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April 12, 2022
ITEM TITLE
Grant Award: Accept Grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security for Operation Stonegarden
Report Number: 22-0101
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Police
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution accepting $180,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for Operation Stonegarden.
SUMMARY
Since the events of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has prioritized a coordinated effort to ensure the nation, including the entire San Diego region, is prepared to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from threats and acts of terrorism, and other man-made or natural catastrophes. The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program, coupled with the Operation Stonegarden program (OPSG), provide resources required for implementation of the National Prep aredness System and working toward the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. OPSG specifically provides funding to enhance local, tribal, territorial, state, and federal coordination to enhance security along the United States land and water borders.
OPSG grant funding has been awarded through California Office of Emergency Services to the San Diego County region’s Urban Area Security Initiative. In coordination with the DHS and grant administration by the County of San Diego, the Police Department has been allocated $180,000 for OPSG 2021 funding.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the a ctivity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, with funds passing through California Office of Emergency Services and County of San Diego Sheriff’s Department, provides funding for Operation Stonegarden. Nearly all municipal law enforcement agencies in the cou nty are co -partners for this program. The mission of Operation Stonegarden is to deter illegal activity by criminal organizations using transit nodes and corridors that run throughout San Diego County, including the City of Chula Vista, through regional multi-jurisdictional collaboration, intelligence/information sharing and communication.
The City of Chula Vista is in the unique position of being geographically located in close proximity to the international border (5 miles) with three main north/south arterial highways traversing the city. As a result, Chula Vista is subject to significant impacts from trans -national crime and criminal organizations, and is positioned to interdict both north and south bound traffic. The purpose and goal of OPSG for the City of Chula Vista is to increase public safety presence in an effort to reduce crime and disrupt illegal smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross -border crimes. Specifically for the Police Department, overtime operations typically involve one sergeant and two officers, which on average are conducted twice weekly. Officers work under Chula Vista’s direct supervision and policies, and usually do not work directly with DOJ (Department of Justice) personnel except during rare special operations and, eve n then, still work under Chula Vista’s direct supervision and policies. Over the past year, these funds have added 2,139 extra officer hours on our streets, which is roughly the equivalent of funding a full -time police officer. Police Department personne l are prohibited from engaging or participating in immigration enforcement efforts or from taking any action for immigration enforcement purposes.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision for purposes of determining a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current-year fiscal impact as the grant funds will be spent in fiscal year 2022/2023.
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ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will completely offset costs, resulting in no net fiscal impact. There is no ongoing fiscal impact for accepting these grant funds. The grant funds will be spent after July 1, 2022, and therefore staff will include $180,000 in the City Manager proposed fiscal year 2022/2023 budget. Specifically, $180,000 will be included to the personnel category of the Police Grants Section of the Federal Grants Fund during the fiscal year 2022/2023 budget adoption process.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
Staff Contact: Jonathan Alegre, Police Department