CITY OF SANTA MARIA
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager, Ext. 2200
[email protected]
110 EAST COOK STREET ● SANTA MARIA, CA 93454-5190 ● (805) 925-0951 ● FAX (805) 349-0657 ● www.cityofsantamaria.org
Attachment B
November 19, 2024
Presiding Judge Pauline Maxwell
1100 Anacapa Street
P.O. Box 21107
Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107
SUBJECT: Responses to 2023-24 Grand Jury Report “Homeless Encampments in Santa Barbara County – Becoming Part of the Community Again” dated June 21, 2024
Dear Honorable Judge Maxwell:
The City of Santa Maria is pleased to provide the following requested responses to the above- referenced report for Findings 2 a nd 3 and Recommendations 2 and 3. Please note the following responses:
FINDING 2
The negative effects of encampment sweeps can be mitigated when a variety of community resources are present at the time of the clean-up.
Response: Agree. The City approaches encampment response with the intent to help unsheltered individuals connect to resources, in conjunction with enforcement efforts to keep the community clean and safe.
RECOMMENDATION 2
The County and the cities shall ensure that all sweeps oc cur utilizing a multi -disciplinary approach.
Response: Has been implemented. The coordinated work within the Santa Maria Riverbed is reflective of the collaborative approach that is required for encampment response that minimizes negative effects on both unsheltered individuals and the community. This work involves multiple agencies, departments, and organizations, and includes public safety officers, outreach workers, and other specialists for medical, mental health, housing and employment services. In ot her encampment response efforts, City Community Service Officers and Park Rangers will continue to engage unsheltered individuals and offer information for emergency shelter and other services.
FINDING 3
Encampments lack basic sanitation services.
Response: Agree. Encampments in Santa Maria are found along railways, in the riverbed, on private property, or along public sidewalks and other rights -of-way. These are areas that lack basic sanitation services. Trash, debris, human waste, and other unsanitary or hazardous materials are found on these sites.
RECOMMENDATION 3
The County and the cities shall make trash cans, porta -potties, resources for handwashing, and sharps containers for safe disposal of needles and other hazardous waste available near encampment sites.
Response: Will not be implemented. While the City recognizes the unsanitary conditions of encampment sites, the City believes that providing trash cans, porta -potties, and other facilities at these sites would in essence convey permission for ongoing occupation of these sites. As mentioned, these sites vary, from the riverbed to a back drive aisle of a private shopping center, and the installation of facilities would not be appropriate for these sites. In addition, these actions would incur other unplanned costs, since City public restroom facilities are ofte n misused, vandalized and require frequent monitoring and/or repair. City public safety officers remain committed to helping unsheltered individuals obtain services for emergency or temporary housing, and other health, housing or employment services. The City will continue to coordinate with Santa Barbara County and other partner organizations on ongoing outreach efforts. The City will continue to work to keep the community clean and safe.
ALICE M. PATINO
Mayor