Adopt Resolution No. 2026-145
On September 21, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a statewide emergency to support advance preparation for the developing 2026/27 El Niño season. The proclamation directs state agencies to coordinate preparedness, position resources, and reduce risks before severe weather intensifies.
The proposed City declaration is similarly preemptive. It aims to prepare for potential future rain, flooding, wind, stormwater impacts, and resulting damage to property, roads, drainage facilities, and utility infrastructure. It allows the City to organize its response and coordinate resources before an event occurs. Adoption does not mean that storm damage has already occurred in Banning.
Severe or prolonged rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, inundate roads and low-lying areas, cause erosion or debris flows where local conditions support those hazards, interrupt utility service, and impede emergency access. Advance coordination and protective work can reduce these risks and support a timely response if damage occurs.
California is entering the 2026-2027 wet season amid the ongoing development of a strong and likely historic El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean. The joint assessment of the Fire Chief, Acting Police Chief, Public Works Director, and City Manager identifies threatened conditions in Banning, vulnerable locations or infrastructure, and the anticipated need for resources beyond the City’s capacity. The advanced declaration will also allow emergency procurement practices for goods and services associated with an El Niño event.
The proposed resolution proclaims the local emergency directly by City Council action. It establishes a coordinated framework for preparedness, response, and documentation, with continued Council review as conditions develop.
PREPAREDNESS AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES
- Inspect drainage facilities, culverts, storm drains, roads, and City facilities; prioritize lawful maintenance and protective work at identified vulnerable locations.
- Inventory and stage available sandbags, pumps, barricades, generators, and other equipment; confirm staff assignments, vendor contacts, and response procedures.
- Coordinate with Riverside County emergency management, Cal OES, public safety agencies, utilities, and mutual aid partners regarding resource needs and response readiness.
- Monitor forecasts and local conditions; prepare emergency operations, traffic control, evacuation coordination, and continuity-of-service measures for activation as conditions warrant.
- Provide accessible public information on flood preparedness, emergency alerts, sandbag availability, road closures, and protective actions
Document preparedness and response costs, personnel time, equipment use, procurement, protective work, and any event-related damage to support assistance requests and recovery.
Government Code sections 8558(c) and 8630 provide the state-law framework for a local emergency proclamation. Staff will provide the City Council with an update at least once every 60 days and terminate it at the earliest possible date conditions warrant, consistent with Government Code section 8630. Staff will return sooner if material changes require further Council action.
Staff will transmit the proclamation to appropriate agencies and coordinate requests for available assistance, as needed. If an event causes damage, staff will promptly document the incident and confirm any event-specific proclamation, application, and reporting requirements with Riverside County and Cal OES. A preemptive declaration does not guarantee reimbursement or satisfy every requirement for a future incident.
Adoption of the resolution does not appropriate a specific amount. Initial preparedness activities will be performed within available appropriations. Additional expenditures and budget amendments will be presented to Council as required, subject to any existing lawful emergency authority. Should the City experience a qualifying El Niño emergency, eligible costs may be submitted for assistance when an applicable program is available; reimbursement is subject to program requirements and approval.