HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/17/2026 Item 3a, McDonald - Staff Agenda CorrespondenceCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Council Agenda Correspondence
DATE: February 17, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Whitney McDonald, City Manager
SUBJECT: ITEM 3A – JOINT PRESENTATION FROM CAL POLY AND SLO POLICE
DEPARTMENT REGARDING PLANNING EFFORTS FOR ST. PATRICK’S
DAY
Staff is distributing the PowerPoint presentation (Attachment A) for Council in advance of
tonight’s Regular Meeting.
ATTACHMENT
A – March Safety Enhancement Preparation presentation
March Safety Enhancement Zone Preparation
City Council Presentation
February 17, 2026
Presented by:
Chief Rick Scott
Deputy Chief Aaron Schafer
Safety Enhancement Zone Overview
•2004 –SEZ adopted to police Mardi Gras after riot occurred in February 2004
•2010 –Halloween & St. Patrick’s Day SEZ were added
•2013 –Start of School SEZ was added
•2024 –SEZ expanded dates for more coverage of St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween
•During a SEZ, fines for public urination, open container, unruly gatherings, and noise
are doubled
Safety Enhancement Zone Overview
Routine Fines
•First Offense: $350
•Second Offence (in 12 mo. Period): $700
•Third and subsequent (in 12 mo. Period): $1000
Safety Enhancement Zone Fines
•First Offense: $700
•Second Offence (in 12 mo. Period): $1000
•Third and subsequent (in 12 mo. Period): $1000
Safety Enhancement Zone Overview
March Safety Enhancement Zone Preparation
Iterative Improvements & Success
•Shifted to an increasing proactive approach.
•Increased partnership with Cal Poly for on -campus events.
•Increased partner mutual aid assistance and resources from CalOES.
•Successes included:
o Greek support and endorsement for sanctioned events
o Dramatic reduction of student alcohol incidents, citations, and arrests
o Eliminated illegal street party in 2025
March Safety Enhancement Zone Preparation
Key Strategies for 2026
•Building on winning strategies and partnerships from 2025.
•Continue proactive engagement and resource management.
•Proactivity starts early:
o Zero tolerance for disruptive behaviors the month leading up.
o Increased educational efforts, including:
o Presentations to Greek life organizations, Interhousing Council, ASI
o Neighborhood Canvasing beginning February 20th
o Social Media outreach
o Properties receiving DAC/Cite to receive SEZ handout in Feb/March
March Safety Enhancement Zone Preparation
General Plan for This Year
The number one goal is SAFETY for entire community and responders.
Max Personnel Deployment
•Patrol
•Foot Patrol
•Bike Patrol
•Motor Units
•Additional assistance from other agencies
•Fire and Medic Rescue
March Safety Enhancement Zone Preparation
Unified Command Protocols
•Joint incident command with Cal Poly Police and SLO Fire Department
•Sharing critical infrastructure and information to address needs as they arise
•Flexibility in response
•Concentric circles for Areas of Responsibility (AORs)
•Restricted access to campus and nearby parking
March Safety Enhancement Zone Preparation
Defining Success
•Early and coordinated joint planning efforts with partners
•Reduction/Elimination of illegal behaviors
•Safety and Well-being:
o Ensuring there are no serious injuries among community members or peace officers
o No neighborhood impacts
o Safe Cal Poly event
SAINT PATRICK’S DAY:
CAL POLY PREPARATIONS
Presented by:
George Hughes, AVP of Public Safety
Ryan Gruss, AVP Performing Arts, Events, and Campus Engagements
KEY EFFORTS
Comprehensive Response Plan
•Proactive outreach: students to discourage neighborhood
partying and disruptions.
•Security on and off campus, including collaboration with the
city and police to maximize enforcement.
•Special event that draws students to campus on March 14 from
5am-9am.
•Targeted communication and engagement.
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ZERO TOLERANCE
APPROACH
•Holding students accountable for violations of law and
campus policies.
•Off-campus violations to be reported to Cal Poly’s Office of
Student Rights and Responsibilities.
•Enhanced patrols and coordination with SLOPD for
maximum enforcement — high visibility, zero tolerance.
•Ongoing outreach to Fraternity and Sorority Life.
•Promotion of city’s Safety Enhancement Zone.
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ON-CAMPUS
ENFORCEMENT
•Increased number of officers on campus including
at University Housing locations.
•No guests allowed in University Housing from March
12-17.
•ID checks and increased staffing at all building
entrances.
•Road closures and parking restrictions in place.
•Quiet hours to be strictly enforced.
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ON-CAMPUS
EVENT
•March 14 on campus — significant investment to
draw students out of neighborhoods.
•Early-morning event with amplified sound
in Sports Complex Lower Fields.
•Ticketed, free event, 18+, Cal Poly
students, small amount of guests
•Increasing the ability to accommodate
capacity to 10,000
•5AM-9AM;EDM artists
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HARM REDUCTION
& CLEAN UP
•Harm-reduction efforts: hydration boxes,
overdose education, food and water
stations.
•Safety Observation Sites increased from 1
to 3
•Clean-up efforts on March 15 organized by
Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Center
for Service in Action.
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Multi -Prong Approach to Ending the Party
•Visible presence on campus leading up to and
throughout the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
•Clear communications and messages to all students.
•Meetings with the Fraternity and Sorority Life
community.
PARTY PREVENTION
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TOP PRIORITIES
•Priorities for the weekend:
•Health and safety.
•Minimize damage and disruptions.
•Successful university event to keep students on campus.
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IN SUMMARY
We have zero tolerance for breaking laws and policies.
We will hold students accountable for violating laws and policies, such as possession of
alcohol and drugs, inviting out-of-town guests, etc.
Cal Poly will host a safe alternative event to keep students on campus.
The event will be held on campus on Saturday, March 14.
Safety is our top priority.
Many additional staff members will be on site. We will offer hydration and food as well as
proactive education.
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Thank you for your
partnership.
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