SUBJECT
Title
SHERIFF - RECEIVE DONATION FROM THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA FOR SHERIFF'S REENTRY PROGRAMS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
For several years, the Chula Vista Police Department operated its own city jail as a temporary holding facility for incarcerated persons. Individuals who did not make bail or required further judicial proceedings were transferred to a San Diego County jail. The Chula Vista holding facility met California Title 15 requirements and maintained an Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund (IPWF) in accordance with state law. By statute, IPWF is to be used for the benefit, education, and welfare of incarcerated persons while in custody.
In 2023, the City of Chula Vista asked the San Diego Sheriff's Department (SDSD) if SDSD could use the remaining Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund balance, as the City of Chula Vista closed their Incarcerated Persons’ Welfare Fund in Fiscal Year 2022-23. The Sheriff's Department agreed to accept $76,104.08 and utilize the proceeds to support reentry programs in horticulture and landscaping for incarcerated persons housed at Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility (LCDRF) and East Mesa Reentry Facility (EMRF).
County of San Diego Administrative Code Article III, Section 66 Acceptance of Gifts and Board of Supervisors Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, provide a process for accepting gifts by the administrative heads of each department in the County, subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors. This is a request for the Board of Supervisors to receive $76,104.08 from the City of Chula Vista to be used by the SDSD Reentry Services Division for the enhancement of current sustainability projects used for training incarcerated persons.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SHERIFF
1. In accordance with County of San Diego Administrative Code Article III, Section 66 Acceptance of Gifts and Board of Supervisors Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, accept a $76,104.08 donation from the City of Chula Vista.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Funds are expended to provide for the welfare of incarcerated persons and to assist in their transition back into the community through educational, vocational, and behavioral training. Providing quality educational and psychosocial intervention in detention facilities assures that vulnerable populations who have experienced incarceration will not be deprived of opportunities to achieve post-release positive outcomes. Funds donated to the San Diego Sheriff's Department from the City of Chula Vista will ensure these programs are enhanced and made available to incarcerated persons.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed action to receive a donation from the City of Chula Vista's Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund (IPWF) contributes to the County of San Diego's Sustainability Goals of providing just and equitable access and protecting the health and wellbeing of everyone in the region. Individuals need access to quality educational and psychosocial intervention programs while in custody. These donated funds will aid the Sheriff's Department in the expansion of landscape and horticulture projects, enhance farm to table models by increasing the accessibility to fresh locally grown produce, and increase composting efforts that promote sustainable agricultural practices. These programs educate incarcerated persons on sustainable techniques, while promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are not included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operational Plan for the Sheriff’s Department. If approved, this request will authorize acceptance of a donation, and result in current year costs and revenue of $76,104.08. The funds will be used for training incarcerated persons and enhancement of current horticulture and landscaping projects. The funding source is a donation from the City of Chula Vista. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
The City of Chula Vista has requested to donate the remaining Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund balance from their city jail program to the San Diego Sheriff's Department (SDSD). Since Chula Vista does not have a functioning jail, the city is unable to use these funds as set forth by state law.
The donation from the City of Chula Vista will be used for the purpose of providing for the welfare, education, and benefit of incarcerated individuals and to prepare them for successful reentry back into the community. The SDSD Reentry Services Division will use the funds to provide quality education and supplies for future sustainability programs that will help the expansion of landscape and horticulture projects, enhance farm to table models, and increase composting efforts that promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The SDSD’s reentry programs help incarcerated persons achieve self-reliance by equipping them with job skills and improving their overall wellbeing. Participants will acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to attain employment and enhance their professional prospects after their release from jail. Ultimately, by becoming self-sufficient, incarcerated persons can achieve a greater level of independence, confidence, and long-term success.
The Sheriff’s Department has provided the City of Chula Vista with a letter of appreciation signed by the Sheriff. By approving and accepting the $76,104.08 donation from the City of Chula Vista, the Board supports the efforts of the Sheriff's Department in providing reentry programs that are essential to decreasing the rate of return to custody and assuring that reentry participants are provided opportunities to create positive reentry outcomes.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
This request supports the Equity and Justice Strategic Initiatives in the County of San Diego's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan by taking steps to increase access and well-being for individuals who are currently in San Diego County jails. Reentry programs are essential to decreasing the rate of return to custody, contributing to the successful reunification of families, and having a direct impact on reducing future involvement with the justice system.
Respectfully submitted,
KELLY A. MARTINEZ
Sheriff
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - Letter of Appreciation to the City of Chula Vista