Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorization to apply for the Alcohol Policing Program - Authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Alcohol Policing Program for up to $100,000, submit the application by March 30, 2026, if awarded appropriate up to $100,000 in the General Fund, and approve Resolution 2026-07.
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Agenda Date: 03/02/2026
Prepared by: Chief Jason Salazar, 713-4215, Jason. Salazar@visalia.gov ; Lieutenant Mona Whaley, 713-4105, Mona.Whaley@visalia.gov ; Financial Analyst Liz Ybarra, 713-4250, Liz.Ybarra@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: Authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Alcohol Policing Program for up to $100,000 . The application will be submitted by March 30, 2026. If the grant is awarded, appropriate up to $100,000 in the General Fund. A resolution is required therefore approval of Resolution 2026-07 is requested. The grant is effective from 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027.
Summary:
The Visalia Police Department plans on utilizing the funds to provide staffing and resources for 1 year. It focuses on enforcement and training campaigns aimed at reducing sales of alcoholic beverages to minors at ABC licensed businesses. The evaluations of these operations throughout the year will include the success of enforcement actions and statistics showing the compliance rate for said establishments. The department’s objectives are to increase compliance through educational outreach, decrease calls for service regarding alcohol sales to minors, and an increase in merchant and public awareness regarding underage drinking. The Visalia Police Department will utilize media outlets to create merchant and public awareness. The Department plans to achieve these objectives by: (1) Providing education to ABC licensed establishments through the IMPACT program; (2) conducting an education/information campaign through media and social media outlets; (3) conducting enforcement details using the best and most promising practices and; (4) training law enforcement officers regarding ABC enforcement and procedures.
The Visalia Police Department is committed to providing all necessary staff and resources to ensure that the grant is effectively managed. All proposed personnel assigned to manage this grant have lengthy experience in the writing, managing, and executing of grant projects. The Visalia Police Department will utilize a Sergeant to supervise the grant and up to 4 Visalia Police Department officers to assist with the required enforcement and compliance operations. The officers assigned to assist with the grant are experienced with ABC enforcement and compliance.
Background Discussion:
The City of Visalia has 202 on-sale retail establishments and 114 off-sale establishments totaling 316 locations.
The grant, in cooperation with Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents Visalia Code Enforcement Officers, enhances the abilities and resources available for compliance, enforcement and education campaign aimed at reducing alcohol related crimes and the sale of alcohol to minors at the 316 ABC licensed establishments with the City of Visalia These grant operations have been successful in the past. The department’s expectations are to see a decline in calls for service regarding alcohol sales to minors and an increase in merchant and public awareness regarding underage drinking.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: If awarded, appropriate up to $100,000 which will be used for staff overtime. Monthly reimbursement claims and progress reports will be submitted as required by the grant. The grant will reimburse the General Fund. Standard State contract will be executed. The Grant will be effective from 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027. There is no maintenance or operating cost.
Prior Council Action: None
Alternatives: Not to apply for the grant
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Alcohol Policing Program for up to $100,000, submit the application by March 30, 2026, if awarded, appropriate up to $100,000 in the General Fund and approve Resolution 2026-07.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 03/02/2026
Attachments: Resolution 2026-07, Request for Proposal Guidelines
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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