SANTA CRUZ (Oct. 6, 2015) — Given predictions of a stormy El Niño winter, the City of Santa Cruz has 
been working to prepare for heavy rainfall. Public Works and Parks and Recreation crews have completed many storm preparation projects throughout the City focused on vegetation management and the cleaning of storm drains, pump stations and drainage areas. Plans for flood event “hot-spot” areas are also in place. Staff is preparing several outreach efforts to connect with community members, particularly those in low lying areas, to ensure they are prepared for potential flood events related to heavy rainfall.
“The City is preparing for an ‘82/‘83 level El Niño winter. While the City and our partners are doing all we can to prevent flooding, we are also reaching out to the community to make sure they are prepared for heavy rainfall and flooding, so they know what to do in advance to stay safe,” said City Manager Martín Bernal.
The City continues to hold regular meetings to identify and mitigate potential El Niño risks. A public outreach campaign is in the works to help citizens stay safe and protect their property during the predicted El Niño event. Campaign elements will include community meetings and sandbag workshops. The City recommends that all citizens begin winter storm preparations now. Prep material is available at:www.cityofsantacruz.com/emergencystormpreparation.
Storm preparation projects the City has completed include many weeks of San Lorenzo River and Branciforte Creek vegetation abatement and management. Vegetation abatement, as well as the removal of trash and debris, has been accomplished at other critical locations: Branciforte Channel access road, Dodero Street, La Fonda culvert at Carl Avenue, the Hollywood Ditch, Palm Street, Almar Avenue and Seaside and Rankin streets. Many tons of sediment have been removed from the Brookwood Bridge area. There has also been cleaning of toe ditch and outboard drainage areas along the San Lorenzo River levee which will continue to be monitored.
The cleaning of catch-basins continues in the Lower Ocean, downtown and beach areas. Catch-basins in these locations receive special attention as they are in the lowest lying City areas and feed directly into pump stations. Traditionally, these locations require the most cleaning. Catch-basins in outlying areas will be inspected and cleaned as time permits.
All six of the City’s pump stations have been cleaned; their pump generators and transfer switches have been fueled and tested. Modifications have been made since the December 2014 storm event; the pump stations are now fitted with new and larger debris screens to combat flooding. Water levels at all pump stations are monitored by telemetry that provides notification to City staff of any issues 24 hours a day.
Potential flood event hot-spots have been identified and steps outlined to prevent and/or minimize any flooding. A plan is in place to groom the Neary Lagoon beach area prior to the first operation of the nearby pump station to establish gravity outflow and prevent lagoon flooding.
A downloadable brochure with steps to take before, during and after a severe storm is available on the City’s website at: www.cityofsantacruz.com/emergencystormpreparation. This link also provides information on Santa Cruz flood zones, sandbags and the National Flood Insurance Program.