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August 5, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Grant Acceptance and Appropriation: Accept a Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for Operation Stonegarden and Appropriate Funds
Report Number: 25-0202
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Police
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: 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 grant funds in the amount of $100,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for Operation Stonegarden and appropriating said funds to the Police Grants Section of the Federal Grants Fund. (4/5 Vote Required)
SUMMARY
Operation Stonegarden g rant funding has been awarded to the City of Chula Vista through the 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 Chula Vista Police Department has been allocated $100,000 for Operation Stonegarden 2024 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 Preparedness System and working toward the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. OPSG specifically provides fu nding 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 n odes and corridors that run throughout San Diego County, including the City of Chula Vista (“City”), through regional multi -jurisdictional collaboration, intelligence/ information sharing, and communication.
Chula Vista Police Department (“CVPD”) will only enforce local and state laws within the City, subject to the California Values Act (SB 54; Chapter 495) . CVPD cannot and will not enforce or aid in the enforcement of immigration laws on behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol.
The City’s proximity to the international border, along with the presence of three major north-south arterial highways, makes it uniquely positioned to experience impacts from transnational crime and criminal organizations. This location also enables the City to play a key role in efforts to interdict criminal activity moving in both directions across the border. The purpose and goal of OPSG within the City is to enhance public safety by increasing law enforcement presence with the aim of reducing cri me and disrupting illegal smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross-border criminal activity.
Within CVPD, OPSG -funded overtime operations typically include one sergeant and two officers and are conducted approximately twice per week. All CVPD officers participating in these operations operate under the direct supervision of the City and in accordance with City policies. They do not work directly with Department of Justice personnel, except during rare joint operations. Even in those instances, CVPD officers remain under the City’s supervision and are required to follow all City policies.
In fiscal year 2024-25, OPSG funds supported an additional 1,639 extra officer hours in the community, equivalent to approximately 0.80 of a full-time police officer.
CVPD personnel are strictly prohibited from engaging or participating in immigration enforcement or taking any action for immigration enforcement purposes.
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DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff have reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and have determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act. (Gov. Code, § 87100, et seq.) Staff are not independently aware, and have 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
Adoption of this resolution amends the fiscal year 2025-26 budget by appropriating $100,000 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 Securi ty 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