TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2025
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CRISIS ASSISTANCE RESPONSE AND ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM (FUNDING SOURCE: SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS)
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SUMMARY
In July 2025, the City was approached by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) to gauge interest in participation in the San Gabriel Valley Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (SGV CARE) Program. The SGV CARE Program offers mobile crisis services for non-violent service calls, particularly those involving individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and mental health crises, rather than relying solely on law enforcement to respond in these situations. The SGV CARE Program is funded by a grant through Proposition 47 and the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) with the goal of being a diversion from the criminal justice system and reducing recidivism. There is no direct cost to the City for these services.
Staff recommends the City Council approve the City’s participation in the SGV CARE Program and authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and related documents.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for participation in the San Gabriel Valley Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement Program.
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ALTERNATIVE TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
There is no direct cost to the City for participating in the SGV CARE Program, as all direct costs are paid for by the SGVCOG.
The staff cost to prepare this report and administer the project is estimated at $1,087 and is included in the operating budget of the Recreation and Human Services Department.
ANALYSIS
In September 2024, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) was awarded $8 million from the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) through the Proposition 47 Grant Program to fund programs aimed to support mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and diversion programs for people in the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on programs that prevent recidivism. Prop 47 is a statewide voter-approved initiative from the November 2014 ballot which reduces sentencing penalties for some lower-level crimes. Funding from the Prop 47 Grant Program is derived from savings generated by the implementation of Prop 47, which are deposited into the Safe Neighborhoods and School Fund.
The SGV CARE Program’s mobile crisis services team responds to non-violent service calls, particularly those involving individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and mental health crises, either in lieu of or in addition to law enforcement, providing an additional array of services. Each two-person mobile team consists of a support specialist and a clinical supervisor. Clients with a criminal justice record can enroll in Recidivism Reduction Services (RRS) for additional services, such as intensive case management, mental health support, substance use disorder treatment, legal aid, tattoo removal, court-appointed classes, family reunification, workforce development, job training, and housing. Clients will be screened for eligibility before they can enroll in RRS.
In addition to responding to mental health emergencies, the mobile crisis team will focus on connecting individuals to long-term support services. These include resources provided by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), Union Station Homeless Services (USHS), the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS), Tri-City Mental Health, and other local partners within the homeless services network. Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse’s (L.A. CADA) existing involvement in the County’s Coordinated Entry System (CES) and its participation in mental health and substance use disorder systems further strengthen its ability to link individuals with the care they need.
Participation in the SGV CARE is an opportunity for the City to provide an effective way to coordinate a response to community members facing mental health crises, substance use disorders, and housing instability. The hope is that this program will also reduce the need for law enforcement in specific non-violent incidents, allowing police officers to focus on core public safety duties.
Execution of the attached MOA will allow the City of Claremont to participate in the SGV CARE program through March 31, 2028, with the option to extend upon mutual agreement of both parties. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council approve the City’s participation in the SGV CARE Program and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the MOA and related documents.
LEGAL REVIEW
This agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities and the 2024-26 Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by:
Melissa Vollaro
Recreation and Human Services Director
Attachment:
Memorandum of Agreement