San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury
2023-2024
From the annual report
The consolidated year-end volume. The individual investigations it contains are listed separately below.
📑 Year-End Report
The full consolidated volume; individual reports are listed below.
Individual reports (6)
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Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
The current fee revenue from the Cannabis Program in San Luis Obispo County is insufficient to support the SOCCU at its current level, preventing the program from being cost neutral as required by Board of Supervisors’ policy.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Board of Supervisors should conduct a review of staffing levels in the SOCCU relative to the number of licensed businesses and new applicants by December 31, 2024.
F2:
The fees necessary to obtain a cannabis license in the County are significantly higher than surrounding jurisdictions, contributing to fewer than anticipated new license applications.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Board of Supervisors should conduct an analysis of the current fee structure with the goal of becoming more competitive with neighboring jurisdictions by December 31, 2024.
F3:
The Board of Supervisors has not conducted a review of staffing levels needed for the Cannabis Compliance Program to determine if the SOCCU is overstaffed relative to the number of active cannabis cultivators and applications for licenses.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Sheriff’s Office should conduct an analysis of its background-check process to identify areas where cost savings could be realized to reduce the background-check fee and be in alignment with other counties by December 31, 2024. RESPONSES The San Luis County Board of Supervisors is required to respond to R1 & R2 within 90 days.
F4:
The limited number of new applications in this fiscal year will not generate sufficient revenue to offset the cost of the SOCCU in the County budget, resulting in the program continuing to operate at a deficit.
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
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.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should continue to work with the Homeless Services Division regarding closing the Oklahoma Safe Parking site in 2024. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM
F2:
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. CITY POLICE AND COUNTY COURTHOUSE HOLDING CELLS
F3:
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:
Physical space at the County Coroner’s facility is limited, thus negatively impacting the overall work atmosphere. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM
F5:
The need for improved climate control at the County Property Room continues to cause concern for staff well-being and preservation of evidence.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should complete property room climate control enhancements in 2024.
F6:
Property room evidence storage capacity for the walk-in refrigerator and the overall facility is of concern. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH FACILITY
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The 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
F7:
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.
Related Recommendations (1)
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 by November 1, 2024.
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Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
There is an absence of predictable year-over-year funding for homeless programs. The “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027" relies heavily on partner agencies without providing adequate ongoing funding to those agencies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends that the County revise its plan to include more specific and quantifiable timelines for implementing the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” by December 31, 2024.
F2:
The County’s staffing turnover and reorganization of its homeless services has caused the overall progress of the implementation of the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” to be slower than projected and is at risk of not meeting County goals.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends that the County implement effective knowledge transfer management and succession planning practices to minimize the impact of staff turnover on completing the required tasks to ensure performance to the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” by December 31, 2024.
F3:
The County’s selection and vetting process for homeless services site selection has not always been successful due to zoning, ordinances, and public perception of the homeless.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends that the County aggressively implement its plan for a comprehensive public awareness campaign to advise the community on homelessness issues. It is further recommended that the County and Cities work together to provide a cohesive voice. The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends completion by December 31, 2024.
F4:
The County has failed to implement a cohesive public awareness plan on homeless issues resulting in insufficient public engagement.
F5:
The “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” lacks quantifiable details and specificity to track progress toward meeting their stated goals.
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Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
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. Submitted April 23, 2024 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.
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. Submitted April 23, 2024 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
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
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:
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. 2023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 33 Inspection Report for SLO County Law Enforcement and Detention Facilities CITY POLICE AND COUNTY COURTHOUSE HOLDING CELLS
F3:
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:
Physical space at the County Coroner’s facility is limited, thus negatively impacting the overall work atmosphere. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM
F5:
The need for improved climate control at the County Property Room continues to cause concern for staff well-being and preservation of evidence.
F6:
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:
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.
Additional Recommendations
4
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should continue to work with the Homeless Services Division regarding closing the Oklahoma Safe Parking site in 2024. 2023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 34 Inspection Report for SLO County Law Enforcement and Detention Facilities
R2:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should complete property room climate control enhancements in 2024.
R3:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should develop a plan by January 1, 2025, to deal with evidence storage reaching maximum capacity levels.
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 by November 1, 2024.
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
There is an absence of predictable year-over-year funding for homeless programs. The “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027" relies heavily on partner agencies without providing adequate ongoing funding to those agencies.
F2:
The County’s staffing turnover and reorganization of its homeless services has caused the overall progress of the implementation of the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” to be slower than projected and is at risk of not meeting County goals. 2023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 61 Moving San Luis Obispo County from Homelessness to Hopefulness
F3:
The County’s selection and vetting process for homeless services site selection has not always been successful due to zoning, ordinances, and public perception of the homeless.
F4:
The County has failed to implement a cohesive public awareness plan on homeless issues resulting in insufficient public engagement.
F5:
The “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” lacks quantifiable details and specificity to track progress toward meeting their stated goals.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends that the County revise its plan to include more specific and quantifiable timelines for implementing the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” by December 31, 2024.
R2:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends that the County implement effective knowledge transfer management and succession planning practices to minimize the impact of staff turnover on completing the required tasks to ensure performance to the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022- 2027” by December 31, 2024.
R3:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends that the County aggressively implement its plan for a comprehensive public awareness campaign to advise the community on homelessness issues. It is further recommended that the County and Cities work together to provide a cohesive voice. The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends completion by December 31, 2024. 2023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 62 Moving San Luis Obispo County from Homelessness to Hopefulness
* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.
Additional documents
Documents found alongside this year's reports, not grand jury reports or responses.