October 21, 2025
TO: City Council
REQUESTED BY: Jeremy Harding, Chief of Police
APPROVED BY: Robert A. Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: Accept the FY23-24 California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control sponsored by the Office of Tr
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Accept the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's ABC-OTS Grant Program from the State of California, in the amount of $40,000 for the grant period of October 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 4105, Authorizing the Riverside County Sheriff and Other Authorized Agents to Accept Funding for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control ABC-OTS Grant Program, to Execute the ABC-OTS Grant Documents and Administer the ABC-OTS Grant;
3. Authorize the Sheriff, or designee, to execute the Standard Agreement, to take all necessary steps to implement the Standard Agreement, including, but not limited to: (a) signing subsequent necessary and relevant documents, subject to approval as to form by County Counsel; and (b) negotiating, signing and implementing any amendments, including, but not limited to any amendments that result in an extension of the term or an increase in the amount of the award, not to exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total anticipated grant amount, subject to approval as to form by County Counsel.
DISCUSSION:
On March 14, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved the acceptance of the FY22-23 Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's ABC-OTS Grant program from the State of California, in the amount of $29,600, and adopted Resolution Number 2023-033 (Minute Order
3.13). The grant allowed the Hemet station, serving the City of San Jacinto, to increase proactive enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensed establishments and use education to reduce or eliminate the impact of alcohol on our minors.
On August 7, 2023, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC-OTS), sponsored by the Office of Traffic Safety Grant Program through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a Request for Proposals to Sheriffs and Police Chiefs in California for up to $40,000 in funding to enable selected agencies to expand their efforts in addressing alcohol-related problems by using the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control comprehensive program strategies. On September 5, 2023, in response to the grant solicitation, the Department applied for grant funding from ABC to support local efforts to curb underage onsale and off-sale establishments selling alcohol to minors outside Lake Elsinore’s licensing requirements.
On September 25, 2023, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC-OTS) sponsored by the Office of Traffic Safety Grant Program through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approved the Sheriff’s Office’s proposal and selected the San Jacinto Station to receive $40,000 in grant funding for the ABC-OTS Grant Program. The purpose of the ABC-OTS Grant Program is to work with law enforcement agencies to develop a practical, comprehensive, and strategic approach to eliminating the crime and public nuisance problems associated with problem alcoholic beverage outlets.
The San Jacinto Station, located in the Southwest corridor of Riverside County, will use the funds to prevent, educate, and enforce underage drinking and alcohol-related incidents in San Jacinto. The grant will fund overtime expenses to attend meetings with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to assist with identifying disruptive and disorderly licensed premises and provide training sessions for licensees at local stations of prevention and enforcement related to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office will build a partnership with retailers through education and enforcement to conduct minor decoy operations, shoulder tap operations, IMPACT (Informed Merchants Preventing Alcohol-Related Crime Tendencies) inspections, and Holiday alcohol enforcement to reduce the number of intoxicated juveniles involved in traffic collisions that result in injuries and/or death. Funds will also be used for increased personnel at targeted licensee stations to prevent the sales of alcoholic beverages to minors. The project will be staffed by a sworn supervisor (Sergeant) and Deputy Sheriffs, a minimum of two (2), or a maximum of four (4), on overtime who have experience in Alcohol Beverage Control objectives.
A four-fifths vote is required for this item pursuant to California Government Code Section 29130 as a budget adjustment has been requested.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
Grant funds will increase focus on alcohol-related violations, including illegal sales and consumption by minors, educate, and enhance the Sheriff’s Office ability to enforce the area's underage drinking laws. The goals of this grant will be to reduce the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths for minors in Riverside County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This grant is state-funded through the Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control and is 100% reimbursable. The Sheriff’s Office did not include funding for this project in the FY 25/26 budget; therefore, a Schedule A budget adjustment is attached to add $40,000 in expenditures to the budget. No additional County general funds will be required.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution No. 4105 - 2026 ABC-OTS
Resolution 2024-016 AATF
San Jacinto Riverside SO letter