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Date: |
October 27, 2026 |
06 |
Title
General Services - Approve License Agreement for the San Diego Sheriff’s Office Detentions Communications System, and CEQA Notice of Exemption (District: 2)
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Overview
The San Diego Sheriff’s Office Detentions Communications System is managed and operated by the San Diego County (County) Sheriff’s Office Wireless Services Division. It provides comprehensive communication support for County detentions and reentry facilities, ensuring reliable day-to-day operational connectivity as well as robust emergency communications.
The South Bay Regional Center (SBRC) is owned by the County and is jointly occupied by the County and the Judicial Council of California (JCC) pursuant to a Joint Occupancy Agreement. The Sheriff’s Office wishes to license a portion of the property controlled by JCC to install, maintain, and operate two radio racks and all related equipment to serve the South Bay Detention Facility, also located at SBRC.
Staff from the County of San Diego Department of General Services have negotiated a license agreement with the JCC for rack space and support equipment. Today’s request is for the County Board of Supervisors’ approval of the license agreement which is required due to the open-ended term of the license.
Body
Recommendations by Chief Administrative Officer:
1) Find the proposed action to license space at the existing South Bay Regional Center (SBRC) exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
2) Approve and authorize the Director, Department of General Services, or designee, to execute the proposed license with the Judicial Council of California at SBRC.
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Equity Impact Statement
The Sheriff’s Office Wireless Services Division operates and maintains the Sheriff’s detentions wireless communications systems used by multiple detentions and reentry facilities, including mobile and portable radios. It is anticipated that the proposed amendment for the Sheriff’s Detentions Communication System site will have a positive impact on the safety of deputies and incarcerated persons throughout Sheriff's detentions facilities.
Sustainability Impact Statement
Implementing effective sustainability objectives is crucial to ensuring safe and healthy communities and contributing to the overall success of the region. The approval of this amendment supports the County’s Strategic Initiative of Sustainability to ensure the capability to respond to the immediate needs of individuals, families, and the region at large.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with these recommendations. The license is provided by the Judicial Council of California at no cost to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
Business Impact Statement
N/A
Advisory Board Statement
N/A
Background
The San Diego Detention Communications System, managed and operated by the San Diego County (County) Sheriff’s Office Wireless Services Division, provides essential operational and emergency public safety voice communications to all County detention and reentry campuses. The system delivers a high level of radio coverage throughout these facilities, supported by distributed antenna systems that enhance signal strength and reliability. This infrastructure improves both incarcerated persons’ safety and deputies’ ability to respond effectively to operational needs and emergency situations.
The South Bay Regional Center (SBRC) is owned by the County and jointly occupied by the County and the Judicial Council of California (JCC) pursuant to a Joint Occupancy Agreement. The Sheriff’s Office wishes to license a portion of the property exclusive to the JCC to install, maintain, and operate two radio racks and all related equipment, including an Uninterruptible Power Supply, to serve the South Bay Detention Facility also located at SBRC. The new RCS site will enhance radio communication for Sheriff’s deputies, improving officer and incarcerated person safety.
Staff from the County Department of General Services have negotiated a license agreement with the JCC for rack space and support equipment. The license term is open-ended and can be cancelled by either party with 30 days’ prior written notice. The JCC is providing the license at no cost to the Sheriff’s Office. Today’s request is for the County’s Board of Supervisors approval of the license agreement.
Environmental Statement
The proposed action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301, Existing Facilities, as it entails the licensing and minor alteration of an existing communications facility and building, with no expansion of the existing use of the facility or building. Further, no exceptions listed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to the project. The Notice of Exemption can be found in Attachment A.
Linkage To The County Of San Diego Strategic Plan
Today’s proposed action supports the Sustainability, Empower, and Community Strategic Initiatives of the County of San Diego's 2026-2031 Strategic Plan by providing the residents of San Diego County with superior County services in terms of quality, timeliness, and value to improve the region’s quality of life; investing in the expansion of essential infrastructure to improve staff and public safety; and ensuring the capability to respond to the immediate needs of individuals, families, and the region.
Respectfully submitted,
Ebony N. Shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment
Attachment A - South Bay Regional Center License Notice of Exemption