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August 28, 2023
ITEM TITLE
Emergency Proclamation: Ratification of the August 21, 2023 Proclamation of Existence of Local Emergency by the Director of Emergency Services of the City of Chula Vista and Report of the City Manager Regarding Emergency Response Efforts in the Community
Report Number: 23-0243
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Manager
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the activity qualifies for an Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
Recommended Action
Hear the report of the City Manager regarding emergency response efforts during Tropical Storm Hilary, and adopt a resolution ratifying the August 21, 2023 Proclamation of Existence of Local Emergency by the Director of Emergency Services of the City of Chula Vista.
SUMMARY
On Friday, August 18, 2023, the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for southern California as a result of impeding impacts of Hurricane Hilary. Hurricane Hilary was classified as a category 4 hurricane and decreased in strength as it approached the region but was still forecast to have significant impacts to southern California. Hurricane Hilary, now Tropical Storm Hilary, made landfall in southern California, more specifically in San Diego County, on Sunday, August 20, 2023. In response to the significant threat and potential impacts, the City activated the Emergency Operations Center at a level 3 and implemented emergency protective measures for life safety and protection of property within the city. The proposed resolution ratifies the August 21, 2023, Proclamation of the Existence of Local Emergency by the Director of Emergency Services of the City of Chula Vista as a result of the imminent threat to life and property and the immediate need to conduct emergency response actions to mitigate the impacts from a tropical storm.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined t hat the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because the proposed activity consists of a governmental fiscal/administrative activity which does not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore , pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, it has also been determined that the activity qualifies for an Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California E nvironmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, the National Weather Service began briefing on the increasing potential for tropical moisture occurring throughout the region. On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the National Weather Service officially recognized Tropical Cyclone Hilary off the coast of Mexico, with the potential to bring strong, tropical storm force winds and si gnificant rainfall to southern California during the upcoming weekend. As is common with all weather forecasts, there was uncertainty with the timing and confidence of the storm, but City departments continued to monitor all information sources and prepare an appropriate City response.
On August 18, 2023, the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning and Flash Flood Watches, including caution for tropical storm force winds, between August 19, 2023, and August 22, 2023, in San Diego County. Based on this information, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a State of Emergency , which was soon followed by a County of San Diego proclamation of local emergency. All indicators pointed to the tropical storm being a verified threat to the safety of all residents within San Diego County.
In response to this threat, the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) began coordinating the City’s response activities on Friday, August 18 th, inclusive of internal meetings to discuss storm related con cerns, coordinate storm preparations and resources, and develop contingency plans for response operations. The Office of the City Manager, Fire, Police, Public Works, and Housing and Homeless Services Departments spent time planning for the worst-case scenario.
The City EOC was activated to ensure a coordinated citywide response for the duration of the storm. The EOC continued to monitor the situation throughout the weekend as the storm continued its approach toward southern California. The EOC coordinated with the National Weather Service (NWS), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), American Red Cross, County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services, and many other response partners throughout the duration of the storm. These efforts centered around informat ion sharing, coordinating resources and potential aid. The EOC hosted briefings twice a day and provided updates to the Policy Group and all activated personnel throughout the weekend.
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In advance of any significant storm, the Public Works Department implements severe weather operations including rain patrols, clearance of culverts and channels, and preparation of any known flooding hazard “hot spots” within the city. In addition to internal storm preparations, the Department provides free sandbags in advance of storms to Chula Vista residents for protection of private property . On Friday, August 18, 2023, and Saturday, August 19, 2023, the Department provided an estimated 5,000 sandbags to the public. A 24- hour staffing plan also was developed to ensure ade quate coverage for responding to storm related issues throughout the city. The Department pre-staged storm related equipment, and equipped response vehicles with storm related supplies and placed crews on standby to be activated for emergency calls for service.
The unprecedented threat from Tropical Storm Hilary necessitated the implementation of protective actions for all members of the community. Flash Flood Warnings and tr opical storm force winds prompted the decision to implement a sheltering plan. The Department of Housing and Homeless Services was tasked with determining options for emergency housing of the unsheltered population . In coordination with SBCS Corporation, the Department of Housing and Homeless Services developed a plan to utilize hotel/motel vouchers for individuals seeking refuge from the storm’s impacts. The Homeless Outreach Team (HOT Team) was activated to ensure information and resources were provided the unsheltered population. T he Department of Housing and Homeless Services coordinated with other nonprofit partners and community partners to disseminate information to those in need of resources.
The implementation of the emergency sheltering plan was heavily utilized by persons seeking refuge. The program successfully distributed 23 hotel/motel vouchers, providing emergency temporary shelter for 33 individuals. The relationship between the Department of Housing and Homeless Services and the SBCS Corporation created a seamless solution for an identified threat to a vulnerable population.
The City’s Office of Communications and Information Technology Department were engaged to provide public messaging and information, including activating the City’s emergency webpage which contained storm related resources for the public, including what to do before, during, and after the storm has passed.
The City’s public safety departments, Fire and Police, ensured staff were prepared to address the expected increase in calls for service to quickly respond to storm related emergencies. The Fire Department increased staffing with three additional squad units with the ability to move more swiftly in adverse weather conditions. The Police Department ensured the Patrol Division, and 9 -1-1 Emergency Communications Center was fully staffed. These departments, along with Public Works, were helpful in collecting damage information to be shared with the County and the State for potential reimbursement purposes.
Although Chula Vista received more than 2 inches of rain and strong wind gusts in a 36-hour period, the impacts from the storm did not reach anticipated levels. Impacts included, downed power lines, nuisance flooding, and a several downed trees and broken tree limbs. In the event the projected impacts materialized, the City was well prepared to respond.
At this time, the City continues the transition to normal operations, and although it is not anticipated, staff may uncover additional impacts that could be tied to the storm and determine that further recovery operations are required. If this is true, the City may request recovery assistance from the State of California to offset expenses associated with our emergency response.
Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 2.14.70 designates the City Manager as the Director of Emergency Services and Section 2.14.80(A) empowers the Director of Emergency Services to proclaim the existence or P a g e | 4
threatened existence of a local emergency in the City of Chula Vista if the City Council in not in session.
Tropical Storm Hilary posed a significant threat, nece ssitating the swift implementation of emergency protective measures, and the need for a local emergency proclamation. Applicable law requires the City Manager’s Proclamation to be subsequently ratified by the City Council in order to remain in effect.
The Proclamation, if ratified by City Council, will extend the existence of a local emergency until such time that City staff can determine all impacts, material and fiscal, and seek state and federal assistance as necessary.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Councilmember, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The subject resolution is anticipated to have a current-year impact to the General Fund. It is anticipated that the City has incurred expenses for storm related response costs, which includes force account overtime and emergency sheltering costs. Costs for trees damaged or lost have not been quantified, and complete reconciliation of all storm related damages is ongoing. Staff can report back to Council regarding funds expended in relation to the subject resolution.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The subject resolution is unlikely to contribute in any significant way to ongoing fiscal impacts to the City.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency (August 21, 2023) Staff Contact: Maria V. Kachadoorian, City Manager, Director of Emergency Services Marlon King, Emergency Services Manager