San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury • 2024-2025

Inal Eport San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury

Published: February 06, 2024 98 pages Consolidated Report

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⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings 7 findings

Resolution 96-158, the Master Tax Exchange Agreement was adopted by the San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors 28 years ago, on April 24, 1996. Although the agreement was not agreed to by all seven Cities within the County, the County has continued to use the agreement as the basis for annexation negotiations.

The County has failed to re-examine the Master Tax Exchange Agreement every five years as required in Resolution 96-158.

In November 2021, the County of San Luis Obispo along with the Cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, and San Luis Obispo engaged in a contract with an outside consultancy firm to perform a financial analysis to inform a revised tax sharing agreement. The study, contracted for cost of $187,400, has not been completed due to the County not providing the modeling information needed by their consultant.

Physical space at the County Coroner’s facility is limited, thus negatively impacting the overall work atmosphere. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM

The need for improved climate control at the County Property Room continues to cause concern for staff well-being and preservation of evidence.

Property room evidence storage capacity for the walk-in refrigerator and the overall facility is of concern. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH FACILITY

The transfer of management of the PHF from the County to Crestwood Behavioral Health has been in operation for a limited time, therefore it is premature to conduct a thorough analysis of their performance at this time. COMMENDATION[S] The recent implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) at the San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Hall has shown early indications of constructive change among youth offenders. The adoption of PBIS by Juvenile Hall staff rewards youth for respectful behavior and is demonstrating a model for success within Juvenile Hall.

Recommendations 7

R1

The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors of San Luis Obispo County complete an updated Master Tax Exchange Agreement with the Cities
R2

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should complete property room climate control enhancements in 2024.
R3

Implementation of the proposed Multi-Benefit Irrigated Lands Repurposing (MILR) program, to establish voluntary land fallowing needs to be initiated by the 2025 GSP update. If voluntary measures are ineffective, the Paso Basin Cooperative Committee (PBCC) will need to implement a mandatory program. 2023-2024 Continuity Report The MILR program recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be in the future. The Multi-benefit Irrigated Land Repurposing (MILR) Program Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was established by the PBCC, via a public process, to develop recommendations to the PBCC for the development and implementation of a MILR program. The MILR program consists of two phases. Phase 1 is a voluntary component that anticipates the adoption of an ordinance to codify a successful MILR program. If Phase 1 is unsuccessful, Phase 2 will be considered which may include a mandatory component that will provide for a groundwater allocation component to contribute to the sustainability of the Paso Basin. The SLOCGJ has not been provided with evidence that either the first or second phases of the MILR program have been completed. This is of concern because the data that is to be collected from this MILR program is to be used during the January 2025 GSP update.
R4

The San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department should forward all performance and assessment reports (outlined in the operating agreement) regarding PHF’s management by Crestwood Behavioral Health to the 2024-2025 San Luis Obispo Grand Jury
R5

strengthening regional collaboration, and
R6

building public engagement. The County’s Plan states it best: “Making incremental increases in uncoordinated efforts to reduce homelessness is no longer an option for our region. This plan outlines a bold, housing-centric strategy to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness to 50% of the current level within 5 years. Achieving this goal will require a whole-of-community effort that includes increasing the availability of non-congregate shelters; reexamining and diversifying funding sources; strengthening regional partnerships; and modernizing the data systems and structures that address homelessness.” Homelessness means living in a state of constant insecurity, uncertainty, and vulnerability. The unhoused face many challenges such as lack of shelter, food, health care, education, and employment opportunities. They also experience social stigma, discrimination, and isolation from mainstream society. Homelessness can have negative impacts on their physical and mental well-being as well as their sense of dignity and self-worth. Moving San Luis Obispo County from Homelessness to Hopefulness Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects our larger community which has implications for housed citizens. Some are concerned, frustrated, or angry about this issue, wondering why it is not being addressed. Some community members deal with issues such as litter, crime, or safety in their neighborhoods. Others may see the struggles of the homeless and may feel compassion, empathy, or sympathy for them. They may have to confront their own perceptions about the homeless and question their own values, beliefs, or responsibilities as members of the community. As previously stated, the goal of The County’s Plan is to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness by 50% by 2027. The SLOCGJ examined the County’s progress toward this goal. ORIGIN Last year’s 2022-2023 SLOCGJ investigated the Oklahoma Safe Parking and found the San Luis Obispo County program was not working as intended. Addressing the problems at this site was essential due to safety concerns, County liability, and the need for better planning for any future safe parking initiatives. The 2023-2024 SLOCGJ was concerned that the unfavorable press regarding this specific site and some of its residents perpetuated an unfairly negative image of people caught in homelessness. As a result, the SLOCGJ sought to look broadly at the County’s overarching plans and programs to address homelessness. METHOD/PROCEDURE The SLOCGJ used the following methods for its investigation: • conducted interviews of City and County leadership, • conducted interviews with other stakeholders related to affordable housing, • spoke to several frontline homeless relief executives, workers, and volunteers in the County, • toured various facilities and non-profits throughout the County, and Moving San Luis Obispo County from Homelessness to Hopefulness • reviewed documents including State, County and City Plans, Commission Reports, Non- profit Annual Reports, Program Reports, and various published reports and articles throughout the nation.
R9

The SLOCGJ recommended that the PBCC update the 2025 GSP timeline to show a realistic and deliverable set of management actions. The PBCC has advised that they will perform a GSP evaluation prior to the January 2025 deadline which will provide an analysis of the success of implementation of the GSP, covering projects and management actions, as well as considerations for updating the GSP timeline. For the full report, see https://www.slo.courts.ca.gov/gi/jury-grandjury.htm ARE HIGH SCHOOLS MAKING THE GRADE AT ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH? The 2022-2023 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury (SLOCGJ) investigated how well high schools in our county were addressing mental health needs for students. This would include resources available, resources needed, referral processes and best practices. The need for youth mental health interventions increased during COVID-19 with the challenges created by remote learning. 2023-2024 Continuity Report The Grand Jury reviewed the responses to ten (10) recommendations, R1 through R10, and is satisfied that all recommendations have been implemented. The 2023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury commends all respondents for their complete and thorough replies. For the full report, see https://www.slo.courts.ca.gov/gi/jury-grandjury.htm INSPECTION REPORT FOR SLO COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND DENTENTION FACILITIES The 2022-2023 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury completed their mandatory annual inspections of all public prisons within the county which includes California Men’s Colony, county jail, police departments, court holding cells, and juvenile hall. The Grand Jury reviewed the responses to the six recommendations, R1 through R6, and is satisfied that all recommendations have been addressed or will be implemented at a future date and do not require further follow-up. For the full report, see https://www.slo.courts.ca.gov/gi/jury-grandjury.htm

Conclusions 4

CL1

The Grand Jury has concluded that the County of San Luis Obispo has not met the requirement to re-examine the MTEA every five years as required in Resolution 96-158. The County has not taken substantial action despite all parties agreeing that a re-examination is long overdue. The absence of an updated agreement has been noted by some Cities as a deterrent to complete annexations. 2 023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 11 Annexation: A Taxing Dilemma
CL2

Public safety personnel in San Luis Obispo County continue to do excellent work despite the challenges of a recent pandemic and significant staffing, budget, and space limitations.
CL3

This investigation concentrated on the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027,” and examined not only the County’s responsibilities under that plan, but the mutual responsibilities of our cities and the critical role played by nonprofit organizations. Specific challenges included recruitment and retention of personnel essential to addressing homelessness, the difficulty in securing sites for transitional and permanent housing, finding secure annual funding for ongoing and new programs, providing education to the unhoused and to community residents alike, and the lack of affordable housing. The report also cites examples of successful transitional housing efforts in San Luis Obispo County. During these inquiries, the SLOCGJ met many knowledgeable and concerned individuals who have accepted leadership and operational roles in solving the issues of homelessness in our communities. The challenges are daunting, and progress is never enough, but the collective efforts of San Luis Obispo County’s leaders, nonprofit partners, benefactors and dedicated professional staff are showing promise toward our goals.
CL4

During this investigation, the SLOCGJ evaluated a number of issues and concerns regarding the legal cannabis industry. The SLOCGJ noted that in jurisdictions where cannabis programs generate revenue, they treat cannabis businesses in the same manner as any other legitimate business. This may include streamlining the licensing process, reducing fees, and lowering excise taxes. A statewide trend that impacts the ability of jurisdictions to determine cannabis policy is the unpredictability of the revenue generated by the legal cannabis industry. In short, revenues have not been constant from year to year. In several locations cannabis revenue seems to have peaked and is now in decline. Legal cannabis in San Luis Obispo County has not proven a financial windfall to the County and in fact has had a negative impact to the County’s General Fund. Legal cannabis can and should be economically viable and provide benefit to communities where it is allowed. To achieve this, governing boards may consider adapting and modifying ordinances and fees as the cannabis industry evolves. Ordinances and policies should be done in consideration with the needs of all stakeholders. No one group should bear the greater burden of cost nor unduly benefit either. Ultimately, governing boards must ensure that the cannabis industry is conducted in a manner that is safe, responsible, and responsive to the needs of the community. In March 2024 the California State Auditor (CSA) released an audit report (#2023-116) titled “Local Cannabis Permitting: Cities and Counties Can Improve Their Permitting.” The audit involved “cannabis‑permitting processes” of the counties of Monterey, Santa Barbara, and the cities of Fresno, Sacramento, San Diego, and South Lake Tahoe. Although the report did not specifically examine San Luis Obispo County, the key findings and recommendations could be 2 023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 81 Growing Pains: The Cannabis Industry in San Luis Obispo County applicable to the County’s Cannabis Program. In this report the CSA issued “Key Points,” one of which discussed cannabis business fees: “Local jurisdictions charge applicants fees—that varied widely in amount for the six jurisdictions we reviewed—to apply for and complete the cannabis‑permitting process.” The CSA report made the following observation regarding high cannabis business fees examined during their audit: “Local jurisdictions charge fees to recoup the costs of administering a permitting process, though such fees can present a barrier to entry if costs are high.” Finally, the CSA audit report contained “Recommendations,” one of which described increasing “the transparency of the cannabis-permitting process for potential applicants and for the public:” Publish permit-related ordinances, permit information, and permit application forms on the relevant public website. Create supplemental communications about the cannabis-permitting policies and procedures, such as step-by-step guides and frequently asked questions. Develop a web application through which applicants can apply. Publish cannabis-related fees on the relevant public websites.