Residents demand flood answers six weeks before king tides
With forecasters warning of an El Niño winter stacked on top of king tides and rising seas, Public Works Director Julian Skinner told council that tides are already running about a foot above predicted levels, with 8.7+ foot tides possible in November, December and January. Staff outlined LIDAR flood-mapping, temporary modular flood walls, pump deployment, and a stockpile of 60,000 sandbags and 70 tons of sand at Piper Park, but had no finished plan to offer the dozen Riviera Circle, Larkspur Marina, Hillview and industrial-area residents who packed public comment.
“Described evacuating with two children through knee-deep sewage water during the January flood due to lack of communication, and asked for regular mayor-style updates, guidance on when to evacuate, and where to park cars or seek shelter.”— Morgan Chatley, Larkspur Marina resident
Neighbors described the January flood in blunt terms: Matt Guerrero said he carried hundreds of sandbags himself and wants more pumps; Kevin Hackman offered to coordinate private barriers across 76 homes and explained how water reaching floor joists multiplies structural damage; and a Larkspur Marina resident identified only as Joe said he was disappointed that, six weeks out from a major forecast event, the city still had no definitive plan and questioned whether holiday staffing would be adequate for a known emergency.
Mayor Andre reminded the room that flood risk isn't confined to the waterfront neighborhoods getting the most attention, noting residents east of Highway 101 are equally exposed. Skinner acknowledged hard limits on what the city can do on its own, explaining the Riviera Circle lagoon drains through a single 20-inch pipe and that any creek-side barrier would largely fall to private property owners, with the city supplying data support. Council took no formal action but agreed to waive parking restrictions during flood events, consider opening public buildings as refuge, and put flood preparedness at the top of the October 21 agenda.