HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09132005 - D3 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS '� Loo 'O� Contra
FROM: SUPERVISOR JOHN GIOIA •' " �'
SUPERVISOR FEDERAL GLOVER �� � ' '�' Costa
DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 2005cou;
Count
v
SUBJECT: ASSISTING VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA AND PREPARING FOR � 3
A LOCAL MAJOR DISASTER
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATIONS)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
CONSIDER how Contra Costa County can mount an appropriate emergency response to the
ongoing suffering and devastation experienced by residents of the Gulf Coast in the aftermath
of Hurricane Katrina.
DIRECT the County Administrator to work with the Health Services Director, Public Works
Director, Employment and Human Services Director, Veterans Services Director, Housing
Authority Director, Sheriff, and Fire Chief and to consult with state and federal emergency
agencies to determine how any needed and appropriate rescue, relief, and/or temporary
relocation assistance may be provided to survivors of Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf region,
based on available information and requests received to date.
DIRECT the County Administrator to investigate how any assistance provided by the County
to victims of Hurricane Katrina can be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) and the State of California.
..................
DIRECT the Office of Emergency Services to conduct a comprehensive review of our county's
ability to respond quickly and effectively to natural and man-made major disasters and to
provide a report on this review (including recommendations for improv' g preparedness and
response) to the Board of Supervisors within ninety (90) days
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
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RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMEND TI NOF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
--------------------------------------- ------------ ----------------
ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVE AS RECOMMENDED OTHER X
MEW
�*,kJ DU X\-
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
_')t,-UNANIMOUS(ABSENT AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE
AYES: NOES: SHOWN.
ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
ATTESTED - c{/I �)e-�
CONTACT: JOHN GIOIA (510)374-3231 JOHN tWffETn,CLERK OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
CC: COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
COUNTY COUNSEL
SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
BY PUTY
1
BACKGROUND
The devastation from Hurricane Katrina has raised serious issues about how to best provide
assistance to those in need from this disaster and how to best prepare our own community
and emergency response agencies to effectively and quickly respond to disaster victims.
Most disaster response experts predict that local communities must be prepared on their own
to deal with helping victims in the days or weeks following a major disaster because receiving
the needed federal or state assistance may take time. The experience of Hurricane Katrina
bears this out and has underscored how the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) may be unprepared to provide timely needed assistance.
Many experts also acknowledge that residents in lower income communities could face higher
risks and less assistance when a major disaster strikes. That inequality in response is
unacceptable and must be corrected.
Contra Costa County should step forward to provide whatever appropriate assistance is
needed to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and should also take the lead to insure that our
communities are as prepared as possible for a major disaster and that the response to such a
disaster is as quick and effective as possible.
Contra Costa County is faced with the prospect of extensive risk of death, injuries, property
damage, and economic and social dislocation from both natural and man-made hazards and
disasters. Specifically, our county faces risks from earthquakes, fires, landslides, floods,
major levee failure in the Delta, and hazardous materials releases in addition to damage from
terrorism.
The National Association of Counties (NACO) has asked counties around the United States to
help in the efforts to assist and/or temporarily house those who have been affected by
Hurricane Katrina. NACO is working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development to find temporary housing for displaced residents. They believe that the most
immediate need is to provide shelter to the tens of thousands of residents displaced by this
disaster.
According to NACO, sites for temporary housing could include: vacant land where portable
housing or tents could be placed, county fairgrounds, stadium parking lots, county housing
facilities, shelters, vacant schools or county buildings, or other facilities (such as convention
centers) that may not be in use. NACO is also looking for families who can take displaced
families into their homes.
Contra Costa County, working with other local jurisdictions, should determine how our county
community can best help provide needed assistance to the hurricane victims. Other
jurisdictions, such as San Francisco, San Jose and San Diego have taken steps to help
victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Needed assistance could take the form of sending medical or other emergency response
professionals to the Gulf Coast and providing temporary housing and relocation assistance to
displaced citizens.
The County should also explore how any assistance it provides may be eligible for
reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or by the State of
California.
The Office of Emergency Services should be charged with the task of reviewing existing
policies and procedures and evaluating how we can be best prepared to respond to natural or
man-made disasters. This includes how we can best prepare our residents and businesses
to respond to major disasters. Studies clearly demonstrate that if citizens and businesses are
prepared, the risk to life and property from a disaster can be significantly reduced. A copy of
the City of Berkeley's "Disaster Preparedness and Safety Element" is attached to this Board
Order as an example of how that jurisdiction incorporated disaster preparedness in its General
Plan.
2
ADDENDUM TO ITEM D.3
September 13, 2005
On this day,the Board of Supervisors considered assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina and preparing for
a major local disaster.
Supervisor Gioia noted many families affected by Hurricane Katrina are now seeking assistance from
Contra Costa County's social services.He suggested the Board both provide direction to the County
Administrator on how to work with various County departments in order to best assist those persons
seeking assistance,and provide direction on addressing the County's ability to respond to a disaster,
requesting a report back to the Board in 90 days.He noted that with the possibility of an earthquake or a
chemical release,the County needs to be prepared to respond.
Supervisor Glover said it will be important to ensure that the County will be able to do everything it can
to provide necessary services in the event of an emergency situation.He noted the importance of having a
local plan in place in the event that federal assistance is not immediately available.He noted there are
inherent transportation infrastructure problems to be addressed. He further noted that part of the planning
has to include provisions for people who want to evacuate the area but cannot. He suggested working with
industry to make sure plans are in place.
Chair Uilkema suggested that now may be the time to have a meeting,where the Office of Emergency
Services(OES)could provide a presentation on the current plan that could be televised so that citizens
can be aware of what services are and aren't available,and to also advise citizens of what they can be
doing for themselves to be prepared. She said a benefit of this process could be that needed augmentations
could be identified.
Supervisor Piepho noted that unlike hurricanes,earthquakes come with no early warning. She said
preparedness is essential. She suggested that Animal Services be included along with OES and other
County departments in the procedures review process. She also suggested looking at how a mandatory
evacuation could be implemented.
Supervisor DeSaulnier said there could be multiple forums for these discussions and suggested that the
Board forward this subject to the Association of Bay Area Governments(ABAG).He also suggested that
school districts be included in the review process,both in terms of their preparedness and their potential
use as community centers in a time of emergency.
Supervisor Gioia noted that the issue is not just having a plan but understanding its meaningfulness and
the ability to carry it out. He said it was important to both review the plan currently in place and make a
series of recommendations to strengthen the plan.
%--1
County Administrator John Sweeten recapped the County's response to the events surrounding the
devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina.He went on to say there is a need to talk to congressional
representatives about housing assistance funds and about communication systems. He said that during the
review of the County's emergency response procedures,the Housing Authority,Animal Services,
Schools, and the Sanitary/Water Districts need to be among those in the room.He noted there is a draft
Emergency Plan that he hopes will be released in the coming weeks. He stressed that the County takes
emergency preparedness very seriously.
Page 2 of 2
D.3 September 13, 2005
The Chair asked for public comment,and the following persons provided testimony:
Michael Sarabia,Bay Point resident, suggested implementation of a process to retain that which
is developed and learned through the review process, and further suggested the need to develop
successful communication procedures;
Benita Harris,representing the Contra Costa Continuum of Care Board, suggested a coordinated
effort by County departments to develop a list of the procedures needed to access the County's
resources and services,,which could then be released to the community for public use;
Minerva Blaine,representing the Contra Costa Crisis Center,noted that her agency is often the
first point of contact for the homeless and grieving;
Rollie Katz,Public Employees Union Local 1, suggested that the planning process include the
rank and file employees in addition to management in order that they might contribute their input
to the process. He noted that the services the public desires require that the public pay taxes for
those services.
Chair Uilkema read into the record public comment received via e-mail from Rita Marie Betance,
Richmond resident,,regarding the possibility of paid leave for employees who are able to provide
assistance to Katrina survivors.
Supervisor Gioia proposed that departments work together to develop a protocol or system for making
access to services quick and easy.
Supervisor Gioia moved approval, and the motion was seconded by Supervisor Glover. By unanimous
approval with none absent, the Board of Supervisors took the following action:
DIRECTED the County Administrator to work with the Health Services Director,Public Works
Director,Employment and Human Services Director,Veterans Services Director,Housing Authority
Director, Sheriff,and Fire Chief to consult with state and federal emergency agencies to determine how
any needed and appropriate rescue,relief, and/or temporary relocation assistance may be provided to
survivors of Hurricane Katrina;DIRECTED that County departments work together to develop a
protocol or system for making access to appropriate services quick and easy;DIRECTED the County
Administrator to investigate how any assistance provided by the County to the victims of Hurricane
Katrina can be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)and the State of
California; DIRECTED the Office of Emergency Services to conduct a comprehensive review of our
county's ability to respond quickly and effectively to natural and man-made major disasters and to
provide a report on this review(including recommendations for improving preparedness and response)to
the Board of Supervisors within ninety(90)days,with Health Services,Public Works,Employment and
Human Services,,Veterans Services,Housing Authority, Sheriff,Fire Chief,Animal Services,and
Sanitary and Water Districts to be 'Involved in the review process;REQUESTED a presentation in a
public forum such as the Board of Supervisors chambers,which could then be telecast,to provide a
review of the County's current Emergency Preparedness plans in a forum that provides an opportunity for
discussion,to occur concurrent to the County's comprehensive review;DIRECTED the Board's
representatives on the Association of Bay Area Governments(ABAG)to forward this issue to ABAG in
an effort to increase regional emergency preparedness.
Disaster Preparedness and Safety Element
..... ............Y
ell
i
Introduction
The purpose of the Disaster Preparedness and Safety Element is to reduce the risk of death,injuries,
property damage,and economic and social dislocation from natural and man-made hazards and disasters.
Earthquakes,fires, landslides,floods,and hazardous materials releases are the primary hazards
confronting the Berkeley community and are therefore the focus of this Element.' However,
implementation of policies and actions included in this Element will make Berkeley more resistant to all
kinds of hazards and disasters that may occur in Berkeley.The Disaster Preparedness and Safety Element
provides the policy framework to support the City's mitigation,emergency preparedness,disaster
response,and future recovery efforts.
To maximize its effectiveness,the Disaster Preparedness and Safety Element i s intended to complement
and support the other General Plan Elements and City documents such as the Multi-Hazard Functional
Plan for Emergency Operations.Integrating safety as a consideration into all City decisions will ensure a
safer and more sustainability community.For example,the Disaster Preparedness and Safety Element
supports Land Use Element goals for neighborhood protection,Urban Design and Preservation Element
goals for the protection of architecturally and historically significant buildings,and Housing Element
goals for preserving and maintaining housing stock and increasing residential disaster preparedness.
Policy Background
Berkeley,like other Bay Area cities,faces a wide range of hazards ranging from natural hazards,such as
earthquakes and fires,to man-made hazards such as the handling and transport of hazardous materials.
The City must strive to understand the risks that these hazards pose and devise strategies that attain a
1 Hazardous materials are addressed in the Environmental Management Element.
General Plan S-1 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
reasonable degree of safety for the community.Although threats cannot be eliminated,their level of
damage can be minimized through individual and co ty preparedness,individual and community
action to reduce or eliminate long-tern risks(mitigation efforts),and sound development practices.
Given that the community is largely urbanized and densely populated,the challenge for Berkeley is to
improve the safety of the existing built environment through a variety of systematic,ongoing,and
incremental actions. These actions to reduce risk should be based on sound analysis of hazardous
conditions and should include economically realistic interventions and incentives.
Berkeley's fire,police,and health departments are first responders in the event of any natural and/or man-
made disasters.In order to prepare for a disastrous event,coordination with other agencies is critical.The
ability of the University of California,the Berkeley Unified School District,and the City of Berkeley to
prepare for, and respond to,a major disaster in a coordinated manner is essential to the health and safety
of the Berkeley community.Coordination with neighboring jurisdictions is also critical.Wildfires can
ignite in neighboring jurisdictions and spread quickly into Berkeley.Hazardous material spills or
explosions in adjacent cities can affect Berkeley residents. Other municipalities,public and private
utilities and transportation systems,hospitals,and special districts provide vital resident-serving services
that are highly vulnerable to earthquakes and other hazards.This regional interdependence of medical,
transportation,communications,emergency response,and other systems necessitates active coordination
and a consistent level of mitigation and preparedness.
Lastly,but most importantly,the community must be prepared if the City is to reduce the risks associated
with a major disaster.Neighborhood and business groups need to be trained on how to prepare for and
respond to a major disaster.If the citizens of Berkeley are prepared,the risk to life and property from a
major disaster will be significantly reduced.A major focus of the City's mitigation efforts must be the
preparation and training of the community to help itself.
In recent years,the Berkeley community has made major accomplishments toward risk reduction in
Berkeley.In 1992,the Berkeley community approved Measures G and A,which provided funds for the
seismic retrofitting of all City fire stations and public schools,the creation of an emergency operations
center,and improvements to the water system. Measure S was approved in 1996 and provided funds for
seismic retrofit of the Central Library and the Civic Center Building(City Hall). The seismically
reinforced Ronald Tsukamoto Public Safety Building,housing Police and Fire administrative staff,
opened in 2000. Other public buildings remain to be seismically retrofitted,however.
Also in 1992 the Berkeley City Council established the Residential Seismic Retrofitting Incentive
Program that provides two types of financial incentives to homeowners to retrofit their homes. The City
will-waive up to one-third of the transfer tax on a home sale,if the funds are used for seismic upgrades of
the property.Between fiscal year 1992/93 and fiscal year 1997/98,approximately$3,,589,,400 in property
transfer tax for approximately 7,641 properties was waived under the Residential Seismic Retrofitting
Incentive Program. The City will waive permit fees for seismic retrofitting of non-strengthened homes
and unreinforced masonry structures.Between 1992 and 1999,,approximately$1,079,000 in permit fees
was waived for 4,100 permits under the Residential Seismic Retrofitting Incentive Program. These
incentives are credited with giving Berkeley one of the highest residential retrofit rates in the state.
The Seismic Technical Advisory Group(STAG)was approved by City Council on March 14, 1995 to
advise on seismic safety matters and assist in the development of a comprehensive seismic hazard
mitigation strategy for the City of Berkeley.The panel was originally made up of three professors from
the University of California at Berkeley;two earthquake-engineering experts,,Professor Vitelmo Bertero
and Professor James Kelly;and a seismic safety public policy expert,,Professor Mary Comerio. L.
Thomas Tobin,former Executive Director of the California Seismic Safety Commission,,replaced
Professor Comerio upon her departure. Professor Kelly recently resigned in April of 2002.
Disaster Preparedness and S-2 General Plan
Safety Element Adopted April 23,2002
Overall,the Seismic Technical Advisory Group has provided review for the seismic improvements to
many City buildings,including the MLK Civic Center Building and the Public Safety Building.
Currently,the Group is reviewing the seismic upgrades of other public buildings and providing guidance
for the Soft Story Assessment Project.The Seismic Technical Advisory Group's vaned expertise makes
them a unique asset to Berkeley in the development of a comprehensive approach to addressing the
significant risk the community faces from earthquake hazards.
In September 1996,the Berkeley City Council adopted the Multi-Hazard Functional Plan for Emergency
Operations.Coordinated and prepared by the City's Office of Emergency Services,this comprehensive
citywide Plan outlines the critical functions and responsibilities of City departments and agencies in
responding to an emergency.The Multi-Hazard Functional Plan identifies the potential extent of damage
that would be inflicted by a disaster to emergency services buildings(e.g.,hospitals),utilities, and
transportation systems.An Emergency Management Organization defined in the Plan-consists of a formal
structure detailing the functions and responsibilities of each department in an emergency situation.The
Fire Department's fire and rescue operations would continue to carry out the same functions(including
fire fighting,rescue operations,hazardous materials management,and emergency medical treatment and
triage)as in non-emergency periods.However,additional functions necessary in emergency periods are
also spelled out.For example,the Fire Department would be responsible for all fire suppression and
rescue operations,but would coordinate with the Office of Emergency Services(OES),Police
Department,and Department of Public Works in alerting and warning the general public of dangers and
in providing mass casualty treatment and transportation.
In 1998,the City of Berkeley won the Western States Seismic Safety Council's award for Overall
Excellence in Hazard Mitigation,the Association of Bay Area Government's(ABAG)Award for Retrofit
Incentive Programs,and recognition as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's(FEMA) 1998
Project Impact Model Community of the Year.
In 1999,FEMA designated the City of Berkeley as a Project Impact community.This initiative commits
the City to creating,in partnership with the private sector,arisk-based,cost-effective,multi-hazard,
community-supported long-term strategy to provide a heightened level of protection from natural hazards.
The cornerstone of this commitment involves an aggressive public education effort aimed at
strengthening and inspiring community mitigation actions.
In recent years,the City has been working to improve its website as a source of disaster preparedness and
planning information for citizens.The site includes extensive information and checklists designed for
citizen use.From the website,citizens can access other websites with important information. Some of the
most useful information, as of the date of this publication,is available to the public at the following
World Wide Web addresses:
1. City of Berkeley website: www.ci.berkeley.ca.us
2. City of Berkeley website disaster preparedness checklist for use by Berkeley citizens:
www.ci.Berkeley.ca.us/Fire/earthquake.htm
3. Community Preparedness website: www.preparenow.org/
4. Association of Bay Area Governments website providing detailed information and maps:
www.abag,ca. og v/bavaxealegmaps/egmgps.html
5. Seismology Laboratory at the University of California:
www.seismo.berkeley.edulseismo/Homepa eg html
6. U.S.Geological Survey:www.usgs.gov
General Plan S-3 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
l
In addition to the website,the City is able to provide up to the minute emergency information and
evacuation information on radio KCBS (740AM),KGO(810AM),and Berkeley's WNZV(1610AM).
Hazards and Vulnerabilities
The Berkeley community is faced with several major potential hazards and associated vulnerabilities.The
following sections of this Element identify the major hazards confronting the community, and those
aspects or areas of the community that are most vulnerable to those hazards.
Seismic and Geological Hazards
Berkeley and the Bay Area are situated in a seismically active area. A system of parallel faults, including
the Hayward,Rodgers Creek,Calaveras, San Andreas,and numerous other faults,exists in the area and
poses a potential threat to the community. On October 14, 1999,the United States Geological Survey's
Working Group on Earthquake Probabilities issued the following information assessing the likelihood of
large earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In 1990, the Working Groupfocused on the San Andreas, the Hayward, and the Rodgers Creek
faults. Using information on the slip rates of each fault, the date of previous large events, and
assumptions about fault geometry, the report concluded that the chance of one or more large
earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area in 30 years was approximately 67%.
30 year Probabilities of One or More Magnitude 6.7 Earthquakes
on San Francisco BayArea Faults
Earthquake Fault Percent Chance
of Occurrence
H rd/Rodgers Creek 32%
San Andreas 21
Calaveras 18%
San Gregorio 10%
Concord/Green Valle 6%
Greenville 6%
Mt.Diablo 4%
Ha and Fault Probabilities
Southern Hayward 17%
Northern H and 16%
Rodgers Creek 20%
The new report assesses the odds of a magnitude 6.7 or higher over the next 30 years as 70%in
the San Francisco Bay Area, with an uncertainty of 10%.Although these results are very similar
to the 1990 study, the Working Group believes that the new numbers are more robust and
reliable. This high probability of a damaging earthquake is extremely sobering.
The risk of a damaging earthquake encompasses the entire San Francisco Bay Area. While the
previous studies concentrated on the San Andreas and Haywardfault systems, this report makes
it clear that the hazard extends beyond the Peninsula and the East Bay. This is particularly
relevant for the rapidly growing regions of Contra Costa,Alameda, Solano, Santa Clara, San
Disaster Preparedness and S-4 General Plan
Safety Element Adopted April 23,2002
Benito, and Napa counties.In addition to computing a regional probability, the Working Group
has computed fault-specific and segment- p robabilities.Z
Figure I I shows the approximate location of the faults in the region.
Figure 11+Acdve Earthquake Faullts.in the Sart Francisco lay Region
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2 For the most recent available information on '
seismic hazards available to the public,readers are encouraged to
review information provided by the Seismology Laboratory at the University of California and the U.S.Geological
Survey.(See website information above.)
General Plan S-5 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
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Seismic Hazard Areas
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Figure 12: Ground Shaking Intensity
These numbers are similar to the 1990 numbers, which yielded 23%for the Southern Hayward,
28%for the Northern and 22%for the Rodgers Creekfault. However, many peopl e
will be surprised that these are lower estimates. Several changes in the 1999 methodology
First, the new ain the difference. pexplreport accounted for more variations in fault rupture.For
example, the 1990 report estimated robabil ities for the rupture of the Rodgers Creekfault, the
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Northern Hayward and the southern Hayward as individual segments. The 1999 report accounts
.for e thpossibility that these individual segments may rupture together and cause larger
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earthquakes. B allowin or the occurrence of larger earthquakes, the computed probabilities
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decrease since the events are lessfrequent.lar er Second, the new report includes the effects of
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the "stress shadow"o the 1906 earthquake. That is, it accounts far interactions between the
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In the case o the 1906 earth uake, the movement of the San Andreas acted to reduce the
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stress on the Haywardfault. Third, the new models accountfor thefact that the Hayward fault
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"creeps". Through this seismic movement, some of the strain accumulation is released.Finally,
Disaster Preparedness and S-6 General Plan
P .
SafetyElement Adopted April 23,2002
new studies have shown that the 1868 earthquake was larger than previously thought, both in
terms of the length of the rupture and the amount of slip.A larger rupture results in a larger
strain release and contributes to lowering the probability.
The most significant physical characteristics of a major earthquake in Berkeley will be earthquake-
induced ground shaking,which can lead to surface fault rupture, ground failure,and fire.-Ground shaking
is the vibration that radiates from the earthquake fault. Because it can damage or collapse buildings and
other structures,it is the most serious and direct hazard produced by an earthquake.The impact of ground
shaking on a building or structure is a function of the nature of the underlying soil;the structural
characteristics of the building and the quality of workmanship and materials;the location and magnitude
of the event;and the duration and character of the ground motion.Figure 12 shows the approximate
location and intensity of ground shaking that might be expected in a magnitude 7.3 earthquake on the
Hayward fault.
Earthquake-induced ground failure.includes liquefaction,settlement,fault rupture,lateral spreading,and
landslides.Liquefaction is the loss of soil strength due to shaking on water-saturated granular soils. The
potential for liquefaction in Berkeley exists primarily to the west of the railroad tracks in low-lying areas
adjacent to San Francisco Bay. Settlement is the vertical consolidation of loose soils and alluvium caused
by ground shaking or liquefaction.The ground surface can range from a drop of a few inches to several
feet,and may occur many miles from the epicenter.Along the Berkeley waterfront the potential for
settlement exists due to underlying weak bay mud fill typical of the area.Lateral spreading is the
horizontal movement or spreading of soil toward an open face such as a stream bank or the open sides of
fill embankments.In Berkeley,locations most likely to be affected are areas with improperly engineered
fill;steep,unstable banks;and areas near the waterfront underlain by soft bay mud soil deposits.In a
major earthquake,Berkeley can expect lurch cracking to result in extensive rippling and fracturing of
pavement and curbs,and damage to sewer,gas,and water lines. Seismic activity can also trigger
landslides,primarily in the hill areas,which can result in significant property damage,injury,and loss of
life.
Fire often accompanies earthquake damage.Fire following an earthquake is a particular concern because
of the likelihood of numerous simultaneous ignitions,broken mains,and demands on fire personnel.
Ruptured or disrupted gas service lines and mains,power lines,water heaters,wood,gas or electric
stoves,and other gas or electrical appliances and equipment cause most earthquake-induced fires. As
demonstrated in the San Francisco Marina District in 1989 and in the 1995 Kobe earthquake,modem
cities are vulnerable to devastation from multiple fires,which,coupled with road blockages and damage
to the water delivery system,can greatly exacerbate the initial damage from the seismic forces.
Figure 13 shows the approximate location of areas vulnerable to a combination of hazards caused by a
major earthquake.
The combination of earthquake-induced ground shaking,potential lateral spreading,fault rupture and fire
is of particular concern in the residential hill areas of Berkeley east of the Hayward Fault line.In these
areas,many homes are on steep slopes,and access to many of these areas is difficult for emergency
vehicles due to narrow,winding roads,some of which are cul-de-sacs.The eastern edge of the city is
heavily wooded,which provides fuel for earthquake-induced fire. These areas are entirely residential and
do not have easy access to any City emergency services.If the northern Hayward Fault were to rupture,
many of the roads leading from the City's emergency service facilities(police and fire stations)to these
residential areas could be made impassible and the areas would then be isolated.There is currently only
one fire station east of the Hayward Fault and it is not capable of servicing this whole area without
assistance in the event of a major disaster.Other hazards initiated by ground shaking include hazardous
material releases and inundation due to reservoir failure.Problems can be exacerbated further and
General Plan S-7 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
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Hazardous Buildi -Buildings constructed before building codes were in effect,and buildings built to
earlier building codes,are the most likely to suffer serious damage.As illustrated by the 1994 Northridge
earthquake,even newer buildings are vulnerable where poor construction,workmanship,and/or
maintenance are present. The Association of Bay Area Governments estimates that 13,372 units in
Berkeley will be uninhabitable after a major earthquake,resulting in a total shelter population of 8,530.
Commercial buildings,utilities,and public roads will be destroyed or disabled.Local businesses will be
disrupted and potentially permanently altered.Many businesses may not be able to recover financially
from the physical damage and the loss of sales revenue during the recovery period.
In a disaster,the most vulnerable buildings include:unreinforced masonry(URM),concrete frames,tilt-
up buildings built before the mid-19 70s,and buildings with soft stories.Additionally,buildings with
termite damage,dry rot,poor construction quality or other structural conditions can further exacerbate
seismic vulnerability,even if the structure was properly designed.
In 1986,Senate Bill 547 required cities to create an inventory of URMs and to develop a mitigation
program.In 1989 the city compiled an inventory of URM buildings.Then in 1991,the City adopted an
ordinance mandating that URM buildings built before 1956(except for residential buildings with fewer
than five units)be posted diately with a warning and seismically retrofitted to certain"performance
standards"by deadlines based on the risk category assigned each building.The six risk categories are
based upon use and occupancy load.Buildings with the highest occupancy such as theaters,or structures
housing essential services,are assigned to the highest risk categories and had the shortest deadlines for
retrofit. Smaller buildings and buildings with lesser hazards,such as brick parapets,are assigned to the
lower categories.A total of 727 properties containing potentially hazardous URM buildings were
originally placed on the list.Of those,230 properties remain on the URM list with deadlines for all except
category VI having now passed. Starting in FY 2001,the City has targeted bringing the remaining
buildings into compliance,with the higher-use buildings as a priority.
Buildings with"soft"stories(open or irregular structural designs that lack lateral strength),structures
made from non-ductile concrete,and buildings improperly anchored to their foundations are highly
susceptible to damage.Residential uses are threatened particularly by soft story conditions because of
parking below multi-unit buildings and by homes built on cripple walls and those not anchored to their
foundations.Non-ductile concrete buildings are common in Berkeley's commercial and industrial areas.
Utilities-Water,gas,storm,and wastewater mains and pipes,electrical systems,and telecommunications
are vulnerable to damage.Especially at risk are systems that have non-ductile pipes,or systems located in
areas subject to ground failure.Overhead power lines may fall as a result of severe ground shaking,
blocking streets for emergency access and evacuation,creating safety hazards,causing fires,and further
complicating communication and emergency response.
Transportation-Public roads on vulnerable soils such as Interstate 880,which is constructed on landfill;
streets in the hills built on historic landslide areas;as well as overpasses,bridges,and railway and port
facilities are highly vulnerable to earthquake-induced ground shaking.
Fire Hazards and Vulnerabilities
The City of Berkeley faces an ongoing threat from urban and wildland fire. Susceptibility to fire is
heightened due to Berkeley's dense development pattern,,characterized by older structures including high
rise buildings,multi-storied residential units,and a variety of warehouse,manufacturing,and commercial
properties.Berkeley also faces a significant wildland fire danger along its hillsides where the wildland
and residential areas interface.Wildland fires can result from both human activity and natural causes.
Once ignited,these fires can be difficult to contain.The risk of fire is most common during the dry
months of May through October,and can become extreme when the warm,dry Diablo winds blow out of
the northeast. When the winds blow strongly,fires occurring in the densely vegetated hill areas are
General Plan S-9 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
extremely difficult to control.A wildfire can move with breathtaking speed,down from the ridge in 30
minutes,expanding to one square mile in one hour,and then consuming hundreds of residences in a day.
In the Berkeley and Oakland Hills there have been 14 wildland fires since 1923,which collectively have
burned 9,000 acres and destroyed more than 3,500 structures.
On September 17`x, 1923,a fire started in Wildcat Canyon,just over the ridge from Berkeley. It was a
warm day,with a strong northeast wind,which blew the flames up over the ridge into northeast Berkeley.
Firefighters were able to do little to slow the fire as flying embers spread it rapidly from block to block.
By the time the winds finally changed in the late afternoon,the fire had burned all the way to the northern
edge of the University campus and as far west as Shattuck Avenue. Several thousand people were
homeless,and 584 homes were destroyed. Had the winds not shifted,the fire could have burned to the
Bay.
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Figure 14.Hazardous Hill Area,Fire Station Locations and Evacuation Routes
Disaster Preparedness and S-10 General Plan
Safety Element Adopted April 23,2002
Because of increased development and vegetation growth in the hills,the fire threat continually increases.
Abundant dead brush and vegetation,and non-fire-resistant building materials,fueled the 1991 firestorm,
which ignited in the Oakland Hills. The combination of fuel,drought,hot and dry weather,wind
conditions,poor accessibility,and insufficient water pressure in some areas proved devastating.The fire
destroyed 62 homes in Berkeley and more than 3,000 homes in Oakland,consuming one house every 11
seconds in the first three hours. Twenty-five people lost their lives in the fire.
In the aftermath of the 1991 Fire,,the City established the Hill Hazardous Fire Area District.The purpose
of the District was to expand inspection programs,reduce excess vegetation,and educate residents about
the special needs for vegetation management and fire prevention for people living in the urban/wildland
interface.Hazardous fire area inspections are conducted annually by fire companies,between May and
September.Vegetation removal programs,including the chipper and debris box programs,continue with
funding provided by a surcharge on the refuse bills for residents in the hill area.In 1997,the City
Council-approved assessment district in the Berkeley hills area ended;however,the danger from a
wildfire has not.The continued commitment of the residents to a fire-safe area is critical.
Figure 14 shows the location of the Hill Hazardous Fire Area and the Emergency Access and Evacuation
Routes establishedin the General Plan Transportation Element. (Also see Transportation Policy T-28.)
All streets in the Fire Hazard Area are considered to be evacuation routes,as are the public paths that
make up Berkeley's pathway network system(see Figure 6, Transportation Element).
Efforts are currently underway to construct a new fire station for the hill areas east of the Hayward fault.
The objective of the current efforts is to develop a facility that will beable to respond to major disasters
in these neighborhoods.
The location of the residential hill areas adjacent to regional parklands poses two additional fire
prevention challenges.First and foremost,these parklands are heavily wooded providing ample fuel for a
major wildland fire that can easily move into the Berkeley neighborhoods. Second,these areas are
managed by the East Bay Regional Park District and serviced by the California Department of Forestry
(CDF).Therefore coordination between the City of Berkeley and the adjacent jurisdiction is essential.
Major issues that must be addressed are: 1)the benefits and implications of establishing and maintaining
a firebreak between the wildland areas and the residential areas of Berkeley,and 2)joint response plans to
fires in the area.
To fight fires effectively,adequate water pressure,supply,and delivery must be available.While water
pressure is generally adequate throughout the city,fire-fighting capability can be hampered by supply and
pressure limitations in particular water pressure zones.Moreover,an earthquake can easily sever water
lines in the area. Several areas in the East Bay Hills can produce flame fronts that cannot be controlled
with water from hydrants,fire truck hoses,,or helicopter buckets,or with retardant drops from air tankers,
until the winds die down in the late afternoon.Compounding this threat is the fact that evacuation can be
difficult,slow,and dangerous due to winding and narrow roadways in the hills.
A secondary hazard is the potential for massive land sliding on fire-burned hillsides when heavy rains
follow firestorms. Extreme beat from firestorms can create an impermeable soil layer beneath the surface.
When heavy rains fall on denuded slopes,soil saturation occurs rapidly and the danger of landslides in
susceptible areas is great,posing a risk to life,structures,and infrastructure.
In conclusion,areas of the city that are most vulnerable to fire hazards are:
Hillside Residential Areas Near and Adjacent to Wildland Areas-There are approximately 750
residences in vulnerable hillside areas in Berkeley.
General Plan S-11 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
w
Structures Built with Combustible Materials-The presence of wood siding,shake roofs,and other
combustible materials heightens the vulnerability of residences and structures in the hills area.
Areas of Hem or U ianaeg d Vegetation-Dense vegetation increases the danger to people and
structures from fire.The fuel load is particularly high in the Berkeley hills.
Circulation and Utilities-As demonstrated in the 1991 firestorm,narrow winding roads can become
inaccessible and unusable for evacuation or for emergency equipment and personnel.Aboveground utility
poles can exacerbate problems.
The Water Delivery System-In an emergency the age of the existing water supply-system may cause the
system to be unreliable.
Landslide Hazards and Vulnerabilities
In Berkeley,the potential for landslide from seismic activity or heavy rain is high in the hill areas and
along remnant stream banks in some parks and neighborhoods.Landslide-prone areas include several
large residential areas below Grizzly Peak Boulevard,south of Marin Avenue and east of The Alameda..
Geologists estimate that 45 to 65 percent of the landslide-susceptible areas will experience large,'coherent
movement in a major earthquake.The range of movement depends upon whether slopes are wet or dry
when ground shaking occurs.Movement could range from a few inches to 20 feet.Efforts to minimize
landslide potential occur as part of the development review process and can involve grading,soil
strengthening,structural engineering components,and landscape methods(all of which are subject to City
inspection services).Most of the Berkeley hillside development,however,predates current best practices
and codes and therefore remains vulnerable to the threat of landslides.
Landslides due to slope failure are most frequent in high rainfall periods.The probability is greater in
steeply sloped areas,although landslides may occur on slopes of 15 percent or less. Slope steepness and
nature of underlying soils are the most important factors affecting the landslide hazard.However,factors
such as the surface and subsurface drainage patterns,improper grading,alteration of drainage patterns,
and removal of vegetation can also increase landslide hazards.
Areas of the community that are vulnerable to landslide hazards include hundreds of homes,roads,
sidewalks,underground utilities(water,wastewater,etc), and aboveground utilities(electricity,
teleconununications)that are situated on historic landslide areas. Several collector streets that are critical
for emergency access and evacuation are located in areas historically susceptible to landslides- including
sections of Arlington,Marin, Spruce,Euclid,Shasta,La Loma,and Keith.
Flood Hazards and Vulnerabilities
The flood potential in Berkeley is a relatively mild threat in comparison to seismic,landslide, and fire
risks.Flooding events may occur as flash floods,local storm drain blockages,or tidally influenced events.
Seismically induced reservoir failure and inundation is unlikely,but such an event should be considered.
There exists some potential for wave damage along the Berkeley waterfront,but tsunami waves(triggered
by earthquakes,underwater landslides,or volcanic eruptions)have historically resulted in little damage
around San Francisco Bay. Figure 15 shows the approximate location of flood hazards in Berkeley.
Areas of the city vulnerable to flood hazards include:
Strawbegy Creek-Flowing from the hills through the University campus, Strawberry Creek poses a
flood hazard for the area immediately west of Oxford Street,as well as to parts of the campus.The North
Disaster Preparedness and S-12 General Plan
Safety Element adopted April 23,2002
Fork of Strawberry Creek in particular,which captures a significant amount of urban runoff,is subject to
flash flood conditions in periods of intense rainfall.A number of creeks in Berkeley have significantly
flooded in recent years.
Figure 75:Flood and Tsunami Prom Areas
too Year Hood zones
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Prqnred by the-City of Berkeley PlanNng Dept
Source., tdatioiw4 Flood traumm Prom•1978
EJ3tsS Tstnuyft Map•1972
Figure 15.Flood Hazards
Tidal Basin Areas-The Tidal Basin Areas west of Third Street between Codornices Creek and Gilman
Street,and Aquatic Park between University Avenue and Ashby Avenue,are potentially vulnerable to
flooding and tsunami.
Summit and Berryman Reservoirs-Properties below major water reservoirs in the hills may be subject to
flooding in the event of an earthquake-induced rupture of the reservoir.Reservoir inundation is caused by
structural failure,possibly from an earthquake or rain overflow.Inundation could affect those areas
downhill,or west,of the Berryman and Summit Reservoirs.The Summit Reservoir,located on the
Berkeley/Kensington border,would affect areas along Berkeley's border between Grizzly Peak Boulevard
General Plan S-13 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
f
and The Alameda.The Berryman Reservoir,adjacent to Codo ces Park,could potentially inundate a
large portion of the city,including neighborhoods near Hopkins and Cedar Streets and in West Berkeley,
particularly at Aquatic Park and other areas east of the I-80 freeway.
Figure 16 shows the approximate areas of the city that could be vulnerable to inundation from a reservoir
failure.
The 37-million-gallon Summit Reservoir may be vulnerable to inundation if a seismic event exceeded
magnitude 7.5 on the Hayward Fault,or 8.5 on the San Andreas Fault.The Summit Reservoir was
evaluated for seismic stability in 1985 and reviewed again in 1992.3 The evaluation found that the
embankments would remain stable in a 7.5 event on the Hayward fault or a magnitude 8.5 earthquake on
the San Andreas Fault. Therefore flooding due to catastrophic failure is considered unlikely.Nonetheless,
the inundation area is mapped for notice and evacuation purposes.The possibility of inundation from the
Berryman Reservoir is short-term as EBMUD has an approved project underway for replacement of the
reservoir with one 4.6-million-gallon steel tank or two smaller tacks depending on the geotechnical
conditions encountered once the reservoir is drained.EBMUD plans to drain the Berryman reservoir in
June 2002.
Figure 16: +tdrlrnundatioei Hsssrd
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Figure 16.Reservoir Inundation Hazards.
3Analysis was reviewed and approved by the California Division of Safety of Dams,which has jurisdiction over the
facility.
Disaster Preparedness and S-14 General Plan
Safety Element Adopted April 23,2002
Element Objectives
The policies and actions of the Disaster Preparation and Safety Element are intended to achieve the
following six objectives:
1. Establish and maintain an effective emergency response program that anticipates the potential for
disasters,maintains continuity of life-support functions during an emergency,and institutes
community-based disaster response planning, involving businesses,non-governmental organizations,
and neighborhoods.
2. Improve and develop City mitigation programs to reduce risks to people and property from natural
and man-made hazards to socially and economically acceptable levels.
3. Plan for and regulate the uses of land to minimize exposure to hazards from either natural or human-
related causes and to contribute to a"disaster-resistant"community.
4. Reduce the potential for loss of life,injury,and economic damage resulting from earthquakes and
associated hazards.
5. Reduce the potential for loss of life,injury,and economic damage resulting from,urban and wildland
fire.
6. Reduce the potential for loss of life and property damage in areas subject to flooding.
Policies and Actions
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Policy S-1 Response Planning
Ensure that the City's emergency response plans are current and incorporate the latest information on
hazards,vulnerability, and resources. (Also see Transportation Policy T-28.)
Actions:
A. Test,maintain,and revise the City's disaster response plan(s)consistent with the California
Standardized Emergency Management System(SEMS)and establish clear coordination of roles and
expectations with the County Office of Emergency Services,the University of California,the
Berkeley Unified School District,neighboring jurisdictions,and other agencies.
B. Designate and publicize evacuation routes, shelter locations,and emergency service locations
(hospitals,fire stations,etc.)within the city and sub region.Include existing city pathways and other
pedestrian right-of-ways in the published designated evacuation route map.Prioritize undergrounding
of utilities for designated routes to make them more reliable.
C. Designate and publicize emergency access routes with the city and sub region. Prioritize
undergrounding of utilities to enhance reliability of emergency access routes and ini*rnize
conflagration hazards from fallen power lines.
General Plan S-15 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
D. City departments shall conduct an appropriate level of staff training addressing emergency readiness,
evacuation routes,first aid,staging areas and procedures,continuity of services,and response and
recovery operations and including CERT training for all City employees.
E. Establish facilities and provide equipment that may be used by citizens during the first days
inunediately after a major disaster until such time as City services become available.
F. Prepare an annual report in consultation with the Fire Safety Commission and other relevant
Commissions and Boards on the state of preparedness in Berkeley.
G. Conduct coordinated planning and training between local and regional police, fire, and public health
agencies in preparation for natural and man-made disasters,and ensure that the City's disaster
response communication technologies are compatible with regional agency communication
technologies.
Policy S-2 Neighborhood Preparation and Education
Continue to provide education,emergency preparedness training,and supplies to the community at the
neighborhood level to support neighborhood-and community-based disaster response planning.
Actions:
A. Enhance the Community Emergency Response Training(CERT)program to provide disaster
preparedness training to the community at the neighborhood level.Work with the Berkeley Unified
School District to develop and implement a CERT curriculum.
B. Work with neighborhood associations and other community groups to organize disaster preparedness
and other training activities on a block-by-block basis.
C. Map existing neighborhood disaster preparedness groups and seek to fill gaps with new or extended
groups. Establish central locations within each neighborhood for aid and information exchanges.
D. Continue to enforce restrictions on illegal window bars.
E. Explore implementation of a siren system,combined with reverse calling and other methods as a way
to warn neighborhoods about problems.
Policy S-3 Public Information
Publicize disaster preparedness efforts(such as CERT)and expand public awareness of specific hazards
and risks by making available all relevant information including mapping and reports on various hazards,
information on vulnerability and risk reduction techniques,evacuation routes,and emergency services,
and information on financial and technical assistance resources.
Actions:
A. Continue to provide emergency preparedness and planning information to citizens through libraries,
the City website,radio,and other locations.
B. Explore possible programs that would enable,encourage,or require landlords,property managers,
and realtors to provide information to new tenants and new homeowners about emergency
preparedness,evacuation routes,and home safety.
Disaster Preparedness and S-16 General Pian
Safety Element Adopted April 23,2002
Policy S4 Special Needs Communities
Continue to work with the social service community to ensure the safety of special needs populations.
Actions:
A. Encourage partnerships between public safety,public health,and community services providers to
develop and implement community safety and community service programs.
B. Work closely with area hospitals to encourage hospital preparation and coordinate disaster recovery
plans.
Policy S-5 The City's Role in Leadership and Coordination
Ensure that the City provides leadership and coordination of the private sector,public institutions,and
other public bodies in emergency preparedness.
Actions:
A. Promote information sharing and seek to coordinate and implement collaborative mitigation and
response planning and info--mation gathering efforts with neighboring cities,Alameda.and Contra
Costa Counties,the East Bay Regional Park District,other agencies,non-profit organizations,
businesses and industries,educational institutions,and residents.
B. Promote information sharing and seek to coordinate and implement collaborative mitigation and
response planning and information gathering efforts.
Policy S-6 Damage Assessment
Establish and maintain a rapid damage assessment capability.
Action:
A. Formulate and adopt damage assessment protocols,and train appropriate inspection and other
personnel to implement these protocols.
Policy S-7 Emergency Water Supply
Protect life and property in the event of an earthquake by evaluating alternate drinking water and fire-
fighting water supply in the event of failure of the East Bay Municipal Utility District(EBMUD)water
supply.
Policy S-8 Continuity of Operations
Provide for the continuation of City government and services following a major disaster.
Action:
A. Establish plans including such aspects as emergency supplies sufficient to carry out assigned disaster
responsibilities.
Policy S-9 Pre-Event Planning
Establish pre-event planning for post-disaster recovery as an integral element of the emergency
preparedness programs of the City Council and each of the City departments.
General Plan S-17 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
Actions:
A. Establish a framework and process for recovery pl g that specifies roles,priorities,and,
responsibilities of various departments within the City organization,and that outlines a structure and
process for policy-making involving elected officials and appointed advisory committee(s).
B. Prepare a basic Recovery Plan that outlines the major issues and tasks that are likely to be the key
elements of community recovery.Examine issues such as debris removal,provision of shelter,
interim housing,restoration of services,interim business resumption facilities,protection of historic
resources,standards for replacement ofnon-conforming structures and uses,and restoring
neighborhood and community character.
C. Integrate recovery.planning as an element of the Community-Based Disaster Response Plan.Identify
possible roles for community organizations,business representatives,and neighborhoods in the
recovery process.
Mitigation
Policy S-10 Sustaining Miti19ation Initiatives
Improve public awareness and establish new public/private partnerships to implement mitigation
initiatives in the community and region through programs such as Project Impact.
Actions:
A. Analyze and evaluate the benefits of formulating City plans and programs for short-term and long-
term mitigation.
B. Perform appropriate seismic analysis based on current and future use for all city-owned facilities and
structures.
C. Request and encourage neighboring cities,other agencies,non-profit organizations,neighborhood and
citizen groups,business organizations,and the University of California also to formulate and
implement complementary mitigation action plans.
Policy S-11 Historic Structures
Encourage and support the long-term protection of historic or architecturally significant structures to
preserve neighborhood and community character. (Also see Urban Design and Preservation Policy UD-
7.)
Actions:
A. Create incentives for owners of historic or architecturally significant structures to undertake
mitigation to levels that will minimize the likelihood of demolition and maximize the ability to repair
or avoid damage in the event of a natural disaster.
B. Consistent with public safety and acceptable risk determinations,seek all feasible means to avoid
demolition of historic or architecturally significant structures following a disaster by pursuing repair,
rehabilitation, and preservation of structures,facades,or other features.
Disaster Preparedness and S-18 General Plan
Safety Element Adopted April 23,2002
Policy S-12 Utility and Transportation Systems
Improve the disaster-resistance of utility and transportation systems to increase public safety and to
minimize damage and service disruption following a disaster.
Actions:
A. Support and encourage efforts undertaken by Caltrans,the East Bay Municipal Utility District,
Pacific Gas&Electric,telephone and telecommunications companies,Amtrak,the Union Pacific
Railroad,AC Transit,,and the Bay Area Rapid Transit System to plan for and finance seismic retrofit
and other disaster-resistance measures.
B. Work closely with the utility companies to facilitate undergrounding of utilities.
C. Urge the Public Utilities Commission,utilities,and oil companies to strengthen,relocate,or
otherwise safeguard natural gas and other pipelines where they extend through areas of high
liquefaction potential,cross potentially active faults,or traverse potential landslide areas,or areas that
may settle differentially during an earthquake.
Disaster-Resistant Land Use Planning
Policy S-13 Hazards Identification
Identify,avoid and mininuze natural and human-caused hazards in the development of property and the
regulation of land use.
Actions:
A. Maintain and make publicly available up-to-daze hazard maps identifying areas subject to heightened
risk from potential seismic hazards(including fault rupture,ground failure,ground shaking, and
liquefaction),and fire,flood,landslide,and other hazards,such as toxic contamination and
radioactive release.
B. Improve the understanding of identified hazards and mitigation needs via area-specific studies such as
microzonation studies.
Policy S-14 Land Use Regulation.
Require appropriate mitigation in new development,in redevelopment/reuse,or in other applications.
(Also see Land Use Policies LU-4,LU-6, and LU-7.)
Actions:
A. When appropriate utilize the environmental review process to ensure avoidance of hazards and/or
adequate mitigation of hazard-induced risk.
B. Require soil investigation and/or geotechnical reports in conjunction with
development/redevelopment on sites within designated hazard zones such as areas with high potential
for soil erosion, landslide,,fault rupture,liquefaction and other soil-related constraints.
C. Place structural design conditions on new development to ensure that recommendations of the
geotechnical/soils investigations are implemented.
General Plan S-19 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
D. Encourage owners to evaluate their buildings' vulnerability to earthquake hazards,fire,landslides,
and floods and to take appropriate action to minimize the risk.
E. Develop criteria for disaster-resistant land use regulations to ensure that new construction reduces
rather than increases risk of all kinds.
Policy S-15 Construction Standards
Maintain construction standards that minimize risks to human lives and property from environmental and
human-caused hazards for both new and existing buildings.
Actions:
A. Periodically update and adopt the California Building Standards Code with local amendments to
incorporate the latest knowledge and design standards to protect people and property against known
fire,flood,landslide,and seismic risks in both structural and non-structural building and site
components.
B. Ensure proper design and construction of hazard-resistant structures through careful plan
review/approval and thorough and consistent construction inspection.
Policy S-16 Residential Density in the Hills
Consider changes to the existing residential zoning in high-risk,residential areas,such as the Hill
Hazardous Fire Areal to reduce the vulnerability of these areas to future disasters. (See the Hill Hazardous
Fire Area map on page S-10)
Actions:
A. Consider zoning amendments to prevent future development,including the prohibition of new
second units,in these areas or sites in these areas that are particularly vulnerable to natural disaster.
(Also see Housing Policy H-1 7.)
B. Consider fire safety,evacuation,and emergency vehicle access when reviewing secondary unit or
other proposals to add residential units in these areas.
Seismic Hazards
Policy S-17 Residential Seismic Retrofitting Incentive Program
Maintain existing programs such as the Residential Seismic Retrofitting Incentive Program to facilitate
retrofit of potentially hazardous structures.
Action:
A. Expand public awareness of the program and take other actions to publicize and improve the
effectiveness of the program.
Policy S-18 Public Information
Establish public information programs to inform the public about seismic hazards and the potential
hazards from vulnerable buildings.
Disaster Preparedness and S-20 General Pian
Safety Element Adopted April 23,2002
Policy S-19 Risk Analysis
Understand and track changes in seismic risk utilizing the best available information and tools.
Actions:
A. Make maximum use of new available information to update maps that depict seismic hazards.
B. Encourage building owners(including public sector agencies and local jurisdictions)to install
instruments to record earthquake shaking in conjunction with the State's Strong Motion
Instrumentation Program.
Policy S-20 Mitigation of Potentially Hazardous Buildings
Pursue all feasible methods,programs,and financing to mitigate potentially hazardous buildings.
Actions:
A. Implement an effective Un-Reinforced Masonry(URM)Program to retrofit all remaining non-
complying buildings.Work with owners of potentially hazardous buildings to obtain structural
analyses of their buildings and to undertake corrective mitigation measures to improve seismic
resistance or to remove the buildings and replace them with safer buildings.
B. Create a program similar to the URM Program to reduce risks to people and property for all
potentially hazardous buildings in Berkeley,with a priority on multi-family soft-story buildings.
C. Consider requiring disclosure.of potential hazards to occupants and residents of potentially hazardous
buildings,along with mitigation and safety information and technical assistance.
D. Investigate and adopt financial,procedural,and land use incentives and provide technical assistance
for owners of potentially hazardous structures,such as soft-story buildings,to facilitate retrofit.
E. Investigate and adopt retrofit guidelines and building codes that address structural and nonstructural
mitigation to facilitate the retrofit of all types of existing buildings.
F. Consider the formulation and adoption of a retrofit standard for single-family homes.
G. Evaluate the ability of essential public facilities to maintain structural integrity and remain
operational in the event of a strong earthquake. Those facilities unable to remain operational should
be modified to bring them into conformance.Emergency guidelines shall be developed for buildings
for which structural(and/or non-structural)modification and provision of back-up utility services are
not feasible.
H. Establish a prioritized program for seismic retrofit of the remaining unreinforced public structures.
Fire Hazards
Policy S-21 Fire Preventive Design Standards
Develop and enforce construction and design standards that ensure new structures incorporate appropriate
fire prevention features and meet current fire safety standards.
Actions:
A. Strengthen performance review and code enforcement programs.
General Plan S-21 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
B. Promote the installation of built-in fire extinguishing systems and early warning fire alarm systems.
C. Maintain City standards for minimum width and vertical clearance,and ensure that new driveways
and roadways meet minimum standards of the Uniform Fire Code or subsequent standards adopted by
the City.
D. Provide adequate water for fire suppression for new development in accordance with City standards
for muumum volume and duration of flow.
E. Establish criteria for the installation of gas shutoff valves in new and existing construction,to reduce
the risk of post-earthquake fires.
Policy 5-22 Fire Fighting Infrastructure
Reduce fire hazard risks in existing developed areas.
Actions:
A. Develop proposals to make developed areas more accessible to emergency vehicles and reliable for
evacuation.Consider restricting on-street parking,increasing parking fines in hazardous areas,and/or
undergrounding overhead utilities.Require that all private access roads be maintained by a
responsible party to ensure safe and expedient passage by the Fire Department at any time,and
require approval of all 1ocking devices by the Fire Department.Ensure that all public pathways are
maintained to provide safe and accessible pedestrian evacuation routes from the hill areas. (Also see
Transportation Policies T-28 and T-52)
B. Evaluate existing access to water supplies for fire suppression.Identify,prioritize,and implement
capital improvements and acquire equipment to improve the supply and reliability of water for fire
suppression.Continue to improve the water supply for fire fighting to assure peak load water supply
capabilities.Continue to work with EBMUD to coordinate water supply improvements.Develop
aboveground(transportable)water delivery systems.
C. Provide properly staffed and equipped fire stations and engine companies.Monitor response time
from initial call to arrival and pursue a response time goal of four minutes from the nearest station to
all parts of the city. Construct a new hill area fire station that has wildland fire fighting equipment and
ability.
Policy 5-23 Property Maintenance
Reduce fire hazard risks in existing developed areas by ensuring that private property is maintained to
minimize vulnerability to fire hazards.
Actions:
A. Continue and expand existing vegetation management programs.
B. Property owners shall be responsible for maintaining their structures at a reasonable degree of fire and
life safety to standards identified in adopted codes and ordinances.
C. Promote smoke detector installation in existing structures.Require the installation of smoke detectors
as a condition of granting a permit for any work on existing residential and commercial buildings and
as a condition for the transfer of property.
Disaster Preparedness and S-22 General Plan
Safety Element Adopted April 23,2002
D. Promote fire extinguisher installation in existing structures,particularly in kitchens,garages,and
workshops.
E. Require bracing of water heaters and gas appliances and the anchoring of houses to foundations to
reduce fire ignitions following earthquakes.
Policy S-24 Mutual Aid
Continue to fulfill legal obligations and support mutual aid efforts to coordinate fire suppression within
Alameda and Contra Costa Counties,Oakland,the East Bay Regional Park District,and the State of
California to prevent and suppress major wildland and urban fire destruction.
Actions:
A. Work with inter-agency partners and residents in vulnerable areas to investigate and implement
actions to improve fire safety,using organized outreach activities and councils such as the Hills
Emergency Forum and the Diablo Fire Safe Council.
B. Establish close coordination with the California Department of Forestry to minimize the risk of
wildland fire in the hill areas.
Policy S-25 Fire Safety Education
Use Fire Department personnel to plan and conduct effective fire safety and prevention programs.
Actions:
A. Provide fire safety presentations and programs to local schools,community groups,and
neighborhoods.
B. Provide fire safety classes for high-occupancy institutional land uses,and commercial and industrial
occupancies.
C. Develop and implement a program to improve public awareness and disseminate appropriate
warnings during times of high fire danger.
Flood Hazards
Policy S-26 Flood Hazards Mitigation
Reduce existing flood hazards in Berkeley.
Actions:
A. Conduct periodic evaluation of reservoir safety and undertake actions necessary to mitigate the
potential for dam failure.
B. Continue to rehabilitate the City's storm drain system to reduce local flooding caused by inadequate
storm drainage.
C. Continue and significantly strengthen programs promoting storm drain maintenance by public and
private sectors.
General Plan S-23 Disaster Preparedness and
Adopted April 23,2002 Safety Element
D. Continue to work with the East Bay Municipal Utility District to complete the planned seismic
improvements to the Berryman Reservoir.
Policy S-27 New Development
Use development review to ensure that new development does not contribute to an increase in flood
potential.
Actions:
A. Regulate development in the Waterfront flood-prone areas consistent with the Berkeley Waterfront
Specific Plan.
B. Ensure that new development conforms to requirements and guidelines of the National Flood
Insurance Program(NFIP).
C. Require new development to provide for appropriate levels of on-site detention and/or retention of
storm water.
D. Regulate development within 30 feet of an exposed streambed as required by the Preservation and
Restoration of Natural Watercourses(Creeks)Ordinance. (Also see Environmental Management
Policy EM-2 7.)
Policy S-28 Flood Insurance
Reduce the cost of flood insurance to property owners in the city.
Actions:
A. Identify,prioritize,and implement activities necessary to qualify for a high Community Rating
System(CRS)evaluation under the National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP).
B. Update and revise flood maps for the city.
C. Incorporate FEMA guidelines and suggested activities into City plans and procedures for managing
flood hazards.
Disaster Preparedness and S-24 General Plan
Safety Element adopted April 23,2002
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, on 13 Sept, will consider and take action on.
Item D.3 CONSIDER how the County can mount an appropriate emergency response to the ongoing
suffering and devastation experienced by residents of the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina and how the County could prepare for a local major disaster.(Supervisors Gioia and Glover)
(All Districts)
Re Item D.3
1,Michael F. Sarabia,Bay Point Resident,respectfully submit the following for your consideration.
1. About 600 refugees are going to San Diego, 300 to San Francisco(St.Mary's Cathedral), 100 to
Stockton and 100 to San Jose, as published by12 Sept.
2* "If we get a request from FEMA to bring in more people to California, we will do so,"
Schwarzenegger said."We Will have places for them and we will make sure they get treated the right
way."In addition,local authorities and private individuals were stepping up to make room for more
storm refugees.Los Angeles county and city officials were planning to accommodate at least 2,000
people.Sacramento County is preparing for the arrival of 300 refugees. —San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sept, 2005
3. While religion does not guide the needs of refugees,it is known churches,of all denominations,,
are specially able to give needed solace and comfort to refugees and serve as competent,impartial,
intermediaries,for those in need,regardless their kind,or absence,of religious affiliation.Residents
of New Orleans are noted for their religious tolerance.
Bishop0 San Francisco William Levada(415)614-5500(may be on his way to Rome to assume
a high position, but his second in command must be running the refugee help in St. Mary's).
0 Oakland Bishop Alan Vigneron (510) 893-4711 is the head of the Diocese of Oakland which
includes 57 Churches in Contra Costa.County...
0 Bay Point has new affordable housing,possibly available,and has many church denominations.
4.It is my understanding that these refugees are entitled to all the help that would be provided by the
State of Louisiana.and the Federal Government, including Unemployment Compensation. FEMA
may provide for most expenses for these refugees,possibly, for the indefinite future.
1 hope this information may be of some use in your deliberations.
Disclaimer:
1 have not contacted, or been contacted,by anybody from any institution mentioned above.
Michael F. Sarabia
Bay Point MAC Member
(925) 709-0751
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<cc06contm.napanet. To: <comments@cob.cccoun .us>
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09/13!2005 06:02 AM
Subject: Data posted to form 1 of ,
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cao/agendacomments_form.ht
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Username: RITA SIE BETAN77ft"CE
UserAddre s s: 1275 Hall Avenue, G2AB Richmond, CA 94801
UserTel: 510-231-8332
UserEmail: rbetance@ehsd.contra-costa.ca.us.
AgendaDate:
Option: D.1
AgendaItem:
Remote Name: 64.166.144.11
Remote User:
HTTP User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0; Q312461)
Date: 13 Sep 2005
Time: 06:02:20
Comments:
ASSISTANCE FOR KATRINA SURVIVORS
PAID LEAVE TO BE APPROVED BY BOARD
FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND OTHER SELECTED HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS
- -
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, on 13 Sept, will consider and take action on:
Item D.3 CONSIDER how the County can mount an appropriate emergency response to the ongoing
suffering and devastation experienced by residents of the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina and how the County could prepare for a local maj or disaster.(Supervisors Gioia and Glover)
(All Districts)
Re Item D.3
1,Michael F. Sarabia,Bay Point Resident,respectfully submit the following for your consideration.
1. About 600 refugees are going to San Diego, 300 to San Francisco(St.Mary's Cathedral), 100 to
Stockton and 100 to San Jose, as published by12 Sept.
246 "If we get a request from FEMA to bring in more people to California, we will do so,"
Schwarzenegger said."We will have places for them and we will make sure they get treated the right
way."In addition,local authorities and private individuals were stepping up to-make room for more
storm refugees.Los Angeles county and city officials were planning to accommodate at least 2,000
people.Sacramento County is preparing for the arrival of 300 refugees. —San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sept, 2005
3. While religion does notgul*de the needs of refugees,it is known churches,of all denominations,
are specially able to give needed solace and comfort to refugees and serve as competent, impartial,
intermediaries,for those in need,regardless their kind,or absence,of religious affiliation.Residents
of New Orleans are noted for their religious tolerance.
0 San Francisco Bishop William Levada(415)614-5500(may be on his way to Rome to assume
a high position, but his second in command must be running the refugee help in St. Mary's),
* Oakland Bishop Alan Vigneron (510) 893-4711 is the head of the Diocese of Oakland which
includes 57 Churches in Contra Costa.County,
0 Bay Point has new affordable housing,possibly available,and has many church denominations.
4.It is my understanding that these refugees are entitled to all the help that would be provided by the
State of Louisiana.and the Federal Government, including Unemployment Compensation. FEMA
may provide for most expenses for these refugees,possibly, for the indefinite future.
I hope this information may be of some use in your deliberations.
Disclaimer:
1 have not contacted, or been contacted, by anybody from any institution mentioned above.
Michael F. Sarabia
Bay Point MAC Member
(925) 709-0751