Agenda Item Wording:
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Community Services Employment and Training Inc. agreement -Authorization to enter into an agreement between the City of Visalia and the Community Services Employment and Training for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant.
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Agenda Date: 09/08/2026
Prepared by: Jason Glick Parks & Recreation Director jason.glick@visalia.gov (559)713-4042.
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize approval of an agreement with Community Services Employment and Training Inc. (CSET) for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CALVIP) grant implementation.
Summary:
On March 16, 2026, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2026-14, authorizing the acceptance of a $2,000,000 subaward from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) through the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (Cal VIP) Program.
On April 16, 2026, City staff were notified by Cal VIP of its intent to extend the grant term from January 30, 2029, to September 30, 2029. Cal VIP requested that the City adopt an updated resolution reflecting the revised grant end date, which the Council did in Apil 2026.
Throughout the summer of 2026, the City of Visalia has been meeting with Community Services Employment Training (CSET) to discuss the administration and implementation of the Cal VIP grant. As part of this process, staff will be proposing an agreement with CSET to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Visalia Cal VIP program through the revised grant end date of September 30, 2029.
Background Discussion:
On July 21, 2025, the City Council authorized submission of an application to the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (Cal VIP) Grant. On February 12, 2026, the City was notified that its Cal VIP Cohort 5 proposal was recommended for funding in the full award amount of $2,000,000 over three years. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-14 authorized acceptance of the grant award. The City is now seeking to enter into an agreement with Community Services Employment Training (CSET), which will serve as the third-party grant administrator and support implementation of the program.
The Cal VIP grant program, initially known as Cal GRIP (California Gang Reduction, Intervention & Prevention), was established in 2017 to fund community-based violence reduction initiatives. The program aims to support evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence in communities disproportionately affected by violence. The State allocated $103 million for this funding cycle (Cohort 5). The purpose of the grant is to disrupt cycles of violence and retaliatory actions in order to lower the rates of homicides, shootings, and aggravated assaults in affected communities. The proposed program will serve 100 youth and families annually over a three-year period, with a focus on individuals and families affected by violence, particularly those experiencing geographic and economic barriers to accessing support and resources in Visalia.
Under the proposed agreement, CSET will serve as the third-party grant administrator, responsible for all reporting, compliance, and fiscal management requirements. In partnership with the City, CSET will support implementation of the initiative through the City’s Recreation Division, leveraging existing recreation programs and special events to effectively reach and engage the target population.
In addition, grant funds managed by CSET will support enrichment activities, recreation programs, family-centered events, and classes delivered by third-party program operators. These opportunities will be designed to strengthen family connections and provide children and teens with positive, constructive opportunities to learn, grow, develop new skills, and engage with their community. The initiative will create safe and welcoming spaces for youth and families while promoting positive relationships and personal development.
By building on existing community infrastructure and partnering with experienced program providers, the initiative will expand access to meaningful activities and reduce geographic and economic barriers to participation. The Visalia Police Department may refer at-risk or violence-affected youth to CSET for supportive and intervention services and can also connect resources provided through this grant with at-risk youth participating in the police department’s Police Activities League (PAL).
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: The total grant award is $2,000,000 over a three-year period. CSET’s budget to perform the activities in the scope of works in $1,906,983. Annual staff costs associated with program administration and oversight, which will be reimbursed through the grant for a total amount of $93,017. A revised budget was submitted to the grant agency, California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) on 8/26/2026. At the end of the grant period, a program audit is required and CSET has allocated the maximum allowed of $25,000 for this purpose. Funds were appropriated on the Council action of 3/16/2026 and CIP 1010/CP0809 was established. The grant is effective from April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2029.
Prior Council Action: On April 16, 2026, City Council approved Resolution 2026-14 extending the Cal VIP grant term from January 30, 2029, to September 30, 2029.
Alternatives: Not accept the grant award.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement between the City of Visalia and the Community Services Employment and Training for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Implementation.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 09/08/2026
Attachments: CSET Agreement
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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