COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE - E. COLIO WARREN
1. Receive presentation regarding emergency preparedness related to El Nino and other potential emergencies; and
2. Provide staff direction as desired.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 119
REGULAR AGENDA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that El Niño is underway and is expected to become very strong during fall and winter 2026-27. Current forecasts show a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong El Niño, with the potential for it to become one of the strongest events on record.
For California, the effects of El Niño are expected to become more noticeable from late fall into winter. NOAA currently shows an increased chance of above-normal rainfall across much of coastal California during the winter months, with the strongest potential for wetter conditions generally occurring between January and March. The forecast does not mean that San Benito County will necessarily experience an unusually wet winter or significant flooding. However, it supports preparing for the possibility of more frequent or heavier winter storms.
San Benito County has experienced significant storm and flood events in recent years. In 2017, Pacheco Creek flooding affected the Lovers Lane, San Felipe Road, and Dunneville areas. In 2021, winter storms washed out the New Idria Road creek crossing. During the 2023 storms, flooding again affected the Lovers Lane, San Felipe Road, and Dunneville areas, and the temporary New Idria Road crossing was washed out again. These events demonstrate recurring vulnerabilities in both northern and southern San Benito County.
Potential winter storm impacts include roadway flooding, blocked drainage facilities, erosion, saturated soils, downed trees and debris, slides, road closures, and damage to public infrastructure. Flood-control and drainage improvements can reduce the likelihood and severity of flooding, but no system can eliminate all flood risk. During unusually severe storms, rainfall and runoff may exceed the capacity of drainage facilities and result in flooding.
Public Works has begun preparing for the upcoming winter storm season. Staff has been inspecting known flooding and drainage problem areas and performing work such as grading roads and shoulders, clearing culverts and drainage facilities, and removing material that could obstruct stormwater flows. This work also includes cleaning drainage facilities and other problem areas outside FEMA-mapped flood zones. Staff will present the Board with a map identifying FEMA flood zones and planned cleanup areas.
Staff is also evaluating the equipment, materials, personnel, and outside services that may be needed during a major storm. Proposed readiness activities include establishing on-call contracts for repairs and emergency services; establishing contracts for tree and debris removal; confirming access to heavy equipment and qualified operators; identifying and securing necessary materials and supplies; and confirming contractor availability before the winter storm season.
On August 27, 2026, County staff met with the 911 communications team to receive an overview of the San Benito County Office of Emergency Services (OES) Emergency Alert and Warning System. Designated Public Works staff are scheduled to attend Emergency Operations Center (EOC) training on September 15, 16, and 17, 2026. Public Works and the CEO's Office Finance Team will also review the forms and documentation that may be required during an emergency, including records needed for emergency purchasing and potential reimbursement.
Staff also proposes developing public works mutual-aid agreements with geographically diverse local agencies. These agreements would establish a process for requesting personnel, equipment, operators, materials, and other resources when County capabilities are exceeded. The agreements would address activation procedures, reimbursement, insurance and liability, resource tracking, and documentation. Each participating agency would retain the ability to decline a request when its personnel or equipment are needed within its own jurisdiction.
The proposed local agreements would supplement the County's existing emergency response procedures and the California mutual-aid system. Together, these preparation efforts are intended to improve the County's ability to respond to winter storms, protect public infrastructure, and maintain access to critical roads and services.
County Executive Office
On August 27, 2026, County staff met with the 911 Communications Team to receive an overview of the San Benito County Office of Emergency Services (OES) Emergency Alert and Warning System. Staff has also begun preparations for upcoming trainings through the California Specialized Training Institute, including courses on EOC Management and Operations and the Incident Command System (ICS)/Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Interface, to ensure personnel are properly equipped to respond to emergency situations.
County Counsel Office
In the event of a local emergency, the County Counsel acts as the legal advisor to the Board of Supervisors, the Director of Emergency Services (County Executive Officer), and other responding county departments and offices. The County Counsel will advise on the scope and interpretation of the California Emergency Services Act, California Disaster Assistance Act, the California Disaster and Civil Defense Master Mutual Aid Agreement, mutual aid operational plans adopted pursuant thereto, and county ordinances and resolutions.
During a local emergency, Government Code § 8634 authorizes the Board of Supervisors or the Director of Emergency Services to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property, emergency contracts and procurement, including curfew and evacuation orders within designated boundaries where necessary to preserve public order and safety. Such orders must be in writing and given widespread publicity and notice. County Counsel drafts all proposed emergency orders for legal sufficiency, constitutional limitations (including due process and First Amendment considerations), and compliance with the Act. The County Counsel’s Office has already drafted templates for the required proclamations, resolutions, emergency ordinances and orders. County Code Chapter 11.01 specifically addresses Emergency Management and formally designates the County Executive Officer as the Director of Emergency Services.
County Counsel also advises on legal issues arising from coordination with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and federal agencies, including FEMA. This includes advising on eligibility requirements for state and federal disaster assistance, ensuring timely proclamation and notification requirements are met, and reviewing any conditions attached to state or federal aid.
Government Code § 8877.6 authorizes each county to take actions necessary for orderly transition from emergencies to recovery and reconstruction, including activating ordinances and plans, coordinating actions, identifying areas of damage, reviewing recovery plans, and determining financing methods. County Counsel reviews all recovery and reconstruction actions for legal compliance, advises on land use and regulatory issues, and assists in determining appropriate financing mechanisms.
Health & Human Services Agency—Mass Care and Shelter Responsibilities
During an Emergency Operations Center activation, the Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) coordinates the County’s Mass Care and Shelter function. This includes supporting the opening and operation of emergency shelters; coordinating food, water, basic necessities, health and behavioral health services, and access to social services; and addressing the needs of children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and others with access and functional needs. In the event of a declared emergency, HHSA is part of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and works in coordination with the State Orgnizations (OES, CDSS, DHCS), the American Red Cross, local jurisdictions, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and other partners. Shelter operations are a coordinated Countywide responsibility and may require support from multiple departments and agencies.
To strengthen preparedness, HHSA will work with its partners to:
- Clarify departmental roles and responsibilities for shelter activation and operations;
- Develop or update the County’s Mass Care and Shelter Plan and operating procedures;
- Identify suitable shelter locations, staffing needs, supplies, transportation resources, and vendor or partner agreements;
- Establish procedures for supporting individuals with access and functional needs;
- Develop staff assignments, call-down lists, and training requirements;
- Conduct training and exercises to test the plan and identify gaps; and
- Establish procedures for communication, cost tracking, documentation, reimbursement, and post-emergency evaluation.
This planning process will help ensure the County can activate safe, accessible, and coordinated shelter services efficiently during an emergency.
Public Works
Receiving the presentation and providing direction to staff will not result in an immediate fiscal impact. Costs associated with winter preparation activities, emergency contracts, materials, equipment, mutual-aid requests, and storm response will depend on the services required and the severity of the winter storm season. Staff will identify available funding sources and return to the Board for approval of contracts or expenditures that exceed existing administrative authority.
Health & Human Services Agency—Mass Care and Shelter Responsibilities
Potential Fiscal impacts to Mass Care and Shelter responsibilities may consist of emergency shelter costs, staffing, facilities, food, supplies, transportation, security, health-related services, and contracted support. The total fiscal impact cannot be determined in advance and would depend on the size and duration of the emergency. HHSA and the County may be required to pay these costs upfront. State or federal reimbursement may be available for eligible expenses, depending on the applicable emergency declarations, but reimbursement is not guaranteed and may require a County cost share. All shelter-related costs will be documented and tracked to maximize available reimbursement.
1. Receive presentation regarding emergency preparedness related to El Nino and other potential emergencies; and
2. Provide staff direction as desired.