BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
1. Discuss potential impacts of El Nino in San Benito County and preparation efforts by the county; and
2. Provide staff direction as desired.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 156
REGULAR AGENDA
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT:
The County Executive Department has reached out to various community restaurants and local businesses to request their assistance in supporting the county's disaster service workers during a declared emergency by being available on short notice to prepare cost-effective meal options or possible food donations.
PROBATION DEPARTMENT:
The San Benito County Probation Department staff recognize that we are Disaster Service Workers and will be available to assist as needed. Bilingual staff can provide translation services and support to the Sheriff's Office for notifying tenants of impending evacuation orders. Sworn staff will be available to assist with the evacuation efforts, public information officer communications, and other areas as identified by the Incident Commander.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
Public Works continues storm preparedness activities throughout the County. Staff continues too meet to review ongoing preparation efforts, priority locations, and resources that may be needed during a storm event. CSA/CFD detention and retention basins have been mowed, and Public Works crews are cleaning catch basins and drainage facilities to improve drainage capacity. Staff is also continuing roadway and drainage maintenance, including culvert inspections, vegetation removal, and clearing areas that could affect stormwater flow.
On September 11, Public Works staff conducted a field review of Pacheco Creek with the Pacheco Storm Water District and area residents. The review identified vegetation, organic debris, branches, tree trunks, and other potential flow obstructions near the San Felipe Road and Lovers Lane bridges. Staff continues to identify contractors, equipment, and other resources that may be needed for storm response and is working to procure services.
The Notice to Residents to Clean Property for Drainage has been drafted by Public Works staff with the assistance of the County Counsel’s Office. It is also being translated into Spanish and will be mailed, posted on the County’s website, and on social media.
COUNTY COUNSEL'S OFFICE:
The County Counsel has trained his staff on the role of the County Counsel during a locally declared emergency as the legal advisor to the Board of Supervisors, the Director of Emergency Services, the Disaster Council, and all other county officials and employees participating in the emergency response. On September 22, as part of this agenda item, the County Counsel will make a presentation on the statutory role of the Board of Supervisors during an emergency.
The County Counsel has already drafted and has ready all emergency proclamations, resolutions, orders, and ordinances that may be needed throughout the course of the local emergency. The County Counsel's Office is also working with various county departments on pre-positioned contracts for goods, services, and equipment as well as memoranda of understanding for assistance from other public agencies, private businesses, and non-profits.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY:
The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has been conducting preparedness activities in anticipation of potential winter storms and flooding. These efforts focus on the Agency’s responsibilities under Mass Care and Shelter and Public Health and Medical Services.
HHSA coordinates mass care and emergency shelter operations. HHSA also coordinates public health, medical, and supports behavioral health services. This work is conducted in partnership with the County Office of Emergency Services, other County departments, State agencies, community-based organizations, and emergency response partners.
The objective is to strengthen the County’s ability to quickly assist residents who may be displaced or otherwise affected by a significant weather event.
Mass Care and Shelter Preparedness
HHSA is evaluating potential emergency shelter locations throughout San Benito County based on capacity, availability, accessibility, facility needs, and operational requirements. Potential locations include:
- San Benito Farm Labor Housing: Preliminary capacity of approximately 288 beds, with access to cafeteria and kitchen facilities. The site is seasonally available from December 1 through April 1. Discussions regarding terms, availability, and costs are ongoing.
- Veterans Memorial Building: Preliminary capacity of approximately 75–100 individuals. Additional cots, blankets, restrooms, and handwashing facilities may be needed depending on occupancy.
- Schools and community facilities: Outreach is underway with local school districts and other organizations to identify additional facilities that may support shelter operations.
HHSA is also evaluating hotels and motels within the County as potential temporary lodging resources, particularly for individuals with access and functional needs or other circumstances for which a congregate shelter may not be appropriate.
Shelter Supplies, Food, and Essential Resources
HHSA has coordinated with the American Red Cross regarding shelter operations and available resources. Current planning indicates that approximately 500–700 cots and blankets may be available locally, with additional resources potentially available depending on the size and duration of the emergency. Planning also addresses meals, clothing, infant supplies, hygiene items, and other essential needs.
HHSA has also coordinated with the California Department of Social Services Disaster Services Branch regarding resources that may be available during an activation. Potential resources include cots, blankets, comfort kits, durable medical equipment, shelter and Emergency Operations Center staffing support, functional-needs assistance, emergency-services coordination, and a mobile command unit for extended deployments. HHSA is completing the necessary agreements to facilitate access to applicable State resources.
Community Partnerships
HHSA is contacting community-based organizations to identify resources that could supplement the County’s emergency response capabilities.
The Community Food Bank of San Benito County has discussed entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with HHSA and assisting with donation drives and the distribution of food and meals during an emergency.
Youth Alliance has identified several potential areas of support, including food and diaper distribution, community outreach, emergency messaging, Local Assistance Center operations, and services for young adults experiencing homelessness as they transition from emergency shelter to longer-term recovery.
Planning also addresses sheltering for pets belonging to displaced residents. Pet Friends & Rescue indicated that, depending on available capacity, it may be able to accommodate a limited number of dogs and cats. Outreach to other local animal organizations is continuing.
Shelter Operations and Staffing
If emergency sheltering is activated, HHSA will coordinate mass care operations and communicate resource needs through the County’s emergency response structure.
County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and may be assigned to support shelter operations. HHSA employees are aware that the Agency is designbated as the lead entity for sheltering. The Agency leadership is developing a staffing plan that can provide sustained shelter coverage and incorporate bilingual employees to address residents’ language needs.
HHSA is also updating its Continuity of Operations planning to support the continuation of essential public assistance, public health, social services, and other mandated functions during an extended emergency.
Public Health, Medical, and Behavioral Health Preparedness
HHSA is planning for public health, medical, and behavioral health needs that may arise during a winter storm or flooding emergency.
The County’s Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator structure will coordinate medical and health resources during an emergency.
Current planning includes public health supplies, nursing resources, medical support within shelters, behavioral health response, and coordination with healthcare and emergency medical partners.
Continuing Preparedness Activities
HHSA’s preparedness work is ongoing. Current priorities include:
- Finalizing or updating agreements with shelter and resource partners;
- Confirming additional shelter capacity;
- Evaluating hotels and motels for emergency lodging;
- Further developing plans for residents with access and functional needs;
- Coordinating resources for displaced pets;
- Strengthening medical and behavioral health response planning;
- Developing family reunification procedures; and
- Completing an inventory of community-based organizations and available resources.
HHSA will continue working with the County Office of Emergency Services, other County departments, the American Red Cross, the California Department of Social Services, healthcare partners, community-based organizations, and other local and regional partners to confirm available resources, address remaining operational needs, and strengthen the County’s readiness for the winter storm season.
N/A
1. Discuss potential impacts of El Nino in San Benito County and preparation efforts by the county; and
2. Provide staff direction as desired.