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Authorize the contribution of $5,000 from the District Attorney’s Federal Asset Forfeiture account to benefit The Leaven neighborhood program center in Fairfield; and Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) in the amount of $5,000 in the District Attorney Asset Forfeiture Division to recognize this expense, offset by $5,000 in Federal Asset Forfeiture revenue (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District Attorney recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1) Authorize the contribution of $5,000 from the District Attorney’s Federal Asset Forfeiture account to benefit The Leaven neighborhood program center in Fairfield; and
2) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) in the amount of $5,000 in the District Attorney Asset Forfeiture Division to recognize this expense, offset by $5,000 in Federal Asset Forfeiture revenue (4/5 vote required)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Item 1. L of the Department of Justice Equitable Sharing Program interim policy guidance regarding the use of equitable sharing funds states the following:
“Support of community-based programs- transfers of shared funds from a state or local law enforcement agency to a state, county, or local governmental agency or community non-profit organization (501(c)(3) or (4)). An agency may, at its discretion, transfer up to a total of $25,000 of its shared funds annually to community-based programs whose missions are supportive of and consistent with a law enforcement effort, policy, and/or initiative. Examples include a drug treatment facility, job skills program, or a youth program with drug and crime prevention education. The chief law enforcement officer must approve the transfer and must ensure the recipient is a qualified entity.”
The Leaven, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, works in partnership with members of the local community, including businesses, police and fire departments, local government, school administrators and teachers, church groups and concerned neighbors to bring after-school mentoring and tutoring programs as a revitalization tool to struggling neighborhoods where drop-out rates are out of control and gangs threaten the peace of the community.
The Leaven is headquartered in Fairfield. To date, the organization operates 16 after-school learning centers, 6 in the Fairfield-Suisun area, as well as centers in Benicia/Vallejo, Vacaville, Napa, and Southern California.
The after school programs helps over 500 children throughout Solano County with tutoring, mentoring, and support.
The Leaven recently purchased tables and chairs for their learning center located at 1180 Dana Drive in Fairfield. The contribution of $5,000 will partially offset the cost of the tables and chairs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This expenditure is 100% offset by Federal Asset Forfeiture revenue. There is no impact on the General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to authorize this expenditure. However, this is not recommended.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrator’s Office was consulted for this item.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION