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July 16, 2024
ITEM TITLE
Grant Acceptance and Appropriation: Accept Funding from U.S. Department of Homeland Security for Operation Stonegarden and Appropriate Funds
Report Number: 24-0205
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Police
G.C. § 84308: No
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 and appropriating funds to the Police Grants Section of the Feder al Grants Fund for Operation Stonegarden. (4/5 Vote Required)
SUMMARY
Operation Stonegarden 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security and grant administration by the County of San Diego, the Police Department has been allocated $180,000 for Operation Stonegarden 2023 funding.
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 activity 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.
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BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
Since the events of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 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 program, coupled with the Operation Stonegarden program (OPSG), provide resources required for implementation of the National Preparednes s 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.
The U.S. D epartment of Homeland Security , with funds passing through California Office of Emergency Services and County of San Diego Sheriff’s Department, provides funding for OPSG. Nearly all municipal law enforcement agencies in the county are co-partners for this program. The mission of OPSG 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 co llaboration, 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 transnational 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 Department of Justice personnel except during rare special operations and, even then, still work under Chula Vista’s direct supervision and policies. In fiscal year 2023-24, these funds added 1,670 extra officer hours on our streets, which is roughly 0.80 full -time equivalent (FTE) of a police officer. Police Department personnel 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.
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CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of this resolution amends the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, appropriating $180,000 to the personnel category of the Police Grant Section of the Federal Grants Fund for overtime costs relating to Operation Stonegarden. One-time funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will completely offset these costs, resulting in no net fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact as a result of this action.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
Staff Contact: Chief Roxana Kennedy, Police Department Administrative Services Manager Jonathan Alegre, Police Department