The San Jose City Council votes Tuesday, Nov. 10, on proclaiming a local emergency ahead of a forecast "Super El Niño" storm season, a step that would free up $5.5 million in emergency reserves and let the city move faster on flood prep.
The proclamation would take effect immediately if approved. It lets city management order evacuations and issue emergency alerts, fast-tracks buying flood supplies, equipment and contracted services, and lets crews enter private or unmanaged creek parcels to clear brush and downed trees, the Mercury News reported. Instead of an end date, emergency officials would report to the council every 60 days.
"We're declaring a local emergency because El Niño won't wait for bureaucracy, and neither can we," Mayor Matt Mahan said.
On the agenda
City staff will also present updates on joint preparations with Valley Water. The item is No. 3.3 on Tuesday's agenda (council file 26-1151). The proclamation aligns with California's emergency declaration issued in September. If costs escalate, the city can tap an additional $29.6 million reserve. The city says it is watching 60 storm hot spots, 22 of them along neighborhood creeks.
What residents can do
Sign up for alerts at AlertSCC.org, make an emergency plan and supply kit, and check your address on the city and Valley Water flood map. Related: Anderson Dam outlet tunnel finished.