Agenda packet — Los Banos City Council, April 20, 2022 (part 3 of 3)

Most people who live and work in Merced County are vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, including drought, climate change, earthquakes, extreme heat, flooding, subsidence, severe weather, and wildfires. The County's population, property, and critical facilities may be exposed to potential human-caused hazards associated with facilities and infrastructure that contain hazardous materials. The County is also vulnerable to cyber threats, agricultural pests, and public health hazards, such as pandemics. The MJHMP will provide the County with valuable tools to identify risks and mitigate hazards through future project-specific actions. The plan will assess the effects of climate change on natural hazards and will incorporate climate adaptation strategies and discuss how climate change can disproportionately impact socially vulnerable populations. The MJHMP update will also support the County's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and include recommendations to improve the County's floodplain management policies and regulations.

Merced County will be hosting a Public Workshop on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Public Workshop will be an opportunity to learn more about the planning process and the hazards that will be assessed in the MJHMP. Following the Public Workshop, there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the planning process. The County encourages participation and feedback by attending the Public Workshop, completing the Public Survey, visiting the County's Project Webpage, and commenting on the Draft MJHMP (once available). Information on how to participate is provided below. • Public Workshop-Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 6-8 p.m.,
o Watch the workshop live and ask questions: www.facebook.com/MercedCountyOES • Public Survey (English version) - available here: https://bit.ly/3spNICy • Public Survey (Spanish version) - available here: https://bit.ly/3aSKg4P • Merced County MJHMP Update Information Portal:
https://experience.arcqis.com/experience/c6ad8529e3a84651918e00115607206e/page/page 10/ Questions may be directed to David Scheurich, Merced County OES, Battalion Chief/Deputy Director by calling (209) 385-7548 or by email at [email protected] -30-
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Posl~d en. May 4 2G21
Public Workshop - Preparation of Merced County Multi-
.Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Merced County and its six participating
jurisdictions (City of Merced City of Atwater, City
of Los Banos City of Livingston, City of Dos
Palos, City of Gustine) have !aurched a planning
elfort to assess risks from natural human-health,
and human-caused hazards and to identify ways
to reduce those risks. The planning process will
result in an update to the County's existing MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) A MJHMP update is required under the Federal
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to be eligible to
rece:ve federal disaster assistance and funding,
Most people who live and work in Merced County are vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, including drought, climate change, earthquakes, extreme heat. flooding, subsidence, se\•e;e weather, and wildfires . The County's population, property, and critical facilities may be exposed to potential human-caused hazards associated with facililies and infrastructure that contain hazardous materials. The County is also vulnerable to cyber threats , agricultural pests. and public health hazards, such as pandemics. The MJHMP will provide the County with valuable tools to identify risks and mitigate hazards through future project-specific actions. The plan will assess the effects of dimaie change on natural hazards and will incorporate climate adaptation slrategies and discuss how climate change can disproportionately impact socially vulnerable populations. The MJHMP update will aiso support the County's participation in the National Flood lnsurance Program and include recommendations to improve the County·s floodpla:n management policies and regulations.

Merced County will be hosting a Public Workshop on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 6 to i p.m. The Public Workshop will l)e an opportunity to learn m•re about the planning process and the hazards that will be assessed in the MJHMP. following the Pubiic WorkshoJt, there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the planning process.

The County encourages participation and feedback by attending the Public Workshop, completing the Pul)lic Survey, visiting the County's Pr1ject Wetpage, and commenting on the Draft MJHMP (once available). In.formation on how to participate is provided below. • Public Worllshop -Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 6- 8 p.m.
o Watch the workshop live and ask questions
• Public Survey
• Encuesl.11 Publica
• Merced County MJHMP Update Information Portal
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Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Workshop:
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Merced County and its six partici~ating jurisdictions (City of tvlerced, City of Atwater, City of Los Banos. City of Livingston. City of los Palos, City of Gustine) have launched a planning effort to assess risks from natural human-health, and human-caused hazards and to identify ways to reduce those risks. The planning process will result m an update to the County's existing tvlu'.ti-Juris ... See More
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Public Workshop - Preparation of Merced County
MuJti-Jurisdict1onal Hazard Mi11gation Plan Update
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As of 3:30 pm. Tuesday, May 4, 2021, there are 31,682 confirmed cases (+25 from Mon41ay) of COVl•-19 (nevel coronav1rus) in Merced County.

Approximately 393 of those cases are active, and 454 have died.

Current Risk Tier: Red (Substantial). Some non-essential indoor business 0 Send Message
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
3500 NORTH APRON AVENUE
ATWATER, CA 95301
OFFICE (209) 385-7548
FAX (209) 725-0174
CONTACT: Battalion Chief David Scheurich: (209) 385-7548

MIKE VAN LOBEN SELS
Director
(209) 966-3622

DAVID SCHEURICH
Deputy Director-Administration
(209) 385-7548

NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP REGARDING THE DRAFT OF THE
MERCED COUNTY MUL Tl-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE Merced County and its six participating jurisdictions (City of Merced, City of Atwater, City of Los Banos, City of Livingston, City of Dos Palos, City of Gustine) are in the final stages of a planning effort to assess risks from natural, human-health, and human-caused hazards and to identify ways to reduce those risks. A planning process that began in December 2020 has resulted in a draft update to the County's existing MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). A MJHMP update is required under the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to be eligible to receive certain federal disaster assistance and grants for hazard mitigation projects. Following the public workshop and comment period the Plan will be submitted for final approvals and ultimately adoption by all involved jurisdictions.

Most people who live and work in Merced County are vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, including drought, floods, severe weather, earthquakes, and wildfires. The County's population, property, and critical facilities may be exposed to potential human-caused hazards associated with facilities and infrastructure that contain hazardous materials. The County is also vulnerable to cyber threats, agricultural pests, and public health hazards, such as pandemics. The draft update of the MJHMP provides the County and municipalities with valuable tools to identify risks and mitigate hazards through future project-specific actions.

Merced County will be hosting a second virtual Public Workshop on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. The second virtual Public Workshop will be an opportunity to learn more about the updated draft MJHMP including the planning process, the hazards assessed, and the mitigation actions proposed in the MJHMP. Following the Public Workshop, there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the draft MJHMP. The County encourages participation and feedback by attending the Public Workshop, visiting the County's Project Webpage, and/or commenting on the Public Review Draft MJHMP. Information on how to participate is provided below.
• Public Workshop-Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 6-8 p.m., o Watch the workshop live and ask questions: https://bit.ly/3nUmzZz • Merced County Public Review Draft MJHMP:
https://web2.co.merced.ca.us/pdfs/oes/Merced MJHMP 2021 Draft.pdf • Merced County MJHMP Update Information Portal:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c6ad8529e3a84651918e00115607206e/page/page 10/ Questions may be directed to David Scheurich, Merced County OES, Battalion Chief/Deputy Director by calling (209) 385-7548 or by email at [email protected] -30-
In cooperation with CU. FIRI! STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
543

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
3500 NORTH APRON AVENUE
ATWATER, CA 95301
OFFICE (209) 385-7548
FAX(209) 725-0174
Merced County Survey: Hazard Mitigation Plan
English:

MIKE VAN LOBEN SELS
Director
(209) 966-3622

DAVID SCHEURICH
Deputy Director-Administration
(209) 385-7548
Merced County, in collaboration with the cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Merced, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, and Merced, are updating their Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) pursuant to the five-year update cycle requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and to obtain approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This update is a prerequisite to enable the County and the participating jurisdictions to remain eligible to use federal pre- and post-disaster financial assistance. "Hazard Mitigation" is defined as sustained actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from hazards. The Merced County MJHMP will analyze the County's vulnerabilities to natural, human-health, and humancaused hazards and identify proactive mitigation actions the County, it's six participating jurisdictions, and stakeholders can take to minimize impacts to people, property, and critical facilities.

The purpose of this survey is to collect information from the public and stakeholders to better understand the vulnerabilities within Merced County and each of its jurisdictions as well as solicit input on needs to best mitigate, or reduce, the impacts of hazards before they occur.

Please scan the QR code with your camera on your phone and complete the survey. The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Spanish:

El Condado de Merced, en colaboraci6n con las ciudades de Atwater, Dos Palos, Merced, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos y Merced, estan actualizando su Plan De Mitigaci6n de Riesgos Multi-Jurisdiccionales (MJHMP) de acuerdo con las requisites del ciclo de actualizaci6n de cinco ai'ios de la Ley de Mitigaci6n de Desastres de 2000 y para obtener la aprobaci6n de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA). Esta actualizaci6n es un requisite previo para permitir que el Condado y las jurisdicciones participantes sigan siendo elegibles para usar asistencia financiera federal previa y posterior al desastre.

La "Mitigaci6n de Riesgos" se define coma acciones sostenidas tomadas para reducir o eliminar el riesgo a largo plaza para la vida y la propiedad de los peligros. El MJHMP del Condado de Merced analizara las vulnerabilidades del Condado a los peligros naturales, de salud humana y causados por el ser humane e identificara acciones proactivas de mitigaci6n del Condado, son seis jurisdicciones participantes y las partes interesadas pueden tomar para minimizar los impactos a las personas, la propiedad y las instalaciones criticas.

El prop6sito de esta encuesta es recopilar informaci6n del publico y las partes interesadas para comprender mejor las vulnerabilidades dentro del Condado de Merced y cada una de sus jurisdicciones, asi como solicitar insumos sobre las necesidades para mitigar o reducir mejor los impactos de los peligros antes de que ocurran.

Por favor, escanee el c6digo QR con su camara en su telefono y complete la encuesta. La encuesta debe tardar menos de 5 minutos en completarse.

English Version Survey:

In cooperation with
Thank you for your
participation!
iGracias por su
participaci6n !
Spanish Version Survey:

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
544
10113121 , 3:42 PM
...
... o ms1•1t!ps.//www.off1u~ c.orn/l.,unc'1/foir S'a.it•• 2) Microsoft Forms
Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Public Input Survey 290 15:20 Closed
Responses Average time to complete Status
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1. Several hazards which are addressed in the California State Hazard Mitigation Plan are listed below. Please rank each of these hazards Low, Medium, or High in their significance to Merced County.
■ Low Moderate ■ High
Agricultural Pests and Disease
Climate Change
Cyber Attack
Dam Incident
Drought
Dense Fog
Earthquake
Extreme Temperature
Heavy Rainfall
Flood and Levee Failure
Hazardous Materials Incident
Landslide I
Pandemic/Epidemic
Power Outage
Subsidence
Tornado
Wildfire
Wind
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2. How many times has a natural hazard disrupted your daily life in the last five years? e o 86
1-2 134
• 3-5 39
• More than 5 times 23
• Other 2

3. Do you have information on specific hazard issues/problem areas that you would like the planning committee to consider? Note the jurisdiction to which it applies:
104
Responses Latest Respo nses
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4. The following types of mitigation actions may be considered in Merced County. Please indicate the types of mitigation actions that you think should have the highest priority in the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Indoor/Outdoor Warning syst.. 121
Wildfire Fuels Treatment proje ... 152
• Continued Participation in the ... 86
• Critical Facilities Protection 84
• Generators for Critical Facilities 117
• Planning/Zoning 79
• Public Education/Awareness 148 \ !J.t
Stormwater Drainage Improve ... 98 1£t
Stream Restoration 65 10
• Education and Discounts on Fl. .. 51 t2t
• Water Conservation 179 ""
Floodprone Property Buyout 23 I &O
:11 I II • Evacuation route development 83 -<It
• :1 Dam safety 63 z• I
Improve reliability of commun ... 92
• Levee enhancements/improve ... 46
• Seismic retrofit to public build ... 53
• Seismic safety for residential b ... 45
Aquifer recharge 76
• Subsidence hazard mitigation 52
• Wind hazard mitigation 63

5. Please comment on any other pre-disaster mitigation actions that the planning committee should consider for reducing future losses caused by disasters:
53 Responses
Latest Responses
"Not sure at the moment "
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10/13/21, 3:42 PM

6. Please indicate the community you live in
• City of Merced 109 120
City of Los Banos 35 10t
• City of Livingston 14
!).
• City of Dos Palos 5
t::l
City of Gustine 33
• City of Atwater 49
4t
• Unincorporated Merced County 31 20
• Other 11 ~

7. What is your zip code?
277
Responses

8. How long have you lived in this community?
• Less than 1 year 17
• 1-5 years 65
• 5-10 years 26
• over 10 years 176
9 . What is your age?
• 0-18 years old 16
18-24 49
• 25-39 91
• 40-55 67
• 55+ 63
Microsoft Forms
■ -
Latest Responses
"95340"
"95307"
"95341"
I
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10. What gender do you identify as?
• Woman 136
Man 136
• Non-binary 4
• Prefer not to say 10
• Other 0

11. Please specify your ethnicity
• Caucasian 101
1io
African-American 6
• Latino or Hispanic 102
• Asian 29 ~
• Native American 4 •
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Isla ... 2 11•
• TwoorMore 11
~o
• Other 9
Prefer not to say 22
--

12. What is your annual household income?
• Less than $10,000 15
$10,000 - $25,000 34
• $25,000 - $40,000 26
• $40,000 - $55,000 19 L
• $55,000 - $70,000 30
• $70,000 - $85,000 20
• $85,000 - $100,000 21 I I $100,000 - $150,000 33
$150,000 or more 32 I
• Prefer not to say 55
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13. Optional: Provide your name and email address if you would like to be added to a distribution list for upcoming activities related to this planning process:
37 Responses
Latest Responses
"[email protected]"

14. Optional: Provide any additional comments you have which you feel are relevant for the Hazard Mitigation plan update:
21 Responses
Latest Responses
"[email protected] "
https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx?origin=OfficeDotCom&lang=en-US&route=GroupForms#Analysls=true&Formld=7KxDCD79vkm9VBj... 7n 551
10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publlca (Edit) Microsoft Forms form5(http') //www ti+f1ce t o•n/lc1unc h/forP .,,,d 1H' 2 La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica
33 06:19 Closed
Responses Average time to complete Status
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10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del conclado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms

1. Varios peligros abordados en el Plan de Mitigaci6n del estado de California se enlistan a continuaci6n. Por favor, indique el nivel de importancia en el condado de Merced que usted percibe para cada peligro, clasificandolo como: Bajo, Moderado o Alto ■ Bajo Moderado ■ Alto
Enfermedades y plagas agricolas
Cambio climatico
Ciber ataques
lncidentes/Accidentes de presas
Sequfa
Neblina densa
Terremotos
Temperaturas extremas
Lluvia i ntensa
lnundaciones y falla de diques
lncidentes de materiales peligrosos
Deslizamientos de tierra o de rocas
Pandemias/Epidemias
lnterrupci6n del servicio electrico
Subsidencia
Tornados
lncendios forestales
Vientos
https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx?auth_pvr=Orgld&auth_upn=christopher.johnson3%40woodplc.com&origin=OfficeDotCom&lang=en-... 2n 553
10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms

2. lCuantas veces un peligro natural ha interrumpido su vida diaria en los ultimos cinco anos? • 0veces 16
1 a 2 veces 16
• 3 a 5veces 1
• Mas de 5 veces 0
• Otro 0

3. lCuenta usted con informaci6n sobre peligros espedficos o problemas en su area que quisiera que el comite de planificaci6n considere? Anote la jurisdicci6n a la cual aplica. 14 Responses Latest Responses
https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx?auth_pvr=Orgld&auth_upn=christopher.johnson3%40woodplc.com&origin=OfficeDotCom&lang=en-. .• 3/7 554
10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actuallzaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms

4. Los siguientes tipos de acciones de mitigaci6n podrian considerarse en el condado de Merced.

Por favor indique el tipo de acci6n de mitigaci6n, que usted crea que deba tener la mayor prioridad en el Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligros Multi-Jurisdiccional del condado de Merced. • Si stem as de advertencia en int. .. 8
• Proyectos para el tratamiento ... 11
• Participaci6n continua en el Pr .. . 8
• Protecci6n de instalaciones cri... 0
• Generadores para instalacione ... 0
• Planificaci6n / Zonificaci6n 2
• Educaci6n publica y descuent ... 8
16 Mejoras al sistema de drenaje .. . 8 !~
Restauraci6n de Corrientes (ri. .. 3 12
• Educaci6n y descuentos en se ... 3
• Conservaci6n del agua 15
• Compra de propiedades prop ...
• Desarrollo de rutas de evacua ... A
I 9
• Seguridad de presas 4 I ■ 11
• Mejorar la confiabilidad de los ... 4
• Mejoras a los diques de prot e ... 3
• Rehabilitaci6n sfsmica de edifi ... 2
• Seguridad sfsmica para edifici. .. 3
Recarga de acuiferos 5
• Mitigaci6n de peligros ante su ... 3
• Mitigaci6n de peligro por vien ... 6

5. Por favor, comente sobre cualquier otra acci6n mitigatoria pre-desastre que el comite de planificaci6n debe considerar para reducir perdidas futuras causadas por desastres:
8 Responses Latest Responses
11 https:llforms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx?auth_pvr=Orgld&auth_upn=christopher.johnson3%40woodplc.com&origin=OfficeDotCom&lang=en-... 4/7 555
10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Miligaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publics (Edit) Microsoft Forms

6. Por favor, indique la comunidad donde vive:
• Ciudad de Merced 11 12
Ciudad de Los Banos 5
• Ciudad de Livingston 2
• Ciudad de Dos Palos 2
• Ciudad de Gustine
• Ciudad de Atwater 9
• Condado desincorporado de ... 0
• Otro 3

7. LCUal es SU c6digo postal?
32 Responses

8. LCuanto tiempo ha vivido en esta comunidad?
9 .
• Menes a un afio
De 1 a 5 afios
• De 5 a 10 afios
• Mas de 10 afios
lcual es SU edad?
• 0 a 18 afios
18 a 24 afios
• 25 a 39 afios
• 40 a 55 afios
• Mas de 55 afios
4 14
6 9
0 0
17 11
4 Latest Responses
"9t341"
"95350"
https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx?auth_pvr-:Orgld&auth_upn=christopher.johnson3%40woodplc.com&origin=OfficeDotCom&lang=en-. .. 5/7 556
10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actuallzaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms

10. lCon que genero se identifica?
• Mujer 19
Hombre 14
• Np-binario 0
• Prefiero no decirlo 0
• Otro 0
11 . 1 Por favor, especifique su etnicidad
• Caucasico 0
•:.

Afroamericano 0 , __
• Latino o hispano 32
;:s
• Asiatico 0
l ·
• Nativo americano 0
1S
• Nativo hawaiano o lsleno del ... 0
10 • Dos o mas 0
• Otro 0
Prefiero no decirlo 1
12 . lCual es el ingreso anual en su nucleo familiar?
• Menas de $10,000 d6Iares 5
$10,000 a $25,000 d6Iares 6
.;
• $25,000 a $40,000 d6Iares 10
• $40,000 a $55,000 d6Iares 4
• $55,000 a $70,000 d6Iares 2 ~
• $70,000 a $85,000 d6Iares 2 .;
I • $85,000 a $100,000 d6Iares 0
• $100,000 a $150,000 d6Iares 0
$150,000 d6Iares o mas I ■
• Prefiero no decirlo
https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx?auth_pvr=Orgld&auth_upn=christopher.johnson3%40woodplc.com&origin=OfficeDotCom&lang=en-... 617 557
10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Pellgro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms

13. OPCIONAL. Provea su nombre y direcci6n de correo electr6nico si le gustaria ser agregado a una lista de distribuci6n para eventos futuros relacionados a este proceso de planificaci6n:
10 Responses Latest Responses

14. OPCIONAL. Provea cualquier comentario adicional el cual creo sea relevante en la Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro:
1 Responses Latest Responses
https:l/forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx?auth_pvr=Orgld&auth_upn=christopher.johnson3%40woodplc.com&origin=OfficeDotCom&lang=en-... 717 558
Do you have information on specific hazard issues/problem areas that you would like the planning committee to consider? Note the jurisdiction to which it applies:

Wild fires
Wind, lack of water for agriculture, fire.

Fireplace smoke
Wildfires west of gustine
Wild fires ..

Fires
Fires, Traffic accidents, power outages Merced county west side Methane gas
Pesticides
Water quality and over pumping of our water supply
Natural fires and landslides on Pacheco Pass. Also, high winds and dense fog Flooding of Bear Creek in the southeast corner of Merced.

Power outages and flooding
Climate Change ... cyberhacked institutionally ... drought Merced/Stanislaus Counties all of the back roads need to be repaved, please. I travel them frequently between Gustine and Modesto. Thanks for asking.

Covid-19 response
Fires and earthquakes
Covid-19
Drought
Pandemic, Fires, Wind, Flood
Droughts. Build more dams.

Not in my recollection about the disruption of my daily life.

Smoke from Wildfires
Fahrens park in merced overflowed with water 2 years ago.

SG/ cell towers in a close radius to homes and schools. This is major issue im concerned with.

Fires and smoke inhalation in Merced County
Bad air quality due to wildfires around us along with extreme temperatures.

All natural factors that could affect power/internet outage should be reduced significantly. - - More planning for evacuation locations.

Public Safety Power Shut offs (Atwater PD)
Merced county - Gustine: high winds, constant city water issues, More Financial assistance/ Homelessness/ Health Insurance/ More Low income housing if pandemic hits USA again. bridges and roads
Drinking water quality - Los Banos area
Los Banos - Subsidence
Flooding in the Los Banos area. It's closeness to the dam puts it in danger. All earthen dams fail, eventually, and San Luis is no different. Heavy rain affects our roads and the number of escape routes is limited.

The largest hazard is lack of affordable housing for our friends and neighbors that rely on rentals If you don't fix the water storage (Dams) problem none of the other issues will matter. Try imagining life in the arid areas of Nevada, because that's what it will look like here. End of problems.

Merced County was underprepared for pandemic response. Pandemics will increase with climate change, so climate change and pandemic preparedness should be of utmost importance for future planning. (Merced City and Merced County).

Overpopulation of pigeons, seagulls, and crows.
559
Flooding on City streets
Fire in Del Puerto Canyon
Fire
Big rigs driving to fast on south ave /140/33 Gustine ca. its a hazzard to the residents and our property. Day and night.

Power outage and pandamic
Bridges and roads washing out during heavy rains.

Excessive heat and water shortage is most concerning - -- Wild fires and strong wind Environment: Pollution/Littering
Drought
Homeless people with mental health problems and/or drug addiction in the downtown Merced area .

Wind damaging roofs, earthquake mitigation in structures for future cases, covid, chemical sprays near homes next to orchards.

I live in a nicer part of Merced so I am not too worried about most of these issues. I would be worried about fine since these houses would burn down pretty fast.

Power outages
There were the wildfires which meant that school was cancelled and going outside was not a good idea.

It was in stanislaus County with the fires that made it difficult to see and breath High winds through the area. Hazmat being moved through the area on Hwy 33. Nearby airport with cropdusters - possibility of crash and hazmat leak. Dos Palos
Bear creek/black raschal creek, cottonwood creek flooding. Merced I do not feel qualified to answer.

Diseases delivered via mosquito bite, wetlands in Los Banos is cause for this concern. Also a blended concern of Agriculture impact on air quality when combined with Strong Winds, this includes but is not limited to pesticides and dirt becoming airborne due to agricultural land uses.

Atwater has had many power outages
It's mostly power outages (which is to blame PG&E for not taking the time for better infrastructure), wildfires have threatened us, and small earthquakes have happened. I live in Atwater Emergency plans for natural disasters and diseases.

Protection from cyber attacks
Poor air quality, pesticide use in agricultural areas/unsustainable farming practices, natural disaster preparedness in unincorporated jurisdictions throughout Merced County, specifically Winton.

Road conditions in Merced County
Merced, COVID.

Flooding
Wild fires
560
Please comment on any other pre-disaster mitigation actions that the planning committee should consider for reducing future losses caused by disasters:

More public awareness to the community for Covid-19 pandemic.

Optimizing use of cell phone emergency notifications
We have more than enough government involvement.

Drought
Warning on possible power outage during extreme weather Have enough water treatment pumps in dos palos
The vaccine roll-out seems to be going well. Keep up the good work through education and availability. food security and green spaces
Wild fires and staging or evacuation area.

Global Pandemics!!!
Better signs to get to where you need to go. Better planning for the future hazards.

Wildfires tree thinning
Improvements of the levee to prevent flood.

Education for the public
Text messaging is the best source of contact
No one listens to radio anymore or watch's local TV as much Stay at home order to avoid smoke inhalation
Wildfire fire prevention along with saving water from snow melt.

All types of production plants should be set to a high standard when it comes to taking all steps available to ensure they are as planet friendly as technology allows it. - - Water (dry wells) in Le Grande is an issue The effects of a prolonged public safety power shut off by a utility company Mostly just water conservation! So many green lawns and people washing their driveways.

Better figure out where you will get a drink after the underground water is salty.

Most of the listed activities were flood related. Flood is important, but so are many other potential hazards. Mitigation activities should be diversified.

Power Outage Prevention. Proper preventative maintenance of the electrical grid in fire prone areas.

The state needs to give the farmers the water instead of dumping it. Our ground water is depleting because of this. San Luis Dam was built for agriculture 1st.

Protect city from cyber attack, ex city services compromised due to computer failure/shutdown Wildfire education
Pay attention to seismic activity anywhere near the faults and how can homeowners prevent any future catastrophe to their properties. Education on lnsruance and special programs to make it affordable is crucial. Before buying a house disclosures on flooding and earthquake or May other natural disaster prone areas including where dams are located matter and should be disclosed.

Air filters and water. Air filters for fire season and water for droughts Possibly look into quarterly or bi-annual training with agencies in affected areas.

Alert residents when prescribed fires are taking place. Often time when the foothills or farm lands are having controlled fires the smoke affects the air quality of residents of surrounding communities. Since such burns must have special permissions, the agencies issuing such permissions should also notify citizens in the surrounding communities.

Water
Build a sanctuary that wildlife can live in post wildfire disaster until their homes can be restored. 561
Optional: Provide any additional comments you have which you feel are relevant for the Hazard Mitigation j plan update:

I believe Merced Co. is free of hazards or disasters.

Mitigation efforts should heavily consider ways to offset climate change Enjoy the ride. Each day as it comes.

What, if anything, is being done about the water in Los Banos? - - -
Please focus on food security and public health that take a preventative approach to disasters? Also focus on ensuring the community will be fine regardless of whether there is a disaster Better planning and education and awareness. I was never contacted for my 2nd vaccination as I was told I would. I almost missed my deadline for it. I had to research when abs where the next vaccine would be.

HR Support is probably the worst provider partnered by the county in these Covid 19 vaccinations.

I can't believe they are eliminating at burning for attrition Just a thank you for giving us a voice ...

How are you using social media to distribute information and educate the residents of your county? Let us know if we can help you?
Lack of community organization. Atwater declaring itself a sanctuary city is a prime example.

I'm not sure how useful this survey of the general public will be for planning purposes. I am an active and informed member of the community, and even I didn't feel qualified to answer most of these questions. -- - This is the first time I have heard of our area having a disaster plan. More community education is needed for this subject topic.
562
Envfen mas informaci6n a la poblaci6n de
Cuando hay peligros inminentes para siempre estar preparados. Y mas talleres para Saber c6mo actuar en caso de
Emergencias.

Vientos fuertes; arboles de ramas quebradizas
563
*Google Translation
Send more information to the populations of when there are imminent danagers and how to always be prepared. And more workshops for how to act in case of an emergeny
Strong winds; brittle branch trees
564
11-- - - -
Por favor, comente sobre cualquier otra acci6n mitigatoria pre- ~esastre que el comite de planificaci6n debe considerar para reducir perdidas futuras causadas por desastres:

Mejor construction de los edificios y/o casas en base a los terremotos
Cuidado de comida
Creo que ya estan considerado las mas importantes
La Erosion de la tierra que esta ocasionando que el agua escasee mas.Ya futuro las
Cosechas no serviran. Si no planificaramos con tiempo la perdida del agua del subsuelo. Ya que ano con ai'io no llueve y la
Nieve que cae no es suficiente para el
Aumento de la poblaci6n que crece cada dia.

Mantener la basura en su lugar
Reducci6n de tarifa de luz en verano por el uso de a ires acondicionados
*Google Translation
Better construction of buildings and/ or houses
based on earthquakes
Food care
I think the most important are already
considered
The erosion of the land that is causing the water
scarcity more. And in the future the harvests
won't do. If we did not plan in advance the loss
of groundwater. Since year after year it does not
rain and Falling snow is not enough. Increase in
the population that grows every day.

Keep trash in its place
Reduction of electricity rates in summer due to
the use of air conditioners
565
OPCIONAL. Provea cualquier comentario adicional el cual creo sea relevante en la Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro:

Que la cosas se hagan por
El bien de todas las
Comunidades y se tome acci6n inmediata.
*Google Translation
That things be done for the
good of all communities and
take immediate action
566
1017/21, 9:31 AM Public Feedback Form for Draft 2021 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (Edit) Microsoft Forms Respondent
< Anonymous V 00:31
Time to complete
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1. Select affiliation (select one): *
Member of the Public
Private industry
Nonprofit
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Comments

2. Please provide comments regarding the Draft Update of the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan here:

Great job!
Contact Information
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3. Please provide your contact information (Name and email address) Jason Larrieu
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10/7/21, 9:31 AM Public Feedback Form for Draft 2021 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (Edit) Microsoft Forms Respondent
< 2
I --···-------------
l ._~~Onymous vj
--·---·-"·- '
01:32
Time to complete
Affiliation

1. Select affiliation (select one): *
Member of the Public
Private industry
Nonprofit
Government-Local
Government-State
Government-Federal
Comments

2. Please provide comments regarding the Draft Update of the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan here:

The Lower San Joaquin Levee District has no responses per the document as presented.

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10/7/21, 9:31 AM Public Feedback Form for Draft 2021 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (Edit) Microsoft Forms

3. Please provide your contact information (Name and email address) Reggie N. Hill email : [email protected]
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571
From:

To:

Cc:

Subject:

Date:
padiUa. Gregory@CALFIRE
Cosentino. Helen; beverly [email protected]; B;Hg@mmcfb ora: Hicks Jason s @TID; Manue1J1976@yahoo com; [email protected]; lsild@elite net; rortega@awdwater org:

Ron.Giannone@vanevajr ora: John Lambie; conum. Andrew@Parks; Hicks. Nathan@PWR; Keat. [email protected]; Lara Lujs@CHP; Jerald Meadows - NOAA federal: Heberling. Gerald@Parks; J.Qu.

Chnstopher@eac1<s; Reith Heather@Parks
Brjslawn. Jeff P: Prosperi Juliana: Scheurjch payjd@CALFIRE: Pimentel Mark@CALFIRE Merced County Multi· Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for public review notice to neighboring jurisdictions Saturday, September 25, 2021 9:27:38 PM
CAUTION: External email. Please do not click on links/attachments unless you know the content is genuine and safe.

Good evening,
We are letting you know as a potentially interested stakeholder or neighboring jurisdiction that the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is in draftform for public review and comment before it is finalized. The plan can be viewed online at the link below. A comment form can is also provided on the website, or you can send an email directly to me.

The comment period is open through October 6.

Hazard Mitigation Piao I Merced County. CA - Official Website Thank you,
Greg J. Padilla
Fire Captain C-15 / Assistant OES Coordinator
Merced County Office of Emergency Services
CAL FIRE / Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit
Office: 209-385-7344 Ext.4883
Cell: 209-761-1977
572
i, RCEaA _______________ !,!cM~e!.!:rc~ed~C~ou!:!..!n~tyl'.....!:!'.M~u~lt!.::.i-J~u!!:!ri~sd~i_2ct~io~n~a!...!I H!:!:a~z~a~rd!._!M~it!_9 ig~at~io~n!JP~l~an~ C O u N T y Appendix C: Approval and Adoption
Appendix C: Approval and Adoption
1-2026 Update
573
APPENDIX C: ADOPTION RESOLUTIONS
Sample model resolution is provided below:

Resolution #
Adopting the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 Whereas, (Name of Government/District/Organization seeking FEMA approval of hazard mitigation plan) recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people and property within our community; and Whereas, undertaking hazard mitigation actions will reduce the potential for harm to people and property from future hazard occurrences; and
Whereas, an adopted Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is required as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects under multiple FEMA pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant programs; and Whereas, (Name of Government/District/Organization) fully participated in the FEMA-prescribed mitigation planning process to prepare this Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and Whereas, the California Office of Emergency Services and Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IX officials have reviewed the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan () and approved it () contingent upon this official adoption of the participating governing body; Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the (Name of Government/District/Organization) adopts the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan as an official plan; and Be it resolved that the (Name of Government/District/Organization) adopts the Merced County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by reference into the safety element of their general plan in accordance with the requirements of AB 2140, and
Be it further resolved, (Name of Government/District/Organization) will submit this adoption resolution to the California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA Region IX officials to enable the plan's final approval in accordance with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and to establish conformance with the requirements of AB 2140.

Passed: _____ _
(date)
Certifying Official
Merced County C.!
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
574
CE~ _______________ _;_M.;;..e:..;.r.;;.. ce;..;d_C-=-o;..;u'-n'""ty.__M-'u_lt'-i-'-' Ju'-r.;.;; is-=d.:..: ic"'ti-=- o'-"na'-1-'-H.;.:;a~za;;;.;r-=d...;.M:..;.ic.:cti ... g=- at"'io:.;.n,;..Pc..;l.:can..:. •- Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives

C OUNTY
Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives
202 1-2026 Update
575
APPENDIX D: MITIGATION CATEGORIES AND

ALTERNATIVES
Categories of Mitigation Measures Considered
PREVENTION: Preventive measures are designed to keep the problem from occurring or getting worse. Their objective is to ensure that future development is not exposed to damage and does not increase damage to other properties. • Planning
• Zoning
• Open Space Preservation
• Land Development Regulations
- Subdivision regulations
- floodplain development regulations
• Storm Water Management
• Fuels Management, Fire-Breaks
• Building Codes
·-- Fire-Wise Construction
• (See Property Protection also)
EMERGENCY SERVICES measures protect people during and after a disaster. A good emergency services program addresses all hazards. Measures include:
• Warning (floods, tornadoes, ice storms, hail storms, dam failures) - NOAA Weather Radio
- Sirens
- Reverse 911
• Evacuation & Sheltering
• Communications
• Emergency Planning
- Activating the emergency operations room (emergency management) - Closing streets or bridges (police or public works)
- Shutting off power to threatened areas (utility company) - Holding children at school/releasing children from school (school district) - Passing out sand and sandbags (public works)
- Ordering an evacuation (mayor)
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.l 576
- Opening evacuation shelters (Red Cross)
- Monitoring water levels (engineering)
- Security and other protection measures (police)
• Monitoring of Conditions (dams)
• Critical Facilities Protection (Buildings or locations vital to the response and recovery effort, such as police/fire stations, hospitals, sewage treatment plants/lift stations, power substations)
- Buildings or locations that, if damaged, would create secondary disasters, such as hazardous materials facilities and nursing homes
- Lifeline Utilities Protection
- Health & Safety Maintenance
PROPERTY PROTECTION: Property protection measures are used to modify buildings subject to damage rather than to keep the hazard away. A community may find these to be inexpensive measures because often they are implemented by or cost-shared with property owners. Many of the measures do not affect the appearance or use of a building, which makes them particularly appropriate for historical sites and landmarks. • Retrofitting/disaster proofing
- Floods
• Wet/Dry floodproofing (barriers, shields, backflow valves) ■ Relocation
■ Acquisition
- Tornadoes
■ Safe Rooms
■ Securing roofs and foundations with fasteners and tie-downs ■ Strengthening garage doors and other large openings
- Drought
■ Improve water supply (transport/storage/conservation) ■ Remove moisture competitive plants (Tamarisk/Salt Cedar) ■ Water Restrictions/Water Saver Sprinklers/Appliances
■ Grazing on CRP lands (no overgrazing-see Noxious Weeds) ■ Create incentives to consolidate/connect water services ■ Recycled wastewater on golf courses
- Earthquakes
■ Removing masonry overhangs, bracing other parts.

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.2 577
■ Tying down appliances, water heaters, bookcases and fragile furniture so they won't fall over during a quake.
■ Installing flexible utility connections that won't break during shaking (pipelines too!)
- Wildfire, Grassfires
■ Replacing building components with fireproof materials - Roofing, screening
■ Create "Defensible Space"
• Installing spark arrestors
• Fuels Modification
- Noxious Weeds/Insects
• Mowing
• Spraying
■ Replacement planting
• Stop overgrazing
• Introduce natural predators
• Insurance
NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION: Natural resource protection activities are generally aimed at preserving (or in some cases restoring) natural areas. In so doing, these activities enable the naturally beneficial functions of floodplains and watersheds to be better realized. These natural and beneficial floodplain functions include the following:
• storage of floodwaters
• absorption of flood energy
• reduction in flood scour
• infiltration that absorbs overland flood flow
• groundwater recharge
• removal/filtering of excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments from floodwaters • habitat for flora and fauna
• recreational and aesthetic opportunities
Methods of protecting natural resources include:
• Erosion & Sediment Control
• Wetlands Protection
• Riparian Area/Habitat Protection
• Threatened & Endangered Species Protection
Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.3 578
• Fuels Management
• Set-back regulations/buffers
• Best Management Practices
Best management practices ("BMPs") are measures that reduce nonpoint source pollutants that enter the waterways. Nonpoint source pollutants come from non-specific locations. Examples of nonpoint source pollutants are lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm chemicals, animal wastes, oils from street surfaces and industrial areas and sediment from agriculture, construction, mining and forestry. These pollutants are washed off the ground's surface by stormwater and flushed into receiving storm sewers, ditches and streams. BMPs can be implemented during construction and as part of a project's design to permanently address nonpoint source pollutants. There are three general categories of BMPs:

1. Avoidance: setting construction projects back from the stream.

2. Reduction: Preventing runoff that conveys sediment and other water-borne pollutants, such as planting proper vegetation and conservation tillage.

3. Cleanse: Stopping pollutants after they are en route to a stream, such as using grass drainageways that filter the water and retention and detention basins that let pollutants settle to the bottom before they are drained • Dumping Regulations
• Water Use Restrictions
• Weather Modification
• Landscape Management
STRUCTURAL PROJECTS have traditionally been used by communities to control flows and water surface elevations. Structural projects keep flood waters away from an area.

They are usually designed by engineers and managed or maintained by public works staff.

These measures are popular with many because they "stop" flooding problems. However, structural projects have several important shortcomings that need to be kept in mind when considering them for flood hazard mitigation:
• They are expensive, sometimes requiring capital bond issues and/or cost sharing with Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• They disturb the land and disrupt natural water flows, often destroying habitats.

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.4 579
• They are built to a certain flood protection level that can be exceeded by a larger flood, causing extensive damage.
• They can create a false sense of security when people protected by a structure believe that no flood can ever reach them.
• They require regular maintenance to ensure that they continue to provide their design protection level.

Structural measures include:
• Detention/Retention structures
• Erosion and Sediment Control
• Basins/Low-head Weirs
• Channel Modifications
• Culvert resizing/replacement/Maintenance
• Levees and Floodwalls
• Fencing (for snow, sand, wind)
• Drainage System Maintenance
• Reservoirs(for flood control, water storage, recreation, agriculture) • Diversions
• Storm Sewers
PUBLIC INFORMATION: A successful hazard mitigation program involves both the public and private sectors. Public information activities advise property owners, renters, businesses, and local officials about hazards and ways to protect people and property from these hazards. These activities can motivate people to take protection • Hazard Maps and Data
• Outreach Projects
- (mailings, media, web, speakers bureau)
• Library Resources
• Real Estate Disclosure
• Environmental Education
• Technical Assistance
Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.5 580
Alternative Mitigation M easures per Category
Prevention
Preventive measures are designed to keep the problem from occurring or getting worse.

Their objective is to ensure that future development is not exposed to damage and does not increase damage to other properties.
• Planning
• Zoning
• Open space preservation
• Land development regulations
- Subdivision regulations
- Floodplain development regulations
• Stormwater management
• Fuels management, fire breaks
• Building codes
- Firewise construction
• (also see Property Protection)
Emergency Services
Emergency services protect people during and after a disaster. A good emergency services program addresses all hazards. Measures include:
• Warning (floods, tornadoes, ice storms, hail storms, dam failures) - NOAA weather radio all hazards
- Sirens
- Reverse 911
• Evacuation and sheltering
• Communications
• Emergency planning
- Activating the emergency operations room (emergency management) - Closing streets or bridges (police or public works)
- Shutting off power to threatened areas (utility company) - Holding children at school/releasing children from school (school district) - Passing out sand and sandbags (public works)
- Ordering an evacuation (mayor)
- Opening evacuation shelters (red cross)
Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.6 581
- Monitoring water levels (engineering)
- Security and other protection measures (police)
• Monitoring of conditions (dams)
• Critical facilities protection (buildings or locations vital to the response and recovery effort, such as police/fire stations, hospitals, sewage treatment plants/lift stations, power substations)
- Buildings or locations that, if damaged, would create secondary disasters, such as hazardous materials facilities and nursing homes
- Lifeline utilities protection
- Health and safety maintenance
Property Protection
Property protection measures are used to modify buildings subject to damage rather than to keep the hazard away. A community may find these to be inexpensive measures because often they are implemented by or cost-shared with property owners. Many of the measures do not affect the appearance or use of a building, which makes them particularly appropriate for historical sites and landmarks. • Retrofitting/disaster proofing
- Floods
■ Wet/dry flood proofing (barriers, shields, backflow valves) ■ Relocation
■ Acquisition
- Tornadoes
■ Safe rooms
■ Securing roofs and foundations with fasteners and tie-downs ■ Strengthening garage doors and other large openings
- Drought
• Improve water supply (transport/storage/conservation) ■ Remove moisture competitive plants (tamarisk/salt cedar) • Water restrictions/water saver sprinklers/appliances
• Grazing on CRP lands (no overgrazing-see noxious weeds) • Create incentives to consolidate/connect water services • Recycled wastewater on golf courses
- Earthquakes
• Removing masonry overhangs, bracing other parts
Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.7 582
• Tying down appliances, water heaters, bookcases and fragile furniture so they will not fall over during a quake.
• Installing flexible utility connections that will not break during shaking (pipelines, too)
- Wildland fire
• Replacing building components with fireproof materials (roofing, screening) • Creating "defensible space"
• Installing spark arrestors
• Fuels modification
- Noxious weeds/insects
• Mowing
• Spraying
• Replacement planting
• Stop overgrazing
• Introduce natural predators
• Insurance
Natural Resource Protection
Natural resource protection activities are generally aimed at preserving (or in some cases restoring) natural areas. In so doing, these activities enable the naturally beneficial functions of floodplains and watersheds to be better realized. These natural and beneficial floodplain functions include the following:
• Storage of floodwaters
• Absorption of flood energy
• Reduction in flood scour
• Infiltration that absorbs overland flood flow
• Groundwater recharge
• Removal/filtering of excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments from floodwaters • Habitat for flora and fauna
• Recreational and aesthetic opportunities
Methods of protecting natural resources include:
• Erosion and sediment control
• Wetlands protection
• Riparian area/habitat protection
Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.8 583
• Threatened and endangered species protection
• Fuels management
• Set-back regulations/buffers
• Best management practices--Best management practices ("BMPs") are measures that reduce nonpoint source pollutants that enter the waterways. Nonpoint source pollutants come from non-specific locations. Examples of nonpoint source pollutants are lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm chemicals, animal wastes, oils from street surfaces and industrial areas and sediment from agriculture, construction, mining and forestry. These pollutants are washed off the ground's surface by stormwater and flushed into receiving storm sewers, ditches and streams. BMPs can be implemented during construction and as part of a project's design to permanently address non point source pollutants. There are three general categories of BMPs:
- Avoidance-Setting construction projects back from the stream. - Reduction-Preventing runoff that conveys sediment and other water-borne pollutants, such as planting proper vegetation and conservation tillage. - Cleanse-Stopping pollutants after they are en route to a stream, such as using grass drainageways that filter the water and retention and detention basins that let pollutants settle to the bottom before they are drained • Dumping regulations
• Water use restrictions
• Weather modification
• Landscape management
Structural Projects
Structural projects have traditionally been used by communities to control flows and water surface elevations. Structural projects keep flood waters away from an area. They are usually designed by engineers and managed or maintained by public works staff.

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.9 584
• They are built to a certain flood protection level that can be exceeded by a larger flood, causing extensive damage.
• They can create a false sense of security when people protected by a structure believe that no flood can ever reach them.
• They require regular maintenance to ensure that they continue to provide their design protection level.

Structural measures include:
• Detention/retention structures
• Erosion and sediment control
• Basins/low-head weirs
• Channel modifications
• Culvert resizing/replacement/maintenance
• Levees and floodwalls
• Fencing (for snow, sand, wind)
• Drainage system maintenance
• Reservoirs (for flood control, water storage, recreation, agriculture) • Diversions
• Storm sewers
Public Information
A successful hazard mitigation program involves both the public and private sectors.

Public information activities advise property owners, renters, businesses, and local officials about hazards and ways to protect people and property from these hazards. These activities can motivate people to take protection
• Hazard maps and data
• Outreach projects (mailings, media, web, speakers bureau) • Library resources
• Real estate disclosure
• Environmental education
• Technical assistance
Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.10 585
Mitigation Alternative Selection Criteria
The following criteria were used to select and prioritize proposed mitigation measures:

Does the proposed action protect lives?
Does the proposed action address hazards or areas with the highest risk? Does the proposed action protect critical facilities, infrastructure, or community assets? Does the proposed action meet multiple objectives (multi-objective management)?

STAPLE/E
Developed by FEMA, this method of applying evaluation criteria enables the planning team to consider in a systematic way the social, technical, administrative, political, legal, economic, and environmental opportunities and constraints of implementing a particular mitigation action. For each action, the HMPC should ask, and consider the answers to, the following questions:

S,ocial
Does the measure treat people fairly (different groups, different generations)? Iechnical
Will it work? (Does it solve the problem? Is it feasible?) Administrative
Is there capacity to implement and manage project?
folitical
Who are the stakeholders? Did they get to participate? Is there public support? Is political leadership willing to support it?
iegal
Does your organization have the authority to implement? Is it legal? Are there liability implications?
Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.11 586
,E.conomic
Is it cost-beneficial? Is there funding? Does it contribute to the local economy or economic development? Does it reduce direct property losses or indirect economic losses? .Environmental
Does it comply with environmental regulations or have adverse environmental impacts Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.12 587
Example Mitigation Action Items by Community Rating System Mitigation Category and Hazard Easements ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Environmental review standards • • ■ ■ • •
Floodplain development regulations ■ ■ • • ■ ■ ■ • • ■
• ■ ■
Forest fire fuel reduction ■
Housin!:!/landlord codes I I ■ I I ■ I I ■
Slide-prone area/grading/hillside I I I • I I
develoement regulations
I I I I • I ■
Manufactured home ■
I
■

I I I I
■
I I eneration ■
Multi-Jurisdiction Cooperation I • I I I I ■ within watershed 0 reservation ■ • ■ • ■
Performance standards ■ • • ■ ■ • • • ■
Periodically contain/remove wastes
I I I I I I I I • for diseosal
Pesticide/herbicide management

I I I I I I I I
■
I l regulations
~ e ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Merced County D,13
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
588
Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Stormwater management
regulations
Subdivision and development
regulations
Surge protectors and lightning
rotection
g
Acquisition of hazard prone
structures
Facili~ inseections/reeorting
Construction of barriers around
structures
Elevation of structures
Relocation out of hazard areas
Structural retrofits
(e.g., reinforcement, floodproofing,
bracing, etc.)
Channel maintenance
Dams/reservoirs (including
maintenance)
Isolate hazardous materials waste
storage sties
Levees and floodwalls (including
maintenance)
Safe room/shelter
Seconda~ containment sz::stem
Merced County
Floods
I ■
I •
I •
I •
I ■
I ■
•
■
I ■
I •
I ■
I
I ■
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Earthquakes Wildfires
I I I
I • I • I
I I I •
•
I I • I
I • I I
I I I
■
I • I ■ I
I I I
I I I
■
Drought
and
Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
•
•
•
•
■
■
•
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Dam
Incidents
•
■
•
•
■
■
■
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Severe
Weather:

Heavy
Rain/
Lightning/
Hail
•
•
■
•
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Severe
Weather:

Wind
•
•
•
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Hazardous
Materials
■
•
•
■
•
■
■
•
Landslide Subsidence
I ■ I •
I • I •
I • I •
I ■ I ■
D.14
589
Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Site
reclamation/restoration/reveqetation
Water su mentation
Debris Control
Defensible Space
Floods
■
■
Stream stabilization I ■
information centers ■
ducation and outreach ■
■
ent ■
H drolo ■
Sediment and erosion control
regulations ■
Stream corridor restoration ■
Stream dumping regulations ■
Urban forestry and landscape ■
Drought
and
Earthquakes Wildfires Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
■
■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
■ ■
■ ■
■
■
■
Severe
Weather: Severe Dam Heavy Weather: Hazardous Landslide Subsidence Incidents Rain/ Materials
Lightning/ Wind
Hail
■
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
■ ■
■ ■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
■
■ ■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
I ■ I ■
■ ■
I ■ I ■
■
I ■ I ■
Merced County D.15
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
590
• I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I •
Hazard warning systems
(community sirens, NOAA weather I • I ■ I • I ■ I ■ I • I • I ■ radio)
1aintenance I • • • ■ ■ • ■ •
Post-disaster mitiqation I ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ I ■ I ■
Merced County D.16
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
591
j
Mr~cE- i:' Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan C1 ~ '-c -------~---'--'------'----'-'-"--'-=__;;_;_;_:___~=~ ,_ Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template COUNTY
Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template 2021 -2026 Update
592
APPENDIX E: ANNUAL PROGRESS MEETING

AGENDA AND REPORT TEMPLATE
City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annual Progress Meeting Agenda

1. Discussion on hazard events and impacts that occurred during the performance period

2. Review of progress on mitigation action implementation

3. Discussion on success stories

4. Recommendations for new actions/projects

5. Review of funding options and grant opportunities

6. Review of changes in plan maintenance or implementation

7. Review of continuing public involvement
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APPENDIX E: ANNUAL PROGRESS MEETING

AGENDA AND REPORT T EMPLATE
Reporting Period:

Merced County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annual Progress Report Template
Background: Merced County and participating cities and towns in the county developed a hazard mitigation plan to reduce risk from all hazards by identifying resources, information, and strategies for risk reduction. The federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition for federal disaster grant assistance. To prepare the plan, the participating partners organized resources, assessed risks from natural hazards within the county, developed planning goals and objectives, reviewed mitigation alternatives, and developed an action plan to address probable impacts from natural hazards. By completing this process, these jurisdictionsmaintained compliance with the Disaster Mitigation Act, achieving eligibility for mitigation grant funding opportunities afforded under the Robert T. Stafford Act. The plan can be viewed online at Summary Overview of the Plan's Progress: The performance period for the Hazard Mitigation Plan became effective on_, 2021, with the final approval of the plan by FEMA. The initial performance period for this plan will be 5 years, with an anticipated update to the plan to occur before_, 2026.

The Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan has targeted 70 hazard mitigation initiatives to be pursued during the 5-year performance period. As of the reporting period, the following overall progress can be reported:
_ out of __ initiatives(__%) reported ongoing action toward completion. _ out of_ initiatives(_%) were reported as being complete. _ out of_ initiatives (_%) reported no action taken.

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to provide an annual update on the implementation of the action plan identified in the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The objective ,is to ensure that there is a continuing and responsive planning process that will keep the hazard mitigation plan dynamic and responsive to the needs and capabilities of the partner jurisdictions. This report discusses the following:
• Natural hazard events that have occurred within the last year • Changes in risk exposure within the planning area (all of Merced County) • Mitigation success stories
• Review of the action plan
• Changes in capabilities that could impact plan implementation • Recommendations for changes/enhancement
The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee: The Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, made up of planning partners and stakeholders within the planning area, reviewed and approved this progress report at its annual meeting held on_, 202_. It was determined through the plan's development process that the HMPT would remain in service to oversee maintenance of the plan. At a minimum, the HMPT will provide technical review and oversight on the development of the annual progress report. It is anticipated that there will be turnover in the membership annually, which will be documented in the progress reports.

For this reporting period, the HMPT membership present at the meeting is as indicated in Table 1.

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APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
TABLE 1.

HMPT MEMBERS PRESENT
Name Title Jurisdiction/Agency
Natural Hazard Events within the Planning Area: During the reporting period, there were __ natural hazard events in the planning area that had a measurable impact on people or property. A summary of these events is as follows:

Changes in Risk Exposure in the Planning Area: (Insert brief overview of any natural hazard event in the planning area that changed the probability of occurrence or ranking of risk for the hazards addressed in the hazard mitigation plan)
Mitigation Success Stories: (Insert brief overview of mitigation accomplishments during the reporting period)
Review of the Action Plan: Table 2 reviews the action plan, reporting the status of each initiative.

Reviewers of this report should refer to the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for more detailed descriptions of each initiative and the prioritization process.

Address the following in the "status" column of the following table:

Was any element of the initiative carried out during the reporting period? If no action was completed, why?
Is the timeline for implementation for the initiative still appropriate? If the initiative was completed, does it need to be changed or removed from the action plan? E-2
595
TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX

MERCED COUNTY
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13
14 15
16 Countvwide Public Education Proqram.

Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into
Safety Element of General Plan.

Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach.

Countywide Inventory of Historic Unreinforced
Mason
Periodically review buildinq codes.

Develop a Hazard Specific Flood Annex for all ·urisdictions.

Flood Insurance Promotion Program
Implementation/Participation.

Identify and evaluate effectiveness of
alternative detention basin flood control
projects that will reduce flood flows in Black
Rascal Creek at the diversion.

Winter Weather Preparedness Campaiqn.

Cyber Security. Establish a risk management
program to identify the risks, understand their
likelihood and impact.

Drouqht Plan.

Groundwater Recharge and Stormwater
Detention
Public Safety GIS Manaoement.

Encourage and continue to establish
countywide evacuation zones, sections and
routes.

Conduct an After Action Review for COVID-19
response.

Develop a plan for a Countywide Medical
Reserve Corps (MRC).

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
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TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Ci
17 18
19 20
21 Provide public outreach through a variety of
media for awareness and mitigation of various
aoricultural pests and disease.

Enhance the County's capabilities associated
with the Pest Detection Program, Pest
Exclusion Program, and Pest Eradication
Prooram.

Identify and increase water management
practices that reduce pesticide movement
offsite.

Create a hazardous materials safety flyer to
post on public health social media and the
division of environmental health's website.

Develop countywide commodity flow study to
further understand the quantity and types of
hazardous materials being transported
throuoh the county.
of Atwater
2 3
4 5
6 Participate in Countywide Public Education
Proqram.

Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into
Safety Element of General Plan.

Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach.

Participate in Countywide Inventory for
Unreinforced Masonry Buildinqs.

Periodically review building codes for updates
and enhancements.

Promote Water Conservation Program.

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-4
597
TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
7 8
9 10
Emergency power system to protect the City of
Atwater 911 Communications Center and
Police Department.

Seismic Upgrade and Remodel of the Atwater
Police Department Headquarters.

Review hazards and awareness of earthquakes
in a public platform and educate the public on
helpful procedures in the aftermath.

Public education of current seasonal threat
City of Dos Palos
1 I Radio u
2 I Construction of new water treatment plant.

City of Gustine
2 2
3 4
5 6
Develop and enhance storm-water drainage
improvements to reduce frequent floodinQ.

Perform building specific seismic vulnerability
assessment of City-owned critical facilities
constructed prior to 1980.

Develop drought plan.

Participation in Countywide Public Education
Proqram.

Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into
Safetv Element of General Plan.

Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach.

Participate in Countywide Inventory for
Unreinforced Masonry Buildinqs.

Periodically review buildings for update and
enhancements.

Flood Insurance Promotion.

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-5
598
TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
c7
8 9
Participate in Severe Weather Preparedness
Campai
Qn.

Promote Water Conservation Pro_g_ram.

Uegrade storm lift station/SCADA.
of Los Banos
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13
Participate in Countywide Public Education
ProQram.

Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into
Safety Element of General Plan.

Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach.

Participate in Countywide Inventory for
Unreinforced Masonry Buildinqs.

Periodically review building codes for updates
and enhancements and ensure necessary
capabilities for enforcement.

Participate in Severe Weather Preparedness
Campai
qn.

Promote Water Conservation Program.

Implement and Monitor Weed Abatement
Proqram.

Prepare Emergency Plan for Critical
Infrastructure.

Perform Building-Specific Seismic Vulnerability
Assessment of City Owned Critical Facilities.

Continue to Update Storm Water System
Master Plan.

Prepare a Shelter and Emergency Provision
Plan.

Prepare Weather Preparedness Program
lExtreme Heat and Cold}.

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-6
599
TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
14 Promote Water Conservation Program with
continued updates to Urban Water
Manaqement Plan.
15 I Rental Home Inspections.

City of Merced
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10 11
Prepare an Energy Assurance Plan
Develop and enhance storm-water drainage
improvements to reduce frequent floodinq.

Create a Disaster Preparedness Program.

Support Merced County efforts to construct
the Haystack Alternative of Black Rascal Creek.

Update the City's Storm-water Drainage
Master Plan.

Prepare a Shelter and Emergency-Provision
Plan.

Prepare a Natural Area Fire Prevention Plan.

Perform building-specific, structural seismic
vulnerability assessment of City-owned critical
facilities.

Create a program to retrofit or upgrade
unreinforced masonry buildings in Downtown
Merced, or other buildinqs in the Plan area.

Update Fire Station 52 seismic and flood
resiliency.

Enhance the weed abatement program to
mitiqate wildfire risk.

Status Legend:
✓ = Project Completed
0 = Action ongoing toward completion
X = No proqress at this time
APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-7
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APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
Changes That May Impact Implementation of the Plan: (Insert brief overview of any significant changes in the planning area that would have a profound impact on the implementation of the plan. Specify any changes in technical, regulatory and financial capabilities identified during the plan's development) Recommendations for Changes or Enhancements: Based on the review of this report by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, the following recommendations will be noted for future updates or revisions to the plan:

Public review notice: The contents of this report are considered to be public knowledge and have been prepared for total public disclosure. Copies of the report have been provided to the governing boards of all planning partners and to local media outlets and the report is posted on the Merced County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan website. Any questions or comments regarding the contents of this report should be directed to:

Insert Contact Info Here
E-8
601
I
{1CEoks- --------------___.!.!M'.!!e:!:rc~e~d~C~o~u~n~ty!,_;M~u~lf!,: 1-J~u!_r:!ri~sd~i~ct~io~n~a~I H~az~a~rd~M!!1it~ig~a!!;ti~o~n.£P~la!!!_n C O U N T y Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
021-2026 Update
602
MEf!CEDk:~~
COUNTY wood.

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
• rW' ··:
603
/:!uCED~ - COUNTY
Outreach Strategy
Table of Contents

1.0 Purpose of the Outreach Strategy ................................................................................................................................ 1

2.0 Objectives of the Outreach Strategy ............................................................................................................................ 1

3.0 Local Government Outreach and Involvement Responsibilities ....................................................................... 1

3.1 Public Information Officer ............................................................................................................................... 3

4.0 Stakeholder Outreach Platforms ................................................................................................................................... 3

4.1 Participating Jurisdictions ................................................................................................................................ 3

4.2 Neighboring Jurisdictions ................................................................................................................................ 4

4.3 Federal, State, and Regional Agencies ........................................................................................................ 4

4.4 Academic Colleges and Universities ............................................................................................................ 4

4.5 Municipal Advisory Councils ........................................................................................................................... 5

4.6 Nonprofit and Community-Based Organizations .................................................................................. 5

4.7 Business Groups and Large Employers ....................................................................................................... 6

4.8 Utility Rou ndtable ............................................................................................................................................... 6

5.0 Public Outreach Platforms ............................................................................................................................................... 6

5.1 Webpage ................................................................................................................................................................ 6

5.2 Social Media .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

5.3 Newspapers ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

5.4 Press Releases ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

5.5 Public Survey ......................................................................................................................................................... 8

5.6 Informational Pop-Up Booths ........................................................................................................................ 8

5.7 Local Events and Weekly Newsletters ......................................................................................................... 9

5.8 Public Workshops ............................................................................................................................................... 9

5.9 GIS Portal - Environmental Hazard Data Viewer .................................................................................... 9

5.10 Map your Neighborhood Mailing List ...................................................................................................... 10

6.0 Schedule of Outreach Activities ................................................................................................................................... 10 Tables
Table 1. Outreach Strategy Schedule of Activities 11
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wood.
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MERCEDk- COUNTY
Outreach Strategy

1.0 Purpose of the Outreach Strategy
The purpose of the Outreach Strategy is to provide a meaningful process through which the County of Merced, the six participating municipalities, and their citizens, public officials, and stakeholder groups may effectively participate in the update of the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). The County is updating the MJHMP to expand the risk assessment to address changing priorities related to the frequency and severity of existing natural, human-caused, and public health hazards; climate change impacts; and to develop a mitigation strategy for the County. This strategy will be developed based upon the understanding that citizens and groups are the source of tremendous creativity, and that their engagement and input will produce better planning decisions. The emphasis is to recognize every citizen's right to participate in the process of informing local government decisions.

A wide variety of public participation methods and tools, representing distinct purposes, will be employed in the strategy to provide for broad public engagement and participation. These purposes of public engagement are as follows:
• Public Awareness - to share information and to promote awareness of planning process, including ways the public can participate
• Public Education - to educate citizens and help them make more informed choices • Public Input - to provide citizens and groups with opportunities to provide input and ideas during the planning process
• Public Interaction - to exchange views and ideas as a means of reaching consensus • Public Partnership - to involve citizens in the decision-making process

2.0 Objectives of the Outreach Strategy

1. Recognizing that there are many levels of public participation, to provide for an effective mix of participation opportunities that include the above bulleted purposes.

2. Recognizing that not everyone participates in the same way or at the same time, to include a mix of participation strategies that provides for a broad and diverse set of engagement opportunities that considers the diversity of the County's planning area.

3. Recognizing Merced County's history of past public participation during the General Plan 2030 and recent Community Plan update planning processes and public safety preparedness and outreach efforts, the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team (HMPT) will provide the public with opportunities to review, clarify, and provide input on hazard information, as well as generate goals, objectives, policies, and other information.

4. To build public support for, and ultimately ownership of, the Merced County MJHMP.

3.0 Local Government Outreach and Involvement Responsibilities The requirements related to public involvement in hazard mitigation plans according to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (44 CFR Section 201.6(b) and (c)) are listed below:

Requirement §201.6(b): 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;
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Outreach Strategy

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.

Requirement §201.6(c)(1): [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.

Requirement §201.6(c)(4)(iii): [The plan maintenance process shall include a] discussion on how the community will continue public participation in the plan maintenance process.

Based on the requirements, the public participation process ensures citizens and local and regional agencies understand the risk and vulnerability and can work with Merced County to support policies, actions, and tools to reduce future losses. This is why the public must have opportunities to comment on disaster mitigation plans during the drafting stage and prior to plan approval. The County is encouraged to conduct a public workshop or open house within 90 days of the project kick-off, or first HMPT meeting.

To meet DMA requirements as well as the goals of the Outreach Strategy, the County is expected to engage in various public outreach and feedback efforts, which can include:
• Engage nonprofit organizations (NGOs) or community-based organizations (CBOs) • Assist in distributing press releases and information to local media • Share public input/comment with the HMPT
• Document and report on progress/activities related to public involvement • Review public input for incorporation in plan, as appropriate • Assist with advertising and holding a total of two (2) public workshops: one (1) public workshop (during draft development) and one (1) public workshop once the Public Review Draft MJHMP is circulated
• Announcing the planning effort at other public meetings, or holding additional public meetings, if desired
• Announce how the plan can be accessed during the public review period. This can include providing links from the County's Office of Emergency Services (OES) Webpage to a MJHMP Update Webpage or providing a hard copy of the plan in a public location, such as a municipal building (e.g. library, community center).
• Follow the recommendations for continued public involvement as designated in the implementation chapter of the MJHMP.

Merced County can implement a robust public outreach process by asking citizens to share local knowledge of the County's vulnerability to hazards based on past occurrences. For Merced County this may include vulnerability to flooding, drought, and wildfires. Public involvement can be solicited by working with NGOs and CBOs, or through direct outreach via multiple media platforms, including the County's Website and social media, as well as traditional materials, such as newspaper notices, questionnaires, public workshops, involvement at public events, and distribution of the plan for public input at repositories.

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The overall goal of communication is to inform the public about the process and to seek input, and to engage early and often. Messaging should cover the following topics:
• Announce kick-off of preparing a MJHMP (typically within 30 days of kick-off meeting) • Advertising the County's MJHMP Webpage
• Advertisement of Public Workshop or Open House
• Distribution of the public survey
• Notification of public comment and availability of the Public Review Draft MJHMP • Notification of availability of Final MJHMP
• Announce Board of Supervisors Hearing

3.1 Public Information Officer
The County's Public Information Officer (PIO), or designated Project Manager will lead the public involvement process and implementation of the Outreach Strategy. This strategy will be overseen and managed by Mr. David Scheurich, Battalion Chief and Deputy Director of the County OES for the plan preparation, as well as the County's consultant, Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. (Wood). Mr. Gene Barrera will provide additional support. If the County's PIO is assigned to serve as a liaison to oversee the outreach strategy, this will ensure the continuity of the outreach after the project ends. It also provides ongoing communication after plan adoption and ensure implementation updates continue within the community.

4.0 Stakeholder Outreach Platforms
Stakeholders are persons, groups, or institutions that can affect or be affected by a course of action associated with the MJHMP update. Stakeholder involvement during the planning process develops support for the plan and implementation. Stakeholder involvement also results in greater information sharing on technical and scientific resources based on input from subject matter experts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires stakeholder participation from neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved with hazard mitigation activities, agencies with authority to regulate development, and business, academic institutions such as community colleges or universities, and private and non-profit agencies. Stakeholders do not need to be involved in all phases of the planning process like the HMPT but should inform the HMPT on specific hazard impacts and risks and provide input that reflects different perspectives in the community. Stakeholder involvement generally improves the overall quality and accuracy of the plan and builds greater consensus within the community.

4.1 Participating Jurisdictions
Six jurisdictions are participating in the MJHMP update. These six jurisdictions include the cities of Merced, Los Banos, Atwater, Livingston, Dos Palos, and Gustine. The HMPT consists of a representative from each municipality. This HMPT representative should integrate the outreach platforms outlined in this Outreach Strategy within their cities and engage additional stakeholders and the public. The HMPT representative should also inform their respective city managers and elected officials, such as Planning Commissioners and City Council members about the planning process and MJHMP update. These managers and elected officials are responsible for the public health and safety of their community. They are also the elected officials that will adopt the plan. The key to maximizing these leaders involvement should be based on engaging them early in the process and during the development of the draft plan.

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This may consist of planning updates during City Manager briefings and regular Planning Commission and City Council meetings.

4.2 Neighboring Jurisdictions
Neighboring jurisdictions, such as adjacent counties must be given the opportunity to be on the HMPT or involved in the planning process as a stakeholder. Adjacent counties and municipalities are commonly affected by similar hazards and may be partners in mitigation efforts on a regional level. Involvement may include inviting these municipalities to participate in outreach activities and requesting their input on the draft plan. Merced County invited emergency management staff from Mariposa, Madera, and Stanislaus counties to participate on the HMPT. For those unavailable to formally participate on the HMPT, the County should request that these counties engage during outreach activities and provide formal input on the draft plan.

4.3 Federal, State, and Regional Agencies
Merced County can engage various public federal, state, and regional agencies, such as a representative from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association and representatives from the two national wildlife refuges: Merced National Wildlife Refuge and San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. State agencies should also be involved and can include representatives from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), Department of Water Resources and the Division of Safety of Dams, Department of Parks and Recreation, California Highway Patrol, and California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

The County can invite these representatives to participate during the virtual public workshops and request their feedback on the Public Review Draft MJHMP. Many of these federal and state agencies were identified as key cooperators by the County in the initial planning meetings. The County can also schedule regular updates with their Cal OES representative and let them know when the plan will be ready for state review.

The Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) is an association of city and county governments focused on addressing regional issues, such as transportation, solid waste, and air quality problems.

MCAG has also served as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency and Metropolitan Planning Organization making them a regional agency the County can coordinate on regarding demographic, housing, and development trends.

Federal, state, and regional agencies manage technical data and resources related to hazards, and in some cases grant funding opportunities and financial assistance. Therefore, involving stakeholders from these agencies can further complement the County's MJHMP update.

4.4 Academic Colleges and Universities
Academic institutions have additional educational resources to provide to support hazard mitigation planning departments, particularly through natural hazard research, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and planning courses. The HMPT may collaborate with a local university or college to engage students in the planning process or to complete research and analysis needs for the plan.

The HMPT is partnering with the County's GIS Manager and California State University- Stanislaus (CSUStanislaus) urban planning department. Students in a CSU- Stanislaus urban planning class are participating in the hazard mitigation planning process by developing the critical facility database and integrating outreach tools, such as the public survey into GIS Applications (e.g., Experience Builder, StoryMap, Survey 123, etc.). This class and the student projects and exercises help the students understand potential hazards within their campus and communities and how to set up tools and methods to reduce risks.

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The County also plans on coordinating with the University of California - Merced (UC-Merced) emergency manager and police chief. UC-Merced Tomorrow is the Long Range Development Plan for the university.

UC-Merced is located northeast of the City of Merced and is bordered on the north and east by conservation easements and a large campus natural reserve, designed to protect the campus from natural hazards, such as wildfires and flooding. Collaboration with UC-Merced's Environmental Health and Safety and Police Departments on the risk assessment and mitigation action development should provide additional insight into hazard mitigation opportunities within the eastern portion of the County.

4.5 Municipal Advisory Councils
Merced County has eight unincorporated communities that each contain a Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) made up of 15 members appointed by the Merced County BOS for one 4-year term. The MACs advise the Board of Supervisors on planning matters that relate to each unincorporated community.

Planning matters can cover land use decisions, the provision of public services, public health and safety, public works projects, and community welfare. The eight MACs meet monthly and include: Le Grand, Planada, Snelling, Delhi, Winton, Hilmar, Mcswain, and the Franklin-Beachwood MACs. The County intends to engage each MAC during the planning process by requesting input on the Draft MJHMP Update.

4.6 Nonprofit and Community-Based Organizations
Inviting NGOs and CBOs to participate during the MJHMP planning process is important because they act as advocates for citizens and may represent traditionally under-served or disadvantaged communities (DACs), or socially vulnerable populations, such as seniors or disabled groups. As defined by Senate Bill 1000 (Health and Safety Code § 39711) DACs are low-income areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution or other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.1
Generally, NGOs and CBOs represent various segments of the community. In some cases, NGOs may include disaster preparedness and response organizations like Red Cross, and conservation and climate adaptation and mitigation partnerships and collaboratives. CBOs may represent DACs, serve persons with access and functional needs and individuals with disabilities, the senior population, parent-teacher/youth groups, church groups, or neighborhood associations. Outreach to CBOs is useful when providing information to members of the public whose first language is not English. A CBO representative may also be able to inform a segment of the community about the MJHMP process, plan implementation, and foster communication with residents during an emergency.

NGOs and CBOs may include neighborhood groups, the business community, climate collaboratives, educational groups, faith-based organizations, or healthcare advocates. Several CBOs were invited to participate on the HMPT and engage during the planning process, including the Red Cross and Merced County Food Bank. Ongoing outreach with these CBOs will enhance communication and outreach to a larger segment of the citizens in Merced County.
1 According to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) DAC Mapping Tool, there are several census tracts within Merced County that contain a DAC. These maps show census tracts that meet the DAC definition (i.e., only those census tracts with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual MHI (Public Resources Section 75005(9)). The census tract data within Merced County is available for download here: https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/dacs/.

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4. 7 Business Groups and Large Employers
The County should involve stakeholders from chamber of commerce, economic development organizations, the healthcare industry, and business leaders in the community. These organizations may include the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce and local chambers, Merced General Hospital, and the County Agricultural Commissioner given the strong agricultural economy and support industries in the County.

4.8 Utility Roundtable
If desired, Merced County can schedule a roundtable meeting with local electric utility providers, such as Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), and special water districts, such as Merced Irrigation District (MID}, Turlock Irrigation District (TIO), and other community service districts (CSDs) (e.g., Ballico CSD, Lower San Joaquin Levee District, East Merced Resources Conservation District, San Joaquin Valley Air District, etc.) to review and discuss hazards specific to local utilities. Local utility infrastructure may include electric, gas, water, sewer and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and telecommunications facilities.

5.0 Public Outreach Platforms

5.1 Webpage
At the beginning of the process, the County GIS Manager created a Project Webpage to keep the public informed on the development of the MJHMP and to solicit public input. This Webpage integrates GIS tools and applications such as the Experience Builder Application, which is designed to complement the County's existing OES MJHMP Update Webpage that includes information on flood and emergency preparation resources. This webpage will also have the ability to collect map-based public comment through the ArcGIS Survey 123 Application.

The MJHMP Webpage should be publicized on all media releases, mailings, newsletters, surveys, and public meeting advertisements. The Webpage can include a section for the public to sign up for project Merced Cour.ty Mult1 -Jur"dict1onal loc:al Hazard M1t1gat1on ?Ian Information Rcr,ourc.c Pon.al • • • -· •• u ' •.

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Photo 1. The County MJHMP Webpage can include information on hazard mitigation, disaster preparedness, and plan documents. It can also function as a repository of for the planning process documentation, Draft MJHMP, and Cal OES/FEMA approvals.

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email announcements. The County can also keep the Webpage active after the plan is completed to keep the public informed about the status of the mitigation actions (see Photo 1).

5.2 Social Media
Merced County can use the following social media platforms to circulate information on the MJHMP:
• County Facebook (9, 114+ followers)
• County lnstagram (1,800+ followers)
• County Twitter (1,400+ followers)
At a minimum, the social media platforms should announce the kick-off of the MJHMP planning process, advertise the County's MJHMP Webpage and other events, post a link to the two versions (English and Spanish) of the public survey, notify the public about meetings and workshops, and announce the availability of the plan for public input and comment. The County can share MJHMP information with other social media groups and organizations, particularly each of the six participating cities to ensure information is circulated on their social media platforms.

The County should also post information about the MJHMP on other agency social media platforms. The County could circulate information regarding the MJHMP on the MCAG Webpage, as well as the CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Webpages and social media feeds (CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit has over 11,600+ followers on Facebook).

5.3 Newspapers
The following regional and local print newspapers can be used to circulate and advertise information on the MJHMP:
• Merced Sun-Star
• Merced County News
• Los Banos Enterprise
• The Paper (Los Banos Live)
• Gustine Press-Standard

5.4 Press Releases
The County can distribute and circulate press releases over the course of the MJHMP development. They can also encourage HMPT participants and stakeholders to distribute press releases during the project.

Press releases can be distributed as informational flyers, advertisements, and public notices during community events. These communication platforms can be used to spread the news about the MJHMP update and invite the public to participate in the process. According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey Population Estimates, the racial/ethnic distribution of Merced County residents as of July 1, 2019 was 61 percent Hispanic, 26 percent White, 7.8 percent Asian, 3.9 percent African American, and 2.5 percent American Indian and Alaska Native. Based on this information and input from the County OES Department, press releases will be published in both English and Spanish.

Advertisements can focus on emergency planning, natural hazards, mitigation projects, and how to get the community prepared for disasters. The press releases can include posts and links to the County's MJHMP Webpage and the public survey. As previously mentioned, the press releases should also announce the kick-off of the MJHMP planning process, advertise the County's MJHMP Webpage and Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I March 2021 Page 7 wood.
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other events, post a link to the public survey, notify the public about meetings and workshops, and announce the availability of the plan for public input and comment.

5.5 Public Survey
The County can prepare and distribute a public survey
during the planning process. The public survey can gauge information on household preparedness, hazard
priorities, local knowledge of tools to reduce risk and loss, and mitigation projects. The number of questions in
public surveys can vary, but they typically range from 10 to 20 questions and are structured to take a participant less than five minutes to complete. The questions are
designed to help the County and HMPT understand local
hazards and select and prioritize mitigation actions.

The public survey should be made available on the
MJHMP Webpage, and paper copies could be left at
informational booths or distributed at key events, such as the COVID-19 vaccination centers. Some counties and
cities have made the public survey available on tablets at various community events, although this may no longer
be safely feasible due to health and safety precautions Q7 The hazards addressed In the Hazard Mitigation Plan are ll•lad below. Please choosa Iha top 3 hazards of most concern to yoo. Number 1 represents l~ghest concern.

Photo 2. Online surveys are easy ways to
increase public participation and gather
input on household preparedness, hazard
priorities, local knowledge of tools to reduce
risk and loss, and mitigation projects.
that remain in place due to COVID-19. In summary, the public survey is designed to help the County better understand the following based on public input:
• Perception of natural hazards and risks
• Hazards with the most concern
• Best communication methods
• Level of public support for mitigation actions
• Willingness to invest in hazard mitigation

5.6 Informational Pop-Up Booths
The County can advertise the MJHMP planning process and seek public input at informational booths during local events or booths displayed at the local library or other public repositories. County staff should be able to speak to the public about the MJHMP project, invite them to visit the MJHMP Webpage, and ask them to take the public survey. During local events, informational booths can also be staffed by HMPT participants. Given the health and safety precautions in place, a repository may not be staffed, but should include map displays, handouts, copies of public surveys, and flyers.

Tablets, if available and feasible based on current safety precautions in Merced County, could be provided at the informational booths for easy access to the public survey; however, paper copies may be recommended while the health and safety precautions remain in effect. Some jurisdictions, like Merced County can also provide real-time hazard mapping services to the public interested in viewing hazard assessments for their property. This include providing hazard mapping information (see Section 3.3.10).

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5. 7 Local Events and Weekly Newsletters
Merced County and the HMPT may want to consider advertising the MJHMP process during the popular community events (e.g. vaccine rollout). The HMPT can also advertise the MJHMP process in a weekly newsletter.

5.8 Public Workshops
The County should invite the public to virtually
participate in public workshops. Two public workshops
will be scheduled as part of the planning process for the Merced County MJHMP update: one at the beginning of
the planning process and a second once the Public
Review Draft MJHMP is available.

The public workshop should cover the purpose of the
plan, the components of the MJHMP, background on
hazard mitigation planning, and next steps. The County
can provide regular and ongoing project status updates
on the MJHMP during regular Planning Commission and
Board of Supervisor hearings. Wood recommends the
County host the first public workshop within 90 days of the kick-off meeting.

During the public comment period, the County can hold
a second public workshop. The public workshops can be
scheduled as either stand-alone public workshops, or as Photo 3. Requirement §201.6(b) of the
Disaster Mitigation Act states the planning
process shall include an opportunity for the
public to comment on the plan during the
drafting stage and prior to plan approval.
part of a regularly scheduled Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors hearing. These meetings should be advertised to the public and provide an opportunity for public comment. The public can also comment on the MJHMP during final review and consideration during final hearings.

5.9 GIS Portal - Environmental Hazard Data Viewer
Merced County's existing GIS mapping platform includes an Environmental Hazard Data Viewer that displays hazard data layers developed in the MJHMP. Specific hazard layers currently include the FEMA NFIP National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire threat areas, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Web Soil survey data. The platform could display additional hazard mapping data and other best available information used in the development of the MJHMP, such as the locations of the County critical facilities organized by FEMA Community Lifelines.

These data layers can be viewed individually or with multiple hazard layers and combined the data layers from the plan risk assessment to ensure that all datasets are fully integrated. The GIS Portal can be utilized moving forward to access and maintain critical facility and hazards data to provide a basis for a "living" plan that is accessible to participating jurisdictions and the public.

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Photo 4. The Merced County Environmental Data Viewer provides the public an opportunity to research flood, fire, and soil hazards in their community.

5.10 Map your Neighborhood Mailing List
The County, six participating jurisdictions, and unincorporated communities could consider participating in the Map your Neighborhood (MYN) program. The MYN program is designed to help groups of neighbors prepare to and respond to an emergency together. This program has helped neighborhoods work together to develop stronger communities, particularly in preparation of potential hazard events.

6.0 Schedule of Outreach Activities
The following community engagement steps and activities are outlined in conjunction with the hazard mitigation planning phases and tasks to demonstrate how they are linked in the process. This Outreach Strategy is a document that will be utilized and updated during the plan development process. It can also serve to document the efforts made to involve the public during each subsequent plan update.

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Table 1. Outreach Strategy Schedule of Activities
Timeframe Mitigation Planning Steps Public Participation Steps/Ideas Specific Activities/Actions December 2020 - 1. Getting Organized • Consider inviting NGOs and CBOs to participate in • HMPT formed in January 2021 February 2021 2. Plan for public involvement the process (i.e., Red Cross). • HMPT Meeting #1 - Planning Process

3. Coordinate with other • Schedule HMPT Meeting #1 • Engage CSU-Stanislaus Planning/GI$ departments and agencies • Set-up an informational display at a local library. Students (design class project around student • Create a Webpage for the MJHMP (new Webpage participation and support in the MJHMP or one linked to the Merced County OES update process)
Webpage): what is hazard mitigation, invitation to • Design a stand-alone MJHMP Webpage take a public survey, input on mitigation • Schedule Utility Roundtable (if desired) actions/projects (Wood can provide the MJHMP • Develop and display content on the MJHMP backgrounder content for webpage). Webpage
• Build public awareness through media 0 Risk Assessment Key Findings channels/platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. • Design and circulate a Public Survey, • Outreach through other groups, Private, Non- including both English and Spanish versions Profit. Non-governmental organizations with a
focus on sensitive populations and major
agricultural representation.
• Possible public groups include: Local media,
Chamber of Commerce, and the Merced County
Office of Education (including the 20+ school
districts).

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March-June 2021 4. Identify the hazards • Provide survey and materials at meetings • Finalize MJHMP Webpage/Experience Builder

5. Assess the risks • Share public input during HMPT Meeting #2 website/Survey 123 Application/StoryMap (March/April 2021) • Finalize English and Spanish version of • Cooperative review of public input surveys
• Announce workshops • Plan and circulate press releases, post on • Build contact list of interested citizens based on MJHMP Webpage survey to inform of future activities • Advertisement for Public Workshop via Facebook, Twitter, Newspapers, Webpage,
Paper Flyers
• Collect public comments from a survey
developed specifically for the plan
• HMPT Meeting #2 - Hazard Identification
• Additional outreach for Public Survey
• Collection and compilation of survey results
• Public Workshop #1
July- September 6. Set planning goals • Place draft plan online on County's MJHMP • HMPT Meeting #3 - Mitigation Strategy 2021 7. Review mitigation alternatives Webpage • Develop links from County's Main Website to

8. Draft an action plan • Advertise the plan and public comment period MJHMP Webpage, encourage review and • Email list of interested citizens identified in comment on draft plan . previous step about the public review draft • Wood to develop Online Form so public • Encourage public review of Final Draft MJHMP could leave comments on Public Review Draft MJHMP Update
• Public Workshop #2
October - December 9. Adopt the plan • Continue to host the MJHMP Webpage with a link • Presentation at County BOS hearing during 2021 10. Implement the plan, evaluate its from the County's Main Website with contact adoption worth, and revise as needed information for public inquiries • Participating City Council hearing and • Celebrate successes - including receiving hazard adoption (Annexes) mitigation funding, implementation of projects, • Annual HMPT Meetings (to discuss status of and publicizing where the plan and its mitigation projects) implementation is making a difference and • 5-Year Update (scheduled for 2026/2027) building hazard and climate resilience.

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r !.CED~ _______________ 2M~e~rc~e~d~C~o~u~n~tyt'.._M~u.!,!lt!_:i-J!!u~ri~sd~i~ct~io~n~a~I _!:!H~az~a~rd~M~it~ig~a~ti~o~n_!P'.!!la~n C O U N T y Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
Annexes
2021 -2026 Update
618
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
1 CITYOFATWATER

1.1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was created during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This Jurisdictional Annex builds upon the previous version of Atwater Annex as part of the 2014 Merced County MJHMP. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the last update.

The City's Local Planning Team (LPT) held the responsibility for the update, implementation, and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process followed and how the jurisdictions and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Atwater in Merced County is situated 7 miles northwest of the City of Merced, the county seat.

Atwater is one of the larger cities in the County of Merced and is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, 62 miles northwest of Fresno. The City is located in the northeastern portion of the County between Highway 99 and Castle Airport. According to the United States Census Bureau, Atwater has a total area of 6.1 square miles - 99.86% of it is land and 0.14% is water with an elevation of 151 feet above sea level. The City is a continuously evolving community immersed in tradition with a history of food, farming, and manufacturing in California.

The climate in the City of Atwater cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season.

Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and wet, with most of the year's rain falling from late October through early April.

1.1.3 History
The City of Atwater's history dates back to the late 1800s when Marshall D. Atwater was one of the largest landowners of the area. He had a huge contribution in developing the agricultural community of the area, and the place was named after him. Marshall Atwater was a wheat farmer whose land was used by the railroad for its station. The railroad reached Atwater in the 1870s, and then a town began to grow. The first post office opened in 1880. Two of the other influences on the area include Highway 99 and the Castle Air Force Base, which was set up in 1941 as an aircrew training facility by the US Army. The City of Atwater was incorporated in 1922.

Visitors to the City learn about the history of this City by visiting the Castle Air Museum or the Bloss House Museum. There are quite a few churches around the City that have retained their old-world charm.

People also visit several parks including Heller Park, the Andy Albiani Park, the E. L. Walters Park or the Atwater Memorial Ballpark, all of which offer excellent entertainment opportunities for adults and kids alike.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater

1.1.4 Economy
The City of Atwater's vision is to be a vibrant and progressive community that provides economic opportunity and prosperity for all residents, while maintaining its "small town" friendliness, livability and safety. Traditionally, the City of Atwater has attracted agricultural-based industries and has relied on these types of industries for employment. A number of major events have occurred within Atwater itself and the reason that led to a need to take a comprehensive look at the community. Some of the events that impacted the area included the closure of Castle Air Force Base as a military facility and its conversion to civilian uses and development; the development of a prison facility just northeast of Castle Airport; the selection of a site for a new UC campus northeast of Merced near Lake Yosemite; plans to develop a University Access System that will link Atwater and the City of Merced to the University; and, plans to construct a new interchange at the intersection of Highway 99 and Westside Boulevard. Some of these events provided opportunities while others impacted the economic foundation of the City.

Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Atwater are shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 City of Atwater Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Atwater
Families below Poverty Level (%) 18.5%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 20.7%
Median Family Income $58,584
Median Household Income $55,674
Per Capita Income $22,157
Population in Labor Force 63.4%
Population Employed* 56.2%
Unemployment** 11 .2%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
*Ex-eludes armed forces. *'Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic The most common industries within a five-mile radius of Atwater are educational services and health care (a combined average of 19.6 percent of workers). Many other industries include food, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, construction, accommodation and food services, and public administration. Atwater is also the home of one of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a large employer in the City with over 100 employees and approximately 1,600 prisoners. The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-2 City of Atwater Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 3,118 26% Retail trade 1,516 13%
Ma nufactu ring 1,509 13%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 1,316 11% Construction 713 6%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food 713 6% services
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 668 6%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 623 5% Public administration 539 5%
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Occupation # Employed % Employed
Other services, except public administration 496
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and 467 waste management services
Wholesale trade 343
Information 64
Total 12,085
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces
Table 1-3 City of Atwater Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 4%
4%
3%
1%
100%
Occupation # Employed % Employed
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 2,863 Service occupations 2,288
Sales and office occupations 2,447
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 2,299 Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 2,188 Total 12,085
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

1.1.5 Population

23.7%

18.9%

20.2%

19.0%

18.1%
100%
In May 2020, the State Department of Finance released preliminary population data for the state demographic report, the estimates did not include potential effects of the COVID- 19 pandemic. According to the report the City of Atwater has a population of 31,378 persons as of January 1, 2020, and gained 8 residents from the previous year, leaving the population statically the same. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Atwater from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Atwater Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Atwater
Gender/Age
Male 49.3%
Female 50.7%
Median age (years) 31 .6
Under 5 years 8.1%
Under 18 years 29.8%
65 years and over 11.5%
Race/Ethnicity
White 32.5%
Asian 4.5%
Black or African American 3.8%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.3%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 56.5%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.1%
Merced County Multi-Junsd1ctional Hazard Mit1gat,on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 3 621
Two or more races
Education*
% High school graduate or higher
% with Bachelor's Degree or Higher
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability
% Language other than English spoken at
home
% Speak English less than "Very Well"
% of households with a computer with
internet use
% of households with no vehicle available
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater

2.1%

73.2%

14.0%

13.6%

46.0%

16.5%

87.2%

5.8%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
• Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Atwater
Table 1-5 City of Atwater Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 9,577 100%
Units Occupied 9,161 95.7%
Vacant 416 4.3%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 6,589 68.8%
1-unit attached 350 3.7%
2 units 610 6.4%
3 or 4 units 700 7.3%
5-9 units 374 3.9%
10-19 units 207 2.2%
20 or more units 111 1.2%
Mobile Home 636 6.6%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0%
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 4,815 52.6%
Renter Occupied 4,346 47.4%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
Atwater has long been recognized for its friendly small-town atmosphere, which is a valued characteristic that is desirable to maintain. In order to maintain a sustainable community, it must find a way to attract a variety of industries, local and region serving commercial development, and provide housing Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ctional Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 4 622
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
opportunities that will appeal to all demographic categories ranging from university students and faculty to retirees and young families. In order to achieve these objectives, the General Plan focuses on a number of basic themes that are reflected in goals and policies.

Some parts of Atwater have changed substantially since the last General Plan update in 2000. The City identified four primary growth areas and a new proposed Sphere of Influence, as shown in Figure 2-1, designed to meet both short- and long-term development demands. Land use designations applied in these growth areas were designed to accommodate a variety of employment generating uses, small- and large-scale commercial development, and provide a broad range of housing opportunities for existing and future residents.

Atwater is surrounded by small unincorporated communities including Winton to the north, FranklinBeachwood to the east, and directly south of the City is the Mcswain area. One goal of the plan was to establish agreements with the City and County of Merced that ensures the establishment and maintenance of long-term agricultural and open space buffers between the referenced communities. The General Plan also identifies the goal to improve the entrance points into the City. In doing so, the City will enhance the view of Atwater from Highway 99 and along the City corridor. Throughout the City, enhanced landscape and design standards are encouraged to improve the appearance and quality of both newly developed and redeveloped areas.

The Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) creates population projections for all jurisdictions in Merced County. Based on MCAG's projections, the City of Atwater was expected to a population of 40,000 in 2020.

The table below summarizes the estimates of the number of housing units, population, nonresidential square footage development, and acres of different land uses at build-out of the 2000 General Plan. The 2000 General Plan provides the opportunity for up to 20,000 additional residents in areas at build out. The General Plan plans for new jobs in commercial retail, commercial services, light industrial, manufacturing, public services, and other employment uses.

The City approved a large amount of development in the 2000 General Plan and other plans and projects, such as the Applegate Business Park and the Castle Airport Aviation and Development Center.

Build out estimates are not official growth projections and do not represent City policy. Actual population, square footage, or number of dwelling units could be lower or higher than these estimates based on a number of factors. Build out may vary overall or within individual land use designations due to:
• The need to preserve the agricultural base, grazing lands, and other types of open space; • Infrastructure availability, including transportation facilities, public services, and facilities; • The need to limit development due to flood risk, fire risk, geologic and soils constraints, presence of habitat and biological resources, and presence of other important natural resources; and • Other factors, as described in the General Plan, community plans, specific plans, and City codes and ordinances.

The City has developed estimates of average density and intensity to use in calculating 2000 General Plan build out land use. The City has based build out estimates on past recorded development activity, recent development plan submittals, regional and statewide population and employment growth forecasts, and other factors.

Meir.eel County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M,t,gat,on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 5 623
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 1-1 Residential Land Uses
unc!IIHOHlona,lions
General Pl.111 Holdmo Capacity
R sidemml U111d Uses
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MedurnDentl1y~ 1100 <111.·x 18070 1.1187.70 5.tiel
11,gh o-.,y R-l ~5.ooo"'• 12430 3,107.50 0,32!
F~-(Eslitnai. lo< R<to.i mi-1 712.Ci!I' 24~.oo 735
TOTAL t>t•A 11.0:!1.ll 21.3i1H3 114.172
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S.pa,a•~ -.anc:1buildouldolm.:11,onlor1twComrnunilyMcS...,_n01av .. 111:11t,a111>t,..,.,.of ""1 Cly'1 2000 Gel>e<al Pl,n "P'I* T~. the e<t!Q ~ -.a hHl>ffn~ inlO fie Very I.ow OM,,tyR~..-onlll<tC,r/suno useoaa, .... 1cr,...,,,.,...t1~11M...-of~ U'l.1Soard~"""""'1ltal'llll.1I....,
liOTE Ot~ofm,xedUMP"'!t<U-nlNeo..-,(Mut,dl./M)..,.,Residtn:lalTrans-.~ .1t ...-m<t 15 •'Id !1 <V.10. rH~Y- !or~ oflti. IDt>l .ac:r.• __ , asMl!as, ~ l'\'Slllernial~-• .. 111n9MttctdCo ... 11ya,griculluralde~atMHSUmod~ofcnt -1Jingll'1it~.,40.acns, WW!d,ncnaselhel)(Ql'llulbu '<l-oul~by-•..-lv:?.217-• Source: General Plan, Land Use
Annex A: City of Atwater
In 1976, Atwater Redevelopment Agency was created. The Agency is a tool to assist in the elimination of blighting conditions within the Project Area, and it seeks to ensure that the City's economic base will grow and remain healthy through the provision of new public improvements, commercial and industrial development, and affordable housing. The Project Area outlined in the General Plan is approximately 806 acres in size and consists of the downtown commercial core, the Applegate Business Park, the Atwater Business Park, two public parks, and several residential neighborhoods. The goals of Atwater Redevelopment Agency (now Community Development) according to the City's General Plan are as follows:
• Improve the existing infrastructure supporting the Project Area • Eliminate or mitigate other existing blighting conditions • Ensure and maintain an attractive, viable downtown Business District which provides economic incentives that create new job opportunities
• Encourage and assist industrial and commercial development to ensure adequate job opportunities, a stable tax base in the community, and new investments in the Project Area During the 2021 planning process the Planning Team noted the following development trends since the adoption of the 2014 MJHMP: Three-story projects are being constructed in the City but with the City's foresight in purchasing of an aerial apparatus some of the vulnerability concerns are alleviated. Also adopting current Code volumes (2019) is assisting with staying up to date with current hazard mitigation.

The City also approved a 359-acre land development project in 2017 referred to as the Ferrari Project, which required annexation into the City and the development of a commercial/business park, hospital, medical offices, and other related infrastructure.

The areas located in the Sphere of Influence (SOI) shown in Figure 2-1 are areas each City plans to grow into and potentially slated for future development. Understanding the potential hazard exposure in the area can help to mitigate the impacts of events before development occurs in those areas. During this Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M,t,gat,on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 6 624
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
plan update process 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: dam, flood and wildfire. Table 1-6 is the summary of the SOI total exposure for the City of Atwater.

Table 1-6 Sphere of Influence Total Exposure Summary
Estimated
Property Type Improved Building Improved Content Total Value Parcel Count Count Value
Value
Agricultural 194 273 $33,415,022 $33,415,022 $66,830,044 Commercial 13 21 $4,838,011 $4,838,011 $9,676,022
Exempt 11 13 $3,064,153 $3,064,153 $6,128,306
Industrial 11 32 $28,834,491 $43,251,737 $72,086,228
Mixed Use 2 2 $14,811 $7,406 $22,217
Residential 444 496 $80,208,808 $40,104,404 $120,313,212 Total 675 837 $150,375,296 $124,680,732 $275,056,028
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater 2 H AZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Atwater 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 2-1 ). There are no hazards that are unique to Atwater. The overall hazard significance takes into account the geographic area, probability and magnitude as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the Vulnerability Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Atwater -Hazard Profiles
Probability of
Magnitude/ Overall Hazard Geographic Area Future
Occurrence Severity Significance
Agriculture Pests and Extensive Likely Critical Medium Disease Dam Incidents Limited Occasional Limited Medium
Drought Extensive Likely Limited Medium
Earthquake Extensive Occasional Critical Medium
Flood and Levee Failure Extensive Likely Critical Medium Severe Weather: Dense Fog, Extensive Highly Likely Critical Medium Freeze, Heat, Heavy Rain,
High Wind/Tornado
Wildfire Significant Highly Likely Negligible Medium
Merced County Mult1-Jurrsd1ct1onal Hazard Mit,gat,on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 7 625
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Probability of . . Magnitude/ Overall
Hazard Geographic Area Future S . s· T
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.

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
Occurrence everity 1gm 1cance
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
The intent of this section is to assess Atwater'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 in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of medium or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.

The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on a combination of the previous MJHMP for the City and County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during update process in 2021. 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 4-2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary due to specific hazard risk 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.

Note: The hazard "Significance" reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City of Atwater's Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 8 626
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
• Agricultural Pests and Disease
• Dam Incidents
• Drought
• Earthquake
• Flood and Levee Failure
• Severe Weather: Dense Fog, Freeze, Extreme Heat, Heavy Rain, High Wind/Tornado • Wildfire
Drought, Agricultural Pests and Disease, and Severe Weather hazards are not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Atwater.

Additionally, the City's committee members decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Atwater's assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

2.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Merced County 2020 Parcel and Assessor data. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the City as the information has some limitations. The most significant limitation is created by Proposition 13. Instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs. As a result, overall value information is likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties. 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 2-2 shows the exposure of properties (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City Atwater.

Table 2-2 City of Atwater Property Exposure by Type
Property Parcel Building Improved Value Content Value Total Value Type Count Count
Agricultural 4 4 $294,019 $294,019 $588,038
Commercial 254 941 $187,232,236 $187,232,236 $374,464,472 Exempt 77 150 $14,001,651 $14,001,651 $28,003,302
Industrial 48 48 $28,819,757 $43,229,636 $72,049,393
Mixed Use 6 6 $236,330 $236,330 $472,660
Residential 7,229 8,489 $1,159,329,319 $579,664,660 $1 ,738,993,979 Vacant Land 16 16 $1,463,486 $1,463,486 $2,926,972
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page g 627
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
I Total 7,634 j 9,654 1 $1,391,376,798 1 $826.122.011 1 $2.211.49s.s1 s 1 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

Table 2-3 shows a summary of the critical facilities analysis. critical facilities and other community assets as important to protect in the event of a disaster. Within the City of Atwater, the following are considered critical facilities:
• Atwater Fire Department Stations (Stations #41 & 42)
• Atwater Police Department building
• Atwater City Hall (co-located with Police Department) • Merced County Fire Department Stations 82 (Atwater) and 88 (Winton) • Water supply lines and wells
• Wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and trunk lines • Major electrical transmission lines and substations
• Major communication lines and microwave transmission facilities • Federal Prison and major railways
• Castle Airport Aviation and Development Center (CAADC) Academy
Airport
Aviation
EOC
Fire
Fuel
Sheriff
Water Facilities/Utilities/Sewer/Communications/Lightning • Castle Air Museum
• Veteran's Memorial, Veterans Services
• Animal shelter
• Public Library
• Atwater CLEO
• Laboratories (Bess Test Labs, Castle Analytical Lab)
Critical facilities also include major roadways which may serve as principal evacuation routes. The table that follows lists the critical facilities and other community assets identified by the county's Planning Team as important to protect in the event of a disaster.

There are also several designated shelters in Atwater for use in an emergency event including the Veterans Memorial Building, recreation centers/parks, high school gyms and school cafeterias.

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
The following historical resources are located in the City of Atwater:
• Bloss Mansion - National Register (listed 9/3/1981) and Point of Interest (listed 3/15/1974) Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M,t,gat,on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 10 628
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
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. 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.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Dam Incidents
Protection from flood hazards created by dam failures is critical to the safety and well- being of Atwater residents. A failure of one of the dams operated by the Merced Irrigation District (MID) that generate electricity could affect supply to the CAADC site, within which the Castle Medical Center is located. Should more of the City choose MID as its electricity supplier and distributor, those customers would likewise be affected.

A dam vulnerability assessment was completed during the 2021 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. Dam inundation areas from the New Exchequer and Yosemite dams with the City of Atwater are shown in Figure 2-1 and Table 2-3 and Table 2-4 summarize the values at risk within each inundation area, respectively. Not represented in the mapping is inundation from the Castle Dam, a high hazard dam to the northeast of the City, which likely poses the greatest risk. Both the New Exchequer and Yosemite dam are rated as high hazard. Yosemite dam is also rated as Extremely High by the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams. Extremely High rated dams are expected to cause considerable loss of human life or result in an inundation area with a population of 1,000 or more. Areas of future development, located within the City's Sphere of Influence are most vulnerable to dam inundation events, as noted in Table 2-5 and Table 2-6. One critical facility, categorized as a Transportation Lifeline, is located within a dam inundation area.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 11 629
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 2-1 City of Atwater Potential Dam Inundation Areas (except for Castle Dam) ,
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 12 630
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Table 2-3 New Exchequer Dam Inundation
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor's Office Table 2-4 Yosemite Dam Inundation
Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count Population Commercial 1 2
Residential 20 21 67
Total 21 23 67
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor's Office Future Development
The results of the sphere of influence and dam analysis are shown in and Table 2-5 and Table 2-6.

Table 2-5 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to New Exchequer Inundation Property Improved Building Population Type Parcel Count Count Agricultural 8 10
Residential 2 2 7
Total 10 12 7
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater ------------------
Table 2-6 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to Yosemite Dam Inundation Property Improved Building Population Type Parcel Count Count Agricultural 4 4
Commercial 3 3
Exempt 1 1
Residential 34 36 120
Total 42 44 120
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater

2.3.2 Earthquake
The City of Atwater and surrounding areas historical earthquake activity is below California's state average. No known faults are located in the Atwater area. The nearest known fault is the Kings Canyon Lineament, approximately 10 miles south of Atwater, however geological evidence would show this fault is not active. There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the City; however, the County of Merced has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989. Major damage occurred in Atwater in 1906, with minor damage recorded throughout the county from other occurrences.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M 6.0 have been recorded in the City of Atwater or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 13 631
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County, and the City of Atwater, was 16 miles east north-east of King City at a magnitude of 5.3 on October 20, 2012. Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock. This quake was preceded by two earthquakes located approximately 100 miles from Merced County, the 1982 New ldria earthquake (MS.4) and the 1983 Coalinga quake (M6.5). There was low level ground shaking reported.

Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for Merced County and the City of Atwater, due to the proximity to the San Andreas Fault, and the history of shaking with no surface rupture, means the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Atwater is considered as occasional. Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.3 Flood and Levee Failure
The primary types of flood events in Merced County that may impact the City of Atwater are riverine and urban. Flooding could also occur as a result of dam failure, however, there is no evidence to indicate that flooding due to dam failure is likely. Regardless of the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in the flood area, upstream, or from winter snowmelt.

Areas in the eastern part of the City of Atwater have been determined to be in the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area or 100-year floodplain. 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 Atwater. Most of Atwater lies outside the 100-year floodplain designated by FEMA. Based on the history of flooding in the County of Merced, the City of Atwater and surrounding areas are considered likely to have the hazard potential for future flooding.

A flood vulnerability assessment was completed during the 2021 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. Flood hazards for the City of Atwater are shown in Figure 2-2 and Table 2-7 summarize the values at risk in the City's 100-year floodplain, respectively. These tables also detail loss estimates for each flood.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ctional Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan J 2021-2026 Update Page 14 632
Figure 2-2 City of Atwater 100-year floodplain
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 15 633
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
---- -- Table 2-7 City of Atwater FEMA 1 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by Property Type Property Improved Building Improved Estimated Estimated Parcel Content Total Value Population Type Count Count Value Value Loss Commercial 4 8 $446,109 $446,109 $892,218 $223,055
Exempt 7 7 $0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 1 1 $16,651 $24,977 $41,628 $10,407
Residential 342 344 $87,919,330 $43,959,665 $131,878,995 $32,969,749 1,094 Total 354 360 $88,382,090 $44,430,751 $132,812,841 $33,203,210 1,094 Source: Merced County Assessor's Office; National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 12/2/2008; FEMA; Wood analysis Based on this analysis, the City of Atwater has 354 improved parcels located within the 100-year floodplain for a total value of over $132 million. The potential loss is estimated at $33 million if these areas were inundated by the 1 % annual chance flood. No parcels were found to be located in within the 500-year floodplain. Population at risk was calculated for the 100-year based on the number of residential properties at risk and the average number of persons per household (3.32). There is an estimated 1,094 persons at risk to flooding in the City of Atwater.

Critical Facilities at Risk
Critical facilities are those community components that are most needed to withstand the impacts of disaster as previously described. Table 2-8 lists the critical facilities in the City's 100-year floodplains and Figure 2-3 shows the location of the critical facilities. There are a total of 10 facilities potentially exposed to a 1% annual chance flood events, including the Station 42 of the Atwater City Fire Department (categorized as Safety and Security). The impact to the community could be great if any of these facilities are damaged or destroyed during a flood event.

Table 2-8 Critical Facilities at risk of 1 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by FEMA Lifeline FEMA Lifeline Count
Communications 2
Energy 2
Food, Water, Shelter 1
Safety and Security 1
Transportation 4
Total 10
Source: HIFLD, FEMA NFHL
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 16 634
Figure 2-3 Critical Facilities at Risk of 1% Annual Flood Hazard C e w ut J ·• \Q'<--;, _
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan j 2021-2026 Update Page 17 635
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
The City of Atwater joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on November 1, 1979. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of July 2021, there were 14 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $4,018,000 of coverage. All of the policies are single family residential and located in the 8, C, and X zone.

There has been 1 historical claim for flood losses totaling $1,740. According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed July 23, 2021, the City has no Repetitive Loss properties or Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

Future Development
The results of the sphere of influence and flood analysis are shown in Table 2-9 and Table 2-10. This indicates the risk to existing development that could be under the City's jurisdiction if the area was annexed.

Table 2-9 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to 1 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard Estimated
Property Improved Building Improved Estimated
Content Total Value Population Type Parcel Count Count Value Loss Value
Agricultural 23 26 $2,212,362 $2,212,362 $4,424,724 $1,106,181 Exempt 2 3 $548,933 $548,933 $1,097,866 $274,467
Residential 47 51 $6,797,928 $3,398,964 $10, 196,892 $2,549,223 169 Total 72 80 $9,559,223 $6,160,259 $15,719,482 $3,929,871 169 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater Table 2-10 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to 0.5% Annual Chance Flood Hazard . . Estimated . Property Improved Building Improved I Estimated Content Tota Value Population Type Parcel Count Count Value Loss Value
Total 1 1 $81,844 $40,922 $122,766 $30,692 3
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater

2.3.4 Wildfires
Both urban and wildland fires conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) ranks fuel loading as low. Fuels are mainly crops and grasses. In the southwest corner, there are some brush, pine, and grass fuels, which are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5. Figure 2-4 shows the fire threat areas in the city and Table 2-11 summarizes the values at risk and detail loss estimates.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Table 2-11 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
Improved Building Building Building Total Estimated
Property Parcel Count Count Building Improved Content Total Value Type Count Low Value
Count High Moderate Count Value
Commercial 7 0 3 6 9 $6,430,503 $6,430,503 $12,861,006
Exempt 8 0 .5 3 8 $689,882 $689,882 $1,379,764
Residential 522 1 267 294 562 $151 ,511 ,124 $75,755,562 $227,266,686 Vacant Land 1 0 1 0 1 $15,000 $15,000 $30,000
Total 538 1 276 303 580 $158,646,509 $82,890,947 $241,537,456 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 19 637
Figure 2-1
•
Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Atwater
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page ZO 638
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Table 2-12 shows the results of the critical facility analysis by fire threat area.

Table 2-12 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas FEMA Lifeline Count
Moderate Wildfire Threat
Transportation 2
Low Wildfire Threat
Communications 1
Energy 2
Food, Water, Shelter 1
Safety and Security 1
Transportation 1
Total 9
Source: Merced County, HIFLD, CAL FIRE, FRAP, Wood GIS Analysis Figure 2-5 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Atwater. Based on the analysis there are 5 residential buildings located with the moderate hazard area, with a total value of $1,317,924. Two critical facilities, both categorized as Transportation Lifeline are located within the local responsibility moderate fire hazard area. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1tigat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 21 639
Figure 2-2 City of Atwater Fire Responsibility Areas
Hazard Classes
Moderate
Non-Wildland/Non-Urban
Urban Unzoned
• Urban Communities
c:]Atwater
c:J Sphere of Influence
Map compiled 3/2021;
~. ood intended for planning purposes only, ,...,, , Data Source: Merced Ccunty, CALFIRE, Local Responsibility Area, State Responsibility Area
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0 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 22 640
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Future Development
The results of the sphere of influence and wildfire analysis are shown Table 2-13 and Table 2-14.

Table 2-13 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Severity Areas Estimated
Property Improved Building Improved Total
Content Population Type Parcel Count Count Value Value
Value
SRA Moderate
Agricultural 2 2 $603,191 $603,191 $1,206,382
Residential 2 2 $208,515 $104,258 $312,773 7
Total 4 4 $811,706 $707,449 $1,519,155 7
Source: Merced County Assessor, CALFIRE, Wood analysis, City of Atwater Table 2-14 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Threat Areas Improved Building Building Building Total Estimated
Property Parcel Count Count Count Building Improved Content Total Value Type Value
Count High Moderate Low Count Value
Agricultural 55 1 25 50 76 $12,242,747 $12,242,747 $24,485,494 Commercial 4 0 3 2 5 $862,532 $862,532 $1,725,064
Exempt 5 0 2 4 6 $2,555,421 $2,555,421 $5,110,842
Residential 98 0 37 71 108 $14,729,881 $7,364,941 $22,094,822 Total 162 1 67 127 195 $30,390,581 $23,025,641 $53,416,222 Source: Merced County Assessor, CALFIRE, Wood analysis, City of Atwater 3 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 reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Atwater Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 23 Population
359
359
641
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater

3. 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. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Atwater.

Table 3-1 City of Atwater -Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool
Yes/No Comments (ordinances, codes, plans)
General Plan Yes Adopted July 24, 2000
Zoninq ordinance Yes Chapter 17.01
Subdivision ordinance Yes Chapter 16.01
Growth manaqement ordinance No
Floodplain ordinance Yes Floodplain Manaqement Ordinance Chapter 16.14.010 Other special purpose ordinance No
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
Building code Yes The 2019 California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1 (California Administrative Code)
Fire department ISO ratinq Yes Ratinq: 3
Erosion or sediment control oroaram No
Stormwater manaqement proqram Yes
Site plan review requirements Yes Chapter 17.12 - Zoning Ordinance, Administration and General Conditions
Capital improvements plan Yes
Economic development plan Yes Economic Development & Special Projects, Atwater Redevelopment Agency, General Plan
Local emerqency operations plan Yes Updated in 2017
Other special plans No
Flood insurance study or other Yes
enqineerinq study for streams
Elevation certificates (for floodplain No
development)
Other
City of Atwater General Plan, 2000 - The City of Atwater adopted its first General Plan in 1958. The most recent update began in 1992 and resulted in the adoption of the City of Atwater 2000 General Plan on July 24, 2000, with an anticipated horizon year of 2020. This General Plan defines the City's goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The purpose of the Public Health and Safety Element is to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural or human caused hazards. This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic, geologic, flood, and fire hazards.

The Public Hea,lth and Safety Element is now expanded to include community health and community safety related issues that are more commonly associated with the built environment as affecting the health and safety of residents living within the City. The City of Atwater Public Health and Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP. Integration of the 2014 MJHMP was not noted in any of the other City planning mechanisms.

City of Atwater Emergency Plan, 2017 - The Emergency Plan addresses the planned response to emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents, human caused events and Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 24 642
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
national security emergencies in or affecting the City of Atwater. The plan establishes the emergency management organization required to mitigate any significant emergency or disaster affecting the City; identifies the policies, responsibilities, and procedures required to protect the health and safety of communities, public and private property, and the environmental effects of natural, human caused and technological emergencies and disasters; and establishes the operational concepts and policies for disaster response and recovery.

City Fire Management Plan - The City of Atwater's Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical response services within the City limits. The City of Atwater reorganized their Fire Department and entered into a Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for the provision of fire protection services. CAL FIRE provides for the management of the fire department with a Fire Chief, Division Chief and Battalion Chiefs. The Fire Chief reports to the City Manager and to the elected City Council. The contract began in October 2008.

The CAL FIRE agreement provides daily staffing at fire stations, dispatch, management, incident command, training, investigation, and fire prevention activities. The City of Atwater's Fire Management Plan is a product of the implementation of the State Fire Plan. The State Fire Plan provides an analysis procedure utilizing, in part, computer based geographical information data that is validated by experienced fire managers to assess fire fuel hazards and risks in order to design and implement mitigating activities. The Fire Management Plan provides background information, fuels and fire data, proposed projects, and individual Battalion reports outlining mitigating activities commonly carried out each year.

Emergency Services Ordinance, Chapter 2.44 - 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 establishes the Operational Area Council and designates the membership of the council. The council's powers include the development of emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and the ordinances and resolutions as necessary to implement the Multi-Hazard Functional Plan and any other such plans and agreements.

California Fire Code Chapter 15.28.010 - The City of Atwater adopts by reference as its fire code, the California Fire Code, 2010 Edition, and including among Appendices, Appendix Chapter 4 {Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy); Appendix Chapter B (Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings); Appendix Chapter C (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution); Appendix Chapter CC (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution); Appendix D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads); Appendix F (Hazard Ranking); Appendix H (Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements); Appendix I (Fire Protection system-Noncompliance Conditions); and Appendix J (Emergency Responder Radio Coverage), based on the 2009 International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

Floodplain Management Ordinance Chapter 16.14.010- It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions 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;
Merced County Mult1-Junsdict1onal Hazard M1tigat1on Plan 12021-2026 Update Page 25 643
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
• 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 blighted areas caused by flood damage; • Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and, • Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies City personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Atwater. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 3-2 City of Atwater -Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Planner/engineer with knowledge of land City Community
development/land management Yes Development Department
practices
Engineer/professional trained in City Community
construction practices related to Yes Development Department buildings and/or infrastructure
Planner/engineer/scientist with an Yes City Community
understandinq of natural hazards Development Department Personnel skilled in GIS No
Full time buildinq official Yes Chief Buildina Official Floodplain manager Yes City Community
Development Department
Emergency manager City Administrator's Office;
Yes County Emergency Services
Manaaer
Grant writer Yes Administration
Other personnel Multiple agencies and
Yes departments with support
personnel expanding
capabilities for mitiaation
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use, No
buildinq footprints, etc.)
Warning Systems/Services
(Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor No
warning signals)
Other
The City operates under a City Council/City Manager form of government. The City Council makes laws and sets policies, which are enforced and implemented by the City Manager, with the assistance of subordinate officers, department heads, and the City Clerk, City Treasurer and City Attorney. Municipal elections are held every two years in November of even-numbered years with City Council terms overlapping. The Mayor and two Council Members are elected at one election, and the other two Council Members, City Clerk and City Treasurer are elected at the next election.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
The City of Atwater provides water, sewer, and storm drainage, as well as police, fire, and general government services.

The Atwater Elementary School District serves school-aged children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8). There are six elementary schools (K-6), one junior high school (7-8), and one school serves kindergarten to eighth grade (K-8). High school education is provided by the Merced Union High School District which has eight comprehensive high schools and one continuation school. The City also offers opportunities for post-secondary education with satellite campuses for Merced College, UC Merced and other graduate schools.

3.3 Fiscal Capability
The following table 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 3-3 City of Atwater -Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources Accessible/ Has This Been Used for
Comments Eligible to Use Mitigation in the Past?
Community Development Yes No Block Grants
Capital improvements project Yes No fundinQ
Authority to levy taxes for Yes No Must be approved by voters specific purposes
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or Yes
electric services, new No
development
Incur debt through general Yes No
obliaation bonds
Incur debt through special tax Yes No Requires approval by two-thirds bonds of voters
Incur debt through private Yes No Do not have any in place activities
Federal Grant Programs Yes Various Departments
(Hazard Mitigation Grant No
Program)

During the 2021 planning process the following outreach efforts were identified:
• Ongoing newsletter
• Fire Prevention School Programs
• Presence and use of social media
Merced County Multi-Jurisd,ct,onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 27 645
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Education and outreach efforts, as well as emergency response planning, will need to address the needs of low-income residents and the large Spanish-speaking population. In past emergencies, volunteers have organized spontaneously to help those with mobility issues.

3.4.1 Planning Commission
The Planning Commission reviews development proposals for compliance with the General Plan and makes recommendations to the City Council on long range plans and maps for the City and plans for public improvements, plans and development plans for proposed for property within the City, and zoning and rezoning of property within the City. The Commission develops and maintains a long range comprehensive General Plan of the Atwater planning area.

3.4.2 The City Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee was established in April 1999. The purpose of the committee is to establish City Council liaison with the Public Works Department to facilitate communication in the interests of improving the overall delivery of public works services in the community.

The duties of the Committee are, but not limited to; the review and recommendation of issues related to the delivery of public works services and related engineering, water, sewer, government buildings, equipment maintenance, parks and parks facilities services. The Committee evaluates recommendations related to proposed programs, provides assistance and/or guidance to staff in the evaluation of policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to the delivery of public works services and related engineering, water, sewer, government buildings, equipment maintenance, parks and parks facilities services; and assists staff with identifying and prioritizing activities related to the administration of the City's public works services.

3.4.3 The City Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee was established in February 1999. The purpose of the committee is to establish City Council liaison with the Police and Fire Departments to facilitate communication in the interests of improving the overall delivery of public safety services in the community.

The duties of the Committee are, but not limited to, the review and recommendation of issues related to the delivery of police and fire services and related public safety services; to evaluate recommendations related to proposed programs; to provide assistance and/or guidance to staff in the evaluation of policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to the delivery of police and fire services and related public safety services; and to assist staff with identifying and prioritizing activities related to the administration of the City's police and fire services.

3.5 Other Mitigation Efforts
In addition to the project identified in the City's Mitigation Action plan the City of Atwater's Fire Department conducts annual fire and life safety inspections for all businesses and Senate Bill 1205 occupancies (Apartments, Hotels, Assemblies and Schools). In addition, city-wide weed abatement is heavily enforced.

3.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Atwater has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the City to expand or improve on their Merced County Mult1-Jurrsd1ct1onal Hazard Mit1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 28 646
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Atwater will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Atwater adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Basin Plan.

4.2 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The City has been an NFIP participating community since 1984. 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 City Engineer. This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, including issuing permits for appropriate development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and ensuring that this development mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.

4.3 Progress on 2014 Actions
During the 2021 planning process the City of Atwater Planning Team reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2014 plan. Of their ten (10) mitigation actions from 2014, three (3) of the actions are continuing and are implemented annually, demonstrating ongoing progress and building the community's resiliency to disasters. Five (5) were noted as being continuing not started and two (2) as deleted.

4.4 Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on risk assessments, 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.

Merced County Multr-Junsdrctronal Hazard Mrtrgatron Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 29 647
Table 4-1
ID
2 I
3 I
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
1,7
NA
1,2,4,6
NA
1,7
Food,
Water,
Shelter
City of Atwater Mitigation Action Plan
I
I
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Earthquake
Description/Background/Benefits
Countywide Public Education Program. A
natural hazards education and awareness
program in Merced County would be a
valuable tool for sharing information
with residents. Implementation ideas
include sharing information online and
conducting workshops. The county will
partner with special districts, the cities
and other entities to provide awareness
and education on hazards and steps to
mitigate.

Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
into Safety Element of General Plan.

Recognizing the potential duplication of
effort over evaluation of the same issues,
efforts to update the Health and Safety
Element will be conducted in
coordination with the multi-hazard
mitigation plan and to also ensure
AB2140 Compliance. Integration and
coordination of both plans provides
General Plan policy direction for
develoement activi!}:'.

Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach. Interiors of existing structures
can be retrofitted to reduce damage
from seismic events. Outreach will
include educating home and business
owners about structural and nonstructural retrofit techniques and how to seismically strengthen their homes and
businesses. Specific techniques include
Lead Agency
and Partners
OES / CEO's
Office
Community
Development
Agency
Public Works
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Cost
Estimate
and Priority Timeline
Potential
Fundi~!;I_
$100,000
Federal I High J Ongoing I
Grants
Next
$5,000 General
General Medium Plan I
Fund review
cycle
$100,000
Federal I Medium I Ongoing I
Grants
Annex A: City of Atwater
Status/Implementation
Notes
Continue Not Started
Continue In-Progress
Continue Not Started
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictiona l Hazard Mitigation Plan 2021-2026 Update Page 30 648
ID
4 I
5 I
6 I
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
1,2
Food,
Water,
Shelter
1,2,6
Food,
Water,
Shelter
3, 4
Food,
Water,
Shelter
3 7 1
Co~muni
cations,
Safety
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Earthquake
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Drought
Earthquake
Severe
WeatherDa
m Incidents
Description/Background/Benefits
secure furnishings, storage cabinets and
utilities to prevent injuries and damages,
such as anchoring, installing lathes, using
flexible connections on gas and water
lines, and bracing propane tanks and
water heaters.

Countywide Inventory for Unreinforced
Masonry Buildings - Use GIS a to map
and track URMs Countywide. An accurate
inventory of URM Buildings with
appropriate tracking will lessen time
during the recovery after an earthQuake.

Periodically review building codes for
updates and enhancements and ensure
necessary capabilities for enforcement.

Promote Water Conservation Program.

Drought is a serious issue that is faced in
California. Water awareness of all citizens
within the County is critical to the future
of our water supply. Reminders,
education and awareness will help keep
the conservation importance in the
forefront.

Atwater Police Department Emergency
Power Replacement Project. Replace and
install a new emergency power system to
protect the City of Atwater 911
Lead Agency
and Partners
Public Works
Building
Department
Public Works
Police
Department
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Cost
Estimate
and
Potential
Funding
$15,000-
Priority Timeline
20,000 I Medium I 1 year I Federal
Grants
Staff time 1 year
Dept. Medium then I
Budget ongoing
$100,000
Federal I High I Ongoing [
Grants
$100,000 -
$1,000,000 I High I 6 Months I
FEMA
Annex A: City of Atwater
Status/Implementation
Notes
Continue Not Started
Continue Not Started
Continue In-Progress
New in 2021
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan ( 2021-2026 Update Page 31 649
ID
8 I
9 I
10 Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
and
Security
3 Safety
and
Security
1,2,7
Food,
Water,
Shelter
4, 7
Food,
Water,
Shelter
I
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Earthquake
Earthquake
Agricultural
Pest and
Disease
I
Description/Background/Benefits
Communications Center and Police
Department from both a Public Safety
Power Shutoff and a long-term
interruption in utili!i: service.

Seismic Upgrade and Remodel of the
Atwater Police Department
Headquarters. The Atwater Police
Department is housed in a building that
is over 60 years old and not rated as an
essential services building. Its
construction consists of masonry block
walls that may be unreinforced.

Renovation would bring the building up
to standard and protect the
Department's abili!i: to provide service.

Review hazards and awareness of
earthquakes in a public platform and
educate the public on helpful procedures
to mitigate losses and injuries. (i.e. duck
and cover, non-structural techniques,
inspection of structures for damage)
Public education of current seasonal
threat using a public radio campaign
I
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Lead Agency
and Partners
■ .
.
.

Police
Department
Police, Fire
and Buildings
AG
Commissioner,
and Cities
I HMA
Grants
$100,000 -
$1.000.000 I
FEMA
HMA
Grants
General
Fund/CIP
Staff time
Dept
Budget
Priority Timeline
I
12-18
High Months I
3-5 years
High and then I
ongoing
Low 1-5 years
Annex A: City of Atwater
Status/Implementation
Notes
New in 2021
New in 2021
New in 2021
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 32 650
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the City will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the LPT representatives from Atwater 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.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced 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 Police Chief, Public Works/Community Development Director and Battalion Chief will be responsible for representing the City in the County LPT, 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.

Merced County Multi-Junsd,ct,onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan J 202.1-2026 Update Page 33 651
2021 Merced Coun ty Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annex B: City of Dos Palos
1 CITY OF Dos PALOS

1.1 Community Profile

The City's Local Planning Team (LPTI hold the responsibility for the development, implementation and maintenance of this annex. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process followed and how the jurisdictions and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Dos Palos is situated 23 miles south-southwest of the City of Merced, the county seat.

California State Route 33 bisects the City of Dos Palos, as shown in Figure 1-1. According to the United States Census Bureau, Dos Palos has a total area of 1.3 square miles. The climate in the City of Dos Palos cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and wet, with most of the year's rain falling from late October through early April.

Merced County Mult1 -Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 1 652
Figure 1-1 Dos Palos Planning Area
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 2 653
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos

1.1.3 History
The area was first named "Dos Palos" during the 1820s by explorer Gabriel Moraga due to the location of two large, isolated poplar trees. This became a boundary marker for the "Rancho Sanjon de Santa Rita" Mexican Land Grant. In 1891 Bernhard Marks, a former school principal, convinced Henry "Cattle King" Miller to develop a small town they named "Dos Palos Colony". By 1892 forty pioneer families had been brought west but were unable to find a good source of water causing many to leave. Miller, after being convinced by Marks, established a new town two miles away named Colony Center. In 1906 Dos Palos Colony was renamed South Dos Palos and Colony Center was renamed Dos Palos. The City of Dos Palos was incorporated in 1935.

1.1.4 Economy
Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Dos Palos are shown in Table 1-1 .

Table 1-1 City of Dos Palos Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Dos Palos
Families below Poverty Level (%) 12.6%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 14.7%
Median Family Income $55,932
Median Household Income $56,716
Per Capita Income $21,488
Population in Labor Force 62.2%
Population Employed* 54.9%
Unemployment•• 11 .7%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
' Excludes armed forces. **Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-2 City of Dos Palos Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 389 18.0% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 335 15.5% Manufacturing 267 12.3%
Retail trade 244 11.3%
Construction 237 10.9%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 194 9.0%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and 102 4.7% waste management services
Other services, except public administration 97 4.5%
Public administration 83 3.8%
Information 75 3.5%
Wholesale trade 68 3.1%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 62 2.9% Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food 13 0.6% services
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 3 654
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
r·Bi1i+i!H, lii,,i®fh-!!'li,,i!UW+:!! Total 2,166 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces Table 1-3 City of Dos Palos Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 635 Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 479 Management, business, science, and arts occupations 399 Sales and office occupations 360
Service occupations 293
Total 2,166
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

1.1.5 Population

29.3%

22.1%

18.4%

16.6%

13.5%
100%
In May 2020, the State Department of Finance released preliminary population data for the state demographic report, the estimates did not include potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report the City of Dos Palos has a population of 5,546 persons as of January 1, 2020, and experienced a 0.1 % loss previous year, leaving the population statically the same. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Dos Palos from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Dos Palos Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Dos Palos
Gender/Age
Male 49.3%
Female 50.7%
Median age (years) 30
Under 5 years 10.2%
Under 18 years 30.2%
65 years and over 12.9%
Race/Ethnicity
White 19.9%
Asian 0.6%
Black or African American 1.6%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 72.4%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.0%
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 5.5%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 67.7%
% with Bachelor's Degree or Higher 11 .3%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 8.9%
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 4 655
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Characteristic City of Dos Palos
% Language other than English spoken at

50.4%
home
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 26%
% of households with a computer with internet

82.5% use
% of households with no vehicle available 1.8%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
* Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Dos Palos Table 1-5 City of Dos Palos Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 1,545 100%
Units Occupied 1,516 98.1%
Vacant 29 1.9%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 1,447 93.7%
1-unit attached 13 0.8%
2 units 12 0.8%
3 or 4 units 43 2.8%
5-9 units 30 1.9%
10-19 units 0 0.0%
20 or more units 0 0.0%
Mobile Home 0 0.0%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0%
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 959 63.3%
Renter Occupied 557 36.7%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
The City of Dos Palos experienced a slight decrease in 1-year population estimates from 2019 to 2020.

There was also a decrease (-9%) in the number of housing units developed in the City from 1,700 in 2010 to 1,545 in 2019. The overall risk to hazards has not increased since the 2014 planning process.

The Sphere of Influence (SOI), shown in Figure 1-1, are areas the City plans to grow into and potentially slated for future development. 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. Table 1-6 is the summary of the SOI total exposure for the City of Dos Palos.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Table 1-6 Sphere of Influence Total Exposure Summary
Building Improved
Estimated
Property Type Improved Content Total Value Parcel Count Count Value Value
Agricultural 30 35 $2,921,905 $2,921,905 $5,843,810
Commercial 16 22 $918,610 $918,610 $1,837,220
Exempt 22 99 $1,000,971 $1,000,971 $2,001,942
Industrial 5 7 $3,212,705 $4,819,058 $8,031,763
Mixed Use 2 2 $3,360 $1,680 $5,040
Residential 462 515 $45,083,220 $22,541,610 $67,624,830 Vacant Land 8 8 $44,493 $44,493 $88,986
Total 545 688 $53,185,264 $32,248,327 $85,433,591
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Dos Palos During the 2021 planning process, the LPT noted receiving approval for a grant that will fund the construction of a new Water Treatment facility to support future development. Once the new facility is completed and operational it will support the development of residential and commercial projects. 2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Dos Palos 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 2-1 ). There are no hazards that are unique to Dos Palos. The overall hazard significance takes into account the geographic area, probability and magnitude as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the Vulnerability Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Dos Palos - Significant Hazards
Probability of M . d I II . agmtu e Overa
Hazard Geographic Area Future 5 . . "f"
Drought
Earthquake
Wildfire
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
Extensive
Extensive
Significant
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.
0 everity S1gm 1cance ccurrence
Likely Critical Medium
Occasional Critical Medium
Highly Likely Negligible Medium
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
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Dos Palos' 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 in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of medium or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.

The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on a combination of County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality to complete during update process in 2021. 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.

Note: The hazard "Significance" reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City of Dos Palos' Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

Other Hazards
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 in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Dos Palos, those hazards include: dam incidents, drought, flood, severe weather (extreme heat, dense fog, heavy rain, high wind/tornado), subsidence, hazardous materials incidents, cyber attacks, agricultural pests and disease, and pandemics. The City does not have any special flood hazard areas (1% annual chance flood risk zones) mapped by the NFIP. While some areas of the City have drainage issues due to flat terrain and high groundwater tables, flood is considered a low significance hazard.

Additionally, the City's committee members decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Dos Palos' assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

2.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Merced County 2020 Parcel and Assessor data. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the city as the information has some limitations. The most significant limitation is created by Proposition 13. Instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs. As a result, overall value information is likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties. 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 2-2 shows the exposure of properties (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City Dos Palos.

Table 2-2 City of Dos Palos Property Exposure by Type
Parcel Building Improved Property Type Content Value
Count Count Value Total Value
Commercial 104 154 $16,913,918 $16,913,918 $33,827,836
Exempt 39 94 $1 ,962,673 $1,962,673 $3,925,346
Industrial 9 9 $1,043,139 $1,564,709 $2,607,848
Mixed Use 5 5 $104,170 $104,170 $208,340
Residential 1,611 1,733 $182,105,228 $91,052,614 $273,157,842 Vacant Land 6 6 $40,429 $40,429 $80,858
Total 1,774 2,001 $202, 169,557 $111,638,513 $313,808,070 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

Table 2-3 shows a summary of the critical facilities analysis and Figure 2-2 shows the location of each critical facility within the City.

Table 2-3 City of Dos Palos Critical Facilities, by Lifeline FEMA Lifeline Count
Communications 1
Safety and Security 7
Total 8
Source: HIFLD, City of Dos Palos, Wood analysis
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard Mit1gat1on Plan [ 2021-2026 Update Page 8 659
Figure 2-2 Dos Palos Critical Facilities, by FEMA Lifeline Grassland
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 9 660
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
According to the State of California Office of Historic Preservation, there are no historic properties listed on the National or State Historic Register. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for a list of historic properties in Merced County.

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. 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. The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge and Grassland Wildlife Management Area are located west of the City of Dos Palos. The Wildlife Refuge encompasses 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian forests, natives grasslands and vernal pools. The Grassland Wildlife Management areas supports seasonally flooded marshlands, semi-permanent marshes and native grasslands. Both the Refuge and Wildlife Management Areas are located in flood hazard areas and benefits the surrounding area by absorbing floodwaters and recharging aquifers.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Earthquake
The City of Dos Palos and surrounding areas historical earthquake activity is below California's state average. No known faults are located in the Dos Palos area. The nearest known fault is the Ortigalita Fault located in the western portion of the City and the only fault line within Merced County. The City of Dos Palos Local Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) also lists the following faults that may impact Dos Palos. • Central Valley Coast Range Bling Thrust Fault - Located parallel to Interstate 5. Considered active, but not completely mappable at the surface. Responsible for the 1983 Coalinga Earthquake. Maximum magnitude measured was 6.8 Mw.
• Calaveras Fault - Active fault located near Hollister and 16 miles west of Pacheco Pass. Maximum magnitude measured was 6.2 Mw.
• Greenville Fault - Active fault located 30 miles northwest of Pacheco Pass and crosses near Livermore.

Maximum magnitude measured was 6.9 Mw.
• San Andreas Fault - Largest and most active fault in the State. Located 24 miles west of Pacheco Pass.

Earthquake will be long duration but distant ground motion for the City of Dos Palos. Maximum magnitude measured was 7.9 Mw.

There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the city; however, the County of Merced has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989. The LPT added a 3.4 magnitude earthquake occurred on March 31, 2016, with the epicenter 21 miles south-southwest of Los Banos. This was not considered a significant earthquake.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M 6.0 have been recorded in the City of Dos Palos or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County was 16 miles east north-east of King City at a magnitude of 5.3 on October 20, 2012.

Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock. This quake was preceded by two earthquakes located approximately 100 miles from Merced County, the 1982 New ldria earthquake (M5.4) and the 1983 Coalinga quake (M6.5). There was low-level ground shaking reported.

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2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for Merced County and the City of Dos Palos, due to the proximity to the San Andreas Fault, and the history of shaking with no surface rupture, means the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Dos Palos is considered as occasional.

Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.2 Wildfires
Both urban and wildland fires conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) ranks fuel loading as low. Fuels are mainly crops and grasses. In the southwest corner, there are some brush, pine, and grass fuels, which are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5. The LPT noted the agricultural land within and around Dos Palos is vulnerable especially during dry seasons and could cause significant impacts on the local economy if a significant fire was to happen. Figure 2-3 shows the fire threat areas near the city; the majority of the risk is to west of the city within the grassland area. Based on the analysis there are no parcels or critical facilities within the fire threat areas. Figure 2-4 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Dos Palos.

Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ctional Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 11 662
Figure 2-3 Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Dos Palos
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 12 663
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 13 664
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
3 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 reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared information through the Dos Palos Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Dos Palos.

Table 3-1 City of Dos Palos -Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool Yes/No Comments
(ordinances, codes, plans)
General Plan Yes Adopted May 20, 1990
Zoninq ordinance Yes
Subdivision ordinance Yes
Growth manaqement ordinance Yes
Flood plain ordinance Yes
Other special purpose ordinance No (stormwater, steep slope, wildfire) Buildinq code Yes
Fire department ISO ratinq Yes
Erosion or sediment control proqram No
Stormwater management program Yes
Site plan review requirements Yes
Caoital improvements plan Yes
Economic development plan Yes
Local emerqencv operations plan Yes
Other special plans No
Flood insurance study or other Yes enqineerinq study for streams Elevation certificates (for floodplain No
development)
Other
Merced County Mult,-Junsd,ct,onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021 -2026 Update Page 14 665
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
City of Dos Palos General Plan - The City of Dos Palos' most recent General Plan was adopted May 20, 1991. This General Plan defines the City's goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The goal of the Safety Element is to protect Dos Palos residents from unreasonable risk and reduce the impacts of natural hazards to the community (Dos Palos 1991 ). This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic activity, subsidence, flooding, and fire and hazardous materials incidents. The Safety Element also identifies evacuation routes and peak load water supply requirements.

The City of Dos Palos Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP. However, the City did not participate in the 2014 MJHMP; this is the first jurisdictional mitigation annex for the City of Dos Palos.

City of Dos Palos Emergency Plan, 2003 - The Emergency Plan addresses the planned response to emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents, human caused events and national security emergencies in or affecting the City of Dos Palos. The plan establishes the emergency management organization required to mitigate any significant emergency or disaster affecting the City; identifies the policies, responsibilities, and procedures required to protect the health and safety of communities, public and private property, and the environmental effects of natural, human caused and technological emergencies and disasters; and establishes the operational concepts and policies for disaster response and recovery.

National Flood Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses The City of Dos Palos joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on May 25, 1978. The City does not have any special flood hazard areas (1 % annual chance flood risk zones) mapped by the NFIP. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of July 2021, there were 3 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $553,000 of coverage. All of the policies are single family residential and located in the B, C, and X zone.

There has been 1 historical claim for flood losses totaling $1,740. According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed July 27, 2021, the City has no Repetitive Loss properties or Severe Repetitive Loss properties as defined by FEMA.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies city personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Dos Palos. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 3-2 City of Dos Palos -Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management Yes City Engineer
practices
Engineer/professional trained in
construction practices related to Yes City Engineer
buildinQs and/or infrastructure
Planner/engineer/scientist with an Yes City Engineer understandinq of natural hazards Personnel skilled in GIS Yes GIS Coordinator
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 15 666
Personnel Resources
Full time building official
Floodplain manaaer
Emergency manager
Grant writer
Other personnel
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use,
buildina footprints, etc.)
Warning Systems/Services
(Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor
warning signals)
Other

3.3 Fiscal Capability
Yes/No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Department/Position Comments
City has a part time building
official on staff
Department Heads
Everbridge. Merced
County Emergency Alert
System
The following table 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 3-3 City of Dos Palos -Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources Accessible/ Has This Been Used for Comments Eligible to Use Mitigation in the Past? Community Development Yes No
Block Grants
Capital improvements project Yes No Council approval needed to funding establish CIP
Authority to levy taxes for Yes No Council/Public approval needed specific purposes
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or Yes No
electric services, new
development
Incur debt through general No No
obligation bonds
Incur debt through special tax Yes No
bonds
Incur debt through private Yes No
activities
Federal Grant Programs No* No *City will have eligibility to apply (Hazard Mitigation Grant for these funds after the FEMA Program) approval and local adoption of
this LHMP.

The City of Dos Palos has an ongoing water conservation program, first established in 2016 during statewide drought conditions, to mitigate the impacts of future drought events. The program sets specific Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct,onal Hazard M1t1gation Plan I 2021-201.6 Update Page 16 667
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
days and times for watering to reduce the frequency of water usage spikes and increase the water available for fire suppression.

3.5 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Dos Palos has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the city to expand or improve on their policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Dos Palos will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. In addition, the LPT noted increasing communication and partnerships with regional entities in inspecting buildings for the need to retrofit to meeting earthquake standards. 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Dos Palos adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Basin Plan.

4.2 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The City has been an NFIP participating community since 1978. 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 Department City Engineer. This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, including issuing permits for appropriate development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and ensuring that this development mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.

4.3 Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on risk assessments, 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.

Merced County Multi-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 17 668
Table 4-1 City of Dos Palos Mitigation Action Plan
Goal(s)
ID and
Lifelines
1 Communi
cations
1,2,3
2 I Food,
Water,
Shelter
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Earthquake,
Wildfire
Drought,
Earthquake,
Wildfire
Description/Background/
Benefits
Radio upgrade for police department.

Replace outdated mobile radios with
dual-band radios that have the capability
to communicate with the Merced County
Sheriff's Office. If approved, radios could
be purchased immediately. They are vital
for communication during multijurisdiction hazardous events. This could potentially save lives. Currently, there is
no abili!}'. to cross-communicate.

Construction of new water treatment
plant with resiliency upgrades. Replace
existing water treatment plant, which is
over 50 years old and cannot keep up
with the ever-growing demand for water
in the area. Currently in the process of
receiving grant money from the State for
construction. The new plant will double
the amount of water treated from 2-2.5
million gallons per day to approximately
4 million gallons per day and provide
resiliency to drought. This will also
increase available water for firefighting.

Seismic mitigation measures will be
incorporated into the upgraded
treatment plant to reduce potential for
damage and provide continuity of
services.

Lead
Agency
and
Partners
Police Dept.
1 County
Sheriff
Dept. of
Utilities
South Dos
Palos and
Midway
Cost
Estimate
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
and Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes Potential
Funding
$50,000, I Medium I 3 -6 I New in 2021 Grants Months
$11
Million
Grant
funding I High I 2-3 years I New in 2021
from the
State of
California
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the city will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the LPT representatives from Dos Palos 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.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced 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 Police Chief or his/her designee will be responsible for representing the city in the County HMPT, 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.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
1 CITY OF GUSTINE

1.1 Community Profile

The City's Local Planning Team (LPT) held the responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process follow and how the jurisdictions, service districts and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Gustine is situated 29 miles west of the City of Merced, the county seat, and borders Stanislaus County. The city is located at the intersection of State Route 33 and State Route 140 and near the intersection of Interstate 5 and State Route 140. According to the United States Census Bureau, Gustine has a total area of 1.6 square miles. The city is a continuously evolving community immersed in tradition with a history of food, farming and manufacturing in California.

The climate in the City of Gustine cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season.

Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and wet, with most of the year's rain falling from late October through early April.

1.1.3 History
The City of Gustine was established in the 1900s as a Southern Pacific Railroad station. The first post office was opened in 1907 and the city was incorporated in 1915. In 1970 Gustine became the first city in California to set up a 9-1-1 system.

1.1.4 Economy
Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Gustine are shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 City of Gustine Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Gustine
Families below Poverty Level (%) 8.5%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 12.7%
Median Family Income $62,521
Median Household Income $53,667
Per Capita Income $30,742
Population in Labor Force 2,718
Population Employed* 50.2%
Unemployment Rate** 11.6%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 201 S-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
*Excludes armed forces. **Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 1 671
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-2 City of Gustine Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Industry # Employed % Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 432 18.0% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 410 17.1% Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food 323 13.4% services
Retail trade 292 12.1%
Manufacturing 214 8.9%
Construction 185 7.7%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and 128 5.3% waste management services
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 121 5.0%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 102 4.2% Public administration 76 3.2%
Other services, except public administration 74 3.1%
Wholesale trade 47 2.0%
Total 2,404 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ Table 1-3 City of Gustine Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 606 25.2% Service occupations 537 22.3%
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 527 21.9% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 392 16.3% Sales and office occupations 342 14.2%
Total 2,404 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

0.1 % gain previous year, leaving the population statically the same. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Gustine from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Gustine Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Gustine
Gender/Age
Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%
Median age (years) 40.4
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2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Characteristic City of Gustine
Under 5 years 3.4%
Under 18 years 19.9%
65 years and over 14.4%
Race/Ethnicity
White 44.8%
Asian 0.2%
Black or African American 0.0%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.6%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 54.1%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.0%
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 0.3%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 76.7%
% with Bachelor's Degree or Higher 12.5%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 17.8%
% Language other than English spoken at

41.6%
home
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 24.8%
% of households with a computer with

76.9%
internet use
% of households with no vehicle available 8.6%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
* Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Gustine.

Table 1-5 City of Gustine Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 2,249 100%
Units Occupied 2,054 91.3%
Vacant 195 8.7%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 1,831 81.4%
1-unit attached 0 0.0%
2 units 75 3.3%
3 or 4 units 22 1.0%
5-9 units 89 4.0%
10-19 units 46 2.0%
20 or more units 19 0.8%
Mobile Home 167 7.4%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0%
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 1,261 61.4%
Renter Occupied 793 38.6%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
During the 2021 planning process the Planning Team noted that since the 2014 LHMP the City has annexed land for future development. The LPT noted the following annexation:
• 153 acres for residential development
• 40 acres west of the city for residential development (estimated 200 homes) • 50 acres east of city for residential development
Between 2010 and 2019 the City experienced an 8% increase of total housing units. Increases in population also increases exposure to severe weather-related hazards and pandemics/epidemics, as well as earthquakes. This growth also puts more demands on water resources and can increase vulnerability to drought.

The Sphere of Influence (SOI) shown in Figure 2-1 are areas each City plans to grow into and potentially slated for future development. 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 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. Table 1-6 is the summary of the SOI total exposure for the City of Gustine.

Table 1-6 Sphere of Influence Total Exposure Summary
Improved Improved
Estimated
Property Type Building Content Total Value
Parcel Count Count Value
Value
Agricultural 71 98 $12,899,778 $12,899,778 $25,799,556
Commercial 3 3 $1,695,408 $1,695,408 $3,390,816
Exempt 3 3 $0 $0 $0
Residential 20 22 $2,410,194 $1,205,097 $3,615,291
Total 97 126 $17,005,380 $15,800,283 $32,805,663
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Gustine Planning Team 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 2-1 ). There are no hazards that are unique to Gustine. The overall hazard significance takes into account the geographic area, probability and magnitude as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the Vulnerability Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Gustine -Hazard Profiles
Probability of . . Magnitude/ Overall
Hazard Geographic Area Future S . 5
. ·t·
Drought
Earthquake
Flood and Levee Failure
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
Extensive
Significant
Significant
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.

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
0 eventy 1gni 1cance ccurrence
Likely Limited Medium
Likely Catastrophic Medium
Occasional Critical Medium
Magnitude/Severity (Extent)
Catastrophic-More than SO 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
The intent of this section is to assess Gustine 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 in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of medium or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.

The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on a combination of County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during update process in 2021. 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.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 202.1-2026 Update Pages 675
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Note: The hazard "Significance" reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City of Gustine's Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

The hazard summaries in Table 2-1 above reflect the hazards that could potentially affect City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses. Based on this analysis, the priority hazards (Medium Significance) for mitigation are identified below:
• Drought
• Earthquake
• Flood and Levee Failure
•
While dam incidents and wildfire are rated as low, there are areas of risk near the city's SOI where development is likely to occur in the future. For this reason dam incidents and wildfire hazards are covered in the vulnerability assessment. Drought is not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Gustine.

Other Hazards
Hazards assigned a significance rating of Low or do not differ significantly from the county overall risk are not addressed further in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Gustine, those hazards include: severe weather (extreme heat, dense fog, heavy rain, high wind/tornado) subsidence, hazardous materials incidents, cyber attacks, agricultural pests and disease, and pandemics. As previously noted, dam incidents and wildfire hazards are also addressed.

Additionally, the City's committee members decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence. -Wildfire is profiled in the vulnerability assessment to address wildfire threat in the City's SOI but was rated a low priority hazard given the City consists of urban areas and because there are few mapped moderate and low wildfire threat zones.

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Gustine's assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

2.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Merced County 2020 Parcel and Assessor data. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the city as the information has some limitations. The most significant limitation is created by Proposition 13. Instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs. As a result, overall value information is likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties. 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 2-2 shows the exposure of properties broken down by property type for the City Gustine.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 6 676
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Table 2-2 City of Gustine Property Exposure by Type
Parcel Building Improved Property Type Content Value Total Value Count Count Value Agricultural 3 3 $249,806 $249,806 $499,612
Commercial 86 212 $13,841,697 $13,841,697 $27,683,394
Exempt 21 22 $1,947,230 $1,947,230 $3,894,460
Industrial 8 8 $21,456,333 $32,184,500 $53,640,833
Mixed Use 3 3 $55,055 $55,055 $110,110
Residential 1,749 1,857 $252,615,603 $126,307,802 $378,923,405 Vacant Land 4 4 $180,379 $180,379 $360,758
Total 1,874 2,109 $290,346,103 $174,766.468 $465,112,571 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

Table 2-4 shows a summary of the critical facilities analysis. In addition to the summary listed in the table below, the LPT also include the following assets:

Table 2-3 City of Gustine Community Assets
Name of Asset Type• Replacement Value
Saputo Dairy Foods El $25,000,000
Pusateri Nut Company El $15,000,000
Dollar General El $10,000,000
Gustine City Hall VF $10,000,000
Gustine Police Dept. El $10,000,000
Gustine Airport VF $20,000,000
Gustine Fire Dept. El $20,000,000
Gustine Public Works HM $20,000,000
Gustine Wastewater
$30,000,000 Treatment HM/El
WaterWell 1 VF $10,000,000
WaterWell 1 VF $10,000,000
WaterWell 1 VF $10,000,000
WaterWell 1 VF $10,000,000
WaterWell 1 VF $10,000,000
WaterWell 1 VF $10,000,000
WaterWell 1 VF $10,000,000
City Water Lines VF $50,000,000
Water Tank/Tower VF $5,000,000
Sewer Lines VF $50,000,000
Schmidt Park NA $20,000,000
Miller Park NA $10,000,000
CEF Jamero Park NA $10,000,000
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ctional Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan J 2021-2026 Update Page 7 677
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Name of Asset Type* Replacement Value
Burelli Ranch Park NA $10,000,000
Gustine High School VF $25,000,000
Gustine Middle School VF $20,000,000
Gustine Elementary VF $20,000,000 School
Source: Gustine LPT
*El: Essential Infrastructure; VI: Vulnerable Facilities; HM: Hazardous Materials Facilities; NA: Natural Assets Table 2-4 City of Gustine Critical Facilities, by Lifeline FEMA Lifeline Count
Communications 6
Food, Water, Shelter 2
Hazardous Material 1
Safety and Security 8
Total 20
Source: HIFLD, City of Gustine, Wood analysis

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
The following historical resource is listed as a California Point of Interest by the State of California Office of Preservation:
• Merced County Justice Courthouse Building
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. 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. The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge and Grassland Wildlife Management Area are located east of the City of Gustine. The Wildlife Refuge encompasses 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian forests, natives grasslands and vernal pools. The Grassland Wildlife Management areas supports seasonally flooded marshlands, semi-permanent marshes and native grasslands. Both the Refuge and Wildlife Management Areas are located in flood hazard areas and benefits the surrounding area by absorbing floodwaters and recharging aquifers.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Dam Incidents
Protection from flood hazards created by dam failures is critical to the safety and well- being of Gustine residents. A dam vulnerability assessment was completed during the 2021 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. The analysis found the Gustine is outside the inundation areas of the Don Pedro and New Exchequer dams but the Gustine Municipal Airport in the eastern portion of the city is on the edge of the New Exchequer dam inundation area (see Figure 2-1 ).

Not represented on the inundation map is risk from the San Luis Dam. Best available data was used during the 2021 plan update, but complete inundation data was not available for the San Luis or Los Banos Dams due to the information being considered sensitive and restricted, per communication with Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ctional Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 8 678
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
OES and the dam owners. According to the Emergency Action Plan for this dam a failure could result in flooding in Gustine to a depth range of 2-10 ft in less than 10 hours. For this reason, dam incidents were assessed in this annex, but not considered a low priority hazard for the City.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 9 679
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 2-1 City of Gustine Dam Inundation Areas (excluding San Luis Dam) Dam Inundation Layers
Don Pedro
New Exchequer
C::] Gustine
CJ Merced County
LJ Sphere of Influence
National Wildlife Refuge
Grasslands Wildlife
Management Area
---'Sodtt,,..,.A,t
·,-••-------=----••-l-.-,... 1 =-"'f
••,. Gustine j
i.-"'1 ? i 111111 • .,.. •---··-··
! r··-··-·
( :
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,·· i..., l.,.,, ___ ,
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Department of water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams (OSOD), Flood Emergency Response Information Exchange (FERIX) Annex C: City of Gustine
N
A
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2021-2026 Update Page 10 680
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine

2.3.2 Earthquake
The City of Gustine and surrounding areas historical earthquake activity is below California's state average.

No known faults are located in the Gustine area. The nearest known fault is the Ortigalita Fault the only fault line within Merced County. According to the City's General Plan Safety Element, Gustine is unlikely to be the epicenter of an earthquake event but will likely experience shaking from an event. New development in the city is required to comply with current building standards for seismic safety.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M 6.0 have been recorded in the City of Gustine or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County was 16 miles east north-east of King City at a magnitude of 5.3 on October 20, 2012.

Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for Merced County and the City of Gustine, due to the proximity to the San Andreas Fault, and the history of shaking with no surface rupture, means the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Gustine is considered as occasional. Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.3 Flood and Levee Failure
The City of Gustine lies outside the 100-year and 500-year floodplain as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). While not within a floodplain, the eastern portion of the City and the City's SOI (shown in Figure 2-2), where the Gustine Municipal Airport is located, is on the edge of the 100-year or 1 % annual flood chance hazard. Figure 2-3 shows the critical facilities proximity to 1 % annual flood chance. As shown, 14 critical facilities were identified as being located in a floodplain.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 11 681
Figure 2-2 City of Gustine Flood Hazard
1 % Flooded Properties
FEMA Flood Hazards
- 1%Annual
[:.:..] Gustine
c::J Merced County
LJ Sphere of Influence
•
National Wildlife Refuge
Grasslands Wildlife
Management Area
~ !.l
Map compiled 3/2021; ~ood intended for planning purposes only. 'n"' • Data Source: Merced County, USFWS,
FEMA NFHL 3/05/2015
'
~
,:---------.: \--.. ,.,... - , •-1
'"· Gut tlrl• ~ ! i., .... 1 ~ ? i ................ •-·-··-·· ! r··---· I' ; • I
0 i i : ~---=
,.- ;.. .. =-----··'
(.:J
2Miles
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
N
A
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 12 682
Figure 2-3 Critical Facilities and FEMA Flood Hazards
FEMA Lifeline
0 Communications
• Energy
* Food, Water, Shelter
D Hazardous Material
• Safety and Security
D Transportation
FEMA Flood Hazards
- 1%Annual
c.:_]Gustine
D Merced County
c:J Sphere of Influence
National Wildlife Refuge
Grasslands Wildlife
Management Area
D $111111,1 ffltlt':Q
D
D
D
' .,
D Cl

1.W
D
D
Map compiled 5/2021; ~ood intended for planning purposes only. '"'' , Data Source: Merced County, USFWS,
FEMA NFHL 3/05/2015, HIFLD
0 0
Cl
I.
a D
..-----------t
-••-••-••-= ·---· ~-•11,.,, Xi 14~1 '1
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 13 683
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine

2.3.4 Wildfires
Weather components, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind, and lightning, also affect the potential for wildfire. High temperatures and low relative humidity dry out the fuels that feed the wildfire creating a situation where fuel will more readily ignite and burn more intensely. Both urban and wildland fires conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) ranks fuel loading as low.

Figure 2-4 shows the fire threat areas within and near the city. The fire threat areas mainly consistent of low and moderate areas. The Municipal Airport and SOI on the eastern portion of the city limits has the most concentration of moderate threat areas and has a small area of high threat. Based on the analysis there are no parcels or critical facilities within the fire threat areas. Table 2-5 summarizes the values at risk and detail loss estimates within the fire threat areas.

Table 2-5 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
Improved Building Building Total Estimated Property Parcel Type
Count Count Building Improved Content Total Value Population Value Count Moderate Low Count Value Agricultural 1 0 1 1 $92,402 $92,402 $184,804
Commercial 1 0 8 8 $1,612,681 $1,612,681 $3,225,362
Exempt 4 3 1 4 $0 $0 $0
Residential 141 54 87 141 $24,399,015 $12,199,508 $36,598,523 Total 147 57 97 154 $26,104,098 $13,904,591 $40,008,689 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Analysis on critical facilities located within fire threat areas was also completed. The results are summarized in Table 2-6. ------- Table 2-6 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas FEMA Lifeline Count
Moderate Wildfire Threat
Safety and Security 1
Low Wildfire Threat
Safety and Security 1
Transportation 1
Total 3
Source: Merced County, HIFLD, CAL FIRE, FRAP, Wood GIS Analysis Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 14 399
399
684
Figure 2-1 Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Gustine
Fire Threat
- VeryHigh
- High
Moderate
Low
C::j Gustine
D Merced County
D Sphere of Influence
, National Wildlife Refuge
Grasslands Wildlife
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Annex C: City of Gustine
N
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 15 685
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Figure 2-5 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Gustine and Table 2-7 summarizes the results from the GIS analysis. No critical facilities were identified as being located within the local responsibility fire hazard area. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

Table 2-7 City of Gustine Properties within Fire Responsibility Areas SRA
Improved Total Estimated
Property Parcel Moderate
Building Improved Content Total Value Population Type Building Value Count Count Value
Count
Exempt 2 2 2 $0 $0 $0
Residential 15 15 15 $3,806,609 $1,903,305 $5,709,914 42 Total 17 17 17 $3,806,609 $1,903,305 $5,709,914 42
Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ctional Hazard M,t,gat,on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page Hi 686
Figure 2-2 City of Gustine Fire Responsibility Areas
Fire Responsibility Areas
HH Federal
. _ _ .../'. Local
0 State
Hazard Classes
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,--,
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~ --- Urban Unzoned
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Map compiled 312021; '"OOd intended for planning purposes only. 'n'' • Data Source: Merced County, CALFIRE,
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0 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan ( 2021-2026 Update Page 17 687
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Future Development
The results of the SOI and wildfire analysis is shown in Table 2-8 and Table 2-9.

Table 2-8 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Severity Areas Improved Building Improved
Estimated
Property Total
Content Population Type Parcel Count Count Value
Value
Value
SRA Moderate
Commercial 1 1 $74,452 $74,452 $148,904
Residential 1 2 $142,860 $71,430 $214,290 7
Total 2 3 $217,312 $145,882 $363,194 7
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis
Table 2-9 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Threat Areas Improved Building Building Total
Improved
Estimated
Property Parcel Count Count Building Content Total Value Population Type Value Count Moderate Low Count Value
Agricultural 23 3 27 30 $4,591,318 $4,591,318 $9,182,636 Commercial 2 1 1 2 $1,672,979 $1,672,979 $3,345,958
Exempt 2 0 2 2 $0 $0 $0
Residential 8 1 9 10 $1,263,255 $631,628 $1,894,883 33
Total 35 5 39 44 $7,527,552 $6,895,925 $14,423.477 33
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 18 688
3 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
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 reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Gustine Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Gustine.

Table 3-1 City of Gustine -Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool Yes/No Comments (ordinances, codes, plans) General Plan Yes
Zoninq ordinance Yes
Subdivision ordinance Yes
Growth manaqement ordinance No
Floodplain ordinance No
Other special purpose ordinance No (stormwater, steep slope, wildfire) Buildinq code Yes
Fire department ISO ratino Yes
Erosion or sediment control proqram No
Stormwater manaoement proqram Yes
Site plan review requirements Yes
Capital improvements plan Yes
Economic development plan Yes
Local emeroencv operations plan Yes
Other special plans No
Flood insurance study or other No enoineerinq study for streams Elevation certificates (for floodplain No development)
Other
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan j 2021-2026 Updale Page 19 689
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
City of Gustine General Plan, 2002 - The General Plan defines the City's goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The purpose of the Safety Element (Section 9) is to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural or human caused hazards. This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic and geologic, dam failure, canals and drainage ponds, flooding, hazardous materials, aquatic insects, and urban and wildland fire hazards.

The City of Gustine General Plan Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP, as this is the first Mitigation Annex for the City.

National Flood Insurance Program - The City of Gustine is not a participant in the NFIP and has been sanctioned since December 2, 2009. This means that residents are not able to obtain flood insurance from the NFIP. The City has minimal flood risk and the effective FEMA flood hazard mapping does not show any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or 1% annual chance flooding within city limits, except for a small area near the airport. This has been the reason for not joining the NFIP, but as part of this plan update the City will revisit the cost and benefit of joining, including working with CA DWR and FEMA to understand the implications of the sanction designation.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies city personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Gustine. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 3-2 City of Gustine -Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management Yes Contract Planner
oractices
Engineer/professional trained in
construction practices related to Yes Contract Engineer buildinqs and/or infrastructure
Planner/engineer/scientist with an Yes Contract Planner/Engineer understandinq of natural hazards Personnel skilled in GIS Yes Contract Planner/Enaineer
Full time buildinq official No
Floodplain manaqer Yes Public Works Director
Emerqencv manaqer Yes Chief of Police
Grant writer Yes Contract
Other personnel
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use, Yes Contract Planner building footprints, etc.)
Warning Systems/Services Contract Dispatch with Code Red (Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor Yes Livingston Police warninq siqnals) Department
Other
Merced County Mult1-Junsd,ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021 -2026 Update Page 20 690
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine

Table 3-3 City of Gustine -Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources Accessible/ Has This Been Used for
Comments Eligible to Use Mitigation in the Past?
Community Development Yes No Block Grants
Capital improvements project Yes No fundinq
Authority to levy taxes for Yes No specific purposes
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or
electric services, new Yes No
development
Incur debt through general Yes No obligation bonds
Incur debt through special tax Yes No bonds
Incur debt through private No No activities
Federal Grant Programs (e.g. The City has used funding to Hazard Mitigation Grant Yes Yes install pumps at the airport to Proqram) mitiqate floodinq hazards.

3.4 Outreach and Partnerships
The Merced County Office of Emergency Services provides education and outreach on Disaster Preparedness for all of the jurisdictions within the County. This education program is in coordination and partnerships with county and the cities' departments with education programs including the Sheriff's Office, Police Departments, Fire Departments, Agricultural Commissioner, and the Department of Public Health
The Gustine Planning Team notes the following ongoing outreach efforts in the city:
• Outreach specific to responsible water use
• School Resource office conducts earthquake and fire safety seminars • City flyers on disaster preparedness

3.5 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Gustine has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the city to expand or improve on their Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gation Plan J 2021 -2026 Update Page 21 691
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Gustine will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public.

In addition, the LPT noted City staff will review current equipment inventory to determine best practices in equipment needed to mitigate hazards. After inventory, City staff will recommend the purchase of equipment needed.
4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Gustine adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Basin Plan.

4.2 Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on risk assessments, 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.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan J 2021-2026 Update Page 22 692
Table 4- 1 City of Gustine Mitigation Action Plan
ID
2 I
3 I
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
1,2,3
Safety
and
Security
2,3
Safety
and
Security
2,3,4
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Earthquake
Drought
Description/Background/
Benefits
Develop and enhance storm-water
drainage improvements to reduce
frequent flooding. Projects may
involve upgrade gutter and
drainage systems, basins, trunk
lines, auxiliary pipes and
interconnections. For example,
connect a drain pipe loop around
the city and install street drainage
utters in the downtown area
Perform building specific seismic
vulnerability assessment of Cityowned critical facilities (building and infrastructure such as water
towers and airplane hangars)
constructed prior to 1980 and take
action to upgrade or retrofit as
needed.

Investigate Drought Monitoring,
Risk, and Management Options.

Develop and implement a water
conservation plan that seeks to
reduce the nonessential use of
water to conserve county water
supplies. The conservation plan
would establish mandatory water
restrictions within Merced County
to discourage waste. Lastly,
incorporate treatment of recycled
water for potable consumption.

To reduce the likelihood of
drought impacts occurring again
in the future, develop drouQht
Lead Agency
and Partners
Public Works,
Development
Services
Public Works,
Development
Services
Public Works
County and
all
jurisdictions
■ .
.
$100,000-
$1,500,000
Grants,
General Fund
$500,000-
$1,500,000
Grants,
General Fund
$500,000-
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Priority Timeline
I High I 36-48
Months
I Medium I 36-48
Months
I
I
Annex C: City of Gustine
Status/Implementation
Notes
New in 2021
New in 2021
$100.000.000 I I 48-60
Grants, High Months I New in 2021
General Fund
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 23 693
ID
4 Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
2,3,4
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Description/Background/
Benefits
plans that outline proactive
strategies that can be
implemented before, during, and
after drought to increase societal
and environmental resiliency and
enhance drought response and
recovery capabilities.

Explore cost/benefit of joining the
NFIP and gain an understanding
of the sanction designation
through further discussions with
Ca DWR and FEMA.

Lead Agency
and Partners
Public Works,
Development
Services
■ .
.

Staff time
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Priority Timeline
Low 2022
Status/Implementation
Notes
New in 2021
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictiona l Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 24 694
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the city will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the LPT representatives from Gustine 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.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced 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 City Manager will be responsible for representing the city in the County LPT, 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.

Merced County Mult1-Jurisd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 25 695
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
1 CITY OF LIVINGSTON

1. 1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was updated during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This Jurisdictional Annex builds upon the previous version of Livingston Annex as part of the 2014 Merced County MJHMP. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the last update.

The City's Local Planning Team (LPT) held the responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process followed and how the jurisdictions, service districts and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Livingston in Merced County is situated approximately 14 miles northwest of the City of Merced, the county seat. Livingston is one of the smaller cities in the County of Merced and is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, 70 miles northwest of Fresno. Livingston is located in the center of California, about two hours from the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and Yosemite National Park. Monterey and San Jose are accessible in one and a half hours and within one hour of San Joaquin's Valley's major cities of Stockton and Fresno. The City is located in the western portion of the County with Highway 99 running through the city limits. According to the United States Census Bureau, Livingston is a total area of 3.7 square miles and has an elevation of 131 feet above sea level. Much of this area is farmland that has been annexed either pre-emptively, or in anticipation of future growth. The actual City of Livingston is much smaller.

The climate in the City of Livingston cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season as does much of Merced County. Livingston lies in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Like the rest of the valley, it has long, dry summers and depends on irrigation water. The winters are mild, alternating between fog, rain, and sun, with occasional frost. This makes for long growing seasons, with a low risk of mold, storms, drought or other bad weather interfering with crops.

The following climate information is from the Southwest Climate and Environmental Information Collaborative (SCENIC) and the climate data station located in Los Banos, which is the closest station to Livingston. The annual average precipitation for the City of Livingston is 8.8 inches with the most precipitation, on average, occurring in January. The warmest month of the year on average is July, with an average high temperature of 96°F. The highest recorded temperature was 114°F in June 1950. On average, the coolest month of the year is December. The lowest recorded temperature was 14°F in December 1990. On average, there are 95 days per year where the maximum temperature exceeds 90°F and 24 days per year where the minimum temperature falls below 32°F.

1.1.3 City History
The town was originally named after Dr. David Livingstone, a British explorer of Africa who was an international celebrity in the late 1800's. The first acknowledged settler of Livingston in 1862 was David Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 1 696
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Baldwin Chedester, a wagon master of a wagon train from Iowa. He supplied food and produce to the railroad gangs building the railroad. Edward Olds, an ex-member of the railway gang, set up a saloon and clothing store on the banks of the Merced River in November 1871. The only other existing building was a grain warehouse built in 1868 by William Little who owned 2,500 acres of land for grain and grazing.

Development into a town site was stimulated by railway gang workers, gold seekers, and farmers. Before there was a town, there was only the railway station of Cressey named after the pioneer family who owned 7,500 acres. The City of Livingston was incorporated on September 11, 1922 under the laws of the State of California.

Although the town's original streets were laid out when the railroad arrived in the 1870's, real growth in the town began when irrigation water became available in the early 1900's. Like its neighbors Turlock, Hilmar, and Atwater, much of the settlement was accomplished through the colony system. Land speculators bought large tracts of land and then subdivided them and sold the subdivisions to farmers on credit. In 1872, the town lost the election as the new county seat to Merced by 200 votes. In 1873, in a petition for a new post office, the final letter "E" was inadvertently deleted, and the town officially became Livingston. Livingston experienced a period of slow growth until land speculators and promoters such as the Hunter Land Company and land hungry families from as far away as Iowa began to admire the area.

By 1909, because water was on the land through the process of irrigation, Livingston was able to achieve a period of steady growth. Livingston was incorporated in 1922 with Charles Daman as its first mayor.

1.1.4 Economy
The top industries in the City are related to manufacturing, educational services and health care and social assistance, and agriculture. Livingston's economy is intertwined with the economy of Merced County.

Merced County is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the State with over $3 billion worth of agricultural products generated in 2019. Agriculture will continue to be economically important to Livingston as well. The main agricultural products produced in the Livingston area include:
• Chickens and Turkeys - The Foster Farms poultry company headquarters and main processing plant are located in Livingston. The chicken ranches import most of their feed from other parts of the United States. The tallest building in the area is the Foster Farms grain elevator located in Delhi, right outside the Livingston City limits
• Dairy - Merced County is the second largest dairy producer in California, right behind Tulare County.

The Joseph Gallo Dairy, just outside Livingston, has the single largest dairy herd in the United States.

Neighboring towns (especially Hilmar) have many more dairy cattle. According to statistics from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Merced County had 305 operating dairies in 2006, down from the 327 dairies in 2005 and 335 dairies in 2000. While the number of diaries has gone down, the number of milk cows increased by 4,000 during that 12-month period. Dairy farmers and industry experts say recent increases in feed costs, tightened environmental regulations and growing pressure to sell land for development are among the factors that could be pushing some dairies to close.
• Grapes - Joseph Gallo, Ernest and Julio Gallo, the Arkelian family, and many family farmers grow grapes for wine, the table and raisin-making. Ernest and Julio Gallo have a major grape pressing operation near Livingston.
• Sweet Potatoes - Ninety percent of the sweet potatoes grown west of the Rockies are grown and packed in Livingston, Delhi and Atwater. The sweet potatoes benefit from the sandy soil in the area. • Other Crops - Other crops grown in the Livingston area include barley, wheat, corn, soybeans, onions, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, melons, peaches and alfalfa. Most of the peach orchards have been replaced by almonds. The alfalfa, soybeans and corn are grown to support the dairies.

Merced County Mult1-Jurisd1ctional Hazard M,t,gat,on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 2 697
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Table 1-1 and Table 1-2 show how the City of Livingston's labor force breaks down by occupation and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 5-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-1 City of Livingston Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates Occupation # Employed
Manaqement, business, science, and arts occupations 1,205 Service occuoations 982
Sales and office occupations 1,413
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occuoations 1,149 Production, transportation, and material movinq occupations 1,803 Total 6,552
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces
% Employed

18.4%

15.0%

21.6%

17.5%

27.5%
100%
Table 1-2 City of Livingston Employment by Industry Sector, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates Industry # Employed % Employed
Manufacturina 1,369
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 1,244 Aariculture, forestrv, fishina and huntina, and minina 777 Transportation and warehousinq, and utilities 561
Retail trade 559
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste 473 manaqement services
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services 470 Construction 345
Wholesale trade 310
Other services, except public administration 191
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasino 157 Public administration 96
Information 0
Total 6,552
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Livingston are shown in Table 1-3.

Table 1-3 City of Livingston Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates Characteristic % Employed
Families below Povertv Level (%) 15.4%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 16.4%
Median Familv Income $58,268
Median Household Income $54,886
Per Capita Income $18,238
Population in Labor Force 7,068
Population Emoloved* 6,552
Unemployment Rate 4.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

20.9%

19.0%

11.9%

8.6%

8.5%

7.2%

5.3%

4.7%

2.9%

2.4%

1.5%

0.0%
100%
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 3 698
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston

1.1.5 Population
The total estimated City population in 2019 was 14,228 up 35.9% from 10,473 people counted during the previous census in 2010. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Livingston are summarized in the tables below based on the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates, 2015-2019.

Table 1-4 City of Livingston Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Vear Estimates
Characteristic
Gender/A0e
Male 6,772
Female 7,456
Median aqe (years) 29.9
Under 5 years 1,132
Under 18 years 4,269
65 vears and over 1,519
Race/Ethnicity
White 3,596
Asian 3,033
Black or African American 17
American Indian/Alaska Native 151
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 10,456
Education.
% Hiah school qraduate or hia her 57.40%
Disability Status
% of Population 5 years and over with a 11.80%
disability
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ Table 1-5 Housing Occupancy and Units
Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housinq Occupancy
Total Housina Units 3,699 100%
Units Occupied 3,607 97.5%
Vacant 92 2.5%
Housinq Units
1-unit detached 3,078 83.2%
1-unit attached 54 1.5%
2 units 107 2.9%
3 or4 units 28 0.8%
5-9 units 172 4.6%
10-19 units 31 0.8%
20 or more units 72 1.9%
Mobile Home 157 4.2%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0.0%
Housina Tenure
Owner Occupied 1,922 53.3%
Renter Occupied 1,685 46.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.a ov/ Merced County Multi-Junsdictronal Hazard Mrtrgatron Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 4 699
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston

1.1.6 Development Trends
Livingston has long been recognized for its friendly small-town atmosphere, which is a valued characteristic that is desirable to maintain. In order to maintain a sustainable community, it must find a way to attract a variety of industries, local and region serving commercial development, and provide housing opportunities that will appeal to all demographic categories ranging from university students and faculty to retirees and young families. In order to achieve these objectives, the General Plan focuses on a number of basic themes that are reflected in goals and policies.

Although agriculture will continue to play a major role in the community, Livingston is a community in transition and transformation, driven by new commercial and residential developments. Livingston's two major interchanges on Highway 99 will be the major economic development drivers in the future. An additional interchange at Sultana Drive has recently been completed and will eventually be in the City.

Over the last several years, additional businesses have located along the freeway.

The goals of the City of Livingston, as stated in the 2025 General Plan, include the following:
• Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents; • Ensure development that preserves the community character and is in harmony with the City's unique small-town environment;
• Deliver high quality, responsive City services in an efficient and effective manner; • Develop and encourage a culturally diverse community; and, • Promote an economically diversified commercial and industrial economy to ensure the future financial stability of the City.

Livingston began the process of updating their General Plan in March 2020. The General Plan provides the opportunity for additional residents, commercial retail, commercial services, and public services in areas at build-out. There are plans light industrial, manufacturing, and other services that will increase employment opportunities uses as well.

City of Livingston Goals for Future
• Promote the development of a wholesome and attractive City resulting from orderly development and preservation of its natural beauty.
• Provide a wide array of business outreach, innovation and competitiveness support services and resources to new and expanding businesses to stimulate job and investment growth. • Provide a clear, clean and open visual image of the community that reflects the highest standards of design for public and private commercial, residential, institutional and industrial development. • Attract and support globally competitive companies; Livingston will expand employer access to local workforce development resources that develop workers with necessary technical and job-ready skills. • Establish a Business Education Initiative that brings business, government, and education together to form partnerships to ensure future prosperity for students and young people by creating a full range of unique, results oriented programs to address the needs of business and students. • Promote buildings and public infrastructure development that are practical, aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the environment and surrounding landscape. • Provide an atmosphere in which people can live in good health, move safely about the community (even at night) and feel confident that they and their property are protected from criminal harm, flood and other natural hazards and man-made disasters.

In terms of changes in development since the 2014 planning process, the City of Livingston experienced a 11 % increase in total housing units between 2010 and 2019. Of the total housing units 83% are singlefamily homes. This is the greatest increase of total housing units during this time period in Merced Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 5 700
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
County. Additionally, according the 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook, the majority of new housing development over the last eight years (or since approximately 2010) was constructed between 2017 and 2019. Some of these new residential developments are located north and northeast of the City. Overall, the increases in development and population also increases exposure to severe weather-related hazards and pandemics/epidemics, as well as earthquakes. This growth also puts more demands on water resources and can increase vulnerability to drought. 2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
Although the City of Livingston is located in an area where there are few obvious hazards, potential hazards do exist. The main objective of hazard identification is to document potential hazards that must be considered when making decisions on the location, type, and density of development. The official Planning Team for the City of Livingston identified hazards that affect the City and developed hazard profiles based upon the risk assessment, past events, and their potential impacts to the community. The overall hazard significance takes into account the geographic area, probability and magnitude as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the Vulnerability Assessment Section for the significant hazards that have unique impacts on Livingston, where applicable.

Table 2 -1 City of Livingston - Hazard Profiles
Hazard Geographic Area Probability of Magnitude/Se Overall Future verity Significance
Occurrence
Dam Incident Limited Occasional Limited Medium
Drought Extensive Likely Limited Medium
Earthquake Limited Occasional Limited Medium
Flood and Levee Failure Limited Occasional Negligible Medium Severe Weather: Heavy Rain Extensive Highly Likely Critical High Geographic Area Magnitude/Severity (Extent)
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area Catastrophic-More than 50 percent of property severely Significant: 10-50% of planning area damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than 30 days; Extensive: 50-100% of planning area and/or multiple deaths Probability of Future Occurrences Critical-25-50 percent of property severely damaged; Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of occurrence in shutdown of facilities for at least two weeks; and/or next year or happens every year. injuries and/or illnesses result in permanent disability Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of Limited-10-25 percent of property severely damaged; occurrence in next year or has a recurrence shutdown of facilities for more than a week; and/or interval of 10 years or less. injuries/illnesses treatable do not result in permanent Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance of disability
occurrence in the next year or has a recurrence Negligible-Less than 10 percent of property severely interval of 11 to 100 years. damaged, shutdown of facilities and services for less than Unlikely: Less than 1 % chance of occurrence in 24 hours; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable with first aid next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of Significance greater than every 100 years. Low: minimal potential impact Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact
Source: Planning Team
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2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Livingston's vulnerability separate from that of the planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Base Plan.

This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of medium or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.

The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on a combination of the previous LHMP for the City and County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during update process in 2021. 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 5.2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary due to specific hazard risk 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.

Note: The hazard "Significance" reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City's Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Chapter 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

The hazard summaries in Table 2-1 above reflect the hazards that could potentially affect City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses. The priority hazards of Medium or High significance for the City of Livingston are identified below.
• Dam Incidents
• Drought
• Earthquake
• Flood and Levee Failure
• Severe Weather: Heavy Rain
Drought and severe weather hazards are not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Livingston.

2.1.1 Other Hazards
Hazards assigned a significance rating of Low and those which do not differ significantly from the County ranking (e.g., Low vs. High) are not addressed further in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Livingston, those hazards include subsidence, hazardous materials incidents, cyber-attacks, agricultural pests and disease, pandemics, and wildfire.

Additionally, the City's LPT decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

Wildfire is profiled in the vulnerability assessment to address wildfire threat in the City's SOI but was rated a low priority hazard given the City consists of urban areas and because there are few mapped moderate and low wildfire threat zones.

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2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers the City of Livingston's assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

Table 2-2 Property Exposure for the City of Livingston by Property Types Property Type Improved Building Count Improved Estimated Total Value Parcel Count Value Content Value
Aqricultural 8 9 $713,550 $713,550 $1,427,100
Commercial 82 235 $75,954,862 $75,954,862 $151,909,724
Exempt 48 114 $8,331,817 $8,331 ,817 $16,663,634
Industrial 19 33 $103,753,191 $155,629,787 $259,382,978 Mixed Use 3 4 $53,004 $53,004 $106,008
Residential 3,177 3,605 $519,238, 129 $259,619,065 $778,857,194 Vacant Land 7 7 $142,582 $142,582 $285,164
Total 3,344 4,007 $708,187,135 $500,444,666 $1,208,631,801 Source: Wood GIS analysis, Merced County Assessor's Office

2.2.2 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
A critical facility may be 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.

A summary of critical facilities by FEMA Lifeline Category in Livingston is listed in Table 2-7.

Table 2-3 City of Livingston Critical Facilities by FEMA Lifeline Category FEMA Lifeline Number of Facilities
Communications 6
Energy 1
Food, Water, Shelter 3
Hazardous Material 3
Safety and Security 14
Transportation 5
Total 32
Source: HIFLD
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
A more detailed list of select critical facilities identified by the planning team from the 2014 Merced County HMP can be found in Table 2-8 below. This table lists the critical facilities and other community assets identified by the Planning Team as important to protect in the event of a disaster. Within the City of Livingston, the following are considered critical facilities:
• Livingston Fire Department Stations.
• Livingston Police Department building.
• Livingston City Hall.
• Water supply lines and wells.
• Wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and trunk lines. • Major electrical transmission lines and substations.
• Major communication lines and microwave transmission facilities.

Critical facilities also include major roadways which may serve as principal evacuation routes.

Table 2-4 City of Livingston Community Assets
Description of Facility Square Replacement Contents
Footage Value($)* Value($)*
Livingston Fire House 3,016 211,257 43,732
Branch Library 3,044 371,275 71,376
Veteran's Memorial 3,400 220,693 0
City Hall
Livingston Community Center Community Center
Recreation Center
Corp Yard
Public Works
Equipment Barbeque 7,547 3,280
Storage 0 5,658 4,841
City Office Buildings 3 locations 7,750 0 303,452
Parks and Recreation
Source: Livingston Planning Team 2014 Merced County HMP *Note: all dollar values are from the 2014 plan after being adjusted for inflation to 2021 values.

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural, and Natural Resources
There are no locations located in Livingston which are recorded by the National Register of Historic Places, however there could be many locations throughout the City which hold cultural significance for the residents of Livingston. 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. 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.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Dam Incidents
Protection from flood hazards created by dam failures is critical to the safety and wellbeing of Livingston residents. Dam failures can result from a number of natural or man-made causes, such as earthquakes, erosion, improper siting, improper maintenance, rapidly rising flood waters, and structural/design flaws.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
The ability to provide warning for potential victims of flooding from dam failure is influenced by the type of dam constructed, the frequency of inspections for structural integrity, the flood wave arrival time, the ability to notify persons downstream and their need to evacuate. Aside from loss of life, damage to property and displacement of people, hydroelectric facilities on dams that fail would suffer damage. This could have an impact on life support systems in communities outside the immediate hazard areas. A failure of one of the dams operated by the Merced Irrigation District (MID) that generate electricity could affect supply to the CAADC site, within which the Castle Medical Center is located. Should more of the City choose MID as its electricity supplier and distributor, those customers would likewise be affected.

Figure 2-1 depicts potential dam failure inundation areas that would affect Livingston. Failure of the Don Pedro or Mcswain dams would affect the northwestern portions of the City. Potential failure of the New Exchequer dam would result in complete inundation of the City. Representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers have stated that a dam inundation area map is currently not available for Castle Reservoir. Table 2-5 through Table 2-7 summarize Livingston's exposure to dam inundation.

Mercecl County Mul\i•Juriscl1c\1onal Hazard M1t1gation Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 10 705
Figure 2-1 Livingston Dam Inundation
Dam Inundation Layers
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
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Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams (CSOD), Flood Emergency Response Information Exchange (FERIX) A Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update J 2021-2026 Page 11 706
2021 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annex D: City of Livingston
Table 2-5 New Exchequer Dam Inundation
Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count Population Agricultural 8 9
Commercial 79 231
Exempt 48 113
Industrial 19 33
Mixed Use 3 4 16
Residential 3,176 3,604 14,200
Vacant Land 7 7
Total 3,340 4,001 14,216
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor's Office Table 2-6 Don Pedro Dam Inundation
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor's Office Table 2-7 Mcswain Dam Inundation
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor's Office

2.3. 1. 1 Future Development
The results of the SOI and dam analysis are shown in Table 2-8 through Table 2-10.

Table 2-8 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to New Exchequer Inundation Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count Population Agricultural 17 20
Commercial 2 12
Exempt 1 1
Industrial 3 5
Mixed Use 1 1 3
Residential 35 44 146
Total 59 83 149
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor's Office Table 2-9 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to Don Pedro Inundation Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor's Office M erced County Mult1-Junsd1ct,onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 12 707
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Table 2-10 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to Mcswain Inundation Source: California DS

2.3.2 Earthquakes
The City of Livingston's distance to fault zones in the region, including the Ortigalita, Calaveras, San Andreas and Hayward Faults, places it within 'Maximum Expectable Earthquake Intensity Zone Ill' where 'High Severity, Most Probable Damage' could result should an earthquake occur in the region. There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the City; however, the City of Livingston has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989. Major damage occurred in Livingston in 1906, with minor damage recorded throughout the county from other occurrences.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M6.0 has been recorded in the City of Livingston or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County, and the City of Livingston, was 16 miles east north-east of King City at a magnitude of 5.3 on October 20, 2012. Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock.

This quake was preceded by two earthquakes located approximately 100 miles from Merced County, the 1982 New ldria earthquake (M5.4) and the 1983 Coalinga quake (M6.5). There was low level ground shaking and low local magnitude reported.

Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for the City of Livingston, the proximity to the San Andreas Fault and the history of shaking but no surface rupture, the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Livingston is considered as likely. Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.3 Flood and Levee Failure
The primary types of flood events in Merced County that may impact the City of Livingston are riverine and urban. Regardless of the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in the flood area, upstream, or from winter snowmelt.

Most of the Northwest corner of Livingston lies within the 100-year floodplain designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The area in the northern portion of the city limits falls in the 100-year floodplain. The City of Livingston participates in the National Flood Program. Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-3 reflect the flood potential impact areas in and around the City of Livingston based on the 100- year floodplain. The hazard potential for future flooding is likely.

Merced County Multr-Junsdrctronal Hazard Mrtrgatron Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 13 708
Figure 2-2 City of Livingston 100-Vear Floodplain
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Table 2-11 City of Livingston FEMA 1 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by Property Type Improved . . Estimated . Property p I Building Improved C T I V I Estimated I .

T arce C V I ontent ota a ue Popu at1on
ype C ount a ue V I Loss ount a ue
g
Total 1 1 $7,441 $7,441 $14,882 $3,721 0
Source: Merced County Assessor's Office; National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 12/2/2008; FEMA; Wood analysis Based on this analysis, the City of Livingston has 1 improved parcel located within the 100-year floodplain for a total value of over $14,882. No parcels were found to be located in within the 500-year floodplain.

2.3.3. 1 Critical Facilities at Risk
Critical facilities are those community components that are most needed to withstand the impacts of disaster as previously described. There are critical facilities located within the City of Livingston which are also in the floodplain, as shown in Figure 2-4. The impact to the wider community could be great if these facilities are damaged or destroyed during a flood event.

M erced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 16 711
Figure 2-4 Critical Facilities at Risk of 1 % Annual Flood Hazard ...

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston

2.3.3.2 Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses The City of Livingston joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on May 25, 1978. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of July 2021, there were 4 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $665,000 of coverage. All of the policies are single family residential and located in the B, C, and X zone.

There have been no historical claims for flood losses in Livingston. According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed July 23, 2021, the City has no Repetitive Loss properties or Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

2.3.3.3 Future Development
The results of the SOI and flood analysis are shown in Table 2-12.

Table 2-12 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Estimated
Property Improved Building Improved I Estimated Content Total Va ue Population Type Parcel Count Count Value I Loss Va ue
g
Total 1 $103,862 $103,862 $207,724 $51,931
Source: Merced County Assessor's Office; National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 12/2/2008; FEMA; Wood analysis

2.3.4 Wildfire
Weather components, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind, and lightning, also affect the potential for wildfire. High temperatures and low relative humidity dry out the fuels that feed the wildfire creating a situation where fuel will more readily ignite and burn more intensely. Both urban and wildland fires conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) ranks fuel loading as low. Fuels are mainly crops and grasses. In the southwest corner, there are some brush, pine, and grass fuels, which are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5.

There have not been any state or federal disaster declarations in the City of Livingston or Merced County related to wildfire in the past. The LPT noted that although there are many fire starts, the fuels are "flashy" and fires are usually quickly put out. Properties in the City vulnerable to wildfire threat areas are summarized in Table 2-13.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Filan Annex D: City of Livingston
Table 2-5 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
Improved Building Building Building Building Total
Property Estimated
Parcel Count Count Count Count Building Improved Total Value Population Type Value Content Value Count Very High High Moderate Low Count
.. $206,335 $206,335 $412,670
Commercial 8 0 0 1 10 11 $24, 166,802 $24, 166,802 $48,333,604 Exempt 4 0 0 2 2 4 $1,970,108 $1,970,108 $3,940,216
Industrial 6 0 0 1 18 19 $8,724,473 $13,086,710 $21,811,183 Mixed Use 1 0 0 0 1 1 $40,000 $40,000 $so,ooo 1 4
Residential 191 0 0 54 137 191 $56,115,683 $28,057,842 $84, 113,s2s I 753 Vacant 1 0 0 0 1 1 $85,000 $85,000 $170,000
Land
Total 214 0 0 59 171 230 $91,308,401 $67,612,796 $158,921,197 I 756 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update J 2021-2026 Page 19 714
Figure 2- 1 Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Livingston • ·r
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Table 2-14 shows the results of the critical facility analysis by fire threat area.

Table 2-6 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas FEMA Lifeline Count
Low Wildfire Threat
Communications I 2
Total I 2
Source: Merced County, HIFLD, CAL FIRE, FRAP, Wood GIS Analysis Figure 2-6 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Livingston. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M,t,gat,on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 2 1 716
Figure 2-2 City of Livingston Fire Responsibility Areas Hazard Classes
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0 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston

2.3.4. 1 Future Development
The results of the SOI and wildfire analysis are shown Table 2-15 and Table 2-16.

Table 2-7 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Threat Areas Improved Building Building Building Total Estimated
Property Improved Parcel Count Count Count Building Content Total Value Population Type Value Count High Moderate Low Count Value
Ag ricu ltu ra I 4 0 3 3 6 $748,751 $748,751 $1,497,502 Commercial 1 0 0 2 2 $3,485,270 $3,485,270 $6,970,540
Industrial 2 0 0 4 4 $595,669 $893,504 $1,489,173
Residential 3 0 0 3 3 $286,779 $143,390 $430,169
Total 10 0 3 12 15 $5,116,469 $5,270,914 $10,387,383
Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis 3 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 reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Livingston Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazardrelated losses.

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Livingston.

Figure 3-1 City of Livingston -Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool Yes/No Comments
General Plan y 1999 General Plan, Safety Element {geologic/seismic hazards, structural hazards, wildland and urban fire hazards, flooding, dam failure inundation, noise). The City
announced the update the City's General Plan in March
2020. The Livingston 2040 General Plan Update is expected to take two years to develop. The updated plan can
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 23 10 10
718
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Regulatory Tool Yes/No Comments
incorporate the 2021 - 2026 Merced County MJHMP and
City of Livinqston Annex by reference.

Zoning ordinance y Title 5, Zoning Regulations
Subdivision ordinance y Title 6, Subdivision Regulations Growth management ordinance N
Floodplain ordinance y Title 4, Building Regulations, Chapter 5 Floodplain Manaqement
Other special purpose ordinance y Title 9, Public Ways and Property, Chapter 12, Urban (stormwater, steep slope, wildfire) Stormwater Quality Manaqement Building code y Title 4, Building Regulations, Title 7, Fire Regulations and Department of Public Safety
Fire department ISO rating y ISO Rating 4
Erosion or sediment control y Title 4, Building Regulations, Chapter 6, Grading, Erosion program and Sedimentation Control
Title 9, Public Ways and Property, Chapter 12, Urban
Stormwater Quality Manaqement
Stormwater management program y Title 9, Public Ways and Property, Chapter 12, Urban Stormwater Quality Management
Storm Water Management Program (FY 2006-2007) (MS4)
(Water Quality Order No. 2003-0005-DWQ)
Storm Drainage Master Plan (No Date)
Joint program with the Merced Irrigation District (MID); MID owns and operates several canals around the City (e.g., Arena and Livingston Canals) that offer stormwater
drainaqe capabilities for stormwater oriqinatinq in City.

Site plan review requirements y Title 5, Zoning Regulations, Chapter 5.6.7, Site Plan and Desiqn Review
Capital improvements plan y Capital Improvements summarized in the City's 2021-2022 Budget (e.g., police department dispatch upgrade, diesel sweeper, road improvements [Winton Parkway Widening,
Hammatt Road Overpass], Wells 8 & 9)
2007 Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Site Plan
Economic development plan N
Local emergency operations plan N The City follows the County's emergency response procedures and the Merced County 2007 Emergency
Operations Plan.

Other special plans y 2007 Water Distribution System Master Plan 2015 Urban Water Manaqement Plan
Flood insurance study or other y Flood Insurance Study (December 2, 2008) enqineerinq study for streams
Elevation certificates (for floodplain y Title 4, Building Regulations, Chapter 5 Floodplain development) Management, Section 4.5.5.1, Standards of Construction (Elevation and Flood proofing verification is provided by the Floodplain Administrator)
Other
Source: Planning Team; City of Livingston Website
City of Livingston General Plan (1999) - The City of Livingston approved its General Plan revision in December 1999. The City is currently preparing the Livingston 2040 General Plan, which is anticipated to Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 24 719
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
be completed by 2022. This General Plan defines the City's goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The purpose of the Safety Element is to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural or human caused hazards. This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with emergency planning, fire protection, law enforcement, and flooding. The Safety Element is being expanded in the 2040 General Plan to cover additional natural hazards and safety related issues that are more commonly associated with the built environment as affecting the health and safety of residents living within the City. These include geologic and seismic hazards, flooding, wildfire, drought, noise, hazardous materials, and future hazard trends that may occur in the City related to climate change (e.g., extended drought, more high heat days, more frequent wildfires). The City of Livingston Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP.

Also, integration of the 2014 MJHMP was not noted in any of the other City planning mechanisms.

However, the City is currently updating their General Plan and can incorporate the 2021 MJHMP by reference in the Safety Element.

Livingston Fire Department - The City of Livingston Fire Department is managed through a contractual agreement with the County. The agreement consists of staffing for one CALFIRE full time position and 15 volunteer members in the City. The Department consists of one station, owned by the County, and this station serves residential, commercial, and industrial structures.

Disaster Preparation and Response Management and Coordination Ordinance, Title 1, Administration Chapter 20 - 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 council's powers include the development of emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and the ordinances and resolutions as necessary to implement the City's Emergency Plan and any other such plans and agreements.

Fire Regulations and Department of Public Safety, Title 7, Chapter 2 - This chapter establishes a department of public safety for the City. It directs the City's Fire Marshal with the responsibility for enforcement of the building standards adopted by the state fire marshal as published in the California Building Code (CBC) relating to fire and panic safety, such as plan reviews and inspections for buildings in regards to the building permit. It also requires the Fire Marshal to assess conformity with the Health And Safety Code, California Fire Code, National Fire Protection Standards, Title 19 and Title 24 California Code of Regulations and other state regulations within the scope of the California state Fire Marshal's office.

Floodplain Management Ordinance Title 4, Chapter 5 - It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions 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 blighted areas caused by flood damage; • Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and, Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 25 720
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
• Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies City personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Livingston. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 3-1 City of Livingston -Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position
Planner/engineer with knowledge of land y Community Development, Planning Division, development/land manaqement practices
Engineer/professional trained in construction y Community Development, Engineering Division practices related to buildings and/or Public Works Department, Engineering Division infrastructure
Planner/engineer/scientist with an y Community Development, Engineering Division understandinq of natural hazards
Personnel skilled in GIS N
Full time building official y Community Development, Building Division, Buildinq Inspector, Buildinq Technician
Floodplain manager y Community Development, Building Division, Floodplain Administrator
Emergency manager y Police Department, Police Chief is Designated Emerqencv Manaqer
Grant writer N
Other personnel N
GIS Data Resources (Hazard areas, critical N
facilities, land use, buildinq footprints, etc.)
Warning Systems/Services (Reverse 9-11, cable N
override, outdoor warninq siqnals)
Other
Source: City of Livingston Website; Planning Team; OES
Merced County has a full-time GIS coordinator who assists the cities and districts in the county with GIS data needs. Merced County, in conjunction the cities of Merced, Atwater, Los Banos, Livingston, Gustine, Dos Palos, emergency fire, law enforcement, health, and Emergency Medical Service agencies, launched the Emergency Notification System (ENS) - a technical capability service allowing residents throughout the entire county to be alerted of an emergency or an important community alert in their area. The improved Merced County Emergency Notification System (ENS) will allow residents throughout the county alternate ways of being contacted during an emergency, such as cell phones, business phones, home phones, emails, text messages or hearing-impaired receiving devices. More importantly, individuals can choose how they will be notified and in what preference order. When an emergency message is issued about a potential safety hazard or concern, messages will be sent to all standard voice and text communication devices registered in the system, including home phones, cell phones, e-mail, and more.

Residents and businesses with listed telephone numbers are already included in the system. Those residents having only a cell phone or wanting to be contacted through different methods can provide the information using the registration link at www.co.merced.ca.us/ alert.

The City has a Council/Manager form of government. Under this municipal governmental form, the citizens elect four members of the City Council for four-year overlapping terms and a Mayor (who is also Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 26 721
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
considered a City Council Member) for a two-year term. City Council members choose the mayor pro tempore from among themselves. The City Manager is appointed by the five-member City Council by majority vote and serves at the "pleasure" of the governing body. He/she acts as the City's Chief Executive Officer as well as its Budget and Financial Officer.

Table 3-2 City of Livingston -Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources Accessible/ Has this been used for mitigation in the past? Eligible to Use
Community Development Block Grants Yes No
Capital improvements project funding Yes No
Authority to levy taxes for specific Yes No
purposes
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric Yes No
services, new development
Incur debt through general obligation Yes No
bonds
Incur debt through special tax bonds Yes No
Incur debt through private activities Yes No
Federal Grant Programs (Hazard Yes Yes
Mitigation Grant Proqram)
Source: Planning Team

3.4.1 Planning Commission
The Planning Commission performs the duties described in the present or any future zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations of the City's Municipal Code. This includes any similar ordinance, statute, rule or regulation of the State, County or this City pertaining to the districting, zoning or dividing the city into districts or zones and regulating the construction of improvements, the use, division or minor subdivision of property within the City. The City Council provides the Planning Commission with its directions and assigns tasks. The Planning Commission is charged with the responsibility of studying the needs of the City in which they advise and recommend to the City Council concerning the establishment, modifications and change of zones or districts, and designations of the uses to which property contained therein may be prohibited, restricted, and regulated and other duties as may be delegated by the City Council.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston

3.4.2 Former Livingston Redevelopment Agency
The Former Livingston Redevelopment Agency is a blended component unit of the City of Livingston, although technically it is a separate government unit under California law. It was established in 1985 pursuant to the Community Redevelopment Law of the California Health and Safety Code to eliminate urban blight and administer the City's redevelopment activities and projects. California's Community Redevelopment Law (Chapter 710, Statutes of 1951) was enacted by the California Legislature with the objective of redeveloping those areas found in many communities that have suffered from unsafe, unfit, deteriorated, and economically dislocated properties. Members of the City Council sit on the Livingston Redevelopment Agency Board.

3.4.3 Community Development Department
The Community Development Department oversees all development within the City of Livingston. This includes the overall design of the City as well as specific commercial, residential, and industrial site plans, building designs, community aesthetics, and property maintenance. The Community Development Department is divided into four divisions or departments: Building Division, Engineering, Division, Housing Division, and the Planning Division. They also oversee Planning Commission, which acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council on land use and development issues.

3.5 Other Mitigation Efforts
The City of Livingston Human Resources and Risk Management Division is responsible for all personnel functions of the City. This Division is also responsible for the City's risk management and the City's liability insurance, property insurance, and other insurance programs that relate to natural hazards and property protections.

3.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Livingston has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the City to expand or improve on their policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Livingston will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Livingston adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Base Plan.

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4.2 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The City has been an NFIP participating community since 1978. In addition to the mitigation actions identified here.in the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. Floodplain management is under the purview of the Community Development Department and City Engineer (Floodplain Administrator) within the Engineering Division. This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, including issuing permits for appropriate development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and ensuring that this development mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.

4.3 Progress on 2014 Mitigation Actions
During the 2021 planning process the City of Livingston Planning Team reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2014 plan. Of their eight (8) mitigation actions from 2014, six (6) of the actions are continuing, and two (2) actions in-progress demonstrating ongoing progress and building the community's resiliency to hazards. One new action was identified in 2021 .

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Table 4-1 City of Livingston Mitigation Action Plan
Participation in Countywide Public
Multi- Education Program. A natural
Hazard: hazards education and awareness
Dam program in Merced County would
Incident, be a valuable tool for sharing
1,7 Earthquake,
information with residents.

Safety Flood and Implementation ideas include I OES /CEO's I $100,000 I High I Ongoing I Continue Not Started and sharing information online and Office Federal Grants Security Levee conducting workshops. The Failure
Severe county will partner with special
Weather, districts, the cities and other
Wildfire entities to provide awareness and
education on hazards and steps to
mitigate.

Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan into Safety Element of
Multi- General Plan. Recognizing the
Hazard: potential duplication of effort over
Earthquake, evaluation of the same issues, Next
1,2,4,6 Flood and
efforts to update the Health and Community General
2 1
Safety Levee Safety Element will be conducted Development $5,000 General Medium Plan I Continue Not Started and in coordination with the multi- Fund
Security Failure, hazard mitigation plan and to also Agency review Severe ensure AB2140 Compliance. cycle
Weather,
Wildfire Integration and coordination of
both plans provides General Plan
policy direction for development
activitt
Non-structural Earthquake
1,7 Mitigation Outreach. Existing
3 I Safety Earthquake structures can be retrofitted to [ Public Works I $100,000 I Medium I Ongoing I Continue Not Started and better withstand damage from Federal Grants Security seismic events. Outreach will
include educatinQ home and
Merced County Mult1-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 12021-2026 Page 30 725
1,2
4 I Safety
and Earthquake
Security
MultiHazard:
1,2,6 Earthquake,
Flood and I Food, 5 Levee Water, Failure, Shelter Severe Weather,
Wildfire
1,2,7 Flood and I Safety 6 Levee and Failure Securi·
business owners about structural
and non-structural retrofit
techniques and how to seismically
strengthen their homes and
businesses. Specific techniques
include secure furnishings, storage
cabinets and utilities to prevent
injuries and damages, such as
anchoring, installing lathes, using
flexible connections on gas and
water lines, and bracing propane
tanks and water heaters.

Countywide Inventory for
Unreinforced Masonry Buildings -
Use GIS a to map and track URMs
Countywide. An accurate Public Works inventory of URM Buildings with appropriate tracking will lessen
time during the recovery after an
EQ.

Periodically review building codes
for updates and enhancements Building
and ensure necessary capabilities Department
for enforcement.

Flood Insurance Promotion. City
staff will promote benefits of flood I Planning
insurance. Department
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
I I Continue Not Started
$15,000-
20,000 Federal I Medium I 1 year
Grants
1 year Staff time Dept. Medium then I Continue Not Started Budget ongoing I Staff Time Dept. I Hi h
Budget g
I Ongoing I Continue Not Started
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Severe Weather Preparedness
Campaign. This project would add
to and enhance the existing,
1,4,7 campaigns that share information
1 Safety Severe on Severe Weather Hazards: Fog, Livingston I $100,000 I H' h 7 Freeze, Location of Warming Fire I Ongoing I Continue In-Progress and Weather Centers, Heat Related Illness, All Department Federal Grants 19 Security Hazards Preparedness
information, etc.; The county will
work with special districts, the
cities and other entities.

Promote Water Conservation
Program. Drought is a serious
issue that is faced in California.
1,2,4,5,7 Water awareness of all citizens
8 I Food, Drought
within the City and the County is I Public Works I $100,000 I High I Ongoing I Continue In-Progress Water, critical to the future of our water Federal Grants Shelter supply. Reminders, education and
awareness will help keep the
conservation importance in the
forefront.

Upgrade of storm sewer lift
1,2,3 Flood and station/SCADA. Upgrade motors, $250,000, 9 I Food, Levee pumps, electrical panel and have Public Works Federal Grant I High 16 months I New in 2021 Water, Failure SCADA system connected to FEMA HMA -1 year Shelter mitigate potential for urban Grant
stormwater floodinQ.

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5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the City will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

5.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
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 Engineering Division may utilize the hazard information when implementing the City's Community Investment Program and the Planning and Building Divisions 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 Livingston 2040 General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill (AB) 2140.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the HMPT representatives from the City 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 HMPT plan review meeting.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced 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 Public Works Department lead will be responsible for representing the city in the County HMPT, 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.

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1 CITY OF Los BANOS

1.1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was updated during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This Jurisdictional Annex builds upon the previous version of Los Banos Annex as part of the 2014 MJHMP. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the last update.

The City's Local Planning Team (LPD held the responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process follow and how the jurisdictions, service districts and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Los Banos in Merced County is situated 12 miles southwest of the City of Merced, the county seat. Los Banos is one of the larger cities in the County of Merced and is in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, 70 miles northwest of Fresno. Los Banos is in the center of California, about two hours from the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park. Monterey and San Jose are accessible in one and a half hours and within one hour of San Joaquin's Valley's major cities of Stockton and Fresno. The City is located in the western portion of the County west of Highway 165 and just north of Highway 152. Some have called Los Banos "The Crossroads" because State Highways 33, 152, and 165 pass through the City; Interstate 5 skirts its western boundaries and it's an easy 30 minute drive to Highway 99. According to the United States Census Bureau, Los Banos has a total area of 10.12 square miles - 98.78% of it is land and 1.22% is water with an elevation of 118 feet above sea level.

The climate in the City of Los Banos is characterized by summers which are hot and dry and cool, wet winters, with most of the year's rain falling from late December through March.

The annual average precipitation for the City of Los Banos is 9.1 inches with the most precipitation, on average, occurring in January. The warmest month of the year on average is July. The highest recorded temperature was 112°F in 2006. On average, the coolest month of the year is January. The lowest recorded temperature was 13°F in 2007.

1.1.3 History
The name "Los Banos" came from a Franciscan monk's missionary trips to the valley from Mission San Juan Bautista back in the early 1800's. On the route from San Juan Bautista, Padre Felipe Arroyo de la Cuesta discovered pools of water in the rocks at the summit of the mountains in a little creek bed that flowed down into the San Joaquin Valley. At these baths or pools he camped overnight with his band of friendly Indians from the Mission. Reports of these baths led to the local ranchers naming the creek "El Arroyo de Los Banos del Padre Arroyo." The name of those spring baths became "Los Banos Crick." In 1873 a pioneer to the area named Gus Kreyenhagen ran a trading post near Los Banos Creek. The Post Office Department decided to establish a Post Office at the trading post and named it after the creek, hence the name "Los Banos." Henry Miller arrived in San Francisco in 1850 with $6.00 in his pocket. After working as a butcher, he became aware of the need for a better grade of cattle than that which was available at that time in California. He came to the San Joaquin Valley and began his land acquisitions and Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct,onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update j 2021-2026 Page 1 729
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cattle empire. He acquired land on both sides of the San Joaquin River ultimately owning that land for a distance of 120 miles. In 1871 he formed the San Joaquin and Kings River Canal and Irrigation Company.

He is credited with being the first to introduce the crops of cotton, rice and alfalfa to the valley.

Agriculture remains the number one industry in and around Los Banos and this is due mainly to the early success of Henry Miller. He owned over 3,000,000 acres of land, stretching through Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and California. In Los Banos, Miller brought the railroad to town, constructed a bank, company store and many other building improvements. In addition, he planned and developed housing areas for local citizens and enhanced the quality of life in many ways. Miller created the May Day celebration, which still is observed in Los Banos, as a way of thanking his employees for their hard work and dedication. By the age of 89, when Henry Miller died in 1916, he had given millions of dollars to numerous worthy causes. Today the City of Los Banos is proud to honor his vision and legacy.

1.1.4 Economy
The City of Los Banos' vision is to be a family-oriented community that maintains its small-town atmosphere while accommodating growth. Traditionally, the City of Los Banos has attracted agriculturalbased industries and has relied on these types of industries for employment.

Through a collaborative effort of the County of Merced, cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced, and Merced County, the Merced County Economic Development Team, prepared a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) adopted in May 2014. The Merced County Economic Development Team developed a strategic plan which engaged the county, cities, and other organizations in Merced County in developing an economic development strategic action plan with priority activities and projects. The adopted CEDS met the requirements of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) requirements and aligned with the goals and objectives adopted in the City of Los Banos General Plan.

Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Los Banos are shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 City of Los Banos Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Los Banos
Families below Poverty Level {%) 15.3%
All People below Poverty Level {%) 18.0%
Median Family Income $70,204
Median Household Income $62,874
Per Capita Income $22,880
Population in Labor Force 62.7%
Population Employed* 54.3%
Unemployment** 13.3%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces ... Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic The most common industries within a five-mile radius of Los Banos are educational services and health care with a combined average of 15.7 percent of workers, closely followed by retail trade with 15.5% of workers. Many other industries include construction, arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services, and manufacturing. The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 1-2 City of Los Banos Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 2,290 Retail trade 2,271
Construction 2,003
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food 1,569 services
Manufacturing 1,509
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and 1,174 waste management services
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 1,104 Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 937
Other services, except public administration 591
Public administration 533
Wholesale trade 302
Information 199
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 139 Total 14,621
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces
Table 1-3 City of Los Banos Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed
Sales and office occupations 3,349
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 3,118 Service occupations 2,855
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 2,756 Management, business, science, and arts occupations 2,543 Total 14,621
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

1.1.5 Population
Annex E: City of Los Banos
% Employed

15.70%

15.50%

13.70%

10.70%

10.30%

8.00%

7.60%

6.40%

4.00%

3.60%

2.10%

1.40%

1.00%
100%
% Employed

22.90%

21.30%

19.50%

18.80%

17.40%
100%
In May 2020, the State Department of Finance released preliminary population data for the state demographic report, the estimates did not include potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report the City of Los Banos has a population of 41 ,923 persons as of January 1, 2020 and gained 636 residents from the previous year. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Los Banos from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Los Banos Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Los Banos
Gender/Age
Male 50.0%
Female 50.0%
Median age (years) 30.1
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Characteristic City of Los Banos
Under 5 years 8.9%
Under 18 years 34.6%
65 years and over 9.5%
Race/Ethnicity
White 20.2%
Asian 2.7%
Black or African American 2.4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.4%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 71 .7%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.8%
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 1.7%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 69.7%
% with Bachelor's Degree or Higher 10.5%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 11.1%
% Language other than English spoken at

55.6%
home
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 32.0%
% of households with a computer with

79.4%
internet use
% of households with no vehicle available 5.4%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community SuNey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ • Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Los Banos.

Table 1-5 City of Los Banos Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 11,293 100%
Units Occupied 10,777 95.4%
Vacant 516 4.6%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 9638 85.3%
1-unit attached 306 2.7%
2 units 141 1.2%
3 or 4 units 372 3.3%
5-9 units 275 2.4%
10-19 units 109 1.0%
20 or more units 139 1.2%
Mobile Home 278 2.5%
Boat, RV, van etc. 35 0.3%
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 6121 56.8%
Renter Occupied 4656 43.2%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
Los Banos has long been recognized for its friendly small-town atmosphere, which is a valued characteristic that is desirable to maintain. The 2030 General Plan defines one overarching vision for the city: to be a vibrant, safe, and attractive city with community character and an improved economy, new job opportunities, affordable housing, improved public services and facilities, an excellent circulation system, and a superb quality of life. In order to achieve this objective, the General Plan focuses on a number of basic themes that each contain goals and policies to help achieve the vision. The themes as stated in the General Plan, include the following:
• Economic Development
• Land Use
• Circulation
• Parks, Open Space, and Resources
• Noise
• Safety
• Public Facilities and Utilities
Following the adoption of the General Plan, a population projection was prepared by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG). MCAG projections cover the entire 30-year period from 2010 to 2040. The projections for Los Banos were augmented by growth rates used in the Environmental Impact Report for the University of California Site Selection, to account for the anticipated population increase generated by UC Merced, located at Lake Yosemite north of Merced. Based on MCAG's projections, the City of Los Banos is expected to grow from its 1998 Department of Finance (DOF) estimated population of 21,992 to a population of 59,900 in 2040.

The following table summarizes the land uses at build-out of the General Plan. The General Plan provides the opportunity for up to 17,000 additional residents in areas at build-out. There are plans for new jobs in commercial retail, commercial services, light industrial, manufacturing, public services, and other employment uses as well.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Figure 1-1 Development Under the General Plan (Acres)
Land Use Total Buildout Percent ofTotal
Residential 4.270 12
low OensityResidentia1 3,670 11
Medium Density Residential 590 2
High Density Residential. 10 d
MbcedUse 180 1
Mixed Use 10 d
Neighborhood Commercial 170 ~,
Commercial/Office Profess,ional 2,610 7
Commercial 760 .2
Office Professional 520
Employment Park 810 2
Industrial 510
Others 10,370 30
Agriculture/Rural 7,820 22
Parks, Trails & Open Space 1,3-.20 4
Civic/Institutional 490 1
SR-152 B~i?_ass 750 2
Tota.I 34,870 lOO.O
Build-out estimates are not official growth projections and do not represent City policy. Actual population, square footage, or number of dwelling units could be lower or higher than these estimates based on a number of factors. Buildout may vary overall or within individual land use designations due to:
• The need to preserve the agricultural base, grazing lands, and other types of open space; • Infrastructure availability, including transportation facilities, public services, and facilities; • The need to limit development due to flood risk, fire risk, geologic and soils constraints, presence of habitat and biological resources, and presence of other important natural resources; and • Other factors, as described in the General Plan, community plans, specific plans, and City codes and ordinances.

The City has also developed estimates of average density and intensity to use in calculating 2030 General Plan buildout land use. The City has based buildout estimates on past recorded development activity, recent development plan submittals, regional and statewide population and employment growth forecasts, and other factors. These estimates help the city in anticipating, guiding, and absorbing the Merced County Mult1-Junsdict1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 6 734
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
pressures of future growth in the coming decades. The city is currently in the process of an update to the General Plan looking out to 2040, with a target of plan adoption in 2021.

In terms of development since the 2014 MJHMP, the City experienced a slight decrease (-1%) in total housing units. As noted in Table 1-5 above, 85% of the total housing units in City are single family homes.

The overall risk to hazards has not increased or changed since the 2014 plan. 2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Los Banos Planning Team identified the hazards that affect the city and summarized their frequency of occurrence, spatial extent, potential magnitude, and overall significance specific to their community (see Table 2-1 ). There are no hazards that are unique to Los Banos. The overall hazard significance takes into account the geographic area, probability and magnitude as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the Vulnerability Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Los Banos -Hazard Profiles
Probability of Magnitude/ Overall Hazard Geographic Area Future Severity Significance Occurrence Drought Extensive Likely Limited Medium
Earthquake Significant Likely Significant Medium
Flood and Levee Failure Limited Likely Limited Medium
Severe Weather Limited Highly Likely Limited Medium
Wildfire Significant Highly Likely Negligible Medium
Geographic Area Magnitude/Severity (Extent)
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area Catastrophic-More than 50 percent of property severely Significant: 10-50% of planning area damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than 30 days; Extensive: 50-100% of planning area and/or multiple deaths Critical-25-50 percent of property severely damaged;
Probability of Future Occurrences shutdown of facilities for at least two weeks; and/or Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of occurrence in injuries and/or illnesses result in permanent disability next year or happens every year. Limited-10-25 percent of property severely damaged; Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of shutdown of facilities for more than a week; and/or occurrence in next year or has a recurrence injuries/illnesses treatable do not result in permanent interval of 10 years or less. disability
Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance of Negligible-Less than 10 percent of property severely occurrence in the next year or has a recurrence damaged, shutdown of facilities and services for less than interval of 11 to 100 years. 24 hours; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable with first aid Unlikely: Less than 1 % chance of occurrence in
next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of Significance greater than every 100 years. Low: minimal potential impact Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Los Banos' 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 in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of medium or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on a combination of the previous LHMP for the City and County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during the update process in 2021. 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.

Note: The hazard "Significance" reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City of Los Banos Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

The hazard summaries in Table 2-1 above reflect significant hazards that could potentially affect City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses, but only hazards are profiled where there was specific data available. Those hazards of Medium or High significance for the City of Los Banos are identified below. • Drought
• Earthquake
• Flood and Levee Failure
• Severe Weather
• Wildfire
Drought and severe weather hazards are not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Los Banos.

Other Hazards
Hazards assigned a significance rating of Low and those which do not differ significantly from the County ranking (e.g., Low vs. High) are not addressed further in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Los Banos, those hazards include: dam incidents,subsidence, hazardous materials incidents, cyber-attacks, agricultural pests and disease, and pandemics. Drought and severe weather are hazards of medium significance in the City, but the specific vulnerabilities for the City of Los Banos do not differ significantly from the County, and as noted above it is therefore not addressed further in this annex.

Additionally, the City's committee members decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Los Banos' assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos

2.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Merced County 2020 Parcel and Assessor data. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the city as the information has some limitations. The most significant limitation is created by Proposition 13. Instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs. As a result, overall value information is likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties. 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 2-2 shows the exposure of properties (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City of Los Banos.

Table 2-2 City of Los Banos Property Exposure by Type
Parcel
Property Type Count Improved Value Content Value Total Value Agricultural 6 $519,029 $519,029 $1,038,058
Commercial 441 $287,223,390 $287,223,390 $574,446,780
Exempt 189 $15,571,378 $15,571,378 $31,142,756
Industrial 23 $29,327,893 $43,991,840 $73,319,733
Mixed Use 9 $175,156 $175,156 $350,312
Residential 11,554 $2,158,859,942 $1,079,429,971 $3,238,289,913 Vacant Land 31 $530,525 $530,525 $1,061,050
Total 12,253 $2,492,207,313 $1,427.441,289 $3,919,648,602 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

Critical facilities also include major roadways which may serve as principal evacuation routes. The table that follows lists the critical facilities and other community assets identified by the county's Planning Team as important to protect in the event of a disaster.

Table 2-3 City of Los Banos-Critical Facilities and Community Assets Square . . . . Replacement Contents
Description of Facility Footage V 1 ($) 1 $
(sq. ft.) a ue Va ue ( )
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Square Replacement Contents Description of Facility Footage Value($) Value($) (sq. ft.) Los Banos Police Department Police Station, Police Annex - 12,849 1,826,731 1,454,537 Station, Activities Leaaue
Fire Department Fire Station #1 and #2, Storage 15,343 1,932,729 425,849 Buildinq
Miller & Lux Buildina Office Buildino 7,726 2,172,403 27,744 Airport - 1000 Airport Rd. Office & Lounge (Port. Ofc), 23,783 1,237,971 42,617 Hangar Bldg & Hangars #2, #3,
and #4, Animal Shelter (Port.

Ofc), Kennel, Pilot Lounqe
Child Development Center 10,000 1,744,209 10,624
Los Banos Community Center Community Center 2,300 12,006,050 261,531 Recreation Center 3,000 215,514
Scrioos Colleqe 2,790 323,687 5,051
Corp Yard Garage, Office Building, Vehicle 8,172 199,070 147,710 Storaoe
Public Works Garaqe, Water Tanks (2) 15,420 2,426,281 825,593 Pump Stations (1 ,2,4-9), Pump 11,403 1,943,014 0
Building (Sewer Plant-Loe 21),
Booster Pump
Wastewater Treatment, Storage 2,400 28,188,043 112,381
(2)
Equipment Light Poles, Light Poles with 0 2,506,173 0
Cameras, Communication
Tower, Access Gates,
Contractor's Equipment, H.

Miller Bronze Statue
Single Family Homes (3) 3781 298,795 0
City Office Buildinqs 3 Locations 2810 261,628 2,763
Parks and Recreation Baseball Field Lights/Towers, 3580 357,900 16,147 Restroom, Announcer Booth,
Concession Stand, Maintenance
Shed
Private Parkinq Garaqe 16,807
Lab 70 8,713 12,506
Source: Los Banos Planning Team

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
The following historical resources are located in the City of Los Banos:
• Bank of Los Banos Building - National Register (listed 8/24/1979) • Church of St. Joseph - National Register (listed 7/8/2004) • San Luis Gonzaga Archeological District - National Register (listed 5/7/1973) 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. 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. Nearby to the City are the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge and Grassland Wildlife Management Area are located to the east. The Wildlife Refuge encompasses 26,800 acres of wetlands, Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 10 738
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
riparian forests, natives grasslands and vernal pools. The Grassland Wildlife Management areas supports seasonally flooded marshlands, semi-permanent marshes and native grasslands. Both the Refuge and Wildlife Management Areas are located in flood hazard areas and benefits the surrounding area by absorbing floodwaters and recharging aquifers.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Earthquake
The City of Los Banos' distance to fault zones in the region, including the Ortigalita, Calaveras, San Andreas and Hayward Faults, places it within 'Maximum Expectable Earthquake Intensity Zone Ill' where 'High Severity, Most Probable Damage' could result should an earthquake occur in the region. There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the City; however, the Los Banos area has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989. Major damage occurred in Los Banos in 1906, with minor damage recorded throughout the county from other occurrences.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M6.0 have been recorded in the City of Los Banos or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County, and the City of Los Banos, was 16 miles east north-east of King City with a magnitude of

5.3 on October 20, 2012. Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock.

Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for the City of Los Banos, the proximity to the San Andreas Fault and the history of shaking but no surface rupture, the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Los Banos is considered as likely. Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking, or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.2 Flood and Levee Failure
The primary types of flood events in Merced County that may impact the City of Los Banos are riverine and urban. Regardless of the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in the flood area, upstream, or from winter snowmelt. Failed dams can create floods that are catastrophic to life and property as a result of the tremendous energy of the released water.

Most of Los Banos lies outside the 100-year floodplain designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Several smaller areas in the southeastern portion of the city limits fall short of being in the 100-year floodplain as well as some small areas to the north of the city limits. The City of Los Banos participates in the National Flood Program; however, the FEMA Flood Insurance Study (Number 06047CV000C) reports 'Merced County includes the Cities of Dos Palos and Los Banos, which do not contain any Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and are non-flood prone.' The following page reflects the flood potential impact areas around the City of Los Banos, with the 100-Year and 200-Year floodplains illustrated in Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 respectively. Available history, data, and surveys by FEMA, indicates the City of Los Banos is not in the floodplain and would rarely have the hazard potential for future flooding.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 2-1

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Annex E: City of Los Banos
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1% Flooded Properties
FEMA Flood Hazards
- 1%Annual c::] Los Banos
D Sphere of Influence
Grasslands Wildlife
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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 12 740
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 2-2 City of Los Banos 200-Vear Flood USACE Comprehensive Study "'•a,., "-4111 ,.. ,u,.

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Properties
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D Sphere of Influence
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Management Area
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Based on the analysis conducted, the City of Los Banos has no improved parcels located within the 100- year floodplain or 200-year floodplain. No parcels were found to be located within the 500-year floodplain.

Critical Facilities at Risk
Critical facilities are those community components that are most needed to withstand the impacts of disaster as previously described. There are no critical facilities located within the City of Los Banos which are also in the floodplain, although there are some within the general vicinity of Los Banos which are exposed to flood hazards as shown in Figure 2-3. The impact to the wider community could be great if these facilities are damaged or destroyed during a flood event.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M 111gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 1~ 742
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 2-3 Critical Facilities at Risk of 1 % Annual Flood Hazard ...

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
The City of Los Banos joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on February 3, 1998. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of July 2021, there were 16 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $5,180,000 of coverage. All of the policies are single family residential and located in the B, C, and X zone.

There has been no historical claims for flood losses in Los Banos. According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed July 23, 2021, the City has no Repetitive Loss properties or Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

2.3.3 Wildfires
Weather components, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind, and lightning, also affect the potential for wildfire. High temperatures and low relative humidity dry out the fuels that feed the wildfire creating a situation where fuel will more readily ignite and burn more intensely. Both urban and wildland fire conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) ranks fuel loading as low. Fuels are mainly crops and grasses. In the southwest corner, there are some brush, pine, and grass fuels, which are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5.

There have not been any state or federal disaster declarations in the City of Los Banos or Merced County related to wildfire in the past. The LPT noted that although there are many fire starts, the fuels are "flashy" and fires are usually quickly put out. Table 2-4 below summarizes the counts, values, and property types of improved parcels exposed to various wildfire hazards, as well as an estimated exposed population.

Figure 2-5 shows the wildfire threat areas in Los Banos.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Table 2-4 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
Improved Building Building Building Building Total
Property Improved Estimated Parcel Count Count Count Count Building Total Value Population Type Value Content Value Count Very High High Moderate Low Count .. $110,505 $110,505 $221,010
Commercial 11 0 0 1 16 17 $28,779,969 $28,779,969 $57,559,938 Exempt 13 0 0 3 10 13 $699,902 $699,902 $1,399,804
Mixed Use 1 0 0 0 1 1 $19,283 $19,283 $38,566 4
Residential 1,138 0 2 193 947 1,142 $298,688,139 $149,344,070 $448,032,209 4,111 Total 1,165 0 2 198 976 1,176 $328,297,798 $178,953,729 $507,251,527 4,115 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 17 745
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Figure 2-4 Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Los Banos
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WOO . Data Source: Merced County, CALFIRE, FRAP
Annex E: City of Los Banos
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A
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Table 2-5 shows the results of the critical facility analysis by fire threat area.

Table 2-5 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas FEMA Lifeline Count
Low Wildfire Threat
Food, Water, Shelter 1
Safety and Security 2
Total 3
Source: Merced County, HIFLD, CAL FIRE, FRAP, Wood GIS Analysis Figure 2-6 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Los Banos. Based on the analysis there is 1 commercial building located with the moderate hazard area, with a total value of $1,478,268. Two critical facilities, one categorized as a Transportation Lifeline and the other a Food, Water, and Shelter Lifeline, are located within the local responsibility moderate fire hazard area. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

Merced County Multi-Junsd,ct,onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 19 747
Figure 2-5 City of Los Banos Fire Responsibility Areas
Map compiled 3/2021;
d intended for planning purposes only.

WOO . Data Source: Merced County, CALFIRE,
/
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Fire Reeponsibility Areas
~z~ Local
Hazard Classes
High
Moderate
Non-Wildland/Non-Urban
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C::] Los Banos
c:J Sphere of Influence
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Future Development
The results of the SOI and wildfire analysis are shown Table 2-6 and Table 2-7.

Table 2-6 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Severity Areas Property Improved Building Estimated
Parcel Improved Value Total Value Population Type Count Content Value Count
SRA Moderate
Residential 3 3 $487,205 $243,603 $730,808 10
Total 3 3 $487,205 $243,603 $730,808 10
Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1 onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 21 749
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Table 2-7 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Threat Areas Agricultural 2 1 0 8 29 37 $4,341,319 $4,341,319 $8,682,638 Commercial 4 0 1 4 5 $306,394 $306,394 $612,788
Exempt 4 0 1 3 4 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 2 0 1 1 2 $1,575,000 $2,362,500 $3,937,500
Residential 34 1 8 37 46 $4,092,501 $2,046,251 $6,138,752 I 153 Vacant Land 1 0 0 1 1 $16,236 $16,236 $32,472
Total 66 1 19 75 95 $10,331,450 $9,072,700 $19.404,150 I 153 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 22 750
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
3 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 reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Los Banos Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Los Banos.

Table 3-1 City of Los Banos - Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool Yes/No Comments
(ordinances, codes, plans)
General Plan Yes Approved July 15, 2009, currently working on update to be completed by 2021
Zoning ordinance Yes Chapter 3 - Municipal Code
Subdivision ordinance Yes Chapter 2 - Municipal Code
Growth management ordinance
Floodplain ordinance Yes Title 9, Section 4 - Municipal Code Other special purpose ordinance Yes Storm Water Pollution Plan (stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
Building code Yes The 2019 California Code of Regulations, Title 24 Part 1 (California Administrative Code)
Fire department ISO rating Yes Rating 3
Erosion or sediment control program Yes Landscape Improvement Standards Stormwater management program Yes MS4 Permit
Site plan review requirements Yes Title 9, Section 4- Municipal Code Capital improvements plan Yes 2022-2026
Economic development plan Yes Economic Development Strategic Plan, December 2012 Merced County Mult1-Jurisd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update f 2021-2026 Page 23 751
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Regulatory Tool
Yes/No Comments
(ordinances, codes, plans)
Local emergency operations plan Yes 2015
Other special plans Yes Storm Water Pollution Plan
Flood insurance study or other N/A
engineering study for streams
Elevation certificates (for floodplain N/A
development)
Other
City of Los Banos General Plan, 2009 - The City of Los Banos approved its General Plan revision in July 2009, with an anticipated horizon year of 2030. This General Plan defines the City's goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The Public Health and Safety Element is now expanded to include community health and community safety related issues that are more commonly associated with the built environment as affecting the health and safety of residents living within the City. As noted above, the city is currently in the process of updating the General Plan through the year 2040.

The City of Los Banos Public Health and Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP. Also, integration of the 2014 MJHMP was not noted in any of the other City planning mechanisms. However, the City can now incorporate the 2021 Merced County MJHMP by reference as part of their General Plan update process.

City of Los Banos Emergency Plan, 2015 - The Emergency Plan addresses the planned response to emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents, human caused events and national security emergencies in or affecting the City of Los Banos. The plan establishes the emergency management organization required to mitigate any significant emergency or disaster affecting the City; identifies the policies, responsibilities, and procedures required to protect the health and safety of communities, public and private property, and the environmental effects of natural, human caused and technological emergencies and disasters; and establishes the operational concepts and policies for disaster response and recovery.

City Fire Management Plan - The City of Los Banos Fire Department is a full-service department providing fire protection, fire suppression, inspections, public education, fire responders for medical aids, and all types of technical rescue operations. The department operates four (4) front line engines, one reserve engine, one OES engine, one ladder truck, two rescue units, water tender, and other service vehicles. The goals of the Los Banos Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Department are:
• To continue to provide cost effective fire protection and emergency services to the citizens of Los Banos;
• To improve operational efficiency and accountability, to continue moving in a positive direction providing the best possible service to the community;
• To continue to foster the Volunteer Fire Department providing training, comradery and pride in their department; and
• To support the goals, objectives and mission of the City of Los Banos.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
The primary mission of the Los Banos Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Department is to protect life and property for the citizens of the City of Los Banos from the effect of fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, exposure to hazardous materials, earthquakes, floods, disasters and dangerous conditions. The life safety and property protection mission is accomplished through a wide range of programs which include fire protection, fire prevention, planning, fire prevention education, fire inspections, code enforcement, fire suppression, and training. The Los Banos Fire Department also provides mutual aid for fire/rescue and EMS services to other local agencies in Merced County, and participates in the statewide Master Mutual Aid plan.

Emergency Services Ordinance, Title 4, Chapter 2 - 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 council's powers include the development of emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and the ordinances and resolutions as necessary to implement the Multi-Hazard Functional Plan and any other such plans and agreements.

California Fire Code - Title 4, Chapter 3 - For the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous materials or explosion, that certain Code known as the 2013 California Fire Code (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), as published by the International Code Council, together with all appendices and subsequent additions and editions thereto, one copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk for public record and inspection, is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in this chapter in full, subject, however, to the amendments, additions, and deletions set forth in this chapter, and said Code shall be known as the Fire Prevention Code of the City of Los Banos. (§ 1, Ord. 1066, eff.

February 1, 2008, as amended by§ 1, Ord. 1099, eff. August 20, 2011, and § 1, Ord. 1117, eff. March 19, 2014)
Floodplain Management Ordinance Chapter 9-Sec.4-9.12 - It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions 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 blighted areas caused by flood damage; • Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and, • Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies city personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Los Banos. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Table 3-2 City of Los Banos - Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Planner/engineer with knowledge of land Yes Planning and Economic development/land management Development Director
practices
Engineer/professional trained in Yes City Building Department construction practices related to Building Official
buildinqs and/or infrastructure
Planner/engineer/scientist with an Yes City Engineer, Public Works understanding of natural hazards
Personnel skilled in GIS Yes Planning and Economic
Director
Full time building official Yes Building Department
Floodplain manager Yes Public Works Department -
Public Works Director
Emergency manager Yes City Administrator; City Fire
Chief
Grant writer Yes Administration
Other personnel Yes Many other agencies and
departments within the City
support personnel
capabilities to carry out
hazard mitigation activities
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use,
building footprints, etc.)
Other
The City of Los Banos operates under a City Council/City Manager form of government. The City Council (4 members) makes laws and sets policies which are enforced and implemented by the City Manager, with the assistance of subordinate officers, department heads, and the City Clerk, City Treasurer and City Attorney. Municipal elections are held every two years in November of even-numbered years with City Council terms overlapping. The Mayor and two Council Members are elected at one election, and the other two Council Members, City Clerk and City Treasurer are elected at the next election. The City of Los Banos provides water, sewer, and storm drainage, as well as police, fire, and general government services.

The City of Los Banos has one school district which serves the students of the City and surrounding area.

The Los Banos Unified School District has eight elementary schools (K-6), five charter schools, three parochial schools, one junior high school, a continuation high school, an adult school, two high school campuses, and a media center. Los Banos has a Community College, and is minutes away from UC Merced.

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2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos

Table 3-3 City of Los Banos - Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources Accessible/ Has This Been Used for
Comments Eligible to Use Mitigation in the Past?
Community Development Yes
Block Grants
Capital improvements project Yes
fundinq
Authority to levy taxes for Yes Must be approved by voters specific purposes
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or Yes Services provided through cities electric services, new districts and levied through
development property assessments adopted
development impact fees for Fire/
Police / water / waste water.

Incur debt through general Yes
obliqation bonds
Incur debt through special tax Yes Requires approval through twobonds thirds voters Incur debt through private Yes Do not have any in place activities
Federal Grant Programs Yes Various Departments
(Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program)

During the 2021 planning process the following outreach efforts were identified:
• Ongoing newsletter
• Fire Prevention School Programs
• Presence and use of social media
Education and outreach efforts, as well as emergency response planning, will need to address the needs of low-income residents and the large Spanish-speaking population. In past emergencies, volunteers have organized spontaneously to help those with mobility issues.

3.4.1 Planning Commission
The Planning Commission performs the duties described in the present or any future zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations of the City's Municipal Code. This includes any similar ordinance, statute, rule or regulation of the State, County or this City pertaining to the districting, zoning or dividing the city into districts or zones and regulating the construction of improvements, the use, division or minor subdivision of property within the City. The City Council provides the Planning Commission with its directions and Merced County Mult1-Jurisd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update j 2021-2026 Page 27 755
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
assigns tasks. The Planning Commission is charged with the responsibility of studying the needs of the City in which they advise and recommend to the City Council concerning the establishment, modifications and change of zones or districts, and designations of the uses to which property contained therein may be prohibited, restricted, and regulated and other duties as may be delegated by the City Council.

3.4.2 The Economic Development Advisory Committee
The Los Banos Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDA() was formed to assist the City of Los Banos in an advisory capacity. Cities throughout the State of California have Economic Development Advisory Commissions that meet monthly and provide ideas and support for economic projects within each jurisdiction's redevelopment area.

3.4.3 Traffic Safety Committee
The City of Los Banos has established a Traffic Safety Committee as outlined in Los Banos Municipal Code Section 4-5.05. It was established in 1992. Members include representatives from the Public Works Department, Community & Economic Development Department, Police Department, Fire Department, and Planning Commission. This Committee has the duty of initiating or reviewing all proposals or requests for establishment, modification, elimination, or removal of all traffic control signs, signals, markings, speed zones, prohibited or restricted parking zones, or other such related matters, which fall under the lawful discretionary control of the City.

3.5 Other Mitigation Efforts
In addition to the project identified in the City's Mitigation Action plan, the City of Los Banos' Fire Department conducts annual fire and life safety inspections for all businesses and SB 1205 occupancies (Apartments, Hotels, Assemblies and Schools). The Los Banos Fire Department also provides mutual aid for fire/rescue and EMS services to other local agencies in Merced County and participates in the statewide Master Mutual Aid plan.

3.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Los Banos has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the city to expand or improve on their policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Los Banos will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. The City is also enhancing their residential inspection program that identifies unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings in the downtown area. These annual inspections help the City identify and mitigate seismic risk associated with this construction method of construction. 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Los Banos adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Basin Plan.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos

4.2 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The city has been an NFIP participating community since 1998. 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 Director of the Public Works Department. This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, including issuing permits for appropriate development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and ensuring that this development mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.

4.3 Progress on 2014 Actions
During the 2021 planning process the City of Los Banos Planning Team reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2014 plan. Of their ten (10) mitigation actions from 2014, eight (8) of the actions are continuing and are implemented annually, demonstrating ongoing progress and building the community's resiliency to disasters. Two (2) actions were deleted that were more county-focused. Seven (7) new actions were added in 2021.

Merced County Mult,-Jurisd,ct,onal Hazard M1tigat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 29 757
Table 4-1 City of Los Banos Mitigation Action Plan
Participate in Countywide Public
Education Program. A natural
Multi- hazards education and awareness
Hazard: program in Merced County would
Earthquake, be a valuable tool for sharing
Flood and information with residents.
1 I 1,2,3 I Levee Implementation ideas include
Failure, sharing information online and
Severe conducting workshops. The county
Weather, will partner with special districts,
Wildfire the cities and other entities to
provide awareness and education
on hazards and stees to mitigate.

Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan into Safety Element of General
Plan. Recognizing the potential
duplication of effort over
evaluation of the same issues,
Multi- efforts to update the Health and
Hazard: Safety Element will be conducted in
Earthquake, coordination with the multi-hazard
Flood and mitigation plan and to also ensure
2 I 1,2,3 I Levee AB2140 Compliance. Integration
Failure, and coordination of both plans
Severe provides General Plan policy
Weather, direction for development activity.

Wildfire Potential loss reductions in the
$1000s as any new development
within the county will be
considered within the context of
the county's Health and Safety
Element.
3 I 1,2,3 I Earthquake
Non-structural Earthquake
I Mitigation Outreach. Existing
I OES/CEO's
Office I $100.000
Community
Development I $5,000
Agency
I Public Works I $100,000
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
I Federal
Grants I High I Annually I Continue - in progress
I General
Fund I Medium I 1 to 3 years I Continue - in progress
I Federal
Grants I Medium I 1 to 3 years I Continue - in progress Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 30 758
4 I 1,3
5 1,3
6 I 1,2,3
structures can be retrofitted to
better withstand damage from
seismic events. Outreach will
include educating home and
business owners about structural
and non-structural retrofit
techniques and how to seismically
strengthen their homes and
businesses. Specific techniques
include secure furnishings, storage
cabinets and utilities to prevent
injuries and damages, such as
anchoring, installing lathes, using
flexible connections on gas and
water lines, and bracing propane
tanks and water heaters.

Participate in countywide Inventory
for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
- Use GIS a to map and track URMs
Earthquake I Countywide. An accurate inventory I Public Works of URM Buildings with appropriate
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,Seve
re Weather,
Wildfire
Severe
Weather
tracking will lessen time during the
recovery after an EQ.

Periodically review building codes
for updates and enhancements and
ensure necessary capabilities for
enforcement.

Participate in Severe Weather
Preparedness Campaign. This
project would add to and enhance
the existing, campaigns that share
information on Severe Weather
Building
Department
Fire
Department
$15,000-
20,000
Staff time
$100,000
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Federal
Grants
Dept.

Budget
Federal
Grants
Medium I 1 year
Medium
High
1 year with
all CBC
updates
Annually
Annex E: City of Los Banos
Continue - in progress
Continue - in progress
Continue - in progress
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Hazards: Fog, Freeze, Location of
Warming Centers, Heat Related
Illness, All Hazards Preparedness
information, etc.; The county will
work with special districts, the cities
and other entities.

Promote Water Conservation
Program. Drought is a serious issue
that is faced in California. Water
awareness of all citizens within the I Public Works I $100.000 I Federal 7 I 1,2,3 I Drought I County is critical to the future of Grants I High I Annually I Continue - in progress our water supply. Reminders,
education and awareness will help
keep the conservation importance
in the forefront.

Implement and Monitor Weed Fire I $15,000 I General 8 I 1, 2 I Wildfire I Abatement Program to Reduce Department Fund I High I Annually I New in 2021 Wildfire Fuels
Flood and Prepare Emergency Plan for Critical Public Works Levee Infrastructure
I $25,000 I General 9 1 3 I Failure, Fund I High I 3 to 5 years I New in 2021 Earthquake,
Wildfire
Earthquake Perform Building-Specific Seismic Building
Vulnerability Assessment of City Department/ I General 10 I 3 I Owned Critical Facilities Public Works/ I $50,000 Fund I High I 3 to 5 years I New in 2021 Economic
Develo ment
Flood Continue to Update Storm Water Public Works I $100,000 I Federal 11 I 2, 3 I System Master Plan to Identify Funds I Medium I 3 to 5 years I New in 2021 Potential Flood Miti ation Pro·ects
Flood, Prepare a Shelter, and Emergency I Fire I $100,000 I Federal 12 I 1 I Earthquake, Provision Plan to Ensure Adequate Department Funds I Medium I 3 to 5 years I New in 2021 Wildfire Space and Supplies
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Severe Prepare Weather Preparedness Fire General 13 I 1 I Weather Program (Extreme Heat and Cold) Department $25,000 Fund I Medium I 1 year I New in 2021 Drought Promote Water Conservation Public Works General 14 I 3 I Program with continued updates to $50,000 Fund I High I 3 to 5 years New in 2021 Urban Water Management Plan
Earthquake Rental Home Inspections to ensure Fire
Flood and fire and life safety. Department/
I $100.000 I General 1s I 1, 2 I Levee Community Fund I High I 3 to 5 years I New in 2021 Failure, Economic
Wildfire Development
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5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the city will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

5.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
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 Engineering Division may utilize the hazard information when implementing the City's Community Investment Program and the Planning and Economic Departments may utilize the hazard information when reviewing a site plan or other type of development applications. The City's Public Works Department would integrate key flood and stormwater projects outlined in the MJHMP in the most recent Capital Improvement Program. The City is also currently undergoing a General Plan update; during this planning process they City's Planning and Economic Development Department will incorporate the 2021 MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill (AB) 2140.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the HMPT representatives from Los Banos 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 HMPT plan review meeting.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced 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 Los Banos Fire Department, Fire Chief will be responsible for representing the city in the County HMPT, 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.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
1 CITY OF MERCED

1.1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was created during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This Jurisdictional Annex builds upon the City of Merced's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), which was prepared as a stand-alone plan in 2015, separate from the 2014 Merced County MJHMP. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the previous plan.

The City's Local Planning Team (LPT) held the responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process follow and how the jurisdictions and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Merced is located in Merced County and in the heart of San Joaquin Valley approximately 100 miles south of Sacramento and 55 miles north of Fresno and Bakersfield. Merced is the county seat and also one of the larger cities in the County of Merced and is known as the "Gateway to Yosemite" because the City has served as a stopping place for visitors on their way to Yosemite National Park, which is approximately two hours away or approximately 80 miles to the east. The City is located in the eastern portion of the County at the intersection of Highway 99 and State Highway 140. According to the United States Census Bureau, Merced has a total area of 25 square miles - almost all of which consists of land with an elevation of 171 feet above sea level. The City is home to the University of California, Merced (UCMerced) with educational opportunities, commercial centers and agribusiness, a revitalized downtown with annual events and a live-stage theater, and a community and diversified industry with a history of food, farming and manufacturing.

The northern part of the City is characterized by rolling terrain and the southern part is relatively flat. The northern, western, and eastern portions of the City contain creeks and canals, including Bear Creek, Black Rascal Creek Fahrens Creek, and Cottonwood Creek. Lake Yosemite and UC-Merced are located approximately two miles to the north and east of downtown. Climate in the City of Merced cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and wet, with most of the year's rain falling from late October through early April.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Figure 1-1 City of Merced Planning Area Map
Map compiled 9/2021; '"OOd intended for planning purposes only. ff' • Data Source: Merced County, USFWS
Source: City of Merced 2012 (Amended 2015)
0 l7
L,
i
i L ____ ..., _______ _
Waterways
C:] Lakes
-- Highways
• Urban Communities [:::J City of Merced
c:J Sphere of Influence
Grasslands Wildlife Management Area
2 Miles N
A
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced

1.1.3 History
The City of Merced's history dates back to the 1870's when the City developed along the banks of Bear Creek and growth was driven by the Central Pacific Railroad. In 1871, Charles H. Huffman was locating town sites along the new railroad, and like other San Joaquin Valley communities, the major railroad transportation corridor helped lay out the City's grid along the alignment of the new railroad line. As a result, the older parts of Merced between Bear Creek and the Central Pacific Railroad line are along a southeast/northwest trending angle (City of Merced 2015).

The City initially grew in 1872 with the sale of lots and within a few months several buildings were constructed with the El Capitan Hotels serving as the primary entry point into the City. The City served as an entry point to the gold mining industry until Yosemite Valley became recognized and Merced became recognized as an important gateway to the national park. Around this same time the Merced County seat of government was relocated from Snelling to Merced and a new county courthouse was developed in the downtown.

The City of Merced's commercial and industrial districts were established by 1875 with hotels, stables, small stores, warehouses, and industrial buildings behind the railroad tracks. Merced also had three distinctive residential districts within a few years, a street light system, and a water system, and in 1889 the City incorporated and by 1890 the City reached a population of 2,009 (City of Merced 2015).

Transportation continued to have a major impact on the City of Merced when the San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley Railroad established a right-of-way through the City. After the turn of the century, growth and development slowed and residential development was limited to large 10 to 20 acre lots with large homes to the east of the City. The Yosemite Valley Railroad was constructed between 1905 and 1907 and located off the end of Main Street in the present day Westgate Shopping Center, which brought new jobs to the City, a demand for goods and services, and a surge of commercial and residential development that took place prior to World War I. Around the 1920's Merced's residential districts expanded to the west near the Yosemite Valley railroad tracks and by the 1930's the population increased to 7,066. The opening of the Yosemite Highway (Highway 140) in 1926, the City further expanded with the increase in vehicle traffic and automotive-related businesses.

Merced continued to grow through the 1940s with the nearby airports and Merced Air Field (Castle Air Force Base). After World War 11, the City expanded again and began developing their first zoning ordinance and redevelopment projects. By 1960, the City grew to 20,000 people and the Merced Junior College was established, the Merced Mall opened, and new single-family residential expanded. Soon after, the City adopted their first general plan in 1968, which foresaw the need for the University of California campus in the Valley. The 1960's also brought the construction of Highway 99, which divided downtown Merced into three distinct subareas: north Merced, central Merced, and south Merced, south of Highway

99. The City's population reached 37,000 by 1980 and an urban growth boundary was established that directed growth to the north and south to avoid prime agricultural lands and areas subject to high flood levels to the City's east and west.

Again, the City grew through the 1980s and 1990s with residential construction and the population reached 55,608 (City of Merced 2015). It was not until the recession in 1990 that slowed the growth of the preceding decade. Around the same time, the City completed growth studies and directed growth to occur primarily north of northeast around Lake Yosemite. In 1995, the Lake Yosemite area was selected as the site for the present day UC-Merced campus and approximately 10 years later the campus opened in 2005. The City grew again after the second economic recession and by 2010 annexed another 3,800 acres of new residential, commercial, and industrial land, opened another hospital, and grew to a population of approximately 80,865.

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The City of Merced had steady economic growth in the following decade following the 2008 Recession, but in the initial years the City's downtown suffered as it lost retail and real estate value. This was a result of both the recession and the closure of the Castle Air Force Base in 1995 (Collins 2020). The City recovered with continuing development and primarily from the expansion of the UC-Merced campus - the fastest growing public research university in the Country. The expansion of the university and the redevelopment in the City was largely accomplished through a public-private redevelopment effort to double the UC-Merced campus by 2020 (known as Merced 2020).

The expansion of the UC-Merced campus resulted in a positive impact on the City, and this is visible with the development of a Downtown Center across from the City Hall that has moved hundreds of jobs into the City. The City has also focused on revitalization of the downtown through key redevelopment projects at historic downtown landmarks: the Tioga Apartments, the Manzier Theatre, and the EL Capitan Hotel (Klein 2018). According to the City, the building industry did not slow down during the ongoing (2020- 2021) pandemic but continued to complete development projects through 2020 and into 2021. There were 1,974,217 square feet of construction added in 2020, and 600,000 square feet more than 2019 (City of Merced 2021). The total number of building permits was 3,727, and in 2020, the City processed the most single-family dwelling permits (723) and multi-family building permits (20) completed in the last decade. There were also 389 multi-family units added last year (City of Merced 2021). This growth has resulted in jobs, additional income, and new housing and businesses in the City.

1.1.4 Economy
The City of Merced's vision is to increase employment opportunities for its citizens, promote a diverse and balanced economy, preserve the City's economic base, support high-quality industrial areas and research and development parks, and provide access to commercial services to create a distinguished downtown.

Merced's growth and increase in industry and retail businesses has added substantial retail and office space, new industrial buildings, new business parks, the UC-Merced campus, and a new hospital. The economic recession impacted the City and around this time, unemployment rates rose and many businesses and industries left the City, and house prices at the end of 2009 fell to 1998 levels. While the economy has traditionally relied on agribusiness and the presence of Castle Air Force Base, over the past twenty years, the economy has diversified with the presence of UC-Merced and new educational and hospital jobs, printing services, warehousing, and packaging industries.

Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Merced are shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 City of Merced Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Merced
Families below Poverty Level (%) 18.5%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 29.3%
Median Family Income $45,232
Median Household Income $45,232
Per Capita Income $20,488
Population in Labor Force 59.6%
Population Employed* 90.1%
Unemployment** 9.7%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015 -2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
*Excludes armed forces. **Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 4 766
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The most common industries within a five-mile radius of Merced are agribusiness, followed by educational services and health care. Other industries include printing, distribution, boat manufacturing, food processing, and packaging materials. Merced is the home of two major grocery distribution centers (i.e., SaveMart and Mclane Pacific), Malibu Boats, Safeway food processing, and various printing companies. The City is also home to various non-manufacturing employers, including the County of Merced, Merced City School District, AT&T Call Center, Merced Union High School District, Merced College, UC-Merced, City of Merced, and numerous large retailers, such as Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, Lowes, Target, Sears, and JC Penney. The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-2 City of Merced Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 8,161 Retail trade 4,103
Manufacturing 2,972
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 4,028 Construction 2,145
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food 5,171 services
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 1,558
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 1,070 Public administration 2,318
Other services, except public administration 839
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and 2,029 waste management services
Wholesale trade 775
Information 355
Total 35,524
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces
Table 1-3 City of Merced Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 7,904 Service occupations 7,690
Sales and office occupations 8,698
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 6,070 Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 5,162 23%
12%
8%

11.3%
6%
15%
4%
3%
7%
2%
6%
2%
1%
100%
22%
22%
25%
17%
14%
Total 35,524 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

1.1.5 Population
In May 2020, the State Department of Finance released preliminary population data for the state demographic report, the estimates did not include potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report the City of Merced has a population of 90,071 persons as of January 1, 2021, and gained Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Pages 767
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2,710 residents from the previous year, leaving the population slightly higher. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Merced from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Merced Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Atwater
Gender/Age
Male 49.5%
Female 50.5%
Median age (years) 30.1
Under 5 years 6.9%
Under 18 years 27.9%
65 years and over 9.1%
Race/Ethnicity
White 23%
Asian 14.4%
Black or African American 5.0%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1.4%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 57.8%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.0%
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 2.6%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 73.6%
% with Bachelor's Degree or Higher 14.6%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 13.8%
% Language other than English spoken at

53.0%
home
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 17.5%
% of households with a computer with

93.2%
internet use
% of households with no vehicle available 6.9%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
* Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Merced.

Table 1-5 City of Merced Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 26,025 100%
Units Occupied 25,005 96.1%
Vacant 1,020 3.9%
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Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Units
1-unit detached 17,384 66.8%
1-unit attached 694 2.7%
2 units 807 3.1%
3 or 4 units 2,617 10.1%
5-9 units 1,876 7.2%
10-19 units 578 2.2%
20 or more units 1,448 5.6%
Mobile Home 621 2.4%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0%
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 11,192 44.8%
Renter Occupied 13,813 55.2%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
Merced has long been recognized for its small-town feeling, surrounded by agricultural and open space land, parks and historic structures, tree-lined streets, and the creek side bikeways. In order to maintain a sustainable community, it must find a way to attract a variety of industries, local and region serving commercial development, and provide housing opportunities that will appeal to all demographic categories ranging from university students and faculty to retirees and young families. In order to achieve these objectives, the General Plan focuses on a number of basic themes that are reflected in goals and policies. Parts of the City of Merced have grown since the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan, which relied on various assumptions and anticipated future conditions within Merced's growth area, also known as the City's Specific Urban Development Plan (SUDP)/Sphere of Influence (SOI). The previous growth considerations focused on the expansion of the vicinity around Lake Yosemite along with a future University community, limiting growth in the unincorporated areas surrounding the City, and setting aside commercial areas to support future employment.

Following the adoption of the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan in 2012, a population projection was prepared by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG). MCAG projections cover the entire 20-year General Plan period. The projections for Merced, among other cities in Merced County were augmented by growth rates used in the Environmental Impact Report for the UC Merced 2020 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) to account for the anticipated population increase generated by UC Merced, located at Lake Yosemite north of Merced. Based on MCAG's projections, the City of Merced was expected to grow to 103,000 by 2030. In comparison, the General Plan took into account the new UCMerced campus and revised MCAG growth projections, which subsequently reduced the population projections for 2030 but added the projections for the City, UC-Merced campus, University Community, and the County to account for additional land that may be useful throughout the life of the plan and to accommodate up to 40 years of potential development. Under this scenario, the City of Merced was expected to grow to 137,400 by 2030 and 152,100 by 2035.

Table 1.6 below summarizes the population projections for the City of Merced, UC-Merced campus and University Community, and combination of the City and the UC-Merced development. It is important to note these projections are based on population forecasts completed in 2010 and may now be an Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct,onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 7 769
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underestimate of potential growth projections for the City of Merced and UC-Merced/University community.

Table 1-6 City of Merced Population Projections, 2010-2035 Vear City of Merced UC Merced/ University Merced+ UC County of Merced Percentage of County Community Merced/Univ. (Merced & UC)
Community
2010 81,50C 1,900 83,40C 260,000
2015 91,500 4,700 96,20C 287,000
2020 107,600 9,400 117,00C 331,000
2025 121,800 15,600 137,40C 372,000
2030 137,40C 22,500 159,900 417,500
2035 152, 10C 31,300 183,400 465,50(
Sources: City of Merced 2012; MCAG 2010
The General Plan plans for new jobs in commercial retail, commercial services, light industrial, manufacturing, public services, and other employment uses. It also plans for growth through buildout estimates or the expansion of the urban limit line (i.e., SUDP/SOI). According to the City's Draft EIR for the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan, approximately 33,463 acres of land will be available in the SUDP/SOI for proposed land uses. This includes 2,414 acres for agriculture, 9,947 acres for single-family residential, 1,027 acres for multi-family residential, 1,052 acres for office uses, 4,099 acres for industrial uses, 747 acres for business park use, 1,965 acres for commercial, 1,107 acres for open space, 1,740 acres for schools, and 1,014 acres for other lands. Build out estimates and designated land uses are not official growth projections and do not represent City policy and actual population, square footage, or number of dwelling units could be lower or higher than these estimates based on a number of factors. Build out may vary overall or within individual land use designations due to:
• The need to preserve the agricultural base, grazing lands, and other types of open space; • Infrastructure availability, including the provision of transportation facilities, public services, and facilities;
• The need to limit development due to flood risk, fire risk, geologic and soils constraints, presence of habitat and biological resources, and presence of other important natural resources; and • Other factors, as described in the General Plan, community plans, specific plans, and City codes and ordinances.

The major goals of the previous general plan update were to expand the SUDP/SOI to accommodate growth and the rural residential centers east of the City and the UC-Merced campus, preserve prime agricultural land around the City, continue the predominantly north-south growth pattern, plan for the area around UC-Merced, and locate higher densities along the transit corridors.

There are numerous recent development projects that have been approved or that are in progress in the City according to the City of Merced Tentative Subdivision Activity List (May 2021), including several road and infrastructure capital improvement projects, such as the R Street Crossings at Fahrens Creek, Mission Avenue Interchange, Parsons Avenue Reconstruction, Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, and the Fahrens Creek Bridge upgrade. The most recent tentative development projects approved include various subdivision activity projects within the City that range from 2 to 520-acre tentative subdivision projects for residential developments (e.g., Crossing at River Oaks, Moraga, Mission Ranch, Stoneridge South, etc.).

These projects are proposed mostly along the north and south end of the City, with the two larger projects, the Crossing and River Oaks and Moraga located to the east of the City (City of Merced 2018).

The projects that were approved and some of those that are now under construction since the 2015 LHMP include 20 to 44 acre subdivisions consisting of 100 to 240 lot developments. The most recent projects Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 8

32.1%

33.5%

35.3o/c

36.9%

38.3%

39.4%
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underway as of 2020 are located along the north end of the City (i.e., Palisades, Mansionette Commercial Development) and the south end of the City (i.e., Mission Ranch Phase 2). The City is also considering one 70-acre annexation project, which involves an off-campus student housing and retail project associated with UC-Merced campus.

Any increases in development and population increases exposure to hazards including severe weatherrelated hazards and pandemics/epidemics, as well as earthquakes. Increases in growth also puts more demands on water resources and can increase vulnerability to drought.

The areas located in the Sphere of Influence (SOI) shown in Figure 1-1 are areas each City plans to grow into and potentially slated for future development. Understanding the potential hazard exposure in these area can help to mitigate the impacts of events before development occurs in those areas. During this plan update process 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: dam, flood and wildfire. Table 1-6 is the summary of the SOI total exposure for the City of Merced.

Table 1-6 Sphere of Influence Total Exposure Summary
Estimated
Property Type Improved Building Improved Content Total Value Parcel Count Count Value
Value
Agricultural 190 256 $20,956,556 $20,956,556 $41,913,112 Commercial 64 97 $16,870,315 $16,870,315 $33,740,630
Exempt 36 50 $18, 162,288 $18, 162,288 $36,324,576
Industrial 32 62 $22,790,175 $34, 185,263 $56,975,438
Mixed Use 10 11 $280,289 $140,145 $420,434
Residential 2,180 2,403 $475,376,520 $237,688,260 $713,064,780 Vacant 16 17 $66,594 $66,594 $133,188
Total 2,528 2,896 $554,502,737 $328,069,420 $882,572, 157 Source: Wood Analysis 2021
2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Merced Planning Team 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 2-1 ). There are no hazards that are unique to Merced. The overall hazard significance takes into account the geographic area, probability and magnitude as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the Vulnerability Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Merced -Hazard Profiles
Probability of Magnitude/ Overall
Hazard Geographic Area Future Severity Significance Occurrence Dam Incidents Extensive Occasional Catastrophic High
Earthquake Extensive Occasional Critical Medium
Flood and Levee Failure Significant Likely Critical High Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 9 771
Severe Weather: Extreme
Temoeratures/Extreme Heat
Wildfire
Geographic Area
Extensive
Limited
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.

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Highly Likely Critical Medium
Highly Likely Negligible Medium
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
The intent of this section is to assess Merced'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 in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of medium or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.

The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on a combination of the previous LHMP for the City and County and jurisdiction-specific information collected during the 2021 update. A LHMP Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during update process in 2021. 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.

Note: The hazard "Significance" reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City of Merced's Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

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• Dam Incidents
• Earthquake
• Flood and Levee Failure
• Severe Weather: Extreme Temperatures/Extreme, Heat
• Wildfire
Severe weather (extreme temperatures/extreme heat) is not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Merced.

Other Hazards
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 in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Merced, those hazards include: drought, hazardous material incidents, severe weather (dense fog, heavy rain, high wind/tornado), subsidence, cyber attacks, agricultural pests and disease, and pandemics. A brief discussion on hazardous material incidents is profiled because this human-caused hazard was addressed in the City's previous LHMP.

Additionally, the City's committee members decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Merced's assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

Table 2-2 City of Merced Property Exposure by Type
Parcel
Improved Value
Content Value
Property Type Estimate Total Value Count
Agricultural 23 $1,112,724 $1,112,724 $2,225,448
Commercial 911 $1,045,871,699 $1,045,871,699 $2,091,743,398 Exempt 632 $48,779,381 $48,779,381 $97,558,762
Industrial 120 $167,440,322 $251,160,483 $418,600,805
Mixed Use 16 $259,279 $259,279 $518,558
Residential 20,611 $3,488,757,480 $1,744,378,740 $5,233, 136,220 Vacant Land 49 $1,410,697 $1,410,697 $2,821,394
Total 22,362 $4,753,631,582 $3,092,973,003 $7,846,604,585 Merrnd County Multi-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update I 2021-2026 Page 11 773
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

2.2.2 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. The 2021 plan update process also involved the development of a web-based mapping application by the County in collaboration with Wood. This project webpage served multiple purposes: a planning process backgrounder for the HMPT and public with public survey links; a GIS map based -interactive storyboard (i.e., Experience Builder Application) to communicate the highlights of the risk assessment. The GIS application included interactive hazard maps; a web-based method for collecting, validating, updating and maintaining critical facilities for the plan; and a platform to make the Plan a "living document" moving forward. The City of Merced helped validate the critical facility GIS data collected to ensure accuracy and to align the data with the seven FEMA Lifelines framework classifications. More information on the webbased mapping application is detailed in Section 3.4.1 of the Base Plan.

Table 2-3 shows a summary of the critical facilities analysis for the City of Merced grouped by FEMA lifeline category. critical facilities and other community assets as important to protect in the event of a disaster. Within the City of Merced the following are considered key critical facilities and community assets:
• City of Merced Records - City Hall/Emergency Operations Center (678 W. 18th Street) • Merced Fire Stations (Stations #51, #53, #54, #55, #81, #85) • Merced Police Department - Central Station (611 West 22nd Street) • Merced Police Department- South Station (470West11 th Street) • City of Merced Public Works Yard (1776 Grogan Avenue
• Merced Wastewater Treatment Facility (1961 Gove Road) • McKee Water Tower (3362 McKee Road)
• Merced Medical Center Repeater
• Mercy Medical Center (3333 Mercy Avenue)
• St. Joseph's Medical Center (3377 G Street)
• Valley Children's Medical Center (1190 Olivewood Drive) • Hylond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (3170 M Street) • NICU Children's Hospital (333 Mercy Avenue)
• Amie Marchini Senior Care (1450 E. 27th Street)
• Senior Community Center (755 W. 15th Street)
• Merced Coroner Facility (455 E 13th Street)
• Merced College (3600 M Street)
• Merced Regional Airport (324 W. 24th Street)
• Merced-Yosemite Regional Airport (20 MacReady Drive)
• Communications Tower
• Covalescent Facility (3170 M Street)
• Hobie House - Community Shelter
• Applegate Zoon (1045 W. 25th Street)
• Water supply lines and wells
• Pumping stations, and trunk lines
• Major electrical transmission lines and substations
• Major communication lines and microwave transmission facilities Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan Update J 2021-2026 Page 12 774
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
• Federal Prison and major railways
Critical infrastructure also include major roadways which may serve as principal evacuation routes. There are also several additional designated shelters in Merced for use in an emergency event including the Salvation Army Merced Corps Community Center, Merced United Way, Valley Crisis Center, recreation centers/parks, high school gyms and school cafeterias.

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
The following historical resources are located in the City of Merced • Bank of Italy, Merced - National Register (listed 10/12/2004) • Buhach Grammar School - National Register (listed 4/7/1983) • Cook Maj. George Beecher House - National Register (listed 9/15/1983) • Kaehler Rector House - National Register (listed 1/4/1982) • Leggett House - National Register (listed 10/25/1979) • Leggett Thomas H. House - National Register (listed 7/8/1982) • Merced County Courthouse - National Register (listed 10/29/1975) • Merced County High School - National Register (listed 5/31/1984) • Merced Theatre - National Register (listed 5/1/2009)
• Tioga Hotel - National Register (listed 10/3/1980)
• U.S. Post Office - National Register (listed 2/10/1983) 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. 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.

The City of Merced manages a well-developed network of parks and recreation facilities. From the incorporation of the City until the 1960's, the City's park system grew at a moderate rate. During the 1970's the City's park system expanded and there were 47 acres of developed park land as compared to 133 acres in 1980 (City of Merced 2004). During the 1980's and early 1990's, park development slowed but the City acquired additional park lands in the late 1990's. By 2004, there were 310 acres of developed park land in the City and today the City owns approximately 330 acres of park and open space facilities (City of Merced 2016). These natural and recreational resources are summarized in the City's 2004 Park and Open Space Master Plan.

The City also contains several important habitats, which could support sensitive plant and animal species.

Several creeks, including Fahrens, Cottonwood, Black Rascal, Bear, and Miles along with the Hartley Slough, provide habitat for native plants and animals (City of Merced 2016). These natural drainage courses have been preserved and protected in the City to create large tracts of open space and many of the City parks are oriented around regional surface water drainage features. The northern portions of the City contain seasonal wetlands and vernal pools in scattered locations, which provide potential habitat for several species of wildlife which are listed as threatened and endangered. The Merced Irrigation District (MID) irrigation canal system has also become an important open space feature in the area as has Lake Yosemite. The Merced National Wildlife Refuge is located outside the city limits to the southwest, and the extensive agricultural fields that surround the City also provide habitat for many wildlife species (City of Merced 2016).

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2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Dam Incidents
Protection from flood hazards created by dam failures is critical to the safety and well- being of Merced residents. Dam incidents can result from various natural or human caused events, such as earthquakes, erosion, improper siting, improper maintenance, rapidly rising flood waters and structural or design flaws.

The ability to provide warning for potential victims of flooding from dam failure is influenced by the type of dam constructed, the frequency of inspections for structural integrity, the flood wave arrival time, the ability to notify persons downstream and their ability to evacuate. Aside from loss of life, damage to property and displacement of people, hydroelectric facilities on dams that fail would suffer damage. This could have an impact on life support systems in communities outside the immediate hazard areas. A failure of one of the dams operated by the Merced Irrigation District (MID) that generate electricity could affect supply to the CAADC site, within which the Castle Medical Center is located. Should more of the City choose MID as its electricity supplier and distributor, those customers would likewise be affected.

A dam vulnerability assessment was completed during the 2021 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. Dam inundation areas from Yosemite dam with the City of Merced are shown in Figure 2-2 and Table 2-3 summarizes the values at risk within the inundation area. The Yosemite dam is rated as high significance. Yosemite dam is also rated as Extremely High by the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams. Extremely High rated dams are expected to cause considerable loss of human life or result in an inundation area with a population of 1,000 or more.

Areas of future development, located within the City's Sphere of Influence are most vulnerable to dam inundation events. One critical facility, categorized as a Transportation Lifeline, is located within a dam inundation area.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Figure 2-2

ATWATER
Atwater
...

City of Merced Potential Dam Inundation Areas
\
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I • l---.. i s , . ' ...... ;
I ,--·.i i
• I
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r !
•MERCED
-~ i I •
UNIVE• RSITY

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:..., i ..• ,.,, ·-·-·•----..---------- 1
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Grassland
NWRComplex
Dams (Hazard Class)
A High
Dam Inundation layers
Lake Yosemite
• Urban Communities
i-··-··1 i._ ___ ..! Merced
[::J Sphere of Influence
Grasslands Wildlife Management Area
Map compiled 312021 ; ~ood intended for planning purposes only. 'n'' • Data Source: Merced County, USFWS,
0 I t
Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams {DSOD), Flood Emergency Response Information Exchange (FERIX)
2 Miles N
A
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Table 2-3 Yosemite Dam Inundation
Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count Population Agricultural 5 5 0
Commercial 24 30 0
Exempt 110 134 0
Industrial 22 38 0
Mixed Use 1 1 3
Residential 4,603 5,839 18,781
Vacant Land 3 3 0
Total 4,768 6,080 18,784
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor's Office Future Development
The results of the SOI and dam analysis are shown in and Table 2-4.

Table 2-4 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to Yosemite Dam Inundation Property Improved Building Population Type Parcel Count Count Agricultural 14 16 0
Commercial 7 8 0
Exempt 2 4 0
Industrial 4 8 0
Residential 100 110 365
Vacant 1 1 0
Total 128 147 365
Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis

2.3.2 Earthquake
The City of Merced and surrounding areas historical earthquake activity is below California's state average.

No known faults are located in the Merced area. The nearest known fault is the Kings Canyon Lineament, approximately 5 miles south of Atwater, however geological evidence would show this fault is not active.

There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the City; however, the County of Merced has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989. Major damage occurred in Los Banos to the southwest associated with the 1906 event, with minor damage recorded throughout the County from other occurrences.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M 6.0 have been recorded in the City of Merced or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County, and the City of Merced, was 16 miles east north-east of King City at a magnitude of 5.3 on October 20, 2012. Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock. This earthquake was preceded by two earthquakes located approximately 100 miles from Merced County, the 1982 New ldria earthquake (M5.4) and the 1983 Coalinga quake (M6.5). There was low level ground shaking and low local magnitude reported. The City of Merced Planning Team also report a M3.4 earthquake on March 31, 2016 with an epicenter 21 miles southwest of Los Banos. No damage was noted Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 16 778
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
associated with this recent earthquake event, but the team agreed there is a likelihood of a similar earthquake occurring again in the future.

Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for Merced County and the City of Merced, due to the proximity to the San Andreas Fault, and the history of shaking with no surface rupture, means the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Merced is considered as occasional. Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.3 Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is identified as a priority hazard; this hazard was also identified as a priority for the City of Merced in their previous plan. The City of Merced collaboratively works with all agencies throughout the County to address extreme heat by following the State of California Contingency Plan for Excessive Heat Emergencies and the Merced Operational Area Excessive Heat Guideline. The City also opens cooling zones and centers to provide shelter for vulnerable populations in the City and to help mitigate the hazard and continues to open additional facilities.

2.3.4 Flood and Levee Failure
The primary types of flood events in Merced County that may impact the City of Merced are riverine and urban. Flooding could also occur as a result of levee failure. Regardless of the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in the flood area, upstream, or from winter snowmelt.

The floodplain of the Merced River is well defined from ·the eastern county boundary to approximately 10 miles above the mouth of the river. Downstream of this point, the floodplain is undifferentiated from the valley floor and major floods can spread out over large areas. During the 1950 flood event, approximately 19,600 acres of land along the Merced River were inundated, including the towns of Snelling and Merced Falls. A large portion of Merced County continues to be subject to inundation during flood events, as approximately 380,010 acres, including a large portion of the City of Merced, have been determined to be in the FEMA floodplain. 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 Merced given the City is traversed by four creeks from east to west, including Bear Creek, Fahrens Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Black Rascal Creek. The flood hazards for three of these four creeks are further summarized below based on information from the City's previous LHMP.

Bear Creek
Historically, flood flows in excess of the Bear Creek channel capacity spill over the left bank of Bear Creek approximately 6 miles east of the City Merced (City of Merced 2015). Due to topography and embankments, overflow from Bear Creek does not return to the channel. The natural slope is southwest from Bear Creek, but some of the overflow moves westward and northwestward into Merced along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway embankment. There are flood relief structures along the embankment that allow part of the overflow to proceed southwestward, but much of the floodwater flows into Merced, where it ponds and eventually overtops the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway embankment between Rand V Streets. The floodwater then flows as shallow flooding southwestward through downtown Merced, ponds behind the Southern Pacific Railroad embankment, eventually overtops the railroad embankment, and finally continues as shallow flooding through southwest Merced.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Overflow from Bear Creek will also occur upstream of the West 16th Street bridges at several locations near the Daisy Park residential area. This floodwater will flow west through the Daisy Park area as shallow flooding, then over the Snelling Highway and into the Industrial Park area, where it will pond behind the U.S. Highway 99 embankment and the Black Rascal Creek levee. During the major flood events in 1969, 1997, 1998, and 2006, Bear Creek overflowed at the southwest end of the City of Merced in the vicinity of Thornton Avenue and State Highway 140.

Black Rascal Creek
Black Rascal Creek flood flows are diverted into Bear Creek approximately 3 miles east of Merced. Minor flooding from local runoff has occurred along Black Rascal Creek between G Street and Parsons Avenue.

Fahrens Creek
Fahrens Creek, which joins Black Rascal Creek near West Olive Avenue and State Highway 59 (Snelling Highway), flows through the northwestern part of Merced. Limited channel capacity, coupled with constricted bridge openings at State Highway 59, produces widespread ponding upstream from the bridges and road embankment.

A very large portion of the City of Merced is within the 100-year floodplain designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), particularly the southern portion of the City. Of the 14,954 acres within the City, 65.2% is within the floodplain: 60.7% (9,072 acres) is within the 100-year floodplain and

4.5% (668 acres) is within the 500-year floodplain. Based on the history of flooding in the County of Merced, the City of Merced and surrounding areas are considered to likely have the hazard potential for future flooding.

A flood vulnerability assessment was completed during the 2021 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. Flood hazards for the City of Merced are shown in Figure 2-3 and Table 2-5 summarizes the values at risk in the City's 100-year floodplain, respectively. These tables also detail loss estimates for each flood.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan 12021 - 2026 Update Page 18 780
Figure 2-3 City of Merced 100-year Floodplain
Map compiled 3/2021 ; U.f!ood intended for planning purposes only. ff' , Data Source: Merced County, USFWS,
FEMA NFHL 3/05/2015

0.2% Flooded Properties
0 2021 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annex F: City of Merced
' ]
UNIVE• RSITY
; COMMUNITY
• Urban Communities
r··-··i Merced
c::J Sphere of Influence
Grasslands Wildlife Management Area
2 Miles N
A
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Table 2-5 City of Merced FEMA 1 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by Property Type Improved Property Building Improved Estimated Estimated Type Parcel Count Value Content Value Total Value Loss Population Count
Agricultural 17 19 $704,235 $704,235 $1,408,470 $352,118 0 Commercial 527 1,873 $339,551 ,353 $339,551 ,353 $679,102,706 169,775,677 0 Exempt 433 960 $9,185,588 $9,185,588 $18,371 ,176 $4,592,794 0 Industrial 118 218 $167,406,079 $251,109,119 $418,515,198 $104,628,799 0 Mixed Use 9 9 $185,869 $185,869 $371 ,738 $92,935 29
Residential 9,161 12,140 $1,218,507,813 $609,253,907 $1 ,827,761,720 $456,940,430 38,848 Vacant 30 38 $1 ,030,699 $1 ,030,699 $2,061,398 $515,350 0 Total 10,295 15,257 $1,736,571,636 $1,211,020,769 $2,947,592.405 $736,898,101 38,877 Source: Merced County Assessor's Office; National Flood Hazard Layer reflecting FEMA FIRM Effective 12/2/2008; FEMA; Wood analysis
Based on this analysis, the City of Merced has 10,295 improved parcels located within the 100-year floodplain for a total value of over $736 million. Of the 22,362 parcels within the City of Merced, this means that almost half (46%) of the total parcels in the City have a potential risk to flooding. Population at risk was calculated for the 100-year based on the number of residential properties at risk and the average number of persons per household (3.32). There is an estimated 38,877 persons at risk to flooding in the City of Merced. Table 2-6 summarizes the values at risk in the City's 500-year floodplain.

Table 2-6 City of Merced FEMA 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by Property Type Property Improved Building Improved Estimated
Estimated
Type
Parcel Count Value Content Total Value Loss Population
Count Value
Commercial 30 31 $62,378,180 $62,378, 180 $124,756,360 $31 , 189,090 Exempt 33 69 $0 $0 $0 $0
Mixed Use 2 3 $41 ,361 $41,361 $82,722 $20,681 10
Residential 1,594 2,412 $337,480,454 $337,480,454 $674,960,908 $168,740,227 7,718 Total 1,659 2,515 $399,899,995 $399,899,995 $799,799,990 $199,949,998 7,728 1,659 parcels were found to be located in within the 500-year floodplain, which represents 7% of the total parcels in the City.

Critical Facilities at Risk
Critical facilities are those community components that are most needed to withstand the impacts of disaster as previously described. Specific information on critical facilities can be found in Section 3.4.1 of the Base Plan. Information on key critical facil ities and community assets in the City of Merced is also included in the GIS Experience Builder Application developed by the County and Wood to communicate the highlights of the risk assessment and validate the critical facility GIS data collected during the MJHMP update process. Table 2-7 lists the critical fa cilities in the City's 100-year floodplains and Figure 2-4 shows the location of the critical facilities. The impact to the community could be great if these facilities are damaged or destroyed during a flood event.

Merced County Mult 1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M,t,gat,on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 20 782
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Table 2-7 Critical Facilities at risk of 1 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by FEMA Lifeline fEMA Lifeline Count
Communications 26
Energy 3
Food, Water, Shelter 30
Safety and Security 51
Transportation 25
Total 156
Source: HIFLD, FEMA NFHL
Merced County Mult1-Jurisd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan J 2021 - 2026 Update Page 21 783
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Figure 2-4 Critical Facilities at Risk of 1 % Annual Flood Hazard l
D
'
Map compiled 5/2021 : ~ood intended for planning purposes only. ..,..., , Data Source: Merced County, USFWS,
FEMA NFHL 3/05/2015, HIFLD
0 ♦
* 0
+
•
D
MEReED
Communications
Energy
Food, Water, Shelter
Hazardous Material
Health and Medical
Safety and Security
Transportation
0 UNIVERSITY

COMMUNITY
11111 1 % Annual Chance

0.2% Annual Chance
Area Protected by Levee
Urban Communities
r.:::."J Merced
CJ Sphere of Influence
Grasslands Wildlife Management Area
2 Miles
I
N
A
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ctional Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 22 784
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
The City of Merced joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on November 1, 1979. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of July 2021, there were 3,401 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $786,021,200 of coverage. Of the policies in place, there have been 152 claims for flood losses totaling $2,230,265 in total loss payments.

According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed August 11, 2021, the City has 12 Repetitive Loss properties that resulted in flood losses totaling $401,664 associated with building content losses. Of these losses, $392,643 of the payments were associated with building contents in Zones AE, A 1- 30, AO, AH, and A. There were no Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

Future Development
The results of the SOI and flood analysis are shown in Table 2-8 and Table 2-9.

Table 2-8 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to 1 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard Improved Estimated
Property Building Improved Estimated
Parcel Content Total Value Population Type Count Value Loss Count Value
Agricultural 114 156 $10,783,537 $10,783,537 $21,567,074 $5,391,769 0 Commercial 53 76 $12,078,814 $12,078,814 $24,157,628 $6,039,407 0 Exempt 19 25 $5,465,593 $5,465,593 $10,931,186 $2,732,797 0 Industrial 27 46 $20,347,558 $30,521,337 $50,868,895 $12,717,224 0 Mixed Use 4 5 $16,064 $8,032 $24,096 $6,024 17
Residential 679 800 $105,267,278 $52,633,639 $157,900,917 $39,475,229 2,656 Vacant Land 12 13 $54,242 $54,242 $108,484 $27,121 0
Total 908 1,121 $154,013,086 $111,545,194 $265,558,280 $66,389,570 2,673 Source: Wood Analysis 2021
Table 2-9 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to 0.5% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Improved Estimated
Property Building Improved Estimated
Parcel Content Total Value Population Type Count Value Loss Count Value
Agricultural 9 10 $2,130,727 $2,130,727 $4,261,454 $1,065,364 0 Exempt 1 1 $2,848,363 $2,848,363 $5,696,726 $1,424,182 0 Residential 70 75 $24,684,881 $12,342,411 $37,027,322 $9,256,830 3 Total 80 87 $29,745,815 $17,362,453 $47,108,268 $11,777,067 252 Source: Wood Analysis 2021

2.3.5 Hazardous Material Incidents
Hazardous material incidents were ranked by the City as a priority hazard in both their previous plan and the current plan. These human-caused hazards are currently minimized through past studies completed to understand commodity flows, as documented in the City of Merced Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study. The City's Fire Department have also been trained to handle hazardous material incidents and currently have both a hazardous material technician and specialists on staff to respond to these incidents.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Further, the City established on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County to establish, support, and train the Merced County Hazardous Material Response Team.

2.3.6 Wildfires
Weather components, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind, and lightning, also affect the potential for wildfire. High temperatures and low relative humidity dry out the fuels that feed the wildfire creating a situation where fuel will more readily ignite and burn more intensely. Both urban and wildland fires conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) ranks fuel loading as low. Fuels are mainly crops and grasses. In the southwest corner of the County, there are some brush, pine, and grass fuels, which are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5. Figure 2-5 shows the fire threat areas in the City of Merced and Table 2-10 summarizes the values at risk and detail loss estimates.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021 - 2026 Update Page 24 786
Table 2-3 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas in the City of Merced Property Type Improved Parcel Count
"-0
Commercial 2
Exempt 28
Industrial 3
Mixed Use 1
Residential 561
Vacant Land 1
Total 599
Building
Count
High
0 1
0 0
0 0
1 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Building
Count
Moderate
0 13
0 0
243
1 257
Building
Count Low
6 19
4 1
330
1 364
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Total
Building
Count
6 33
4 1
573
$26,508
622
Improved
Value
$179,357
$5,765,341
$0
$18,412,738
$14,280
$132,105,988
$26,508
$156,504,212
Annex F: City of Merced
Estimated
Content Value
$179,357
$5,765,341
$0
$27,619,107
$14,280
$66,052,994
$53,016
$99,657,587
Total Value
$358,714
$11,530,682
$0
$46,031,845
$28,560
$198,158,982
1 $256,161,799
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 25 787
Figure 2-5
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Merced
Grassland
NWR Complex
MERGED
High
Moderate
Low
Annex F: City of Merced
Urban Communities
,----··, i._ ___ ..J Merced
c::J Sphere of Influence
Grasslands Wildlife Management Area
Map compiled 3/2021; 0 2 Miles N
d intended for planning purposes only. I I WOO • Data Source: Merced County, CALFIRE, FRAP ,__.~-~__.__,_ __ A Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 26 788
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Table 2-11 shows the results of the critical facility analysis by fire threat area.

Table 2-4 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas FEMA Lifeline Count
Moderate Wildfire Threat
Food, Water, Shelter 1
Safety and Security 1
Transportation 1
Low Wildfire Threat
Food, Water, Shelter 1
Hazardous Materials 2
Safety and Security 1
Transportation 4
Total 11
Source: Merced County, HIFLD, CAL FIRE, FRAP, Wood GIS Analysis Figure 2-6 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Merced. Based on the analysis there are 970 residential buildings located with the moderate hazard area, with a total value of $314,703,588. Six critical facilities, categorized as Food, Water, and Shelter and Transportation Lifelines are located within the local responsibility moderate fire hazard area. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Figure 2-6 City of Merced Fire Responsibility Areas
Map compiled 3/2021 : 0 ~ood intended for planning purposes only, ff' • Data Source: Merced County, CALFIRE,
Local Responsibility Area, State Responsibility Area
:- '-._!
" " , State
--"----<---"----'I Hazard Classes
Urban Communities
r-··-··1 L._ .. ..! Merced
c:J Sphere of Influence
2 Miles
I
Moderate
Non-Wildland/Non-Urban
Urban Unzoned
N
A
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2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Future Development
The results of the SOI and wildfire analysis are shown Table 2-12 and Table 2-13.

Table 2-5 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Severity Areas Improved Building Improved Estimated
Property Type Parcel Total Value Population Count Value Content Value Count
SRA Moderate
Agricultural 12 14 $1,276,826 $1,276,826 $2,553,652 0
Commercial 9 10 $3,892,834 $3,892,834 $7,785,668 0
Exempt 3 4 $0 $0 $0 0
Industrial 3 6 $1,333,846 $2,000,769 $3,334,615 0
Residential 158 167 $51,380,141 $25,690,071 $77,070,212 554 Vacant Land 4 4 $12,352 $12,352 $24,704 0
Total 189 205 $57,895,999 $32,872,852 $90,768,851 554
Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Table 2-6 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Threat Areas Improved Building Building Building Total Estimated
Property Parcel Count Count Count Building Improved Content Total Value Type Value
Count High Moderate Low Count Value
Agricultural 70 5 16 71 92 $8,158,058 $8,158,058 $16,316,116 Commercial 9 0 0 9 9 $5,621,324 $5,621,324 $11,242,648
Exempt 6 2 0 5 7 $2,737,730 $2,737,730 $5,475,460
Industrial 1 0 0 2 2 $153,070 $229,605 $382,675
Mixed Use 2 0 2 1 3 $54,673 $54,673 $109,346
Residential 227 31 68 147 246 $47,501,282 $23,750,641 $71,251,923 Vacant 6 2 1 3 6 $24,757 $24,757 $49,514
Total 162 1 67 127 195 $30,390,581 $23,025,641 $53,416,222 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis 3 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 reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Merced Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and Wood consultant team staff to update information where applicable and note ways in which these capabilities have improved or expanded. For the City of Merced, the team and planning representatives Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan j 2021- 2026 Update Page 29 Population
10 817
359
791
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
also noted key capabilities accounted for in the City's existing LHMP. Additionally, in summarizing current capabilities and identifying gaps, the jurisdictional planning representatives also considered their ability to expand or improve upon existing policies and programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Merced's capabilities are summarized below.

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Merced.

Table 3-1 City of Merced -Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool Yes/No Comments (ordinances, codes, plans) General Plan Yes Merced Vision 2030 General Plan, Adopted January 3, 2012
Zoninq ordinance Yes Title 20 of the Merced Municipal Code Subdivision ordinance Yes Title 18 of the Merced Municipal Code Growth manaqement ordinance No
Floodplain ordinance Yes Title 17 of the Merced Municipal Code Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (Ordinance No.
1250)
Other special purpose ordinance No
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
Building code Yes 2019 California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1 (California Administrative Code)
Title 17 Buildinos and Construction
Fire department ISO rating Yes Rating: 2
Erosion or sediment control prooram Yes 1983 Merced Critical Area Floodino and Drainage Plan Stormwater management program Yes Phase II Small MS4 General Permit (Permit No. CA000004, Water Quality Order No. 2013-0001 DWQ)
Program Effectiveness Assessment and Improvement Plan
for the City of Merced, City of Atwater, and Merced
County
Title 15 of the Merced Municipal Code, Division Ill - Storm Water System, Chapter 15.50 - Storm Water Management
and Discharge Control
Storm Drain Master Plan
Site plan review requirements Yes Title 20 of the Merced Municipal Code Chapter 20.32.030 - Site Plan Review
Capital improvements plan Yes City of Merced 2018-2023 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Economic development plan Yes Economic Development Department 2012 Economic Development Action Plan
Local emergency operations plan Yes City of Merced Emergency Operations Plan 2003 City of Merced Emeroencv Response/Disaster Plan
Other special plans No
Flood insurance study or other Yes Flood Insurance Study (December 2, 2008) engineering study for streams
Elevation certificates (for floodplain Yes Flood Elevation Certificates development)
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Merced Vision 2030 General Plan, 2012 - The City of Merced adopted its first General Plan in 1950. The most recent update occurred in 2012 and resulted in the adoption of the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan in January 2012, with an anticipated horizon year of 2030. This General Plan defines the City's goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The purpose of the Safety Element is to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural or human caused hazards. This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismically-induced ground shaking, ground failure, dam failure/seiche, flooding, and wildfire. The element also covers human-caused hazards such as airport safety, crime and policing, and hazardous materials and waste.

The City of Merced 2030 General Plan Safety Element (Chapter 11) includes Policy S-1.1 - Develop and Maintain Emergency Preparedness Procedures for the City, which includes an implementing action to adopt and update the City of Merced LHMP, as needed. As previously noted, the City developed a singlejurisdictional and stand-alone LHMP in 2015. The goals and policies in the City's 2030 General Plan Safety Element support and are consistent with the mitigation strategy actions in the 2015 LHMP. The 2015 City of Merced LHMP was also incorporated by reference into the Safety Element following plan amendments in 2015 (March 16, 2015 Resolution #2015-09).

City of Merced Emergency Response/Disaster Plan, 2011 (Emergency Operations Plan} - The City's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) addresses the planned response to emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents, human caused events and national security emergencies in or affecting the City of Merced. The EOP, also referred to as the Emergency Response/Disaster Plan, was updated in 2011 to address mitigation, planning, response, and recovery activities from various emergency situations. The EOP is compliant with the requirements of the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), the Incident Command System (ICS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). It is regularly updated by the City to prepare the community for responding to an emergency situation in a highly organized and efficient manner. The EOP was revised and updated in 2017 to meet local, state and federal needs.

Merced Fire Department - The City of Merced Fire Department (MFD) provides fire protection and emergency medical response services within the City limits. The City of Merced was established in 1873 and provides fire, rescue, and emergency management services for the citizens and visitors of Merced.

The MFD operates out of five fire stations that on average respond to 11,230 calls per calendar year. As of 2020, the MFD employs 63 publ ic safety members and three support personnel. The MFD has five engines, one truck, one battalion chief, six captains, six engineers, and six firefighters to provide a minimum daily staffing of 19 personnel to cover daily staffing needs within the City California Fire Code Chapter 17.32 - The City of Merced adopts by reference as its fire code, the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition and the California Fire Code, 2019 Edition, and including among Appendices, Appendix Chapter 4 (Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy); Appendix Chapter B (Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings); Appendix Chapter C (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution); Appendix Chapter CC (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution); Appendix D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads); Appendix F (Hazard Ranking); Appendix H (Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements); Appendix I (Fire Protection system-Noncompliance Conditions); and Appendix J (Emergency Responder Radio Coverage), based on the 2009 International Fire Merced County Mult1-Jurisd1ct1onal Hazard M,t,gation Plan I 2021 - 2026 Update Page 31 793
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

Flood Damage Prevention Chapter 17.48.020 (Ordinance No. 2321) - It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:
• To protect human life and health;
• To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; • To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
• To minimize prolonged business interruptions;
• To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; • To 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 flood blight areas; • To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and • To ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies City personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Merced. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 3-2 City of Merced - Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Planner/engineer with knowledge of land Yes City Planning development/land management Department/Planning
practices Manaoer
Engineer/professional trained in Yes City Engineering
construction practices related to Department/City Engineer buildinos and/or infrastructure
Planner/engineer/scientist with an No
understandino of natural hazards
Personnel skilled in GIS Yes GIS Coordinator
Full time building official Yes Inspection Services/Chief Buildinq Official
Flood plain manaqer Yes City Engineer
Emeraencv manaoer No
Grant writer No
Other personnel NA
GIS Data Resources Yes GIS Coordinator
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use,
building footprints, etc.)
Warning Systems/Services Yes Merced County Emergency Everbridge (Reverse 9-11 , cable override, outdoor Alert System
warnina sionals)
Other NA
Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan [ 2021 - 2026 Update Page 32 794
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
The City operates under a City Council/City Manager form of government. The City Council makes laws and sets policies, which are enforced and implemented by the City Manager, with the assistance of subordinate officers, department heads, and the City Clerk, City Treasurer and City Attorney. Municipal elections are held every two years in November of even-numbered years with City Council terms overlapping. The Mayor and two Council Members are elected at one election, and the other two Council Members, City Clerk and City Treasurer are elected at the next election.

The City of Merced provides water, sewer, and garbage services through their monthly utility services.

They also provide storm drainage, police, fire, and general government services.

The Merced City School District serves school-aged children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8). There are 14 elementary schools (K-6), four middle schools (7-8), and one school that serves preschool students (pre-school program). High school education is provided by the Merced Union High School District which has eight comprehensive high schools and one continuation school. The City also offers opportunities for post-secondary education with satellite campuses for Merced College, UC Merced and other graduate schools.

Table 3-3 City of Merced -Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources
Accessible/ Has This Been Used for Comments Eligible to Use Mitigation in the Past? Community Development Yes No
Block Grants
Capital improvements project Yes No The City Council needs to approve funding and establish.a CIP.

Authority to levy taxes for Yes No The City Council needs to approve specific purposes authority to levy taxes; this must
also be voted on by the
community.

Fees for water, sewer, gas, or Yes No
electric services, new
development
Incur debt through general Yes No
obligation bonds
Incur debt through special tax Yes No
bonds
Incur debt through private Yes No
activities
Federal Grant Programs Yes No
(Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program)

3.4 Outreach and Partnerships
The Merced County Office of Emergency Services provides education and outreach on Disaster Preparedness for all of the jurisdictions within the County. This education program is in coordination and Merced County Multr-Junsdrctronal Hazard Mrtrgatron Plan I 2021 - 2026 Update Page 33 795
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
partnerships with county and the cities' departments with education programs including the Sheriff's Office, Police Departments, Fire Departments, Agricultural Commissioner, and the Department of Public Health.

3.4.2 City Fire Department
The City Fire Department has a public education program in place that annually visits all 2nd grade classrooms to present the Exit Drills in the Home (EDITH).

3.5 Other Mitigation Efforts
In addition to the project identified in the City's Mitigation Action plan the City of Merced's Fire Department conducts annual fire and life safety inspections for all businesses and SB 1205 mandates reporting compliance of state mandated inspections for Hotels, Motels, Apartments, Schools, Jails and various residential care facilities. As a result, the City of Merced Fire Department conducts annual fire and life safety inspections for all businesses mandated by California Health and Safety Code. Fire and life safety inspections are annually completed for mercantile, assemblies, factories, hazardous, and storage facilities. In addition, city-wide weed abatement is heavily enforced.

3.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Merced has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the City to expand or improve on their policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Merced will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. Given the City's flood risk and number of flood insurance policies, joining the Community Rating System could be another capability enhancement that could benefit residents by lowering flood insurance premiums.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021 - 2026 Update Page 34 796
2021 Merced Coun ty Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4. 1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Merced adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Basin Plan.

4.2 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The City has been an NFIP participating community since 1974. 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 Inspection Services Department and the Chief Building Official. This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, including issuing permits for appropriate development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and ensuring that this development mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.

4.3 Progress on 2014 Actions
During the 2021 planning process the City of Merced Planning Team reviewed all the mitigation actions from their 2015 plan. Of their nine mitigation actions from 2015, three (3) of the actions are continuing and are implemented annually, demonstrating ongoing progress and building the community's resiliency to disasters. Six (56) were noted as being continuing not started.

Merced County Mult1-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021 - 2026 Update Page 35 797
Table 4-1
Goal(s)
ID and
Lifelines
3, 4, 5,
Energy
1, 2, 3, 5
2 I Safety
and
Security
1, 2, 3, 6
3 I Safety
and
Security
1, 2, 3, 5,
4 I Safety
and
Security
1, 2, 3, 5,
5 I Safety
and
Security
City of Merced Mitigation Action Plan
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Flood and
Levee I Failure,
Earthquake,
Wildfire
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Dam
Incidents,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Earthquake,
Wildfire
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Description/Background/
Benefits
Prepare an Energy Assurance Plan
Develop and enhance storm-water
drainage improvements to reduce
frequent flooding
Create a Disaster Preparedness Program
Support Merced County efforts to
construct the Haystack Alternative of
Black Rascal Creek
Update the City's Storm-water Drainage
Master Plan
Lead
Agency
and
Partners
Public
Works
Develop me
nt Services
Fire
Department
Developme
nt Services
Develop me
nt Services
Cost
Estimate
and
Potential
Funding
$100,000
Federal
Grants
$5,000
General
Fund
$100,000
Federal
Grants
$50,000-
100,000
Federal
Grants
Staff time
Dept.

Budget
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Priority Timeline
I High I 3 years
High I 3 years
High I 3 years
I Medium I 1 year
I Medium I 1 year
I
I
I
I
I
Annex F: City of Merced
Status/Implementation
Notes
Continue Not Started
Continue In-Progress
Continue Not Started
Continue Not Started
Continue In-Progress
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan ( 2021-2026 Update Page 36 798
Goal(s)
ID and
Lifelines
1, 2, 6, 7;
Safety
and
6 I Security;
Food,
Water,
and
Shelter
1, 2, 3, 6;
Food
7 I Water,
and
Shelter
1, 2, 3, 6,
8 I 7; Safety
and
Security
1, 2, 3, 6,
9 I 7; Safety
and
Security
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Dam
Incidents,
Flood and
Levee
Failure.,
Earthquake,
Wildfire
Wildfire
Earthquake
Earthquake
Description/Background/
Benefits
Prepare a Shelter and EmergencyProvision Plan
Prepare a Natural Area Fire Prevention
Plan
Perform building-specific, structural
seismic vulnerability assessment of Cityowned critical facilities Create a program to retrofit or upgrade
unreinforced masonry buildings in
Downtown Merced, or other buildings in
the Plan area.

Lead
Agency
and
Partners
Fire
Department
Fire
Department
Public
Works
Develop me
nt Services
Cost
Estimate
and
Potential
Funding
$100,000
Federal
Grants
$100,000
Federal
Grants
$100,000 -
$200,000
FEMA
HMA
Grants
$100,000 -
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Priority Timeline
I Medium I 1 year
I I
3 to 5 Low
years
I Low I 3 years
I
I
Annex F: City of Merced
Status/Implementation
Notes
Continue Not Started
Continue Not Started
Continue Not Started
$1,000.000 I
FEMA Low I 3 to 5 I Continue Not Started
HMA years
Grants
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan [ 2021 - 2026 Update Page 37 799
Goal{s)
ID and
10 11 I
12 I
Lifelines
1, 2, 3, 5,
Safety
and
Security
1, 2, 3, 6;
Food
Water,
and
Shelter
1, 2, 3, 6;
Food
Water,
and
Shelter
Hazard{s)
Mitigated
Flooding
Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Temperatur
es/Extreme
Heat
Wildfire
Description/Background/
Benefits
Consideration for enrolling in the NFIP
Community Rating System program
Identify and open additional cooling
zones and centers within the City of
Merced to provide additional capacity of
vulnerable populations
Enhance the City Weed Abatement
Program to included mandatory debris
clean-up and vegetation clearing on
properties to mitigate wildfire risk. This
action includes utilizing surveys and GIS
tools to identify seasonal wildfire hazards
in the community, providing notice to
property owners, and clearing the
properties to reduce wildfire potential,
loss of property and injury, and improve
air quality.

Lead
Agency
and
Partners
Engineering
Department
Police
Department
Fire
Department
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Cost
Estimate
and
Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline
$75,000
Staff time
Dept.

Budget
$25,000
Medium
Staff time I M d" I D t e 1um ep .

Budget
$75,000
Staff time I
General High
Fund
3 to 5
years
3 to 5
years
1 year
I
I
Annex F: City of Merced
Status/Implementation
Notes
New in 2021
New in 2021
New in 2021
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan j 2021 - 2026 Update Page 38 800
2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the City will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

5.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
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 Engineering or Planning Departments may utilize the hazard information when implementing the City's Community Investment Program and the Planning Department may utilize the hazard information when reviewing a site plan or other type of development applications. The City will also incorporate the 2021 MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill (AB) 2140.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the HMPT representatives from Merced 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 HMPT plan review meeting.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced 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 Fire Department, Fire Chief or assigned designee will be responsible for representing the City of Merced in the County HMPT, 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.

Merced County Multi-Junsd1ct1onal Hazard M1t1gat1on Plan I 2021-2026 Update Page 39 801

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802
.LOsBanos

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Date: April 15, 2022
Regarding: Notice of Public Hearing
Proposal: Tentative Parcel Map #2021-03 - Love in an Elevator, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a Public Hearing will be held by the Los Banos Planning Commission to consider Tentative Parcel Map #2021-03 to divide an approximate 7.57 acre parcel into three (3) parcels and a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15315, Minor Land Divisions. The proposed project is located within the Highway Commercial Zoning District near the north east corner of Mercey Springs Rd. and Overland Ave., more specifically identified as Assessor's Parcel Number: 424-120-024.

A PUBLIC HEARING on this matter will be held at the next scheduled meeting of the Los Banos Planning Commission on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Los Banos City Hall, located at 520 "J" Street, Los Banos, California. Questions regarding the above-referenced item may be directed to Rudy Luquin, Associate Planner, at City Hall or at (209) 827-2432.

All persons are invited to be present at the public hearing. Written and oral testimony is invited. Notice is hereby further given that if you challenge the above described Project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this Notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Additional information may be obtained from the Community & Economic Development Department at 520 J Street, Los Banos, California. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (209) 827-7000. Notification at least 72 hours prior to the public hearing will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to allow participation at this hearing

F LOS BANOS
Rudy Luquin
Associate Planner
803
tOsBanos

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Date: April 15, 2022
Regarding: Notice of Public Hearing
Proposal: Cottage Food Operation #2022-02 - 413 San Luis Obipso St.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a Public Hearing will be held by the Los Banos Planning Commission to consider a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15301, Existing Facilities, and Cottage Food Operation #2022-02 for Paschina Weedling at 413 San Luis Obispo St., more specifically identified as Assessor's Parcel Number:
424-145-006.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Date: April 15, 2022
Re: Notice of Public Hearing
Proposal: Site Plan Review #2022-02 New Los Banos Police Station NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a Public Hearing will be held by the Los Banos Planning Commission to consider a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Site Plan Review #2022-02 for the new Los Banos Police Department Station. The project site is located at 1111 G St.; more specifically identified as Assessor's Parcel Numbers: 026-161-003.

Los Banos City CouncilApril 20, 2022

Los Banos City Council
April 20, 2022