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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury
• 2024-2025
Moving SAN Luis Obispo County from Homelessness to Hopefulness
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 7 findings
F1
Page 43
The location of the Oklahoma Avenue Safe Parking Site next to the Honor Farm continues to create a safety hazard to inmates and staff. Despite increased physical security, illegal substances are still placed in close proximity to the Honor Farm perimeter.
F2
Page 43
Honor Farm programs are operating at minimal levels due to the current low inmate population which may affect the ability to provide the benefits traditionally associated with inmate vocational training. 2 023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 32 Inspection Report for SLO County Law Enforcement and Detention Facilities CITY POLICE AND COUNTY COURTHOUSE HOLDING CELLS
F3
Page 44
Despite waiting for progress by the State to build a new courthouse, the current holding cells are functioning well and meeting the needs of the inmate population. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CORONER’S FACILITY
F4
Page 44
Physical space at the County Coroner’s facility is limited, thus negatively impacting the overall work atmosphere. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM
F5
Page 44
The need for improved climate control at the County Property Room continues to cause concern for staff well-being and preservation of evidence.
F6
Page 44
Property room evidence storage capacity for the walk-in refrigerator and the overall facility is of concern. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH FACILITY
F7
Page 44
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 6
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R1Page 44The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should continue to work with the Homeless Services Division regarding closing the Oklahoma Safe Parking site in 2024. 2 023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 33 Inspection Report for SLO County Law Enforcement and Detention Facilities SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM
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R2Page 45The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should complete property room climate control enhancements in 2024.
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R3Page 45The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should develop a plan by January 1, 2025, to deal with evidence storage reaching maximum capacity levels. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH FACILITY
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R4Page 45The 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
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R5Page 42strengthening regional collaboration, and
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R6Page 42building 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. 2 023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 40 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 2 023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 41 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.