Brief

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez introduced this motion on September 2, 2026, to direct city departments to develop and coordinate emergency preparedness plans for El Niño-driven rainstorms and establish post-storm recovery procedures. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Tim McOsker, was referred to the Public Works Committee and is scheduled for discussion on September 8, 2026. It relates to Council File 26-1169.

Full summary

With NOAA projecting a greater than 90% chance of a strong El Niño that could bring one of the wettest winters in recent years, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez introduced this motion directing four Public Works bureaus to brief the Council on their storm readiness. The motion instructs the Bureau of Street Services, Bureau of Sanitation, Bureau of Engineering, and Bureau of Street Lighting to deliver a verbal report covering how each agency is preparing for and responding to heavy rainfall emergencies. The required report covers a detailed range of operational topics: crew deployment, reassignment strategies, and overtime availability for storm response; inspection, maintenance, and debris clearance of catch basins, storm drains, and drainage channels; response protocols for damaged street lighting infrastructure such as downed poles, exposed wires, and open covers; sand and sandbag inventory and distribution plans; hillside stability inspections and mudslide preparedness; and structural integrity assessments of bridges, tunnels, and municipal buildings. The bureaus are also asked to explain how storm-related emergency requests from 311, the Mayor's Office, Council Offices, and other city departments are received, prioritized, assigned, and tracked. Additionally, the report must include public-facing guidance — recommendations for residents and businesses on storm preparation, and information on how to access emergency services and sandbag locations. Beyond the initial briefing, the motion directs the Public Works bureaus to produce periodic post-storm reports following El Niño or other major rainstorm events. Those reports must document work performed, emergency response activities undertaken, 311 service requests received and resolved, outstanding service requests, and damage to public rights-of-way along with identified repair and restoration needs. This creates an ongoing accountability mechanism rather than a one-time compliance exercise. The motion was referred to the Public Works Committee on September 2, 2026, and a committee hearing was scheduled for September 8, 2026. The file remains pending in committee and is cross-referenced with Council File 26-1169, indicating related storm preparedness or emergency response work is moving on a parallel track.

Activity (2)

• 2026-09-04 Public Works Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 8, 2026.
• 2026-09-02 Motion referred to Public Works Committee.

Documents (1)

• 2026-09-02 Motion · motion