San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury
2024-2025
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 (5)
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Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
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. The Cannabis Compliance Team, in coordination with Sheriff's Fiscal Services personnel, conducted a review of the fee schedule and workflow associated with each fee to ensure the fees most accurately reflect the time spent per fee area, and ultimately, to ensure the fees are properly structured pursuant to the Board of Supervisors directive of full cost recovery. Specifically, this analysis was conducted based on San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Budget Priority #21 which states, "county departments will review fees annually to ensure that they meet statutory requirements, fall within the range of fees being charged by comparator counties and achieve cost recovery" and is conducted by any county department that maintains a fee schedule on an annual basis. The review was completed by the Sheriff's Office Team, submitted to the County Administrative Office, and was included as part of the Fee Schedule B Changes submitted to the Board of Supervisors by the County Administrative Office and presented on November 12th, 2024, during the Fee Hearing for Calendar Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2025-26. A comparison of the Sheriff's Office fees to the fees of other jurisdictions was also completed. The compared jurisdictions included: City of San Luis Obispo; City of Morro Bay; City of Lompoc; City of Salinas; City of Grover Beach; County of Monterey; City of Fresno; City of San Diego; County of Santa Cruz; County of Santa Barbara; Imperial County; Alameda County; City of San Bernadino; City of Merced; City of Redding; County of Mendocino; County of San Benito; and Nevada County. The analysis revealed significant differences in the types of fees collected, the manner upon which they arrived at those fees, how the jurisdictions funded their compliance units or equivalent unit, the composition of the units, and the roles and responsibilities of the unit with regards to cannabis enforcement and monitoring in their respective jurisdictions. Further, other jurisdictions have business types that are not permitted in San Luis Obispo County, and San Luis Obispo County permits business types that are not permitted in other jurisdictions. County of San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Office 1585 Kansas Ave. | San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 | (P) 805-781-4550 www.slosheriff.org Based on those factors, a direct comparison across jurisdictions is not feasible. Although the fees of the SLO County Sheriff's Office were among the highest compared, this does not account for the variety of factors previously mentioned that materially impact the calculation of the fees. It is worth noting that as a consolidated unit, the Sheriff's Office Cannabis Compliance Team provides a whole systems approach to the legal business process by conducting in-depth criminal history and financial status checks on all applicants, providing robust security assessments to the business owners, conducting thorough quarterly monitoring inspections on active businesses, and monitoring environmental factors such as water and power usage by businesses. The CCT also has the efficiency and ability, with our in-house planner, to craft policy and make project modifications. An example of this is in July of 2024, in collaboration with the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector's office, cannabis businesses holding three or more licenses were approved to convert their licenses to a microbusiness license, saving them thousands of dollars per year. Respectfully, Sanstre Ian S. Parkinson Sheriff-Coroner County of San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Office 1585 Kansas Ave. | San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 | (P) 805-781-4550 www.slosheriff.org
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R2:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should complete property room climate control enhancements in 2024 The climate control project is being administered by County Public Works. Project Manager Michael Montero advised that they have design plans back from the engineer and he is working on a proposal from one of their contractors. He anticipates that the project will start in early March 2025.
R3:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should develop a plan by January 1, 2025, to deal with evidence storage reaching maximum capacity levels. The Sheriff's Office is negotiating with the owner of a large storage warehouse. If successful, we will be able to move some of the equipment out of the adjacent bays, next to the evidence room, and develop a plan to expand the storage capacity. Respectfully, Ian S. Parkinson Sheriff-Coroner County of San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Office 1585 Kansas Ave. | San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 | (P) 805-781-4550 www.slosheriff.org
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Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
The BOS failed to provide a response to the SLOCGJ’s follow-up inquiry to the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027 recommendations R1 and
F2:
The BOS failed to meet its stated completion date of December 2024 for the recommended action R1 in the 2023-2024 SLOCGJ Report: “Annexation: A Taxing Dilemma”, to update the Master Tax Exchange Agreement.
F3:
Despite seeking additional clarification on when the updated Master Tax Exchange Agreement would be completed, County Staff was unable to provide SLOCGJ with any specific timeframe.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Recommendation R1 will not be implemented because it is recommends that the County revise its plan not warranted or reasonable. The current Countywide Plan to include more specific and quantifiable already incorporates detailed timelines and measurable goals timelines for implementing the “San Luis for each initiative outlined. The timelines are designed to Obispo Countywide Plan to Address track progress and ensure that milestones are achieved Homelessness 2022-2027” by December 31, within specified timeframes. Additionally, the plan includes 2024. performance metrics to evaluate our success in reducing homelessness, increasing housing units and improving community engagement. SLOCGJ Recommendation 1 (R1) Inquiry Update The SLOCGJ would like to acknowledge the County's efforts in addressing homelessness through the "San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027" (Countywide Plan). However, the SLOCGJ finds the County's response to its 2023-24 recommendation R1 for more specific and quantifiable timelines disappointing, deeming it “not warranted or reasonable”. It is the SLOCGJ's opinion that the County failed to provide an adequate response as to “why” the recommendation would not be implemented. The SLOCGJ’s recommendation R1 resulted from a major challenge in assessing the County's progress due to insufficient details which made it difficult to determine whether they were on schedule or if there were deficiencies in execution as noted in last years SLOCGJ Homelessness report. In response to the SLOCGJ's request for a more detailed explanation as to why the County would not implement the recommendation, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) failed to provide a response. 2024-2025 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 17 2024-2025 Continuity Report Grand Jury’s Comment to County’s Response for Additional Information While the County characterizes its current approach as already incorporating detailed goals and timelines, the SLOCGJ position remains that the Countywide Plan’s lack of clearly defined actions, time-phased milestones, and detailed responsibilities undermines the ability to track progress effectively and hold stakeholders accountable. Without these essential elements, it is impossible to determine if the plan is on track or to address potential challenges in a timely and proactive manner. Specific areas of Concern: • Lack of Defined Actions and Milestones: The absence of time-phased goals with clear requirements makes it difficult to determine if the County is meeting its commitments, relying instead on a broad 5-year timeline. • Insufficient Accountability: The plan does not specify what needs to be done, by whom, or when, which hinders accountability among stakeholders and limits Citizens’ Homeless Accountability Commission’s (CHAC’s) ability to report meaningful progress. • Delayed Issue Identification: Detailed actions and timelines would enable early detection of potential issues, facilitating proactive solutions. Flexible frameworks are no substitute for well- defined timelines that ensure projects stay on track despite changing circumstances. On May 21, 2024, the County presented a status report on the Countywide Plan to the BOS. The SLOCGJ commends the County and its partnering non-profits for their progress. However, the presentation did not clarify whether the plan remains on schedule and noted that some initiatives face risks due to funding concerns. During the status report, the BOS directed the County to provide a full status update on the Countywide Plan every two years, with brief updates in alternating years. This schedule allows for only one more comprehensive report in 2026 before the plan concludes in 2027. The SLOCGJ 2024-2025 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 18 2024-2025 Continuity Report believes that limited reporting, coupled with the absence of detailed actions and milestones, weakens oversight and transparency. Additionally, it fails to inform the public about potential delays or obstacles—such as reduced funding, inflationary pressures, community concerns, or logistical challenges—that could hinder the plan’s progress or completion. 2023-24 Report: Moving San Luis Obispo County from Homelessness to Hopefulness: Recommendation R3 Board Of Supervisors Response
R2:
The SLOCGJ recommends that the BOS provide the required update as to the status and anticipated completion date of a revised Master Tax Exchange Agreement.
R3:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Recommendation R3 will not be implemented because it is recommends that the County aggressively not warranted or reasonable. The County through Line of implement its plan for a comprehensive public Effort #6 of the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address awareness campaign to advise the community Homelessness has actively pursued public engagement. This on homelessness issues. It is further includes extensive community outreach, engagement recommended that the County and Cities work through social media platforms, partnerships with local together to provide a cohesive voice. The San entities and participation in community forums and Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends workshops. The County’s current efforts adequately address completion by December 31, 2024. the need for a comprehensive public awareness campaign with existing resources and strategic frameworks. SLOCGJ Recommendation 3 (R3) Inquiry Update: The 2023-2024 SLOCGJ’s recommendation (R3) was a result of the “The San Luis Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” (Countywide Plan), Line of effort #6 which was to actively pursue public engagement through community outreach, engagement through social media platforms, partnerships with local entities and participation in community forums and workshops. It also called for the County and Cities to work together to provide a cohesive voice. The SLOCGJ recommended that the County aggressively implement its plan for a comprehensive public awareness campaign, which was noted during its investigation as being delayed due to staff turnover. The BOS responded to this recommendation stating that it was “not warranted or reasonable”. The SLOCGJ found that the BOS failed to provide an adequate response as to “why” the recommendation would not be implemented as they simply restated the SLOCGJ’s 2024-2025 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 19 2024-2025 Continuity Report recommendation. As a result, the SLOCGJ requested a more detailed explanation from the County as to why the recommendation would not be implemented, and if it was their position that they are now on schedule with its plans, or rather that they will not be implementing the outlined objectives in their Countywide plan, in part or entirely. County’s Response to Request for Additional Information: In response to the SLOCGJ's request for a more detailed explanation as to why the County would not implement the recommendation, the BOS failed to provide a response. Grand Jury’s Comment to County’s Response for Additional Information: It remains unclear how the SLOCGJ recommendation was deemed unwarranted or unreasonable when the recommendation was to simply implement their own stated goal, which was noted as being behind schedule by county staff. 2023-24 Report: Annexation: A Taxing Dilemma Recommendation R1 Board Of Supervisors Response
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Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
Prior to 2025, the city failed to effectively provide a multi-pronged, cohesive approach to manage or shut down large unsanctioned, costly and unruly events such as St. Fratty’s Day. This created an unsafe environment, with increasing size of unruly crowds, property damage, injuries and public disturbances.
F2:
The city has not effectively engaged in working together with community stakeholders to find solutions for ongoing off-campus issues that negatively impact neighborhoods such as code enforcement, noise issues, trespassing, property damage, and unruly events.
F3:
The city has failed to effectively enforce municipal codes that prohibit fraternity and sorority activity in R-1/R-2 zones in part due to the difficulty in identifying houses that are hosting fraternity-type events, such as rush events and repeated parties. This inaction has resulted in an increase of illegal fraternities holding events in residential neighborhoods making these areas almost unlivable for most residents.
F4:
The city has failed to consistently enforce CUPs such as the requirements for an annual list of parties and events, notification to neighbors, and parking plans. Strict enforcement of these conditions would contribute to a reduction of the disturbances in the neighborhoods. 2024-2025 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 39 Round & Round with Town & Gown
F5:
The current planning appeal fee structure in SLO disproportionately impacts ordinary citizens, as the high costs create barriers for those raising concerns about community issues such as noise or safety. While these fees may be justifiable for large-scale development appeals requiring additional city resources, they hinder equitable participation in local decision-making processes.
F6:
The Grand Jury encountered a lack of cooperation from the San Luis Obispo City Police Department. While one sworn officer did participate in an interview, efforts to interview two additional sworn officers were unsuccessful. This unwillingness to engage hindered the Grand Jury’s ability to corroborate statements, obtain essential information, and maintain transparency in its oversight role.
Additional Recommendations
7
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The SLO City Council should continue to work with Cal Poly to develop a multi-year plan to ensure that the illegal street parties known as St. Fratty’s Day is completely eliminated.
R2:
The SLO City Council, in collaboration with Cal Poly and other stakeholders, should implement proactive measures to address future unsanctioned illegal street parties as they arise. Taking immediate action can prevent these gatherings from escalating over time due to prolonged non-enforcement. This approach would foster a safer community while promoting shared accountability among all parties involved.
R3:
The SLO City Manager should develop and implement an ongoing formal process to identify illegal fraternities to bring them into compliance.
R4:
The SLO City Council should initiate a task force to explore the creation of a “Student Overlay Zone” near the campus that would allow for municipal code requirements to be 2024-2025 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 40 Round & Round with Town & Gown introduced that would differentiate it from the rest of the city and recognize the needs of a dynamic university environment. This could facilitate changes to such things as density, parking, noise and fraternity activities.
R5:
The SLO City Council should consider adopting a tiered planning appeal fee structure to promote accessibility of community concerns by individual residents. Such a structure could ensure that financial burdens do not deter public involvement.
R6:
The SLO City Manager and the Planning Commission should move toward adopting more uniform conditions for CUP’s and enforcement of existing requirements. Due to the time span (1971-2024) in which these CUPs were approved, the requirements are inconsistent. The City should consider using future CUP violations to determine if it is appropriate to revise the conditions to make them more relevant for today’s environment. This may require consideration of additional code enforcement staff or alternative work schedules.
R7:
The SLOCGJ recommends that the SLO City Manager create formal guidelines and provide training outlining how the SLO City Police Department will respond to requests from the SLOCGJ and other oversite bodies.
* 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.