Gran Jurado del Condado de San Luis Obispo
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 (6)
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
6 hallazgos
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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
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
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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
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.
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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
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
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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
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.
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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
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.
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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
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.
Recomendaciones adicionales
1
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
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.
Vista rápida
Detalles completos →
Recomendaciones adicionales
1
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
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
Vista rápida
Detalles completos →
Recomendaciones adicionales
2
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
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
Vista rápida
Detalles completos →
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
4 hallazgos
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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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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Detalles completos →
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
3 hallazgos
F1:
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.
F2:
The County has failed to re-examine the Master Tax Exchange Agreement every five years as required in Resolution 96-158.
F3:
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.
Recomendaciones adicionales
3
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
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 by December 1, 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. 2 023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 4 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.
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. 2 023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Final Report 5 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
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
7 hallazgos
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. 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:
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.
Recomendaciones adicionales
6
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
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. 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
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. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH FACILITY
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.
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. 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.
* 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.