CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #C4
DATE: September 23, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Neema Ghanbari, MS, PE, Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION:
RECOMMENDATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 030-2026, DECLARING OCTOBER 17–23, 2026, AS “FLOOD PREPAREDNESS WEEK, AND ENCOURAGING
ALL RESIDENTS TO ASSESS THEIR FLOOD RISK, CREATE EMERGENCY PLANS,
AND PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING STORM SEASON
SUMMARY
Flooding remains one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. In California, climate extremes have increasingly created severe weather vulnerabilities, exposing millions of residents to unexpected flood hazards.
Each year, the State of California coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies to observe California Flood Preparedness Week. This initiative educates communities about local flood risks, mitigation infrastructure, and emergency planning before the winter storm season begins. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates the ongoing 2026 El Niño condition will develop into a "very strong" event during the upcoming storm season. El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern that warms the Pacific Ocean. The warmer the water, the more it evaporates, building massive storm clouds overhead. This means a greater chance of heavier rain and back-to-back storms in Southern California. With meteorologists forecasting an active storm cycle from October through April, proactive local outreach is vital.
The City of Hawaiian Gardens has implemented proactive operational measures to protect public infrastructure and enhance the City’s preparedness for potential flooding.
These measures include clearing storm drains and catch basins, coordinating with LA County’s Flood Control District to clear flood control channels and basins, pre-positioning emergency materials such as sandbags at Public Works Yard, and training emergency response personnel to implement rapid response plans when needed.
Agenda Item #C4
September 23, 2026
While infrastructure improvements help reduce regional hazards, household readiness is the critical second line of defense. Proclaiming October 17–23, 2026, as Flood Preparedness Week allows staff to launch a targeted public safety campaign. Approval of this proclamation aligns the City with regional readiness efforts and empowers residents to safeguard their homes and families.
Throughout the week, the City’s Public Safety team will share digital resources, practical toolkits, and essential safety guidelines to help residents stay informed, prepared, and ready to take action before, during, and after a flood event.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 030-2026, declaring October 17–23, 2026, as “Flood Preparedness Week” and encouraging all residents to assess their flood risk, develop emergency plans, and take proactive steps to prepare for the upcoming storm season.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adopting this proclamation. Public outreach efforts and educational material distributions will be covered under the Public Works and Public Safety departments' existing public relations and operational budget.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 030-2026
B. El Niño and Winter Storm Preparedness Guidelines