The City Council unanimously declared a local state of emergency on March 21, due to the damage caused by recent rain and wind.
“On March 1, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in 13 California Counties due to winter storm conditions. This year, due to a series of natural phenomenas called ‘Atmospheric Rivers,” the City has received an unprecedented amount of precipitation and an increased number of wind events,” wrote Management Analyst Devin Hart.
“The weather conditions have led to flooding, infrastructure failures, increase rock falls and mud slides along Pebbly Beach Road, Roaring Canyon, and St. Catherine’s Way, the appearance of sink holes along the roadways, and damage to City parks and facilities,” Hart wrote.
“As adverse weather conditions persist, City Staff will continue to monitor at risk areas throughout Avalon,” Hart wrote.
“The scope of damages and areas impacted may change as rain and wind are forecasted over the next few days,” Hart wrote.
“The fiscal impact of the damages to City, and private infrastructure related to these weather events is still being determined,” Hart wrote.
“There is no fiscal impact to declaring a State of Emergency. However, the City may be limited or prohibited from applying for potential disaster related recover funds without a formal declaration,” Hart wrote.