To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Public Infrastructure
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2550
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): First
Title:
Title
License Amendment with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Use of County-owned Property at Los Guilicos
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Authorize the Sonoma County Public Infrastructure (SPI) Director to execute a proposed amendment to the license agreement with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to expand the licensed premises by 575 square feet; and extend the term for three years to January 31, 2030, with three additional annual renewals through 2033; and
B) Make findings as required by Government Code Section 26227 that the proposed use of the property by Licensee will carry out programs necessary to meet the social, health and rehabilitation needs of the population of the County and that the subject premises are not needed for other County purposes during the term of the proposed extended term or any extensions thereof.
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Executive Summary:
This item seeks Board authority to execute a proposed amendment to the license agreement with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) extending the term of the agreement by three years through January 31, 2030, and automatically renewing itself from year to year for a period of three years through January 31, 2033. The amendment would also expand the existing lease area by 575 square feet of office space located at 365 Casa Manana Road, at the County Los Guilicos campus in Santa Rosa. Total leased office space would increase from 3,115 square feet to 3,690 square feet. Lastly, this item seeks to make findings under Government Code Section 26227 that CASA’s use of the property serves County social, health and rehabilitation needs and that the space is not required for other County purposes during the agreement term.
Discussion:
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program. The CASA Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-based organization that provides free advocacy services to abused and neglected children and youth involved in Juvenile Court proceedings, including Dependency Court and Juvenile Justice matters. The purpose of the CASA Program is to humanize the complex child welfare system for children and youth by providing trained community volunteers who serve as a consistent role model, advocate, and potential lifelong connection.
CASA serves children and youth in Sonoma County between the ages of birth through age 21 who have been removed from their parents’ care through no fault of their own or who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Division of the Superior Court of California. Each year, CASA recruits, screens, orients, and trains more than 185 adults who are appointed by the Juvenile Court to serve as advocates for more than 285 children. For each child served, the CASA volunteer represents the child in court, reports findings and recommendations regarding the child to the Juvenile Court and supports the child’s case as it progresses through the juvenile court system. Each child in foster care has a team of adults working on their behalf, and that team operates most effectively when its members are informed and connected.
Since 1996, CASA of Sonoma County has recruited more than 1,400 volunteers and served more than 1,850 children and youth in foster care. CASA volunteers provide more than 15,500 hours of case-related services annually, representing approximately $650,000 in volunteer and pro bono services. CASA also provides community education on child abuse, neglect, and child welfare policy and supports efforts to improve the Juvenile Dependency and Foster Care systems.
Proposed Amendment. In February 2016, the County executed a revocable license agreement (“Agreement”) with CASA for 3,115 square feet at 365 Manana Road, in Santa Rosa consisting of Classrooms D, I, J, K, and L. The Agreement expires on January 31, 2027. The proposed 4th amendment would add 575 square feet of office space adjacent to Classroom K, increasing the total licensed area to 3,690 square feet (Attachment 1). The amendment would also update insurance requirements and add provisions related to the County’s Living Wage Ordinance.
CASA would use the proposed additional space as dedicated offices where staff can meet with children and youth about their education and career goals, provide additional support, and maintain confidentiality. The additional space would also increase staffing capacity by providing team members with dedicated workspace. CASA has obtained 10 new computer workstations through a community grant, and the expanded office space would accommodate these resources.
In addition to the Sonoma County Superior Court - Juvenile Division, CASA collaborates with key County agencies, including the Human Services Department - Family, Youth and Children’s Services, the Probation Department - Juvenile Division, County Counsel, and the Sonoma County Office of Education - Homeless and Foster Youth Division. Together, these agencies support the needs of children and youth in the court and foster care system. CASA also works closely with resource families, children's attorneys, and community-based foster care and mental health providers.
The amendment would also extend the Agreement through January 31, 2030, with one three-year renewal term through January 31, 2033. Either party can terminate the Agreement, for any reason with 30 days’ prior notice.
The additional space and extended term would allow CASA to continue and expand its advocacy services for Sonoma County children and youth.
Public Interest. Government Code Section 26227 allows the County to provide County property to nonprofit organizations when the Board finds that the use will support programs necessary to meet the social, health, rehabilitation, or welfare needs of County residents and that the property is not needed for County purposes during the agreement term. CASA provides advocacy services to children and youth involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. The County has no other proposed use for the premises at this time, and CASA's use is not expected to substantially conflict with County use of the property.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Healthy and Safe Communities
Goal: Goal 1: Expand integrated system of care to address gaps in services to the County’s most vulnerable.
Objective: Objective 2: Identify gaps in the Safety Net system of services and identify areas where departments can address those gaps directly, and seek guidance from the Board when additional resources and/or policy direction is needed.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
04-18-23 - Authorized the Sonoma County Public Infrastructure Director to execute a 3rd amendment to the license agreement.
02-02-16 - Authorized the General Services Director to execute license agreement.
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 26-27 Adopted |
FY 27-28 Projected |
FY 28-29 Projected |
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$0 |
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There is no monetary consideration associated with the proposed license amendment with CASA, and therefore no direct fiscal impact. Maintenance and utility expenses associated with these premises are included in Sonoma County Public Infrastructure’s annual budget for County facilities; Fund 10005, Department 21020400.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
1. Site Plan and Map
2. Copy of proposed License Amendment
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
1. License Agreement
2. First Amendment to License Agreement
3. Second Amendment to License Agreement
4. Third Amendment to License Agreement