COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

DATE:

March 24, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 4, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Sheriff Don Horsley via Supervisor Rose Jacobs-Gibson

SUBJECT:

Authorize the Donation of a Vehicle to the East Palo Alto Ministers Action Outreach, a Non-Profit Agency.

Recommendation

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Sheriff's Office to donate a used 1996 Dodge 3500 Van, worth $4,025.00, to the Ministers Action Outreach, a non-profit agency in East Palo Alto.

Background and Discussion

Ministers Action Outreach is a non-denominational alliance of local ministers of all faiths. This non-profit community agency developed in response to the increase in shootings and street violence in East Palo Alto. It began from prayer vigils at sites of violence and developed into a team of Baptist, Catholic, Muslim and other clergy acting against drug-related crime.

Ministers Action Outreach concentrates on reducing crime and fear within the community by focusing on projects which include neighborhood meetings addressing dangerous youth behavior, counseling and monitoring of youth on probation and visiting locations where violence has occurred to provide grief counseling. They also work with law enforcement, and with County social service and mental health agencies, to serve the victims of crime and to help reduce further violence through education and community outreach.

The donation of a van, with an assessed worth of $4,025, will greatly benefit "Pastors on Patrol," a project where Ministers Action Outreach makes a regular presence at known community "hotspots", striving to build relationships with youth and young adults in danger of heading down a path to trouble.

The used van is from our Inmate Transportation Unit which transports inmates to and from court as well as local, state and federal detention and medical facilities. The van, which has been serviced by County Motor Pool, is scheduled to be replaced shortly based on high mileage. The vehicle should serve the Ministers Action Outreach project well for several more years, as their usage will be less intensive and also not subject to the stricter replacement criteria as vehicles used for transporting inmates under the County's care.

The proposed Resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

Vision Alignment

This donation of a van to the Ministers Action Outreach aligns with Goals No. 2 and No. 8, by encouraging civic engagement and volunteerism, and by helping vulnerable persons and at-risk youth to achieve a better, safer quality of life.

Fiscal Impact

There is no net County cost associated with this donation.