source: US Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps/data_visualizations/index.html During this plan update process, an improved parcel & address point analysis was also conducted using the SOI areas for each incorporated jurisdiction and overlaid with available hazard risk layers to determine where development trends may exacerbate the risk of natural hazard events. The results of the spatial analysis have been integrated into the applicable hazard sections: flood, landslide, and wildfire.
Table 4-10 is the summary of the SOI total exposure by jurisdiction.
Table 4-10 Total Exposure Summary by Jurisdiction Sphere of Influence Areas
JURISDICTION IMPROVED
PARCEL
COUNT
Building
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL VALUE
Avenal 2 2 $340,269 $340,269 $680,538
Corcoran 192 203 $82,400,798 $88,858,817 $171,259,615
Hanford 768 970 $144,542,108 $143,772,786 $288,314,894
Lemoore 191 291 $30,525,548 $19,548,785 $50,074,333
Grand Total 1,153 1,466 $257,808,723 $252,520,657 $510,329,380 Source: WSP Analysis 2023
City of Avenal
According to the City’s 2035 General Plan Land Use Element that was adopted in 2018, the City aims to preserve and enhance its unique and small-town character. The City aims to minimize urban sprawl and 0 200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022 Total Number of Buildings and Units
Year
Total buildings Total units
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leap-frog development. The development of vacant, underdeveloped, and/or re-developable land within the boundaries of the existing developed area and where urban services are or can be made available should be prioritized. The City will preserve and protect agricultural use on lands for open space purposes and for the managed production of resources. Open space in the Avenal area should be created and preserved to meet the needs of the community. Additionally, according to the 2016 – 2024 Kings County Housing Element, the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the City of Avenal is 639 housing units in total, including 73 for extremely low income, 72 for very low income, 108 for low income, 115 for moderate income, and 271 for above moderate income. This means the City will need to provide approximately this many housing units to accommodate new growth in the next five years. Most of this growth is projected to occur within the City’s SOI and outside flood zones located to the west of the City.
All other growth in the City’s SOI is expected to have similar risk and exposure to drought, earthquake, extreme heat, fog, and freeze. All census tracts in the City are designated DACs, or underserved communities, therefore the risk to these communities is expected to be greater for earthquake hazards, drought conditions, and extreme heat hazards. While there are existing hazard mitigation capabilities in place to reduce the impacts from these hazards, additional efforts will be required to address additional population growth and increased exposure to these hazards due to climate change.
City of Corcoran
According to the City’s 2008 General Plan Land Use Element, the City aims to preserve and enhance its unique character and achieve an optimal balance of residential, commercial, industrial, and open space land uses. Meanwhile, the City aims to further develop existing gateways and at some future time develop scenic entryways (gateways) and roadway corridors into the City through special setback and landscape standards, entry signage, open space and park development, and/or land use designations.
Future gateways include development along State Route (SR) 43, SR 137 and Whitley Avenue/7th avenue.
Regarding the City’s growth management, the City will minimize urban sprawl and leap-frog development and provide for an orderly and efficient transition from rural to urban land uses. The City will also designate growth areas that can be served by logical infrastructure extensions. On the other hand, according to the 2016 – 2024 Kings County Housing Element, the RHNA for the City of Corcoran is 946 housing units in total, including 108 for extremely low income, 107 for very low income, 161 for low income, 169 for moderate income, and 401 for above moderate income.
As noted by the HMPC during the plan update process, the City experienced minor population growth over the past decade. One major factor contributing to the City not experiencing any significant population growth is the lack of available housing. The City is poised for additional residential and commercial growth. Currently, a 50-unit residential subdivision is in development with three additional subdivisions representing about 200 housing units potentially being approved over the next two years.
Commercial infill development is currently taking place within the City’s downtown and industrial areas.
All this new potential growth is within the already established General Plan development area that historically maintains a compact urban area that avoids the most prominent hazard – flood hazard. New growth within the City’s existing urban area will have similar risk and exposure to drought, earthquake, extreme heat, fog, and freeze based on risk exposure summarized in the previous plan. Since the designated FEMA 1% annual chance flood zones are located west and southwest of the City, the added growth of the City avoids this hazard. Therefore, there is no significant change in development in the City that increases the risk or severity of the hazards identified above, nor does the growth pattern compromise the needs of any underserved community.
City of Hanford
According to the City’s 2035 General Plan Land Use Element, the City’s growth management goals include a well-planned community that grows in an organized fashion, development preference of vacant and underutilized properties and limitation of urban sprawl-style development patterns in new growth areas. The land use element also mentions supporting the continuance of the Home Garden Community Services District (CSD) as an independent special district serving the existing Home Garden Community. The City will also keep supporting, encouraging, and incentivizing, to the extent possible, infill development projects that can effectively utilize existing transportation and utility infrastructure. On the other hand, according to the 2016 – 2024 Kings County Housing Element, the RHNA for the City of Hanford is 4,832 housing units in total, including 549 for extremely low income, 548 for very low income, 821 for low income, 865 for moderate income, and 2,049 for above moderate income. In addition, as noted by the HMPC during the Plan Update, the 2023-2032 Regional Housing Needs Assessment projects the City will add approximately 5,547 residential units over the next decade. Although there are not any specific hazard-related concerns associated with this growth, the City will have to expand services as May 23, 2024 Pg. 350
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growth continues. While growth in the City’s SOI is expected to have similar risk and exposure to drought, earthquake, extreme heat, and severe weather hazards, the portions of the City with DACs and other underserved communities may be at a greater risk due to their ability to prepare for, cope with, and recovery from hazard events. There are existing hazard mitigation capabilities in place to reduce the impacts from these hazards due to recent planning efforts related to the City’s Climate Action Plan, but further efforts will be required to address gradual population growth and increased exposure to these hazards due to climate change.
City of Lemoore
According to the City’s 2030 General Plan Land Use Element, the City aims to preserve its small-town character. Actions are taken to revitalize downtown, prevent sprawl, keep neighborhoods within walking distance of amenities and schools, and provide open space and parks to maintain Lemoore’s quality of life. The City intends to maintain a well-defined compact urban form, with a defined urban growth boundary, and development intensities on land designated for urban uses. The Element is explicit in noting that development west of the 21st Avenue alignment should be prevented to protect the Navy from encroachment. Contiguous development within SOI is also required. On the other hand, according to the 2016 – 2024 Kings County Housing Element, the RHNA for the City of Lemoore is 2,985 housing units in total, including 339 for extremely low income, 338 for very low income, 507 for low income, 534 for moderate income, and 1,267 for above moderate income. Given this high number of needed housing in the City, growth in the City would result in increased risk and exposure to drought, earthquake, extreme heat, and severe weather hazards. In addition, as noted by the HMPC during the plan update, growth in the City of Lemoore is continuing to the West side of Lemoore as well as the North side in the coming years. This growth has no impact on hazard-related concerns in the area. However, while the majority of the City is not a designated underserved community, the western edge of the City falls within a census tract designated as a DAC. Therefore, these communities may have greater risk to exposure to drought, earthquake, extreme heat, and severe weather hazards. This risk may also be intensified by the effects of climate change.
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4.5 HAZARD ANALYSIS AND RISK SUMMARY
Requirement §201.6(c)(2)(i):
[The risk assessment shall include a] description of the type, location and extent of all natural hazards that can affect the jurisdiction.
The plan shall include information on previous occurrences of hazard events and on the probability of future hazard events.]
4.5.1 AGRICULTURAL PESTS AND DISEASE
4.5.1.1 Hazard Description
Agriculture is the dominant land use in the County, accounting for 90.2% of total land use (2023 General Plan 2010). The County was the 8th top-producing agricultural county in California by gross value in 2020, grossing more than $2.1 billion in 2020 (CFDA 2021). Top commodities in 2021 included milk, pistachios, almonds, and cotton (see Table 4-11 below).
Table 4-11 Top 10 Commodities in Kings County in 2021
RANK CROP DOLLAR VALUE
1 Milk, Total $722,744,000
2 Pistachios $267,900,000
3 Almonds, Total $190,674,000
4 Cotton, Total $190,079,000
5 Cattle & Calves $172,131,000
6 Tomatoes, Processed $128,712,000
7 Corn, Silage $79,294,000
8 Walnuts $61,883,000
9 Livestock, Poultry $61,423,000
10 Alfalfa, Hay $45,995,000
Source: Kings County Department of Agriculture 2021 Crop Report Agricultural pests and pathogens (insects, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and invasive plants) can cause injury or severe destruction to crops or livestock. From exotic fruit flies to noxious weeds, California’s agriculture can be impacted by a wide variety of invasive pests and pathogens. These pests pose significant threats to the state’s agricultural crops, farm workers, economy, food supply and native habitat. They can also result in increases in food prices for consumers. The number of invasive pests and pathogens newly detected in California and the rest of the United States has increased at alarming rates in recent years, and that trend is projected to continue into the future (Morales-RodrÍguez et al., 2019).
Insect pests and diseases, such as bark beetles and sudden oak death disease (SOD), can destroy forests and oak woodland habitat located along the north-east and southwest tips of Kings County, which can in turn increase the fuel load and lead to greater fire risk. Agricultural disasters could also occur due to severe weather events, such as extreme heat, freeze cycles, and heavy rainfall, hazards that are covered under Sections 4.5.6 through 4.5.15. Drought events are covered under Section 4.5.4.
Agricultural pest and disease management programs are administered at the state level in California, which provides important existing capacity related to minimizing and managing agricultural pests and diseases. The California Food and Agricultural Code mandates pest prevention programs to prevent the introduction and spread of pests in the state, fund such programs, and direct administration of the programs to the local municipalities. These include the Pest Exclusion Program, Pest Detection Program, Pierce’s Disease Control Program, and Federal Phytosanitary Certificate Program. Target pests addressed by each program are listed in Table 4-12, and also include dairy, livestock, and poultry pests and diseases, such as Mycobacterium bovis and pathogenic avian influenzas.
Table 4-12 Target Pests Kings County
PEST TYPE OF TRAP NUMBER OF TRAPS NUMBER OF SERVICINGS
All Purpose Fruit Fly Champ 116 1,030
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PEST TYPE OF TRAP NUMBER OF TRAPS NUMBER OF SERVICINGS
Asian Citrus Psyllid Yellow Panel 272 4,007
European Corn Borer Pherocon II 13 130
European Grape Vine
Moth
Delta 501 4,374
European Pine Shoot
Moth
Pherocon II 5 12
Glassy-Winged
Sharpshooter
Yellow Panel 173 863
Spongy Moth Delta 76 561
Japanese Beetle Japanese Beetle 76 561
Light Brown Apple Moth Jackson 152 810
Mediterranean Fruit Fly Jackson 152 20,93
Melon Fly Jackson 152 656
Mexican Fruit Fly McPhail 98 2,351
Oriental Fruit Fly Jackson 152 1,983
Total 1,952 24,250
Source: Kings County Department of Agriculture 2021 Crop Report
4.5.1.2 Geographic Area
Extensive – According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the County contains 615,958 acres of land in farms. There are approximately 963 farms (as of 2017) in the County. Most of these important farmlands are located within the County’s unincorporated area and are currently zoned for agricultural use. Figure 4-6 illustrates the geographic extent of the important farmlands across the County.
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Figure 4-6 Kings County Important Farmland
4.5.1.3 Past Occurrences
The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) tracks insurance payments, or indemnities, made to farmers as a safety net against natural hazards, such as drought and agricultural disease. Between the years of 2007 and 2021, 8,444 acres of USDA insured crops were lost in Kings County due to agricultural pest and disease, resulting in over $3 million in indemnity payments. Of these payments, $1.1 million and 3,478 acres were due to insect damage, $1.9 million and 3,734 acres were due to plant disease, and $1,231 and 1,232 acres were due to wildlife damage. Table 4-13 summarizes these agricultural losses.
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Table 4-13 Crop Losses due to Agricultural Pests and Disease, 2007-2021
COMMODITY
YEAR
COMMODITY
NAME
DAMAGE
CAUSE
DESCRIPTION
DETERMINED
ACRES
INDEMNITY
AMOUNT
2007 Wheat Wildlife 1,231.9 $47,681
2007 Tomatoes Insects 30.4 $1,997
2007 Plums Insects 13.0 $5,718
2008 Cotton Insects 99.8 $29,179
2010 Cotton Insects 73.1 $29,845
2010 Cotton Plant Disease 21.0 $3,522
2013 Tomatoes Insects 867.3 $332,940
2013 Tomatoes Plant Disease 1,221.7 $488,223
2013 Tomatoes Plant Disease 1,534.2 $568,903
2014 Corn Insects 240.0 $83,952
2015 Tomatoes Insects 526.2 $77,887
2015 Tomatoes Plant Disease 77.2 $178,326
2015 Tomatoes Plant Disease 227.8 $182,791
2015 Alfalfa Seeds Insects 160.0 $50,652
2017 Cotton Insects 1,075.9 $357,251
2018 Tomatoes Plant Disease 146.9 $36,124
2019 Wheat Plant Disease 126.4 $8,342
2020 Onions Plant Disease 229.3 $386,723
2020 Tomatoes Plant Disease 149.3 $91,078
2021 Cotton Insects 302.5 $113,301
2021 Cotton Insects 90.2 $7,200
Total 8,443.9 $3,081,635
Source: USDA RMA Crop Indemnity Reports, 2007-2021
4.5.1.4 Likelihood of Future Occurrence
Likely – Based on past occurrences of economic impacts and implementation of control measures, and the likely increase in pest activity outlined in the Climate Change Considerations section below, pests, disease, and invasive species will continue to present a constant threat to the County and its jurisdictions.
These events are anticipated to be influenced by a changing climate and therefore expected to occur on an annual basis or have a 100% chance of occurring each year.
4.5.1.5 Climate Change Considerations
California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment (2018) notes that “climate change impacts terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife in multiple ways, including invasion by exotic species, prevalence of wildlife disease, and loss of native habitats.” Changing climate conditions can impact viable living areas of species and cause migration, shifting the spread of pests and disease northward by changing habitat temperatures and making previously undesirable habitats welcoming for new species, while also lengthening habitable seasons (Bedsworth et al, 2018). Longer growing seasons may also allow agricultural pests to persist longer, which can increase the severity of infestations on agricultural operations.
4.5.1.6 Magnitude and Severity
Critical – Pests can impact a multitude of crops in different ways. While there is no scale to define the extent of an infestation, a pest could have a major economic impact on the value of infested crops.
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Another large factor that may influence crop yield is the spread of invasive plants, which may compete with crops for resources and, in some cases, also introduce pests. According to the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC), invasive plants cost California $82 million every year in control, monitoring, and outreach (Cal-IPC, n.d.). Based on the USDA’s RMA Crop Indemnity Reports, in the County between 2007 and 2021, there were 8,443 acres lost due to agricultural pests and disease and $3.1 million in indemnity payments made. This results in an annualized loss of 603 acres and $220,116 due to agricultural pests and disease.
4.5.1.7 Vulnerability Assessment
Agricultural losses occur on an annual basis and are usually associated with severe weather events, including heavy rains, floods, hail, freeze, and drought. The California SHMP attributes most of the agricultural disasters statewide to drought, freeze, and insect infestations (Cal OES 2018). Other agricultural hazards include fires, crop and livestock disease, noxious weeds, and contamination of animal food and water supplies.
People
A widespread infestation of livestock and crops could result in severe consequences to the economic base of the County and its communities employed by the agriculture industry. According to the USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture, the County has 963 farms, which is a -9% change from the previous census in 2012 (USDA 2017). While agricultural production in the County can enhance the economy, improve human health, and ensure stable food prices in California and the U.S., certain habitats established for irrigation and agricultural output can also threaten human health by increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases (e.g. mosquitos, etc.). Agricultural pests and disease, or significant crop losses, can also impact communities if they result in limited food supplies and rises in food prices. Widespread crop losses due to contamination issues (foreign agents, biological disease) could also decrease the public’s confidence in food safety. Rural communities residing closest to these agricultural operations may be most vulnerable to these diseases.
Agricultural jobs could be negatively impacted during an agriculture emergency, including jobs tangentially tied to the agriculture industry. According to The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment, rising temperatures and drought conditions could lead to increases in the occurrence and transport of pathogens in agricultural environments, which will increase the risk of food contamination and direct human exposure to pathogens and toxins (USGCRP 2016). In turn, this will increase health risks and require greater vigilance in food safety practices and regulation.
Property
An infestation of agriculture pests or disease can lead to a range of negative consequences on property, including decreased crop yields and the potential destruction of entire fields along with farmland property. However, the impact of damaged crops and plants goes beyond these direct effects and may exacerbate the impacts of other hazards, such as severe weather. For instance, dead branches resulting from pest or disease damage can easily be broken by high winds during a storm, posing a risk of property damage and harm to people.
Critical Facilities and Lifelines
Critical facilities assessed in this plan would not be directly impacted by agricultural pests or diseases; however, the food and agriculture industry are considered critical infrastructure in the County and California. Impacts to this infrastructure, such as farms, dairy operations, and processing facilities would have debilitating effects on food security, the economy, and public health and safety. The County farms and dairies, and the associated food processing facilities, would be directly impacted economically by long-term disruptions in the food supply associated with crop losses due to agricultural pests and disease.
Economy
Economic impacts include both prevention, response, and recovery costs. Given the contribution of agriculture to the local economy, pest impacts could be significant. The value of agricultural commodities noted at the beginning of this hazard profile is $2,424,497,000 ($2 billion). Based on a hypothetical loss of 5% due to agricultural pest or disease, Kings County could equate to approximately $121 million in total economic losses to agricultural pests and disease.
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Cultural, Historic and Natural Resources
Invasive species typically harm native species through predation, habitat degradation and competition for shared resources. They can outcompete native species and are a leading cause of population decline and extinction in animals. Tree mortality raises the wildfire threat in healthy forests, increasing the vulnerability, strength, speed, and destruction of fires in the area. Significant crop failures can also result in impacts on the environment if they result in contamination or the need for groundwater or surface water monitoring.
Development Trends
While the USDA RMA has made several indemnity payments for damaged crops in the County, there have been no USDA disaster declarations due to agricultural pests or disease. Good development practices and the ongoing implementation of policies included in the County’s Resource Conservation Element and Open Space Element have had a positive impact on the County’s vulnerability to agricultural pests, plant diseases, and tree mortality.
4.5.1.8 Risk Summary
• Kings County’s farming and agricultural industry is ranked as one of the top agriculture-producing counties in California and the country.
• Agriculture is the dominant land use in Kings County, accounting for 90.2% of all land. • Invasive plants cost California $82 million every year in control, monitoring, and outreach. • Over 14 years, there were 8,443 acres lost due to agricultural pests and disease and $3.1 million in indemnity payments made in Kings County.
• Changes in weather patterns can have dramatic impacts on the ecosystem, including agriculture systems, and more severe impacts associated with agricultural pests and disease can be expected in the future.
• Changing climate conditions can shift the spread of pests and disease northward by changing habitat temperatures and making previously undesirable habitats welcome new species through longer growing seasons. This may increase the severity of pest infestations on agricultural operations. • Related hazards – Drought, Severe Weather
JURISDICTION GEOGRAPHIC
AREA
PROBABILITY
OF FUTURE
OCCURRENCE
MAGNITUDE/
SEVERITY
OVERALL
SIGNIFICANCE
PRIORITY
HAZARD?
Kings County Extensive Likely Critical Medium No
City of Avenal Extensive Likely Critical Medium No
City of Corcoran Extensive Likely Critical Medium No
City of Hanford Extensive Likely Critical Medium No
City of Lemoore Extensive Likely Critical Medium No
4.5.2 CYBER-ATTACK
4.5.2.1 Hazard Description
The 2018 California SHMP defines cyber-attacks as “attempts by cyber criminals to attack a government, organization, or private party by damaging or disrupting a computer or computer network, or by or stealing data from a computer or computer network for malicious use.” Cyber-attacks use malicious code to alter computer operations or data. The vulnerability of computer systems to attack is a growing concern as people and institutions become more dependent upon networked technologies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that “cyber intrusions are becoming more commonplace, more dangerous, and more sophisticated,” with implications for private- and public-sector networks. Cyber threats can take many forms, including:
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• Phishing attacks: Phishing attacks are fraudulent communications that appear to come from legitimate sources. They typically come through email but may come through text messages as well.
Phishing may also be considered a type of social engineering meant to exploit individuals into paying fake invoices, providing passwords, or sending sensitive information. • Malware attacks: Malware is malicious code that may infect a computer system. It typically gains a foothold when a user visits an unsafe site, downloads untrusted software, or may be downloaded in conjunction with a phishing attack. Malware can remain undetected for years and spread across an entire network.
• Ransomware: Ransomware typically blocks access to a jurisdiction’s/agency’s/business’ data by encrypting it. Perpetrators will ask for a ransom to provide the security key and decrypt the data, although many ransomware victims never get their data back even after paying the ransom. • Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack: Perhaps the most common type of cyber-attack, a DDoS attack seeks to overwhelm a network and causes it to either be inaccessible or shut down. A DDoS typically uses other infected systems and internet-connected devices to “request” information from a specific network or server that is not configured or powerful enough to handle the traffic. • Data breach: Hackers gaining access to large amounts of personal, sensitive, or confidential information has become increasingly common in recent years. In addition to networked systems, data breaches can occur due to the mishandling of external drives. • Critical Infrastructure/SCADA System attack: There have been recent critical infrastructure Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system attacks aimed at taking down lifelines such as power plants and wastewater facilities. These attacks typically combine a form of phishing, malware, or other social engineering mechanisms to gain access to the system.
Cyber-attacks are rapidly increasing in the United States. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) was developed to provide the public with a direct way to report cyber-crimes to the FBI. In 2021, the FBI IC3 reported a record number of cyber-attacks, with a 7% increase from 2020 (FBI, 2022). The events reported to the FBI are used to track the trends and threats from cyber criminals to combat cyber threats and protect U.S. citizens, businesses, and government from future attacks.
In a recent attempt to combat this threat, the State adopted Senate Bill (SB) 327 in September 2018. This bill seeks to improve information privacy, specifically pertaining to connected devices. Existing laws in California require businesses to take all reasonable steps to dispose of customer records within their custody containing personal information and require businesses that own, license, or maintain personal information about a California resident to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures.
Moreover, beginning on January 1, 2020, SB 327 further requires the manufacturer of connected devices to equip the device with a reasonable security feature to protect user information.
4.5.2.2 Geographic Area
Significant – Cyber-attacks can and have occurred in every location regardless of geography, demographics, and security posture. Anyone with information online is vulnerable to a cyber-attack.
Incidents may involve a single location or multiple geographic areas. A disruption can have far-reaching effects beyond the location of the targeted system; disruptions that occur far outside the state can still impact people, businesses, and institutions within the County. All servers in the County are potentially vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Businesses, industries, and even individuals are susceptible to cyber-attacks.
Therefore, the geographic extent of cyber-attack is significant.
4.5.2.3 Past Occurrences
According to the FBI’s 2021 Internet Crime Report, the FBI received 2.76 million complaints with $18.7 billion in losses over the last five years due to cyber-attacks (FBI 2022). The Crime Report also noted a trend of increasing cybercrime complaints and losses each year. Nationwide losses in 2021 alone exceeded $6.9 billion, a 393% increase since 2017. According to the 2021 Report, California ranked the top among all US territories in both the total number of victims (67,095 victims) and total victim losses ($1,227,989,139) in total losses (FBI 2022).
Data on past cyber-attacks impacting California was gathered from The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a non-profit organization based in San Diego, maintains a timeline of 9,741 data breaches resulting from computer hacking incidents in the United States from 2005-2021. The database lists 1,338 data breaches against systems located in California totaling almost 10.4 billion impacted records; it is difficult to know how many of those affected residents in the County. According to May 23, 2024 Pg. 358
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Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, there is one specific incident that happened to the Yanez Dental Corporation located in the City of Hanford on September 19, 2011: an office burglary resulted in the loss of three computers with patient information such as patient names, social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, telephone numbers, and other personal information being exposed.
Moreover, attacks happening outside of the County and California can also impact local businesses, personal identifiable information, and credit card information. Figure 4-7 shows several of the most significant cyber-attacks in California in recent years. All top five cyber-attack events are businesses hacked by an outside party or infected by malware. The data aims to provide a general understanding of the impacts of cyber-attacks by compiling an up-to-date list of incidents but is limited by the availability of data: “This is an incomplete look at the true scope of the problem due in part to varying state laws”, as noted by The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Table 4-14 shows major cyber-attacks impacting California from 2005 through 2021.
Table 4-14 Major Cyber Attacks Impacting California (10,000,000,000+ Records), 2005-2021 DATE
REPORTED
TARGET CITY ORG.TYPE TOTAL
RECORDS
TYPE OF ATTACK
12/14/2016 Yahoo Sunnyvale Business 3 billion Hacked by an Outside Party or Infected by Malware
9/22/2016 Yahoo Sunnyvale Business 500 million Hacked by an Outside Party or Infected by Malware
11/16/2016 FriendFinder Sunnyvale Business 412 million Hacked by an Outside Party or Infected by Malware
5/31/2016 MySpace Santa
Monica
Business 360 million Hacked by an Outside Party
or Infected by Malware
6/6/2012 LinkedIn Mountain
View
Business 167 million Hacked by an Outside Party
or Infected by Malware
Source: The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
In addition to the incident with the City of Hanford, a data breach incident happened with Kings County’s Public Health Department regarding COVID-19 data and individuals’ information. The County determined via investigation that the breach was due to an error made by an external contractor. The error existed on the County’s public web server from February 15, 2021, until it was fully corrected on December 2021. The Department did not exclude the possibility that some individuals’ data also ended up online as a result of the breach. That data could include names, dates of birth, addresses, and COVID-19 related information (Zhadan, 2022).
Moreover, recent years have seen an increase in ransomware attacks, particularly against local government systems. The City of Atlanta was hit by a major ransomware attack in 2018, recovery from which ended up costing a reported $2.6 million, significantly more than the $52,000 ransom demand. A similar attack against the City of Baltimore in 2019 affected the city government’s email, voicemail, property tax portal, water bill, and parking ticket payment systems, and delayed more than 1,000 pending home sales. In March 2019, Orange County, North Carolina was attacked with a ransomware virus, causing slowdowns and service problems at key public offices such as the Register of Deeds, the Sheriff’s Office, and County libraries. The attack impacted a variety of county services, including disrupting the County’s capability to process real estate closings, issue marriage licenses, process fees or permits, process housing vouchers, and verify tax bills. These past events are examples of the range of risks posed to county and municipal governments by various cyber-attacks.
4.5.2.4 Likelihood of Future Occurrence
Occasional – Small-scale cyber-attacks such as DDoS attacks occur daily, but most have negligible impacts at the local or regional level. Data breaches are also extremely common, but again most have only minor impacts on government services. Additionally, the FBI Internet Crime Report 2021 found that there is a trend of increasing cyber-attacks over the past 5 years. These trends are shown in Figure 4-7 May 23, 2024 Pg. 359
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Figure 4-7 Trends of the Frequency of Cyber-attacks, 2017-2021 Source: The FBI Internet Crime Report 2021
Perhaps of greatest concern to the County are ransomware attacks, which are becoming increasingly common. It is difficult to calculate the odds of the County or one of its jurisdictions being hit with a successful ransomware attack in any given year, but it is likely to be attacked in the coming years. The possibility of a larger disruption affecting systems within the County and even California is a constant threat, but it is difficult to quantify the exact probability due to such highly variable factors as the type of attack and intent of the attacker. Major attacks specifically targeting systems or infrastructure in Kings County cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the probability of future cyber-attack is Occasional.
4.5.2.5 Climate Change Considerations
There are no known effects of climate-induced impacts on cyber-attacks.
4.5.2.6 Magnitude and Severity
Critical – There is no universally accepted scale to explain the severity of cyber-attacks. The strength of a DDoS attack is often explained in terms of a data transmission rate. One of the largest DDoS disruptions ever, known as the Dyn Attack which occurred on October 21, 2016, peaked at 1.2 terabytes per second and impacted some of the internet’s most popular sites, including Amazon, Netflix, PayPal, Twitter, and several news organizations.
Data breaches are often described in terms of the number of records or identities exposed. The largest data breach ever reported occurred in August 2013, when hackers gained access to all three billion Yahoo accounts. The hacking incidents associated with California in the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse database mentioned above are also showing big-scale incidents, where billions of records have been stolen.
Ransomware attacks are typically described in terms of the amount of ransom requested, or the amount of time and money spent to recover from the attack. One report from cybersecurity firm Emsisoft estimates the average successful ransomware attack costs $8.1 million and can take 287 days to recover from (Emsisoft, 2022). Therefore, the Magnitude and Severity of cyber-attack is Critical.
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4.5.2.7 Vulnerability Assessment
People
Injuries or fatalities from cyber-attacks would generally only be possible from a major cyber-terrorist attack against critical infrastructure. More likely impacts on the public are financial losses and an inability to access systems such as public websites and permitting sites. Indirect impacts could include interruptions to traffic control systems or other infrastructure.
The FBI IC3 reports on the victims of cyber-attack by age group. While the number of cyber-attack complaints is comparable across age groups, the losses increase significantly as age group increases, with individuals 60 years and older experiencing the greatest losses. This is likely due to seniors being less aware of cyber threats, lacking the tools to identify cyber threats, and ”Grandparent Scams”, which is a cyberattacks where criminals impersonate a loved one in need, such as a grandchild, and ask for money.
In the County, 15.4% of the population was reported to be 60+ in 2021 according to the U.S. Census. Figure 4-8 displays the breakdown of victims by age group in 2021.
Figure 4-8 Victims by Age Group in 2021
Source: The FBI Internet Crime Report 2021
Property
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infrastructure, which could potentially result in system failures on a scale equal to natural disasters.
Facilities and infrastructure such as the electrical grid could become unusable. A ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline in 2021 caused temporary gas shortages on the East Coast (Colonial Pipeline Company 2021). A cyber-attack took down the power grid in Ukraine in 2015, leaving over 230,000 people without power (Zetter 2016). The 2003 Northeast Blackout, while not the result of a cyber-attack, caused 11 deaths and an estimated $6 billion in economic loss (Owens 2020).
Critical Facilities and Lifelines
A Government Technology article posted on July 31, 2022, highlights the increasing global cyber battles, despite the lack of major cyber-attacks against U.S. critical infrastructure in 2022 (Lohrmann 2022). This is a growing concern as cyber actions worldwide become less covert. IBM’s 2022 Cost of a Data Breach reveals that almost 80 percent of critical infrastructure organizations studied do not adopt zero-trust strategies, resulting in an average breach cost of $5.4 million, a $1.17 million increase compared to those that do. Additionally, 28 percent of breaches amongst these organizations were ransomware or destructive attacks (IBM 2022).
The impact of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure can be devastating. For example, emergency response communications, access to mobile data terminals, and access to critical pre-plans and response documents can be disrupted. According to the Cyber & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), cyber risks to 911 systems can have severe impacts, including loss of life or property, job disruption for affected network users, and financial costs for the misuse of data and subsequent resolution. CISA has compiled a recent list of attacks on 911 systems, including a DDoS attack in Arizona, unauthorized access with stolen credentials in Canada, a network outage in New York, and a ransomware attack in Baltimore (CISA 2019).
Governments rely heavily on the electronic delivery of services, which can be significantly impacted by cyber-attacks. Most agencies rely on server backups, electronic backups, and remote options for Continuity of Operations and the Continuity of Government. Access to documents on the network, OneDrive access, and other operations that require collaboration across the County could be significantly impacted.
Furthermore, if systems such as permitting, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), voting, or public websites are down for a prolonged amount of time, public confidence in the government will likely suffer.
An attack could raise questions regarding the security of using electronic systems for government services. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize cyber security measures and adopt a zero-trust strategy to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure and electronic government services.
Economy
Data breaches and subsequent identity thefts can have huge impacts on the public. The FBI Internet Crime Report 2021 reported losses in California due to cyber-attacks totaled over $1.2 billion in 2021 alone (FBI 2021).
Economic impacts from a cyber-attack can be debilitating. The cyber-attack in 2018 that took down the City of Atlanta cost at least $2.5 million in contractor costs and an estimated $9.5 million in additional funds to bring everything back online. The attack in Atlanta took more than a third of the 424 software programs offline and recovery lasted more than 6 months (Newman 2018). The 2018 cyber-attack on the Colorado Department of Transportation cost an estimated $1.5 million (Chuang 2018). None of these statistics consider the economic losses to businesses and ongoing IT configuration to mitigate a future cyber-attack.
Additionally, a 2016 study by Kaspersky Lab found that roughly one in five ransomware victims who pay their attackers never recover their data. A 2017 study found ransomware payments over a two-year period totaled more than $16 million (Huang et al. 2017). Even if a victim is perfectly prepared with full offline data backups, recovery from a sophisticated ransomware attack typically costs far more than the demanded ransom.
Cultural, Historic and Natural Resources
Most cyber incidents have little to no impact on historic, cultural, or natural resources. A major cyber terrorism attack could potentially impact the environment by triggering a release of hazardous materials, or by causing an accident involving hazardous materials by disrupting traffic control devices.
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Most cyber-attacks would have a limited impact on natural resources. There are cases, such as a cyberattack on a hydroelectric dam, that could result in catastrophic consequences to natural and humanbuilt environments in the case of a flood. If a cyber-attack occurred on several upstream dams and released significant amounts of water downstream, the additional pressure put on downstream dams could fail, resulting in massive flood events. This would not only jeopardize the energy system that relies on these dams but also cause significant damage to the natural environment.
Development Trends
Changes in development have no impact on the threat, vulnerability, and consequences of a cyberattack. Cyber-attacks can and have targeted small and large jurisdictions, multi-billion-dollar companies, small mom-and-pop shops, and individual citizens. The decentralized nature of the internet and data centers means that the cyber threat is shared by all, regardless of new construction and changes in development.
4.5.2.8 Risk Summary
• The overall significance of cyber-attacks in Kings County is Medium. These incidents occur frequently, with California being the State with by far the most reported incidents. The possibility of an attack of any scale impacting the County is almost certain.
• There have been 9,741 data breaches statewide over a 17-year period, averaging approximately 573 incidents per year, or up to 48 incidents each month.
• Nationwide the increase in cyber-attacks has been dramatic year over year. As this trend continues it is safe to assume there is a threat to Kings County.
• People ages 60+ are the most likely age group to experience the greatest monetary losses, although anyone of any age can be a victim of a cyber-attack.
• The vast majority of attacks do not affect properties or cause casualties. • Economic impacts from a cyberattack can be debilitating, sometimes costing local governments millions of dollars.
• The vast majority of attacks target only computer systems, however sophisticated attacks against utilities and infrastructure, such as electrical grids, have occurred. • Related hazards: None
JURISDICTION GEOGRAPHIC
AREA
PROBABILITY
OF FUTURE
OCCURRENCE
MAGNITUDE/
SEVERITY
OVERALL
SIGNIFICANCE
PRIORITY
HAZARD?
Kings County Significant Occasional Critical Medium Yes City of Avenal Significant Occasional Critical Medium Yes City of Corcoran Significant Occasional Critical Medium Yes City of Hanford Significant Occasional Critical Medium Yes City of Lemoore Significant Occasional Critical Medium Yes
4.5.3 DAM INCIDENTS
4.5.3.1 Hazard Description
Dam failure is the breakdown, collapse or other failure of a dam structure characterized by the uncontrolled release of impounded water that results in downstream flooding. In the event of a dam failure, the energy of the water stored behind even a small dam is capable of causing loss of life and severe property damage to development downstream. An uncontrolled breach is the unintentional discharge from the impounded water body and is considered a failure. Dam failure can result from natural events or human-induced events. Dams have received more attention recently in the emergency management community as a potential target for terrorist acts.
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Dams are built for a variety of uses, including flood protection, power generation, agriculture, water supply, and recreation. When dams are constructed for flood protection, they usually are engineered to withstand a flood with a computed risk of occurrence. For example, a dam may be designed to contain a flood at a location on a stream that has a certain probability of occurring in any one year. If prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding occur that exceed the design requirements, that structure may be overtopped and fail. Overtopping is the primary cause of earthen dam failure in the United States (Jamal 2017). Dam failures can also result from any one or a combination of the following causes:
• Earthquake
• Inadequate spillway capacity resulting in excess overtopping flows • Internal erosion caused by embankment or foundation leakage or piping or rodent activity • Improper design
• Improper maintenance
• Negligent operation
• Failure of upstream dams on the same waterway
Water released by a failed dam generates tremendous energy and can cause a flood that is catastrophic to life and property. A catastrophic dam failure could challenge local response capabilities and require evacuations to save lives. Impacts on life safety will depend on the warning time and the resources available to notify and evacuate the public. Major loss of life could result as well as potentially catastrophic effects on roads, bridges, and homes. Associated water quality and health concerns could also be issues. Factors that influence the potential severity of a full or partial dam failure are the amount of water impounded; the density, type, and value of development and infrastructure located downstream; and the speed of failure. The best way to mitigate dam failure is through the proper construction, inspection, maintenance, and operation of the dam.
Spillways are designed to relieve pressure on dams and prevent dam failures. Flooding downstream often results when spillways flow, though the potential for flooding as a result of discharge from dam outlet structures can also result from excessive rain events. However, controlled releases of water from dams is a measure that can prevent or minimize spillway flooding or structure failure, by regulating capacity in a managed way. Even controlled releases can lead to unwanted or unpredicted flooding, depending on environmental and weather conditions, or even human error.
In general, there are three types of dams: concrete arch or hydraulic fill, earth-rockfill, and concrete gravity. Each type of dam has different failure characteristics. A concrete arch or hydraulic fill dam can fail almost instantaneously: the flood wave builds up rapidly to a peak and then gradually declines. An earthrockfill dam fails gradually due to erosion of the breach: the downstream flood wave will build gradually to a peak and then decline until the reservoir is empty. And a concrete gravity dam can fail instantaneously or gradually with a corresponding buildup and decline of the flood wave.
4.5.3.2 Geographic Area
Significant – According to the California Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) Jurisdictional Dams and the National Inventory of Dams (NID) databases, as well as the 2035 Kings County General Plan Safety Element and input received from the HMPC, there are 10 dams of concern to the County; seven of which May 23, 2024 Pg. 364
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are in the County and three are upstream of the County.
As shown in Figure 4-9, Pine Flat, Terminus and Schafer dams are high hazard dams; however, these three dams are not located within Kings County. The rest of the dams are low hazard dams. Figure 4-9 shows the location of these dams, except Terminus, Schafer, Pine Flat dams due to data confidentiality and the fact that they are located within Tulare and Fresno County. The potential inundation areas for all dams are not available, as the data is either not available in GIS or not allowed for release in a public document.
Figure 4-10 is extracted from the 2035 Kings County General Plan Safety Element given information on Pine Flat Dam in no longer publicly available. As mentioned in the Safety Element, if Pine Flat Dam failed while at full capacity, its floodwaters would arrive in the County within approximately five hours. If Terminus Dam failed while at full capacity, its floodwaters would arrive in Kings County within approximately twelve hours. However, the chances of any of these dams failing while at full capacity are considered remote. As shown in Figure 4-8 Pine Flat Dam could inundate the majority of the County’s northeastern portion, including the cities of Hanford and Lemoore, as well as urban communities including Hardwick, Grangeville, Armona, Home Garden and Stratford. Terminus Dam’s inundation area is relatively smaller – a small portion to the northeast of the County would be inundated. In addition, according to the HMPC’s input during the 2022 Plan Update, the City of Corcoran mentioned that the Schafer dam on Lake Success in Tulare County has the potential to cause dam inundation flooding in the City of Corcoran. However, the dam inundation data is not available for Schafer dam to be shown on a map or used for vulnerability assessment.
Table 4-15 lists other dams of concern within or upstream of Kings County.
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Figure 4-9 Dams within Kings County
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Figure 4-10 Pine Flat Dam and Terminus Dam Inundation Areas within Kings County Source: Kings County 2010
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Table 4-15 Dams of Concern Within and Upstream of Kings County
COUNTY DAM NAME DAM
OWNER/OPERATOR
RIVER DOWNSTREAM CITY NORMAL
STORAGE
CAPACITY
(ACREFEET)
EMERGENCY
ACTION
PLAN (EAP)?
NID
HAZARD
RATING
CA DSOD
HAZARD
RATING
Kings Crescent Weir Crescent Canal
Company
- - 50 Not Required Low Low
Empire Weir
No.1
Empire Westside
Irrigation District
- - 50 Not Required Low Low
Empire Weir
No.2
Tulare Lake Basin
Water Storage
District
- - 480 Not Required Low Low
Island Weir Laguna Irrigation
District
- - 230 Not Required Low Low
Last Chance
Weir
Last Chance Water
Ditch Company
- - 50 Not Required Low Low
Lemoore
Diversion Weir
Lemoore Canal and
Irrigation Company
- - 50 Not Required Low Low
Peoples Weir Peoples Ditch
Company
- - 120 Not Required Low Low
Tulare Terminus (in
GP)
USACE –
Sacramento District
- - 235,205 Yes High N/A
Schafer
(Success Dam)
USACE –
Sacramento District
Tule
River
Porterville 65,473 Yes High N/A
Fresno Pine Flat (in GP) USACE –
Sacramento District
Kings
River
Hanford and
Lemoore
1,000,000 Yes High N/A
Sources: California DSOD and the NID
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As mentioned above, due to data limitations, analysis using inundation data and mapping associated with all dams was not possible for the plan, per communication with the Kings County Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the dam owners. As a result, the dam risk assessment does not quantify the entire risk to the County and the four participating jurisdictions in the event of a dam incident.
However, these deficiencies have been noted and a qualitative summary of risk is provided instead.
4.5.3.3 Past Occurrences
There is no history of dam failure affecting the County. However, according to the HMPC’s input during the 2023 MJHMP update, the City of Corcoran stated that Kings County has been a party of interest in Schafer dam and this dam has undergone retrofit and reinforcement for public safety. The March 2023 atmospheric river (AR) flash flooding demonstrated that flooding from Schafer dam can and did directly impact the City of Corcoran along the southeast portion of the City, including the directly adjacent two State Prison facilities that were protected by a portion of the Corcoran Levee along 4th Avenue between Quebec and Santa Fe Avenues.
4.5.3.4 Likelihood of Future Occurrence
Unlikely – The County remains at risk of dam failures from numerous dams under a variety of ownership and control and of varying ages and conditions. However, based on historical experience, dam failure is unlikely in the area based on the frequency of past dam incidents. Dams are regulated and inspected by either the State of California’s DSOD or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or both with follow-up written inspection reports. All the dams within the County have received satisfactory condition assessments. There have been no findings that would raise concern for a potential dam failure.
Nevertheless, given the number of dams of concern in the County, the potential exists for future dam failures in the County, but the likelihood of this is low. Uncontrolled or controlled release flooding as well as spillway flooding below dams due to excessive rain or runoff are more likely to occur than failures. For example, the March 2023 atmospheric river (AR) flash flooding resulted in flooding from Schafer dam over the southeast portion of the City of Corcoran.
In addition, the potential for climate change to affect the likelihood of dam failure is not fully understood.
However, climate change will impact the traditional operation measures and flow regimes used for dams because river conditions and water levels will be fluctuating due to climate change.
4.5.3.5 Climate Change Considerations
As noted in an academic journal Combined Effects of Reservoir Operations and Climate Warming on the Flow Regime of Hydropower Bypass Reaches of California's Sierra Nevada, which was published on March 24, 2014, climate warming will measurably alter some aspects of the flow regime (Rheinheimer and Viers, 2015). An article published at the Yale School of the Environment also notes that more evidence shows that climate change undermines the case for hydroelectric dams. Drought has caused reservoirs on five continents to drop below the levels needed to maintain hydroelectric production. Moreover, the article points out that climate change has caused vast uncertainty in flow assumptions, which resonates with the conclusions drawn by the 2014 journal article (Leslie 2021). Climate change may worsen drought conditions, which lessen the water available while climate change can also produce intense sudden storms that cause water levels to suddenly increase. Therefore, reservoir operators may need to change operations to mitigate climate change’s impact on rivers and overall water levels.
However, the universal consensus is that the potential for climate change to affect the likelihood of dam failure is not fully understood. With a potential for more extreme precipitation events as a result of climate change, this could lead to large inflows into reservoirs. However, this could be offset by generally lowering reservoir levels if storage water resources become more limited or stretched in the future due to climate change, drought and/or population growth.
4.5.3.6 Magnitude and Severity
Critical – Standard practice among federal and state dam safety offices is to classify a dam according to the potential impact a dam failure (breach) or mis-operation (unscheduled release) would have on downstream areas. The hazard potential classification system categorizes dams based on the probable loss of human life and the impacts on economic, environmental and lifeline facilities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses three categories to classify a dam’s potential hazard to life and property:
• High hazard indicates that a failure would most probably result in the loss of life. • Significant hazard indicates that a failure could result in appreciable property damage.
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• Low hazard indicates that failure would result in only minimal property damage and loss of life is unlikely.
• Undetermined hazard dams have not been rated or their hazard rating is not known.
In addition to these, high, significant, and low hazard classifications the California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) adds the fourth category of “Extremely High”. The DSOD defines this fourth category as “expected to cause considerable loss of human life or would result in an inundation area with a population of 1,000 or more” (DSOD 2020). As shown in Table 4-15 none of the dams are classified as “Extremely High”. However, it is important to note that there is no DSOD rating available for Terminus and Pine Flat dams.
Although most of the dams are rated low significance and can only result in minimal property damage and loss of life, Pine Flat dam can inundate a significant portion of the County. The extent of the impact depends on the nature of the failure. The largest populations potentially at risk would be in the cities of Hanford and Lemoore, as well as urban communities including Hardwick, Grangeville, Armore, Home Garden and Stratford.
A severe storm, earthquake or erosion of the embankment and foundation leakage may cause the collapse and structural failure of dams in the County or other nearby counties. Seismic activity may also cause inundation by the action of a seismically induced wave that overtops the dam without causing failure of the dam, but significant flooding downstream. Landslides flowing into lakes and reservoirs may also cause dams to fail or overtop.
4.5.3.7 Vulnerability Assessment
A dam incident can range from a small, uncontrolled release to a catastrophic failure. Vulnerability to dam failures is confined to the areas and populations subject to inundation downstream of the facility.
Secondary losses would include the loss of the multi-use functions of the dam itself and the associated revenues that accompany those functions.
Property
In the unlikely event of a complete dam failure, the majority of the populated areas within the northeastern portion of Kings County would be impacted. Inundation due to dam failure within the San Joaquin Valley is a low probability but high-risk hazard. The potential risk for the inundation of property is present in nearly all of the developed areas in the County’s northeastern portion. However, this potential risk is limited to only Pine Flat dam. The other low-significance dams may cause localized flooding events if they were to breach.
In general, communities located below a high or significant hazard dam and along a waterway are potentially exposed to the impacts of a dam failure. Inundation maps that identify anticipated flooded areas (which may not coincide with known floodplains) are typically produced for all high significant dams and included in the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) required for each dam. The FERC also requires annual training and exercises for each individual EAP. This would apply to both Terminus and Pine Flat dams.
Given that a GIS layer containing inundation maps for the dams of concern to Kings County is not available, a quantitative dam inundation exposure analysis was not performed. However, based on properties located within the cities of Hanford and Lemoore, urban communities including Hardwick, Grangeville, Armore, Home Garden and Stratford, as well as the overall northeastern portion of the unincorporated County would be inundated if Pine Flat dam were to breach.
People
Persons located underneath or downstream of a dam are at risk of a dam failure, though the level of risk can be tempered by topography (specifically where populations are located within the inundation path of a dam), amount of water in the reservoir and time of day of the breach. Injuries and fatalities can occur from debris, bodily injury, and drowning. Once a dam has breached, standing water presents all the same hazards to people as floodwater from other sources. People in the inundation area may need to be evacuated, cared for, and possibly permanently relocated. Impacts could include thousands of evacuations and likely hundreds of casualties, depending on the dam involved.
The populations most vulnerable are those that have the least time to evacuate and need assistance.
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emergency notification systems. The loss of life is impacted by the amount of early warning time first responders and the public have prior to the incident.
Given that Pine Flat dam could inundate the cities of Hanford and Lemoore, urban communities including Hardwick, Grangeville, Armona, Home Garden and Stratford, as well as the overall northeastern portion of the unincorporated County, people that live in these areas are then at risk of potential breaching events. Many of these communities were also identified as socially vulnerable due to income levels and higher housing burdens. Additionally, the southeast portion of the City of Hanford, western portion of the City of Lemoore, and the urban communities of Armona and Stratford are designated DACs.
The central and southern portions of the County have the highest level of social vulnerability, while the central and southeastern portions of the County are located within Pine Flat and Terminus dams’ inundation areas (FEMA 2023). There are also socially vulnerable census tracts located within the cities of Hanford and Lemoore, which are located within Pine Flat dam’s inundation area. Given these communities may require more assistance to respond to, cope with, and recovery from dam-related incidents, these socially vulnerable populations who live in these areas are exposed to a higher risk of dam inundation incidents.
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
A total dam failure can cause catastrophic impacts to areas downstream of the water body, including critical infrastructure. Any critical asset located under the dam in an inundation area would be susceptible to the impacts of a dam failure. Of particular risk would be roads and bridges that could be vulnerable to washouts, further complicating response and recovery by cutting off impacted areas.
Impacts on cities would affect key infrastructure including hospitals, fire stations, clinics, and businesses.
Given that Pine Flat dam could inundate the cities of Hanford and Lemoore, urban communities including Hardwick, Grangeville, Armore, Home Garden and Stratford, as well as the overall northeastern portion of the unincorporated County, critical facilities, such as water and wastewater infrastructure and electrical utilities located within these areas are then exposed to potential dam inundation events. In addition, as discussed above and mentioned by the HMPC, the two State Prison facilities located in the City of Corcoran and were protected by a portion of the Corcoran Levee along 4th Avenue between Quebec and Santa Fe Avenues, could be impacted if Schafer dam were to breach. The HMPC also expressed concern over the City of Corcoran’s water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities that are not protected along the east from potential flooding events, which can result from Schafer Dam’s potential overflow.
Economy
Extensive and long-lasting economic impacts could result from a major dam failure including the longterm loss of water in a reservoir after a failure event. As mentioned in the previous Agricultural Pests and Disease section, agriculture is the dominant land use in Kings County, accounting for 90.2% of total land use in the County. A major dam incident and loss of water from the associated reservoir could include direct business impacts on the agricultural industry, resulting in damages and indirect disruption of the local economy. Economic impacts related to agriculture in the unincorporated areas of the County would be the most severe. According to the Kings County Agriculture Report (2021), the value of agricultural commodities produced in Kings County was over $2.3 billion (Kings County 2021).
Cultural, Historic and Natural Resources
Dam failure effects on the environment would be similar to those caused by flooding from other causes.
Water could erode stream channels and topsoil and cover the environment with debris. For the most part, the environment is resilient and would be able to rebound from whatever damages occurred, though this process could take years. However, historic and cultural resources could be affected just as housing or critical infrastructures would, were a dam to fail and cause downstream inundation that could further erode surfaces or cause scouring of structural foundations.
Development Trends
The areas located in the SOI for each incorporated jurisdiction are areas each city plans to grow into and are potentially slated for Development Trends. These areas should take into consideration potential impacts from dam failure risk upstream and should attempt to overlay the existing dam inundation maps with proposed Development Trends.
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In the case of a dam failure, inundation would likely follow some existing FEMA-mapped floodplains, which contain development restrictions for areas in the 1% annual chance floodplain, but it could exceed those floodplains and affect areas that are not regulated for flood hazards. Also, of note is that development below a low or undetermined hazard dam could increase its hazard rating, while there are quite a few low hazard dams in the County. Finally, added development could compromise dams and reservoir resources if populations depend on them for critical needs such as potable water during or after a dam failure event.
The County Board of Supervisors has maintained support for the preservation of agricultural resources through the adoption of the Open Space Element and Resource Conservation Element of the County’s General Plan (2010). The County has implemented a “Right to Farm Ordinance” to recognize the right of farming operations to conduct necessary farming practices and activities throughout the County (Hanford Municipal Code 2001). The County General Plan also continues to maintain a priority for directing urban growth to the existing cities and community districts where urban-type development is better suited and can receive municipal services. This directive helps to promote coordinated orderly urban growth within the County and reduces the potential for premature conversion of agricultural land to other uses.
There has been no significant change in development in the unincorporated areas impacted by dam failure within the County since the last MJHMP update. According to the existing SOI data, the Development Trends areas of the cities of Lemoore and Hanford, as well as urban communities including Stratford, Armona and Home Garden are exposed to potential inundation events if Pine Flat and Terminus Dams were to breach. The Development Trends areas of the City of Corcoran are also exposed to potential inundation events if Schafer dam were to breach.
4.5.3.8 Risk Summary
• There are 10 dams of concern for the County. Seven are within the County (all are low significant) and three dams are upstream of the County (all are high hazard). • Pine Flat, Terminus and Schafer Dams, which are located in Fresno and Tulare Counties, are rated high hazard potential and can inundate Kings County if they were to breach. • Pine Flat Dam would inundate the cities of Hanford and Lemoore, urban communities including Hardwick, Grangeville, Armore, Home Garden and Stratford, as well as the overall northeastern portion of the unincorporated County if it were to breach. Properties and critical facilities that are located within these areas, as well as populations that reside in these areas, are exposed to the potential breaching event. Schafer dam could potentially inundate the eastern portion of the City of Corcoran. The majority of these cities and communities contain designated DACs, or underserved and socially vulnerable populations that are at a greater risk of exposure and vulnerability to dam incidents due to a lack of resources.
• Related Hazards – Drought, Flood, Earthquake, Landslide, and Severe Weather.
JURISDICTION GEOGRAPHIC
AREA
PROBABILITY
OF FUTURE
OCCURRENCE
MAGNITUDE/
SEVERITY
OVERALL
SIGNIFICANCE
PRIORITY
HAZARD?
Kings County Significant Unlikely Critical Medium Yes
City of Avenal Limited Unlikely Negligible Low No
City of Corcoran Extensive Unlikely Critical Medium Yes City of Hanford Extensive Unlikely Critical Medium Yes
City of Lemoore Extensive Unlikely Critical Medium Yes
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4.5.4 DROUGHT
4.5.4.1 Hazard Description
A drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall or precipitation that causes a shortage of water, leading to a deficiency in water supply for plants, animals, and human activities in a particular region. It can also be defined as a condition of water scarcity that results from a lack of precipitation, high evaporation rates, and increased water usage, leading to a depletion of water resources in an area.
Droughts can vary in severity and duration, and can have significant impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and human communities.
According to the California DWR, a single year of dry weather typically does not qualify as a drought in California due to the state's comprehensive water supply infrastructure, which includes reservoirs, groundwater basins, and inter-regional conveyance facilities (DWR 2015). These systems help alleviate the effects of short-term dry periods for most users of water.
Identifying the onset of a drought is determined by how it impacts water users. Most natural disasters, such as floods or forest fires, occur relatively rapidly and afford little time for preparing for disaster response. Droughts occur slowly, many times over a multi-year period, and it is often not obvious or easy to quantify when a drought begins and ends. What qualifies as a drought for some water users in a particular area may not be considered a drought for others in different regions or with alternative water sources. Water suppliers may determine their water supply conditions using criteria such as rainfall and runoff, the amount of water in storage, or anticipated supply from a water wholesaler.
Drought can often be defined regionally based on its causes or effects:
• Meteorological drought is defined as a period of substantially diminished precipitation duration and/or intensity. The commonly used definition of meteorological drought is an interval of time, generally on the order of months or years, during which the actual moisture supply at a given place consistently falls below the climatically appropriate moisture supply. • Agricultural drought occurs when there is inadequate soil moisture to meet the needs of a particular crop at a particular time. Agricultural drought usually occurs after or during meteorological drought, but before hydrological drought and can affect livestock and other dry-land agricultural operations. • Hydrological drought refers to deficiencies in surface and subsurface water supplies. It is measured as stream flow, snowpack, and lake, reservoir, and groundwater levels. There is usually a delay between a lack of rain or snow and noticeable water shortages in streams, lakes, and reservoirs.
Therefore, hydrological measurements tend to lag other drought indicators. • Socioeconomic drought occurs when physical water shortages start to affect the health, well-being, and quality of life of people, or when the drought starts to affect the supply and demand of an economic product.
Drought can have secondary impacts. For example, drought is a major determinant of wildfire hazard, in that it creates a greater propensity for fire starts and larger, more prolonged conflagrations fueled by excessively dry vegetation, along with reduced water supply for firefighting purposes. Drought is also an economic hazard. Significant economic impacts on California’s agriculture industry can occur as a result of short‐ and long‐term drought conditions; these include hardships to farmers, farm workers, packers, and shippers of agricultural products. The loss of hydroelectrical power generation may also occur during drought events due to the loss of hydroelectrical supply associated with lower reservoir levels and fewer water releases. In some cases, droughts can also cause significant increases in food prices for consumers due to shortages.
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of 2014
In January 2014, Governor Brown declared an emergency proclamation due to multiple years of drought.
The proclamation called on citizens to reduce water use by 20 percent, with a subsequent Executive Order in April 2015 that directed urban water agencies to reduce water use by 25 percent. In September 2014, the Governor signed a three-bill package (California SBs 1168 and 1319, and Assembly Bill [AB] 1739), known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 (SGMA). SGMA provides for the establishment of local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to manage groundwater sustainably within the groundwater subbasins defined by the California DWR. Within the County, there are portions of four groundwater subbasins, Tulare Lake, Kaweah, Kings, and Westside Subbasins, that are required May 23, 2024 Pg. 373
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under SGMA to conduct sustainable groundwater management. Each of the four subbasins is required to develop and implement a Groundwater Sustainable Plan (GSP) by 2020 or 2022. Table 4-16 lists the GSAs in the County as well as their associated subbasins.
Table 4-16 Groundwater Sustainability Agencies in Kings County
SUBBASIN GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
Tulare Lake Subbasin Southwest Kings GSA
Tri-County Water Authority GSA
El Rico GSA
South Fork Kings GSA
Mid-Kings River GSA
Kaweah Subbasin Greater Kaweah GSA
Kings Subbasin North Fork Kings GSA
Westside Subbasin Westlands Water District GSA
Source: County of Kings Division of Water and Natural Resources Drought Planning for Small Water Suppliers and Rural Communities In September 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 552, Drought Planning for Small Water Suppliers and Rural Communities (SB 552), into law. Under the bill, the State, its counties, and small water suppliers must meet requirements to ensure shared responsibility in preparing and acting in case of a drought event. The requirements of the law are as follows:
• Small water providers (those with fewer than 3,000 connections and serving fewer than 3,000-acre feet) are required to:
o Have an abridged water shortage contingency plan by July 1, 2023, o Submit an annual report detailing their water supply conditions and usage by month, and o Upgrade their infrastructure to drought-resilient standards if necessary. • DWR and the State Water Board have developed templates for abridged contingency plans for small suppliers on DWR’s website: Drought Planning for Small Water Suppliers and Rural Communities (SB 552) (ca.gov)
• Counties are required to have a standing Drought Task Force that facilitates drought and water shortage preparedness for domestic wells, privately supplied homes within the county’s jurisdiction(s), and small state water systems.2 Additionally, the county is required to develop a plan that demonstrates potential drought and water shortage risks along with proposed short- and longterm solutions for small state and domestic wells within the county. Both of these requirements may be implemented as part of other existing committees and/or planning processes. • The State is required to maintain and update the Water Shortage Vulnerability Tool to assist small water providers and counties in accessing information about drought, water shortage vulnerabilities, and risks. Additionally, DWR will coordinate with other state agencies to establish a standing drought and water shortage task force for California.
Urban Water Suppliers
Water suppliers who provide potable water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers, or who supply more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually, are defined as “urban water suppliers.” Urban water suppliers in Kings County, summarized in Table 4-17, are subject to the Urban Water Management Planning Act and other requirements but are not subject to SB 552. 2 Section 116275 (n) of the Health and Safety Code (Water Code §10609.51 subd. (m)): A state small water system is a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption that serves at least five, but not more than 14, service connections and does not regularly serve drinking water to more than an average of 25 individuals daily for more than 60 days out of the year. Kings County does not currently have any state small water systems.
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Table 4-17 Urban Water Suppliers in Kings County
WATER SUPPLIER SOURCE # OF
CONNECTONS
ACRE-FEET
ANNUALLY
POPULATION
SERVED
City of Hanford Groundwater 18,438 11,714 62,127
City of Lemoore Groundwater 7,305 7,413 27,038
City of Corcoran Groundwater 3,548 5,708 21,835
City of Avenal Surface water from
the California aqueduct
2,080 3,500 13,819
Lemoore Naval Air Station Surface water from
the CA aqueduct
and groundwater
1,396 3,055* 14,000
Sources: https://sdwis.waterboards.ca.gov/, City of Hanford 2020 UWMP, City of Lemoore 2020 UWMP, City of Corcoran 2020 UWMP, City of Avenal 2016 USBR Water Management Plan * 2004 data, from https://energy.wsu.edu/Documents/LemooreREMCaseStudy.pdf Small Water Suppliers
SB 552 defines a small water supplier as a community water system3that serves 15 to 2,999 service connections and provides less than 3,000 acre-feet of water per year. It considers several categories of small water suppliers: Suppliers with 15 to 999 Connections, Suppliers with 1,000 to 2,999 Connections and NTNC Systems That Are Schools. SB 552 does not explicitly apply to transient, noncommunity water systems or NTNC water systems that are not schools.
Under SB 552, all small water suppliers are required to have:
• Drought resiliency measures,
• Annual reporting of water supply condition information to the State Water Board, and • Annual water demand reporting to the State Water Board.
Suppliers with 15 to 999 Connections
Health and Safety Code §116460 requires all community water systems to have an Emergency Notification Plan (ENP) or Emergency Response Plan (ERP) approved by the State Water Board that describes process and methods for meeting the public notification requirements when any primary drinking water standard is not complied with, when a monitoring requirement is not performed, or when the conditions of any variance or exemption are not complied with.
Under SB 552, suppliers with 15 to 999 connections must incorporate drought planning elements (including, but not limited to, drought-planning contacts and standard water shortage levels) into their ENP or ERP. The ENP or ERP is to be submitted to the State Water Board and updated every five years or when significant changes occur. Subject to funding availability, the State Water Board will offer technical assistance to support water suppliers with less than 1,000 connections in implementing this requirement.
Table 4-18 lists the small water suppliers in Kings County with 15 to 999 connections.
Table 4-18 Small Water Suppliers in Kings County with 15 to 999 Connections
NAME SOURCE CONNECTIONS ACRE-FEET
SUPPLIED
POPULATION
SERVED
DROUGHT
ELEMENT
ADDED
TO ENP OR
ERP
Home Garden
CSD
Groundwater 467 389 1,750 Yes
3 Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code (Water Code §10609.51 subd. (a)) defines a community water system as a public water system that serves at least 15 service connections used by yearlong residents or regularly serves at least 25 yearlong residents of the area served by the system.
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NAME SOURCE CONNECTIONS ACRE-FEET
SUPPLIED
POPULATION
SERVED
DROUGHT
ELEMENT
ADDED
TO ENP OR
ERP
Stratford PUD Groundwater 364 301* 1,277 Yes
Kettleman City
CSD
Groundwater 348 263 1,136 Yes
Sunset Vista
Estates MHP
Groundwater 109 Unknown 400 Unknown,
likely yes
Hardwick Water
Company
Groundwater 40 Unknown 69 Unknown,
likely yes
Azcal
Management
Co
Surface water
from CA
aqueduct
21 Unknown 73 Unknown,
likely yes
Sources: https://sdwis.waterboards.ca.gov/,
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/conservation/docs/2016_small_supplier_dataset.xlsx, Data from 2015 to 2016 selfreporting, * Data from 2013 self-reporting
Suppliers with 1,000 to 2,999 Connections and NTNC Systems That Are Schools Small water sources in Kings County include non-transient non-community water systems (NTNCWS).
NTNCWS are public water systems that regularly supply water to at least 25 of the same people at least six months per year. Some examples are schools, factories, office buildings, and hospitals which have their own water systems. NTNCWS that are not schools are not explicitly subject to SB 552.
All small water suppliers and non-transient non-community (NTNC) water systems that are schools must implement the following drought resilience measures, subject to funding availability:
• No later than January 1, 2023, implement monitoring systems sufficient to detect production well groundwater levels.
• Beginning no later than January 1, 2023, maintain membership in the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN) or similar mutual aid organization. • No later than January 1, 2024, to ensure continuous operations during power failures, provide adequate backup electrical supply.
• No later than January 1, 2027, have at least one backup source of water supply, or a water system intertie, that meets current water quality requirements and is sufficient to meet average daily demand.
• No later than January 1, 2032, meter each service connection and monitor for water loss due to leakages.
• No later than January 1, 2032, have source system capacity, treatment system capacity if necessary, and distribution system capacity to meet fire flow requirements.
Abridged Water Shortage Contingency Plans
Suppliers in this category, listed in Table 4-19, must develop, adopt, and maintain on-site an abridged water shortage contingency plan (WSCP) that covers a subset of drought-planning elements included in the plans that urban water suppliers submit as part of their Urban Water Management Plan. The first plan must be developed by July 1, 2023, and posted on the supplier’s website, if any, or made available upon request. This abridged WSCP must be updated at least every 5 years. The required elements must include:
• Drought-planning contacts, including all the following:
o At least one contact at the Water System for water shortage planning and response and the development of the plan.
o Contacts for local public safety partners and potential vendors that can provide repairs or alternative water sources, including but not limited to, local CBOs that work with the May 23, 2024 Pg. 376
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population in and around areas served by the water system, contractors for drilling wells, vended water suppliers, and emergency shower vendors.
o State and local agency contacts who should be informed when a drought or water shortage emergency is emerging or has occurred.
o Regional water planning groups or mutual aid networks, to the extent they exist. • Triggering mechanisms and levels for action, including both of the following o Standard water shortage levels corresponding to progressive ranges based on the water supply conditions. Water shortage levels shall also apply to catastrophic interruption of water supplies, including, but not limited to, a regional power outage, an earthquake, a fire, and other potential emergency events.
o Water shortage mitigation, response, customer communications, enforcement, and relief actions that align with the water shortage levels.
As part of the technical assistance, DWR and the State Water Board have created a template for this abridged WSCP for small water suppliers serving 1,000 to 2,999 service connections and NTNC systems that are schools, located on DWR’s website. In addition, subject to funding availability, the State Water Board will offer technical assistance to support NTNC systems that are schools in implementing this new requirement for improving drought and water shortage resiliency.
Table 4-19 Small Water Suppliers with 1,000 to 2,999 Connections and NTNC School Systems in Kings County
NAME SOURCE CONNECTIONS POPULATION
SERVED
ABRIDGED
WATER
SHORTAGE
CONTINGENCY
PLAN
DROUGHT
ELEMENT
ADDED
TO ENP OR
ERP
Armona
Community
Services District
Groundwater 1,297 4,143 Yes Yes
Island Union
School
Groundwater 17 416 Yes No
Hanford
Christian School
Groundwater 14 175 Yes No
Kings River
Hardwick
School
Groundwater 7 908 Yes No
Pioneer
Elementary
School
Groundwater 6 750 Yes No
Lakeside
Elementary
School
Groundwater 5 388 Yes No
Source: https://sdwis.waterboards.ca.gov/
In addition, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 requires community water systems serving populations greater than 3,300 to develop or update an ERP that incorporates findings of their risk assessment. This requirement is not based on number of connections, although the number of connections, therefore, there may be a small number of small water suppliers with less than 1,000 connections who are required to develop and maintain an ERP. While the Armona CSD as a small water supplier with 1,000 to 2,999 connections is not required to have a drought element added to their ENP or ERP, they are required to as a community water system that serves greater than 3,300 customers.
A summary of the requirements for small water suppliers is provided in Table 4-20.
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Table 4-20 Summary of Small Water Supplier Requirements for Implementation of Senate Bill 552
SUMMARY OF
REQUIREMENT
COMMUNITY WATER
SYSTEM 1,000-2,999
CONNECTIONS
COMMUNITY WATER
SYSTEM 15-999
CONNECTIONS
NTNC WATER
SYSTEMS THAT
ARE SCHOOLS
Drought Resiliency Measures Yes Yes Yes
Abridged Water Shortage
Contingency Plan
Yes No No
Drought Element added to
Emergency Notification or
Response Plan
No Yes No
Annual reporting of water
supply condition information
to the State Water Board
Yes Yes Yes
Annual water demand
reporting to the State Water
Board
Yes Yes Yes
Source: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-WaterUse-Efficiency/SB-552/Primer-of-SB-552-052522_final.pdf County Requirements
SB 552 places the drought and water shortage planning responsibility on counties for state small water systems and domestic well communities within the county’s jurisdiction. SB 552’s language allows for flexibility in how the County implements new requirements. Plans and response arrangements could be developed by GSAs that cover the County, in which case the County would need to formally recognize its agreement and adoption or deference to these plans as part of its compliance with SB 552.
County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force
By January 1, 2022, each county must establish a standing County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force to facilitate drought and water shortage preparedness for state smalls and domestic wells within the county’s jurisdiction. Counties must solicit task-force membership from representatives of State and other local governments, including GSAs, community-based organizations (CBOs), local water suppliers, and residents.
As an alternative, the County may implement a different process that facilitates drought and water shortage preparedness for state smalls and domestic wells within the county’s jurisdiction. The alternative process will provide opportunities for coordinating and communicating with the state and other local governments, CBOs, local water suppliers, and residents on a regular basis and during drought or water shortage emergencies.
County Drought and Water Shortage Risk Mitigation Plan
The County will develop a plan that includes potential drought and water shortage risks and proposed interim and long-term solutions for state smalls and domestic wells within the County’s jurisdiction. The plan may be a stand-alone document or may be included as an element in an existing county plan, such as a LHMP, EOP, climate action plan or CAP, or general plan. The plan must include:
• Potential drought and water shortage risk
• Proposed interim and long-term solutions for state smalls and domestic wells in the County.
The plan must also consider the following, at a minimum:
• Consolidations for existing water systems and domestic wells. • Domestic well drinking water mitigation programs.
• Provision of emergency and interim drinking water solutions. • An analysis of the steps necessary to implement the plan. • An analysis of local, state, and federal funding sources available to implement the plan.
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As outlined in Table 4-21, there are ten small water suppliers, supplementing the previously identified ten water districts. Within this subset, five meet the criteria for NTNCWS. All ten of these smaller suppliers, as depicted below, meet the requirements under the SB 552 legislation. These entities are mandated to draft WSCPs, with Kings County providing dedicated support for their development.
Table 4-21 Small Water Suppliers in Kings County
WATER
UTLILITIES
SYSTEM TYPE ADDRESS JURISDICTION
Kings River
Hardwick School
Non-Transient Non-Community
Water System
10300 Excelsior Ave Hanford
Hanford
Christian School
Non-Transient Non-Community
Water System
11948 Flint Ave Hanford
Island Union
School
Non-Transient Non-Community
Water System
7799 21st Ave Lemoore
Pioneer Union
Elem School
Non-Transient Non-Community
Water System
8810 14th Ave Hanford
Lakeside Union
School
Non-Transient Non-Community
Water System
9100 Jersey Ave Hanford
Kings Ranch
Ministries
State Small 13787 Kansas Ave Hanford
Villa Terrace
Apartments
State Small 13940 Hackett St Hanford
Rollerland Co State Small 18167 Medford Ave Stratford
Westlake Farms
Hqts/Cotton Gin
State Small 23311 Newton Ave Stratford
Couture Farms State Small 30650 Quebec Ave Kettleman City Source: Kings County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Services 2023 As part of compliance with the SB 552 requirements, the County will develop a drought resiliency plan, either as a stand-alone plan or as part of another plan, like the MJHMP that includes a risk assessment and action plan for all of the water districts and small water suppliers in the County. A drought resiliency plan is a structured strategy developed by governments, communities, and organizations to proactively address drought impacts. Its primary goal is to build long-term capacity for effective drought management. The plan includes a risk assessment, water conservation actions, diversifying water sources, early warnings, legal frameworks, community engagement, ecological considerations, emergency response, research, and adaptive management components. These plans are crucial, especially in drought-prone regions or areas facing water scarcity due to factors like climate change and population growth. They aim to balance stakeholder needs with sustainable water resource management in the face of drought challenges.
4.5.4.2 Geographic area
Extensive – Drought is a regional hazard, and at its worst can affect the entire State of California with varying levels of dryness and drought activity. It is safe to assume that unless the drought event is at its very beginning or very end, if any area of the County is affected by any level of drought, other areas of the County are experiencing varying effects as well.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a widely used site for obtaining and summarizing drought information, as it integrates data from several other sources including the Palmer Drought Index, Soil Moisture Models, U.S.
Geological Survey Weekly Stream Flows, Standardized Precipitation Index, and the Satellite Vegetation Health Index. It includes drought intensity categories for measuring dry conditions across counties, states, and regions of the U.S., so that drought can be quantified. These categories range from “abnormally dry” to “exceptional drought.” Figure 4-11 provides “snapshots in time” of the drought conditions in California.
The snapshots selected are instrumental in depicting both the historic and potential change in drought’s geographic range and severity in the County (circled).
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Figure 4-11 U.S. Drought Monitor for California: December 27, 2022 and April 20, 2023 Source: Drought Monitor 2023
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