SUBJECT: WEED AND SEED GRANT AUTHORIZATION FOR WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD FUNDING

Council District: 3

SNI: Washington

RECOMMENDATION

Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply to the United States Department of Justice for Weed and Seed Program funding for the Washington neighborhood in an amount not to exceed $225,000 for the period October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004, to accept the grant if awarded and to execute all related documents.

BACKGROUND

In 1994, the United States Department of Justice first approved the City of San José for Weed and Seed funding. The focus of this program is to “weed-out” violent crime, gang activity, drug use, and drug trafficking in selected neighborhoods. Community resources are then used to “seed” the target area for social and economic revitalization and long-term stability. There are four program elements:

· Law Enforcement

· Community Policing

· Prevention, Intervention & Treatment (including Community Mobilization, Education and Empowerment)

· Neighborhood Restoration

In 2000, the City of San José requested and received $175,000 to be used toward Weed and Seed efforts in the Washington neighborhood. In 2001, the City requested and received $225,000 for the second year of funding. In 2002, the City requested and received $225,000 for the third year of funding. The 2002 grant is in effect from October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2003. The 2003 grant will be the fourth year of funding and the City is eligible for up to five years of funding.

ANALYSIS

Weed and Seed grant funding for the Washington neighborhood strengthens and increases targeted efforts by the Police Department, Code Enforcement, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services and the community. The Weed and Seed program is a strategy as well as a grant program. It uses enhanced law enforcement, community policing and resident empowerment to make real and lasting change in targeted neighborhoods. Receipt of the Weed and Seed funding through the full five years would allow residents and community leaders, community-based organizations, local businesses, and City, County and Federal staff to coordinate efforts in implementing the strategy over five years.

Applying for a fourth year of Weed and Seed Grant funding for the Washington neighborhood will enhance and improve upon City efforts already underway in that area. The Weed and Seed efforts will focus on six primary areas:

· Reducing Gang Activity

· Reducing Drug and Alcohol Activity

· Improving Deteriorated Infrastructure and Housing Assistance (in conjunction with the Washington Neighborhood Revitalization Plan)

· Increasing Family and Youth Support Services (in conjunction with the Washington United Youth Center)

· Reducing the Truancy Rate

· Increasing Domestic Violence Prevention Activities

In the fourth year, the maximum grant amount for which the Washington neighborhood is eligible for is $225,000, which consists of the following:

· “Weeding”—Law Enforcement and Community Policing ($87,500)

· “Seeding”—Prevention/Intervention/Treatment; Neighborhood Restoration ($87,500)

· “Special Emphasis Initiative”—$50,000 to be used for special projects in the areas of Conflict Resolution and Computer Learning Center

PUBLIC OUTREACH

The Washington Weed and Seed Steering Committee, which includes representatives from the Washington Neighborhoods Coalition, the Washington Elementary School, the Guadalupe Washington Neighborhood Association, Catholic Charities, and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office approved the action of applying for this grant at their bi-monthly meeting held on January 8, 2003.

COST IMPLICATIONS

The City of San José will be reimbursed for up to $225,000 through the grant award for Department of Justice approved costs. There is no matching requirement. This memo is consistent with the Mayor’s Budget Strategy memo, specifically under “General Principles.”

COORDINATION

This memo has been coordinated with the Police Department, The Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Department, and the City Attorney’s Office.

CEQA

The CEQA reference for this City Council memo is “Not a Project.” If awarded the grant, Environmental Clearance would be required for any physical improvements to existing infrastructure.

SARA L. HENSLEY

Director of Parks, Recreation

and Neighborhood Services