Public Comments — Costa Mesa City Council, May 5, 2026

From: DODERO, TONY
To: GREEN, BRENDA; TERAN, STACY
Subject: Fwd: Here is the May 1 edition of the City Hall Snapshot Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 7:17:13 AM
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:

From: [email protected]
Date: May 3, 2026 at 12:09:23 AM PDT
To: CityNews <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Here is the May 1 edition of the City Hall Snapshot
I don’t have time to attend, but I am very much against having this sober living home at 1601 Baker Street. There are young children walking to school in front of this house. Not worth the exposure to the students, the parents and the City’s reputation.

No room for parking 6 cars.

No!

The City Council has a responsibility to protect the majority of the citizens over the few.

Derek Davis
213-276-0566

From: City of Costa Mesa <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2026 11:21 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Here is the May 1 edition of the City Hall Snapshot

View as Webpage

May 1, 2026

From: George V
To: CITY CLERK
Cc: MENDEZ, VICTOR
Subject: StepHouse Recovery SUP Permits City of Huntington Beach, City of Fountain Valley, Orange County Health Care Agency Annual Site Compliance For Sober Living Services Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 2:11:29 PM
Dear City Clerk's Office,
Attached please find supplemental documentation intended for the City Council Hearing on May 5th at 6pm. These materials pertain to the " Special Use Permit " application for StepHouse Recovery.
We request that these documents be distributed to the City Council and entered into the public record for the scheduled proceedings.

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Report any suspicious activities to the Information Technology Department.

From: George V
To: CITY CLERK
Cc: MENDEZ, VICTOR
Subject: StepHouse Recovery 1601 Baker St, Orange County Sheriff"s Certificate of Compliance Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 1:09:21 PM
Please record attached record for 5/5 City of Costa City Council Meeting "Special Use Permit " Application hearing.

Thank you,
George Vilagut
StepHouse Recovery
714 394 3494
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Report any suspicious activities to the Information Technology Department.

From: Mary Wilcox
To: CITY CLERK; MENDEZ, VICTOR
Cc: George V
Subject: Stephouse Recovery docs to share at 5/5 mtg
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 11:21:11 AM
Attachments: OC Sheriff Guidelines for Cert.pdf
Hello,
Stephouse Recovery is scheduled to appear at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday 5/5/26. We would like to share the attached documents.

Thank you!
Best,
Mary
Mary Wilcox
Administrative Consultant
StepHouse Recovery Inc.
[email protected]
(657) 352-3106
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:

This message is protected under the Federal regulations governing Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records, 42 C.F.R. Part 2, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), 45 C.F.R. Pts. 160 & 164 and cannot be disclosed without written consent unless otherwise provided for in the regulations. The Federal rules prohibit any further disclosure of this information unless written consent is obtained from the person to whom it pertains. The Federal rules restrict any use of this information to investigate or prosecute any alcohol or drug abuse patient criminally.

If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.

ORANGE COUNTY ADULT ALCOHOL AND DRUG SOBER

LIVING FACILITIES CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES
Accessible Document Transcript from ocsheriff.gov
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 1/93 Orange County
Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living
Facilities Certification
Guidelines
Table of Contents
Item Page No.

Chapter 1: Introductory Provisions 1
Article 1: History and Purposes of Certification Program 1 Section 100 Historical Perspective 1
Section 101 Purpose. 2
Section 102 Reserved. 2
Article 2: Definitions 2
Section 103 Definitions. 2
Section 104 Reserved. 5
Article 3: Authority for and Effect of Certification 5
Section 105 Voluntary Certification 5
Section 106 Effect of Certification 5
Section 107 Reserved. 6
Chapter 2: Obtaining Certification 6
Article 1: Eligible Applicants 6
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 2/93 Item Page No.

Section 108 Type of Facilities Eligible for Certification. 6 Section 109 Who May Apply for Certification? 6
Section 110 Reserved. 6
Article 2: Application Process 6
Section 111 How to Obtain Application and Information 6 Section 112 Documentation to Be Submitted with Application. 7 Section 113 Certification Coordinator Review of Application. 9 Section 114 Withdrawal of Application 10
Section 115 Reserved. 10
Section 116 Reserved. 10
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 3/93 Table of Contents
Item Page No.

Article 3: Certificate of compliance/period of certification 11 Section 117 Requirement to Post Certificate of Compliance 11 Section 118 Period of Certification 11
Section 119 Automatic Termination of Certification during One-Year Certification Period. 11 Section 120 Reserved. 12
Article 4: Renewal of certification 12
Section 121 Renewal of Certification. 12
Section 122 Reserved. 12
Article 5: Denial of certification 12
Section 123 Grounds for Denial of Certification. 12
Section 124 Facility Notice and Advisement of Right to Reconsideration. 12 Section 125 Reserved. 13
Article 6: Reconsideration 13
Section 126 Procedure for Reconsideration. 13
Section 127 Reserved. 13
Chapter 3: General Certification Requirements 14
Article 1: General requirements 14
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 4/93 Item Page No.

Section 128 General Requirements. 14
Section 129 Reserved. 14
Article 2: Contractual requirements 14
Section 130 Greater or Conflicting Contract Requirements. 14 Section 131 Reserved. 14
Chapter 4: Staff Requirements 14
Article 1: Staff application data 14
Section 132 Staff Information to Be Provided with Application. 14 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 5/93 Table of Contents
Item Page No.

Section 133 Staff Required to Submit to Background Check 15 Section 134 Falsifying Information. 15
Section 135 County Authority to Conduct Staff Background Check. 16 Section 136 Reserved. 16
Article 2: Staff Qualifications and Duties 16
Section 137 Prior Employment History of Improper Conduct 16 Section 138 Paid and Volunteer Staff – Criminal History Qualifications 17 Section 139 Director-Duties and Qualifications. 17
Section 140 House Manager-Duties and Qualifications. 18 Section 141 Peer Coordinator -Duties and Qualifications. 19 Section 142 Subsequent Criminal Activity or Convictions of Disqualifying Offenses20 Section 143 Reserved. 21
Section 144 Reserved. 21
Article 3: New Staff During Certification Period 21
Section 145 Qualifications of Staff Added After Certification 21 Section 146 Replacement of Director and House Manager. 21 Section 147 Appointment of Acting Director or House Manager. 22 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 6/93 Item Page No.

Section 148 Reserved. 22
Article 4: Denial of Certification Due to Staff 22
Section 149 Denial of Certification Due to Lack of Staff Qualifications. 22 Section 150 Staff Notice and Advisement of Right to Reconsideration. 22 Section 151 Staff Procedure for Reconsideration. 23
Section 152 Reserved. 23
Chapter 5: Admission and Intake Requirements 23
Article 1: Admission 23
Section 153 Resident Selection Criteria 23
Section 154 Reserved. 25
Article 2: Intake 25
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 7/93 Table of Contents
Item Page No.

Section 155 Intake Procedures. 25
Section 156 Reserved. 25
Chapter 6: Program Requirements 26
Article 1: Policies and Procedures Manual 26
Section 157 Policy and Procedures Manual 26
Section 158 Contents of Policy and Procedures Manual. 26 Section 159 Reserved. 28
Article 2: Residents’ Activities. 28
Section 160 Staff Presence and Availability. 28
Section 161 Criminal Activity. 28
Section 162 Residents’ Court Orders and Treatment Plans. 28 Section 163 Participation in Recovery Activities. 28
Section 164 Reserved. 29
Article 3: Alcohol/ Drugs/ Smoking. 29
Section 165 Drug and Alcohol Testing/ Relapse Policies 29 Section 166 Prohibition against Alcohol and Non-Prescribed Drugs.29 Section 167 Prescription Drug Policy. 30
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 8/93 Item Page No.

Section 168 Smoking Policy. 30
Section 169 Reserved. 30
Article 4: Reports. 30
Section 170 Accurate Progress Reports. 30
Section 171 False Reports. 30
Section 172 Approval of Progress Reports. 30
Section 173 Notification of Resident’s Departure. 30
Section 174 Reports to Certification Coordinator 31
Section 175 Reserved. 32
Article 5: Interaction of Residents. 32
Section 176 Single Gender Facilities. 32
Section 177 Co-ed Facilities. 32
Section 178 Reserved. 32
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 9/93 Table of Contents
Item Page No.

Article 6: Visitors 33
Section 179 Access to Facility by Unauthorized Persons. 33 Section 180 Visitation Policy 33
Section 181 Reserved. 33
Article 7: Leaving the Facility 33
Section 182 Resident Sign In/Out Log and Schedule. 33
Section 183 Master Log for Multiple Facilities. 34
Section 184 Curfew 34
Section 185 Overnight Passes. 34
Section 186 Reserved. 35
Article 8: Fees 35
Section 187 Fee Schedule. 35
Section 188 Delinquent Payments and Payment Plans. 35
Section 189 Advance Payment of Fees and Repayment of Fees 35 Section 190 Receipt for Fees 35
Section 191 Reserved. 35
Article 9: Residents’ Funds 36
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 10/93 Item Page No.

Section 192 Co-mingling Funds 36
Section 193 General Assistance. 36
Section 194 Reserved. 36
Article 10: Food Service 36
Section 195 Food Service 36
Section 196 Reserved. 36
Article 11: Residents’ Files 36
Section 197 Maintenance of Residents’ Files. 36
Section 198 Contents of Individual Residents’ Files. 37 Section 199 Reserved. 38
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 11/93 Table of Contents
Item Page
No.

Chapter 7: Building and Grounds Requirements 38
Article 1: Section 200 Review 38
Section 200 Compliance with Codes, Permits and Other Requirements Related to Buildings and Grounds 38
Section 201 Reserved. 41
Chapter 8: Good Neighbor Policy 41
Article 1: Policy 41
Section 202 Good Neighbor Policy 41
Section 203 Reserved. 41
Article 2: Policy Contents 41
Section 204 Neighborhood Complaints 41
Section 205 Reserved. 42
Section 206 Reserved. 42
Chapter 9: Monitoring and Review of Facilities 42
Article 1: Monitoring 42
Section 207 Monitoring Certified Facilities 42
Section 208 Notice of Deficiency 43
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 12/93 Item Page
No.

Section 209 Contract Monitoring 43
Section 210 Reserved. 43
Article 2: Investigation of Complaints 43
Section 211 Complaint Defined. 43
Section 212 Complaints Regarding Criminal Activity 43
Section 213 Complaints Regarding Certification Guidelines 44 Section 214 Notice of Deficiency 44
Section 215 Emergency 45
Section 216 Reserved. 45
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 13/93 Table of Contents
Item Page No.

Article 3: Corrective Action Plans 45
Section 217 Deficiency. 45
Section 218 Corrective Action Plan. 45
Section 219 Follow-up Review to Verify Correction of Deficiency 46 Section 220 Reserved. 46
Article 4: Sanctions 46
Section 221 Sanctions Defined 46
Section 222 Purposes of Sanctions. 47
Section 223 Types of Sanctions. 47
Section 224 Right to Appeal Sanctions 48
Section 225 Failure to Correct Deficiencies for which Sanctions Imposed48 Section 226 Notice to Interested Parties 48
Section 227 Reserved. 48
Chapter 10: Appeal and Hearing. 48
Article 1: Right to Appeal Denial of Certification or Imposition of Sanctions48 Section 228 Facility Right To Appeal 48
Section 229 Staff Right To Appeal. 49
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 14/93 Item Page No.

Section 230 Reserved. 49
Article 2: Certification Appeals Board. 49
Section 231 Certification Appeals Board 49
Section 232 Board Membership . 49
Section 233 Duties of the Certification Appeals Board. 50 Section 234 Filing Appeals. 50
Section 235 Procedures for Hearing Before the Certification Appeals Board50 Section 236 Reserved. 51
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 15/93 Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober
Living Facilities Certification Guidelines (revised
2004)
Chapter 1: Introductory Provisions
Article 1: History and Purposes of Certification Program Section 100 Historical Perspective
The County of Orange recognizes the desirability of “home” type facilities designed for and dedicated to providing drug and alcohol free environments to individuals with alcohol and drug addictions. To date, certain of these facilities have operated in Orange County without a method of ensuring that these facilities provide quality environments for recovery or provide for community safety.

In 2000, the Orange County Board of Supervisors directed the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to form a committee that included the Probation Department, District Attorney, Public Defender, Health Care Agency, State Parole Board, the Courts, representatives of Orange County cities, and a wide spectrum of community providers. The Sober Living Coalition and the Orange County Addiction Treatment Provider Association later added representatives to the committee, and a community representative was designated by the Board of Supervisors. The purpose of this committee was to develop a process for certifying and monitoring adult residential drug and alcohol sober living facilities.

In 2001, by ordinance and resolution, the Board of Supervisors approved the Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Program (hereafter “Certification Program”). The standards and procedures for the Certification Program are contained in this document, entitled “Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Program Guidelines” (hereafter “the Certification Guidelines”), and in Article 1 of Division 6 of Title V (Sections 5-6-1 et seq.) of the Orange County Codified Ordinances.

In 2004, following a report to the Board of Supervisors, the Board made minor amendments as recommended.

Section 102 Reserved
Article 2: Definitions
Section 103 Definitions
The following general definitions apply to terminology used in the Certification Guidelines, except where specifically noted otherwise:

1. Adult – A person who is 18 years of age or older or a minor who has been emancipated pursuant to former Part 2.7 (commencing with former section 60), Division 1 of the Civil Code or Part 6 (commencing with section 7000), Division 11 of the Family Code.

2. Certificate of compliance – A certificate that is issued by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department to a sober living facility that has applied for certification under the Certification Guidelines and has met the requirements set forth in the Certification Guidelines. The Certificate of Compliance is valid for one year from the issue date.

3. Certification appeals board – The body having the administrative responsibility for conducting hearings on all appeals of denial of certification or sanctions imposed by the Certification Coordinator.

4. Certification coordinator – A lieutenant with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department who is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Certification Program.

5. Certification guidelines – This document, entitled “Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Program Guidelines”.

6. Certification program – The Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Program, adopted by the Orange County Board of Supervisors in December 2001 and administered by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. The standards and procedures for the Certification Program are set forth in Article 1 of Division 6 of Title V (Section 5-6-1 et seq.) of the Orange County Codified Ordinances and in the Certification Guidelines.

7. Certified facility – A sober living facility that has been issued a Certificate of Compliance that currently is valid.
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 17/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 18/93

8. Counselor certifying organization – A statewide or national professional organization offering counselor certifications in the field of drug or alcohol addiction to eligible individuals. The organization must have standardized qualifications for certification, including education and/or employment requirements. Counselor certifying organizations include, but are not limited to, the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADAAC) and organizations providing certification as a Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS). Local community college certification programs are also accepted counselor certifying organizations.

9. Conviction – A final judgment or a verdict or finding of guilty, a plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere.

10. County referral – A person directed to a sober living facility by the Probation Department, the Orange County Health Care Agency or another agency of the County of Orange for continued recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. The person being referred still may be under the supervision of the Orange County Superior Court or the Probation Department. This may include a person referred to a facility prior to adjudication of his/her criminal case.

11. Court referral – Any person directed to a sober living facility by the Orange County Superior Court.

This may include a person referred to a facility prior to adjudication of his/her criminal case.

12. D.A.D.P. – State of California, Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs. This is the State agency responsible for licensing of residential recovery treatment facilities. D.A.D.P. does not license sober living facilities.

13. Day – A calendar day unless otherwise specified.

14. Director and head of administrative staff – Also referred to as “Director.” The manager of a sober living facility who is responsible for the supervision of all residents and of all staff employed by, or volunteering for, the facility, and for approving all progress reports about residents' recovery that are provided to courts, county or city agencies, or other providers of recovery services. He/ she is responsible for overall management of the facility.

15. Facility – Depending on context, a sober living facility or the person or entity that operates a sober living facility.

16. House manager – A person who resides at a sober living facility, or any of multiple persons who collectively are present at the facility during curfew hours which shall be at a minimum between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. weekdays and 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekends, and who is/are in charge of the day-to-day operation of the facility. The house manager shall be responsible to ensure the safety of the building(s) and grounds; to collect fees from residents; to maintain compliance by residents and staff with facility rules and the Certification Guidelines; and to provide 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 19/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 20/93 support and referral information, but not counseling or treatment, to residents of the facility.

17. Outpatient – Refers to drug and alcohol treatment programs in which the resident does not reside at the facility where the resident receives treatment.

18. Parole board – State Parole Board.

19. Peer coordinator – A paid or volunteer staff member who assists the house manager. The peer coordinator may oversee the household chore list and schedule; help to facilitate facility meetings; and report concerns regarding the behavior of residents and the maintenance of the facility to the house manager or director.

20. Probation department – Orange County Probation Department.

21. Progress report – An oral and/or written report of the overall progress towards recovery from substance abuse of a resident who is residing at a sober living facility. Progress reports may be made due to a court order or the terms of a resident’s probation or parole, or, at the request of and with the consent of a resident, may be made to other entities or individuals, such as the resident’s therapist or referring agency.

22. Resident – An individual who resides in a sober living facility.

23. Residential facility – Refers to programs in which the residents reside at the facility. Hospitals are not included in this category. Facilities covered by the Certification Guidelines are residential facilities.

24. Revocation of certification – A disciplinary action that is imposed by the Certification Coordinator and upheld by the Certification Appeals Board to revoke certification of a facility. Revocation of certification is indefinite. Except in emergency situations, a revocation will not become effective until the time for the facility to appeal has elapsed, or if the facility appeals, until the revocation is upheld by the Certification Appeals Board. To the extent it is clinically appropriate, all County referrals shall be asked to move from a facility from which certification has been revoked and will be placed in a certified facility.

Except as required by law or contractual obligations or as permitted by the Certification Guidelines, County personnel shall cease referring individuals to a facility from which certification has been revoked.

25. Section 200 review – A written determination from the applicable local jurisdiction, made following an inspection of a facility by the local jurisdiction, that the facility is in compliance with the requirements of Section 200 of the Certification Guidelines.

26. “Shall” and “will” mean mandatory, “should” means recommend, and “may” means permissive. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 21/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 22/93 Article 3: Authority for and Effect of Certification

27. Sober living facility – A facility offering an alcohol and drug free residence for unrelated adults who are recovering from alcohol or drug addictions. These facilities may also be known as Transitional Living Environments. No drug or alcohol treatment services are provided on site. D.A.D.P. does not license such a facility to offer residential treatment for drug or alcohol abuse or addiction.

28. Suspension of certification – A disciplinary action taken by the Certification Coordinator to suspend certification of a facility. A suspension is for a specific period of time. Except as required by law or contractual obligations or as permitted by the Certification Guidelines, County personnel shall cease referring individuals to a facility from which certification has been suspended. At their option, or, if applicable, at the discretion of the Superior Court, the Probation Department or the Parole Board, residents who were residing at the facility prior to the suspension may remain and complete their programs.

Section 104 Reserved
Article 3: Authority for and Effect of Certification
Section 105 Voluntary certification
The Certification Program is purely voluntary. No sober living facility shall be required to apply for or obtain certification under the Certification Guidelines. No facility shall be required to cease operation on account of its not being certified under the Certification Guidelines.

Section 106 Effect of certification

1. It is anticipated that a period of approximately nine (9) months, until October 1, 2002, will be required to process all applications for certification that are filed during the initial response to the adoption of the Certification Program. During the period until October 1, 2002, it is anticipated that there will not be sufficient certified facilities to meet the demand for placement in said facilities.

2. Effective on October 1, 2002, and except as otherwise provided in the Certification Guidelines or as required by law or contractual obligations, County of Orange personnel, when referring a person to a sober living facility within the County of Orange, other than a facility operated by a State agency, shall refer a person who qualifies for admittance to a certified sober living facility only to a certified facility, if the referring County personnel determine that space is available in a certified facility that is suitable for the person being referred.

3. Certification, or lack of certification, is not intended to convey approval or disapproval of any sober living facility or its programs by the County of Orange or the 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 23/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 24/93 Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. Rather, certification shall be for informational purposes only.

4. Certification does not create a relationship of principal and agent between the County of Orange and any sober living facility, or between the County of Orange and any of the officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers of any sober living facility.

5. On October 1, 2002, and as often thereafter as the list is updated, the Certification Coordinator shall provide to the Orange County Superior Court the list of certified facilities, in order to assist the Court in directing defendants into appropriate recovery environments.

Section 107 Reserved
Chapter 2: Obtaining Certification
Article 1: Eligible Applicants
Section 108 Type of Facilities Eligible for Certification

1. Sober living facilities are eligible for certification pursuant to the Certification Guidelines.

2. In order to obtain a Certificate of Compliance, a facility must comply with the Certification Guidelines for each physical building comprising the facility.

Section 109 Who May Apply for Certification?
Any adult or firm, partnership, association, corporation or governmental entity may apply for certification. Strict nondiscrimination rules applicable to government programs shall be followed when considering applications for certification. The Certification Program shall be administered so as to be free of any unlawful discrimination based on ethnic group identification, race, religion, ancestry, color, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, political affiliation, medical condition, physical or mental disability, or sexual preference.

Section 110 Reserved
Article 2: Application Process
Section 111 How to Obtain Application and Information Applications and application information may be obtained by contacting the Orange County Sheriff/Certification Coordinator, Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Program, North Justice Center, 1275 North Berkeley, Fullerton,
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 25/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 California 92832 (Telephone: (714) 773-4520). Completed applications for certification should be submitted to the Certification Coordinator.

Section 112 Documentation to Be Submitted with Application Each applicant facility shall submit to the Certification Coordinator a completed application form and the following additional documents:

1. The facility’s Policy and Procedures Manual (Sections 157 and 158 of the Certification Guidelines).

2. The facility’s rules for residents, including:
a. The facility’s policy prohibiting alcohol or non-prescribed drugs on the premises (Section 166 of the Certification Guidelines);
b. The facility’s prescription drug policy (Section 167 of the Certification Guidelines); c. The facility’s smoking policy (Section 168 of the Certification Guidelines); d. The facility’s rules and procedures regarding co-ed interaction, if applicable (Section 177 of the Certification Guidelines);
e. The facility’s visitation policy (Section 180 of the Certification Guidelines).

3. Copies of all forms provided to residents and potential residents, including blank copies of all forms that residents or potential residents are required to complete and/or sign.

4. The facility’s staff information (Section 132 of the Certification Guidelines).

5. The facility’s resident selection criteria (Section 153 of the Certification Guidelines).

6. The facility’s policy for alternative referral (Section 153 of the Certification Guidelines).

7. The facility’s intake procedures (Section 155 of the Certification Guidelines).

8. The facility’s relapse policy (Section 165 of the Certification Guidelines).

9. The facility’s fee schedule (Section 187 of the Certification Guidelines).

10. The facility’s policy regarding delinquent payments and payment plans (Section 188 of the Certification Guidelines).

11. The facility’s policy regarding refunds for advance payment of fees and repayment of fees (Section 189 of the Certification Guidelines).

12. The facility’s food services and preparation schedule and policy, if applicable (Section 195 of the Certification Guidelines).

13. Proof that the names of all staff, paid and volunteer, of the facility have been submitted to the Orange County Sheriff Department for the purpose of conducting a background check.

For those staff who submit to voluntary fingerprint checks and criminal history checks, the results will be sent directly from the State Department of Justice or the U.S. Department of Justice, as applicable, to the Certification Coordinator.

14. A Section 200 Review from the applicable local jurisdiction, or permission for the Certification Coordinator to notify the local jurisdiction or the County of Orange, as appropriate, to conduct a Section 200 Review. The application will not be deemed complete until the Section 200 Review is completed and received by the Certification Coordinator. The local jurisdiction or the County of Orange, as applicable, will advise the applicant of the fees for the Section 200 review, and the fees for this inspection will be paid by the facility. All pending inspections must be completed and the Section 200 Review must be received by the Certification Coordinator within thirty (30) days of the original application to the local jurisdiction or the County of Orange, as applicable, for the Section 200 review.

For a fee, County of Orange personnel will complete the Section 200 Review if requested by a) the local jurisdiction, or b) the Certification Coordinator when the facility is located in an area where no other local jurisdiction performs Section 200 reviews. In addition, if the local jurisdiction is unable to complete the Section 200 Review within the thirty (30) day period, County personnel will conduct the inspection, for a fee, and submit the results to the Certification Coordinator.

15. Written consent, on the form provided with the application and executed by both the director and the house manager of the facility, to inspections of the facility by appropriate local jurisdiction or County of Orange personnel for the purposes of determining initial compliance with the Certification Guidelines, monitoring continued compliance with the Certification Guidelines, and investigating complaints of violation of the Certification Guidelines.

16. Proof that the facility has obtained insurance coverage at least as extensive in both coverage and amount as is required by County’s CEO/ Risk Management
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 27/93

8. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 28/93 Services, from an insurer that is acceptable to County's CEO/ Risk Management Services. CEO/Risk Management Services' current insurance requirements will be made available with the application for certification.
a. The Certification Coordinator will notify the facility when it appears that all other aspects of the application are in order and the application for certification will be granted, so that the applicant may obtain amendments of its insurance policies to include Orange County as an additional insured and to include such additional policy language as is specified by CEO/ Risk Management Services. b. Before certification is finally granted and a Certificate of Compliance issued, the facility must present to the Certification Coordinator written proof that all required insurance policies have been amended to include Orange County as an additional insured and to include such additional policy language as is specified by CEO/ Risk Management Services.

Section 113 Certification Coordinator Review of Application

1. The Certification Coordinator will review applications for certification in the order in which the applications became complete.

2. The Certification Coordinator shall:
a. Review each application for certification and supporting documentation to determine completeness and compliance with the Certification Guidelines; b. Verify the information provided by the facility about its paid and volunteer staff with information obtained by the Sheriff-Coroner, and from the State Department of Justice and the U.S.

Department of Justice (if available), as specified in Section 133; c. Verify that the facility has a completed Section 200 Review; d. Make or arrange such additional inspection(s) of the facility, interview(s) with its staff and/ or residents who are court referrals, review(s) of records and documents, or such other activities as may be necessary or appropriate to ascertain whether the facility complies with the Certification Guidelines; e. Within thirty (30) working days of receipt of a completed application, issue to the facility by mail a Certificate of Compliance, if the facility is in compliance with the Certification Guidelines, or a written notification of denial of certification, if the facility is not in compliance with the Certification Guidelines;
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 29/93 f. If an application is still incomplete at the end of ninety (90) working days after receipt of an incomplete application, notify the facility in writing of the information that is missing. The facility will have thirty (30) days from the date of the notification to provide the missing information; g. If an application is otherwise complete, but areas of non-compliance with the Certification Guidelines that are susceptible of correction within thirty (30) days are identified, notify the facility in writing of the deficiencies, in accordance with Section 208 of the Certification Guidelines. Thereafter, the Certification Coordinator shall treat the application as incomplete until the deficiencies are timely and adequately corrected.

3. The Certification Coordinator may terminate the review of an application if:
a. The facility fails to provide additional information or correct deficiencies within the required time period unless good cause is shown for delay;
b. The facility fails to provide a Section 200 Review within 30 days of notification pursuant to Section 113(2)(f) that the Section 200 review is missing from its application; c. The facility submits a written request to withdraw the application; d. The facility provides false, misleading or incomplete information on or with its application.

4. Termination of the review process shall not constitute denial of certification.

Section 114 Withdrawal of Application

1. A facility may withdraw an application for certification by submitting a written request to the Certification Coordinator.

2. Withdrawal shall not prohibit the Certification Coordinator from taking action to deny any application for certification.

Section 115 Reserved
Section 116 Reserved
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 30/93 Article 3: Certificate of Compliance/Period of Certification Section 117 Requirement to Post Certificate of Compliance

1. Upon obtaining certification, a facility shall post its Certificate of Compliance in a conspicuous place in the facility, where it can be seen by anyone entering the facility.

2. Each facility shall make the Certificate of Compliance available for inspection upon request.

Section 118 Period of Certification
Certification shall be effective for a one-year period and shall expire automatically on the anniversary of the date of issuance of the Certificate of Compliance, unless the certification earlier has been renewed.

Section 119 Automatic Termination of Certification during One-Year Certification Period Certification shall automatically terminate during the one year certification period whenever the owners or operators of a certified facility:

1. Sell or transfer an ownership interest in the facility; however, when the facility is owned by a corporation, the corporation will not be deemed to have transferred an ownership interest in the facility when the transfer or sale was solely of stock in the corporation and does not constitute a majority change in ownership of the stock of the corporation;

2. Transfer to a person(s) or entity(s), other than a resident or a live-in staff person, a right to occupy or possess all or any part of the facility;

3. Change the personnel responsible for management of the facility, without completing the steps outlined in Sections 145-148 of the Certification Guidelines;

4. Voluntarily surrender the Certificate of Compliance to the Certification Coordinator;

5. Move the facility to a new location;

6. Die (only if the facility is owned and operated by a sole proprietor); or

7. Actually or constructively abandon the facility for a period of thirty (30) days or more.

1. At least sixty (60) working days prior to the expiration date noted on the Certificate of Compliance, the Certification Coordinator shall send a notice informing the facility of the date when the current period of certification will expire and advising the facility that it must submit within thirty (30) days any information described in Section 112 of the Certification Guidelines that has changed during the certification period.

2. The facility also will be required to obtain a re-inspection from the local jurisdiction or the County of Orange, as applicable, and submit an updated Section 200 Review. The updated Section 200 Review shall be submitted to the Certification Coordinator no later than fifteen (15) days before the expiration of certification.

3. The facility must be found to be in compliance with the Certification Guidelines in order for certification to be renewed.

Section 122 Reserved
Article 5: Denial of Certification
Section 123 Grounds for Denial of Certification
The Certification Coordinator may deny a facility’s application for certification for any of the following reasons:

1. The facility is not in compliance with any provision of the Certification Guidelines;

2. The facility has failed to remedy each deficiency identified by the Certification Coordinator within the time period specified;

3. The facility provided false, misleading or incomplete information to the Certification Coordinator.

Section 124 Facility Notice and Advisement of Right to Reconsideration If the Certification Coordinator denies certification, a written notice shall be sent to the applicant by first class mail. The notice shall:

1. Explain the reasons for denial;
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 32/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 33/93 Article 6: Reconsideration

2. Detail the correction(s) required to bring the facility into compliance with the Certification Guidelines;

3. Advise the facility of the rights to reconsideration and appeal in accordance with the Certification Guidelines.

Section 125 Reserved
Article 6: Reconsideration
Section 126 Procedure for Reconsideration

1. A facility that has been denied certification may file a request for reconsideration with the Certification Coordinator. The request shall be in writing and shall be filed within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the notice of denial of certification.

2. The Certification Coordinator shall schedule a hearing that shall be held no later than thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of a timely request for reconsideration.

3. The Certification Coordinator shall serve a notice of hearing on the facility, no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing.

4. At the hearing before the Certification Coordinator, the facility shall be given an opportunity to present witnesses and documentary evidence.

5. The hearing will be conducted informally and the technical rules of evidence shall not apply. Any and all evidence that the Certification Coordinator deems reliable, relevant and not unduly repetitious may be considered.

6. Within fifteen (15) calendar days after the hearing, the Certification Coordinator shall issue and transmit to the facility a written decision sustaining, reversing, or modifying his/her earlier decision.

7. The decision by the Certification Coordinator after the hearing shall be final unless the facility or, if applicable, a member of its staff, files an appeal to the Certification Appeals Board pursuant to Sections 228, 229 and 234 of the Certification Guidelines.

Section 127 Reserved
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 34/93 Chapter 3: General Certification Requirements
Article 1: General Requirements
Section 128 General Requirements

1. Each sober living facility, including sober living facilities associated with licensed residential recovery treatment facilities, and its staff shall comply with the Certification Guidelines.

2. Each sober living facility, including sober living facilities associated with licensed residential recovery treatment facilities, and its staff shall comply with all rules, policies and procedures of the facility.

Section 129 Reserved
Article 2: Contractual Requirements
Section 130 Greater or Conflicting Contract Requirements Facilities certified pursuant to the Certification Guidelines may be under contract with the County of Orange to provide alcohol and drug-free housing services. The Certification Guidelines are not intended to supersede contractual requirements, unless the requirements of the Certification Guidelines are greater than those in the contract. To the extent a contract between a certified facility and the County of Orange imposes requirements or obligations on the facility that are greater than the requirements of the Certification Guidelines, the contract requirements and obligations shall prevail.

Section 131 Reserved
Chapter 4: Staff Requirements
Article 1: Staff Application Data
Section 132 Staff Information to Be Provided with Application An application for certification and supporting documentation shall contain the following information about the staff of the facility:

1. A list of all staff positions, paid or volunteer, and a clear description of the duties of each position.

2. The following information about each staff member, whether paid or volunteer:
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 35/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 36/93 a. Full name, and any other names used previously or currently; b. Current residence address and phone number;
c. Date of birth;
d. Social Security number;
e. Driver’s license number;
f. Education and academic achievements
g. Prior work experience
h. History of convictions, if any;
i. Current criminal street gang and/or prison gang participation, if any.

Section 133 Staff Required to Submit to Background Check

1. Prior to certification of a facility, all staff, paid and volunteer, of the facility shall be subject to a background check by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

2. In order for the facility to qualify for certification, the director and house manager will be requested to voluntarily submit to a more extensive background check including “live scan” fingerprinting and a check of summary criminal history information through the State Department of Justice and, if available, the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, any other staff member may be requested to voluntarily submit to the above-described more extensive background check when the Sheriff’s background check raises a reasonable suspicion that the staff member does not meet the criminal history requirements for his/her position. All criminal history information will be sent directly from the State Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Justice to the Certification Coordinator.

Section 134 Falsifying Information

1. No staff member of a facility shall falsify information on his/her application for employment or on an application for certification of a facility.

2. Falsifying information may include but is not necessarily limited to the following: falsifying true legal name, date of birth, current address, social security number, or driver’s license number.

Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 37/93 Additional content from previous item (3): The presence at the facility of an employee or volunteer who falsified information on a certification application or on his/her application for employment or a volunteer position is a violation of the Certification Guidelines and shall be grounds for denial of certification, if the employee or volunteer remains at the facility for more than fifteen (15) calendar days after the director knew or should have known of the falsification.

Section 135 County Authority to Conduct Staff Background Check In 2001, the Orange County Board of Supervisors adopted an Ordinance to Authorize Voluntary Certification of Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities. The ordinance includes section 5-6-4, entitled “Criminal activity by owners, operators, managers, employees and volunteers of certified sober living facilities.” That section authorizes the Sheriff-Coroner to access summary criminal history information about specified facility personnel pursuant to Penal Code sections 11105(b)(10) and 13300(b)(10) and sets forth the types of criminal history that disqualify individuals from holding specified positions at certified facilities.

Section 136 Reserved
Article 2: Staff Qualifications and Duties
Section 137 Prior Employment History of Improper Conduct No staff member, paid or volunteer, of a facility shall have a prior employment history of any of the following improper conduct:

1. Forging or falsifying documents to a court, referring agencies or an alcohol or drug recovery facility;

2. Sexual assault or sexual harassment

3. Inappropriate behavior with staff or residents at another alcohol and drug recovery facility that resulted in termination or resignation from that facility. Inappropriate behavior shall include, but is not limited, to the following:
a. Physical assault;
b. Embezzlement or other theft related conduct;
c. Falsifying a drug test;
d. Selling or furnishing illegal drugs;
e. Selling or furnishing alcohol to a resident; or
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 38/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 39/93 f. Entering into a financial agreement, venture or proposition with a resident unless previously approved by the director of the facility.

Section 138 Paid and Volunteer Staff – Criminal History Qualifications

1. Prior to certification of a facility, all staff, paid and volunteer, shall pass an Orange County criminal justice background check conducted by the Orange County Sheriff Department. a. No sober living facility shall be certified if any of its staff have been convicted of any of the following offenses:
i. Sex offenses for which the person is required to register as a sex offender under California Penal Code section 290;
ii. Arson offenses – Violation of Penal Code sections 451, 451.1, 451.5, 452, 452.1, 453, 454, or 455; or
iii. Violent felonies, as defined in Penal Code section 667.5, which involve doing bodily harm to another person, and for which the staff member was convicted within five years prior to employment.
b. No alcohol or drug recovery facility shall be certified if any of its staff participates in the criminal activities of a prison gang and/or criminal street gang, as defined in Penal Code section 186.22(f).

2. No certified facility shall employ a person or permit a person to act as a volunteer at the facility if that person has not passed a criminal background check by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department using the criteria set forth in subsection 1 of Section 138 of the Guidelines.

3. Individual exceptions to staff qualifications set forth in Section 138, subsection 1 a.(iii) may be requested if the facility deems the decision will benefit the program. Requests for exceptions shall be submitted in writing, include appropriate justification of request, and must be approved by the Certification Coordinator in advance of employment.

Section 139 Director-Duties and Qualifications

1. A facility shall employ one or more persons who collectively perform the duties of Director and Head of Administrative Staff (also known as “director”) that are set forth in Section 103 and elsewhere in the Certification Guidelines. The facility may designate a different title for this position, and may have two or more employees perform the duties of this position, as long as each person performing any of the duties meets the minimum requirements set forth in the Certification Guidelines for the position. In smaller facilities, the director also may perform the duties of other positions, as long as
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 40/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 41/93 he/she has adequate time during assigned work hours to perform the duties of director and all his/her other duties, and as long as he/she meets the requirements of the Certification Guidelines for all the positions he/she holds.

2. Education and Experience: The director shall have education, training and/or experience qualifying him/her to supervise drug or alcohol addicted residents, including residents who have criminal backgrounds. Each person performing any of the duties of the director shall also meet at least one of the following minimum requirements:
a. Possession of a four year college degree in a field related to rehabilitation of substance abusers; or b. Certification by a professional counselor certifying organization; c. A minimum of eighteen (18) months full time experience as a counselor, supervisor, or professional in a position similar to the director’s position.

Proof that (a), (b), or (c) above has been met will be required (e.g., photocopy of professional degrees, references to show prior service in the recovery field).

3. Criminal History:
a. A director shall meet the requirements set out in Section 138 of the Certification Guidelines. b. In addition, no facility shall be certified if its Director and Head of Administrative Staff is currently under parole or formal probation supervision.

4. Training: Persons holding positions encompassing the duties of director of a facility accepting court referrals or referrals from the Probation Department or the Parole Board, or the director’s designee, shall attend all required meetings and training conducted by a Superior Court, the Probation Department, the Parole Board, or the Certification Coordinator. The Certification Coordinator shall provide notice of such required meetings and training.

5. Sobriety: The director, if he or she is a former drug or alcohol abuser, should have a minimum of two years of sobriety, and should be participating in a continued program of personal enhancement and recovery.

Section 140 House Manager-Duties and Qualifications

1. Each facility shall have a designated house manager or person of higher authority such as a director, who resides at the facility and performs the duties of house manager set forth in Section 103 of the Certification Guidelines. Alternatively, two or more employees may perform the duties of house manager, as long as each person
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 42/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 43/93 performing any of the duties meets the minimum requirements for house manager set forth in the Certification Guidelines.

2. The facility shall clearly identify the house manager to all residents. The lines of authority within the organization shall be clearly defined, with the director or house manager having final authority.

3. Drug Testing: The house manager will be subject to alcohol and drug testing as determined by the director of the facility and in accordance with applicable law.

4. Duties:
a. The house manager’s duties include the duties described for the position in Section 103 of the Certification Guidelines.
b. A house manager shall not approve progress reports.
c. The house manager may administer drug and alcohol tests to the residents, to the extent permitted by law.

5. Criminal History:
a. A House Manager shall meet the requirements set out in Section 138 of the Certification Guidelines. b. In addition, no facility shall be certified if its house manager is under parole or formal probation supervision on the date of the facility’s application for certification or the house manager’s employment by the facility, whichever is later.

6. Sobriety: If a house manager is a former drug or alcohol abuser, he/she should have a minimum of one year of sobriety and should be participating in a continued program of personal enhancement and recovery.

Section 141 Peer Coordinator-Duties and Qualifications

1. If a facility has a peer coordinator, it still shall have a house manager and/or director who resides at or is present or on call whenever residents are present at the facility. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case of an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, the availability of other designated supervisory personnel to respond to the facility shall be sufficient.

2. Duties:

3. Compensation: A person working in the capacity of peer coordinator shall receive compensation for his/her services.

4. Drug testing: A peer coordinator shall be subject to alcohol and drug testing as determined by the director or house manager of the facility in accordance with applicable law.

5. Criminal History:
a. A peer coordinator shall meet the requirements set out in Section 138 of the Certification Guidelines. b. In addition, no facility shall be certified if, on the date of the facility’s application for certification or the peer coordinator’s employment by the facility, whichever is later, a peer coordinator is under parole or formal probation supervision for a violent felony, as defined in Penal Code section 667.5. c. A facility will not be disqualified from certification on account of its peer coordinator's being under probation or parole supervision solely for a non-violent offense(s), if the peer coordinator otherwise meets the requirements of this section.

6. Sobriety: If a peer coordinator is a former drug or alcohol abuser, he/she should have a minimum of three months of sobriety and should be participating in a continued program of personal enhancement and recovery.

Section 142 Subsequent Criminal Activity or Convictions of Disqualifying Offenses Certification previously granted to a sober living facility shall be revoked and a pending application for certification shall be denied if:

1. a. Any of the staff of a sober living facility or a peer coordinator are found to have been convicted, prior to the application for certification, of any offense that would have disqualified the facility from certification;
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 45/93 Article 3: New Staff During Certification Period
b. Any of the staff of a sober living facility or a peer coordinator are convicted, while the application is pending or during the period of certification, of any offense that would have disqualified the facility from certification if the conviction had occurred earlier; or c. It is discovered that any of the staff of the facility is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code section 290 or currently participates, or has participated at any time since the submission of the application for certification, in the criminal activity of a prison gang and/or criminal street gang, as defined in Penal Code section 186.22 (f); and

2. The staff member's conviction, sex offender registration requirement or membership or participation in the criminal activities of a prison gang and/or criminal street gang would have disqualified the facility from certification if it had occurred or had been discovered earlier.

Section 143      Reserved
Section 144      Reserved
Article 3: New Staff During Certification Period
Section 145      Qualifications of Staff Added After Certification

1. At a minimum, within three (3) working days of making a job offer, a facility shall provide the Certification Coordinator with the information about the new staff member listed in Section 132 of the Certification Guidelines. The Sheriff's Department thereupon will conduct a background check. If the background check is not completed within two (2) business days, the employee may begin work at the facility, subject to later completion of the background check of the new employee to determine whether he or she meets the staff qualification requirements of the Certification Guidelines.

2. Continued employment of a new staff member who does not meet the staff qualifications set out in the Certification Guidelines shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of certification.

Section 146 Replacement of Director and House Manager In order to be assured that a facility continues to meet certification standards for the safety of residents, staff, and the community, a permanent director or house manager shall be replaced as soon as possible, but no later than:

Director – Sixty (60) days from the date the position becomes vacant.

House Manager – Thirty (30) days from the date the position becomes vacant. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 46/93

21. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 47/93 Article 4: Denial of Certification Due to Staff
Section 147 Appointment of Acting Director or House Manager In order to be assured that a facility continues to meet certification standards for the safety of residents, staff, facility and the community, an acting director and acting house manager shall be appointed no later than the following:

1. An acting director shall be appointed as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours after the departure of the preceding director. The acting director shall qualify under the standards of the Certification Guidelines.

2. An acting house manager shall be appointed immediately (within 24 hours) after the departure of the preceding house manager. The acting house manager shall, at a minimum, qualify under the standards of the Certification Guidelines for peer coordinator.

Section 148 Reserved
Section 149 Denial of Certification Due to Lack of Staff Qualifications The Certification Coordinator shall deny certification to a facility if:

1. Review of its staffing or staff’s qualifications indicates that the facility is not in compliance with Sections 133-144 of the Certification Guidelines.

2. The facility fails to remedy each deficiency identified in the written notice of deficiency.

3. The facility provides false, misleading or incomplete information about any of its staff positions or staff members.

Section 150 Staff Notice and Advisement of Right to Reconsideration If the Certification Coordinator determines to disqualify a facility from certification on account of the qualifications of a member of its staff, the Certification Coordinator shall first send a written notice to both the facility and the staff member by first class mail. The notice shall:

1. Explain the reasons for disqualification;

2. If the reason for disqualification is subject to correction, detail the correction required to the particular noncompliance specified in the notice;

3. Specify a time period for compliance;
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 48/93

22. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 49/93 Chapter 5: Admission and intake requirements
Article 1: Admission

4. Advise the facility and the staff member of the right to reconsideration and appeal in accordance with the Certification Guidelines.

Section 151 Staff Procedure for Reconsideration

1. A facility or a staff member or prospective staff member of a facility whose qualifications have been determined to disqualify the facility from certification may file a request for reconsideration by the Certification Coordinator. The request shall be in writing and shall be filed fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the service of the notice of denial of certification.

2. The Certification Coordinator shall schedule a hearing, which shall be held no later than thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of a timely request for reconsideration.

3. The Certification Coordinator shall serve notice of hearing on the facility and the staff member, not later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing.

4. At the hearing before the Certification Coordinator, the facility and the staff member shall be given an opportunity to present witnesses and documentary evidence. For example, letters from the Probation Department, the Parole Board or a sponsor.

6. Within fifteen (15) calendar days after the hearing, the Certification Coordinator shall issue and transmit to the facility and the staff member a written decision sustaining, reversing, or modifying his/her earlier decision.

7. The decision by the Certification Coordinator after the hearing shall become final unless the facility or staff member files an appeal to the Certification Appeals Board pursuant to Sections 228, 229 and 230 of the Certification Guidelines.

Section 152 Reserved
Chapter 5: Admission and intake requirements
Article 1: Admission
Section 153 Resident Selection Criteria
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 50/93 In order to help safeguard residents, staff, visitors, and neighbors, each certified sober living facility shall have and adhere to written criteria for resident selection. Prospective

23. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 51/93 residents will be advised of the criteria prior to admittance, and be offered referrals to non-certified facilities when appropriate.

Resident Selection Criteria shall include:

1. Criminal History: The facility shall require each prospective resident to complete a form listing any crimes specified in Section 138 of the Certification Guidelines of which the prospective resident has been convicted and the dates and locations of such convictions. If the prospective resident claims not to have been convicted of any such crimes, he/she shall certify on the form that he/she has never been convicted of any of the crimes specified in Section 138 of the Certification Guidelines.

No certified facility shall accept as a resident a person who discloses a conviction for any of the crimes specified in Section 138 of the Certification Guidelines.

2. All criteria for selecting residents shall be objective and shall relate to the facility’s strengths or expertise in assisting in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions.

3. A facility shall not unlawfully discriminate against prospective applicants on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, religion, ancestry, color, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, political affiliation, medical condition, physical or mental disability, or sexual preference, and shall adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations related to nondiscrimination.

4. The facility shall admit any person who meets the facility’s objective and non-discriminatory admissions criteria and who is physically and mentally able to comply with the facility’s rules. Such persons include those who otherwise qualify for admission and who are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease, as well as persons with a mental illness diagnosis.

5. Each facility shall comply with the applicable provisions of law pertaining to the prohibition of discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities with respect to admission to the facility, accessibility of the facility, and participation in the facility’s services, programs and activities, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq., as implemented by 45 C.F.R. § 84.1 et seq.), if applicable, and with such provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. as amended) as may be applicable.

6. Before admission to the facility, the facility shall require potential residents who show signs of any communicable disease, or who, through medical disclosure during the intake and admission process, disclose a health related problem that would put others at risk, to be cleared medically to reside in housing with uninfected persons.

7. If a prospective resident is denied admission into a facility, the facility shall have a written policy for alternative referral and shall provide a copy of that policy to the prospective resident who is denied admission.
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 52/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 Article 2: Intake
Section 154 Reserved
Section 155 Intake Procedures

1. The facility shall have a written intake procedure for new residents.

2. The director or house manager shall hold an intake appointment with each new resident, during which the director or house manager shall:
a. Review and place in the new resident’s file his/her treatment-related court orders and/or treatment plan recommendations from referral sources and others, if available; b. Determine and document in the resident’s file how the facility can assist the new resident in implementing his/her treatment related court orders and/or treatment plan recommendations, and so advise the new resident;
c. Identify and document in the new resident’s file any prescribed medication used by resident; d. Provide the new resident with a copy of the facility’s rules for residents; e. Have the new resident sign all consent forms and confidentiality waivers required by the facility and his/her referring agencies or the Superior Court, and place such signed forms in the resident’s file;
f. All court referrals and residents referred by the Probation Department or the Parole Board, who have not already done so, shall sign a waiver of confidentiality at the time of initial intake into the facility, and the facility shall maintain that waiver in its records. The waiver shall permit disclosure of information about the resident to whichever of the courts, the Probation Department and/or the Parole Board is monitoring the resident’s progress.

Section 156 Reserved
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 53/93 Chapter 6: Program Requirements
Article 1: Policies and Procedures Manual
Section 157 Policy and Procedures Manual

1. Each facility shall maintain, and have available for inspection, a Policy and Procedures Manual.

2. Each staff member shall be familiar with the policies and procedures contained in the Manual.

Section 158 Contents of Policy and Procedures Manual
At a minimum, a facility’s Policy and Procedures Manual shall contain the following:

1. Employees
a. Job descriptions for all staff positions;
b. Drug testing procedures and requirements;
c. Staff discharge procedures;
d. A procedure to immediately notify the Certification Coordinator of any change in the personnel holding staff positions.

2. Nondiscrimination/Compliance with the Law
a. A prohibition against sexual harassment by and of staff and residents; b. A prohibition against unlawful discrimination against employees and applicants for employment on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, religion, ancestry, color, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, political affiliation, medical condition, physical or mental disability, martial status, or sexual preference, in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. This prohibition shall extend to all of the following:
employment, upgrade, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training. c. A prohibition against unlawful discrimination in the provision of services, the allocation of benefits or in the accommodation in facilities on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, religion, ancestry, color,
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 54/93 creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, political affiliation, medical condition, physical or mental disability, or sexual preference in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

2. d. Drug free work place policy, including procedures for compliance with the California Drug Free Work Place Act, Government Code sections 8350-8357.

3. e. A procedure for keeping staff and the residents informed and updated on all aspects of the above-described policies.

3. Drug testing: Procedures for drug testing of house managers and peer coordinators and such other staff and applicants for staff positions as the facility specifies.

4. Prescription Medications: A prohibition against the inappropriate use of prescribed medications on the facility premises, as described in Section 167 of the Certification Guidelines.

5. Conflicts of Interest: A prohibition against personal and financial conflicts of interest including a prohibition against entering into a financial agreement, venture or proposition with a resident unless previously approved by the director of the facility.

6. Designation of staff other than the director who may have access to residents’ files. All staff with access to residents’ files must have a legitimate need for such access as part of performing their duties at the facility.

7. Policies to support residents’ recovery efforts, as follows:
a. A requirement that staff maintain respect for the dignity of each resident at all times; b. A requirement that staff encourage residents to accept personal responsibility for their behavior.
c. Recommendations about encouraging active involvement of residents and staff with the recovery community through appropriate activities such as drug and alcohol free social events and recovery-oriented services and events.
d. Recommendations about providing residents opportunities to acquire life skills for sobriety, crime free behavior, education and employment.

Section 159 Reserved
Section 160 Staff Presence and Availability

1. At each facility, a person or persons performing the duties of director and/or house manager shall reside at the facility or shall be present at the facility during curfew hours, which shall be, at a minimum, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. weekdays and 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. weekends. Whenever a director or house manager is not present at the facility, a responsible member of the facility’s staff shall be on call to respond to the facility within twenty (20) minutes of being summoned. The phone number that the certification coordinator can call to summon a staff member to the facility within twenty (20) minutes shall be on file with the certification coordinator at all times.

2. The staff person in charge shall be readily identifiable at all times.

3. Each facility shall designate and post the hours that individual staff members will be on site.

Section 161 Criminal Activity
No type of criminal activity shall be promoted, condoned or permitted at the facility or at any activity associated with the facility.

Section 162 Residents’ Court Orders and Treatment Plans

1. Facility staff shall support and cooperate with all residents’ known court orders and accommodate residents’ schedules for compliance with the residents’ treatment plans.

2. Failure to support a resident’s court orders shall be deemed a serious violation of the Certification Guidelines, resulting in suspension or revocation of certification.

Section 163 Participation in Recovery Activities

1. The facility shall provide adequate opportunities for residents to participate in activities consistent with the stated goals and objectives of their treatment plans.

2. Facility staff shall encourage all residents to be active during the day in activities appropriate to recovery, e.g., participating in treatment or counseling, attending school, working a job, searching for a job or performing other activities that are appropriate for recovery.

Section 164 Reserved
Article 3: Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking
Section 165 Drug and Alcohol Testing/Relapse Policies

1. The Parole Board, the Probation Department, and the Superior Court may impose mandatory drug testing on residents and provide such testing. Each facility shall facilitate its residents’ compliance with such mandatory testing requirements.

2. The facility may, but is not required to, adopt a policy requiring residents, including residents without mandatory testing requirements, to submit to drug tests in order to determine whether residents remain sober while residing at the facility. If such a policy is adopted, the facility shall be solely responsible for ensuring that all legally required consent forms are signed by residents and that all legal requirements pertaining to such testing are satisfied.

3. The frequency of tests should be noted in each resident’s file.

4. Resident’s drug test results shall be kept confidential to the extent required by law. Except as may be required by court orders and/or the terms of residents’ probation or parole, residents’ test results will not be disclosed to the Certification Coordinator.

5. If it is the policy of the facility to require drug tests of residents who do not have mandatory drug test requirements imposed by court orders and/or the terms of probation or parole, the facility shall have a written relapse policy and procedure describing the actions to be taken when such a resident tests positive for alcohol and/or drug use.

6. The facility shall have a similar written relapse policy applicable to residents who do not participate in drug tests and to relapses discovered by methods other than drug tests.

Section 166 Prohibition against Alcohol and Non-Prescribed Drugs The facility shall have a written policy prohibiting alcohol and any drugs other than prescription medication on the premises. This policy shall be prominently posted at the facility.

1. The facility shall have a written policy regarding the possession, use and storage of residents’ prescribed medications. The facility may not dispense medication, but must make it available to residents.

2. The facility shall prohibit the possession of prescription medication by any resident other than the resident for whom it is prescribed, and in any quantity greater than the amount prescribed.

Section 168 Smoking Policy
The facility shall have and enforce a written smoking policy designating places in or around the facility as the only places where smoking is permitted.

Section 169 Reserved
ARTICLE 4: REPORTS
Section 170 Accurate Progress Reports

1. The facility shall provide accurate reports about a resident’s progress to courts, the Probation Department and the Parole Board, in accordance with residents’ court orders and/or the terms of residents’ probation or parole.

2. Upon the request and with the consent of a resident, the facility shall provide accurate reports about the resident’s progress to the resident’s referring agency or personnel involved in the resident’s recovery, such as therapists.

Section 171 False Reports
It is a felony to prepare any type of written instrument that is false or antedated, with intent to present it for any judicial trial or proceeding or inquiry. (Penal Code section 134).

Section 172 Approval of Progress Reports
The Director shall approve all progress reports issued by the facility.

Section 173 Notification of Resident’s Departure
If a county referral or a court referral moves out of the facility, or is terminated for cause from a facility, the appropriate court, or referring County department or agency shall be notified within 24 hours or the next working day.
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 58/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 59/93 Section 174 Reports to Certification Coordinator

1. Each facility shall follow the procedures prescribed in this section if any events identified in subsection (3) of this section occur.

2. Upon the occurrence of any of the events identified in subsection (3) of this section, the director or house manager of the facility shall make a telephonic report to the Certification Coordinator within one (1) working day. The telephonic report shall be followed by a written report within seven (7) working days of the event. If a report that meets the requirements of this section is made to State or local authorities, a copy of such report will suffice for the written report to be submitted to the Certification Coordinator.

3. Events that require reporting shall include:
a. Death of any resident due to any cause.
b. Any facility-related injury of a resident or staff member, which requires medical treatment. c. All cases of communicable disease reportable under section 2502 of Title 17, California Code of Regulations. Such cases of communicable disease shall be reported only to the local health officer.
d. Poisonings.
e. Catastrophes such as flooding, tornado, earthquake or any other natural disaster. f. Fires or explosions that occur on the premises or grounds. g. Any criminal activity that occurs on the premises or the grounds of the facility.

4. Information provided in the report shall include the following:
a. Resident’s and/or staff member’s name, age, sex, and date of admission. b. Date, time, and nature of the event.
c. Attending physician’s name, findings and treatment, if available.

5. Any change in the facility owner or operator’s mailing address shall be reported to the Certification Coordinator within ten (10) working days following the change.

1. Residents shall wear appropriate attire when in shared areas of the facility and in the presence of other residents, staff or visitors.

2. Sexual harassment of residents or staff is prohibited. Sexual harassment policies, procedures and rights shall be posted in the facility along with the name and telephone number of a contact person.

3. Staff shall not engage in behavior with any resident that leads to a romantic or sexual relationship while the resident is residing at the facility.

Section 177 Co-ed Facilities
If the facility has both male and female residents, it shall have written rules and procedures regarding co- ed interaction, including but not necessarily limited to the following:

1. Residents shall wear appropriate attire when in shared areas of the facility and in the presence of other residents, staff or visitors.

2. Male and female residents shall not share bedrooms.

3. Sexual harassment of residents or staff is prohibited. Sexual harassment policies, procedures and rights shall be posted in the facility along with the name and telephone number of a contact person.

4. Staff shall not engage in behavior with any resident that leads to a romantic or sexual relationship while the resident is residing at the facility.

5. A facility is permitted to make exceptions to the foregoing rules in situations that a court or residents’ referring agencies deem appropriate, e.g. if a married couple or a couple in a long term committed relationship enter a facility as a couple, some of the foregoing rules would be inapplicable to them.

Section 178 Reserved
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 61/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 62/93 Article 6: Visitors
Section 179 Access to Facility by Unauthorized Persons
Access to the facility by individuals who are neither residents, facility staff, volunteers, nor authorized visitors shall be monitored by the facility and limited so that neither the program nor the comfort of residents is disrupted by such access.

Section 180 Visitation Policy
The facility shall have a written visitation policy. The following are the minimum requirements:

1. All visitors shall sign in and out of the facility, using their full names;

2. Visitors shall be permitted in the facility only between such hours as the facility may designate, but in no event after 10:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m.;

3. There shall be designated visiting areas, which shall be located in the common living areas of the facility, and which shall be available to all residents for meetings and receiving and entertaining guests. The bedrooms and garages shall be off limits for visitors and shall not be used at any time for visits or meetings without the prior written approval of the Certification Coordinator, the Probation Department or the Orange County Health Care Agency;

4. No visitors shall be permitted on the premises while intoxicated;

5. Visitors shall not be left alone in the facility at any time;

6. Regulations regarding children visiting the facility shall include:
a. Specific hours for visitation;
b. The type of supervision required; and
c. Restriction of children to the common areas.

Section 181 Reserved
Article 7: Leaving the Facility
Section 182 Resident Sign In/Out Log and Schedule

1. The facility shall maintain a resident sign in and sign out log for all residents who are court or county referrals.
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 63/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 64/93

2. Each resident who is a court referral or a county referral shall be required to sign his/her complete name in the log with the time that he/she left the facility and the location and telephone number of his/her destination.

3. Each resident who is a court referral or a county referral shall be required to sign his/her complete name in the log upon returning to the facility, and the time he/she returned.

4. The facility shall retain its sign in/sign out logs for a minimum of one (1) year.

5. Every resident’s schedule for treatment, work, education or other activities shall be provided to, and maintained by, the facility management.

6. Every resident’s schedule shall include the location and telephone number where the resident can be reached.

7. Every resident shall be required to notify the management of any change in his/her schedule for treatment, work, education or other activities.

Section 183 Master Log for Multiple Facilities
Programs with multiple residential facilities shall maintain a current master log of all residents at all of the program’s certified facilities. The master log shall be maintained and shall be available at the program’s business office or main facility.

Section 184 Curfew
The facility shall have a curfew for residents starting no later than 11:00 p.m. on weeknights and 12:00 a.m. on weekends and ending no earlier than 6:00 a.m. on any day. Allowable exceptions may include residents who work during these hours and residents who have prior approval of the facility's staff, the Health Care Agency, or the resident's Probation Officer or Parole Officer.

Section 185 Overnight Passes

1. Overnight passes may be given to a resident after he/she becomes eligible, at the discretion of and with the approval of the director or house manager, or on order of a Superior Court, the Probation Department or the Parole Board. No overnight pass shall be granted if it would conflict with any existing court order.

2. When going on an overnight pass, a resident shall be required to sign in and out of the facility on the resident sign in and sign out log.

3. The facility will notify the referring agency of any violation of Section 185. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 65/93

34. Sherifff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 66/93 Article 8: Fees
Section 186 Reserved
Section 187 Fee Schedule

1. The facility shall have a written fee schedule that is provided to all residents and posted at the facility.

2. The current fee schedule shall be provided to the Certification Coordinator.

3. At the time of acceptance and admission into the facility, each resident shall be informed of the exact fees required, and fee payment policies and procedures.

4. The facility may establish a reasonable and appropriate fee, to be approved in advance by the Certification Coordinator, for any drug or alcohol testing conducted by the facility.

5. The resident shall be informed of all items that are provided by the facility and which personal items residents must provide themselves.

6. Residents shall not be charged a relapse or re-entry fee.

Section 188 Delinquent Payments and Payment Plans

1. The facility shall have a written policy regarding delinquent payments and payment plans.

2. If a resident has not paid the amount due, the decision whether to terminate the resident, extend a grace period or make a payment plan arrangement is at the discretion of the director.

Section 189 Advance Payment of Fees and Repayment of Fees The facility shall have a written policy regarding refunds for advance payment of fees and repayment of fees.

Section 190 Receipt for Fees
A resident shall be given a signed receipt at the time of payment of any fees.

Section 191 Reserved
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 67/93 Article 9: Residents’ Funds
Section 192 Co-mingling Funds
Staff shall not co-mingle their own funds or the facility’s funds with residents’ funds.

Section 193 General Assistance
If the facility accepts a resident’s General Assistance rent allowance, the facility shall follow all procedures required by the Orange County Social Services Agency.

Section 194 Reserved
Article 10: Food Service
Section 195 Food Service

1. If food service is offered by the facility, the facility shall provide the residents with the facility’s food services and preparation schedule and policy.

2. The kitchen shall be clean.

3. Food shall be properly maintained and stored.

4. The facility may provide meals, which may be included in the fees paid by residents.

5. Residents may be responsible for their own food items.

6. There shall be adequate seating in the dining area.

Section 196 Reserved
Article 11: Residents’ Files
Section 197 Maintenance of Residents’ Files
All files pertaining to residents shall be handled in the following manner:

1. All files shall be kept in a locked cabinet.

2. Residents’ files shall not be co-mingled.

3. Access shall be limited to the director and other personnel with a legitimate need for access who are specified in the facility’s policies and procedures. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 68/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 69/93

4. Each staff member, paid or volunteer, with access to residents’ files shall be required to agree in writing with the facility to maintain the confidentiality of the records and information in such files unless required by law to disclose file records or information. This agreement shall specify that it is effective irrespective of the subsequent resignation or termination of the staff member.

Section 198 Contents of Individual Residents’ Files
The content of individual residents’ files shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:

1. A personal information form which contains:
a. Personal data for proper identification;
b. Length of sobriety and prior recovery experience;
c. The names of the resident’s current outpatient treatment and educational facilities; d. The name of the source of referral to the facility.

2. Copies of the resident’s currently effective court orders, if any.

3. The resident’s recovery plan recommendations from referral sources and others.

4. Notations about how the facility can assist the resident in implementing his/her recovery-related court orders and/or recovery plan recommendations.

5. List of prescribed medication used by the resident.

6. Signed originals of all consent forms and confidentiality waivers required by the facility or the residents’ referring agencies or the Superior Court. For all court referrals and residents referred by the courts, the Probation Department or the Parole Board, the resident's file must include a waiver of confidentiality, signed at the time of the resident’s initial intake into the facility, to permit disclosure of designated information about the resident to whichever of the courts, the Probation Department and/or the Parole Board is monitoring the resident’s progress.

7. Copies of all progress reports and all correspondence written by the staff regarding the resident.

8. Dates and results of all drug and alcohol tests and all forms related to such tests, including consent forms and/or court orders.

Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 70/93 Chapter 7: Building and Grounds Requirements
Article 1: Section 200 Review
Section 199 Reserved
Section 200 Compliance with Codes, Permits and Other Requirements Related to Buildings and Grounds
Prior to certification, each sober living facility shall obtain from the applicable local jurisdiction an inspection and a written determination [called a “Section 200 Review”] that the facility complies with all of the following requirements:

1. Conformance with all locally applicable and regularly enforced zoning regulations.

2. Possession of all required local, county and state permits.

3. Conformance with applicable fire safety standards, including occupancy limit, smoke detectors and emergency exit plan.

4. Building and Grounds Requirements.
a. The facility shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times. b. The interior of the facility shall be free of flies and other insects. c. The facility shall provide for the safe disposal of contaminated water and chemicals used for cleaning purposes.
d. Living areas in the facility shall be separate and secure. Permanent walls, floors, ceilings and doors shall enclose the facility’s living, sleeping, bathing and toileting areas. This does not preclude the

9. Overnight pass information.

10. Dates of the resident’s entry and completion or termination from the facility, including the circumstances of his/her exit.

11. The resident’s fee payment record, including amount of fee(s), and the date(s) and amount(s) of payment.

12. A copy of the facility’s rules and resident in-take forms, signed and dated by the resident upon entry to the facility.
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 71/93

38. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 72/93 use of more than one building or the use of wing(s) of a building or floor(s) of a building in meeting this requirement.
e. All residents shall be protected against safety hazards within the facility through provision of appropriate protective devices, including, but not limited to, non-slip material on rugs. f. All outdoor and indoor passageways, stairways, inclines, ramps, open porches, and other areas of potential hazard shall be kept free of obstructions.
g. Permanent or portable storage space shall be available for storage of facility equipment and supplies.

Facility equipment and supplies shall be stored in appropriate space and shall not be stored in space designed for other activities.
h. Every in-ground pool and every above-ground pool that cannot be emptied after each use shall have an operative pump and filtering system.
i. Adequate living space for each resident in the bedrooms and bathrooms shall be provided as follows:
(i) Bedrooms shall not be overcrowded. The definition of a bedroom for the purposes of this requirement is the definition contained in the Uniform Building Code. There should be a minimum of 70 square feet for the first two people and 50 square feet for each additional person in bedrooms. (ii) Each resident shall have a closet and dresser space made available to him/her. j. Adequate bathing, hand washing and toilet facilities shall be provided with a maximum ratio of one bathroom facility per six (6) residents. Space for each resident’s toilet articles shall be provided. k. The bathrooms shall be clean, shall provide privacy, and shall contain general hygiene items such as soap and toilet paper.
l. When female and male residents are housed in the same facility, the facility shall ensure minimal personal security and privacy, which shall include the following:
(i) Separate and adequate toilet, hand washing, and bathing facilities for females and males. Such facilities shall be in proximity of designated sleeping quarters.

5. Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment and Supplies:
a. A comfortable temperature for residents shall be maintained at all times. b. All window screens shall be in good repair and be free of insects, dirt and other debris. c. The facility shall provide lamps or lights as necessary in all rooms and other areas to ensure the safety of all persons in the facility.
d. Hot water faucets used by residents for personal care shall meet the following requirements:
(i) Hot water delivered to plumbing fixtures used by the residents shall not be less than 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) and not more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees Celsius). (ii) Taps delivering water at 131 degrees Fahrenheit (54.9 degrees Celsius) or above shall be prominently identified with warning signs.
e. All toilets, hand washing and bathing facilities shall be maintained in safe and sanitary operating conditions.
f. Solid waste shall be stored, located and disposed in such a manner that it will not transmit communicable diseases, emit odors, create a nuisance, or provide a breeding place or food source for insects or rodents.
(i) All containers, including movable bins, used for storage of solid waste shall have tight fitting covers that are kept in place. The containers and covers shall be in good repair, leak proof and rodent proof. (ii) Solid waste containers, including movable bins, receiving putrescible waste shall be emptied at least once per week or more often if necessary to comply with subsection (f) above.

Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 74/93 g. The facility shall provide each resident with clean linen in good repair, including lightweight, warm blankets; top and bottom sheets; pillowcases; mattress pads; bath towels and wash cloths. The quality of the linen provided shall permit changing, at a minimum, once a week or with greater frequency if needed.
h. The facility shall provide each resident with an individual bed maintained in good repair, equipped with good springs and a clean mattress, and supplied with pillow(s), and with bed linens as described above. Bunk beds are not excluded provided they otherwise meet the requirements of this Section 200.

Section 201 Reserved
Chapter 8: Good Neighbor Policy
Article 1: Policy
Section 202 Good Neighbor Policy

1. The purpose of the Certification Guidelines is to promote safe and effective services for residents with substance abuse issues. Neighborhood support of an alcohol or drug recovery facility enhances the facility’s ability to meet this goal.

2. To increase the likelihood that the residents of the facility are able to be integrated into the community with an improved quality of life, it is required that each facility shall adopt a good neighbor policy similar to the one enumerated here.

3. A good neighbor policy must include, but would not necessarily be limited to, the policies outlined in Sections 204-206 of the Certification Guidelines.

Section 203 Reserved
Article 2: Policy Contents
Section 204 Neighborhood Complaints
You are in a better position if you have the first opportunity to respond to concerns.

Each facility shall ensure that the neighboring residents are advised about whom to contact at the facility if they have complaints or questions, and how to get in contact with that person.

Each facility shall develop a written protocol of procedures for staff to follow when a complaint is received.
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 75/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 76/93 Each facility shall train the staff member(s) responsible for receiving complaints and questions to field complaints in a positive way.

If a neighbor’s complaint is legitimate, the facility shall address it with a commitment that steps will be taken immediately to prevent its happening again. Then, the facility shall review its systems and/or staff to make changes or improvements as needed.

Section 205 Reserved
Section 206 Reserved
Chapter 9: Monitoring and Review of Facilities
Article 1: Monitoring
Section 207 Monitoring Certified Facilities

1. On site follow-up monitoring of any certified sober living facility may be conducted by the Certification Coordinator or any agency referring residents to the facility to determine continuing compliance with any of the requirements of the Certification Guidelines. Each certified sober living facility shall be inspected at least once during each period of certification to insure compliance with the Certification Guidelines, and follow-up inspections shall be conducted as needed.

2. The purpose of these inspections will be solely to determine whether the facility continues to meet the Certification Guidelines. These inspections shall not be used as an excuse to conduct searches for evidence of crime without required probable cause, warrant or consent.

3. The monitoring personnel may conduct a site inspection of the facility, may interview facility staff and/or residents in private, and may review facility records, with or without advance notice, at any reasonable time, upon presentation of proper identification, in order to determine compliance with the Certification Guidelines. The facility’s staff shall cooperate with the monitoring personnel and assist him/ her upon request. The inspection shall be conducted with due regard for the privacy of residents. Monitoring personnel shall not access any files of residents unless there is a court order permitting such access or the resident has given written informed consent.

4. After completion of the monitoring review, the monitoring personnel shall prepare a written report.

All reports shall be submitted to the Certification Coordinator and a copy provided to the facility inspected.
5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 77/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 78/93 Article 2: Investigation of Complaints
Section 208 Notice of Deficiency

1. If deficiencies are identified, a written notice of deficiency, listing all deficiencies, shall be mailed to the facility’s director or his/her designee within ten (10) working days of completion of the monitoring review.

2. The notice of deficiency shall specify:
a. The section number of the Certification Guidelines or the title and code section number of each statute or regulation which has been violated, if relevant; b. The manner in which the facility fails to comply with the specified section of the Certification Guidelines or statute/regulation;
c. Recommended corrections;
d. The date by which each deficiency shall be corrected; e. Procedure for appeal to the Certification Appeals Board.

3. The facility’s director or his/her designee shall respond to the notice of deficiency and prove compliance to the Certification Coordinator in writing within the time specified in the notice of deficiency.

Section 209 Contract Monitoring
Nothing in this Article supersedes monitoring and review of a contract provider by the Orange County Health Care Agency, or any other County agency, pursuant to the terms of a contract between that provider and the County of Orange.

Section 210 Reserved
ARTICLE 2: INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS
Section 211 Complaint Defined
A complaint is a formal or informal negative charge or allegation regarding a violation of an applicable section of the Certification Guidelines. A complaint may include, but is not limited to, the following issues: criminal activity, resident safety, zoning codes, staff or resident use of drugs, or facility safety.

Section 212 Complaints Regarding Criminal Activity
All complaints about criminal activity at a facility shall be immediately reported to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the facility is located. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 79/93

43. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 80/93 Section 213 Complaints Regarding Certification Guidelines

1. Any person may file a complaint regarding a violation of an applicable section of the Certification Guidelines by contacting the Certification Coordinator in person, by telephone, in writing, or by any other automated or electronic means.

2. To the extent permitted by law, the Certification Coordinator shall keep confidential the identity of the complainant, unless authorized by the complainant to disclose his/her identity.

3. If requested by the complainant, the Certification Coordinator shall notify the complainant, in writing, of the results of the investigation, to the extent that such information legally may be disclosed to a member of the public.

4. The Certification Coordinator shall cause to be investigated by the appropriate authority all complaints filed against the facility or staff. The Probation Department shall investigate issues related to probationers at the facility.

5. The authority selected to investigate the complaint may conduct a site inspection of the facility, may interview facility staff and/or residents in private, and may review facility records with or without advance notice, at any reasonable time, upon presentation of proper identification, in order to determine compliance with the Certification Guidelines. The facility’s staff will cooperate with the investigator and assist him/her upon request. The inspection shall be conducted with due regard for the privacy of residents. Complaint investigators shall not access any files of residents unless there is a court order permitting such access or the resident has given written informed consent.

6. After completion of the investigation, the authority investigating the complaint shall prepare a written report. All reports shall be submitted to the Certification Coordinator. The complaint investigation is complete when all evidence has been inspected and all witnesses who have information relevant to the allegations have been interviewed.

Section 214 Notice of Deficiency

1. If a complaint investigation discloses deficiencies, a written notice of deficiency, listing all deficiencies, shall be mailed to the facility’s director or his/her designee within five (5) working days of completion of the investigation.

2. The notice of deficiency shall specify:
a. The section number of the Certification Guidelines or title and code section number of each statute or regulation that has been violated, if relevant;
Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 81/93 Additional content from previous item (a):
b. The manner in which the facility fails to comply with the specified Guidelines or statute/regulation; c. Recommended corrections;
d. The date by which each deficiency shall be corrected; e. The procedure for appeal to the Certification Appeals Board.

Section 215 Emergency
If the Certification Coordinator or any of its allied agencies determines that there is an emergency situation that jeopardizes the public safety and/or the safety of the facility’s residents, the Certification Coordinator shall recommend to referring County agencies and the Superior Court that referrals to the facility be suspended immediately pending further investigation. Examples: Owner/Director of a program using drugs, sexual harassment of residents or criminal activity at the facility.

Section 216 Reserved
Article 3: Corrective Action Plans
Section 217 Deficiency
A “deficiency” means a failure to comply with the Certification Guidelines or applicable laws. A deficiency may be a cause for a denial of certification or notice of sanction.

Section 218 Corrective Action Plan

1. When a facility is sent a notice of deficiency, the director of the facility shall submit to the Certification Coordinator written verification of correction for each deficiency that is identified in the notice of deficiency. The written verification shall substantiate that the deficiency has been corrected and specify the date when the deficiency was corrected. The written verification shall be postmarked no later than the date specified in the notice of deficiency.

2. If the facility cannot correct a deficiency by the date specified in the notice of deficiency, the director shall submit a written corrective action plan to the Certification Coordinator. The written corrective action plan shall be postmarked no later than the date specified in the notice of deficiency. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 82/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 83/93 Article 4: Sanctions

3. The written corrective action plan shall:
a. Specify the steps already taken and to be taken in the future to correct the deficiency; b. Specify a date when the deficiency will be corrected.

4. In reviewing the corrective action plan, the Certification Coordinator shall consider:
a. Potential hazards presented by the deficiency;
b. Number of residents impacted;
c. Whether the documentation submitted by the director demonstrates that the deficiency will be timely corrected.

5. Within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the written verification and/or corrective action plan, the Certification Coordinator shall notify the director in writing, by first class mail, whether the written verification and/or corrective action plan has been approved.

Section 219 Follow-up Review to Verify Correction of Deficiency

1. The Certification Coordinator, Orange County Health Care Agency, Probation Department and/or appropriate local jurisdictions may conduct follow-up reviews to determine if the facility has corrected all deficiencies specified in the notice of deficiency.

2. If a follow-up review indicates that a deficiency has not been corrected on or before the date specified in the notice of deficiency or subsequently approved corrective action plan, the Certification Coordinator shall impose a sanction pursuant to Sections 221-227 of the Certification Guidelines.

Section 220 Reserved
Article 4: Sanctions
Section 221 Sanctions Defined
A sanction is a disciplinary action taken by the Certification Coordinator that is designed to secure enforcement of the Certification Guidelines by imposing a penalty for a violation of the Guidelines. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 84/93

46. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 85/93 Section 222 Purposes of sanctions

1. The purposes of imposing sanctions are:
a. To protect the safety of the community and the residents. b. To assist the certified facility in maintaining a quality level of continuing care and service.

2. All sanctions imposed shall be handled on an individual basis.

Section 223 Types of sanctions

1. The Certification Coordinator may impose sanctions for a violation of the Certification Guidelines.

The sanctions may include any one or more of the following:
a. Counseling: A verbal reprimand and recommendations to the facility director of possible remedies that the facility might explore. Corrective action by the provider is expected. b. Letter of Reprimand: This document places the facility on notice that the violation will be made a permanent part of the facility’s file with the Certification Coordinator. This is an offense, which if it continues, may result in imposition of more severe sanctions. This letter should contain a description of the problem and recommended corrective action with an expected date of completion.
c. Suspension of Certification: A disciplinary action taken by the Certification Coordinator to suspend certification. A suspension is for a specific period of time. Except as required by law or contractual obligations or as permitted by the Certification Guidelines, County personnel shall cease referring individuals to a facility from which certification has been suspended. At their option, or, if applicable, at the discretion of the Superior Court, the Probation Department or the Parole Board, residents who were residing at the facility prior to the suspension may remain and complete their programs.
d. Revocation of Certification: A disciplinary action that is imposed by the Certification Coordinator to revoke certification of a facility. Revocation of certification is indefinite. Except in emergency situations, a revocation will not become effective until the time for the facility to appeal has elapsed, or if the facility appeals, until the revocation is upheld by the Certification Appeals Board. To the extent it is clinically appropriate, all County referrals shall be asked to move from a facility from which certification has been revoked and will be placed in certified facilities. Except as required by law or contractual obligations or as permitted by the Certification Guidelines, County personnel shall cease 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 86/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 87/93 referring individuals to a facility from which certification has been revoked.

Section 224 Right to Appeal Sanctions
A facility has a right to appeal any sanction that is imposed on it. When imposing sanctions consisting of a letter of reprimand, suspension of certification or revocation of certification, the Certification Coordinator shall advise the facility of the procedures for appeal.

Section 225 Failure to Correct Deficiencies for which Sanctions Imposed Failure to correct deficiencies for which sanctions were imposed may result in the imposition of more severe sanctions.

Section 226 Notice to Interested Parties
If a facility’s certification is suspended or revoked, the Certification Coordinator shall give written notice of the sanction to the District Attorney, the Orange County Superior Court, the Probation Department, the Orange County Health Care Agency, the Parole Board and other interested County agencies and to the city where the facility is located.

Section 227 Reserved
Chapter 10: Appeal and Hearing
Article 1: Right to Appeal Denial of Certification or Imposition of Sanctions Section 228 Facility Right To Appeal

1. If a facility has been denied certification, and the request for reconsideration has been denied, the director of the facility may file an appeal to the Certification Appeals Board at the District Attorney’s Office. All appeals shall be forwarded through the Certification Coordinator to the Certification Appeals Board.

2. If a sanction consisting of a letter of reprimand, suspension of certification or revocation of certification has been imposed on a facility, the director may file an appeal to the Orange County District Attorney’s Certification Appeals Board. A prior request for reconsideration to the Certification Coordinator is not available for an imposition of a sanction. All appeals will be forwarded through the Certification Coordinator to the Certification Appeals Board. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 88/93

48. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 89/93 Article 2: Certification Appeals Board
Section 229 Staff Right To Appeal

1. A staff member or prospective staff member of a facility whose qualifications or lack thereof have been determined to disqualify the facility from certification, and whose request to the Certification Coordinator for reconsideration has been denied, may file an appeal to the Certification Appeals Board.

2. If a sanction consisting of a letter of reprimand, suspension of certification or revocation of termination has been imposed on a facility as a result of the qualifications or lack thereof of a staff member, the staff member and/or the facility’s director and head of administrative staff may file an appeal to the Certification Appeals Board. (There is no request for reconsideration by the Certification Coordinator available for an imposition of a sanction.) Section 230 Reserved
Section 231 Certification Appeals Board
The Certification Appeals Board shall be the administrative responsibility of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s Office will conduct all appeal hearings before the Certification Appeals Board.

Section 232 Board Membership

1. The Certification Appeals Board shall consist of five (5) members designated by their respective organizations, as follows:
a. One former employee or director of a sober living facility, who is not currently affiliated with a sober living facility.
b. One current or retired city manager or assistant city manager. c. One current or retired deputy probation officer or police officer. d. One current or retired deputy public defender.
e. One member who is employed by the Orange County Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health Services.

2. The members shall be nominated and appointed in accordance with rules of the Board of Supervisors to be filed with the Clerk of the Board.

3. The term of each member shall be three years. The members shall serve staggered terms so that no more than three members’ terms will lapse in the same year. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 90/93 Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 91/93

4. A vacancy shall exist and shall be reported to the Board of Supervisors or its designee whenever a member fails to attend more than three consecutive meetings of the Certification Appeals Board without good cause.

Section 233 Duties of the Certification Appeals Board

1. It shall be the function of the Certification Appeals Board, upon request, to review the decisions of the Certification Coordinator when there is an appeal filed for a denial of certification and/or the imposition of sanctions.

2. The Certification Appeals Board shall meet at least once a year and shall appoint a chairperson at its first meeting each year.

Section 234 Filing Appeals

1. The director of a facility whose application for certification has been denied or that is being sanctioned, and when applicable, a staff member or prospective staff member of a facility on whose qualifications or lack thereof the denial or sanction is based, may file an appeal in writing of the denial of certification or sanction. No particular form is required. The appeal must be received within ten (10) days from the date the notice of denial of certification or imposition of sanction is received.

2. The appeal should be addressed to: Orange County Sheriff/Certification Coordinator, Adult Alcohol and Drugs Sober Living Facilities Certification Program, North Justice Center, 1275 North Berkeley, Fullerton, California 92832 (Telephone: (714) 773-4520).

3. The Certification Coordinator shall forward the appeal and all supporting documentation to the Certification Appeals Board via the District Attorney’s Office.

Section 235 Procedures for Hearing Before the Certification Appeals Board

1. If an appeal is timely filed, the District Attorney’s Office shall schedule a hearing before the Certification Appeals Hearing Board within thirty (30) days, but no sooner than ten (10) days after the appeal was filed by the facility or staff member.

2. The District Attorney’s Office shall provide the facility and/or staff member with written notice of the hearing, giving the time, date, and location of the hearing.

3. During the hearing, the facility and/or staff member shall be given the opportunity to present evidence including, but not limited to, sworn testimony, sworn affidavits, and documentary evidence. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 92/93

50. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04

4. The District Attorney and/or the Certification Coordinator may also present evidence as noted above.

5. At the close of the hearing, the Certification Appeals Board may uphold or overturn the decision to deny certification or uphold, set aside, or modify the sanctions, as applicable. The Board members shall make their individual decisions based upon a preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing.

6. A majority vote of the Board members present determines the result. There must be a minimum of three members voting.

7. Within five (5) calendar days after the hearing, the Certification Appeals Board shall issue and transmit to the facility and/or staff member a written decision sustaining, reversing, or modifying the Certification Coordinator’s decision.

8. The Certification Appeals Board’s decision shall be the final administrative determination.

Section 236 Reserved

51. Sheriff 2003: 411 Sober Living Guidelines amended 1/27/04 License Information
Licensed for personal use
Available at: docaccess.com/go
Document ID: 158-B09-C53
Reproduction and distribution prohibited
This transcript was generated using AI technology and may contain errors. Live accessibility assistance is available at the link above.

By using this app, you agree to the DocAccess Terms and Privacy Policy. 5/4/26, 10:58 AM Orange County Adult Alcohol and Drug Sober Living Facilities Certification Guidelines - Accessible Transcript file:///C:/Users/maryw/Downloads/Orange-County-Adult-Alcohol-and-Drug-Sober-Living-Facilities-Certification-Guidelines.docaccess.html 93/93 From: MENDEZ, VICTOR
To: GREEN, BRENDA
Cc: TERAN, STACY
Subject: Fw: 1601 Tenant Attestation For 5/5 City of Costa Mesa Council Hearing Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 8:16:46 AM
Attachments: Outlook-m1wfqfhn.png
Hi Brenda,
The applicant for tomorrow's public hearing item at 1601 Baker Street would like to provide the attached documents to the City Council.

Please let me know if you would prefer that the applicant submit the materials directly to the City Clerk's Office email, or if forwarding them through me is sufficient.

Thank you,

Victor Mendez
Senior Planner
Economic & Development Services Department
77 Fair Drive | Costa Mesa | CA 92626 | (714) 754-5276
From: George V <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2026 8:04 AM
To: MENDEZ, VICTOR <[email protected]>
Subject: 1601 Tenant Attestation For 5/5 City of Costa Mesa Council Hearing Good Morning Victor,
I hope you had a nice weekend
Attached are three documents I would like to enter for tomorrow's hearing. I don't have the link to send these documents.

If you could make sure they are entered or if you would like to provide me the link.

Thanks for your help and support
See you tomorrow
George Vilagut
StepHouse Recovery
714 394 3494

Written Public Comment – Special Use Permit Application PGSH-24-0002 1601 Baker Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Submitted and Written By: Wyatt Russell
Date: 5-5-2026
To: City of Costa Mesa – Mayor and City Council – [email protected]

Dear Mayor and Members of the Costa Mesa City Council,
I’m writing to bring to your attention a serious credibility and compliance issue involving a pending special use permit for a proposed sober living home at 1601 Baker Street, governed by Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-311.

At the ﬁrst public hearing on 10/23/2025, the applicant was directly asked whether they were already operating a sober living or recovery residence at the property. The hearing transcript reﬂects the following exchange:
“Hearing Officer: There was a comment made earlier by one of the public speakers about you already operating this particular location prior to obtaining the approvals. Do you have any comments with respect to that?”
“Applicant: No, we’re not operating any type of sober living there. I do have a couple tenants that are living there, but they have nothing to do with sober living or recovery. ” “Hearing Officer: So if you are approved, what happens with the people who are currently there?” “Applicant: They already have a plan to go somewhere else. ” That testimony is directly contradicted by a County of Orange Health Care Agency contract I have obtained and provided. The document is Contract No. MA-042-19010252, Amendment No. 7, titled “Recovery Residence Services, ” between the County of Orange and The Stephouse Recovery, Inc.

This County contract:
• Has been in effect since 2018, with renewals through June 30, 2023 • Is administered by the County Health Care Agency
• Requires operation of an Orange County Sheriff-certiﬁed recovery residence • And explicitly lists 1601 Baker Street, Costa Mesa as an approved service location This matters because § 13-311(a) treats operation of a group home as a deﬁned, regulated condition. The code states that no person may open or operate a group home, or begin employment associated with one, unless the required disclosures have been made and approval obtained. There is no concept of informal or transitional operation under the code.

As a result, the applicant’s statement at the hearing that they were “not operating any type of sober living” is directly inconsistent with the County contract authorizing recovery residence services at the same address.

It is worth noting that a representative from the Orange County Sheriff’s department conﬁrmed that a certiﬁcate from the Orange County Sheriff’s office means the house is operating as a sober living facility. I invite you to call Certiﬁcate Coordinator Dominic Mejico at 714-939-4851 and verify for yourself.

That inconsistency triggers § 13-311(b)(1), which requires denial or revocation of a special use permit when an owner or operator has provided materially false or misleading information or omitted pertinent information.

I respectfully ask that this contradiction be reviewed carefully before any permit is approved or allowed to stand.

In addition, the property at 1601 Baker Street has been publicly advertised on the operator’s website as a recovery residence. The interior photographs shown on the website match the historical Zillow listing photos for this speciﬁc property, conﬁrming the location being marketed.

Archived versions of the website, veriﬁed through the Internet Archive’s “Wayback Machine, ” show that this property has been displayed and promoted as a recovery residence for years.

Under Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 13-311(a)(1), no person may open or operate a group home until the required disclosures have been provided and approval obtained. Publicly marketing and holding out a property as a recovery residence constitutes operational activity, not passive ownership. Advertising the property as a recovery residence while simultaneously representing at the hearing that no sober living use was occurring raises a material inconsistency that should be reviewed under § 13-311(b)(1).

I invite you to view a previous contract and certiﬁcate listing 1601 Baker St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Wyatt Russell

From: Alma Fausto
To: CITY CLERK
Cc: SA, NANCY; MIRANDA, AMBER
Subject: Written comments for May 5 meeting
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 7:45:54 PM
Attachments: 05.05.2026 Remarks -Housing and Public Service Grants Committee Funding Recommendations.pdf Hello,
I serve on the Housing and Public Service Grants Committee and am submitting my attached written comments for the May 5 meeting, at which I will speak on the following agenda item:

FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN IDENTIFYING FUNDING

PRIORITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND

HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS GRANT (HOME) PROGRAMS
Please let me know if you have any questions or if there are any issues with viewing this document.

Thank you,
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Report any suspicious activities to the Information Technology Department.

May 5, 2026 – Costa Mesa City Council Meeting
Remarks

Community

Development

Block

Grant

Recommendations

Good evening, Mayor, Council Members, and neighbors.

My name is Alma Fausto, and I serve on the Housing and Public Service Grants Committee.

I’m here to present our funding recommendations for this year’s Community Development Block Grant

allocations.

Detailed

information

has

been

provided

your

staff

packet

our

grant

administrator,

Nancy

Sa.

In March, our committee met to evaluate applications from seven organizations seeking CDBG funding.

heard

from

most

the

applicant

organizations,

who

outlined

their

goals

and

responded

questions

from

the

committee.

Our review process was thorough–each committee member evaluated applications based on both

the

written

submissions

and

the

presentations.

considered

community

impact,

how

outcomes

are

measured,

organizational

capacity,

and

whether

services

duplicate

existing

resources.

Our Recommendations
During our meeting, based on our ranking process and discussion, we identified Families Forward,

Human

Options,

and

Project

Hope

Alliance

the

organizations

receive

funding

allocation,

with

Dance

4 Joy

Ministries

also

included

our

recommendations,

subject

available

funding.

The organizations we are recommending serve critical needs in our community:
● Families Forward supports unhoused Costa Mesa families with children. ● Human Options provides transitional housing and services for domestic violence survivors.
● Project Hope Alliance offers case management for students experiencing homelessness

within

the

Newport-Mesa

Unified

School

District.
● And Dance 4 Joy Ministries provides arts and cultural programming for children and families

the

West

Side.

At the time of our deliberations, the total funding available was not yet known, so we developed a

strategy

adjust

funding

once

knew

those

amounts.

● If funding exceeded $92,480, Families Forward, Human Options, and Project Hope Alliance,

would

receive

proportional

increases

their

requested

$30,000.

Any

remaining

funds

would

Dance

4 Joy

Ministries.
● If funding was below $92,480 but above $75,000, Families Forward, Human Options, and

Project

Hope

Alliance

would

receive

funding

reduced

equal

percentage.
● If funding fell below $75,000, Families Forward, Human Options, and Project Hope Alliance

would

receive

$20,000,

and

Dance

4 Joy

Ministries

would

receive

funding.

Given the available funding, we recommend allocating $29,049 each to Families Forward, Human

Options,

and

Project

Hope

Alliance,

along

with

$15,000

Dance

4 Joy

Ministries.

Each organization provides meaningful services, and our goal is to maximize community impact within

available

resources.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

From: Laurel Ritter
To: CITY CLERK
Subject: Arts Commission Budget
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 10:00:11 AM
To Whom It May Concern,
As a former elementary teacher in several Costa Mesa schools who has seen the beneficial affects the arts can make in children’s lives, I am asking the city council to continue funding the arts commission at or above the current level.

Having seen the positive impact the commission has made with its inclusion of Costa Mesan’s poetry submissions for a poetry walk in the newly refurbished Brentwood Park as well as one planned for the as yet completed Ketchum Park, I believe the arts commission is on tract to truly carry out the mission of Costa Mesa as “The City of the Arts.”
Additionally, the Arts Commission’s plans for publicly created commissioned murals to be exhibited during the 2026 celebration of US independence will be a further commitment to Costa Mesa’s mission as being “The City of the Arts.”
Please fully fund the Arts Commission at or above the current level so these and other projects can continue the City of Costa Mesa’s mission of truly being “The City of the Arts.” Sincerely,
Laurel Ritter
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Ben Ritter
To: CITY CLERK
Subject: City of Costa Mesa Arts Masterplan
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 10:58:35 AM
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my support for the proposed city master plan and art budget. The city of Costa Mesa deserves a thoughtful master plan based on objective research and community outreach. It needs to be a document that the community trusts, with the authoritative vision to guide our community for years to come.

Although the arts budget is minuscule compared to other departments, its value is felt every day by the community. Through murals, performing arts, utility box art and now sidewalk poetry, art in public places brings moments of delight and inspiration. It creates a sense that Costa Mesa isn't just another place, but a vibrant community full of creative ideas. While lifting spirits is valuable in itself, art also motivates people to visit our city, generating tourist revenue.

I urge our city council to do the right thing and continue its strong support of the arts.

Sincerely,
Ben Ritter
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From: TORRES, IVIS
To: GREEN, BRENDA; TERAN, STACY
Cc: GONZALEZ, GLADYS
Subject: Fw: arts budget and masterplan for city council meeting 5/5/2026 Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 10:12:32 AM
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Hello,
Please see the public comment below.

Kind regards,

Ivis D. Torres
Management Aide | Constituent Services Team
(714) 754-4867 (office) | (949) 629-5032 (cellphone)
77 Fair Drive | Costa Mesa | CA 92626

P Please take into account the environment before printing this email. Thank you! From: MARY JANE MIRASOL <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 9:45 AM
To: CONSTITUENT SERVICES <[email protected]> Subject: arts budget and masterplan for city council meeting 5/5/2026

Dear City Council,
My name is MaryJane Mirasol, I'm an artist and resident of Costa Mesa. I'm writing in defense of not cutting the art budget and/or reallocating resources, especially for a city dubbed "the City of the Arts." I found it disheartening to learn of the pittance amount of the art budget and learning of Santa Ana's strong budget.

Art plays a vital role in its community; it brings people together, gives life to a city and most importantly enhances the well-being of its residents. Research has shown that art increases happiness, relieves stress and helps with PTSD. In today's chaotic world, people need an escape and art allows them to do exactly that. It also helps people feel a sense of community. On an economic level, art brings in revenue from its own residents and from visitors.

Cutting art funds would be a dis-service to the community and artists alike. Please reconsider and place art as a priority.

Sincerely,
MaryJane Mirasol
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Report any From: TORRES, IVIS
To: GREEN, BRENDA; TERAN, STACY
Cc: GONZALEZ, GLADYS
Subject: Fw: Arts budget and Masterplan
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 8:58:41 AM
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Good morning Brenda,
Please see the public comment below form resident Jeff Horn.

Kind regards,

Ivis D. Torres
Management Aide | Constituent Services Team
(714) 754-4867 (office) | (949) 629-5032 (cellphone)
77 Fair Drive | Costa Mesa | CA 92626

P Please take into account the environment before printing this email. Thank you! From: Jeff Horn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2026 7:45 PM
To: CONSTITUENT SERVICES <[email protected]> Subject: Arts budget and Masterplan

Dear Costa Mesa City Council ,
All services to Costa Mesa are important to its citizens, including grants for the Arts.

Therefore, if budget reductions are necessary, I ask the council to consider an equal percentage reduction for all budget items.

Sincerely,
Jeff Horn
Costa Mesa resident since 1974
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From: TORRES, IVIS
To: GREEN, BRENDA; TERAN, STACY
Cc: GONZALEZ, GLADYS
Subject: Fw: arts budget
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 9:09:13 AM
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Hi,
One more public comment.

Kind regards,

Ivis D. Torres
Management Aide | Constituent Services Team
(714) 754-4867 (office) | (949) 629-5032 (cellphone)
77 Fair Drive | Costa Mesa | CA 92626

P Please take into account the environment before printing this email. Thank you! From: Lisa Dowling <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2026 3:41 AM
To: CONSTITUENT SERVICES <[email protected]> Subject: arts budget

It had come to my attention that the arts budget for Costa Mesa is under threat due to some short-sighted overspending in other areas. I am writing to encourage you to reconsider your self-proclaimed status as the City of the Arts if this is so. Safety and security is important, housing and roads are important, but the arts are the glue that hold a community together. When you give the arts short shrift, fail to support a deep integration of art into all aspects of community building, you lose the humanity in a city. Printing thematic poetry on concrete sidewalks in parks is not enough.

Encouraging murals on buildings is not enough. Wrapping electrical boxes in images is not enough. There needs to be a robust and meaningful application of funds to expand the arts in Costa Mesa for the future of the city. The rise and fall and "rebirth" of OCMA should teach you that without a plan, leadership, and FUNDING, big ideas will fail. Please consider increasing funding for the arts.

Lisa Dowling
Former English Professor OCC and 30 year Costa Mesa resident CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Report any suspicious activities to the Information Technology Department.

From: TORRES, IVIS
To: TERAN, STACY; GREEN, BRENDA
Cc: GONZALEZ, GLADYS
Subject: Fw: Arts funding
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 9:07:22 AM
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Good morning,
Please see the public comment below.

Kind regards,

Ivis D. Torres
Management Aide | Constituent Services Team
(714) 754-4867 (office) | (949) 629-5032 (cellphone)
77 Fair Drive | Costa Mesa | CA 92626

P Please take into account the environment before printing this email. Thank you! From: Tom Dowling <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2026 2:55 AM
To: CONSTITUENT SERVICES <[email protected]> Subject: Arts funding

I am a long time Costa Mesa resident, 30 years as well as faculty emeritus at Orange Coast College. I might add that I am a consistent voter and follower of issues in the city. I am appalled at how little the city gives to arts funding yet we call ourselves "A City of the Arts".

Well that may be but it is by no means thanks to the meager support the city gives to the arts. Especially the Visual Arts. The Arts Commission has historically been underfunded and now the council is considering further cuts. You will undermine the cultural impact that the arts bring to Costa Mesa as well as the financial gain. This is not only a financial issue but a credibility issue. It's a hard sell to say you honor the arts and then not fund them. Be serious about serving your constituents.

Tom Dowling
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From: david
To: CITY CLERK
Subject: Fwd: Support for the arts and Master Plan update Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 11:44:29 AM
Dear City Clerk,
I am writing to express my strong support for the recommended arts budget reallocation and the update to the City's Arts Master Plan — as both a lifelong community member and a creative professional whose career was shaped by this very city.

I grew up in Costa Mesa, and the arts community here had a profound impact on my life.

Taking silkscreen classes at Orange Coast College opened my eyes to what a career in design could look like. The local music scene, the creative energy of this community — all of it informed the path I chose. That path led me to a career as a graphic designer at Disney and, most recently, to serving as Creative Director for NASA. I moved back to the area a year ago, and I am proud to call Costa Mesa home again.

I share this not to boast, but to make a point: the investments this city made in arts access decades ago had a real, lasting return. I am one example. There are many others.

Yet today, arts spending represents just a tiny portion of the city's budget — a figure that stands in stark contrast to the City of the Arts identity Costa Mesa proudly claims. The current budget recommendation offers a straightforward solution: no new funds are requested, only a smarter reallocation of existing resources to better serve our community.

Art is not a luxury. It is essential — to our economy, our identity, and the next generation of Costa Mesa kids who might be sitting in a silkscreen class right now, figuring out who they want to become.

An updated Master Plan gives our community a voice and ensures the city's arts vision is current, unbiased, and future-forward. Without one, spending remains reactive rather than strategic — and that carries its own cost.

I urge the Council to approve the recommended arts budget and move forward with the Master Plan update. Our city's identity deserves to be backed by meaningful action.

Thank you for your time and your service to our community.

David Rager
923 W. Wilson St
Costa Mesa CA 92627
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From: Brentwood Park Alliance
To: CITY CLERK
Subject: In Support of the Arts Commission
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 7:13:30 AM
Dear City Council,
We are writing in support of the recommendations put forth by the arts commission. An updated, professional master plan would better align with where the city is today and serve as a roadmap for future improvements, as well as bolster Costa Mesa's proclamation as a "City of the Arts." Our recent experience has given us first hand appreciation for the importance of community-led processes. Being involved in the poetry selection as a public art component for Brentwood Park's sidewalk poetry was a positive one that has deepened our appreciation for the arts and the humanities. In fact, through the process, we learned about and met Costa Mesa's first Poet Laureate, Danielle Hanson, a fact that many residents who read the LATimes article were unaware of. The poetry inclusion has further elevated Brentwood's uniqueness and appeal, and knowing it served as the pilot for the Sidewalk Poetry Project is especially meaningful.

We hope the City of the Arts will continue to invest in the arts, and look forward to mosaics, murals, and/or creative installations in our public spaces, guided by the community.

Thank you,
Friends of Brentwood Park
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From: Kate Ryan
To: CITY CLERK
Cc: OCHOA, ALISA; Alisa Ochoa
Subject: Support for Arts Master Plan Update
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 9:56:50 AM
Dear City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for the recommended arts budget and the update to the City’s cultural master plan in Costa Mesa.

Art is not an optional layer added after the “real” work of a city is done. It is part of the foundation. It shapes how people experience where they live, how they connect with one another, and how a city tells its story to itself and to the outside world. A thoughtful and well- supported arts plan ensures that creativity is not left to chance, but intentionally woven into the fabric of the community.

Costa Mesa has long carried the identity of a “City of the Arts.” Updating the master plan is a necessary step to keep that identity alive, relevant, and accessible. It supports working artists, enriches public spaces, and creates opportunities for residents of all ages to engage with culture in meaningful ways.

Investing in the arts is also an investment in economic vitality, education, and civic pride. It draws visitors, supports local businesses, and fosters a sense of belonging that cannot be replicated through infrastructure alone.

I encourage the Council to adopt the recommended arts budget and move forward with the master plan update. This is not just a financial decision, but a statement about the kind of city we want to build and sustain.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Kate Ryan
www.kateryanstudio.com

949-732-8116
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From: Craig Ritter
To: CITY CLERK
Subject: Support for the arts
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 9:30:40 AM
As a former school administrator I know how important arts education is for children. It opens up opportunities for other means of expression beyond linear, rote learning. There are many modalities for learning, and exposure to the arts gives learners an alternate pathway to excel. Funding for arts education should be vastly expanded. Please make a commitment to the next generation.

Sent from my iPhone
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County of Orange, Health Care Agency
File Folder: 2395602 Page 1 of 3
Contract MA-042-23011088

AMENDMENT NO. 8
TO
CONTRACT NO. MA-042-23011088
FOR

RECOVERY RESIDENCE SERVICES
This Amendment (“Amendment No. 8”) to Contract No. MA-042-23011088 for Recovery Residence Services is made and entered into on August 1, 2025 (“Effective Date”) between The Stephouse Recovery, Inc. (“Contractor”), with a place of business at 9679 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, California 92708, and the County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of California (“County”), through its Health Care Agency, with a place of business at 405 W. 5th St., Ste. 600, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Contractor and County may sometimes be referred to individually as “Party” or collectively as “Parties”.

RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Parties executed Contract No. MA-042-23011088 for Recovery Residence Services, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $6,300,000, renewable for one additional two-year term (“Contract”); and WHEREAS, the Parties executed Amendment No. 1, effective September 1, 2023, to modify Paragraph XVI. and Paragraph XX., to add Paragraph XXXIII. and Paragraph XXXIV., and to modify Exhibit A of the Contract; and
WHEREAS, the Parties executed Amendment No. 2, effective October 12, 2023, to modify the addresses where Services are performed; and
WHEREAS, the Parties executed Amendment No. 3 effective March 1, 2024, to increase the Period One, Period Two and Period Three Aggregate Amounts Not To Exceed by $400,000 each, for a revised cumulative Total Aggregate Amount Not To Exceed $7,500,000, to amend Paragraph XXXIV. of the Contract, and to add Paragraph XXXV. and Paragraph XXXVI. to the Contract; and
WHEREAS, the Parties executed Amendment No. 4, effective May 1, 2024, to exercise the 10% contingency, to increase the Period One Aggregate Amount Not to Exceed by $210,000 from $2,500,000 to $2,710,000, for a revised cumulative Total Aggregate Amount Not To Exceed $7,710,000; and
WHEREAS, the Parties executed Amendment No. 5, effective May 28, 2024, to add Paragraph XXXVII. through Paragraph XLII. to the Contract; and WHEREAS, the Parties executed Amendment No. 6, effective December 3 , 2024, to increase Period Two and Period Three Aggregate Amounts Not To Exceed by $1,440,000 each from $2,500,000 to $3,940,000, for a revised cumulative Total Aggregate Amount Not To Exceed $10,590,000; and
WHEREAS, the Parties executed Amendment No. 7, effective March 25,2025, to increase Period Two Aggregate Amount Not To Exceed by $549,000 and Period Three Aggregate Amount Docusign Envelope ID: 82D4D674-6CE2-4E1A-8DC9-17DFF90C1FD2

County of Orange, Health Care Agency
File Folder: 2395602 Page 2 of 3
Contract MA-042-23011088

Not To Exceed by $1,600,000, for a revised cumulative Total Aggregate Amount Not To Exceed $12,739,000, to amend Paragraph II and Exhibit A of the Contract, and to add Exhibit E to the Contract; and
WHEREAS, the Parties now desire to enter into this Amendment No. 8 to modify the addresses where Services are performed.

NOW THEREFORE, Contractor and County agree to amend the Contract as follows:

1. Exhibit A, Section VI. Services, subsection A. (but not including subparagraph A.1., of the Contract is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“A. FACILITY – CONTRACTOR shall provide Recovery Residence Services described herein at an Orange County Sheriff Certified Recovery Residence facility. Unless otherwise authorized in writing by ADMINISTRATOR, CONTRACTOR shall maintain regularly scheduled service hours, seven (7) days a week, twenty -four (24) hours per day throughout the year. Services shall be provided at the following locations, or at any other location approved in advance, in writing, by ADMINISTRATOR:

9679 Ellis Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
8422 Polder Circle, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
10635 El Morro Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.”

This Amendment No. 8 modifies the Contract , including all previous amendments , only as expressly set forth herein. Wherever there is a conflict in the terms or conditions between this Amendment No. 8 and the Contract, including all previous amendments, the terms and conditions of this Amendment No. 8 prevail. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the Contract, including all previous amendments, not specifically changed by this Amendment No. 8 remain in full force and effect.

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

Docusign Envelope ID: 82D4D674-6CE2-4E1A-8DC9-17DFF90C1FD2

County of Orange, Health Care Agency
File Folder: 2395602 Page 3 of 3
Contract MA-042-23011088

SIGNATURE PAGE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Amendment No. 8. If Contractor is a corporation, Contractor shall provide two signatures as follows: 1) the first signature must be either the Chairman of the Board, the President, or any Vice President; 2) the second signature must be either the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, or any Assistant Treasurer. In the alternative, a single corporate signature is acceptable when accompanied by a corporate resolution or by -laws demonstrating the legal authority of the signature to bind the company.

Contractor: The Stephouse Recovery, Inc.

Print Name Title

Signature Date

County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of California

Purchasing Agent/Designee Authorized Signature:

Print Name Title

Signature Date

Docusign Envelope ID: 82D4D674-6CE2-4E1A-8DC9-17DFF90C1FD2 CEOGeorge Vilagut
7/31/2025
Monica Cabral
7/31/2025
Procurement Contract Analyst

Costa Mesa City CouncilMay 5, 2026

Costa Mesa City Council
May 5, 2026