REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the City Manager's Proclamation of a Local Emergency Regarding the March 2023 Winter Storms and Find that the Action is Exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15269 and 15378(b)
Report
BACKGROUND
The San Francisco Bay Area region has seen a series of storms and atmospheric river systems that have brought high winds and extraordinarily levels of precipitation starting in late December and continuing through March 2023. The March 13 - 15, 2023 atmospheric river event produced winds that reached as high as 97 miles per hour at higher elevations and gusts in the range of 40 to 50 miles per hour at lower elevations at locations throughout Santa Clara County. This was followed by a record-setting low-pressure system or "bomb cyclone" with high winds and rains March 21-22, 2023, and forecasts for rain in the following week.
The combination of saturated soils and continued rainfall has undermined a storm drain outfall on Mockingbird Lane that discharges into Stevens Creek. Approximately 25-30 feet of the outfall discharge pipe has been washed away and also resulting in sloughing off of the Creek embankment. Currently, only a 3 foot section of the pipe remains. Further erosion threatens to undermine the public street and other infrastructure including homes along Mockingbird Lane.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 2.4.1, Policy 1 - Emergency Planning and Coordination: Provide an integrated approach to planning and management for emergencies and disasters.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 2.16 Emergency Organization and Functions, which provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within this city in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of this city with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected...
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