Title
a. Authorize the Sheriff’s Office to accept $75,000 from the State of California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) Program; and
b. Authorize the Contracts Purchasing Officer or their designee to execute a non-standard agreement with the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, for the Alcohol Policing Partnership program, in an amount not to exceed $75,000 from July 1, 2024 (retroactive) through June 30, 2025.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Sheriff’s Office to accept $75,000 from the State of California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) Program; and
b. Authorize the Contracts Purchasing Officer or their designee to execute a non-standard agreement with the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, for the Alcohol Policing Partnership program, in an amount not to exceed $75,000 from July 1, 2024 (retroactive) through June 30, 2025.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This agreement is late because it was just received by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office on July 1, 2024 and it had to go to the budget committee.
Monterey County grapples with a significant issue of alcohol-related problems with establishments where alcohol is the primary item for sale. Also, particularly concerning is the growing consumption, purchase, and access of alcohol by minors.
Specific areas of concern within the county include rural communities like Pajaro and Castroville. Smaller South Monterey County cities like Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, and King City, as well as larger urban areas like the City of Salinas, also share the same significant alcohol-related problems and challenges. Many of these communities face elevated rates of underage drinking, leading to detrimental effects on public safety, youth development, and community well-being.
In 2023, there were 25 calls for service at the El Palenque Night Club and Bar in Castroville, CA. These calls for service ranged from fights, vandalism, drunk in public, minors at the bar, firearm possession in the bar, and DUIs.
In 2023, there were 11 calls for service at the El Torero Bar in Pajaro. These calls for service ranged from domestic violence, fights, threats, and a double homicide where two patrons were murdered, and 4 patrons were shot.
In 2023, there were over 70 calls for service at Jesse's Bar (231 Salinas Street, Salinas). These calls for service ranged from fights, drunk in public, suspicious persons, armed robbery, stolen vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon, etc.
Furthermore, there were 3,709 persons booked at the Monterey County for DUI in 2023.
These are just a few establishments and examples that underline the growing public safety issues revolving around alcohol throughout communities within Monterey County. In addition to calls for service at establishments where alcohol is sold, community members continually call regarding alcohol consumption by minors at parties, beaches, and events throughout Monterey County.
Contributing factors include lax enforcement of alcohol regulations due to staffing challenges in law enforcement, lack of effective law enforcement training on ABC regulations and alcohol related laws, educational resources, and the normalization of underage drinking within certain social circles.
To address these issues and concerns, the Sheriff’s Office will designate the Comprehensive Alcohol Regulation and Education (CARE) Program to be funded from funds made available through the Alcohol Policing Partnership Program (APP) administered by the State of California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). The CARE Program focuses primarily on prevention through education and training of ABC licensed business establishments, and enforcement of alcohol related laws and regulations.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office request approval of this agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed the agreement as to legal form, and the Auditor/Controller has reviewed the fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
The budget committee supported this item on July 31, 2024. There is no General Fund Contribution impact resulting from this Board Action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
√_Administration
√_Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
√_Public Safety
Prepared by: Arthur Curtright, Management Analyst II, Ext #3708
Reviewed by: Jason Smith, Chief Deputy, Ext#3801
Reviewed by: Keith Boyd, Undersheriff, Ext#3859
Approved by: Tina M. Nieto, Sheriff/Coroner, Ext #3750
Attachments:
Board Report
Non-Standard Agreement
Exhibits A-D
Resolution