Santa Barbara County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
• Agency Response
Response to:
Homeless Encampments in Santa Barbara County
Response to 2024 Grand Jury Report: Homeless Encampments in Santa Barbara
⚠️ 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 and Recommendations 2 findings
F2
– The negative effects of encampment sweeps can be mitigated when a variety of community resources are present at the time of the clean-up. Solvang Response – Agree
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
– The County and the cities shall ensure that all sweeps occur utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach. Solvang Response – Has been implemented – To the extent that there have been any recent encampments within the City, the sweeps have been coordinated with the County and other agencies so that a variety of resources are available at the time of the clean- up.
F3
– Encampments lack basic sanitation services. Solvang Response – Agree
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
– The County and the cities shall make trash cans, porta-potties, resources for handwashing, and Sharps containers for safe disposal of needles and other hazardous waste available near encampment sites. Solvang Response – Will not be implemented – The City of Solvang is not aware of any current encampments within the City limits. To the extent that any are discovered in the future, City staff will evaluate the encampment regarding the suitability of the site, especially in light of safety and health concerns of our residents as well as the campers. Additionally, in light of the recent SCOTUS ruling, we will also consider our options regarding removal of the encampment. While the City will not commit to any particular course of action, we do commit to treating everyone with dignity and respect. 1644 Oak Street, Solvang, CA. 93463 Telephone (805) 688-5575 Docusign Envelope ID: 5D068B30-AFD8-47B1-967B-4FA7F5B221EC If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at randym@cityofsolvang.com or 805.688.5575 x204. Yours in public service, Randy Murphy City Manager