REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of Non-Profit Community Partners and City Departments Providing Emergency Services to Residents due to the Winchester Boulevard Apartment Fire
Report
BACKGROUND
On August 23, 2018 a fire broke out in a ten unit apartment complex at 462 Winchester Boulevard, and temporarily displaced ten families. The American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter arrived on scene as the Santa Clara Fire Department was still extinguishing the fire. The Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary provided meeting space nearby for the Red Cross to assess the needs of families. All families were provided financial assistance from the Red Cross, and those who did not have an immediate place to stay were given supplemental financial assistance. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department prepared to open an emergency shelter which was later determined by the Red Cross to be unnecessary.
City departments worked together quickly to enable families to move back into their homes as soon as was safely possible. This included inspectors from the Fire Department, Silicon Valley Power and the Community Development Department.
By the end of the second day, all but three apartment units were determined to be habitable. Three families, including one with a six week old baby, were displaced and received financial assistance from the Mission City Community Fund, the Santa Clara Firefighters’ Foundation, and the City’s Housing Division for lodging and/or basic necessities.
The Salvation Army provided vouchers for clothing and necessities, and the Best Western Inn Santa Clara provided a discounted rate for lodging.
The City’s Office of Emergency Services, located in the Fire Department, provided information management while interfacing with government and non-profit partners and businesses to meet the needs of the displaced families.
DISCUSSION
As a Special Order of Business, the Mayor and Council will recognize the following groups for their efforts to assist with victims of the apartment fire: American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter; Best Western Inn Santa Clara; City of Santa Clara Community Development Department; City of Santa Clara Fire Department; City of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Services; City of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department; Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary; Mission City Community Fund; Salvation Army; Santa Clara Firefighters’ Foundation; and Silicon Valley Power.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Lynn Garcia, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Council
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager