PREPARED BY: MATT RODRIGUEZ DATE OF MEETING: 02/03/2025
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION TO RATIFY TWO (2) LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR PROPOSITION 1 FUNDING AND STATE LICENSING TRANSMITTED ON NOVEMBER 25, 2024 BY SAN PABLO MAYOR PATRICIA PONCE TO: (1) STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES; AND (2) STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING (CCL) FOR THE PROPOSED CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES 16-BED RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROJECTS, LOCATED AT 2523 EL PORTAL DRIVE, SAN PABLO
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve by Minute Order
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2023-25 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statement
County-supported projects are legally authorized under State law and NOT a required adopted policy contained in the FY 2023-25 Council Priority Workplan, effective May 1, 2023.
CEQA Compliance Statement
This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA
BACKGROUND
The City of San Pablo works jointly with Contra Costa County Health Services to support a variety of local and regional mental health and social services programs and services to the Contra Costa region.
County-owned Property at 2523 El Portal Drive, San Pablo
In July 2023, Contra Costa County, through the Contra Costa County Health Services Department, acquired property located 2523 El Portal Drive, San Pablo (APN 416-140-048) to develop a primary facility for crisis and longer-term residential treatment programs at this location. Expansion of these services was identified by CCCHS as a high priority in the West County region.
Following successful property acquisition, Contra Costa County Health Services (CCCHS)/Behavioral Health staff have been in direct contact and coordination with the City staff regarding the potential development of two (2) 16-bed residential rehabilitation treatment facilities on County-owned property located at 2523 El Portal Drive in San Pablo. Despite these ongoing collaborative efforts, current project funding and proper licensing are still being actively pursued by CCCHS staff and required through the State of California.
If successfully funded and licensed by the State, the proposed project, once developed, will be administered and operated by CCCHS/Behavioral Health and will add a total of 32 new, social rehabilitation beds, including 16 short‐term and 16 transitional beds. Currently, there are no ART beds and only 16 CRT beds for all of Contra Costa County.
The City of San Pablo anticipates that these programs will support individuals to receive mental health crisis and residential services in their home communities; minimize avoidable emergency rooms utilization; reduce contact with the criminal justice system, including jail stays; and better support people to transition from locked and/or residential settings into their home communities. Overall, it was determined by City staff to support the County’s proposed project to greatly benefit our local community members who are struggling with serious mental health issues, providing much needed service capacity within our Contra Costa County Health Services Continuum of Care in San Pablo, and surrounding West Contra Costa region.
CCCHS Letters of Support Requested
During recent project coordination meetings with City staff during Fall 2024, CCCHS officials requested the City provide two (2) letters of support to strengthen the County’s application for ongoing project funding and licensing to the State of California under Proposition 1 - Behavioral Health Community Infrastructure Program Funding (Round 1); and to meet all required Community Care Licensing (CCL) requirements under the State of California Department of Health Care Services for the proposed project (See Attachment)
To date, City staff in Community Development and the Police Department continue to work collaboratively with CCCHS/Behavioral staff on their proposed project development at this location, and to ensure its operational compatibility with surrounding uses in the City, especially with regard to safety and security for program participants. Additionally, the County’s proposed project must adhere to all adopted City building code requirements and must meet all applicable zoning requirements within the City.
City Letters of Support Transmitted
On November 25, 2024, Mayor Ponce transmitted two (2) letters of support to support the County’s applications and requests to the State of California for project funding and state licensing consideration (See Attachment). This evening, these letters of support require formal ratification by the City Council by majority vote via minute action.
FISCAL IMPACT
Currently, there is no financial impact to the City at this time.
Attachments:
Att A - CCCHS Request Letter dated August 20, 2024, from Dr. Suzanne Tavano, PhD Director of CCCHS/Behavioral Health Services
Att B - Two Letter of Support transmitted on 11/25/24 from Mayor Ponce to State of California Department of Health Services and State of California Department of Social Services/Community Care Licensing